Nearly Finished!...

I kept my hands busy this weekend, completing the knitting for the baby kimono. Just in time, too! I saw that the baby for whom I've been making this was born on Thanksgiving Day! My dear friend, Wendi is a grandma for the first time, and I'm so thrilled for her. Being a grandma is one of the greatest blessings I've been given.

Now that the knitting is complete - except for grafting the sleeves together - all I have to do is cut the lining and sew it in. I waited to join the sleeves so that I could measure, cut and assemble the softest flannel lining for it.

I'll do that today, and this piece will be finished and ready to wrap for the new parents. I'll take a few more photographs when it's all done to share with you, along with a picture of the beautiful, wee girl born to Danielle and Josh. Just past their first wedding anniversary, they are now parents. God is good.

Elizabeth's Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Elizabeth's Pillow

The celebration was yesterday, so I can share my completed gift. I made a pillow for the nursery, featuring a machine embroidered monogram, and my great-great niece's name and birth date on the front. I have this beautiful fabric that features nursery rhyme characters used for the borders and back.

Brynwood Needleworks - Elizabeth With Mommy and Daddy

Baby Elizabeth is wearing the Christening gown/coat that I made for her daddy's celebration when he was just a wee boy. I'm so glad that they are carrying on the tradition of using it for their family baptisms.

Brynwood Needleworks - Elizabeth With Pastor Bob

 

This is Pastor Bob, who performed the beautiful ceremony. The entire service was a congregation-wide embrace of Elizabeth entering into their flock, and into the fellowship of God. It was really a perfect way to welcome this new baby into their midst. I especially love this photograph, both for the genuine affection in Pastor Bob's face, and also for the expression on Elizabeth's. 

 

I'm so glad I was able to attend as another witness to the day this child was dedicated by her parents into the loving arms of their church. May she grow in His grace, protected by her parents, her family, her church, and her faith.

 

Rainy Day Delights...

Brynwood Needleworks - Downtown Plymouth

 

Handsome and I went to Plymouth (WI) for breakfast yesterday. We had some grocery shopping to do, so we decided to go to our favorite place for an early meal (The Hub) before going to the store. 

As we left the restaurant, it was just beginning to rain. We looked across the street to see a line of pre-schoolers walking hand-in-hand with their teachers down the main street. They were adorable, as their teachers reminded them to keep holding hands, and to hurry along to stay with the rest of the group. They looked like little ducks running to catch up with their classmates.

Brynwood Needleworks - Little Ducks In The Rain

 

This little girl, in her pink dress, sandals, and hat caught my attention, but I couldn't help but smile at how adorable all of them were. Handsome and I smiled all the way to the grocery store. The rain didn't stop these kiddos from having a good morning.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Soloist For Elvis Medley

 

Handsome's evening concert, scheduled for the bandshell at the park, was moved indoors at the fairgrounds because of the rain. They never get the big crowd indoors that they get outside, but there were still quite a few people who attended to hear all the great music.

There were four soloists, performing music of the 70's and 80's. This young man did an Elvis medley; two young men sang a medley of Simon & Garfunkel; one of them went on to do a Rolling Stones medley; and the last soloist did an astounding rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen). 

 

We were invited to sing along, and you know I did! These songs were all from my high school years, and I know ALL the words to Bohemian Rhapsody. Freddy Mercury was a musical genius (in my not so humble opinion), and many of my classmates were in chorus (as was I). If you got to class early enough, a group of us would start singing this song, and before long, everyone was singing a different part. Joyful memories reprised last night, listening to the soloist kill it for an appreciative crowd.

Have I told you how much I love being back in Wisconsin? Living in rural Wisconsin again is one of the blessings of our lives. My hometown is within 5,000 people of the population it was when I was in grade school. Forty thousand inhabitants is still small town by many standards. 

We still go out on a summer weeknight - even in the rain - to listen to great music, and applaud our own. My husband still opens my car door, and smiles at me across a restaurant breakfast table. We say grace before eating our dinner, and we hold hands when we walk together in town. We delight in the faces of small children, tripping through rain puddles for a Main Street outing. We're grateful for every moment we share together. Rain or shine, I can't imagine a better life than the one we share, and we look forward to whatever tomorrow brings. 

 

I'm going to finish my morning coffee, and then I'm going to get about my day. Thanks for coming to spend a little of your day with me as I reflect on yesterday with you. I wish for you blessings like these, and the gift of joyful memories - even when there's rain.

Party Girls...

It's Grape Juice. Really.

It's so wonderful to spend time with family. My great-nieces celebrated their second Birthday on Sunday afternoon (before the Super Bowl). This photo was taken a few weeks ago by their Mama.

Watching The Candles Being Lit

 

It seems like just yesterday I was looking at their baby pictures from Florida. Now, they're getting to know me better, and I'm blessed to watch them as they develop their own personalities.

I love seeing the wonder of the world through their eyes. Whether it's watching their candles being lit, interacting with each other, or how they're learning to navigate their world, I'm so glad to be able to be a part of the whole process of them growing up.
 

