Category Archives: Nature

Hello To You

I don’t have anything finished to show you; I simply wanted to say hi, share a few photos, and let you know what I’m working on.  I have a very optimistic “to do” list for today, so this will be short.  Whenever I feel things are taking too long to get finished I bring out my pad of paper and break down, into steps, what I hope to get done in a given day.

Today, I plan on finishing a dress for Patsy/Ann Estelle.  The skirt is all gathered and pinned to the bodice; I just need to sew the two pieces together.  Then, I will hand stitch the facing, sew on the snaps and buttons.  Next, the sweater needs to be sewn up at the underarm and I’ll weave in the ends.  I really want to complete the embroidery for the sweater.  Not sure that will happen, but it’s on the list.

As for my weekend, that involved bringing my daughter back to school.  My “baby” is all tucked in at college to begin her second semester.  I guess it was easier leaving her there this time than in August.  But, it was still by no means easy!  I’m not sure it will ever be easy.  I keep telling myself that to miss her so very much means that I love having her around so very much, a blessing that is.  Yes!

We are still in the thick of dreary weather.  Yesterday morning we had freezing rain which, thank goodness, turned to rain as the temperature warmed above freezing later in the day.  We are experiencing temps this week which are warmer than normal for this time of year.  Yay!  We even had a thunderstorm during the night!  It sounded like springtime!

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This was taken yesterday morning.  I’m glad the bird feeder was empty; those icicles look dangerous.

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There’s nothing like orchids starting to bloom to lift the spirits.

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In my studio Tulah is still playing Barbies, and has adopted a little chihuahua.  We’re currently working on names for her poodle and her chihuahua.  She’s quite an indecisive little doll.

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I think I’ve shown you this doll (pattern here) before as I’ve made her years and years ago.  She is made from a free pattern by Emily Martin (Black Apple).  She is a calming presence in my studio, always relaxed with a little smile on her face.  Dolly is all decked out in a Big Ann Estelle scarf and a crocheted rose brooch by Alla Koval (My Little City Girl), both also made years ago.

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This crochet hook set was a Christmas present, and I can’t wait to use them.  They are the tiny sizes for use with crochet thread.  I’ll use them for crocheting flowers, purses, and other accessories.  Those handle colors are ❤ !

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Sitting around my studio is a beret for Patience which never got used (yet, anyway) and Little Darling fingerless mitts.  This fabric is something I purchased late summer (I think) and can’t wait to use.  It’s not Liberty fabric, but that is what the prints remind me of.  Sorry, I can’t remember the name of the collection.  I am sure it’s a Japanese fabric though.

Well, I had better get to work on my list!  I’ve enjoyed chatting with you today.  Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Thank you for visiting!  Bye for now.

More Snow and More

Another Sunday, another snowstorm!  We are 11 days into December, and this is the second weekend in a row that we’ve had snow!  Maybe all the snow will get used up in December and then January and February will be dry!!!  ???  !!!

The snow really IS beautiful, and if no traveling is required, the snow gently falling makes for a cozy day inside.  Last night it was snowing too.  I watched Mary Poppins and did some knitting in front of the fireplace.  Anyone else love Mary Poppins?

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I am working on a sweater coat for the Little Darlings.  I hope it works . . . not sure I’m adding the right amount of increases to get the shape right.  If not, I’ll try again.  I haven’t made the dress that will go underneath the sweater coat yet as I want to see what length of bodice will work best.

I am going to use this fabric.  It is a very subtle snowflake design; I have just enough left.  The dress below was for Talyssa from 2014.  I am using the same yarn; I love the color!

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I don’t want to make anything else that is too Christmasy.  Snowflake patterns can be worn throughout the winter, so I’m making a few of those now.  Unfortunately, I have quite a few Christmas prints that I never got to use this year.  I am set for next year.  I WILL NOT buy any Christmas prints in 2017!  Ha ha!

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This was the snow falling last night, so silent and bright!

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Today, more is piling up.

I filled up the bird feeder before the snow started last night, and the birds are happy.  I loaded up the platform with peanuts; those always go first.  The blue jays love those.  I forgot to put suet in the suet feeder, so the woodpecker is settling for seeds.  Do you see the mourning dove in the tree?  I don’t blame him (her) for hanging back.  Those blue jays can be mean.

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As soon as the big birds leave, the sparrows flock to the platform one by one.

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And then, whoosh, something scares them (probably me) and they’re gone.

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Lucy and I had a photo shoot today.  It was quick and painless, she’s great.  Here’s a sneak peek.

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I hope you all are having (or had) a great Sunday!

Thanks for stopping by!

Bye for now!

Oh, one more photo . . . I got this fabric months ago . . . see, I’m still dreaming of flowers.

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It’s so pretty!

A Little About A Lot!

Good morning from probably the happiest place on earth right now.  The Chicago area is happy, happy, happy!  It’s been over 100 years (108 to be exact!) since the Cubs won a World Series!

I went to bed when the Cubs were still ahead by 3 points,  (I knew if I stayed up to watch the game I’d NEVER get to sleep when it was over, too much excitement).  My husband did come in to let me know when the score was tied (what!).  After that I gave up trying to get to sleep, but I did stay in bed and tried to stay calm.  When the fireworks started outside, I knew I could finally sleep!  I do feel tired this morning, but I’m sure not like a lot of others.

Over the last weeks, I’ve been taking a few pictures of fall, but haven’t gotten around to sharing them with you.  This is a colorful and warm autumn!  The trees are taking their time to change and flowers are still blooming.  Look at how green the grass is; it’s like springtime.  Yes, we’ve had lots of rain.

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We’ve had some light frosts far from the house.  The frost is so icy and pretty in the early morning.

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My husband had a birthday a couple of weeks ago.  My daughter surprised him with a gift sent via the USPS in a Priority box.  This is the first time she isn’t here in person. 😦

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My shipment of Christmas yarn arrived last week.  I have lots of yarn, but was sorely lacking in reds.  I even got a couple of forest-y greens.  I’ve been liking green more lately.

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Amelia Thimble’s sweater dress pattern is moving along.  I knit three sample dresses and yesterday I sat at my laptop and worked on the pattern pages all day.

The pages take a LONG time to put together.  It’s a lot of work going back and forth between the pages (files) . . . forgetting to add something, then figuring out where to put it, seeing something that doesn’t sound right, then figuring out a better way to say it.  After working on it yesterday, it is basically done, but I need to proofread it.  I am hoping next week it will be available for you.

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Next, for a Christmas ensemble is my Kaye Wiggs Millie, one of my most neglected, but patient, girls.  The dress is sewn, the hat is knit, and the cardigan is in progress.  This will be finished next week as well.

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Thanks for visiting today!  Bye for now!