turkey feathers

Treasure Hunt

 
I was up in British Columbia a while back, and stopped in the charming little town of Fort Langley.  There is a wonderful Vintage Mall there, where these pictures were taken.  What's funny is, when I was going through them today I noticed this BOWTIE quilt.  I saw it, but the pattern didn't register at the time.  It "ties" in well (pun intended), with my last blog post don't ya think?

More nooks and crannies. . . and peeks into the past.

Glass coffee and tea pots!  Something else you don't see anymore. 

  
After that I wandered down the street and came upon another treasure: The Little White House.  It was filled with beautiful French-inspired furnishings, accessories and clothing.  At one end (left), was a teeny-tiny Cafe Salon designed for a leisurely nibble.  Quite enchanting!  If you find yourself in the area, you must stop by. 

Unrelated: Just a quick note to tell you that the Turkey Feathers Thrift Shop (with older and vintage sewing patterns), is open for business once again.  October is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a SALE!  Just enter coupon code: SEWGOOD25 to receive a 25% discount on your purchase.   

Magical Places

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Five years ago, I discovered an enchanting woodland hideaway called, The Vintage Roost.  (I first blogged about it here, and again, in 2009 here.  It's changed a little over the years.)  But, needless to day, we still experience a thrill when the gate opens and the handwritten welcome sign appears.  Such times are much anticipated seasonal events around here, because it's only held several times a year; hosted by the ever-gracious Debbie Williams (and friends), who adorn the "shop" with amazing handmade items, vintage finds, and scrumptious pies and treats.  The offerings and adorable vignettes change with the seasons, so there is always something new and inspiring to see.  The main building is basically a small, converted shed that is filled to the rafters with glee, glitter and goodness.  These photos were taken outside around the back of the building, where, as you can see, a wonderful surprise awaited around every corner.  That adorable pair of vintage pillows caught my eye.  Fishing anyone?  That reminds me, and you'll understand why, when you see the new August bonus transfers.  (Occasionally, I'll get requests for BOY themed designs--so, there ya go.)

Love Is

 

Maybe some will remember this darling book and so many others that followed over the years, the absolute epitome of gentle wisdom and  caring.  I remember clinging to these books as I was growing up, how they gave me hope and inspiration and pulled me through the tough times.  This is one I still have, published in 1960, and so sweetly written and wonderfully illustrated by Joan Walsh Anglund.  I am happy to know that many of her books are still in print and available.  I'm always scouting for them on my thrifting expeditions too.  They still inspire me.  And with Valentine's Day falling on Sunday, it seemed fitting to share a bit of this one: 

" Love is a special way of feeling...It is the safe way we feel when we sit on our mother's lap with arms around us tight and close.  It is the good way we feel when we talk to someone and they want to listen and don't tell us to go away and be quiet.  It is the way we feel when we save a bird that has been hurt...or feed a lost cat...or calm a frightened colt.

 

Love is found in unexpected places . . . it is there in the quiet moment when we first discover a beautiful thing...when we watch a bird soar high against a pale blue sky...

when we see a flower that no one else has noticed . . .

when we find a place that shelters us and is all our very own.

Love starts in little ways...It may begin the day we first share our thoughts with someone else...or help someone who needs us.  Or, sometimes, it begins because, even without words, we understand how someone feels.  Love comes quietly, but you know it is there, because suddenly...you are not alone any more...and there is no sadness inside of you.  Love is a happy feeling that stays inside your heart for the rest of your life." 

Happy Valentine's Day!  

(And...THANK YOU...Joan Walsh Anglund.)
 

 

Rainy Daze Sewing

It's raining again and I've been huddled up next to my iron and sewing machine for the last few days, staying cozy, and blissfully stitching.  Olivia's first birthday is coming up fast, and I've been busy making her a dress.  Something for spring that she can wear when it warms up.  I found this older Simplicity pattern (#3843) in my stash that I hope will be the right size.  I'm squealing over the yellow jacket too--is that darling or what?  I forget where I got the sweet rose print fabric; I've been hanging onto it for ages just waiting for the right project, and this little babydoll dress seems perfect for it, don't ya think?  

I want to thank you guys for the amazing support you've been giving me.  I'm really touched--it makes me love what I do!  As I was reading through the comments (and following links to the blogs on the other end), I've been SO inspired by all the creativity going on "out there".  My head is spinning with new ideas---there's so much I want to do.  And not just sewing and embroidery projects either.  Anyway, I'll be back tomorrow, with the finished dress (if all goes well..), and will announce our Blanket Statement winner then too. 