Blowing Out Her Candles As Her Brothers Watch

Their mother is a beautiful woman (inside and out). Not only is she raising her twin daughters, but she's also raising my nephew's two boys. They've become one, big, loving family.

Not Blowing Out Her Candles

I called this twin "Miss Contrary" yesterday. Like her sister, she's a sweetheart, but she didn't want to visit with many of the party goers, and she also didn't want to blow out her candles. Don't we know that no amount of cajoling, prompting, bribing or schmoozing will coax a two-year old to do something he/she doesn't want to?

The Boys Do It For Her

Brothers and cousin to the rescue! They were more than eager to blow the candles out for her. After all, once the candles are extinguished, can cake be far behind?

The Girls With Their Daddy (My Nephew)

By the time the cake was cut and served, the twins were really ready for a nap, but they managed to eat a little bit while sitting on their Daddy's lap.

A Good Day

 

My great nephew, Ethan, has been my buddy since he was a little boy. We spent much of the afternoon talking and catching up since our last visit. We're also looking forward to him coming back to the farm for an overnight now that his uncle is back at the farm. We'll do that soon.

 

I got back home in time to watch the Super Bowl with Handsome, and the dogs were glad I was back home. Once I sat down in my chair, I promptly fell asleep. I guess all that excitement tired me out as much as the little girls, and I can't wait to do it again! 

It's going to be a busy week. Furniture moving, commissions, and a bit of canning are on the schedule. Tag will see you tomorrow, and I'll be back again on Wednesday.

 

A Purpose Such As This...

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Dresses & Dolls

 What a fun day I had yesterday!

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Dresses & Dolls

I created four dresses for our Dress A Girl ongoing effort...these three, and

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Dresses & Dolls

 this last one, which I put the final touches on right after we ate dinner.

Every time I finished a dress and doll, I carried it out of the studio to show Handsome for his critique. He chuckled when I held each set up for him, and said they were all so darned cute.

I took pictures of the dresses before I remembered to put the Dress A Girl labels on them, but it was simple to add one to each pocket before I packaged and labeled them for donating. Putting the labels on them is the final touch, and I won't let any of our dresses head off to our Ambassador without making sure each dress has one.

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Doll

I had so much fun making everything. Sewing the hair on the dolls was especially amusing to me. I wasn't sure what each one would look like until the hair was sewn into the seam and turned right-side-out.

Our group often shares techniques, and now many of us are sewing heads to bodies prior to stuffing them. It takes one step out of the instructions on the pattern from the Dressed In Hope group. The last thing left to do is sew a decorative stitch seam across the bottom of the doll and then it's done.

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Doll

 Each one wears fabrics matching the dress to which it belongs.

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Doll

Some have short hair...

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Doll

Some have long hair. Each one has a unique personality like the little girls who will eventually play with them.

I hope that the little girls who receive them will love them as much as I loved making them. In fact, I'm looking forward to the next sewing day when I make more to send to parts unknown.

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Doll

We've set our next deadline, which will come in the new year. I've called it the "Valentine's Dress Drive" and all dresses and dolls will be due here (at Brynwood) by February 13, 2016. I set our goal for 300 dresses with dolls, and the dressmakers have already said we can surpass that number. What an incredible group we have!

If you're interested in sewing dresses or dolls, or donating supplies (like fabric, stuffing or ribbons) to our cause, please ask to join our Facebook group, Dressed In Joy - Brynwood Needleworks. There are so many ways you can contribute to our effort even if you don't sew.

I'm so honored to be a part of this project. I think it may be something I've been working toward my whole life. Maybe this is one of the reasons I learned to sew when I was only 11 or 12. A purpose such as this.

More Dresses For The Girls...

My friend, Marti has been busy! She's a member of the same guild to which I belong, and she brought a surprise to me at our board meeting on Wednesday night...five more dresses for the little girls! (She's made eight so far!)

She even embellished a few of the pockets with the cutest appliques'. This one had a cute, little elephant, and another was embellished with...

  a green goat! hee hee

I have ten dresses in hand so far. Only 90 to go to meet our goal! I'll be working on more of mine throughout the weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing the numbers of dresses grow. There are going to be a lot of happy, little girls.

Pincushions, Pinafores and Other Fun Projects...

I went back through my files over the weekend and 

pulled these photographs from past projects.

I made these as swap gifts for our guild Christmas parties in 2013 and 2014.

I enjoyed combining beautiful fabric, vintage (or new-to-look-like-vintage) buttons and a little ribbonwork or embroidery to create pretty and useful pincushions for someone's favorite sewing or embroidery spot.

They will be my inspiration as I sit down to create new ones for my Etsy shop. I can't tell you how much enjoyment I get creating something that will become a treasured piece in someone elses sewing space.

I'll show you what they look like before they head over to my Etsy shop, but I'm working on a commissioned wallet first. I'll complete that this morning and then make the pincushions for my shop.

