turkey feathers

Crewel Jewel

 

Sometimes the source of inspiration comes from unexpected places.  Like when I recently found this bundle of colorful wool yarn at a thrift shop; undoubtedly, remnants from someone's needlework projects.  And I might add, quite a find for a quarter.  Score!  Looking at it, I began to imagine all the possibilities.  But due to time constraints and other priorities, I had to set it aside.   Then, the following week, I wandered into another shop and behold--a set of old crewel-work patterns just waiting.  I tell ya, sometimes it's uncanny how these things happen.  I knew immediately how I would use the yarn.  The little bird design is the result of some finessing on my part, and will be included with the June bonus designs on the PatternBee website that go live on Monday.  The embroidery can actually be done with floss or wool.  (I used one strand of wool with a crewel embroidery needle for this--or use 3-4 strands of six-strand floss or more, if you are so inclined.  Pearl cotton will work beautifully as well.)  Click on the birdie to see it finished.  I goofed and printed this one in reverse though, so the bonus design will actually be facing the opposite direction.  It's stamped onto hemp cloth which is similar to linen in texture and feel, but much more substantial, I think.  I picked up this piece in a small shop out of town, but have also been experimenting with goods from Dharma Trading Company; really love this weight in particular for a variety of needlework projects, and it's also suitable for clothing.  $16+ py may seem pricey, but it's 59" wide.  One yard will go a long way.  (I'm thinking like: zakka smocks and aprons--yes, definitely aprons!) 

This has been such a busy week with lots of things happening, and people coming and going.  We had an impromptu dinner party for twelve on Thursday.  A little bit of a celebration.  The weather has been incredibly nice too, and with friends visiting from out-of-state, we took full advantage of it and felt a backyard BBQ was in order. Even had our very own live Celtic band.  It was perfect.

On the flip side of the property, day three of garden wall construction continued.  I'm actually headed outside to get my hands dirty.  Looks like a great day for it. 

Have a good weekend doing what you love!

Butterfly Garden

 

Our garden tour continues!  This isn't in my backyard, it's one of the features of Turtle Bay where we spent a little time Sunday, on a whirlwind sight-seeing tour.  The butterfly house is a netted misty enclosure you can walk through.  It's part of the Wings Of Summer exhibit that runs through September.  A few of the species we spied:  

 

"Julia"

 

"Monarch"

 

"Gulf Fritillary"

There's a chart on the site you can pull up as a PDF with more beauties.  I've been using it to identify some of the butterflies I'm seeing now in our own backyard.

Out in the frontyard; day two of the hardscape project.  So far, so good!

3 Daughters & A Dog

 We interrupt this garden tour for a bit of R & R.  Ahhh.  I'm feeling ever so much better after a little respite in the hot desert sun.  We just got back from visiting my brother and his family at their ranch home in northern California, AkA:  Frank's Spa and Grill.  The go-to house.  An oasis really.  He totally spoils us with his amazing BBQ and hospitality.  I don't think we ever stopped eating or laughing.  Wonderful times for sure.  But alas, I am home now and slowly stepping back into my life.  Still have some unpacking yet to do, a few orders to fill. (Thank you all for your patience.) 

Upcoming events;  later today, friends from afar will be stopping by, and tomorrow a BIG front yard landscape project begins.  I'm excited that we're finally getting back around to this.  Even though I'll be hiding in the house (with the cat) when it happens.  Especially when the tractor rumbles in.  Yikes.  I know it will all be good when the dust settles though.  Keeping my fingers crossed.  Will report back.

Pink & Blue

And...continuing our backyard garden tour...in another corner we find Iris in bloom!  I shared these beauties last spring.  They were gifts from a friend's garden. I love them so.  Definitely worth showing again. 

 

Pale pink Rhodie's share the plot and make a perfect backdrop.

 

I turned around and noticed the sky matched too!

Sticks & Stones

After a fantastic weekend of Mother's Day indulgences and perfect gardening weather, a lovely spring storm passed through yesterday and gave me a chance to rest up and recuperate.  Oh boy.  Did I need it.  Always, and without exception, the first few days getting re-acquainted with my yard after a long season of neglect, and the physical toiling required to whip it back into shape is sheer torture.  Along with whipping myself back into shape.  I think it rains weeds here in Oregon.  Yes, I'm convinced of that.  We maintain a lush organic environment and using harsh chemicals is not an option; the same weeds re-emerge  year after year without fail and need to be dealt with face to face.  A territorial battle ensues.  I put up a good fight, but the weeds always take-over.  Eventually, it pays off (for a season or two), but getting there requires honest-to-goodness back-breaking work.  And it just seems never-ending at times.

