Christmas Ornaments

Today I have had a great time working on Christmas ornaments for the IWI Christmas Bazaar. I am a member of the American Women of Istanbul and we have a table for this event. Christmas music playing (loud), I'm singing' away . . . just love doing this stuff!



Thanks for stopping by -- Sheryl

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Big Orange Cat

I don't usually take pictures of the animals here.  There are so many of really sweet dogs and cats on the street.  Yes, street dogs and cats are everywhere.   The municipality picks up the dogs and sterilizes them, gives them injections and returns them to the street.  This accomplishes two things -- one: it keeps the street clean from food tossed away.  two: it keeps the cat population in check.  

The cats are everywhere.  People actually drive around in their cars feeding these poor little animals.  They are wild and many of them are very sick.   Once in awhile you find a sweet one that has been adopted by a restaurant or other type of business.  On Thursday, some of my friends and I went to a restaurant near the shore.  This cat was a favorite and frankly, the biggest cat I have ever seen in Istanbul!  

She was pretty laid back while sitting there with me on the sofa -- she is pretty territorial in her little area.  She even got her back up at the dog that came to visit.  

Thanks for stopping by . . . Sheryl

Fresh Fish

Today was market day -- going to the fresh produce bazaar is an experience. In each area of Istanbul a Pazaar (local) Market is set up once a week. This produce is grown locally and brought into the city to sell. Today, however, I didn't eat before I left -- we were heading to an area of the bazaar where they sell food and we walked past by this fish stand. (I don't care for the smell of fish! Especially on an empty stomach!)


Even thought I am not a big fan of fish, this is a very big part of the daily life here in Istanbul and Turkey in general. This fish is fresh and I would even bet caught this morning. I love how they take great care to make sure they all look like they are smiling at you . . .


I always think of mom and how much she would have loved this type of market when she was a young housewife. Really, along with fruits and vegetables, you can get anything from underwear to winter coats here. On my trip today I bought a scarf, some embroidery scissors, mandarin oranges, nuts, onions, seedless grapes, small juice glasses and a celery root. I am going to try and make some lentil soup -- Turkish style!

Thanks for stopping by -- Sheryl

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Location:4 Lavent Bazaar

Christmas craft

My sister and I used to start listening to Christmas music in August. It was a great day for us when VHS was available and we could watch the movie "White Christmas" -- I know! Those old habits die hard for me --

I wanted to do a Christmas project for our home here in Turkey. So, I selected a embroidery pattern from my sisters collection. Jana Davidson is a gifted artist who has designed award winning quilt patterns. Turnberrylanepatterns.com is where you can find this pattern and many more. I didn't want to make a table runner but a long pillow cover for our couch. The "Santa with his Reindeer" pattern was perfect. Using Christmas fabric for a ruffle, I think it will add a festive touch.


I have used some new style floss (new to me) that is hand dyed so it makes a nice variegated look. Almost like adding a shadow as you go.



For me, this has proven to be a very mobile project that I have stitched while on plane, train and bus. I just love the conversations it has started with both ex-pat and Turkish women. Everyone loves hand made items!

Thanks for stopping by -- love, love Sheryl

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Location:Istanbul Turkey