turkey feathers

Sweetness & Light

Hello friends, have you had a good week?  It seemed to whiz by, didn't it?  Whoosh.  And here we are on the threshold of the BIG day.  We have been zipping around the house getting everything ready for Christmas. Mostly just checking off all the little details that add up to running a smooth ship. Right now, the girls are busy in the kitchen whipping up some goodies for their dad. As I've blogged before, he has a sweet tooth.  He's one of those rare and lucky people who can eat whatever he wants and never gains an ounce.  So we indulge him.  However.  He is very particular about what sweets he will eat.  So every year, the girls go all out and buy only the very best organic ingredients just to please him.  They make assorted chocolates, truffles, nut clusters, bon bons, and peanut butter cups.  These are lovingly and carefully packed into cello candy bags with cute handwritten labels, then hidden inside empty ice cream containors in the freezer until they are ready to spring their surprise.  The candies usually last until spring and are very much enjoyed and appreciated throughout the gray winter months.  A side benefit is, Pops always shares his candy with us!

Today, the sun is shining!  Just look how bright my kitchen is.  Very strange for this time of year.  But I'll take winter sunshine over freezing rain anytime.  Ginger, my youngest daughter, is modeling an apron I made a while ago.  I forgot all about it until she pulled it out and slipped it on.  "Oh, it's perfect for candy making", I say.  "The dark color will surely hide any chocolate splatters, right?" (She giggles.) It's made from this pattern, with the addition of a purchased lace collar and with button tabs instead of ties at the sides. She likes the big pockets.

But back to the subject of candy.  This darling book just arrived.  The timing could not have been better!  After I reviewed the Christmas Cookie Book, a blog reader (thanks deb h), mentioned The Holiday Candy Book by the same author.  Wasting no time, I found a used copy on-line and snapped it up for a song. It's a little time worn but that just adds to the charm.  How cute is this cover? I love it. The end papers are just as sweet too.  (No pun intended.)  The very first chapter in the book is titled: Candy is Fun.  Golly, what's not to love here? To paraphrase; "There is no holiday that is not enhanced by candy and if it isn't a holiday, candy will make it one."  This is definitely the case at our house.

Before I slip away with my new book, I want to thank everyone who took the time to stop by and enter the My Memories Give-Away.  My finished photo albums arrived yesterday and I couldn't be more pleased with how they turned out.  Even better than I expected!  So.  Without further ado, I believe it's time to announce a winner.  Are you ready?  OK. Reaching into the bonnet, we have a name.  The  My Memories digital scrap-booking software goes to Lena! Congratulations Sweetie!  (I'll be sending you an email with a coupon code to download the software ASAP.)  I know you are going to LOVE it. 

And to everyone else, thank you for stopping in here and sharing your thoughts and stories when I know you must have lots to do.  I enjoy hearing from you all out there and sincerely hope your holidays are merry & bright and full of good cheer where ever you are.  Now it's time for me to get back to the cookie baking and merry making.  I'll be back soon with more fun and games.  Until then . . .

  Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! 

Tansy & Thyme

 
Here is a quick update today on the herb patch I planted a few summer's ago.  (First blogged back here.  You can see how much it's grown.)  All this attracts bees, which is great because our fenced-in vegetable patch grows right behind it. 

 
Yep.  Summer is in full swing around here.  A bit cooler than normal.  I don't mind that though, because it means I can spend more time outside without wilting.   I'm just stolling along now . . .

 
Every year this clematis, 'Gypsy Queen', enthusiastically blooms and pulls the trellis down with it as it cascades down to the ground. She's so pretty we never have the heart to disturb her.  So there she stays, guarding the backdoor. 

 

Another climber clamouring for sunshine.  I can't believe the number of roses suddenly growing from such sad anemic-looking vines!

 

Turning, I notice a couple of unexpected visitors have dropped in--and my heart melts.

 

 

   
 

 

My Favorite Summer Smock

 
I've blogged about this smock pattern before, and again with this one, but I still get emails from people asking about it, and since I just made another one I thought it would be fun to share it again.  As far as smocks go, I really really love this pattern.  It's super easy to make and wears well.  More details about it can be found in that linked post, however, I was not able to locate the pattern on the Simpliticy website.  (Check etsy or ebay sellers who sell the out-of-print patterns if you are interested in finding it.)  

 
I made this one without the contrasting fabric and elastic-gathered sleeves, and can slip it over my head without any ties or buttons down the back.  See?  Easy!  It's rather plain--a real no-nonsense working garment.  Ready for anything; gardening, cooking, housework.  Lightweight cotton fabric is perfect for summer, but does need to be pressed (just a little) after washing because it wrinkles.  So if you hate ironing you might want to choose another fabric.  Personally, I don't mind a few wrinkles.  This cute print was last year's pick from Joann's (I think). 

A fair-weather weekend is rolling in...and with my new smock and a straw hat--I 'm ready to go strawberry picking!

