Milestones

Sewing rules once again here at the Acre. Although, sadly, I have not one picture to show....rest assured I am lining up lots of projects for the coming weeks. For one thing, I need some new clothes...
.....and work has continued on the bedroom for my mom. The hubby was good to his word and finished painting this weekend. I am really happy with the color. A week or so ago I had my mom look at the fabric for a new window treatment and she had a good time picking everything out. She insisted there be sheers involved, so I caved on that but stuck to my guns on the pinch pleats. I can do pinch pleats, have done many pinch pleats, even perhaps excel at pinch pleats, but somehow it's just not in me this go 'round. Besides, aren't they "out" now, anyway? I still need to tweak the final design.....but I'm supremely thrilled to have gotten all the fabric and lining for 50% off. Here's a teaser for the finished room. When it's done, I'll show before, during and after photos. What do you think of the color?

I read about making scarves for the Winter Olympic athletes at Woolwindings. Tracy is a big inspiration to me when it comes to knitting. I was unable to link directly her post about this project, so surf around 'til you find it....you'll enjoy yourself. I had trouble finding the yarn locally here, so I wound up ordering the blue. It arrived the other day and I had fun winding it into 1.75 oz balls. I am going to split the yarn with my mom...I'm hoping this project will be good for her.

In my continuing effort to clean things up and simplify, I dug out this little sweater that I started earlier in the year. It's for a special little sweetie that I'll tell you more about later. I held it up to her today and was pleased to see it should still fit. I've started the first sleeve, and hope to crank right along to get it done before the holidays. This pattern is called the Wonderful Wallaby, and so far it has been a pretty wonderful knit.

My lovely daughter gifted me with this delightful vintage tea towel....I'm crazy about it! My little girl turned 21 this past week. Emily is a treasure beyond my wildest dreams. There's so many special things I could list about her, but Emily will always be loved for her sweet and generous heart. You are a true blessing, Honey. Happy, happy birthday!

" A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the
joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future."
~Author Unknown

Tomorrow's the big election, and I don't have to return to work until next Monday. The week ahead looks to be a busy and exciting one for everyone in some way or another, and in the midst of it all, I hope you find many moments of peace.

Sunday Times

or*ga*nize: to arrange or form into a coherent unity or functioning whole

Today has been a bit different. Look what just fell about 30 minutes ago....

Looks like snow, but it's HAIL. Sure we have gotten hail before, just not that often. It was a sight, and then it got quite cold. Now it's sunny and pleasant.

Last night found me sewing more of the little pincushions. I tried something new, too....with a little saucer from an estate sale for $.25. I got the idea for the rosettes, here.

I love making the square pincushions, but if I make any more of the rosette type, it will be in the future. Things are getting a little busy around here and now is time for prioritizing. If I'm not careful, my to-do list could make me crazy.

A short post today. I miss writing more, but I'm off to check the list. Until next time, I hope you are exactly where you want to be, with someone you think the world of, and not worried about crossing off another item on your to-do list.

"For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is."

~Colossians 2:5~

There Was An Egg, A Pincushion, and An Award, But Not in That Order

A big thank you to Susie for the Best Friends award. I "met" Susie through blogland and we have much in common. New friends are the best! These little buttons tickle my fancy. I'm sending my love and this award to some new friends with blogs that I really enjoy...Kathryn, Lace Hearts, Sher, and an "old" friend whose blog I have enjoyed for some time, Connie.



This sweet pincushion was a quick and easy project. I hope to make a few more for the gift stash. The best parts are picking out the color combinations and finding a cute button. Since this was a test for the pattern it's not too exciting, but the ideas are flooding my brain for future pincushions.



Emily, Sherry and I spent all day Saturday at an antique flea market/Joann Fabrics excursion in Ann Arbor. No pics of the roadtrip, but a few good buys and three tired girls. I found three vintage knitting books and an old darning egg. I've always wanted a darning egg...not sure why, I haven't darned a sock in a while. This one looks relatively smooth...I don't think the former owner darned many either.


Thrifting has never been my cup of tea, but I have a daughter that, literally since she was a very little girl, has loved anything old. As my sister-in-law held Emily for the first time at just three weeks old, she said, "this baby has such a nice aura." She was right, and Emily's love of vintage is just another lovely quality about her.



Sweet Susie has also book tagged me. I am supposed to turn to page 56 of any closeby book, start at the 5th sentence and post the next couple of paragraphs. Here goes...

"How are you, Syd?" he asked. "It is a veritable age since I saw you last. We have brought a stack of messages from home, some from Lauren, a dozen or more from your mother, one or two from Kit, one from your father-but I cannot for the life of me recall a single one of them. Can you, Ralf?"

