A Light to the World

I thought it appropriate on Christmas Eve, that I took a break from netting Vandyke edge backgrounds and wished everyone a merry Christmas.

Here is a link to this year's Christmas poem:

A Light to the World.

Netted Scollop from Tatting and Netting

This Netted Scollop from page 107 of Tatting and Netting was very clear in its instructions.  I had no problem making it and, just as important, the instructions matched the picture.  I wish I knew who wrote the different instructions.  Some instructions are so clear and some are so difficult to understand.

I used a 1/4" flat mesh stick for the "large bone needle" and a #3 (3.25 mm) knitting needle for the "steel needle."

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My husband and I finally finished our 2014 Christmas poem.

Peace I Give Unto You

The years have come and gone and each has had
A Christmas time in which we think about
The year just past.  Some years a birth has graced 
Our lives; some years a death. And yet, at this 
Blessed time of year when thoughts of Christ abound,
Love swells within our hearts and gives us peace.
Oh, let us take the life He lived, the things
He taught and showed us through the stories told,
And plant them deep within our hearts and souls,
To be there in the times of joy and grief,
To bring us nearer to our Lord and God.

Merry Christmas

Netting in Magazines - Godey's Lady's Book (1860-1869)

I was able to find all the Godey's Lady's Book between 1860 and 1869 on-line.  Of those 20 volumes, only one did not have any netting information.  I included several lacis or darning patterns.

1860 (Vol. 60-61)

1. page 162 Netted Tidy
2. page 449 Long Black Silk Mitten

1861 (Vol. 62-63)

1. page  466 Netted Tidy
2. page  544 Invisible Hair-nets

1862 - Jan-Jun (Vol.64)

1. page 284 Sprigs for Window Curtains in Netting and Darning
2. page 285 AntiMacassar in Diamond Netting
3. page 331 Sponge-Bag [illustration]
4. page 393  Sponge-Bag
5. page 497 Netted Hand Screens

1862 - Jul-Dec (Vol. 65) alternative location  - no netting information

1863 (Vol. 66-67)

1. page 390 Double Netting in Two Colors
2. page 391 Grecian Netting
3. page 25 Netted Border [illustration]
4. page 87 Netted Border
5. page 177 Patterns for Netting or Crochet [darning]
6. page 179 A Netted Tidy
7. page 180 Tuft Netting in Wool and Cotton
8. page 270 Patterns for Netting or Crochet [darning]
9. page 468 Pattern for Netting or Crochet [darning]

1864 (Vol. 68-69)

1. page 82 Marie Louise Hair Net
2. page 83 Simple Sleeping Net
3. page 83 Invisible Net
4. page 436 Darning Pattern for Netting Work
5. page 481 A Netted Opera or Useful Cap
6. page 128 Geometrical or Honeycomb Netting [illustration]
7. page 187 Geometrical or Honeycomb Netting
8. page 188 Netted Pincushion
9. page 190 Netted Cover for Horses' Ears
10. page 75 Hair Net with Ribbon Coronet
11. page 11 Netted Mitten [illustration]
12. page 75 Netted Mitten
13. page 23 Netted Window Curtains [illustration]
14. page 76 Netted Window Curtains

1865 (Vol. 70-71)

1. page 10 Netted Tidy [illustration]
2. page 89 Netted Tidy
3. page 125 German Cushion Cover [illustration]
4. page 178 German Cushion Cover
5. page 177 Lady's Netted Nightcap
6. page 270 Designs for Pincushions
7. page 300 Flower Vase Mat in Tufted Netting [illustration]
8. page 361 Flower Vase Mat in Tufted Netting
9. page 492 Sleeve-Trimming, in Flanders lace [illustration]
10. page 547 Sleeve-Trimming, in Flanders lace

1866 - Jan-Jun (Vol. 72)  an alternate location

1. page 18 Bread-Cloth [illustration]
2. page 81 Bread-Cloth
3. page 126 Opera Hood [illustration]
4. page 174 Opera Hood
5. page 401 Design for Crochet, Netting, or Berlin Work
6. page 490 Netted Tassel Cover

1866 - Jul-Dec (Vol. 73)

1. page 438 Watch-Pocket in the Shape of a Game-Bag

1867 - Jan-Jun (Vol. 74)

1. page 365 Netted Nightcap

1867 - Jul-Dec (Vol.75)

1. page 99 Hanging Basket Pattern [darning]

1868 (Vol.76-77) an alternative location

1. page 269 Netted Kerchief
2. page 450 Invalid's Bed Support
3. page 455 Crochet, or Netting and Darning for Tidies, Quilts, Etc.
4. page 545 Border - Crochet or Netting and Darning
5. page 353 Crochet or Netting and Darning

1869 (Vol. 78-79)

1. page 86 Square in Guipure Netting
2. page 88 Netting Case for a Ball
3. page 395 Circular Cushion in Crochet [net trimming] [illustration]
4. page 449 Circular Cushion in Crochet [net trimming]
5. page 167 Netted Neckerchief
6. page 255 Baby's Boot (knitting) [net edging on cuff]
7. page 353 Border - Crochet or Netting and Darning
8. page 490 Satin Sofa Cushio, with Embroidery on Netting
9. page 531 Sachet in Darned Netting

It's become a family tradition to write our own Christmas poem expressing our feelings for that time of the year.  My husband deserves most of the credit for this year's poem.


