Saturday, December 18, 2010

Holly and the Ivy

It's dark and gloomy and rainy in my little corner of the world. It would be very conducive to stitching if I wasn't on an organizing bender. So no stitching photos. I've barely made any progress on Mary but I suppose that some stitches are better than none. I did realize that I need to tone down the stashing! I've gotten most in it's proper place and my 5 drawer stash cart is fit to burst! I may need to buy an add-on drawer soon. I do realize I need to purchase some darker fabric for ornies...I need to find some that will be good for ornament stitching and will be good to showcase snowy scenes/snowmen. If you have any color suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

So I have nothing to show and all I've done is organize...which is a big yawner to talk about. I'm going to share another carol.

If you haven't seen it, you should check out Nicole's finish of Shepherd's Bush Holly and Ivy. She did a terrific job with it! When SB first came out with this, I had to hold myself back. Considering my insurmountable stash, I'm glad I did but every time I see this design, I start to hum.

Holly and the Ivy was one of my choir songs in high school...every...year. I always thought that this was a strange carol to be singing cuz you know, it isn't jingle bells. As a First Soprano (back then, def. not now) it was a more difficult song to sing since it hits some pretty high notes in the choral range. Here's a more contemporary version showcasing Bambi. Don't watch it if Bambi imagery makes you sad. The tone of this version was nicer than the choral or amateur videos out there.


The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown.
Refrain:
Oh, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir.
The holly bears a blossom as white as lily flower,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to be our sweet saviour
Refrain
The holly bears a berry as red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to do poor sinners good.
Refrain
The holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ on Christmas Day in the morn.
Refrain
The holly bears a bark as bitter as any gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ for to redeem us all.
Refrain
Until next time...

9 comments:

Danielle said...

I too am always on the hunt for a good neutral that will showcase white floss well. These are some I've found, all 28 count Cashel: Dirty, Toasted Almond, Willow Green.

Margaret said...

I hear you on the stash. My drawers are filled to bursting as well! I'm thinking about selling some charts or kits or something. We'll see! Good luck with all your organizing. I love that song btw. It's so pretty!

the striped rose said...

That is one of my favorite songs this time of year!

Anonymous said...

Mannheim Steamroller's version of that song is very pretty.

I guess you'll have to do The Holly and the Ivy one of these days. It sure is beautiful.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Hey Valerie! We're snowy and cold here - blech! I remember singing that as well (back in the day) and couldn't hit the notes today if my life depended on it.

Love the SB piece but like you - like all of us really, I have so much stash!

Have a great week and a very, merry Christmas!

barbara said...

Just means you need more stash drawers. ;)

Pumpkin said...

I saw someone else who finished this piece and I love it!!!!

Anonymous said...

Valerie I just love that carol. It's one of my favorites. Thanks for posting it! And your organizing is inspiring. I am about to start my own adventure in the stash/office/craft room for the next two weeks. I'd love to know what item you found in your organizing that made you think "Gee, why did I buy that?" and which item made you think "Wow, I love that, why haven't I stitched it yet?"

Merry Christmas to you! I'm using my pincushion and thread keep every day!

LauraB

Michelle said...

I always think that darker blues look so pretty and wintery for the white snow scene stitching. Love that carol too - isn't Nicole's finish pretty?!