Welcome 2010!
We welcome you with sweets.
And a New Year's Tree.
(Putting up a tree on New Year's Eve is a special tradition in our family. My parents, and my husband's parents, grew up in the former Soviet Union where New Year's was the dominant winter holiday. I have special childhood memories of going to pick out a tree the day after Christmas - often we got it for free! We have continued this tradition with our own children. On New Year's Eve we decorate the tree and sip sparkling cider while remembering all that was special about the outgoing year - and all that we wish for the year to come.)
And speaking of things to come...
An organized sewing space. (only half complete)
A generous stack of wool felt.
A brand new pair of applique scissors.
And some reproduction fabric I bought over a year ago.
I found this stack while cleaning out my space the other day. I bought it on line and was disappointed by the colors and patterns when it arrived. But today, by the light and inspiration and promise of a new year I kinda like it. Or maybe it's just that I can't wait to get back to my space to sew something - anything really.
On this first day of 2010 I wish each of you much love, good health, time spent with family and friends, and a wealth of making.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
You know, I sort of like the idea of putting up a tree at the beginning of the year. A very unique tradition. I'm sure your children will treasure the memory. Hope you can carve out some quiet time in your tidy new space. It looks so very inviting.
Posted by: bright and blithe | January 01, 2010 at 02:06 PM
Mmm! All looks so good! Do you go without a tree during Christmas? I love your organized space. Looks like time will be well spent and enjoyed in there.
Posted by: darlene | January 01, 2010 at 02:17 PM
darlene, we're jewish so we celebrate Hanukkah. My parents grew up in Russia where the dominant 'religion' was socialism/communism and jews were not allowed to openly celebrate Hanukkah. So Hanukkah was celebrated quietly at home with a few cherished traditions and foods and then everyone put up a tree for New Years. Santa Claus was called Father Frost and he, too, delivered gifts on New Years. No one celebrated Christmas either - religion interfered with communism. We emigrated to the US when I was five and have held on to this tradition - even though we now openly celebrate Hanukkah. This year Hanukkah fell on december 11-18 - it's different each year because jews follow the lunar calendar. I'm sure this was way more than you wanted to know but i'm feeling more verbose this year - home it doesn't get me into trouble!
Posted by: larissa | January 01, 2010 at 03:44 PM
Happy New Year, Larissa! I had an idea for a new year's gift for my kids that I just this morning realized that I forgot about--maybe hubby and I can finish it and present it to them at dinner.
I have stash envy looking at all your great fabrics!
Posted by: Meg Evans | January 01, 2010 at 03:54 PM
Happy New Year, Larissa! The matroyshka are so sweet! And your fabric stacks and felt stacks really are inspiring; helping me to see my piles (not so neat) in a new way...
Posted by: annri | January 01, 2010 at 06:12 PM
Happy New Year! That's interesting that you put your tree up on New Year's eve, how long will you keep it up now. I always love hearing different traditions people have. Oh and your stash of fabrics are fantastic! Makes me want to go through all of my fabrics. Maybe something old will be inspiring as well. :)
Posted by: Stephanie | January 01, 2010 at 07:31 PM
happy new year!!!! gorgeous photos :) xoxo
Posted by: kendall.micayla | January 01, 2010 at 08:32 PM
Holy Moly! I am officially drooling over your fabric and felt stash.
And how cute are those little stacking Santa's?
Happy New Year.
Posted by: julia | January 01, 2010 at 08:35 PM
I love your matroyshka dolls. I have a collection of them too! The ribbon candy is so pretty! I was surprised when I saw the twinkle lights...I like the New Year's tree idea! what a fun tradition. Your fabric stash is wonderful! and I can hardly wait to see what you do with those applique scissors and felt. Here's to a wonderfully full New Year with blessings overflowing!
Posted by: Lisa Q | January 02, 2010 at 01:32 PM
Hmmmm....what are you going to make with all that wool felt? I can't wait to see! Have a happy new year!
Posted by: Jodi | January 02, 2010 at 02:32 PM
What a wonderful tradition! I can't wait to tell my boys about it! Happy New Year! and oh, to have an organized stash! So jealous!
Posted by: jane | January 03, 2010 at 07:47 AM
L, thanks for sharing your tradition (in the comments) with us. what a cherished tradition for you to remember a difficult time and celebrate a new time of freedom. may this year bring you much happiness, good health, family moments, and many projects to share in this wonderful space.
Posted by: kristyn | January 03, 2010 at 09:45 PM
those sweets looks so interesting and delicious!
what a lovely tradition with the tree on new year's eve.
happy new year to you and your family, larissa. Your year looks very promising with the new organization, fabric and felt.
Posted by: Sandy | January 04, 2010 at 01:59 PM
Happy New Year to you, Larissa!
Posted by: beki | January 05, 2010 at 09:56 AM
Oh my, is it OK if I am incredibly jealous of your fabric area???? Such gorgeous fabrics.
Happy 2010 my dear friend. I can not wait to see what this year holds for you
Posted by: Heather | January 06, 2010 at 12:50 AM
Happy New Year to you Larissa! Your space is cozy and warm!
Posted by: lucy | January 08, 2010 at 06:13 PM