turkey feathers

November Flash

November is off to a busy start!  I'm going in all directions.  Happily so.  But at times, I feel like I can't catch my breath.  I'm reminded of the words spoken by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."  That just about sums it up I guess.  It's that enthusiasm that keeps me up and running and spinning in dizzy circles.  Three cheers for enthusiasm!  Hip hip hurray!  Enthusiasm is key.

And speaking of enthusiasm . . this week, I received a wonderful HUGE box of vintage embroidery patterns.  They were generously donated to the PatternBee archive and online vintage embroidery shop, by a sweet and generous lady from Arizona who just wanted to make sure they got a good home.  And did they ever!  They are all right at home on my desk, in that little room at the back of my house we call 'PatternBee Headquarters'.

I'm taking my time and carefully sorting through all these amazing works of art.  Some are so brittle from age that I'm afraid to open them.  Like really, really old Walker's, before they were Walker's dating them at least 75 years old!  Found some other gems too that I hadn't seen before.  The plan is to repair and reprint some of these after the holidays. 

Actually, I haven't been adding as many new patterns to the site these past months because of all the other projects I've taken on.  But I still try and do at least one "new" pattern each month.  This month, it was Peasant Folk Dancers.

Just look how cute they are!  Kicking up their heels and all.  I can almost hear the lively fiddles and the old kitchen spoons clicking and clacking keeping time. 

Moving into the kitchen . . . I promised to share the recipe for the gingerbread cookies in the last post and here it is.  I'm not surprised.

The girls often make treats from this special cookie edition of Everyday Food and it's where they found the gingerbread cookie recipe they like the best.   This is a few years old now, but they return to it again and again.  You know a recipe book is good when it's dog-eared and spattered with ingredients, right? 

Well, that's what we've got here folks.  A well-worn, tried and true, family favorite.  I hope you can read it to copy down if you need to.  If you click on it, you might be able to print it out.  They made the icing with powdered sugar thinned with water and a few drops of Watkins natural food coloring. 

Enjoy!

Setting the Stage

The sun came out this morning!  Only for a few moments, but it was heavenly while it lasted.  This redbud, 'forest pansy' is still putting on a show.  It's been raining on and off for over a week now, and although I don't mind the Oregon rain, I am disappointed with the timing, as it brings down all the lovely autumn tree color with it.  Fall is short enough as it is.  A few more dry golden days would be awesome. 

As a consolation, we do have some colorful gingerbread cookies though.  And that's something right?

There's sure been a lot going on here baking, crafting and sewing-wise.  I've been helping Grace get ready for the next doll show (coming up November 10th), and have been busy building a display for her dollhouse bakery goods. 

Here she was at her very first doll show earlier this month.  Participating was sort of a last minute decision and this display was cobbled together with boxes.  It did the job, but wasn't as sturdy as she would've liked.  Since the items are so very tiny, she also needed something BIG to display them to their full advantage.  We brain-stormed a bit and came up with a design similar to this. 

So, starting last week, without a moment to waste, I got out the glue and got going.  

Here's what I've managed to build so far.  Please, don't look too close!  I had no blueprint or pattern to follow, just sort of made it up as I went along. 

This display, made entirely from core-board, can be used for a variety of things.  It's light-weight and portable and comes apart in two pieces; and it's super easy to take down and set up.  I put "hair-net" Barbie up there to show the scale, but I think Grace is planning a Christmas setting with smaller dolls (1:12 scale) around a table or something like this.  How adorable is that? 

This display piece will do for now.  At this point, I think the upper level is ready for some cute decorating.  Oh, this should be fun! 

Fall Folk Towel

More fun fall stitching!  This pattern is new to the website this month:  Finnish Folk #8012 

This old Finnish embroidery pattern was gleaned from a 1960's Woman's Day magazine.  There are six motifs in all, featuring country folk sharing chores on the farm.  I found this motif especially charming. 

 I think it was probably intended to represent spring, but with bright autumn colors it works well for fall too. 

This plain olive-green dish towel made a lovely background!  I wish I could find more soft cotton dish towels like this.  They came in a set of different colors. 

The border is optional.  I like it!

Autumn Stitching

So far this week, the weather here has been amazing!  For awhile there, I thought maybe autumn would escape us, with all the rain, wind, fog and frost.  But, it looks like we may have some more good days ahead.  I took the opportunity to get some fresh pictures of my Field & Forest quilt in progress while the light was good. I've started on the feather-stitched borders around the embroidered blocks.  It's coming along nicely.  There's something meditative about the rhythmic repetition of feather-stitching that I find rather relaxing.

The contrasting colors are so pretty too.  I rarely work with orange, gold and green for some reason.  They're not usually my first choices.  I need to break from routine more often.  Oh how I love these combinations.

As I mentioned previously, Grace and I participated in our first doll show and I am happy to report that it went well!  We really didn't know what to expect and were pleasantly surprised.  Earlier that morning, still half-awake and sipping coffee as we rambled up the old highway through a dark pre-dawn fog, we looked at each other.  I said, "Are we really doing this?"  She laughed and said, "Yes!  I think we are!" 

Somehow we got ourselves there and set up our tables.  It was actually more fun that I thought it would be.  The best part of course, is meeting so many lovely people who share your enthusiasm and passion for all things cute.  Which is why we've decided to do another show next month!

To get ready, I'm sewing new outfits for Grace's Barbie table models for her 1:6 scale dollhouse wares.  I don't mind sewing the tiny clothes, but trying to work around and manage all the hair these dolls have is a challenge.  It's everywhere. 

Before I knew it I'd made a hairnet!  It did the trick.

The thing is actually pretty cute and compliments her new bakery uniform quite nicely! 

Peek-A-Boo!

New in my etsy shop--one bundle of autumn sachet peeps!

Thanks for the quilt love.  A random pieced scrap quilt is often full of surprises, so glad it turned out nice.  I may do a little more embroidery on it before I add the backing.  While I'm thinking on that, I'm getting stuff ready for a local doll show coming up this weekend.  Trying not to procrastinate until the very last moment.  Like I usually do! 

Field & Forest Quilt Update

 

Quilt top is done!  Somehow, miraculously, all my little bits and bobs, odds and ends, and jellyroll scraps came together to make a vibrant autumn-themed patchwork. 

Greeting Autumn

Hello October!  The weather here has turned much cooler with gray skies and scattered sprinkles.  The perfect backdrop for the emerging autumnal show--which is just starting in my front yard.  It's all so exciting!

Maybe I have already shared about our redbud tree (Cercis Canadensis), also known as 'Forest Pansy' in past blog posts, but it really bears mentioning again (and again!), because it's such a gorgeous thing of beauty. 

