Monday, July 15, 2013

Christmas in July ~


Hooker friend Karin and the Dirty Martini Queen (don't you just love that name?) both told me why many single shoes are found.  (See previous post.)  It is a centuries-old English superstition that during a house construction, shoes were secreted in walls of a house for good luck.  When a shoe is found during remodeling, they are referred to as "concealed" or "concealment shoes". Thanks, ladies, for the information.

The hooking on Santa is now complete.  Even the binding is on.  (Can you believe that???)  It just needs a final steaming and a label.  It is a pattern by Ye Country Mercantile, measuring about 12 1/2" x 15".


I found a few treasures at the antiques show yesterday.  I didn't think the quality was as high as in previous years, but it was a good show nonetheless and I sure could have bought more than I did.  The tall Santa is celluloid.  He has damage to his hat and to the toy bag on his back. The small Santa is hard plastic from my youth. Another German stick leg sheep came to join my small flock.


I bought this cupboard top hoping to put it in the wool room.  Unfortunately, there was no room for it.  You know you have too much furniture when you can't find 42" of wall space.  I moved two plants and a large wooden bucket to free up space in the dining room.  I think it will look great once it's filled.  I have a couple old quilts and coverlets that will finally have a home instead of sitting in a closet or drawer.  It's not a great piece, but I am happy with it and it cost me about the same as a carton of cigarettes would have :)  (Oh, I am so happy I quit before the price went absolutely crazy {8 yrs ago} . . . but I have to admit if it wasn't so costly . . . or so bad for you . . . or made you so smelly . . . I'd still be smoking because I really did enjoy it!!!)  The top is dovetailed and square nails were used in the construction.  


Another present from me to me.  NOT by choice but by necessity.  My almost 12 year old Tracker was dying before my eyes and need costly repairs ~ way more than what it was worth, and I had already put too much in to it.  It is so nice to have A/C again in this 90+ degree weather.  We do get spoiled, don't we?


Thanks so much for stopping by.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

15 comments:

WoolenSails said...

Wonderful santa and he will look great with santa collectibles. Congratulations on the new car, nice with the new ones and gas economy.

Debbie

Julia said...

Your antique santas are multiplying fast. You will soon need to move in a bigger house or built an addition.

Love the nice new car, congratulations on both the car and finishing the new santa rug.
Hugs,
JB

Willow said...

So funny ... I too have been putting together Christmas themed things in July too !

Primitive Stars said...

Hi Lauren, that is very interesting about the one shoe.......Love your Santa rug, beautiful job and your finds too, sweet sheep.....also your new ride looks really great, way to go!!!! Blessings Francine.

The Wool Cupboard said...

Love your Santa rug, Lauren! Your primitive cupboard is just perfect...it will look great filled with quilts and coverlets.

And WOW!!!! Love, love your new wheels!

Hugs,
Linda

Kim said...

Ho ho ho! I had to laugh at Christmas talk during a mini heat wave. Nice new wheels Lauren. Zoom zoom

prims by olde lady morgan said...

Lauren,

Oh I do love her name so!!!! HEHE! You do find the best Christmas goodies :)! And lastly I love your gift to you!! OLM

BumbleBeeLane said...

Santa rug is wonderful.I have a few of the old irwin santa's listed on etsy, now you have me thinking I should keep them.Christmas is not my collection though used to be Halloween but no room to display so got rid of it.Kept a few pieces like mache jack.The cupboard is nice.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Shuttle, Hook and Needle said...

Very interesting about the shoes. Had not heard why you find lots more right shoes.
I think we are all beginning to dream about Fall and Christmas with all this heat and rain! Nice Santa rug!

Saundra said...

Never knew about concealment shoes, interesting. The Santa turned out very nice and the recipient quite happy I'm sure. Let us see the cupboard once it is stocked with all the goodies. Sorry about the expenditure of 4 wheels but do enjoy that A/C. I've had mine on full blast these last few days.

Saundra

moosecraft said...

Congrats on the new "cool" wheels! :-) Great finish on the Santa rug and good finds for your collections too! I'm 3-1/2 years since quit smoking and I do the same thing... Another rug pattern? Yard of wool? Quilt kit? Suuuuuuure... costs less than a carton of cigarettes! lol! :-)

Char said...

Lauren, Thanks for sharing the info about the shoes! You always have the most interesting facts and tidbits of information! Congratulations on finishing yet another rug including the binding! Good for you! Congrats on the car too! What a nice Christmas in July you've had!

Char

Amy McPheeters said...

Great stuff!!! My Mom smoked for many years, but I guess she didn't quit in time. She is suffering from all the smoking-related ailments now, on oxygen 24-7, and really can't do anything physical. For an old antiques dealer who loved going to auctions and doing antique shows, this is tough, and sad. Loved learning about the single shoe! If I ever get to build another house, I will definitely do that!

Jacqueline said...

Your Santa rug turned out cute. And your new ride is amazing.

As for the smoking, man can I relate. I quit 7 years ago and still "treat" myself in terms of a carton cost for my fun wants. But I must admit I still want to smoke and could light up in a heartbeat.. Just know the hell I went thru to quit and I don't want to go thru it again when my sanity comes back and says its time to quit (again). So I don't light up.

acorn hollow said...

love your santa's and your hooked one wow you are on the ball this year girl. Never heard the shoe thing who knew well I guess they did. I love your new car mine is 8 now and I hope to get 12 years out of it. show us the cupboard when you get it all filled.
Cathy