Simple Smock

For months, I've been snug inside pull-over sweaters and jeans, but a hint of warm weather over the weekend got me thinking about smocks again.   And, there was this bit of diaphanous poetic inspiration lingering in my mind too, which ultimately lead to some sewing over the weekend.   I didn't have a pattern, or any fabric for that matter, but why let that stop me?  If  Scarlet O'Hara and Maria (Von Trapp) can make gowns and garments out of curtains--then let's try.   Well, maybe not from curtains exactly.  I went digging, and found a softly worn cotton sheet in the linen closet instead that worked perfectly well for my proto-type.  I used Violet (my manikin) to work out the design details.  However, her shoulders are much broader than mine (she's built like a quarterback!)  I'll need to make alterations to the pattern I drafted.  This turned out just a little bit big.  Although I'll probably still wear it around the house because it's comfortable.  So--a fun sewing project, and a blank canvas for some embroidery..later, maybe. 

 

Perhaps the biggest challenge though, was getting a decent picture of it.  After a few attempts with it hanging on the back of the door, I finally had the angle, the light, the camera, and then---some unexpected action.  Say, "cheese."

Seeing Spots . . .

Or. . . just call me "Dottie".  Hello!  And Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Can we get any greener around here?  I don't think so.  Hee hee.  I'm wearing my new apron turned the other way around today, (it's quite reversible!), so no body better even try and pinch me.  No sireee.  I'm armed with a vintage shamrock pin too--just in case anyone is color blind.  Yes, indeedy, me Irish eyes are a smilin'.  While I'm on this subject, don't forget to check *Sweet Surprises* for a little leprechaun fun too. 

 

Change is good sometimes and I've been having fun updating the website.  Basically, I just created a few new pages and moved things around.  I loved making the collage pages, and found that rather fun and satisfying;  creating that "other world".  What do you think--too busy, too cute?  And...finally, after (ahem) four years, I'll be adding an 'About' page here for TF that will tie it all together.  That's coming soon.   Oh, and from now on, I'll be answering all questions in the comment forum--it's been rather hit-or-miss in the past, but I'm on it--so check back there if you are wondering about something in particular.  I'm sure I'm forgetting something else I want to tell you--I can't remember--but that's all I really have time for right now anyway. 

  

Because it's time to get back to, um, "work" around here. (wink)

In Like a Lion

I woke up with a migraine and a heavy heart yesterday.  It's hard not to sometimes with all that's happening in the world today, making blogging seem somewhat insignificant at times.  But then I open my email or pop in here and read how something I've shared has brighten someone's day, and hearing that--brightens mine.  So, thank you, for that.  I was actually coping pretty well until a young deer hobbled into the yard with a broken leg, apparently having been hit by a car.  It was devastating to watch, as the bone was protruding and there was absolutely nothing we could do to help.  As soon as he sensed our presence he clumsily fled--and not wanting to contribute to any more panic and pain, we had to let him.  I've been on the lookout, and keep thinking about him the way a mother worries over a sick child.  Life certainly has its ups and downs sometimes.  

After that, I definitely needed a diversion and turned to my trusty sewing machine for solace.  Oh how I've missed you dear Bernina.  I went digging through my fabric stash and found this happy rosy print, appropriately named;  "presents bloom" by Laurie Bird, from Windham Fabrics, and knew it would make a sweet apron.  Then thinking about St. Patrick's Day (looming around the corner), and reminding myself that I never have anything remotely GREEN in my closet to wear, the minty polka-dot won out for the lining.  

Naturally, there was the addition of vintage minty-green rick-rack too. 

The apron pattern is one I've used many times, Simplicity #8698 (view 3-4; the short version without the elastic) but this time, I folded the lining over the raw edges along the sides, instead of using bias binding, and I really like how it turned out.  I think the longer version could be altered to make the wrap-around style I mentioned before.   

But for now, this really suits me just fine and dandy.   

Give & Take

Despite the dubious thoughts expressed in that last post, I'm really not singing any swan song yet.  Goodness no, I'm having too much fun.  Thanks though, for reminding me why I blog.  This path has lead to some amazing friendships as well as endless creative inspiration along the way, and I never take any of it for granted.  I've been sitting here for nearly an hour reading comments, and am so touched by your heartfelt thoughts;  all of which, sent me happily sobbing into my hankie. Oh, how I wish I could offer you all a cupcake and a cup of tea, but since that's not possible, let me just say, thank you for being there, thank you for listening, and thank you for caring! 

 Just a snippet of sewing to share, to (hopefully) brighten your day.  As you do mine.  I finished my apron-smock and can't wait to make more.  The fabric looks familiar because it was salvaged from the same duvet I used to make the sewing chair slip-cover.  Now we're twins!  Can't tell where I start and the chair ends.  Scary.  And if the rain doesn't stop I'll be making a sewing-machine cozy to match!  Still have lots of fabric left, especially the polka-dot, so it's a good thing I really like it.  Perfect for making garden & kitchen smocks anyway.  The style may also look familiar because it's one I blogged about way back here.  But what's exciting is that Simplicity reprinted this pattern again as #2950 under 'Misses Retro Aprons'.  I was so happy when I found out (thanks again, Bethany), because the one I had was just one size:  very small.  Which no longer worked for me. (ahem)  Anyway.  I got this one online from the website, wasn't able to grab a link, the site has a search-box though.  It was interesting that they added the ties, which was how I always made this.  You can still seam up the back and leave an opening large enough to slip this over your head if you prefer to wear it as a top though.   I definitely need one of these in the polka-dots now.  And a hat to match.  No.  Just kidding.  About the hat.