If you are ever looking for a fast-growing landscape tree for zones 5-9, this is it (in my opinion), not only because of its lovely shape and manageable size, but mostly because of the dramatic colors it produces. 

During spring and summer the leaves are dark purple, which creates a nice contrast amongst the green foliage that surrounds it, making it a stand out feature in our front yard.  In the fall it puts on quite a show as the pretty heart-shaped leaves come alive with splashes of green, orange, deep pink, yellow, gold and red. 

Not only is this tree beautiful, it's hardy.  Because, unlike both my beloved Glory Bowers ("peanut butter" trees) that just up and died after the severe frost events three years ago (I know--so sad), this tree not only survived that frost--but much worse early on, which makes me love and appreciate it even more. 

Shortly after planting it, some eight or nine years ago, when it was putting down roots and spreading it's lovely vertical branches, a wild west-wind blew in and literally tore it from limb to limb, splitting it right down the middle!  

It looked pretty pathetic with its one side stripped off, its perfect symmetrical shape ruined.  Being that it was to be the feature and focus of the front yard landscape, we were in a bit of a quandary over what to do about it; replace or repair?  After staring at it for a few days, we decided to take the wait and see approach, did what we could to support the remaining branches and gave it another year to see what it was going to do before making a final decision about it.  

To our amazement and delight, it recovered rather quickly and within a few years had grown into a fine looking tree.

Today I'm looking at this tree, admiring its astounding colors, its cute heart-shaped leaves and its hardy constitution, so happy that we made the right decision to give it another chance.   

Fawn Memories

Here's a sweet cotton print from the Studio Christmas collection by Michael Miller Fabrics 2018.  Fawns, bunnies, butterflies, mistletoe berries and spotty mushrooms.  What's not to love? 

Piece by Piece

It's been a busy month so far!  But in between gasps for air, I'm still making steady progress on my Fields and Forests quilt.  Because this is a willy-nilly kind of quilt, mostly randomly pieced in a spontaneous manner, there have naturally been times when nothing seemed to work.  Reminding me that there are many things to appreciate about well-planned quilts. 

So when color choices weren't harmonizing or pieces weren't lining up exactly right, and my idle staring didn't solve the problems, I just walked away and didn't worry about it at all.  I've learned that time away from any project can provide fresh perspective.  It breaks that old, "can't see the forest for the trees" syndrome when you lose direction.  Or patience. 

I've had to walk away from this project a few times already.  But each time, when I come back to it, things just fall into place and everything hums right along. 

Dainty House Anniversary Sale

Following right on the heels of Jelly Roll Day, we are gathering together with jelly rolls of a different kind, along with dolly donuts, teensy cakes and big hugs in celebration of the very first anniversary of The Dainty House Dollhouse Miniatures! 

It's hard to believe it has been a year already since Grace opened her own Etsy shop.  I went up to her work studio this morning and found her happily crafting some darling little things for the fall season and upcoming holidays.  Even though her art is on a miniature scale, I can tell you that lots of heart, and attention to detail, goes into everything she makes. 

Grace is so very thankful for all the support she has received this past year and in appreciation, is offering a 10% off sale starting today thru Sunday.  There's a link to the shop in the right sidebar or just click HERE to see all the cute things she has in store.  She would be most grateful if you could "Follow and Like" and tell a friend!

Currently, we are both trying to get organized and ready for our first doll show next month.  The original dollhouse bakery (click image for enlarged view) is being spruced up and restocked with lots of cute doll-sized delectables and will be going with us and put on display.  I'll be bringing a few of handmade showbox dolls along too. 

My goodness, we have so much to do! 

Jelly Roll Day

Since I've been on the subject of fave fabrics and strip-quilt stitching lately, I think Jelly Roll Day deserves a mention.  Not exactly sure when this became a thing, I only just found out about it--and well, it sounds like fun! 

Here's the skinny (copied from the Fat Quarter Shop newsletter from Kimberly): 

"Did you know National Sew a Jelly Roll Day is THIS Saturday? We're celebrating early with a special five day sale on select Jelly Rolls, design rolls, and 2.5" strips! Get up to 40% off your favorite precut from now until Sunday at midnight CST!

What is Sew a Jelly Roll Day? This wonderful quilting holiday was established by Moda Fabrics on the third Saturday of every September to encourage quilters of EVERY skill level to try making something beautiful from their favorite precuts.

So grab your rolls and get sewing! Join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest on Saturday, September 15th, and share your creations to inspire your friends, and wow your loved ones!

To get ready for Sew a Jelly Roll Day on September 15th, you need a project! Try one of our wonderful Jelly Roll patterns and get 25% off! Don't delay, this offer ends Sunday!

Do you have a pristine Jelly Roll that you just can't bring yourself to take apart? Show us your perfect, most favorite roll on Instagram with #cantcutthis and be entered to win one of two $100 gift certificates!

We can't leave out our FREE Jelly Roll Shortcut Quilt Patterns! Check out some of our favorite Jelly Roll quilt tutorials on YouTube for 14 easy-to-make projects that you'll adore!

Let's get sewing!"

 

All I have to say to that is, Hurray, Hurray for Jelly Roll Day!

 

Hank & Clementine

Loving this colorful fun print by Susan Emory, from Michael Miller Fabrics.  There may have been a dozen or so prints and plaids in the collection, including an adorable patchwork 'Hank Quilt' pattern, released January 2018. 

Meet Hank.

And his cohort Clementine.

 

With a dainty print to match. 

But I think this bold print is the star of the collection.

Fabric Finds

Fabric Finds is a new category I just added to the blog.  This is where I plan to organize fabrics I love and want to remember.  That may sound a bit weird, but trust me when I tell you that I have reached that, "out of sight, out of mind" stage in life!  

Besides being a friendly platform to introduce myself and my products, this blog has always been in part, for me, a virtual craft diary.  I never have and still don't collect compensation for my content, and I'm not suggesting anything is wrong with that, but for transparency sake, I want you to know that I am just sharing the things I like and not endorsing or promoting anything in particular (other than my own stuff).  If I ever decide to do so, I will let you know that too.

So, anywho . . .let's get on with the shoo. . .

Here's a new fabric collection that just makes me happy!  It's called, "A Walk in the Woods", designed by Whistler Studios for Windham Fabrics, and it's 100% cotton, something else to love about it.  Just look how adorable it is.  This print comes in two colorways.

Here's the blue version.  I love them both. 

The companion fabrics are just as sweet. 

I'm always mad for plaid, and this one is such a nice shade of green. I imagine it could be used for many things. 

There are other prints and colors as well, including mushrooms!  I haven't actually purchased anything yet.  Still window shopping.  I'm not going to add links, it's easy to find online through various fabric outlets.  Besides it's more fun to visit and support your local quilt shops, if you are lucky to enough to have them--and want to keep them in business. 

