Sheer Madness

Sunday...such a good day. It has been an interesting weekend around here. First of all, look what we got today.

Even though I was born and raised here in Michigan, the first snowfall always excites me and gets me thinking about the holidays and Christmas decorating.

No Christmas decorations yet, but I have been decorating. Last night I started the sheers for my mom's room. Since I moved my sewing machine into my bedroom, it was a tight squeeze working with 6 yards of sheer fabric.

So, I moved the whole operation out to my dining room table. The picture doesn't really show it, but there's lots more room to work there.

Today I was able to finish and hang the sheers. Now I remember why I'm not crazy about working with this delicate material. I'm glad that part is done : )
Please forgive the crooked picture....I still have to maintain some secrecy until the final unveiling...hopefully sometime this week.

I reconnected with my good friend, Jan, last month when she was in town for a visit. We met about 18 years ago at a meeting of the National Sewing Guild. Eventually a small group of us began to meet on our own each month. We have had so many good times. Sadly, Jan and her family moved to Las Vegas a year or two ago and she is so missed! Warm, funny, and a very talented seamstress, Jan was the glue that held us all together. Another friend from the group has mentioned a possible Christmas get together, though, so there's still hope for us yet. Be sure to check out Jan's new blog....she is just getting started.

Before I end this post, I want to continue my thanksgivings. They are...

...good friends to share laughs and sewing with

...my thimble...how I love my thimble

...my first-floor laundry, which makes me happy every day

...my strong husband, who is there for me always

...snow, snow, snow to remind me that seasons change

...songs that remind me that God never changes

This morning we sang "Amazing Grace" at church. This verse is a favorite, and one I will leave you with. When I read and sing these words, my worries seem to melt away.

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come;

His grace has brought me safe thus far,

His grace will lead me home.

Thursday Thoughts

A couple weeks ago I met a beekeeper at a craft show. Did you know I'm very interested in beekeeping? The recent plight of the honeybees has made me wonder what in tarnation is going on with them. The lady that I met lives very close to me, in a suburban area, and loves her bees. You never know, someday I may acquire a new hobby. Until then, I'll stick with this lovely Almond Body Butter and Honey Bee Spice Soap. If only you could have a whiff of their delicious fragrance....

Today was a good day. I met a good friend for lunch. We haven't seen each other in over a year. It took us a while, but we caught up with each other's doings. I brought my camera, mentioned to Diane that I wanted to get a picture.....and never did. Too much talk and not enough action apparently.

My continued thanksgivings are...

...friends, where would we be without them

...nail polish~a little pleasure I enjoy

...needle and thread, need I say more

...my faith, because without it I'd be completely inconsolable

...environmentally-friendly dish soap that I found at Costco

I love it and feel so green when I use it

A shortie post today. I'm off to knit the heel flap on my current socks. There's lots to be done around here, but somehow it feels like that heel flap is the most important right now.

"How doth the little busy bee improve each shining hour, And gather honey all the day from every opening flower." ~Isaac Watts

Thinking About Teacups

I am taking a page out of Susie's book and joining in the fun with Teacup Tuesday. Most of my teacups were generously given to me by my father-in-law after my mother-in-law passed away. Evelyn loved beautiful dishes, especially teacups. This pretty little cup is perhaps my favorite.

The inside has a sweet little flower....to enjoy the view whilst you sip, I suppose.

The bottom is interesting, too. The cup is hand numbered, and I wonder if the name of the pattern is "Elizabethan?"

I am pleased to say I have at least one finished object to report. As I mentioned, I lost my other one, so this sweet scarf is a keeper for me....

...and the little snowman pin is a favorite. He came along a few years ago during a pre-season clearance sale. He's resided on this coat ever since. I'm always so happy to see him, despite the cold weather.

Today is pretty gray and cold here. The weather makes me mellow and introspective. A good thing, because there's lots to think about. I'm keeping my thoughts on the positive today.... Hope you are, too.

"...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." Philippians 4:8

A Pear Tree

The older I get, the more my appreciation for nature grows. When I'm outside I feel closer to God. Working in the garden is a real "tranquilizer" for me, too. So, it's all good. A couple of springs ago I found this little pear tree tucked in a corner at Lowes. I loved the shape and needed to add some foliage around here. After spending about $37 and a few minutes to convince the hubby, the tree was on its way home. In the spring, it blooms white, but I had no idea until its first fall home that my little tree would be so delightfully colorful.


Really, this picture does not do it justice. It's raining today and I'm off to find some trim for a set of pillows that I have a hankering to make. I have the fabric, I have the forms, but somehow forgot about the all-important trim.

In keeping with the fall color scheme I seem to be partial to, I'm looking for something in the rusty brown or burgundy family. Being the simple girl I am, don't be surprised if the trim is plain. These pillows are to spruce up my living room.

Many bloggers are expressing their gratitude for all that they are thankful for. I'm following suit here, although it may happen sporatically....I'm terribly scatter-brained these days. So....today my thanksgivings are:

My Bible and my dictionary....my two favorite books, ever

My love of making things.....no matter how they turn out

My children....the greatest gift God has ever given me

My sense of humor....which gets me through many a rough spot

Trees......beautiful trees and nature all around me

I'm already planning my Thanksgiving menu. All the standards, but I hope to make a new dish or two. Send any of your good recipes my way. Until then, when next you see a beautiful tree, think of me.

Just Wondering on Wednesday

"Are not all angels ministering
spirits sent to serve those who will inherit
salvation?" Hebrews 2:4

My mom and I had a discussion yesterday about angels. I told her that God created angels to keep watch over us here on earth. Then, when I got home, I checked "the book" to make sure. I have heard many people tell of a personal experience with an angel. Although I have not had one myself, I believe. Usually the common thread is that the angel appears as a human being, but is there one minute and gone the next. My aunt believes it was an angel that sat with her while waiting for EMS after a bad car accident. My uncle and cousin were in the car, but they didn't see the woman. My aunt was fully conscious the entire time, by the way. Do you believe in angels?

Beautiful does not begin to describe our weather here today. Somewhere in the 70's and sunshine. I cleaned out the rest of my flower beds....a job that I thought would have to wait until spring.

Last week I went to a quilt shop operated by some sweet gals. They have just lovely fabric, but the real reason I like to go there is the friendly faces. Have you ever gone into a quilt shop or knit shop and been met with the not-quite friendly faces? Anyway, these gals were planning to move a few blocks to a larger place on November 1st, so I guess I'll just have to go back and check it out. Meanwhile the two Christmas pieces are going to wind up in aprons, and the gardening piece in the center will too, but I don't know for who yet. Several years ago I made lots of aprons for gifts, but I don't have one......so, I plan to make a full apron, since I spill almost everything on the "upper half." Do you wear aprons, and which do you prefer?

I promised myself no new projects until I completed the ones I already have going, but I couldn't resist this one. I had the yarn in the stash, and just lost a favorite scarf. Also, I do like to have a crochet project going.....just to keep things interesting. It's another Anne scarf....very fun and easy. Speaking of crochet, here is a doily (while blocking) I made my mom last year. Thread crochet is probably my favorite. I would love to do more, but I am beginning to have the problem of what to do with everything I make. I'm making it sound like I make just tons of things (which I don't), but you know what I mean. Maybe if I take up quilting.....Do you always make a project with someone/something in mind?

Though I'm not a particularly nosey person, I certainly asked some questions this post. I guess I'm in a curious mood. That doesn't happen too often....do I have too much time on my hands? Until I meet you here again, may you always have your guardian angel nearby.

"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for
curiosity." ~Ellen Parr

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