Pieces in the Garden - Jacob's Ladder - Block #12

 “Bride’s Quilt”

Once upon a time, there was a little girl, who wore a bow in her hair. When she grew up, she began a friendship with a young bachelor. As the hours and days passed, they began to look at each other with stars in their eyes, and as their love grew, they thought about taking steps to the altar. So, the young girl got out her spools of thread and made clothes to get ready for their wedding ring day.

After they are married, some of their times together will be bright as noon and others will be dark as night.  But they will try to share their happiness, their miseries and their chores – she grabbing a wrench to help with household repairs and he grabbing a towel to help with the dishes.  Sometimes they will have broken dishes, but they will try to remember that “things” can be replaced, whereas harsh words, possibly spoken about the broken dishes, could chip away love.  They will try to follow the Golden Rule as they are learning to communicate openly with each other.

They will also try to keep in mind the symbolism of Jacob’s ladder – “steps of communication” between themselves on earth and God in heaven.

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Grab yourself a cup of tea to enjoy as we hear from Tressie & Forrest and their memories of Christmas Past?

Grandma, tell me how your family celebrated Christmas when you were a child.  Did you hang up a stocking for Santa to fill?

We always had a tree.  I would go with Dad to cut our tree.  We would decorate with tinsel and string cranberries.  We made popcorn balls a lot too.  I never had a special stocking, but we did hang stockings.  

What kind of gifts did you give your parents?  Did you ever receive something very special?

I don't really remember anything special that I gave to Mom and Dad.  I'm sure I made a gift or something in school.  I'm not able to remember what though.

Grandpa, how did your family celebrate Christmas when you were a child?

We always had a Christmas tree that sat in the corner by the fireplace.  I think we probably had turkey for our Christmas dinner.  I never hung a stocking until after I got old.  

Did your mother ever make you something special?

I always got pajamas.  Then she would take the leftover material and make quilts. 

I have my Christmas stocking from my childhood, well, actually, it is a boot... a cowboy boot.  Grandma was the one who made it.  All of our family had Christmas boots because my Dad wore cowboy boots and since Kelvin was the first-born grandchild, Grandma thought he needed a boot... our cousins all got Christmas boots as well.  One year my aunt (I think...) suggested that the "women" of the family needed a fancy Christmas boot.  

They all got fancy "Victorian-style" women's boots in bright pink with fuzzy stuff at the top of the boot.  As we all grew up and got married, the new family member received a Christmas boot to match all of ours.  And if you are wondering... yep, our children also got cowboy boots.  

Each boot is decorated with items that represent each individual... I did not carry on the tradition of making boots as our family expanded... My Dad was gone by that point, and it wasn't anything that the "boys" would have appreciated, and the grands wouldn't have cared about them either. 

So, tell me... Do you have a special Christmas stocking?

Leave a comment... I love hearing from you!

Now is the time to head over the store to get the final pattern ~ Jacob's Ladder.  These 4" blocks are quick and fun to make by strip piecing the 4-patch blocks.  You will need 12 of them and then make sure you return to link up for the final prize package of this sew-along.  Stephanie at Cornerstone Tea Company puts together a generous package of assorted teas... you should check out her store.  She is also offering a discount by using the promo code LADDER.  The 20% discount will be valid through December 31.  I'd love to find a collection from her store in my Christmas stocking or under the tree!

Keep Piecing and Merry Christmas!

Melva

Linking with:

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