Oh-Susanna Apron

"Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."  ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

I'm still basking in the after-glow of birthday love that keeps trickling in on this blog and I am ever grateful for it.   What we do in our lives can have a tremendous ripple effect when we reach out to others.  Thank you for those rays of sunshine. I may be getting older, but I will always be a child at heart!

Anyway. . . I told you about how I was sewing up a storm last week with the gift of time placed in my hands, and here's one of the sweet things I finally got around to making.    Isn't this the most darling apron?  (see side view here)  I've been calling it my, "Oh Susanna" apron because it was a free download from Susan Branch and when I finished it, I stood back and exclaimed, "OH Susan! You wonderful doll you!"   She talks about it being her favorite apron because it fits everyone.  And it really does!  It's amazing.  (I'm using Miss Violette here to model for me.)  I've never constructed anything like it, kind of weird how the pieces are sewn wrong sides together and joined with the bias binding (seven yards of it) but not all at once, so it's not like you're sewing miles and miles of trim without coming up for air.   Rather, it's sewn in an interesting succession of layers.  You have to print out and tape the pattern pieces together, but I didn't find that difficult at all, and everything went together perfectly.  Her instructions were clear and easy to follow as well.  So if you're up to the challenge of trying something new, there you have it.  Don't forget to check out her new fabric line and more free patterns here.  And all the other wonderful things on her website.  She's gotten a lot of ink lately in various quilting magazines too.  I'll be looking for them now.  Find which ones here. 

Wednesday Wonders

There's been a parade of deer through the yard today.  One group after another, mostly does with fawns trotting behind.  They're always wandering through, but usually not this many in short succession.  I'd already counted eleven before anyone else was out of bed.  Three were grazing in the grass outside my office window a few minutes ago.  I love watching them.  One of the fawns wandered away from it's mama and starting digging in a huge pile of shredded landscape bark that we have sitting at the end of the driveway.  Yes, I said digging with his little hoof.  It reminded me of a cat using a litter box, and I thought, surely he's not going to do THAT!  I kept watching.  He continued digging for several more minutes.  When he was quite satisfied, he curled up in the hole he'd made.  Apparently, even deer have their own particular creature comforts.

Deer are such scatty things and will bolt at the slightest movement.   Somehow I managed to get a decent picture of him through window blinds and the screen, using a zoom.  Look at that face.  OK, I guess I can forgive you for chomping the Lady's Mantle we carelessly planted out in the open and didn't spray.  The only thing we forgot to spray with the magic concoction---that's still working btw.  Alright.  Enough about the crazy deer...

Back to fun biz here... I want to talk about this pattern.   I've always wondered how these traditional peasant style garments were made.  Searched around for years in fact trying to discover the secret behind them.  So I was really excited when I found this website from the Mexican Dress Lady herself, with a download for $5.  Can you believe this is constructed from a square and four rectangles?  Well, it is!  It's so simple, it's brilliant.  Maybe I'm the last to know, but after I made this, I was amazed.  You can make a blouse or a dress.  It's all measured out to fit your size.  I made a little blouse for Ginger, (who is ten) to start with, just to make sure I was on the right path.   I just couldn't believe it was that simple.  She designed the yoke and I did the embroidery.   It's a project I'm pretty sure she can do herself next time, with a little help, but I wanted to make one first, before she put forth all the effort, just in case of disappointment. 

We're both really happy with how it turned out though.  I used a good quality unbleached muslin.  The only thing I did differently was to cut out two yoke pieces, instead of roll-hemming the neck edge.  I used one as a facing to hide raw edges and cover the back of the embroidery, which finished it quite neatly and made a nicer edge for the blanket-stitching.    There are going to be a lot more of these in my future.

Garden Threads

Our summer weather sure made a quick comeback.  I practically live in my gardening shirts and smocks when it warms up, which is easy and comfy but they aren't the most attractive things either. So one way I like to doll them up is to replace the old buttons with buttons covered in different fabrics.  Sometimes I trim the sleeves with fabric scraps like this one, or chop the bottom of the shirt and add a ruffle, or do a little embroidery on it.    Rick-rack and woven trim tapes are always fun to experiment with too.    Take note:  the covered buttons should be slightly smaller than the buttons you remove.  In other words, make sure they fit through the button-holes before you sew them on.   I learned this the hard way, and I'm passing it on, so now you know too.

Grace saw what I was doing and decided to alter a linen blouse.  I love how it turned out. 

Doesn't it look great with her skirt?