"Something about wearing woolens in the damp weather, at a wager," Ralf said with a grin. "Of course I do not remember. The ladies will, though. You had better come and meet the people you do not already know, Syd. Ah, here comes Christine. Have you met our formidable duchess?"

As a sidenote, I would love to know how to change the color of my text while posting (I know how to change it for the whole blog), and also how to get my text centered on the page. I have looked in all the different places on the "dashboard" and such, but still I'm in the dark.

**New Edit**

Well dear friends, I managed to figure out the problem I was having with some help from Susie and Emily. Now I am able to post a little more efficiently. I won't go into all the details 'cause if I did you may think I don't have all my marbles :)

or laundry and catch up. I'm working four days this week and have two doctor appointments for Mom. Until next time, I wish for you peace in your soul and a good project in your hands.

May the peace of the Lord be with you always, Amen.

A Little Whine With That

“It takes a genius to whine appealingly.” F. Scott Fitzgerald

I've been indulging in a little whine lately. I'm talking "attitude" not "alcohol." Mostly it's all been a mental vs. verbal whine. I'm back on the wagon now, and still feeling so grateful for all God's blessings.

The fall decorating around here is complete. Time and money were the ever-present factors that dictated the extent of my effort, but I'm happy with the results nonetheless.


Mums are a favorite of mine. There are so many varieties to choose from. This year I went rust-colored with white. They are lovely.



My aforementioned project with the Mod Podge didn't materialize. Turns out that it smelled too strong for me....headache and all. So I switched gears when I found this little metal vase for $4.19 and used that to arrange the flowers. My original plan was to decoupage fabric onto tin cans and hang them on my porch. I think I like this just as well.

This little towel is the only sewing I've done lately....for the gift stash.

Here's a knitted cloth....such an easy little project, and I love the round shape.


I picked up this sweet magazine...I love every project in it. There's even a pattern for crocheted socks, which I've never done.

This Austen Lace Muffler may just be the first thing I try. Isn't it darling?

I love the colors....the ruffles.....the buttons......the whole package.

For all you apronistas out there, check out this cute apron that was on display at Macy's. It's made out of satin that has the Macy's name in it, with tulle around the bottom. Wouldn't that be fun for the holidays?

It sure is good to be back here blogging....such a balm for a gal with a grateful heart that's hankerin' for a good whine :)


“Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.”
~Lionel Hampton

Quietin' Down

My mom told me her grandma used to tell the little ones to "quietin' down." That's what I've been doing. I have been quiet so I can hear God's voice. Nothing's wrong, just lots of things to sort out. Literally and figuratively. Quiet is good in this busy world.

I made the little topper for the Pear Honey, which was a sweet diversion the other evening.

Today it really felt like fall, with lower temps and some rain. This fall garland with "twinkle" lights helped a little, too.

Emily and I visited the American Stitches Sewing Expo last Friday, and went antiquing about two and half hours north of here on Saturday. We had a lot of fun, and Emily really found some nice treasures. I found these....

Some new pearl cotton for "redwork" and a pretty piece of pink wool at the expo, and two vintage apron patterns at the antique fair. Go here to see Emily's finds.

I finished my neighbor Angel's scarf...just needs blocking. Thanks for modeling (in your pj's yet) Emily.

This is some of the stuff for my next craft project. It involves Mod Podge. Stay tuned.

The hubby suggested a trip to the apple orchard this weekend. He really knows how to make me smile. I love the apple orchard. Hope you all find some time to be quiet...and a reason to smile.

"He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love..." Zephaniah 3:20

Some Honey, Honey

Pear Honey. Never heard of it until I was over here. I made the recipe on Tuesday and, BOY, is it good! The suggestion was to serve it on warm biscuits...I'm making those tonight. Last night I made cornbread, and it was delicious on that.


I picked up this book long ago and found it while cleaning the sewing room. I started one to dress up a jar for my aunt...and I'll need a few more for others. So far it's working up quickly.


There are flowers that go around the bottom and I think I'll make them in fall shades. The cotton in the picture looks white, but it is actually a beige, natural color.


Today is a big day around here. My baby boy is 19! Lots of good memories to share and some personal reflection for Mom. It seems I can't help feeling just a smidgeon melancholy...I miss those baby days. Then when I take a good look at the man Timothy is becoming, I feel proud, too. Emotional, for sure, but it's all GOOD.

"...I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living my baby you'll be."

Love You Forever by Robert N. Munsch and Sheila McGraw

Monday Musings

First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to Beverly for the giveaway treasure I recently won on her blog. I love the sweet note cards and tags...what a treat!



This is a little dress set for a coworker's new granddaughter. I used a Simplicity vintage pattern. Interestingly enough, my mom gave me the same pattern she had purchased in the early 1940's. I still have it, but the tissue is too delicate to use. I made my own bias and enjoyed picking out coordinating fabrics.