 

 

September Salutations

 

I'm loving the artwork on this calendar with each turn of the page!  If the months of the year were assigned a color, I would definitely choose red for September.  With baskets of red apples, burnished autumn leaves and brilliant Oriental Poppies, it just seems right somehow. 

My daughters did all the planting and tending the garden again this year.  Grace manages the edibles and Ginger fills the hanging baskets and flower beds.  They make a good team.  The dynamic duo. 

These lovely small Zinnia's tend to bloom in late August/early September (here in Zone 8), signaling that summer is drawing to a close.  And right on schedule, I do sense that familiar fall nip in the air.  Sigh.

Even the bumblebees are slowing down and sleeping on the job.  What a great place for a nap!

I've been visiting the garden a little more frequently, not quite ready to say goodbye to all this yummy goodness. And speaking of yummy goodness...it's about time we harvest this basil.  And make pesto to freeze for the winter.

There's a certain way I like to do this to preserve as much goodness as I can for as long as possible and in 2005, I wrote a little bit about my process on the blog here and here.  That was over ten years ago.  (Ahem).  

However, since then, I've had to make modifications to my diet and to my recipe as I am trying to cut way down on fats and oils.  Anyone who has tried to do this knows the challenge of finding tasty workable substitutions.

How in the world do you make pesto without olive oil? I wondered.   

Well.  I looked around and discovered "elephant garlic".  It (very conveniently) arrives on the scene this time of year, and works rather well for this purpose.  I do like to add a few regular garlic cloves for flavor though, as it is not a true "garlic" and is rather mild, being in the leek family.  But after it's baked, it becomes the consistency of butter and can be used in a variety of ways in place of butter.  Or olive oil in this case.

To prepare, separate the sections leaving the skin on.  Cut off the tip of each clove--this makes the contents easier to remove later.  Put the garlic and leek cloves in a small baking dish lined with parchment paper, add a tablespoon or so of water; cover and bake for about 45 minutes to an hour at 325 degrees.  I use my toaster oven for this and set the timer.  Then, I get ready for my kitchen to smell wonderful! 

Always allow everything to cool completely before handling.  Sometimes I bake the garlic a day or so ahead of time and store it in the fridge until I'm ready for it.  This makes for one less step on pesto-making day.  Use a garlic press or fork to remove the skins.  Add the roasted garlic directly into the food processor bowl with all the other ingredients (basil, lemon juice, pine nuts, sea salt) and blend everything together at the same time, until well combined into a pesto-sauce consistency.  I'm sorry I don't have exact measurements for this, but the oil to (roasted) elephant garlic ratio is about 1T. oil equal to 2T. roasted e.g.  Start there and just add more if needed.  One large head of elephant garlic will yield about 3-4 T. after baking.  More or less depending on its size.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far.  Wishing you all a Happy Labor Day from my kitchen!  

 

Stitching up a Storm

 

Making a bit more progress on my Field & Forest quilt.  I haven't had a lot of time to work on this and have just been passing through the studio and stitching up one or two blocks at a sitting.  Sometimes when waiting for the tea kettle to boil.  Sometimes to recover from mopping the floor.  Then a soft chair is an oasis and my quilt project a happy little respite. 

I am also finding it immensely satisfying to be able to use up a bunch of scraps, odds and ends and left-over jelly-roll strips.  The colors seem to go together in a weird sort of way.  The green ties everything together, I think.  Once I removed the blue blocks the colors worked better.  Funny, because it started out as a summer themed quilt (with the cool blues and greens), but then, was transformed into "fall".  I will have to do something else with the blue blocks now.  

These seams are just begging for some feather-stitching and fancy embellishment though, don't ya think? 

  

Remembering Tasha

It's Tasha Tudor Day! 

I still like to remember dear Tasha and the spirit in which she lived her life, and today is her birthday.   She resided in the New England area, from her birth on August 28, 1915 in Boston, Massachusetts to her passing in Marlboro, Vermont on June 18, 2008 nearing the age of 93.  She was an American illustrator and author of nearly a hundred children's books; who was highly creative and quite imaginative and who lived a thoroughly authentic and eccentric life. 

If you are not familiar with this amazing woman, there's the Tasha Tudor Society that carries on her memory with events and chapters to join, as well as her family's charming tribute website and shop found HERE with a little bit of everything that Tasha found charming.  I wrote this blog post at her passing and shared some more pictures and my thoughts at the time. 

Raising a cup of tea in honor of Tasha today.  Cheers!

  

 

August Gift

Today is the day you arrived in this world!  Always cherished, always loved.  A bright, beautiful little flower; the first of a colorful bouquet.

Still Stitching

Here's an update on my Field & Forest lap quilt.  I'm still experimenting with the colors and layout.  A few of the blocks are already sewn together, with other "floating sections" laid out on my design wall, which I am still using and absolutely LOVE.  (Some of you may remember this project, introduced way back HERE in 2006!) 

Anyway, the design wall is great for small projects like this.  I may rearrange everything a few more times before I'm done. I've got another stack of embroidered squares to be trimmed and sewn into blocks waiting in the wings.  Hope to get to those later today.  It's cooled down quite a bit here with clouds and everything--a good day for stitching!

 

Let It Shine

August has arrived! Summer is in full swing around here.

With all the smoke and fire and heat here in the west, cool hues and shades of green gleaned from our travels (and from our rambles through the backyard) are welcome and appealing to me just now--bringing a bit of calm as well as inspiration into my stitching projects today.  So far though, this is the only sighting of the elusive blue butterfly I've seen.  Keeping watch . . . 

 

Summer Stitching

In between a flurry of travel and other summer activities, I'm contentedly stitching these small embroidered blocks with the Field & Forest pattern set (I introduced here).  It's been great digging into my stash of fabric scraps again in the spirit of 'Use What You Have, since I don't really have a grand plan for this project. 

In fact, it's all very random at this point.  But while I'm concentrating on keeping my chain-stitches evenly spaced, and trying not to stab my finger with the needle, I am envisioning a colorful quilt, a sort of lap throw, of embroidered blocks connected by strip-borders constructed Log Cabin style.  Well, more or less.  Keeping in mind, that none of my blocks are the same size and they are not square.  The result being more abstract than the traditional quilt block.  Also my fabric strips are a bit random, as I'm just pulling "left-overs" together. 

So, no telling what's going to happen here.  We shall have to wait and see where this leads.  It could be wonderful. It might be tragic.  But I guess that's what makes this little experiment so exciting!

