turkey feathers

Little Darlings

Taking time out for some fun stitching!

In My Work Basket

The purge continues! 

I've been going through these old issues of WorkBasket magazine that I've collected for a few years now.  The ones I have are dated between 1950-1957.  I understand the publication actually began in 1935, but I've yet to run across any of the really old ones.  If you don't know, these are mostly comprised of crochet and knitting patterns, some embroidery, a few recipes, gardening tips; "ideas for the bazaar, the home, gifts, sparetime money makers, all inexpensive--that find a ready sale."  Back in the day, 15c was actually worth something! 

And look how cute.  Here's an illustrated how-to for making handkerchief aprons; from Volume 17 Number 4, January 1952.  I've got to try this.

Pattern: Folded-Star Trivet

Now we're talking.

Finally, some fun stitching on my work table today!  (I needed a little reprieve from the storage room clean-out.)

This "radiant star" hot pad is an old pattern that has been passed around by quilters and stitchers for years; my pattern came in the form of  a hand-out from a quilt class in 1989.  Of course I saved it all these years, like a squirrel with a good nut.  It has since become one of my favorite rainy day projects.  However, my decades old pattern was getting a little rough around the edges, as these things do, so I decided to make a new and improved version.  And not just for myself, but for you too! 

The link for the PDF is below if you want to squirrel-away a pattern for yourself.  These make sweet presents, I like to keep a few on hand for the gift cupboard.

Basically, this is a fold-and-stack operation using three different sized circles.   At first glance it looks complicated, but actually very little sewing is involved. I only use a sewing machine to secure the layers around the edges with a zigzag stitch before sewing on the binding.  Yep. That's all there is to it.

You can use fabric scraps or color-coordinated Fat Quarters, but be sure and combine contrasting colors so the star stands out.  I've just used random pieces for these with homemade bias binding.  The minty green plaid is a buttery soft cotton flannel.  Awesome to work with.

What is it about polka dots that look so happy? 

Download STAR TRIVET PATTERN

 

Small Spaces Book Winner

Another cozy little nook from the book, Making the Most of Small Spaces.  It looks like someone has brought in kindling for the fire. That sounds lovely.  It's been so very cold here!  Today I am working on a little sewing project that I will share tomorrow, along with the pattern.  But first, I wanted to pop in to announce the winner of the book give-away.  So without further ado, congratulations to Laura!  (Check out her gorgeous applique quilt in progress.  It will make you happy!)

Small Spaces

Yesterday was a crock-pot day.  Actually, there were two crocks simmering side-by-side with homemade goodness.  One with a hearty beef stew.  The other filled with a rich vegetable bean soup, made rich with the addition of a tablespoon of butter.  (Here's a tip: When you make a vegetarian bean dish or soup--with dried beans, the addition of butter will make them so much more tender and flavorful.)  Well, the house smelled wonderful all day. By dinnertime all I had to do was heat French rolls, plate up some sharp raw cheese and fresh fruit.  A simple meal that was like a warm hug on a cold night.  The girls take over in the kitchen today.  I like this tag-team cooking schedule.  I like it a lot! 

I'm ever so s-l-o-w-l-y re-hauling a few rooms and unearthing "treasure" in the process.  Making space.  Starting fresh.  And parting with a few books; scanning a few pictures I want to remember.  Like these.  I love woodstoves. In our last house, we had one similar to this in an upstairs studio/family/bedroom. Oh, That Room!  It was an all-purpose mega-space that seemed even larger with its high open beam ceilings and enormous windows.  The big black 'Pioneer Box' sat front and slightly off-center in the middle of the room radiating heat in every direction all winter long.  I loved it.  I also love the push-button central heating in our current house; no more hauling wood over a rickety slippery upstairs deck! 

These photos are taken from a book called, Making The Most of Small Spaces.  It's an awesome little book with home improvement ideas and creative storage solutions that draw insiration from seaside huts, cozy cottages and other challenging spaces.  And I'm giving it away!  Leave a comment on this post to throw your name in the hat if you are interested.  Please know that I truly regret I cannot ship freebies overseas and abroad due to the high cost of postage.  But I can share a few more photos. . .

Now back to the book shelf for more hidden treasure....

UPDATED 1-16:  Thank you all for your comments, a winner has been chosen! 

Inspiration Blooms

Come these gray January days, I am on the look-out for fresh inspiration, and I didn't have far to look because I found it on the first page of Mollie Makes 2013 calendar; a free gift with the December issue of the magazine.  (Thank You!)  As soon as I opened it my heart skipped a beat.  I've been an admirer of Selina Lake's books and style sense for ages, particularly the beautiful colors and details of her work.  I find Selina's blog a happy place to wander and gather ideas to "feather the nest". 

And while I'm on the subject of what's in store on the other side of the pond, I just discovered Dotty Brown for oilcloth and vintage fabrics and household wares. (Now I ask you, is there anything on four wheels more charming than this?)   

Also on my desk today, a planner from Orange Circle Studio, which is filled with whimsical adorable art from Cori Dantini, who also has a blog and etsy shop: corid.  This is almost too adorable to write in.  I love it.  OK.  I think I've got all I need to stay organized and inspired as I begin anew.  How about you?   

New Things

Hello Dear Friends...

2013 arrived right on schedule and here we are standing at the threshhold of a new year, with all the possibilities and creative pursuits before us, like a fresh bolt of cloth, ready to be unfurled and fashioned into something amazing.  I've been thinking and dreaming and making lists, and already have a few sewing projects in mind.  Mostly little things.  And new things made from old things.  I'll explain later...after I get rolling. 

In the meantime, inspiration abounds!

My expanding list of wonderful things to revisit:: 

Night Owl Paper Goods (adorable stuff)

FOLKSY (modern British craft)

ShopLocket (most brilliant new product!)

The Frosty Quilt ( so lovely, by Aneela Hoey)

BLEND Fabrics  and  Walnut Hill Farm (designed by Charlotte Lyons)

Wool Felt Central   (for every color under the sun)

Cluck Cluck Sew (wonderful tutorials for home and craft sewing)

GreenGate Denmark (winter catalog 2012/13 and blog )  Note:  Viewer discretion advised, none of these items can be purchased in the U.S.  Read it and weep or just be inspired for what it's worth.  And on that very sad note, the clock is ticking . . . and I need to get busy!