tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184170392024-03-13T20:00:16.533-06:00A Joyful HandmaidenCherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.comBlogger804125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-61687761334391142002022-11-01T14:17:00.002-06:002022-11-02T08:46:13.289-06:001940's Inspired CostumeCostumes were required for our orchestra's first fall concert. It has been many years since I had an opportunity to dress up in costume, and of course I went with a vintage look. Since the majority of my vintage and historical-inspired patterns, fabrics, and embellishments are still at my parents home, I had to be creative with thrift store finds. The 1940's seemed to be the easiest to Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-40537221501915399192022-01-23T11:17:00.003-07:002022-01-23T11:21:18.217-07:00Pretty (Unmentionable) ThingsPlaying dress up as a kid often required the “minor details” that help create the look your going for. The tattered crocheted blanket for a shawl, another blanket turned into an apron held up by a nearby broken jump rope or long piece of yarn. Having the right petticoat or pantalettes underneath a dress is the frosting between the layers. ;)This set is from Kirsten Larson’s pattern for girls, putCherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-31574801530697251822022-01-12T19:40:00.003-07:002022-01-12T19:44:08.888-07:00A Reproduction of Pleasant Company’s Felicity’s Birthday DressIt was around the same time that I finished up Felicity’s school outfit that I was already gathering supplies for another historically inspired project.But then December. Christmas time is one of my most favorite times of the year, but in the life of a musician, it is also the busiest and most hectic. There were rehearsals for both church and school festivities, not to mention other performances Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-14229797827546890452021-11-01T16:17:00.002-06:002021-11-01T19:52:46.036-06:00The Seamstress Still SewsContinuing to be the director of the growing string program of a private school in Michigan (and loving every moment of it!), there have been moments outside of the three beginning string classes (just shy of 4 dozen kids in these various levels of classes), the three levels of string orchestras, nearly 3 dozen private string students, oh, and the constant driving back and forth between two Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-2851056735871533432018-02-06T17:50:00.000-07:002018-02-06T17:56:21.337-07:00Life As I Know ItWhile at a leadership seminar over the weekend I was introducing myself to someone in the catered buffet-style lunch line and after giving her a complete and thorough job description she asked, "And what else do you enjoy doing when you have spare time?" I looked at her for a solid three seconds before I could even think of what to say next. "What else do I do? Oh wait, in a different context I Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-14969787272444821632017-08-17T16:15:00.000-06:002017-08-17T16:15:02.835-06:00A New Thing: Cottage Living
I officially accepted a strings teacher position at a school (K4 through 12th grade) that was offered to me back in February of this year. That meant a move across the country to the beautiful Midwest. All I could fit in my car was what came with me, and sadly, there was no way that my sewing machines and supplies would fit, so they have to stay put in my parents home until Christmas.Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-11394776316583350412017-08-01T10:16:00.003-06:002017-08-01T10:16:47.371-06:00Thread in a Vintage Milkglass Bowl
Organizing my sewing recently led me to my monstrous bag of crochet thread that I use for tatting. These are variegated colors that I will probably not use, only because the smaller spools have a longer distance until the color repeats itself. This would be perfect for those who tat or crochet larger bookmarks, dollies, and lace.
There are eleven spools of size 30 thread, all in various Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-41946532552972537412017-07-31T09:44:00.001-06:002017-07-31T09:44:23.717-06:00Strawberry Freezer Jam
Having a discount grocery store nearby that will often carry lots of organic produce, we thought that for $1.79 a package we could afford to make a small batch of strawberry jam. If you use organic strawberries and organic sugar, then the strawberry jam is good for you, right? ;)
It was just a small batch of 4 pints and 4 half pints, but then our family doesn't go through peanut butter Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-77196967001700842332017-07-18T19:53:00.003-06:002017-07-18T19:53:38.535-06:00The First and Second Gooseberry Picking
Like everything else that grew while we were away, the gooseberries were ready to be picked. It wasn't until a couple of days ago that I actually made time to pick the sunripened ones and picked what I could until the sun went down behind the mountains.
Today I did a second picking, and decided to hull them before supper. Actually, with gooseberries, you most often times will hull both ends. Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-24021348823284393282017-07-14T18:25:00.000-06:002017-07-15T08:50:59.650-06:00Harvesting Lavender
Three years ago I planted some English Lavender while still hopeful that my first patch would make it. It never did. I now have two patches and it looks like they would have been in a glorious full bloom while we were on vacation.
Today I got started on harvesting it. According to some websites, I'm to late, but oh well. It still smells good! :) The two piles on the left still have Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-51337472596829872572017-07-07T20:25:00.000-06:002017-07-07T20:37:04.411-06:00Yes, I'm Still Sewing!
On the occasion when I have time to think, (such as when I was on a two week vacation to Michigan recently!) I remember when blogging and sewing up items for my etsy shop was quite often. Indeed, this summer has already proven to be quite busy, eventful, and productive however.
And yes, I am still sewing. :) I've been blessed to be able to work for/with the same local bridal alteration Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-73612139577009067702017-05-15T15:22:00.001-06:002017-05-15T15:22:23.736-06:00BA(Mus)
A Bachelor of Arts in Music degree. Sounds pretty official, but that's because it really is. And I own it! :)
Not many people know that I never finished high school, or that I sat out for nearly 10 years before timidly applying for college. NEVER ever believe the lie that you're not smart enough, or that you're to old to pursue your dreams when God places a desire on your heart and opens the Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-39078268466773954852017-01-07T18:39:00.000-07:002017-01-07T18:39:15.810-07:00I'm Taking One Book With Me
Only because there is so much reading to do for classes, I generally try to keep my book count under five per semester that I bring from home. This time around, I think it will be just my Bible and this little nugget by Frances Ridley Havergal. Either I have never read it (need to confirm with my yearly book lists...) or it has been many years. Leafing through its pages asCherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-70461054084062073432017-01-05T11:26:00.000-07:002017-01-05T11:26:42.152-07:00Blueberry BuckleThe forecasters said that our area could see up to a foot of snow by this morning, and I would say that it came pretty close. I wasn't ready to get out of bed, but I love quiet mornings before anyone is up.