 

 

 

Field & Forest

Every summer, mother nature provides us with an ever-changing meadow nearby. It's always a surprise.  Last year it was mostly field daisies.  Before that, teasel and tall grass. This year it's dandelions mingled with Queen Ann's Lace.  To some; only weeds.  But others see wildflowers!  Certainly miracles.  Rain or shine it takes care of itself.  Gentle breezes make it dance.  Bees and butterflies come and go.  Ladybugs lurk.   Nothing more is needed.  It's free for the taking: a little calm within a chaotic world.  A gift.

It's always interesting to see what 'volunteers' arrive each summer.  Mostly from seeds carried on the wind or dropped by birds and other small critters that have made homes in here. 

My lavender and lilies share a stage together, harmonious counterpoints, though their performance is brief. 

At the height of the season, and even beyond it as bright colors fade into muted mossy tones, I take joy in every blossom, seed and leaf.  It's always a little sad when the show is over.  However, I can still preserve a few snippets for remembrance with needle and thread. 

 

 

And, best of all, I can share it with you!  I've made a revised version of a vintage pattern I call, Perennial Garden Quilt #7300.  The original (above) has twenty-four 8" x 8" block motifs connected with lattice strips.  It's a striking quilt on it's own with lots of pattern and variety, and a wonderful companion if you are looking for a big lap-stitching project to while away the hours. 

However, I wanted to make a smaller quilt, like a lap throw, with smaller 5" blocks, so basically I pulled out and resized some of the motifs for this purpose.  Just over forty little snippets in all.  Plenty enough variety for my purposes and plenty to share as a "new" pattern:  Field & Forest  #6589. 

So, that done, I started my project with the dragonfly motif.  These harmless critters come in an array of amazing colors; reds, gold, orange, purple, as well as blues and greens--so anything goes.  Not wanting to get overly technical, colors are just randomly placed.  I'm using a pale silver for the wings which is quite nice.  A plain linen background really makes the colors pop.  I will also be combining blocks with bold background colors too.

 

Yes, I know...my stitching is a bit loose and messy, but that's the effect I'm going for, so no worries.  I'm using the long-and-short stitch and a bit of satin stitching for fills.  A jittery running stitch gives the illusion of movement, or vibration in this case.  Still have a ways to go on this one, and then I'm going to do ladybugs next. 

If you are interested in following along, I'll be posting my progress here on the blog and on my Instagram--when I remember!  

Oh! And PatternBee is back online...happy summer stitching everyone!  

 

Happy Go Lucky

After hiking a bit up a dusty narrow path, winding through pines and forest fauna, we find a respite!  Oh, land of enchantment.  This scene reminds me of when I was a child, and summer seemed to go on forever.  My generation didn't have access to computers, gadgets, or high-tech games.  The great outdoors was our play station.  Sometimes we got bored, but never for long because our imagination would lead us into wonderful make-believe adventures.  

One time, we "built a train" and rode into the land of enchantment.  Nobody remarked that our train was only a row of mismatched kitchen chairs sitting in a weedy patch of side-yard.  Someone rang a bell and we all jumped aboard, chugging over mountains and across valleys, bell ringing (to warn off any cows that might be straggling along the tracks), until we reached our destination.  Once there, we splashed into the pool, which we pretended was the ocean or a secret lake.  Later, we might stretch out on the sidewalk to warm ourselves or lie in the grass and watch clouds drift overhead.  

Drifting is good sometimes.  

Although this time away seemed aimless, it has renewed me somehow.  

July Break

Considering how I was just introducing new chicken tea towels in my last post, with links for patterns, my timing for putting PatternBee (and my other web shops) on vacation mode probably seems a bit abrupt!  But actually, business in general this month has been very slow, so we are looking at this as an opportunity to get caught up on some house projects.  Jam making season is here as well and I want to take my time and enjoy these simple pleasures while they last.  All orders that came in over the weekend will be printed and shipped ASAP though, so not to worry.  I'm on it.  After that, I plan to be quite busy in the kitchen.  Or up here cooling off.  I'll be posting now and then to keep in touch! 

Summertime has arrived . . . .

 

 

BAKE!

(Lovely cakes courtesy of my daughters, from 2007)

One of my favorite shows to watch sometimes, as I sit and stitch...is The Great British Baking Show although, I don't think its in production anymore.  It's a bit confusing, because what's currently being billed as Season 5, is actually Season 3 (from 2012), and has never been shown in the U.S.  In fact, this show is prior to any of the seasons American audiences watched (on PBS); the first show aired in 2013.  So even though Mary Berry and the ladies have moved on, they will be presented as if nothing has changed.  Like watching a rerun, that never ran.  Makes perfect sense.

Anyway, the charming hosts of the show Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins often shouted, "BAKE!!" at the start of each contest, and that memory sort of inspired a little re-design of an old tea towel pattern and some fun needlework. 

This 1960's tea towel design, from Tri-Chem, with its heavy block style lettering, was originally designed to be painted over with liquid embroidery, which back in the day was a new product introduced as a time-saving technique for the busy working woman.  My Mom, being a busy working woman, had eagerly purchased the ball-point tubes of paint for us to try (I was about 12 then), but discovered the medium was messy and difficult to control.  As a result, we ended up with some very interesting dust cloths!  However, I'm told the current liquid embroidery paint tubes work much better.  So if you prefer coloring to stitching then here's something for you too.

But as I prefer to stitch these, and others may as well, I took liberties and made a few slight modifications to the graphics choosing a friendlier font (for needlework), and a different layout. If you love Lazy-Daisy, I've also added optional daisy borders, to carry out the theme.  They can be stamped lengthwise alongside the chicken (like the original lettering) or used as a border underneath her. 

But wait!  There's more!  I also created BAKE! as a theme towel.  It's not shown on the envelope cover (above), but it will be included in the pattern as a sort of Surprise Bonus.  Only my blog readers will know the what, where, when, how and why.

Here's the BAKE! towel, stamped and ready to go. 

Already a work in progress!  This was stamped onto a fresh flour sack dish towel, but I think it would be darling on an apron bib or baking smock.  It measures about 8" x 7" (without the weekday).

These old patterns usually had numbers and rarely had names (with the exception of Aunt Martha's).  But this one had neither that I could find, so I've given it both and added it to the PatternBee website as Spring Chicken #4472.  In the event you are reading this years from now and the link no longer works, you may find it under the Kitchen Towel category, under 'Feathered Friends'.   

I'll post a picture of my finished towel HERE.

 

    

Peek-A-Boo

Something new.

After that brief revelry, we call Independence Day, with all its concentrated sparkle and glory, and with it falling smack dab in the middle of the week, things are all at once quiet on the home front again.  Though somewhat briefly, pending a lovely visit from my darling granddaughters later this afternoon.  Who knows what sorts of mischief we will get up to.  In the meantime, my attention has returned to a little creative stitching with another doll.    

