Will There Be Spinning Wheels In Heaven?

A few years ago I became very interested in spinning wool. I shopped for a spinning wheel, found the one that I thought fit the bill, and then....did nothing. When it came right down to it, I didn't want to spend the money. So, ever since, I have said to the hubby, "maybe I'll spin in my heavenly life." Do you think there are spinning wheels in heaven? I'd like to think so. And there is still a sliver of hope that I may have one in this earthly life someday.

Spinning wool is such a domestic pastime. I love domesticity. Busying myself around the house comes as natural to me as breathing. I am what my mom refers to as a "putzer." Inside or outside, I am completely contented caring for my little home acre.

This may be the last pic of a washcloth and sachet for a while...because my hook is moving over to this lovely project, the Anne scarf by MK Carroll.



I received an award from the very nice Jean. The rules say I have to pass it on to seven of my favorite blogs.




Here goes...there's Emily, Sherry, Beverly, Brin, Ruthann, YaYa, and Deb. I have many more "favorite" blogs...I need to take time to add them to my "Blog Buddies" list.

Please accept this award from me and ...
1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Link the person from whom you received your award.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put the links of those blogs on to your blog.
5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them!

Here's hoping you are enjoying making a home.



"The happiness of the domestic fireside is the first boon of heaven."
~Thomas Jefferson

Wisdom From Grandma

Ever since I can remember, my dear mom has imparted much wisdom....to me, my brothers, my children. Much of her wisdom came from her own life experience, but also from my grandma. I was seven when my grandma died, so I have only a few really clear memories of her.....like her smile, love of laughter and impeccable dress. One piece of wisdom passed down from Grandma, and one which my mom reminds me of every so often is this:

"...Laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone."

Well now, how about that? As a child I didn't get it, but I do now. I guess the bottom line is, nobody wants to be around a crybaby. Yesterday I was a crybaby...and tried moseying around to cheer up. That was ok, but soon I realized all I really wanted was to be at home.

I don't have a lot to report in the project department....I am still fiddling with the washcloths and grazing through the sewing room. I will show a couple of previously finished projects, though.


This little red felled bowler was a fun project. I used Lamb's Pride bulky and was pleased with the end result. Lots of mohair in this yarn makes for a wispy appearance.

My first felled purse. This was a fun knit and quick, too. Also made with Lamb's Pride, I love the richness of the charcoal color.

God has blessed me in so many ways. Today I am most thankful for my husband, children and my mom. I know you understand just what I mean.

Purse....Onally

Here's a little tidbit of information for ya....I am a bonified purse nut....a purse maven, officionado, buff, er (cough)...you get the idea...I just LOVE 'em. Anywho, here is the absolute nicest bag I have ever had, a birthday gift from my family a couple of years ago.

I'm not able to share exactly how many handbags I own, it would be difficult to count and, uh, somewhat embarassing....but, lest you think I'm a fanatic, I think it's around twenty. Not all new, mind you....I tend to hang onto my purses far longer that I should, and there are some I never use anymore. A few are kept for "sentimental reasons," and a few because I think "I may use that one again." One good thing is, all my bags are NOT Coaches. Most are sale buys in the $25 dollar range. A person could be known for a much less redeeming passion, right?

On the homefront, dust is lurking everywhere and the laundry is piling up. I took a 45 minute nap today, which is a rare occurrence in these parts. Lack of sleep and a ringing alarm at 5:00 a.m. are the culprits. Alas, I am refreshed now and will get crackin' right after dinner....which is meatloaf, pasta and salad. Sidenote: I typically make some sort of potatoes with my meatloaf, but due to said nap I had to switch gears. I don't think they'll mind.

Here's an apron I made for a friend's daughter's bridal shower. The bride is a baker, and her mom told me she is already using it and loving it. This is not my kind of apron...I prefer an old-fashioned one...but this pattern went together nicely. I used a heavier duck kind of fabric with calico for the trim. I have a couple of pieces similar to this material set aside to make kitchen towels for upcoming birthday gifts.

Tonight I am helping my daughter Emily make a dress for a wedding on Saturday. Yes, I know, this is so "last minute." Tell someone they are a blessing to you. My Emily is my blessing, procrastination and all. I love you, Honey.

Wednesday Work

My ongoing effort to cook at home more has got me on the lookout for new recipes. Since the kids aren't home every single night for dinner anymore, I can try some simpler dishes. I picked up these two books the other day...they are filled with good recipes and sweet stories.
I like to make soup...and have three or four standards that everyone loves. The other day I dug out my breadmaker. I had put it away a couple of years ago, since everyone around here was thinking "low carb." I have been making honey-wheat bread for sandwiches, a good "at-home" lunch. This new book has a recipe for focaccia bread, which I am anxious to try. Has anyone ever made this bread?

