Day Seven - Mall Shopping

No explanation necessary.



Made An Addition to My Summer Wardrobe

No, the new addition was not the dress....that I've had for ages. Originally when it was crisp and bright I wore it with shiny ballet flats and a cardigan and I loved it. Now after oodles of washings it's faded, soft and worn in all the right places which means I love it even more! It's the perfect barefoot dress which is fine if your staying home but sometimes you need to step out quick for milk or kids, neither one of which require ballet flats or cardigans. Most often I just slip on my flip flops and head out the door which is fine except when your flip flops are black. It's kind of a downer to to be wearing sweet pastels and then anchor your feet down in black so when I spied these little beauties at Old Navy today I was delighted. And at the ultimate bargain price of $2.50.....

 

 

.....I snagged myself a second pair in green to go with this thrifted skirt !

 

 

Hmmm.....seems there's the possibility of making a patchwork version out of them as well!

 

 

Made an Appearance!

Well it wasn't actually me that made an appearance but rather one of my mini pincushions. Remember this one with the hand painted buttons to boot? Yep, that's the one! And now it can be viewed at Indie Artisans along with a collection of other handmade goodies selected to "Celebrate Mom." I was thrilled to to be included with such lovely items and do hope you'll take a peek. . . . .

. . . . .that means you too dear hubby/kiddos as I'm especially fond of Julie Meyer's Garden Party Lunch Bag and this fantastic print by John Golden.

Don't forget. . . . . Mother's Day is May13th!

Weaving...

My favorite poem of all time is most definitely "The Lady of Shallot" by Tennyson. During my college years I took a class in Victorian poetry where this was but one of many that we dissected into bits and pieces. Lucky for me all that dreadful analyzing failed to burst the romantic bubble I'd created in my own mind concerning this piece. I first saw reference to it in the pages of "Anne of Green Gables." Then, several years later, when Keven Sullivan's adaptation of the book came out I was giddy with delight to see he chose to have Anne reading the poem in the opening scene. What a great job Megan Follows did in this role!

All romantic notions aside, however, I do believe it is the aspect of weaving in "The Lady of Shallot" that has made the most indelible mark on me. Now aside from childhood hours spent with my potholder loom and loops kit I have never in my life actually woven anything. I've drooled a lot though. . . . . especially in school where my adviser's office was at the back of the textile room. Walking through that sea of floor looms to meet with her made my head spin. Needless to say, when it came time to sit down and plan out the direction of my own future my focus was shot. For five years I floated through the studies of graphic design, illustration, and art education before finally settling myself in the field of art history. But not once did I ever consider Textile Design. And so I don't weave. . . . . but I love anything woven. . . . .things like gingham and baskets especially. Which must explain why I head directly to the pile of baskets first off at each and every yard sale I attend.

It's quite good when you find one to your liking with a handle because then you have the perfect tote for all the other goodies soon to be discovered.

Goodies like these for the making of a tea time get together. . . .

. . . . or these for the making of some dolly's wee wearable.

This item, however, stumped me. Being a basket, of course I loved it, but the color was what made it a must have! Unfortunately I was having difficultly reasoning out it's purpose...to find a way to weave it into the fabric of my days if you will.

And then I found treasure!

Now I really didn't need another sewing machine but oh that color! Combined with the fact that. . . . . .

. . . . it was made in England. . . . .

. . . . . in the year I was born. . . . . and cost only $25. . . . .SOLD!!!

In my excitement I made the purchase without a thought as to it's working condition. Once home, however, I set up shop only to discover it performed beautifully! I've since named her Bluebell and can't wait to dress up that little basket into a pincushion for her.

Maybe it's a good thing I'm not a weaver. Squeezing another Singer in the sewing nook is one thing, a floor loom on the other hand. . . . . I'd be hard pressed to even squeeze it into the house!

And so I'll stitch by night and day

A magic quilt of colors gay.

Treasure Hunting

I attended the Southern NH Doll Show and Sale today with my mom. We go every year and always discover the sweetest treasures to bring home. Today was no different. . . . . . just look at this amazing nursery rhyme cup and saucer from England! I'm still pinching myself to make sure I didn't dream up this lucky find.

My mom found quite a sweetheart in this wee wooden "paper dollie." I just love her sparkly eyes and rosy mouth. I also love the fact that mom gave her to me as an early birthday present!

And who could possibly resist a miniature village? Not me!

As if all this wasn't enough. . . . .

. . . . . there was even a bitty baby house just right for Lily Red!

Home Sweet Home!