Happy 4th!

Revisiting: My recipe for fun.

Be Free

Goodness.  It seems that, only a few posts back I was introducing June.  It really went by fast in a flurry of activity.  So happy to be settling into the summer season. 

Good Day Sunshine

Just because. 

African Violets

 

It's been a long wait. So happy to find these have bloomed at long last.

Strawberry Jam Season

It's that time again...yum! 

Playing Hooky

The predicted thunderstorm never arrived, but the hot weather did.  Off we went to our hidden oasis.  Getting back to work now . . . but with this image still lingering in my mind.  Must try and stay focused.

Just For Fun

This is what happens sometimes when I wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep.  By morning, I have all the details worked out and I hit the floor running.  Such a lovely morning it was too.  I spent a ridiculous amount of time designing, cutting, and stitching.  And before the day was through, Sweet Pea had arrived.  Weighing barely a whisper and just 5" long.  I *love* her.  Doesn't she look peaceful?  Oh, those baby days were such precious times. 

Yawn . . . 

Now I need a nap. 

Thank you for stopping by.  I appreciate your visit!

 

Colors of the Spirit

The daybreak sound of June wakes me in the morning with her birdsong and gentle breeze, as it drifts through open windows.  Golden shards of sunshine through gauzy curtains make her arrival more welcome still.  It's a special month.  The halfway point in the year.  We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries (our 37th!) and Father's Day.  For the turkeyfeathers blog, June marks a 13-year blogaversary as well.  Gosh, that went fast!  Or so it seems now, as I look back.  Remembering the first blog post--making strawberry jam, accompanied by my two youngest (homeschooled) daughters who were about 13 and 8 at the time.  "The Blog" became our special little project.  We couldn't have guessed then, all the paths it would take us down.  The amazing things we would discover, the kindred spirits we would find and the dear blog pals we would make.  Or that dollhouse cakes and donuts would become a thing and lead to a crafty swap club and etsy. 

It seems that, when like-minded creative peeps get together--anything is possible. 

I was thinking about this today after visiting the Albany Carousel, which had it's grand opening in August last year. This was a 15-year community project that started with absolutely nothing but a dream.  A desire to bring love and light and charm to a time-worn downtown area by the residents who lived here and who followed the call of their "inner child" to make it happen.  I was told, that there really wasn't a grand plan--no budget whatsoever.  But whenever there was a need, someone from the community would step forward and fill it.  Faith in goodness itself.   "If you build it, they will come." 

Here is the fruition of that dream, housed inside this new beautiful building that replaced a dilapidated warehouse on the edge of town. 

We first heard about this project back in April of 2006, through a friend who lived in the area.  Nancy, being an artist herself, was quite excited about it and took us around to meet the folks in one of the downtown storefronts where the vision of their dream (dubbed the 'Brass Ring Carousel' at the time), was displayed with historical models and early turn-of-the-century artifacts to drum up interest and funding.  Later, we stepped into the original workshop (this was to change locations many times throughout the years), where the animals were carved and painted by local volunteers.  

2006:  Ginger was given permission to test out the saddle on this dog mount.  (We were pleased to see it today, completed and in action on the carousel.)

Each animal is personal and has a story behind it.  In fact, the entire project is an incredible story--all fueled by a shared desire to bring the dream alive.

There are still a few dozen or so animals being constructed in the current workshop, which is now in the basement of the new building.  Free tours are given by volunteers.  We learned a lot!

I was particularly smitten with this little horse--still a work in progress and bearing my name!

Peter Daulton made a fantastic PBS documentary about the Albany Carousel called RIDE.  You can request it from your own PBS/OPB station if you want to learn more about it and be inspired.

And if you're in the area, buy a token or two (for your inner child), climb aboard and share in this real-life dream come true. 

 

Tea Time for Cottontail

Love this!  Back in April, Grace was out in the backyard setting up a display of her miniature dollhouse food (to photograph for her blog) and had a curious visitor drop in.  Pretty much the spitting image of Peter Rabbit with all the bravado.  Going places he shouldn't.  All that was missing was the blue jacket with the brass buttons...but then, we know what happened to those.  Click on the image to see lots of eye candy and more of the story.    

Peony Epiphany

We were having breakfast and relishing the glorious warm morning sunshine, so rare this time of year, and watching the wildlife come and go, when the peonies started waving.  I may have even heard singing.  That one precious pristine corner of the garden put on quite a show.  I hurried over and nearly cried for joy.

I really can't remember lovelier weather in May here in the pacific northwest.  Normally, late spring is a mixed bag with an ever-changing sky from dismal and cloudy, to mildly misty with blinding bursts of sunshine often followed by dramatic drenching downpours--leaving any fresh blooms (the peonies in particular), sprawling all over the ground.  So this was a pleasant surprise.

My cup runneth over. 

Let the Celebration Begin!

Wishing everybody a Happy Memorial Day weekend! xx

FIRST!

The Mister and I were having our breakfast this morning when we noticed that the very first peony and Iris flowers had bloomed!    

Such excitement, I tell ya. 

Even Toby, our friendly neighborhood cat, dropped in for a look-see.  He visits daily, patrolling the yard for any riff-raff.  Nothing escapes his watchful eye.  Those mice better watch out.

But for now, it looks like he's only interested in the mint bed and all its fascinating smells.

I'm still crushing on these.  They look like they are going to POP any moment.

The darker pinks aren't far behind.  I can't wait!  It's a short show, but so worth the wait. 

I'm heading into my "workshop" now to stitch up some fun.  I think I might have all the inspiration I need for my next project. 

New Blog on the Block

 
         My Mother's Day Bouquet!  Hope everyone had a nice day.

 This is just a quick announcement.  I have a NEW sister-blog:  MeadowSweet WorkShop   (Follow the link for the scoop).  Don't forget to share, subscribe and bookmark for future reference. 

My MeadowSweet Workshop

Hey!  It's May! 

"In a gentle way, you can shake the world".

I am so loving this calendar. I just wish the days weren't skipping by so quickly.  Before I know it, it's time to flip another page.  And a lovely page it is too.  April showers bring May flowers and we are starting to see a lot of them around here.  Mostly we have bright pink azaleas, purple hyacinth and tree peonies stealing the show now.  So pretty to see--under yet another dark, prevailing gloomy sky.  But no matter.  These little bright spots make up for it.   

Speaking of bright spots---I've been working on some more dolls and showboxes and even made a "movie" to introduce my Etsy shop!  It's a peek into my workshop and the inspiration behind my creations.  It's also a feature on my Etsy about page. 

Enjoy! 

 

Just Warming Up

Kinda grumpy looking isn't she?  LOL... 

