How it all started

Inspired by the beauty, whimsy and wonder of Joyce Byers’ story and the Byers’ Choice Carolers® for scale for over 30 years, I have recently found myself with time to thread my needle and stitch some of the many ideas I have carried for all those years about creating a village environment that would honor and enhance Carolers® collections large and small.   

I jumped right in knowing I wanted to use felt in softer muted colors in keeping with the classic Carolers that I first purchased as a Christmas gift for my Grandmother.  I wanted to be sure the scale was right and that each piece had a realistic look, but still with a sense of the cozy charm that the Carolers® always conveyed to me.

With the thought that this could be a home based business that would help supplement my income, I again drew inspiration from Joyce.  Remembering, from a factory tour I took my mother on years ago, how she was careful to minimize material waste and finding ways to make the process as efficient as possible I looked for small ways to improve my process while still adding personality and details to enhance the finished design.

In stitching my first pieces, I found I liked the details that made the building look aged and imperfect, like a cracked brick or a drooping windowsill.  As I started to repeat designs, these details became even more important to me.   I started to freehand paint cobblestone wooden bases that ensure the buildings stand upright. To further this idea of uniqueness in each piece, I use the street number on each house and shop to uniquely number each piece.  I also sign and date every piece. 

With ten designs stitched so far and over 30 planned, my hope is that the village, town square and Main Street  with continue to grow and flourish.

I hope you will enjoy a stroll down Main Street.

Thank you!