Out the Kitchen Window

Did I ever tell you we don't have a dishwasher in our house? Not because it's not equipped to host one, but rather as a matter of preference. It began years ago when green depression glass and Fireking jadite were employed as our everyday dish service. I absolutely refused to allow them into a machine for cleaning lest any damage occur. And then we had kids! Amazing what one small hand can do to an entire stack of jadite mixing bowls. Also amazing was my ability to realize the dishes in and of themselves were not near as important as the joy of using them. And in time . . . . the joy of washing them!

It's actually fun to put your hand into a sink full of bubbles. even more so if you have a set of small ones helping you! Just be sure to check for a rubber band wrapped around the hose sprayer before you turn on the water. . . . this was a favorite prank in our kitchen several years ago. In the winter the warm water is a good way to sooth your nippy fingers while in the summer I actually find it cooling. No matter what the season, however, you have the added enjoyment of a pleasant window view. . . . sparkling snowdrifts, the flowering pear tree, a cascade of morning glories, and finally the vibrant burst of color on the burning bush.

This morning's window entertainment held a special surprise, for while rinsing out Betty Jo (that's my cast iron pan and a whole other story entirely) I spied our wee wooden friend wading through a sea of clover out there.

After thoroughly drying and oiling Betty Jo (proper care for a treasured pan) I hustled myself out to the yard to see whatever she might be up to. I found her nestled into a patch of pansy leisurely reading over some journal entries. Inspiration must have been found in those pages. . . .

. . . . for she was soon up and involved in a flurry of activity. It seems the sunflower seeds inspired by Susan Faye during the May Day Giveaway had sprouted and were in desperate need of some water. No small task for little Lily Red!

And seeing that the Forget Me Nots had begun go to seed she was quick to take action. With or without Lucy's help the snipping began! A few small blossoms had held out so she gathered them up in her basket. They would make a lovely arrangement in her summer kitchen or even tucked into the brim of her garden hat. Ever since receiving her lovely bonnet in the mail Lily Red had been looking for ways to bring a little more beauty into the world around her. Her garden hat would be much improved with the addition of the Forget Me Nots but still no where near the glory of that bonnet.

If only she could justify wearing it during her day to day activities. Unfortunately these had become quite uneventful as of late and so the bonnet remained back at Wayside, idly hanging from her bedpost. Dreaming of it's loveliness while knee deep in garden chores did, however, have it's advantages for a special idea began to sprout.

If You Give This Girl Some Fabric.....

Do you remember these. . . . . .my freebie Kaffe Fassette fabric treats from the quilt store? They sat on my ironing board for several weeks, haunting me if you will, to get creative. I won' t lie to you. . . . .it was a lot harder than I thought! My difficulties arose not so much from the larger scale and brighter prints as I had anticipated, but rather from the constant desire I had to mix it up a bit by delving into my stash. I'm used to having oodles of fabrics to choose from to get the look I want, so limiting myself to just 12 fat quarters, all from the same designer, was definitely a challenge. Follow along if you will and see what happens. . .

If you give this girl some fabric. . .


. . . she's going to make a Yo-Yo Flower pincushion right off the bat! When she sees the finished product she'll get so excited . . .

. . . she'll just have to make some more. Once she has them all scattered about, the urge to tidy up a bit will soon have her. . .

. . . putting them in piles. Looking at her pincushion piles will inspire her to make a ditty bag to keep them cozy AND remind her of something else that comes in a ditty. . .

. . . a Pick-a-Lily pincushion friend! So. . .

. . . with some dabs of paint and many tiny stitches Lily Francis is welcomed. Meeting a dear new friend will bring to mind another such sweetheart . . .

. . . Miss Lily Rose! The sight of Lily Rose's floral prints and soft color palette will make this girl smile. Her fingers will itch to roam through the fabrics in her stash. When she finally lets them . . .

. . . they'll find some lovely new options to play with. While on her way to the sewing machine she'll take a closer look at the garden inspired prints. Seeing the birds and the flowers depicted will . . .

. . . make her forget all else in favor of a romp out in the yard!