This little birdie is part of a new pattern which has some subtle chinese/japanese references. I think the pattern will have this design and a bookmark design as well. No idea when I will be able to finish it though because since the flu and colds and so on have entered the house (and haven't left yet) progress on everything is so slow.
Hopefully all of the sneezing and coughing will be gone before we enter the busy December month! In the Netherlands we not only celebrate Christmas but also the feast of Sinterklaas (almost pronounced the same as 'Santa Claus' what a coincidence!) on the 5th of December. As Sinterklaas has arrived in the Netherlands last weekend the children are already very excited. Every couple of days until the 5 th of December or so children can place their shoe by the fireplace (centrale heating in our case) in the evening. In the morning usually a present and/or pepernoten (small ginger spiced cookies) can be found in the shoe.
Thank you so much for explaining your tradition! This is something we alwayd did in our family (set our shoes out). I know my father's family is Dutch, but I never quite knew the details on why we were setting our shoes out. Most people think I'm a little silly when I mention it!
ReplyDeleteOh that is so nice to hear! Actually I could write much more about it but there's quite some info in the links I added. Will share some pics of the events in the coming weeks!
ReplyDeleteHappy to see a little bird here!!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Sinterklaas, even though my Mum was bringing me up on her own here, she always observed these customs with me, from my earliest childhood... lovely memories! (We did the poems, too.)
Beautiful pattern - I love the colours!
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of your Sinterklaas tradition! I must admit that the first thought that came to mind was that Sinterklaas would not want to put any surprises into some of Bridget's stinky little shoes!!
ReplyDelete(Bookmark is a great idea!)
Thanks all! I'm glad my post evokes happy memories Ann Mary!
ReplyDeleteGeorgia, Bridget may be in for a surprise as I have included a Sinterklaas item for her and Imogen in the parcel. (not sure if it will be in time for the actual Sinterklaas feast though). :)
I love hearing about holiday traditions in other countries and cultures :).
ReplyDeleteLove the texture of the bird; can't wait to see the rest of the design when it's ready.
beautiful stitching as always and get well soon!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful little birds, I love all stitched birds, been stitching some up myself this week!
ReplyDeleteIs Sinterklaas the same as St Nicolas? Is St Nicholas day on the 6th every year?
Joanie, Sinterklaas and St. Nichola(a)s are one and the same. :) In Holland we celebrate on the fifth but I think in Belgium it's on the morning of the sixth!
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