A morning ritual is to turn on a string of lights (or two), fix a cup of tea and read Scripture. As daylight began to seep through the low hanging, empty clouds it was obvious that I Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-51616694313863014202016-12-31T19:05:00.000-07:002016-12-31T19:51:01.449-07:00Christmas Greetings!Making it to the President's List (ie., having a 3.75 or higher GPA for the semester) may have something to do with my silence on my blog in the last several weeks. Reflecting on the four plus weeks that we have come through are somewhat of a blur. It must be either my caffeine is wearing off, or my body is still sleep deprived, or both. :)
But I do remember that the string quartet I was in thisCherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-36434493186111947402016-11-02T16:36:00.000-06:002016-11-03T06:16:47.094-06:00Autumn ScenesLittle time to write very many words, but I have not been completely lost in practice, papers, and productivity. In the last month I've gone on little excursions for my own sanity (and most likely my roommates ::ahem::) which included trips to an apple orchard and the mountains.
Tonight I fixed this copycat recipe of Panera's Autumn Squash Soup. The only thing I did Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-92109657440790667072016-09-23T20:05:00.004-06:002016-09-23T20:05:28.287-06:00The Gift of Solitude
["Turn your loneliness into solitude, and your solitude into prayer." -E. Elliott]
In the busyness of college life, sometimes there is a great struggle to find solitude. Perhaps my mommy-friends can relate, or my friends who work full time jobs and come home to spend the rest of their time in some kind of ministry or community outreach. Go, go, go. Do, do, do. Hurry, Hurry, Hurry. At times it Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-77255230102527170002016-08-29T22:04:00.000-06:002016-08-29T22:04:05.425-06:00A Thankyou GiftSewing for Mrs. L. this summer was such a blessing for me. The fun
chit-chats, good conversations and fellowship, countless cups of coffee
or iced tea, "bonus day," and her passing on her bridal sewing skills
and expertise have left me so, so grateful. A card saying "thankyou" could not suffice.
Would it be flowers, a plant, or an apron? It seemed like an apron would be the most practical Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-85151957510961354172016-08-24T17:00:00.000-06:002016-08-24T21:45:27.802-06:00As I PromisedIn the last couple of posts I've eluded to "the last apron" and this morning I finished the last apron made for the shop. It was fun to put together with vintage lace and rick rack. I even found a golden button from my stash. It certainly has an autumn-ish flavor to it, one that you haven't seen yet this summer. :)
But think of the pumpkin spice lattes, the apple picking and fresh donuts at theCherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-7413162748501676842016-08-15T14:21:00.004-06:002016-08-24T21:44:03.431-06:00Summer Reading and Other ThingsWhen I picked these books up from the thrift store for literally pennies, I knew they would be on my summer reading list. It turns out "New Chronicles of Rebecca" is supposed to come after "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" so I have refrained from reading that one until I can get my hands on the one written first. If you're unfamiliar with the other two, I jotted some thoughts down on each, and can Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-13670144352144385042016-08-10T15:14:00.000-06:002016-08-10T15:21:20.807-06:00Accustomed to Tea
More often than not this summer, I've heard "Would you like some tea?" while sewing in the mid-afternoon. Mrs. L makes her own iced tea, and always sticks in a wedge of lime in it. Sometimes when we've needed the caffiene, she'll fix a pot of hot coffee and is always so kind to put a bit of cream in mine, no sugar.
Needless to say not only have I been spoiled, but have grown accustomed to Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-92087780125284990612016-08-05T14:25:00.002-06:002016-08-05T14:32:24.663-06:00In Season: BlackberriesIt was a few months ago that it was obvious that we were going to get alot of blackberries, but of course a gardener doesn't know exactly how many until late summer. The early ones are riping now, but the big crop will come in another month or two. Obviously, I took pictures of the ones ready to pick.
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Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-68161534317758796432016-07-25T18:03:00.001-06:002016-07-25T18:15:00.109-06:001920s Vintage Apron PatternTo confess, I comb through the ebay and etsy vintage patterns continually throughout the week. Not so much for something just to add to my pattern box, but for patterns that really stand out as unique and for something that I'd actually wear. Once a friend asked me about my sewing projects and I said yes, that way if no one else is interested, then I get to keep them all. :)
In the last coupleCherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-10987475666900117142016-07-21T09:32:00.001-06:002016-07-21T09:33:45.854-06:00A Happy ThingIt's already that time of year where I start planning ahead for the fall semester; it is less than a month away from now, after all, and I've been doing some online ordering for various things. Without fail, I look for the cheapest price with the cheapest shipping.
Sometimes I'll even e-mail a seller on eBay and ask for a cheaper price, like an Anthropologie rain coat. (Woohoo!) Other times theyCherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18417039.post-53127788809145150882016-07-18T09:22:00.002-06:002016-07-18T09:22:24.069-06:00Morning Light on Monday
Graham Thomas
Morning in my sewing room is always a lovely time. The window picks up some of the eastern rays, and with the walls already a buttery yellow you can't help but notice it's welcoming warmth.
Looking forward to a few vacation days this week to spend some time with these fun patterns! But first, there is an apron to make in a cute pink rosebud fabric. I just haven't decidedCherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06279806588780362328noreply@blogger.com3