That They Might Have Life
(John 10:10)


Happy news is welcome any season of the year.
Silence, even static, can be pleasant to the ear
When compared with bulletins of earthquakes, floods, and war.
Does tumult define our era? Is this who we are?


What if we awoke to see a new star in the sky
Shining over Boston or Detroit or old Shanghai?
On the Web it would go viral and be center stage
On the news shows. In the papers it would be front page.


What response would follow when the story was conveyed
Of a baby humbly born and in a manger laid?
Would we join the wise men in their long and earnest quest,
Kneeling down before this king and giving of our best?


Would a song of peace on earth gain traction in my heart?
Would it factor in the gifts that fill my shopping cart?
Like the shepherds, will I hear what angel voices sing?
Let mine be the joy of truly worshiping my king.


As we do to others, even so we serve our Lord.
He stayed calm and kept his peace when others sowed discord.
With the poor and lowly he shared healing balm and leaven.
For us all he gave his life and showed the way to heaven.

Merry Christmas.

Our Christmas Poem - 2012

Here is the latest of our annual Christmas poems.  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from our family.

Perfect Praise

The final rehearsal has come to a close,
But we’ll not be leaving till everyone knows
When we will be singing, when we will perform
So we’ll be prepared in our very best form.

Shhhh.  Everyone listen.  Now what did they say?
We’re performing tonight!  There’s no time for delay!
Before we perform I must be at my best.
Where’s my special outfit?  It needs to be pressed.

But that being said, I perceive and confess
There are things more important than my outward dress.
If the light in my soul can reflect on my face,
Then I ought to let God fill my soul with His grace!

While my voice tries to blend in harmonious accord
With the choir, is my own heart in tune with the Lord?
Though my technique be flawless, do I also take care
To serve God and all others with pure love and prayer?

While I must admit that I wouldn't mind perfection
In wardrobe and voice, still I hope the inspection
Of what is unseen but of greater import
May, with God’s loving grace, not be found to fall short.

The moment’s arrived!  It’s time that we bring
Ourselves to the place where we’re going to sing.
Now that I’m dressed in my grandest attire,
I’ll warm up my voice for my part in the choir.

Oh look.  Here’s the field where we’re supposed to perform;
The sky’s full of stars; there’s no sign of a storm.
Oh where is the audience?  No one’s in view
Except for some sheep and a few shepherds too.

The choir has all gathered; we’re ready to start
Once it’s been explained that we’re here to impart
Good news to all beings above and below,
Glad tidings that angels and mortals should know.

Proclaim to these herdsmen!  Sing out ye vast throng!
Our Savior is born!   Let’s praise him in glad song!
Sing grand alleluias that all men may hear,
That they may rejoice and be filled with good cheer!

Adding Beads to Netting

Several years ago someone asked me if there was a way to attach beads to netting.  I had no idea.  Grandmother's instructions had not included beads.  The little information I found did not describe the process other than possibly sewing the beads onto the netting when all was finished.  So I started experimenting.

I discovered that I could slip the bead onto the loop. The bead was not firmly fastened to the loop, so it slid up and down on the loop.

In the case of this ornament, the knot was small enough that the bead slipped over the knot also.  The bead still slid up and down the loops, but was caught inside the larger diamond.

Then I figured out how to attach the beads along the sides of the diamonds.  They still moved, but only the length of the side of the diamond.

Eventually I figured out how to place beads at the bottom of the diamond so it stayed in place.

Christmas Poem 2011

 

 

Peace on Earth

There’s a face missing at the old table tonight.

There’s a smile missing from ‘round the tree.

There’s a spot in my heart that is empty right now

Due to life’s mortality.

At this time of the year I can dwell on the fact

That I’m missing a loved one who’s dear.

I can weep, wail or curse (making everything worse),

And I’ll find no Christmas cheer.

Or instead I can ponder the story again

Of the angels the night of Christ’s birth

Who sang praises to God and who promised to men

Peace to all who dwelt on earth.

Oh, the peace that I need in my heart at this time

Is the peace that can heal my own heart.

And this peace he has given to all who will ask,

For our Savior did his part.

He has opened the doors of the grave and of hell.

He has let all the captives go free.

Through his great sacrifice all my loved ones and I

Can enjoy eternity.

So this Christmas, ev’n though a dear loved one is gone,

I will focus on what is to be

And the gifts that our Father and Savior have given.

There is peace and joy for me.

