forget-me-not

This doily pattern is from a book with a copyright of 1949....and just browsing through each page carries me back to a time I wish I could visit. There is such an appreciation and fondness for this type of work, I can only hope to replicate it in this 21st century.

This pattern is called:

Forget-Me-Not.

The flower itself is so exquisitely beautiful!----the colors take my breath away.

A near and dear person will be receiving this as a gift. She

has such a fondness for this flower and through unfortunate

circumstances (okay, her husband dug them up because they

somehow don't fit in with his idea of the

perfect golf-course-type lawn....ahem!)

And although it isn't the actual flower, I hope that she can sense

the beauty of the flower in this doily.



Having been taught to crochet within the past 10 years, there
are some vintage crochet patterns that are very difficult for me
to decipher. I was pleasantly surprised that this pattern written
almost 60 years ago is easy enough for me to follow.
It is working up quite quickly.

Because there was a whole pile of books that I purchased from this

rummage sale (even a quilting pattern book copyright 1931!) I am

sooooooo excited to browse through them and find other patterns to make.

The thought makes me almost giddy!

[-insert husband 'rolling his eyes' here.-]

thanks to gwen

It is only because of Gwen

that I even attempted this quilt. She, through

her fantastic applique book, was able to dispel any fear that I had

in attempting needle-turn applique.

It is something that I have dearly wanted to do. I oohed and

ahhed over countless examples that I have seen, but there

was no way I could ever do that. ( I am severely lacking in the

'confident sewer' department!)

Her step-by-step approach was so eye-opening for

me that I pretty much just took thrift finds for fabric

pieces; laid them out; traced them; and thus began

a journey that was quite easy and oh, so wonderful!

Being able to easily transport this project from couch-to

in-laws' house-to-dr's. office-to kitchen counter....

well, that was the clincher. It travels so easily.

And it was one of the quickest quilt projects that I have

ever done and there was something sooooo soothing

and relaxing about needle in hand and these beautiful

colors all coming together. And when I look at it on our

wall, I can't believe that I actually made that.

Thanks, Gwen. *sigh*

Our daughter even spied one of our cats lounging on it---

as if it were solely made for cat naps.

blue

Beautiful hues of blue. They were purchased for Aunt

Marilyn in South Dakota. She has spent most of her days

bed-side to her husband. He is facing surgery after

surgery and she has been steadfast in her vigil to him.

She has another love and that is fabrics and quilting. And although she

would balk at the thought of devoting some time to herself,

hopefully this care-package will arrive to alleviate some

of her blues. And chocolate truffles to boot---good golly, that's

sure to bring a smile.

One of most favorite blogs to visit is dutchblue.

I think I hold my breath in awe when I visit her and her

gorgeous pics and projects----my, oh, my! take a look! She

will take your breath away.

She has the cutest idea with a patchwork tote.

So I purchased the $2.47 ( w/ 40% off coupon) bag from

Hobby Lobby and rounded up potential fabrics to make

into the whimsical, patchwork tote.

Half of the fun is picking out the fabric and picturing

what this will all look like when it is done.

I'll post pics of the tote when it is all finished.

when this becomes ------> this

This started out as strips of scraps and even a

thrifted pillow case (fabric strip on left)...
minty green & cotton candy pink.....

and became a carry-all for thread, thimble, scissors, pins and what not.

Now I can easily slip it into my purse and take it

out when waiting at the doctor's office, pep band,

and the countless other places I tend to sit & wait.

heart day

There is something about red & white being placed

side-by-side. Very bold, yet very simple in its

presentation. Maybe the appeal lies with women

of the past who carefully stitched these contrasting

colors into glorious redwork quilts.

Whatever the reason, I love red & white.


And with Valentine's Day soon approaching---what
better time than to make appropriate hand-made
projects that can hang on our wall.


I just love the way it looks. It will probably still
be gracing that same spot come summer...fall....
and maybe, even winter.