I walked out to the garden yesterday to check on the progress of the snow peas, and beheld this gorgeous thing.  Swiss Chard that survived throughout the winter.  With little else to rival it's glorious colors, it's an eye-catcher for sure.   

And just look what we have over here.  After three+ weeks, the snow peas are finally making their debut.  Still keeping my fingers crossed.  Jack Frost may still be lurking.  He's been known to do that, as late as June (here in the northwest).

In the meantime, while I wait on the weather and the spring bloom, tulips are next in line, I'm reveling in bright spots of color wherever I can find them, outdoors and in.  Inside, with 'Spring Cleaning' underway I'm finding all kinds of eye-popping stuff!  Here are two examples (just added to my shop).  I need to find my sunglasses.

 

April Showers

 

 April has arrived . . . time to flip another page on the calendar. 

The deer are back!  There were three yesterday; they wasted no time getting back into the routine of nibbling the foliage and snoozing in my backyard.  They are shedding their dark winter coats and looking rather patchy just now. 

After the deer moved on, the cottontails crept out from under the bramble and took up the nibbling where the deer left off.  Followed by flocks of red-breasted robins prompted by the misty rain and the promise of worms. 

Cloudy skies and April showers continue, but sunshine presents itself in many ways!  I love these peach-faced daffodils.  Sunshine in a vase.

I've been doing a bit more spring cleaning in the workshop.  Mostly finding things!

It's a new month and it's a new day . . . and this mini-quilt is a new addition to my Etsy shop!   I'm pretty sure there will be more to come. 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Lambkin

 

Oh my, how time flies...little lambkin is turning 12!  I know.  Hard to believe isn't it?  If you've been a regular visitor of my blog, you may remember this little stuffie, first introduced here in 2006.  And also, little lambkin's first birthday celebration, (just as Miss Grace's dollhouse bakery enterprise was starting up.  Click on the gallery link on that post to view photos of those glory days.) 

The link for the *free Lambkin pattern* is at the bottom of the first post.  And it's also available at the PatternBee Vintage Embroidery Shop under Free Stuff along with some other fun things.

Happy Stitching! 

 

*SPRING SALE*

Hello again!  After a few days of "spring cleaning" and rearranging things here on my blog, I realized I never got my link up for my new etsy shop.  I actually meant to set this up months ago, but got busy and forgot all about it!  Oh well, better late than never.  So there it is . . .

Here's a little bit of what I've been up to these past months.  This darling doll was made for my youngest granddaughter's 8th birthday.  She loved it!  Her older sister got one (see below) a few months before that, for her 12th birthday, and she asked for one too.  Of course, I was thrilled and got busy with my needle and thread and paper and glue.

Here's big sister's doll--with a garden theme.  It wasn't entirely planned, but the dolls turned out resembling each of them, which was kind of funny.

And here's another birthday present I made for my 17 year-old niece Anna.  It also sort of looked like her! 

Each doll and her ShowBox, come packed in clear cellophane bags and make most special gifts.  The hand-crafted boxes have little loops so they can be hung up on the wall.  The dolls are removable and can be posed as well; clothing is fixed.  Some dolls are wired to the inside of their boxes to keep them from shifting around during shipping.  This can be removed or left as is if you just want to display them standing up.

 

My "supplier" for the gorgeous paper flowers and tiny cakes are provided by my daughter Grace.  It's great having so many resources nearby in the studio upstairs.  She is always having fun setting up props for photo shoots and making things for her Etsy Shop: The Dainty House.  Take a peek if you haven't yet.  It's amazing.

There's a ton more I could show, but my time clock is tick tick ticking away.  I mainly wanted to introduce my shop properly and officially.  And to celebrate it with a Spring Sale for my ShowBox Dolls! 

Please visit me on Etsy at MeadowSweet Workshop and check the announcement box for the coupon code if you are interested.

And follow me on Pinterest for updates and other sweet stuff: MeadowSweet Work Shop

That's all for now . . . until next time . . . happy stitching!

Springing Into Action

It's daffodil time again!  As I look from my window this morning, I see signs of spring winging its way in, little by little.  Flocks of robins have returned from their short migration and are scattered across the lawn foraging.  There are the usual suspects at the feeders; chickadees, nuthatches, sparrows, goldfinches, wrens, spotted towhees and flashy flickers feasting on the suet cupcakes that Grace makes up special just for them.  Some birds are already nesting in the birdhouses.  Cute cottontails have been venturing out from their hiding places beneath the shrubbery to nibble the tall tender grass, always keeping a watchful eye.  And it's a good thing too. We happened to see a young bobcat early in the morning, and although these are beautiful and useful creatures, especially where we live--with moles, voles and gophers living among us, it's still a bit alarming, as I often see our neighborhood cats roaming around here unaware.  It's a jungle out there I tell ya! 

See what I mean?  Anything could be lurking . . .

But usually, it's nothing too scary.  Unless of course, the roses are in bloom.  And then, oh how I worry!  Ha ha.  But we have a few months before we need to arm ourselves with the concoction. 

It's still a little chilly here, but ever hopeful, the Mister planted Snow Peas last weekend.  We're keeping our fingers crossed.  Anything can happen, and usually does.  Never any guarantee against late frosts or tiny critters making off with the seeds.  Still we dream . . .

Well, friends . . . that's all the backyard news for now. 

Because it's time to start my spring cleaning!

In case you're looking at lots of snow and still awaiting spring, embroidery (and humor) can help. 

Sweet 1940's kitchen towel embroidery pattern found here: 

Bluebird Couple #238

Happy Stitching!

  

Toast & Tea Time

Hello Friends . . .

Can March really be here already?  Yes, indeed!  It's official. This week has sure been a mixed bag of weather.  Just when you think it will never, ever stop raining, the sun peeks out from behind the clouds and reminds you that Spring is right around the corner.  And you spy daffodils poking their heads up out of the mud.  At this moment though, the sky is dark and a cold northern wind is blowing in gusts, shaking the trees and rattling the windows.  Oh, it's a battle out there, I tell ya.  Speaking of battles, I've just returned home from town after running errands and dodging a frenzy of Friday afternoon traffic.  It's nice to finally sit down with a hot cup of tea (and marmalade toast) and feel the warmth returning.  This is just a quick post.  All I have been doing these days is working on the "photo albums" which are coming along nicely.  I am actually up to 2007.  It's going faster now that I have transitioned to digital photos, rather than having to scan and color-correct old prints.  

So far, this is what I have accomplished.  I love how compact these DVD albums are!  They have replaced all our mismatched photo albums that took up tons of space on the shelves.  I'd previously consolidated some of our movies (into these plastic sleeves) to organize them better, and realized I could reuse the cases for my albums.  The cover insert is one sheet that wraps around the case and slips under the plastic.  I made a photo collage for each, with memorable moments to remind me of what's in there.  And there's wonderful background music!   
 