 

Each year since we've been married, my husband and I have created a Christmas poem. Often the events of that year influenced the poem. Though this poem was written after the death of my mother on December 7th, we decided to use it this year since we are not the only ones who have found peace through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

May you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Receiving His Gift

God’s gift to the world when Jesus was born is ours to enjoy all year long.
Each day can be brightened with peace and good will as the angels proclaimed in their song.


Worried souls can be calmed, broken hearts can be healed if we listen and truly believe
In His teachings and power to transform our lives.  Let us open our hearts and receive.


We receive His gift fully by doing His will.  It’s not ours if we simply admire.
By our taking His hand and our following Him, it’s our legacy, full and entire.


Does someone have burdens I might help to lift or tears I could help cease to flow
Or wounds I could heal that I know nothing of or need comfort that I could bestow?


I’m already busy, of course; aren’t we all?  Our schedules we needn’t belabor.
Even if I had time, I have scarcely a dime I can spare for a friend or a neighbor.


So why should I worry about other people?  I’ve got such a big load to pull.
And then through my protests I hear words profound: Serving others enlarges your soul.


In serving your fellows, you’re serving your Lord.  As you have done unto the least,
So have you done unto the greatest of all.  And your love and your joy are increased.


So come unto God as you give of yourself, and thereby you are storing up treasure
In heaven.  Meanwhile here on earth you will give and receive sheaves of joy beyond measure.


Don’t tackle the world.  Start small, close to home.  And gradually you’ll come to know
The difference that even small efforts can make.  From little starts good things can grow.


Merry Christmas to All
December 2010             

Each year since 1971 my husband and I have crafted a Christmas poem.  This poem is number 39.

Merry Christmas

This has been a very busy time of year. Projects are getting completed, just not photographed yet. I did take some time yesterday to update the snood page of my website. It now has additional photos of several different styles and stitches.

The separate pages are children and adult snoods, if you want to visit them directly.

And now for our 2009 Christmas poem.

Bethlehem Treasure

Where in this desert can we find a well to fill our empty vessels running o'er?
Where is He who will rescue Israel, the Promised One we've so long waited for?
In Bethlehem of Judah, scriptures say, the long-awaited Sovereign will be born.
Behold! The star that guides us points the way. Haste! Lest delay should bring imperial scorn.

But, lo, a humble dwelling here we find. No palace this! Yet reverently we kneel
To give these gifts, as if for all mankind, to One whose majesty our souls can feel.
This burning in our hearts bids us behold with eyes to see beyond our dusty scrolls,
As if eternity would here unfold a priceless understanding to our souls.

He comes to minister to everyone, both those men love and those whom men despise.
He'll bear our pains and griefs, the very Son of God, for each of us he'll agonize.
And so He's come at last, as prophets said, the One who brings us hope in darkest night,
That those who mourn in shadows may be led to see the dawn of faith and love and light.

Lo, after He has borne our sins and tears and died, He'll rise and live forevermore.
Through all millennia, centuries, and years, each one of us whose pain and grief He bore
Can treasure memories of His sublime and humble birth. Each heart may keep one of
These treasured gems to ponder every time the soul would bathe in warm, refreshing love.

Through countless generations you'll recall the light that shines for us in Bethlehem
And know He lives! His light still shines for all mankind who've lived or will live, all of them!
To seek this child we've traveled long and far, traversing deserts; perilous paths we've trod.
Yet we were guided by a heavenly star to find this child. This is the Son of God!

He's come to earth that He might consecrate His life for those who dwell in every land.
He manifests to us a love so great, it goes beyond our power to understand.
Now rise and render homage into deeds of love and service quietly bestowed
On those beset with silent, hidden needs, as well on those who bear an obvious load.

If we can dry a tear or render care to one with broken heart or feeble hand,
That deed will manifest the love we bear to Him who sees all. This is His command,
That we might live with love for one another, helping those whose lives seem gray and grim.
Be they a sister frail or ailing brother, the load we bear for them is borne for Him.

Merry Christmas from our family.

Christmas Tradition

Each Christmas since 1971, our first as a married couple, we have written a Christmas poem. In those early years it was an inexpensive way to give a present to our parents and nearly 20 siblings. Eventually it evolved into an annual tradition. This year I finally placed the poems online.

As Christmas rapidly approaches this year I wish . . .

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!

Unto All
Heavenly choirs sang out with joy, proclaiming Jesus' birth
To shepherds watching o'er their sheep. They sang of peace on earth.
The startled shepherds hurried forth to Bethlehem to find
The baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Savior of mankind.

The joyous angel songs can now be sung by every voice.
The joy the shepherds felt can cause our own hearts to rejoice.
We too can fill the air with songs of praise to Christ our king.
We too can bow to honor him, to him our greetings bring.

We can fulfill the promised bliss of peace to men on earth.
We can esteem each child of God as one of precious worth.
With love and service to the least of these our fellow beings,
We render love and service to our Lord, the King of Kings.

by Robert and Rita Bartholomew
Christmas 2007