Before the end of the week, I'm going to make another dress for our "Dress A Girl Around The World" project, too. (If you've missed my posts about that, you can click HERE to learn more.) What are you working on this week?

Oh, my goodness! It's already the beginning of a new month!!! Where is the time going, anyway? I guess, "Happy July" is in order.

Things Are Coming Together Nicely...

I cut out fabrics for eight little girl dresses yesterday. Now, when I have an hour to spare or I need a portable project for one of the sew-ins, I can grab a couple and go.

I chose sweet, little ducks for babies, and colorful, girly fabrics for bigger children. If you're not on FaceBook getting my notes and updates, but plan to make a dress or two for the project, I'll share some information I received today from our ambassador.

Monica called me today to let me know that their organization is available for help and support as we make our dresses for the Dress A Girl Around The World™ effort. She asked if all of our dresses will be the "pillowcase" style. As we talked, she offered that that style is not the best for the large and extra large sizes shown on their website, as they are too skinny at the bottom for girls to comfortably walk in them. She suggested that we flare them toward the bottom to make them more roomy.

She also told me that we're not limited to the website pattern. We can use any sundress pattern. Their group has developed a pattern of their own and she's generously going to send a set to me that I can share with our members. 

 

They prefer the tie straps over the elastic option. We should just make sure that they're long enough to have plenty of length to tie them into bows. (See the fabric requirements page on the website for suggested strap lengths.)

They want every dress have a pocket, too. The children will have a place to put things, and they can also tuck Humanitarian Dolls in them. The pattern for the dolls is available HERE, so if you'd like to make and mail dolls, they're welcome contributions, too. You don't have to make a dress to send a doll. Monica said the dolls are a perfect way to use up smaller flannel or soft fabric scraps. (Could you imagine piecing smaller scraps into the 11" square needed to make the blanket for the dolls? Wouldn't that be fun?)

I'm hoping to head up to Orlando in the next month to meet the group that works with our ambassador. I want to see how they operate, in the event that we want to become a regular satellite for them, continuing to create dresses in our area. 

 

I'm grateful for all the volunteers who have committed to create dresses for our group, and I can see that things really are coming together nicely!

Sunday Scripture...

alegoo.com

Our family has been blessed with a new baby.

My cousin, Nathaniel and his wife, Chelsea welcomed their son in the wee

hours of Saturday morning. We thank and praise God for their healthy boy. 

They'll be wonderful parents.

God is Good.

Disappearing Four-Patch...

Do you know about the Disappearing Four-Patch Block?

I learned about it while on Susan's retreat. One of the Donnas was

 working on a number of kidlet quilts...quick and colorful...the whole

time we were together. This one caught my eye so I asked for details.

The Disappearing Four-Patch block begins with a regular Four-Patch, using 

5" squares of fabric. You can also begin with 5" wide strips of fabric - one 

light and one dark. After you sew the strips together, cut into  5" segments.

Then alternate the segments as shown in the first picture and sew them into the

 traditional Four-Patch block. The next step forms the "disappearing" variation.

After pressing the seams on the block, cut one inch from the center seamline on

each side as well as top and bottom. You can see the cut lines in the top picture.

If you use blocks larger than 5", you can adjust the cutting lines to suit your taste.
(The red arrows show cutting lines on both sides, top and bottom of the block.)

Now, leave the center of the block (and the corner blocks) alone and 

rotate each of the bar sections 90º. (You can see the difference between the original block (A)  and the new block (B) in this picture. Your next step is to sew all the new components back together as laid out into one block.   Once you've made the desired number of blocks, you can join them, with or without sashing. An extra border will make a larger kid's quilt.   It doesn't get much easier than that, and the overall effect is bound to make a youngster very, very happy. I'm going to be making one of these very soon. (I want to finish two Headstart quilts in April.) I'll be heading over to Crazy Quilter's today to teach another class.

Web image

Barker's Flower Fairies...

 British-born Cicely Mary Barker began creating her delightful fairy

images in the first half of the twentieth century. She was born in 1895 

and became a published artist in her sixteenth year. She went on to 

publish seven books featuring her fairy images prior to her death. 

I recently purchased a pristine copy of "The Complete Book of the 

Flower Fairies". It is a compilation of all of those seven books, 

and I couldn't be more tickled to add it to my library. It's so lovely.

 Her plant and flower images are botanically accurate, and those little

fairies are so captivating. I could look at them for hours upon hours.

 The seven original Barker books become individual chapters in this one.

There are myriad endearing fairies for every season, fairies of the garden,

fairies of the trees, fairies of the wayside...and

 Fairies from "A"...

 to "Z".

In addition to all these splendid images, there are accompanying poems

written by the author. Her graceful children's images, combined with her

words in poetry, make for a sweet glimpse into a more innocent time.

As I take in 189 pages of her words and images, it's easy to believe that

these charming, little fairy children actually live among us. One can hope.