« December 2006 | Main | February 2007 »
Look who I found nestled here in my wool blanket scraps.
Isn't she sweet? I don't think she bites, but her needles are sharp.
I really hate to disturb her. Hope she doesn't mind if I borrow a few of her pins.
Looks like I have a new friend!
~
Materials used: hand-dyed wool felt from this amazing gal. Pattern found at Urban Debris. More pincushion love here.
| |
I mentioned the other day, about the futility of elaborate stitchery on dishtowels, but how about this bib? It's probably as old as I am but I have no recollection of ever having worn or seen anything like this when I was growing up in the 50's. I found this as a kit, with all the pieces stamped out, and was inexplicably compelled to finish it. (Another weird thing about me to add to the list!) I love Miss Red here, even if she does look a bit like a quarterback (that big bad wolf better watch his back). Still you can't help but wonder what, if any, thinking was going on 
when this idea seemed like a good one. Sure, it's cute as all-get-out...but I mean, to do so much work only to have mashed carrots and strained peas down the front of it? Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Such a dismal end for the poor little gal. No wonder she looks worried.
| |
Much thanks, dear readers! Your creative suggestions for my J quiche (coming up next) were quite impressive, and a few had me laughing! Even Martha was holding up a Jerusalem artichoke when I happened to switch on the show later that day. Not really sure what to do with one of those, but I think I have J covered now. In the meantime, I just added all the recipes to date, in the side bar, including an "Italian Quiche" (for I) that I made for Sunday brunch yesterday. The only thing I'd do differently next time though, is cook the mushrooms a little longer because I found out, they contain a lot of water and can make 
the quiche slightly runny. Despite that it was quite good though. Like pizza good. Feel free to print them out and give them a try. And do let me know how they turned out. (And in case anyone is wondering what happened to the herb garden and playhouse albums, I'm planning to move them to flickr when I have time, so if you miss them, that's where you'll find them, eventually. ) Next, I got busy with mushrooms of a different sort and finally finished this long forgotten piece and turned it into a doll pillow. When I surprised Sarah with it (I'm sure she thought she'd never see it done), I got the biggest and sweetest hug. So I'm glad I kept up my end of the bargain, even if it did take me a while to get there. This thing started out as a piece of 
embroidery I took with me on a trip to the coast last year. Sarah "won" it in a friendly little wager involving a game of "blueberry pop", a game of her own making and one requiring a challenge and a prize. Naturally. These dancing mushrooms were just the ticket. I don't know why in the world it took me so long to finish it. The cute-cute mushroom fabric inspired me though. It turned out to be the most delightful backing for the pillow too.
This crazy mushroom pattern is part of a vintage set for dishtowels. Yikes! I simply can't imagine doing all this work on dishtowels--but the designs are still quirky and fun, and can be used for other things. For instance, things like. . . doll pillows. . . ya know. . . things ever so useful like that. (smile)
| |
Ok, so it occurred to me, as I was sitting here yesterday afternoon, sipping cocoa and perusing a few books, that I haven’t shared any corners of my home for awhile. And since it IS Thursday, all the better. When it’s time for a little R&R this is a great corner for that. No, that is not a pile of laundry on the chair, it’s a “throw”. And a rather pathetic looking one at that. I keep thinking I will make myself a lovely lap quilt but never seem to get around to doing it. (Sigh.) Priorities and such. I’m making a note of it now though. Sometimes committing an idea to pen and paper can launch a project I’ve only been able to dream about doing, plus I’m not apt to forget about it as easily. Which I am prone to do. All too often. Anyway, I especially like this room because it’s away from the hub of 
activity, a quiet retreat. Windows face west and the afternoon light is pleasant, and on a cold day the golden walls envelope me in a warm radiance. This chair, (TOP) and its twin companion, face a corner fireplace. They are separated by a small round table set for tea. There’s still much I wish to do with this room. Perhaps someday I’ll find the perfect little settee that I’ve pictured in my mind’s eye for so long, like the ones in this book and this one, complete with lots of pretty handmade pillows. One can never have too many pillows in one's life now can one? I'm a sucker for tie-
on aprons for chairs too. I especially like the aesthetics of this style so perfectly wrought by Katrin Cargill. I have several of her books which are excellent because they're not just full of pretty pictures but also give detailed directions for the sewing projects (such as this chair apron). More corners here.
The sun is just peeking out and things are starting to thaw for the moment, although I just heard more snow is on the way. How is that possible? I'm loving it, but it's kept me from getting over to the post office so hopefully all embroidery patterns & sweet treat orders will be dropped off today between storms. Also, I want to tell you, that Grace has been so encouraged by all the "petite love" out there and says, thank you! thank you! thank you! ( Gee, you guys are swell! ) After she helped pack up the orders, she scurried off to her crafty corner with a brainstorm of ideas, and you won't believe your eyes when you see what's coming next. My lips are sealed until then, though I'm warning you, it's going to be foot-stomping sweet!
| |
| |
It was dark when I woke up this morning and I didn't realize it had already begun snowing during the night. We weren't expecting snow until later in the day. The girls and I had places to go and people to see, but maybe we'll just hang around the house now instead of driving around in dicey weather. Suits me fine though and besides, I've got some sewing I want to get back to. In the meantime, I need to catch up on a few things and I need to make SOUP!
My humble Crockpot works overtime this time of year because I make soup almost daily. Or actually, nightly. Pssst....here's a little secret I will share with you: I simmer the stock at night whilst I slumber. If you didn't already think I was a *nutty-buddy* before, this may confirm it, but I'm telling you-- it's a huge time saver! And very easy. The process usually begins after dinner. Whatever is left-over (and suitable) goes into the pot. Water is added and it simmers on low overnight. Come morning I strain it. Then, to the stock I add fresh vegetables, dried beans, legumes, or whatever is on hand. Sometimes there are variations to this, but that's the basic idea and by lunchtime, we've got a hearty, steaming bowl of soup to bolster us. Sometimes it's the main coarse for dinner with corn muffins or sandwiches when I'm really pressed for time or having a crazy day. And the best part is it's good for you. I swear by it for keeping colds and flu away. So go forth dear readers and make soup whilst you slumber.
Oh, and I'll be back with another quiche soon. I'm working on a new photo album for the A-Z recipes so they'll all be accessible in one spot for those who have asked for them.
| |
| |
