High Society

Yesterday afternoon, a dear older woman who I have known ever since I was a little girl, who everbody in my family lovingly referrs to her as "Grandma Brown", picked me up from Grandma's house to spend the afternoon and evening with her.

For lunch she took me out to this delightful little cafe that serves lunch, desserts, and of course, tea.
Everything about the place was darling. Yes, even the menu. ::winks:: Goodness, I wonder how she knew that I love all things British/English?!

We had pumpkin soup and an apple slaw salad. I also chose to have tea with my meal. One has to have tea in a tea shop, right?! I was so tempted to order some crumpets too, but since I wasn't the one paying for my meal, I wanted to be careful with what I ordered.

The booths appeared to be old church pews or something. I had to take a picture. =)

Me outside of the tea shop. The buildings in the area were built in the mid-1800's.

Ah yes, and in other news, today I did a little fabric shopping. =) I got some really cute prints for aprons. And the details of these fabrics are going to be a secret for just a couple more weeks, and then you all can see them made into their finished products. I think you'll love them as much as I love the fabric!

The Apron Name with a Twist

Well, I know you all have been dying to know what name has been picked for my 1930/1940's apron design. Of course we had voting, and then pick-your-favorite-out-of-these-three thing, and they all tied. SO, what to do?! =)

A brilliant thought came to me. Why not let my Grandma break the tie who was born in that era, is lovingly fond of her era and speaks of it with a twinkle in her eye. So I asked her, and her favorite was:

Grace! =)

But then she said, "Or, you could name it Gracie." And when she said that, I thought that "Gracie" would fit this apron perfectly. I loved it! It sounds so much like that era, with sweetness and yet personality.

As a few of you have so kindly written to me (my apologies; I haven't had much time for writing notes of any kind!) in asking if I will be offering patterns of this apron design. The answer is yes, I hope to! At this point I am considering the option of selling them as paper patterns or an e-pattern that you can download right away.

Honestly, I don't know anything about going about either of the two options, so if you have any info, or perhaps a strong opinion for or against, I'd love to hear from you! =)

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And as for the other news that I wanted to share with you, I will be back home for a couple of weeks which means I'll be sewing up a storm of aprons for the shop! I will be returning to Michigan however, so there is only so much one can sew up in 2 or 3 weeks. =) If there is anything is specific that you're looking for, for yourself or as a gift, let me know and I'll do my best to meet your needs!

Stay Tuned...

Stay tuned for an announcement that you might like, as well as how we decided the name for the apron!

The art of Pie Making

Nobody can make a cherry pie like Grandma. Mama is always requesting one when we are together. Last night, her brother (my uncle) came into town for his job and will be spending a couple of days here. One of the first things he asked for, being a keen listener myself, was a cherry pie. =)

A few years ago I got her recipe, along with her pie crust recipe that turns out so perfectly delicious. This morning I was glad to have been able to learn a few more secrets and tips from her in the art of pie making.



Here is the top of her crust. Her mother, my great-grandmother, always did this design on the top of her pies. =) I had to take a picture of it, so I could attempt to do it back home.

She showed me how she does her edges too, which I'm so glad for. In times past, I'd just lay the top one on, and then press it down with my thumbs, but seeing what she does adds a step further to making it look so nice.

The masterpiece out of the oven. Getting hungry yet? =)

Grandma had some left over pie dough, so on a whim, she sliced up some apples, added sugar and spices...

She said, "Fold over the dough and patch it when you need it." Add a crumb topping and it's ready to go in the oven!

I'd take a picture of the finished result, but it's still in the oven ... and smelling oh so good!

Perhaps these pictures will be in inspiration for you to get into your kitchen and fix up a special treat or two for your family. Don't forget to don an apron! =)