  

Hauling in over 700 lbs. of river rocks for borders didn't help my back situation either, but it brings us closer to creating smaller low maintenance solutions.  This little corner is shaping up nicely now.  You may recall, it started out like this.  I love the look of natural stone for borders and ground cover.  The trees that we had trimmed and chipped earlier in the year made a nice dressing to cover the soil inside the beds.  The deer no longer bother the azaleas, rhodies, or the 'Harlequin Glory Bower' (peanut butter tree).  But everything else that's tempting, has been sprayed with the *magic concoction* .  For those who have been asking about it again, you can download my DEER REPELLENT RECIPE and print it out for safe-keeping.

 

Last year, we added another section to the herb garden the length of our fenced-in veggie garden.  This is so much bigger than it looks here, at least it felt bigger when I was weeding it; it got the rock and chipped bark treatment as well.  I'm so tickled with how it all turned out.  I threw myself into a 2-hour salts bath after this project though.  And, I'm still hobbling...

 

Which is why I picked up some fresh new fabrics yesterday to tackle some tame inside sewing while my muscles knit themselves back together.  Besides, I can always use a few more gardening smocks.  It's actually quite possible that this may end up being my summer wardrobe at this point.  And I actually couldn't be happier about it.

BTW thank you all for the baby doll dress LOVE.  I'm already thinking about the next one, for big sister this time, who turns 5 this summer. 

And, on another note...if you're looking for a little vegan romance--get out your embroidery needle and floss and check out sweet surprises.   Those veggie heads are rocking.

Lovely in Lavender

I'm so happy and pleased to report back, that I finished the dress just in time for the birthday girl's party yesterday.  I was practically stitching up until the very last minute.  Many of you requested a peek at the finished babydoll dress; so here it is...almost done, pinned up and awaiting the hem.  (above)

Looking quite dainty with a tiny (removable) ribbon corsage.

 

Ahhh...finished, wrapped up, and ready to take a ride to Portland.

   

And a perfect fit!  More pix here.

*Happy Mother's Day* to all you Mom's out there too!

Puffed Sleeves & A Winner

 

We are making progress on the baby-doll dress, one loving stitch at a time.  I love puffed sleeves.  Whenever I make them though, I start thinking about Anne (of Green Gables), begging Marilla for a gown with puffed sleeves.  I believe at the turn of the century those enormous puffed sleeves were referred to as "mutton sleeves", because they looked like 'legs of mutton'.  You know, the hind quarter of a lamb.  (Ew!) Sorry, my sincere apologies.  But it is true. 

Anyway, these puff sleeves are tiny and sweet and not a smidgen of mutton anywhere in the vicinity.  I'm edging them with lavender bias binding to match the piping on the bodice.  I couldn't believe that I found a scrap left-over from another project that was just exactly the right length and color for this.  I so *LOVE* when that happens.  

OK.  Before I duck back into my sewing corner and pick up my needle and thread, I need to announce the winner of the Blanket Statement give-away:  The winner is Rebecca, who authors not one, but two blogs.  (I'm amazed how some people can do this when I can barely keep up with one.)  Her food blog, Kitchen Riches is amazing and has me drooling.  I'm definitely going to have to try her recipe for Cappuccino Chocolate Chip Bread.  (Congratulations Rebecca!  Please email your address and I'll get a signed copy of my book in the mail to you pronto.)

Thank you everyone else for stopping by, and for your very lovely comments.  I so enjoyed reading them and visiting your blogs too! 

 

And now, we return to the puff sleeves...

 

 

 

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! 

May Day Give-Away

 

Seems like ages since I popped in here.  I know some of you check everyday for an update and I really appreciate hearing that.  I seem to be in a quiet, productive phase right now.  Doing many things.  And all at once.  Or so it seems.  Was up past my bedtime last night working on the MAY Bonus designs, that I suddenly realized were promised on the website *today*.  eedgads. I'd completely spaced out on them.  Where did April go?  So, borrowing a little inspiration from my afternoon spent with a group of homeschoolers yesterday, out at Hesthaven, an Audubon Society outreach in the area, I bring to you a little more spring flora and fauna. And naturally--I had to throw in a cake for good measure, and to commemorate grand-baby Olivia turning ONE next week!  Hard to believe.  Hope you like, and find fun things to do with them.  I know you will.

After a week of so-so weather, another day has opened up to be nothing short of gorgeous.  Just the tonic we need.  I have so much to tackle today.  And I'm making slow and steady progress on my new book too.  I can't wait to show you.  In the meantime, to celebrate May Day: a give-away! I have a signed copy of Blanket Statement available right now.  The last one of the bunch.  (I'll order more soon though).  Leave a comment for a chance to win one for yourself, or to give as a gift if you already bought one (and thank you btw!)  I'll announce a winner sometime next week.  One more thing, and I always hate to say this, but due to postage and shipping issues, the give-away is limited to U.S. regions. 

UPDATE::  Comments are now closed.  Winner to be announced Wednesday, May 6th!