Over and Out

 

 It has come to my attention that my days of purchasing
 everything that has anything to do with any one of my assorted passions
(e.g. dishware, doll houses, scottie dogs, L. M. Montgomery)

are OVER.

 

Now don't get me wrong...this does not mean that I don't on occasion find treasures to bring home, it's just that I make a conscious decision as to their true "treasure worthiness" prior to purchase. This is fantastic in my book because it makes me feel really good about #1 on my new
Cottage Quest list.....to stop buying stuff!

 

Of course this means it's time to seriously start considering #2....
 declutter the stuff you have.

Let it be said this may take awhile. A long while. Even so I am proud to say progress is definitely in the works. Daily progress in fact. No matter what craziness is on the agenda I have made it a standing habit to send at least one of something OUT THE DOOR before my head hits the pillow. And most recently my means of disposal has branched beyond the trash, the donations, and the Craig's list offerings to...

 

 

THIS OLDE STUFF!

 

This just so happens to be a long time favorite haunt of mine. Only this time instead of browsing the rows...

 



 

I'm stocking them!!!

 

 

Made Me Appreciate What I Have

 You are not going to believe what I am about to tell you.....

 

I LEFT THE DOLL SHOW EMPTY HANDED!!!!!

 

Never ever has that happened before. I have always found a few wooden treasures to snatch up in the past but there was nary a matchstick of wood to be found throughout the place yesterday. Well....that's not entirely true. There was a box full of very old, jointed peg dolls which at first I was joyous to discover. Upon closer inspection, however, it became apparent that the entire lot of them seemed to be in a very bad mood. Each one had an expression that was downright ornery and did not welcome company! Considering I already have two teenagers in the house did I really need to bring home someone else with an attitude? NO!!! 

 

But even if a doll was not in the cards for me I thought for sure to stumble upon a trinket to bring home to Lily Red's happy, helping hands.

I thought wrong.

 

 Luckily I had back up! Tucked away with my Christmas booty was a collection of sweet wooden dishes I had scored on Etsy earlier this year and stashed away as a special holiday gift. After yesterday's confrontation with the wooden witches how could I not but want to host a little appreciation party for Lily Red and gift her with with something sweet.

And so I did!!!

 

A few of the pieces from the set may have been long missing and the paint not quite as bright as it once was but Lily Red is a "glass half full" type of doll who takes stock of what's on hand and makes the very best out of any situation. She is definitely a keeper!!!

 

 

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!