SHOP UPDATE

My Books: 

After selling out of all the books I had on hand, (and thank you again to everyone who supported me!) my books are once again available through Amazon.  Links have been updated.  For a time, when the books were shipped directly from me, I was able to offer them at a nice little discount through the PatternBee website.  However, Amazon sets the price now, so it is what it is.  They actually make a much larger profit than I do.  Please note:  These books were published in 2008 and 2010 and reflect the trends that were popular at that time, but most of the projects are adaptable to suit your own taste.  (To browse content and download my free patterns, click on the book links in the left side-bar.)

OK. Well, that's all I've got for now.  It's my turn to cook dinner and I'm making Enchitadas tonight.  NO, I did not misspell anything....this is my new thing.  A no-cheese enchilada make from a potato.  Maybe that sounds gross, but it's actually pretty good.  I'm still perfecting this, will share the recipe and a picture one of these days.   

  Until then . . . bon appetit!

 

February Folly

Hi Everybody...remember me?  Here it is February already!  I've been meaning to sit down and update my blog umpteen times, but I never seem to get around to it.  You know how it is; so much to do, so little time.  And after ten+ years of blogging, I have also come to realize that there is no such thing as a quick post.  At least for me.  So, I tend to put it off until I can focus and devote a little time to it and offer something interesting.  I'm not sure I always succeed--but I do try.  Lately though, I have been so immersed in my family photo album project that I have done little else worthy of a post.  I won't go into all the details about that except to say that the project was first designed as a book using the My Memories software, which is awesome, but as it grew to outstanding proportions, I had to rethink the thing, and eventually realized that a DVD would be better.  And I could add music!  I'm learning things.  It's all part of the process and I am having fun, and that's what counts.  But yes, it is taking lots of time . . .

One of these days I will get back to adding some more "new" embroidery patterns to my PatternBee website and some new stitcheries for inspiration.  My shoebox is full of wonderful things.  In the meantime, I have these very cute recipe towels for my show-and-tell today, made from THIS pattern.  (Click on the image for enlarged view).  What's fun about these towels is that the recipes are real ones.  I've been told, they make charming gifts for a new bride or novice cook.  I LOVE these old-fashioned flour-sack dish towels too, which can now be purchased HERE; a good price for a baker's dozen (13).  Around $2 per towel. I like the ones with the border stripes too.  In the not-so-distant past, towels like this were getting hard to come by, and customers would always ask me where to find them.  I think there are many online choices now than ever before.  Which is awesome! 

Let's see . . . what else is going on here.  Oh yeah, check this out:

My phone was bugged!  ACK!!!  LOL....this was a couple of days ago.  I was just sitting here at my desk quietly working, minding my own business, not expecting anything at all out of the ordinary when I reached for my tea--and surprise!! And not a good one. These beetles are everywhere in our area and I am used to seeing them, mostly outside.  They tend to imbed themselves in the cracks and crevices around doors and windows and sleep through winter.  If the sun comes out, they do too, and sometimes they work their way indoors as this one apparently did.  They are harmless, but not exactly desirable either as they give off a stink like rotten fruit if they are disturbed.  Needless to say, I gently released him out the backdoor. . .

In hopes that he may find his fate in a, um...more natural setting. 

Oh, and before I forget, and sorry for the delay, a few people wanted to know where to get the MollyMakes patterns for the felt ornaments I showed you in my last post, and I am happy to let you know that they are a free download from the website: www.molliemakes.com 

So there you have it.

And that wraps it up for now.  I need to go fix lunch for the Mister of the Manor, my handsome prince in shining armor who makes all things possible in my world. 

So . . . until next time; happy stitching!

 

Little Lovlies

Hi Friends...we are almost through the first week of January!  The new calendars have been hung and are bringing me daily JOY.  The above is the inspiring work of Katie Daisy.  I enjoyed her 2017 calendar so much last year that the girls gave me another one for Christmas.  I love it!  It's hanging right here on my studio wall where I can gaze at it often.  And we also have Marjolein Bastin's  Nature's Inspiration hanging up in the kitchen.  Her watercolor paintings are just so stunningly beautiful and realistic that you can almost hear the birds chirping from the pages.  I so admire her life's work.  It's just incredible.

Stepping back again . . . here's another corner of the vintage mall we visited after Thanksgiving.  That adorable little pink Christmas tree went home with my youngest daughter, who immediately set to work making the cutest things to decorate it.   Here are some of her handiwork from the pages and kits provided by MollyMakes magazine (UK publication).  She had a blast making these, and I think they turned out really cute.

Now aren't these fun?  This tree was quite a spectacle at night when the lights were glowing rosy.  Well, truth be told, I haven't even begun to take down the tree(s) and put away the holiday decorations yet.  And can you blame me?  They are such happy colorful things, that we simply must enjoy them a while longer. 

 

 

Our wishes for 2018! 

Window Shopping

Me oh my, what happened to Christmas?  It all seemed to whiz by in such a fantastic flurry.  I hope your holidays were merry and bright and full of lots of fun too.  I do believe we enjoyed it thoroughly, even though I'm still spinning and a bit late on the uptake over here on the blog.  What a year it has been.  And now here we are perched on the eve of 2018.  Expectant and wondering what will happen next.  I'm optimistic!  No big plans to go out anywhere today.  My house is cozy and this is where I want to be.  It's cold outside, although the sun is shining (at the moment), which is so lovely to see after many gray foggy rainy days this past week.  But lots of snow elsewhere it seems with folks housebound and hunkered down, waiting for the thaw.  Gosh, I sincerely hope it comes soon for those of you in this predicament.  In the meantime, bundle up and brew some tea, because I've got some eye candy for you (to tuck away for next year).  I love antique malls more than any other kind of shopping because it's all so random.  You never know what you are going to find.  Like a treasure hunt.  I think it gets even more fun as you get older too, because of the nostalgia factor and the memories that come with it.  This was such a fun adventure that I had to share it.  So settle in and join me on my rambling rummage.  I'll keep quiet though and let the pictures do the talking.  Are you ready?  Let's go . . .

That's it for now....will catch ya on the flip side with more cute stuff to share. In the meantime, I am sending all my best wishes, hugs, love and hope for a Happy New Year!

Sparkle

Hello friends!  The season is upon us once again.  Are you hustling and bustling? 

I am finally getting around to introducing my quaint & quirky little ShowBox Dollyramas.  I don't know why it has taken me so long to get this show on the road and to start talking about it here on the blog, except to say that it's been a bit of a juggling act getting all the particulars in order while a lot of my attention was on PatternBee stuff and the photo album project.  Which I am happy to say, is nearly done now.  Whew!