Keep your fingers crossed! 

Turning Pages

I'm trying, I really am, but the new compose editor is not making me happy yet.  Things didn't go smoothly the last few times I tried to post.   Pictures played peeka-boo and text trotted off to whereabouts unknown.  I keep uploading until everything finally stays where its supposed to.  I apologize if anyone is having trouble viewing new entries as they come and go!  I feel like PiPPi walking backward.  Obviously not as much fun though.

This was some of the good mail that came today.   Fun bedtime reading!  I loved the PiPPi stories growing up, and have shared them my children over the years.  This new edition is illustrated by Lauren Child, of 'Charlie and Lola' fame and couldn't be cuter! 

Before I get started though, I need to finish, "Can't Wait to get to Heaven" another book by Fannie Flagg.  I'm on a Flagg jag.  I started it about a week ago and became instantly absorbed by all the colorful characters.  Especially, old Elner Shimfissle--the main character.  This book has an interesting plot that starts out with a bang.  Literally.  As she falls off a ladder.  Which starts a chain of humorous events.  Can't wait to see how it all ends up. 

Treasures of the Season

   

More pictures from the vintage craft show last week. 

Went back on the last day and wandered around a little more. 

It was apparent that a lot of merchandise had moved out the door since I was there. 

Although it's hard to believe looking at all this.

I didn't buy anything this time; was more taken with the artful arrangements of all the odds and ends, old and new, that were so beautifully displayed. 

The colors in this corner were so pretty.

(Click on the top images to see them full-size.)

Enjoy the tour!

It's That Time Again . . .

So, we headed up to Portland yesterday for one more PARTY before I had to relinquish my birthday crown.  It sure was a fun week while it lasted.  I did lots of fun sewing and can't wait to show you my new apron and some other things.  In fact, I hardly left my sewing room.  Well, that's not entirely true.  I did sneak off and take a peek at this happening in a neighboring town. 

OK, it was more than a peek.  I ended up snagging a duvet set and a pillow, then waited in a very long checkout line for almost an hour with everyone else that showed up.  This place was packed in more ways than one, as you can see.  The old grange hall opens its doors a few times a year when Blackberry Junction comes to town, and they stack it to the rafters with all kinds of wonderful stuff.  I really don't need anything in particular, it's just fun to look at things and get inspired.  I'll be sure and wear comfortable shoes in case something, um...just happens to (cough) slip into my basket...and I wind up in that crazy line again though.   

Aren't these dishes pretty?  I was just telling a friend that I was itching to decorate my walk-in pantry.  If I ever get around to it, I think I'll refer to this photo for inspiration.  This was in one of the "white" corners.   The overhead fluorescent lighting in the building gave my pictures a yellowish glow, and due to the crowd trying to get past me, I didn't have time to adjust camera settings.  In fact, I was lucky to get any pictures at all without getting trampled.  (I hear the first day of this event is always a little bit of a mad house, and I probably should have waited a few days before rushing in, but like everyone else I was excited to see it all.)

I'll try and get more pictures the next time I go.  These little nooks and corners are fun to study in the quiet of my room without distractions.  I'm seeing things I missed while I was standing there gawking.  I really like white-on-white rooms, they seem so clean and calm.  The clear vintage glass adds a nice sparkle, don't you think?

Objects of Affection

Jeepers! I was off on a happy adventure in a neighboring town and came home to find emails galore in my in-box.  My sweet blog pals alerted me that I was going to need a much much bigger bonnet for the doll-quilt-give-away drawing, and I was almost afraid to look at the numbers.  But when I did, I was so happy!!  Thanks you guys, I just hope my little offering measures up to the expectation now.  (Thank you Hillary, for sending more peeps my way after the lovely post about my little ladybug picnic doll quilt too---I can't stop thinking about strawberry shortcake now!)  I was really thrilled to see so many of you entering for a chance to win, but my next thought was, in what manner shall I select a winner?  Not wanting to print-out and cut hundreds of slips of paper into the eleventh hour, or any hour actually, I put the question to my girls.  They are homeschoolers afterall, and my chief problem-solvers around here.  So we brain-stormed around the dinner table and Grace thinks she can design a computer program to count and sort.   She primarily taught herself VB last year and is deep into Java now.  Apparently she's inherited uber geek-talent from her engineering father.  Certainly not from me. I just stand back in awe of it all and smile and nod and don't have a clue how any of it works.  Not a clue.  I'm perfectly happy to go off and bake a pie or something while they speak that mysterious language.  So.  Here's how it's going down.  In between making dollhouse cakes and miniature donuts, (still hard to fathom how she switches from one to the other) Grace is going to design a program she's dubbed the "Super Shuffler": tag for her Digital Bonnet version 1.0! It's so funny.  I'm not sure how it's going to work yet, but she is completely confident that it will.  And I never, ever doubt her abilities, because she is our "amazing Grace" after all, and usually spot on.  I'll keep ya posted on the progress of that. 

