Live a Colorful Life Quilt Diary: December 2023

For years, I have collected peppermint fabric with the goal of someday using as much as possible in a Christmas quilt. Also, years ago, I purchased a pattern called My Kinda Town by Peggy Larsen, and 2023 was the year when the two came together. As I completed each block and posted them on Instagram, I also wrote a little story, which I will share here.

The Van Winkle House.

For the longest time I've wanted to live in Peppermint Village, so when the old Van Winkle House came on the market, I grabbed it. Of course, repairs needed to be made. The first story gingerbread was crumbling and the striped trim needed to be repainted. But now it's nice and cozy, with garlands in the windows and a tree upstairs.

Amelia's House

My next door neighbor is Amelia. Her house is a lot larger than mine, with a room she added, where she makes custom Christmas stockings on her vintage sewing machine. Also, she has plenty of room for her parents to live with her. Her dad loves Christmas, so he is decorating the tree, while she is grabbing a kiss under the mistletoe. Ooh-la-la.

The Village Church

When the villagers decided to build a new church, they opted for a more subtle design, with ivy growing on the sides and tiny peppermints here and there. But then there was a sale on green peppermint stick roofing and they couldn't resist. Although what they really wanted everyone to notice were the beautiful stained glass windows.

Locust Street Rowhouses

The Locust Street Rowhouses are in the fancy part of town. Of course that means HOA rules--red doors and a wreath at all times. Candy lives in Peppermint Stripe, the cute aqua house. She makes custom candy canes. Her favorite is the traditional red and white ones, but she will make any colors you choose. In the middle are three sisters who call themselves the Jingle Belles. They are professional Christmas carolers. If you want them for your holidays party you better call them now--their schedule fills up quickly. And next is Rudy. He decorates ALL the places in town with his business S'Noel. He can do it all--from decorating inside and out to just hanging the wreath on your door. He especially loves snow, which is why he keeps a snow globe upstairs at all times.

Peggy Sue's Place.

Peggy Sue's Place is where everyone goes for event catering. Peggy Sue is one of the best cooks in the village. Her daughter, Sandy, runs the diner. My favorite thing on the menu right now is the turkey sandwich with homemade bread, Brie and cranberry sauce. But make sure you order a cinnamon roll with browned butter frosting--they are out of this world.

Avenue D Elementary School

A few years ago, the village built a new elementary school. A nice young couple purchased the old Avenue D elementary school and turned it into a charming bed and breakfast called the Fa La La Inn. There are only two rooms, Boughs of Holly and Yule Log, and they are decorated all year long. It's gotten great reviews on Yelp so book a room the next time you visit.

The Corner Stores

Just in time for your Black Friday shopping, The Corner Stores are fully stocked and ready to help with all your gift-giving needs. Take a break at The Daily Grind for a peppermint mocha, and when you are all done shopping, stop for some ice cream at The Scoop.

Welcoming Arms

The last building in our village is Welcoming Arms, which houses the chamber of commerce and post office. It is aptly named as the people who work there will always make you feel more than welcome.