Plus, there have been a few other distractions.  Some happy and welcome, but others quite sad and serious.  My "little" six-foot-five brother was diagnosed with stage 4 bone cancer a few months ago and told me he doesn't expect to get well.  I am having trouble accepting this and sit and stare at nothing for long periods of time.  Processing.  Praying for a miracle.  Wishing I could kiss and make it better, like when we were kids.  Frank has always been alarmingly accident prone, being more of the daring adventurous type.  And I would often carry him home and patch him up after one of his various mishaps.  Then I'd bean him over the head for being a dope. 

My heart is breaking.  

I've just been keeping my head down and my hands busy, allowing my mind to drift into a blissful make-believe world where nothing bad ever happens.  Where life is peppermint candy and sparkles and music and sunshine.  Like a Hallmark movie, I can pretend we all live in a town called, Cookie Jar.  That was an actual name they used one time and it made me smile.  I think towns should have cute names like that. 

Speaking of cute. . . here is a cute distraction.  My new ICY "Blythe" wanna-be.  Oh my goodness she is adorable.  She is our prop doll, a model for accessories like tiny candy canes. (Check out Grace's shop, The Dainty House for those.  Link in the side bar).   

Miss Icy (haven't named her yet), arrived nude, so I got busy and made her presentable.  A simple holiday outfit seemed right for the season.  Believe it or not, her top is fashioned from a scrap of natural cotton batting.  It's so soft and gives the appearance of an angora sweater.  Three snaps in back make it easily removable.  Red-ribbed stretch knit for the leggings.  The shoulder capelet is felt with a cotton plaid lining, faced and tied with narrow bias binding. It all came together so well, I was quite tickled. 

But I really had no idea about what to do for her shoes.  I traced her foot, cut out some felt and started stitching.  These were the result:  Elf boots!  Of course.  They are perfect.  I made a few more in different colors and put them in my etsy shop for fun.  Maybe you know a doll with cold feet that needs these as much as mine did.    

My ShowBox dolls are finally on display and needing a new home. I love these girls so much.  It's going to be hard to let them go.  (My kids will tell you!!)  Each is unique.  The time spent creating and fussing over them is ridiculous.  But because I enjoy every aspect of it, that makes it OK, right? 

For now, I have six little dollyramas, each with her own story--capturing a snippet in time.  All wrapped up and ready to go!  Please pin them, share them and check them out on etsy at MeadowSweet Workshop.

Gotta run dear ones.  Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

Autumnal Antics

Well now, look who's back!  It's the old gobbler hen.  I turned around and there she was, lurking at the window and peeping in with that beady little eye.  Scared the heck out of me--she just seemed to loom up out of nowhere.  Boo! Gobble Gobble. . . 

I was busy straining the cold brew.  Our new obsession.  If you haven't tried it yet, you don't know what you've been missing.  Besides the convenience, the taste is amazingly smooth and rich.  All you need is a mason jar and your favorite fresh ground beans.  (The coffee-maker is off the counter and put away).  Steep overnight in the fridge, strain, add hot water to about 1/4 cup brew to your coffee mug.  So much better than instant when you just want one cup.  The particulars are easily found by searching online for 'cold brew coffee'.

Stepping outside, I greet another visitor who is caught nibbling the pineapple mint.  Since most mint always needs trimming I welcome this, but I've never known deer to like it much.  You just never know with them.  Like people, they do seem to have individual tastes.  His friends were on the other side of the fence eating comfrey and weeds.  That made me happy too. I guess I shan't shoo them away today.

Besides they are so lovely to gaze upon.

It was 34 degrees this morning--yes indeed, the frost is on the pumpkin. The fall colors are just beautiful this year.  This area out front has filled in nicely.  From left to right we have a pair of chase trees, spirea shrubs, and a redbud tree, called 'forest pansy', which has dark purple heart-shaped leaves all summer.  It's quite a dramatic transformation.

And look what I found while rummaging through some boxes.  Some of you may remember this little project.  Blogged here in 2005.  Now that's going back a ways in the turkey feathers archives.  Have I been here that long?  Oh my.  How many years is that anyway?  Never mind.  Let's not go there.  

So with that in mind, it should come as no surprise that the Mister and "the girls" (now grown young ladies) accompanied me to a local doll show recently. (Nothing like lovely little dollies to make a gal feel young again!)  And thankfully, I was not alone in that.  We met so many enthusiastic ladies of all ages and chatted a good bit about the things we love.  Most of the dolls were of the older variety, collectibles and antique types.  However, not one rare (1972) Blythe doll anywhere to be seen, which was slightly disappointing. 

But . . . we soon got over it when the Mister won a doll! 

It was so funny.  When the door prize numbers were called, the girls and I were checking our tickets, noticing that ours were only a number or so off and prompted him to check his ticket.  He finally pulled it out of his pocket and when he realized that he was the winner--he quickly shoved the ticket into my hand! 

Once we got over our hysterics, we were then directed to a table with about a dozen dolls to choose from and I chose this lovely little 8" doll, mostly because of those adorable red boots.  She has a soft body with porcelain appendages, and the marking T.C. 1997 across her back.  And that's all I can tell you about her.  I am not an avid collector of dolls in general, but this was a nice surprise.

Especially the red boots!  So cute. 

Right now she is keeping an eye on things in the workshop.  And there has been a bit of activity happening in there.  I know I keep promising to show you something I'm working on, but I have been up to my eyeballs in tomatoes that needed my prompt attention.  It was cucumbers before that, and pickles!

It was a great year for these however, and we filled quart jars with stewed tomatoes and made marinara sauce with others.  Some were dried.  Actually, a lot were dried.  Those will be nice additions to pasta dishes later.

As the last tomatoes on the vines were picked, my kitchen sills pretty much looked like this all month. 

With lots of animal watching while they ripened.

Here she is again . . . gobble gobble.

Sweetness.

And now all this apple goodness is upon us.

Just so no one gets the wrong idea that we eat apple pie every day, we do have our healthier moments.  Proof: my lunch yesterday.  French lentils are my new favorite.  This vegan dish has a base of rich Miso stock.  Delish.  So.  Got everything ready, sat down at the table with a stack of new fall catalogs to peruse and shock...Country Curtains is going out of business?  Wha?  My brain just won't accept it.  The upside is they're having a HUGE sale.   

With that, November is nigh--with some fun crafty stitching to look forward to.  Don't forget to check out the November Bonus Transfer.  Um. Yes, there is another squirrel.  Thinking about it now though, it should have probably been a turkey in an apron.  So there you go.  Enjoy!

FREE Turkey_embroidery_pattern

To see more animals in aprons visit the PatternBee website here.