Saturday, February 28, 2015

*Winter snow*

Hey there friends. Pictured above is a scene from "old" downtown near where we live in Alabama. The snow was on Feb. 26th, and Alabama really got a lot. Well, it is a lot for this area anyway. I made this photo from our back porch early that AM. So glad that it thawed and melted later that same day. The snow was pretty, though. This set a record for the top 4 levels of snowfall in this area since the late 1800's. How cool is that! Hoping you all are staying safe and warm. Prim Winter blessings.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

*Eleanor the Snowflake-Catcher Mouse*

This is a mouse doll pattern that I designed. Her name is Eleanor, and she is complete with her blue metal snowflake catcher pail and warm wool felt mittens. Eleanor is made of osnaburg, and wears a 100% cotton coffee and vanilla stained blue dress with white snowflakes print. Her apron is made of that same fabric in lighter blue with white snowflakes print. She is 18" tall, and also wears bleached muslin pantaloons and a mob cap. See her long tail, tucked just behind her right foot? Doesn't she look very prim and Wintery? Eleanor could actually find some snow here in Alabama today, as we got a little dusting overnight. Snow is better than the freezing ice anytime. Hoping you are all safe and warm.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Alabama is closed!

Hello friends. Yes, most all of north Alabama is closed due to an ice storm. I made the photo above just before sunset. Look closely near the lower left side, and you'll see the setting sun. There are already a reported 11 auto wrecks in our own county, and more than triple that many in the adjoining counties. Nearly all roads are now closed or slow-moving. Lines of wrecked and/or abandoned cars string across most of our highways. Please pray for those involved in a semi trailer/passenger car accident near Priceville. That sounds like a terribly awful collision. Police are advising people to please stay off of the roads. Most schools and businesses were closed today. My own little pickup truck is actually stuck at the foot of our driveway currently. 'Had tried to make a quick store-run for mother and myself earlier this afternoon... Oh, the photo above was made with the new Nikon camera that Santa brought me. 'Never thought that I'd get to own a Nikon, lol. You all please stay safe and warm. Prim winter blessings to everyone.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Thrifty Thursday: Live Love Laugh frame

Happy Thrifty Thursday to you all. This week is a darling frame that was found at a thrift store for only $1.50. It has an opening for a 4"X6" photo, and the words Live Love Laugh cut out in the triple mat. The lower mat is red, and the top mat is white. The middle mat is black. That cute red heart cut out peeps from the underlying red mat, and the wording is revealed from the underlying black mat. There's just something about matting that lends a professional touch to a portrait, isn't there? Gotta love 3D visuals. This frame is a modern contemporary style (which my daughter loves) in gloss black, and was part of the Valentine's day goodies for my daughter and her husband this year. Did you all have a happy Valentine's Day?

Saturday, February 14, 2015

♥ Valentine's Day 2015 gifts ♥

Happy Valentine's Day to you all. Every year, I make gifts for my daughter and her family. This year includes the red pillow pictured above. It features a heart shape made-up of many white and clear hand-sewn buttons. The fabric is a heavy duck in bright red. Many thanks to Kindra of: At Home With K for the link to this free pattern. Sending thanks to Tonya of: More Prim Than Proper [invited readers only blog] for the cute pattern. Please continue reading to see another gift.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Simplicity 2484: purple corduroy jumper

Pictured above is a 100% cotton widewale corduroy jumper for my darling granddaughter. 'Remember that stack of corduroy from a 2014 Thrifty Thursday? This is some of that fabric, in a muted shade of purple. The front zipper is decorated with a little silver-toned heart pull. There are two rounded patch pockets that are top stitched. The turtleneck is hot pink and grey striped cotton interlock. Please continue reading.

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Snowgirl in corduroy cape

Hello friends. 'Remember the post from last year, about the: Thrifty Thursday corduroy bundle? Here is how I used some of the burgundy corduroy- this snowgirl mounted on an old brass candlestick. Her cape and hat are made from that fabric. The snowgirl head is from a tutorial by Willa at: The Old Cupboard Door Blog. Doesn't this snow girl look all wintery, with her sheep's wool hand muff and her warm corduroy cape and hat? Prim Winter blessings.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Learning to machine stipple

Hey dear friends. Yes, I have finally decided to be brave and start learning to machine stipple my quilts. Until now, 'just did stitch-in-the-ditch. What a new experience this all is! Above is a sample block of my first attempt(s). Got a long way to go, lol. As they say, this is a skill that requires patience and experience. It is quite fun, though. Plus it will lend a more creative and decorative touch to my quilts. Currently, I am participating in the Stars in a Time Warp QAL over at: Civil War Quilts Blog. You can see photos of the quilt blocks on their Flickr group at this link: Stars in A Time Warp. Have you ever joined in a QAL?

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Anchors aweigh!

Good morning. 'Am just bursting to say that I have always loved sailor dresses for little girls. Too bad that when my daughter was younger there was no uploading of photos or digital cameras. So many little dresses that did not get photographed... Pictured above is a cute take on the now discontinued It's So Easy 4927 girls' a-line jumper pattern. This one's for darling granddaughter Macey. 'Just extended the sleeves to 3/4 length and added a front pleat and so-modern removable bow. Added some full gathering to the sleeves also. The white midi trim completes the nautical look. The fabric is a gabardine blend in a great shade of navy. Bow is deep red 100% cotton fabric. Have you been seeing these bow dresses at the fancy boutiques? Sending many thanks to Liz at: Made on Maple Blog for the add-a-pleat-and-bow tutorial.

This classic pattern has a slit back with button fastener and a lined bodice. One tip, though: the sizing runs really BIG. 'Might want to consider a size smaller than the child actually wears. We'll assign this pattern a difficulty rating of:

Fairly Easy