Anyway, I was out and about yesterday, and found some lovely treasures over here again.  Remember I told you this was a twice-a-year event?  Once in the fall, once in the spring.  Well, I wasn't paying attention and almost missed it.  When I finally remembered, I just hauled myself right on over there in a split nano-second to see what lovely things were in store, and was not disappointed.

Oh my.  So glad I grabbed my camera.  Because looking at these pictures again are so fun.  Lots of cottage, shabby, and chic sprinkled with sparkly glass and glitz.  So yummy.

This simply sent my head spinning! I kept circling around the place gathering things into my basket as I went along, including a beautiful quilt and matching runner for my dresser, made by a sweet older lady, who came up and thanked me for buying her quilt.  I wanted to hug her for making it!  It is gorgeous, and exactly what I would've made for our own bedroom if I'd had the time.  It's a combination of spring green, robin's egg blue, with soft touches of brown.

But my most exciting find was this old iron bird bath.  Which the sight of immediately sent me dreaming about The Secret Garden by Frances Hodges Burnett, and our own, enchanted garden.  What a perfect addition to our Victorian-styled home.  A soft rain fell last night and birds were already visiting it when I glanced out the window this morning.  I keep thinking about the past lives of old objects, and the stories they could tell. 

Ondori Morning

Waking to birdsong. The sun came out this morning and I'm feeling energized.   

Spring is in the air and I want to make music.   

Hard to decide what to do first.

I've got a long list of things I want to get to this weekend . . .

 

. . . some that I've only been dreaming about,

and drooling over.

Including a fun (secret) sewing project already in the works, that I can't wait to get back to.

   

None of which have anything to do with this book from, Ondori (1987), that I picked up from a second-hand book shop a month ago.  These designs seem fresh and new again, don't they?

Making Discoveries

These little vintage cookbooks are fun.  I found them on my last thrift outing, along with the hand-embroidered linen tea cloth.  The stitching on this is beautiful, not a single spot on it either.  The delicate flowers and leaf sprigs remind me of chamomile, and send my mind drifting to the summer herb garden.  Well, when I saw this I knew it would be the perfect compliment to the soft blue toile print in the bedroom and decided to make a little pillow out of it for the chaise.  A nice weekend project perhaps.

Anyway, these ABC cookbooks were published in the 1950's-60's by Peter Pauper Press, a third generation family publisher that's been around for over 70 years.  I found the three entitled, "The ABC of Jiffy Cooking", "The ABC of Casseroles", and "The ABC of Wine Cookery".  (There were two of the latter and I'd be happy to pass one along to the first person in the U.S. who leaves a comment here that wants to claim it.)  As luck would have it, or maybe because these are on my radar now, I ran across another one, "The ABC of Salads".  I don't know how many there are in the series, but when I did an online search I found one for canapes and another for desserts.  I'll be on the look-out for those now that I seem to have a collection starting here.  They seem to be geared toward young brides and new homemakers and have practical simple recipes from A-Z, which was funny to me when I realized this because of the A-Z quiche challenge I'm doing.  And if I get stumped, I can just thumb through these and see what's cooking for a particular letter.  There are  cute "decorations" throughout by Ruth McCrea, with her quirky quips like, "There's grit in the salad, and way too much salt, the cook is in love, so it isn't her fault."  What a great excuse when things go awry in the kitchen!  (I'll  have to remember that one the next time I burn something and set off the smoke alarm.) Oh, another treasure I found, Betty Crocker's Party Book (1960).  Such a tasty treat.  Almost as delicious as my cornbread.