Friday, December 05, 2008

A real Dutch day!

Today is the day called 'Pakjesavond' here in Holland. SinterKlaas is bringing good little boys and girls a burlap bag full of gifts this evening. I love this tradition as it gives me a chance to celebrate the feeling of Christmas twice in our two cultures. If you would like to read more about SinterKlaas, go to my other blog for today's entry.


This is a time of speculaas which is my favorite Dutch cookie as well as my passion for collecting Dutch speculaas cookie molds. The one above it St. Nicolaas from whom the story of SinterKlaas comes.


I have also finished my first patchwork ball. I want to make all of the balls in this book in Dutch chintz ('sitsen'). I have had a good number of these historical fabrics in my stash for a number of years and never had the time to get started on a quilt with them. 2009 will see that finally coming about too as well as these stuffed patchwork balls.


8 comments:

Nancy said...

The balls are very cute. Wonder how many you will make? They will look cute in the basket. Will they go to the cottage with you for Christmas?
Have a great day. All of your mold are so nice hanging on your walls.
Love you, Mom

Elizabethd said...

They look lovely Heidi. I do like your banner. Can you, sometime, tell me how to change a banner please?

mainely stitching said...

I find the speculaas boards fascinating - I really have to force myself to put them down when I come across them, particularly in antique stores. They're so unique. And I love your patchwork balls - what a great idea!

Tracy said...

That patchwork ball is lovely! I've never made something like that...Would make a fun pincushion. The molds are fascinating! Happy weekend ((HUGS))

Heleen said...

Yes Sinterklaas is one of my favorite family times!Your new banner is great!

Sonja said...

Dat wordt mooi! En hoeveel ballen heb je nog te gaan? Zag dat het wel steeds moeilijker zal worden. (een bal van zo'n 90 lapjes zit er bij....)Go for it girl!

Susan in SC said...

Lovely! Just lovely!!!

Anonymous said...

Je eerste bal is mooi geworden Heidi,op twe ballen na heb ik ze allemaal gemaakt,leuk werkje!