My sweet Emily has tagged me for seven little known facts about myself. I'll list them here, but will save the tagging for another day.

1. I am terribly insecure at times, and constantly second guess myself.
2. I used to be very afraid to stay alone at night, now I'm just too tired to be afraid.
3. I love to read the dictionary. Yes, I read it...as in peruse.
4. Marigolds are my favorite flower...I love how they smell.
5. When I garden, I love to get absolutely filthy dirty, and then come in and take a hot shower with some really good soap.
6. One of my favorite hymns is "How Great Thou Art,"...I love the Elvis version.
7. I want to see Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon before I die.
Doing this little quiz was harder than I thought. If you are so inclined, leave a comment about some of your "little known facts."

Saturday found us celebrating our 22nd wedding anniversary. We had a busy day around the house, but settled down to enjoy dinner out in the evening. Here's a picture of us on the big day.


I should post a current picture of us for comparison, but we'd both like to reduce a little first. We've gained some weight, and some insight, but we're still happy.


I'm feeling blissful...a day off awaits me tomorrow. There's lots of cleaning to do, errands, of course, and a new recipe to try. I think I'll let the day unfold as it will, and thank the Lord for every blessing He gives me...including that man o' mine who is always there to make it better.

In No Particular Order...

Life has such a way of distracting me. I sure have missed my blog and sharing my thoughts here. I really don't have too much to report, so this post may be somewhat choppy.


First of all, tonight I made chicken pot pie. Although I'm not a stickler for "from scratch" on everything, I do make my chicken pot pie from scratch. Cutting the veggies while the chicken slowly cooks is very relaxing for me. It was rootin' tootin' good, by the way.


Work continues on the same projects. I have made a few more of the washcloths and sachets, but as promised, will spare you more photos. My red scarf is almost done, and will be a gift for my neighbor....her name is Angel. I did manage to cut out a little casual dress and a blouse for myself. Both are easy projects and I hope to get them done quickly, because....

....work also continues on clearing out the sewing room. We have made s.l.o.w. progress so far. I picked up an inexpensive chest of drawers, which was my impetus to get crackin' on this switch. Once the armoire was moved, I needed a place for the clothes that were in there. Such indecision you have never seen. First I ordered a chest from one furniture store, but it wasn't due to arrive until Oct 10th! Cancelled that. Then found another chest at Penneys...but it was pricey. We popped over to Target to check out their fare, and found above-mentioned chest. I cancelled the Penney's order and I'm tickled with the Target chest. It is solid wood, fits the bill perfectly, and had a much lower price tag. Next I will begin moving everything around. Stay tuned.

Lastly, a question. Have you ever had so many ideas for projects you'd like to make that you become a little addled at the thought of it all? How do you prioritize, well, your life I guess is the real question. Does this rambling signal the onset of menopause?


"...if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain 'move from here to there,' and it will move." Matthew 17:20

It works for bedrooms and sewing projects, too. When next you work with a needle, think of me.

The Sound of Music...And, Yes, I'm Taking Requests

Today I am at home. No work, no errands (yet), and nobody at home (not for long). I have to tell you what a lovely day it has been. My to-do list has been full of chores that I love. I have kept the laundry going, spent time in the sewing room and set my home to rights. Part of the reason for my productive and very happy day is the sound of music. It has played off and on all day....Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts, some gospel, Maroon 5 (yes, Maroon 5), Luther Vandross, Faith Hill and various other "country girls." I am definitely not a "music snob," but I have to say Vince and his country cronies are favorites.

Many other items have been crossed off the list. I made some calls and finalized a few business things, and then sat down to the computer. One thing I have wanted to do for a long time is to figure out how to download books from the library. Can one be any lazier? In my defense, the idea came from the hubby. I mentioned to him that I am going back to the library because I am so tired of buying books and then having to find their next home. I don't want to keep the books (we're talking mostly paper-backed here, not my craft books.....they are all keepers). Anyway, I also want to support the "simple living/spend less money plan." So, I got busy and discovered setting everything up to download the e-books is easy-peasy. After just a few minutes, I was reading!!

This will be a short post today...now Glen is home and I think if I'm extra sweet to him, he'll play taxi driver and take me on my errands. We won't, however, be going in this ride. This little number is Timothy's project car. One time when I wasn't sure what pictures I wanted to post, he got real excited and said, "put a picture of my Blazer on there." This one's for you, Honey.


Tim's regular ride is a sweet little black Sonoma truck that he inherited from his dad and proceeded to trick out. He lowered it (don't ask me), and then put a new sound system in to go with the custom interior lights. It looks like the Batmobile inside : )

Enjoy a peaceful moment...and listen to some good music.

My home is never empty,
Although I be alone
I hear the voices of angels
To God, their love intone!

~An Excerpt From "Peace" by Kathryn Wiesenhoefer