Hello! How have you been? We’ve had a gorgeous week here in northern Illinois–sunshine and blue skies all week. I’ve started a new habit to be still each morning, and be thankful for all I am blessed with. The beautiful weather has made it on my gratitude list every day.

I’ve never been a person of rituals or habits, but I think it is what my soul longs for. For the past 2-1/2 months I spend some time on my yoga mat, first thing in the morning. I bring a mug of tea, light a candle, open the window for fresh air, turn on my salt lamp and spend time stretching and slowly waking up. And while I drink my tea I reflect on those things to be grateful for. These last weeks I have found myself to be more calm and patient and mindful.

Speaking of gratefulness–I am grateful for all of you who have visited my You Tube channel. Thank you so much! ❤ I am happy to share what I know and do. It is good for me to do this, and I hope you enjoy it too. I realize I have a lot to learn and appreciate you coming along with me as I learn and get better (hopefully) making videos.

I published Part 2 of how I make a Little Darlings dress this week. Part 2 covers making the lined skirt, adding inset eyelet trim, and then sewing the skirt onto the bodice. I included time stamps in the description, so you can click on the time and go to that section. Please watch if you’d like. Your comments, liking my videos, and following my channel are very much appreciated! Thank you! ❤

I have a pink sweater that I had knit for this dress and I didn’t like it with the blue/red apple print. I really like the sweater and want to make a fall dress to go with it. One evening I spent some time going through my fabrics. Here are four fabrics that I liked with the sweater. I like them all, but I have a favorite–which is yours? I’d love to know…

The colors are really changing around here and the feel of fall is in the air. I spent most of yesterday outside: in our backyard, walking the neighborhood, and at the forest preserve. If you’d enjoy another nature video let me know; I’d love to put another one together.

How was your week? I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to. Have a wonderful weekend! ❤ ❤ ❤