A Tisket, A Tasket

The lingering influence of The Forgotten Garden combined with beautiful sixty degree weather and my discovery of a hidden stash of morning glory seeds has had my hands hankering to work in the floral realm. Considering spring has yet to officially arrived and that weather here in New England has a devilish track record of surprising us with March snowstorms, I've promised to refrain myself from from all dirt digging activities until April. So instead I turned my attention to making more of these little flower pins. In order to have something to arrange the bitty blossoms in I then finished up a flower basket quilt square I had lingering around and. . . ta dah. . .

. . . . . the Tisket Tasket Pincushion Basket was created!

Because it was so much fun I'm now in the process of making a batch of them to start listing in the shop. It was while stitching up tiny circles that my little friend Lucy came round. Greetings were followed by a bit of chit chat. . . . .our fine weather, her plans for spring cleaning, and the discovery of a new favorite tea blend. Eventually, however, the true purpose of her visit was revealed. "I've a favor to ask of you," she said quite sheepishly.

"Do you remember the new pillow Lily Red made for herself?" she continued. "She was ever so pleased with the lace trim work and proudly displayed it for me to see. Lovely as it was, I cannot help but be haunted by the image of her bed barren of any other comforts. Even a little wooden doll should have a coverlet to cozy up in. I really want to make one for her and was hoping you would entertain the idea of helping me pick some fabric out for the job."

And so we were off. . . . .

. . . . . to the fabric shop where Lucy had quite a dilemma choosing something just right. There were ever so many prints to pick from and she would have liked them all!

I on the other hand never have a problem making selections. I find you can't go wrong with a bit more gingham added to your stash so I snatched up a yard or so along with this delightful black and periwinkle bluebonnets. I've decided to consider them lupines however in honor of Miss Rumphius, a favorite book by Barbara Cooney. My second red work penny square was also waiting there for me since I missed it's debut during my bout with the sniffles.

In the end Lucy made out just fine and toted home quite a handsome bundle. With a quick, "Tootles to you miss natalie jo," she was away through the door of Boggs Cottage anxious to get to work.

Summer Ends...

School began for the youngsters in our neck of the woods the first week of September but it won't be until the clock strikes twelve this evening that I will finally concede to the fact that summer is over. With autumn only hours away I suppose I should prepare for it by removing our Summer Fun List from its prominent position on the refrigerator door. As usual, we seem to have accomplished barely half of our good intentions. While there might have been a bit of belly aching over the fact that we never did get to go to Martha's Vineyard this year (#20), I never once heard a complaint over the lack of time spent cleaning out the basement (#31)!

The morning glories have proven to be the saving grace of #37's desire to enjoy the garden. What with all the rain bestowed upon us things were a bit meager, except of course for the slugs. The few tomatoes and peas were long ago eaten, the basil went moldy, and the fairy roses bloomed but once the whole season. The morning glories, however, began to greet me every morning in July and continue to due so to this day.

Our annual strawberry and blueberry picking adventures were also hindered by the wet weather. Week after week we waited for the perfect day to head out, but unfortunately most of the fruit rotted in place. While disappointed, to say the least, I was not about to let the holidays come round without a batch of freezer jam tucked away for our traditional thumbprint cookies.

And so, yes, my strawberries this year were picked not from the vine put from the grocery shelf.

It's bad enough I don't know how to make up "proper" jam in tiny little jars that can be decorated with calico and ribbons, but to know the berries themselves had such a dismal origin definitely adds insult to injury. It's somewhat romantic to think of the wee ones biting into their Christmas jam cookies and being magically carried back to a warm summer day out in the strawberry fields with their family. Unfortunately I think that only happens in fairy tales for I was informed, by quite reliable sources I might add, that they don't give a hoot where the jam, or the cookies for that matter, come from as long as they get their fair share!

The family puzzle (#17) was eventually completely, although mostly by my hand alone. Note to self, "I Spy puzzles featuring storybook characters are not a hit with teenagers. Must find one of the periodic table or perhaps a floor plan of the mall. "

A bonus activity during the month of August was the "Block Party Swap" I participated in. If you haven't been over to visit Elizabeth at Creative Breathing be sure to pop in someday soon. There is always something wonderful in the works over there to be oohed and aahed at. The swap was in celebration of her 301st post and involved decorating a 5x5 inch card stock block in your creative style. In return one would be created especially for you by Elizabeth. I just love the little girl in the bonnet she selected for me. The red gingham bow tie is just perfect!