I have begun work on the sewing room. Remember my last post about "getting rid of the junk?" I should have taken my own advice long ago...things have really accumulated over the years. Now I just hate the thought of giving away that treasure. The thing is, I don't know if I'm ever going to use all this stuff....and I know I need to be realistic if I want that great feeling of "lightness" when it's all cleaned out. Good thing I gave myself a Thanksgiving goal....this could take a while. (As a side note: I took the before picture, and now I am reluctant to post it. What a mess! I think it gives the completely wrong impression of the real me. The rest of my house doesn't look nearly that bad.)

I'm off to spend the day with my mom. We're going shopping for the first time since she's been home from the hospital, and then a visit to my aunt who is in for rehab after a hospital stay. Auntie Frances and Mom are sisters.....and always so close.

It is sunny and cool here...a real blessing. Hope you all have a beautiful day.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart..." Colossians 3:23

Slowing Down and Making Changes

Slowing down...an interesting concept, but one I haven't always employed for myself. Rhonda Jean, over at down---to---earth has the best ideas and lots of encouragement for slowing down and living simply. Living a simpler life has been a goal of mine for quite some time. One aspect that is so appealing is the ability to slow down and enjoy the things around you....clean out the junk and only buy what you need to live. A few fringe benefits include saving money, being environmentally responsible and experiencing more peace. So, one of my new rules is to slow down a little each day and try to remember what is really important. Everything will get done when it's supposed to, right? The cleaning, cooking and laundry can wait until I finish that bootie, can't it?

Here's a couple more of the soap sachets to match the washcloths. Joann's is only adding fuel to my fire...they've had the cotton yarn on sale for the last two weeks. I told you I was having too much fun with these....they are a great car project!

The little light green one with the dark ribbon is the only one I have knitted. I love the finished project, but the crochet goes much faster.

My mom taught me to crochet when I was eight years old. How do I remember, you ask? It is a vivid memory. My mom was working on something and showed me the basics. I sat down with some dark orange, cotton rug yarn and proceeded to make a "shawl" for my Barbie. I remember it so clearly. I threaded a strand of yarn through both short ends (think of lacing a shoe) and tied it on Barbie. My mom was amazed, and so was I! Since then, I have discovered this little treasure, great for anyone with wrist issues. Believe it or not, the design is great and makes for some smooth stitching. The first time I tried it, I was hooked : )

And, last but not least, the big news here is that I am changing my sewing room to a sweet little bedroom for my mom. Now 88, she has had a gentle decline in recent months and I don't think she will be able to stay alone as much anymore. I've known somewhere in my mind and heart for the last few years that this was coming. I finally voiced my idea to my mom, who smiled and said, "I like it." For now she may only use "her room" here occasionally, but it will be handy whenever the mood strikes her. As for me, I've got some cleaning out and reorganizing to do. Do I mind giving up the full use of the sewing room? Not a bit, and I'll tell you why. I am a firm believer that God has a plan for everyone...and so, I am off to take the "before picture." I will post both the before and after pictures once we have painted and moved things....maybe in a couple of months. My goal is to have the room ready by Thanksgiving.

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you." John 14:27

Whole Lot of Nuttin'

Hi All...I have missed not writing these last several days. In a nutshell, I have been working full-time, and some overtime, for one of my vacationing coworkers. May I say right here and now, "I prefer part-time, thankyouverymuch." Anyway, I have been dabbling in a few little projects here and there, but none are picture-ready. So, in the interest of colorful blog content, I am cheating a little and showing a project I made for a dear friend earlier in the year.
I really love to embroider...and this project was a little different. I purchased it as a kit for my mom to do, but she couldn't seem to get started and gave it back to me. After basting batting to the back of the face fabric (which was stamped with the pattern), you stitched right through the batting. Once the embroidery was done, you basted the backing fabric and then hand quilted through all layers. All stitching was done without a hoop. This project was the first time I did bouillon roses....I loved it. I finished it off with self-binding from the back and hung it on a cute little hanger.Usually I end my post with talk of future projects, but since I still have most of those in the works, I'll leave you with these lovely words...

Trees

I think that I will never see,
A poem as lovely as a tree!
A tree who's hungry mouth is pressed,
Against the earth's sweet flowing breath.
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray.
A tree that does in Summer wear,
A nest of robins in her hair.
Upon whose busom snow has lain,
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

~Author Unknown

Home Again

Well, all I can say is "WHEW!!" It has been a couple of busy days for this homemaker. Our trip to London on Wednesday was very nice. I am not a good photog, but here's a picture while we were on the bridge.

The weather couldn't have been better: cool, breezy and blue skies with big fluffy white clouds. The city of London is quaint and lovely.....I wish I could show you. That's right, only one measly little picture, and not a very good one at that. I'm sorry, but once I explain you will forgive me. You see, I did a LOT of walking. Not just a gentle mosey around town, mind you....I hoofed it until......well, until...I was just pooped! I never thought to snap any pictures. You can thank the hubster for the pic of the knit shop he found (he took the picture). We were heading out of town and this was the last stop. I found some neat knitting patterns for...are you ready...5 for $1.00 (future post). I purchased ten and left the shop pretty happy.

On the road I worked on the crocheted washcloths. I am having way too much fun with these. I was able to complete three and the little soap sachet on the trip.





I plan to make the matching soap sachets for each one....but I don't have a crochet pattern. The little pink one I improvised. Although it was easy and came out ok, I am making the next one different. I fear you may tire of seeing these before I tire of making them! Next on the agenda is some baby booties. I plan to make some preemie-sized for The Preemie Project and some regular-sized for gifts.

Yesterday I worked my regular half-day and then met Sherry for some "grown-up girl bonding time." If that quote sounds familiar, you may have heard it here. It's one of my faves. Hope you all have the weekend of your dreams.....and peace.

"...we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..." Romans 5:1

Tuesday Evening

Good day to you. I was so happy to sit down to the blog today....I received 4 comments on yesterday's post! I am wondering what hobbies everyone enjoys the most. My top five are:

1. Sewing
2. Knitting and Crocheting, Equally
3. Embroidery
4. Gardening
5. Baking

I have been doing more knitting in recent years due to the type of projects I want to make and the finished results. Crocheting is much faster, though, and easier to correct if you make a mistake. I love to read, as well. I am finding that I don't spend as much time with novels or non-fiction lately because I have been concentrating my attention on books for crafting. The only book I read every day is my bible, right before bed. I have been in the books of Timothy and Titus of late.

Leave a comment if you'd like and let us know your faves! Hope you are all having a good week......I am off tomorrow with the hubby to London for business. I'm tagging along to check out the scenery, and I'm hoping to have some great pictures to share when I get back. Peace to you all from the 'Acre.

P.S. My craft bag is packed with projects to work on while we travel "over the pond...." Lake Huron, that is. We will be driving to London, Ontario in the morning and should be back by nightfall. Did I have you going?

Busy Work

When Glen and I were first married, we sat down one evening to watch some television. I, of course, reached for some needlework. He glanced my way, but his attention was mostly on the box. Fast forward a few weeks....we are in the car on a long ride to a destination my old memory cannot recall. Once again, I get the glance my way, barely perceptible out of the corner of my eye, as I begin to work the needles. Like any good young wife, I still my hands and lovingly smile at my beloved.....who says very matter of factly, "why don't you just sit there and do nothing?" As my smile slowly faded, a question popped into my mind. "Why don't you just...." (cough). No, no, that's not right, I was still a sweet young wife. Now I remember, I asked him, "Does this bother you, Honey?" To which my sweet guy said, "No way. I just want you to relax and be happy." Well, I bet you all know my response to that! Few things in this world bring me the happiness and contentment that my needlework does.



Which brings me to my show and tell. My hands have been busy making these sweet motifs out of pearl cotton and a size 7 steel crochet hook. I have used a few to embellish little envelope bags I made for gifts, and would like to try more ideas. They are quick and fun to make. Pearl cotton comes in so many color choices, and works up with a nice sheen.



The patterns for the above motifs came from the following books and I highly recommend them. 201 Crochet Motifs, Blocks, Projects and Ideas by Melody Griffiths is just exactly what the title says it is, with clear and easy directions as a bonus.



150 Crochet Trims, by Susan Smith, is an excellent source for motifs and also lace edgings. Its small size is great for taking with (perhaps on a long car ride).



The largest book, Crochet Inspiration, by Sasha Kagan, has instructions, patterns and ideas for many beautiful projects.



Tonight, I have big plans for this......



Although I'm not a huge fan of working with worsted cotton for wearables, I love to make dishcloths. I'm getting a headstart for gift-giving and maybe a few will find their way into my kitchen drawer! I'll ring off for now.......blessings to you!

P.S. I tried to "link" the book titles to Amazon, but alas, I am still too much of a newbie on blogging. In an earlier post, I was able to link Sherry's name to her blog, though, so I'll keep practicing.

Knitting Knews

Hot weather and a full day at work make for a tired homemaker today. During the week I have had a few opportunities to pick up some lingering knitting projects. There is usually some sock knitting going on year round. These are for me, unless a certain lovely daughter of mine decides she might like them....or I need a last minute gift for someone special.


I started this little red sweater for a coworker's grandson to be. Right after I cast on, my mom was hospitalized for 2 1/2 weeks while I was preparing for my son's graduation party. Needless to say, the sweater went by the wayside. Now that Mom is home and my son is graduated (Summa Cum Laude) and said party is "wrapped," I have gotten quite a bit done. The baby is due in September, so instead of a shower gift, it will be a "welcome baby" gift.
I'm hoping the weekend is both productive and restful for me. My home is calling to me....and I miss taking the time to fuss over it like I did when I was home full-time. Even working just a few hours a week seems to throw me for a loop when it comes to my schedule. Oh, how I miss those wonderful days as a true, full-time homemaker! Have a lovely weekend.....