It seems as if old book stores are becoming fewer and farther between. . . . .and so while we didn't actually get around to visiting one (#3), we did manage to stumble upon an antiquarian book show. Surprisingly hubby came out empty handed but have no fear I gladly made up the difference!

The Butt'ry Shelf Almanac was a very welcome surprise. . . . . I've had the companion cookbook to it for years and years and always wondered what delights awaited me within the pages of its mate. I suppose I could have ordered it off Amazon long ago but it's so much more fun to stumble across one that's waiting for you to find it!

This, however, was the true treasure of the day. . . . . The Mary Francis Sewing Book! I can't wait to follow along on her "adventures among the thimble people." Intended for young girls, each chapter introduces a new sewing skill along with a project that utilizes that skill. By the time the book is completed an entire wardrobe for one's special doll has been created, everything from an apron and a nightgown to a fancy dress and coat. I'm trying not to peek to much into it but it does seem as if all work is done by hand AND that all the pattern pieces are intact! Of course now I'll have to be on the lookout for my own special doll in the appropriate size to make all these pieces for.

In the meantime, however, there is no shortage of fun to be had with Lily Red around. Her tea party (#42) was a huge success. Lucy arrived with a basket full of confetti which was a great way to get the party started. Lucky for me I had that adequate supply of freezer jam, as Lily Red asked specifically for me to bring some as a side to her scones. Miss Prim Rose came, parasol in hand, and ready to share her sunny disposition with everyone! And not only was Lily Red the most gracious hostess, she also had a little something special for all her guests. . . . .

. . . . . the recipe to her special Cranberry Chocolate Scones! The ingredients are quite common,

and the directions none to difficult. I can't think Of anything better to make now that the cool autumn days are on their way.

Two Lilies and a Field Trip

In amongst the bouquet of lilies to come out of my sewing nook this summer were these two kindred spirits, Lily Cathy and Lily Joanie. With bonnets in place and a current project ready for show and tell they were quite excited to be part of a special adventure.

As quickly as possible the last minute details of ditty bags and tags were attended to.

Soon enough they were gently tucked into a handy basket and headed out the door. There was not to be any peeking but I did catch one little head peering about on occasion.

A hop, skip, and a jump down the road and we arrived at our destination. I don't know about you, but any time I find myself passing through a white picket fence and following along a garden path I am filled with certainty that something delightful is in store . . . . .

. . . . .as is the case every time I call on Candlelite Quilts. I absolutely love the sight of this little shop. It always seems so happy to have it's "OPEN" sign hanging out front. And it's no wonder, for the place is perpetually inhabited by the most delightful folk and filled with creative treasure galore.

As you step through the door a myriad of rooms await exploration.

Even if you were to visit the shop on a weekly basis I do believe something new will have arrived each and every time. On this particular day I discovered the first signs of Christmas on display.

I vaguely recalled a promise to myself to begin those holiday projects early on this year. Try as I might to convince myself to pick up a bit of this and that to get started, my feet kept walking. Unfortunately, it will be those same two feet that I'll be kicking myself with come December 21st when I'm frantic for lack of enough time.

The Kaffe Fassett corner is always a favorite for me now after my adventure in creating with his fabrics last spring. At least one of his fat quarters seems to make it into my pile each time I visit with the idea that someday I will make a "real" quilt like the ones I'm always drooling over in his books.

Speaking of drooling. . . . . .I LOVE this pineapple quilt! If it were on my bed I just know I would have the best dreams ever and wake up feeling inspired for whatever the day ahead held. A class in it's construction is scheduled for this month but unfortunately I won't be available to attend. . . . . so for now it will have to wait on my "someday" list along with my Fassett plans.

Around the corner and up the stairs is a whole other world of wool penny mats, red work, and rug punching.

This happens to be the room I find most intriguing. I am fascinated by rug punching and perpetually working hard to find a way to justify squeezing another craft and all it's accouterments back at home. If only we didn't have to eat I could take over the kitchen counters to create a storage system like this!

It does help when you have a partner in crime by your side. My mom once had an interest in making a set of chair pads so perhaps if I team up with her it could happen sooner than expected. I swear she doesn't have an ounce of procrastination in her, so once her mind is set on a task, mountains will be moved to achieve her goal! My plan is to simply follow in her wake.

And just in case dear hubby is at a loss for some birthday ideas this pattern along with a few skeins of wool yarn would get him off the hook for another year!

Having found themselves quite at home the Lilies decided to set down roots. Have no fear, however, for leaving Candlelite with an empty basket would never be in my plans!