beauty that moves

my kind of weekend

because you asked

 

Well, it seems that some of you have a very keen eye (of course you do!) when it comes to a good thrifty find. I've posted a few times recently with a photo showing a lovely hand crocheted doily. Not surprisingly, I've gotten questions about it each time. It has a simple story, but one that is a great lesson in you must always scope out the "free" stuff when thrifting...

I was just going for the box. I liked the pattern and colors, and thought it was perfect to keep who knows what little things tucked away. Then I opened the lid...

... oh my. Isn't that something? Just the sort of thing to make my day, and looking back on my thrift season overall, I'd say it was a highlight for sure. Does anyone make doilies anymore? My great-grandmother made them and they covered every surface throughout her home, many of them live with me now. I am so happy to add this collection to hers, I don't know why this sort of thing gets to me the way it does. But I know that many of you would understand the misty-eyed moment (literally) that took place when I first lifted the lid of this box.

And those pumpkin muffins from yesterday, sorry I didn't post the recipe, it can be found here. They were perfect! I made only two changes; I substituted sucanat for the sugar and whole wheat pastry flour for 1/2 of the all purpose white. And the frosting was amazing but really just consisted of me throwing a bunch of yummy ingredients into the kitchen aid mixer and letting the paddle attachment whip it all up for about 5 minutes. In the bowl went cream cheese, butter, lots of cinnamon, maple syrup, and a bit of confectioners sugar. Chopped walnuts were sprinkled on the tops of a few for those in the family who like that sort of thing (me!).

We went to the Christmas tree farm today and came home with a beautiful frasier fir. Now I'm looking forward to the puttering and decorating that lies ahead. Puttering is my favorite speed.

Enjoy your weekend!

from our home to yours

 

Today we cast aside struggle, focus only on our blessings, and feel tremendous peace and gratitude. May your day be filled with the same... and your belly filled with all things homemade and yummy. Happy Thanksgiving!

just passing through...

Do you all feel really busy? I can't seem to stretch the hours in my day quite enough lately... my lists feel long. Things are getting checked off, but then out of nowhere new things are added. bah!! I just wanted to pop in for a minute, no time to really talk. I will point you in two directions though...

First... my cousin Heather's wedding was recently featured on Design Sponge! How much fun is that!? Go check it out... I wanted to share some of the wedding photos when they came around in email to our family, but I thought that would be weird and didn't want to put Heather on the spot and ask her. But they were just so pretty and her dress was so right, now I can just link to it! The wedding day was out of state and smallish so we did not go. My parents went and said it was by far the most fun they ever had at a wedding. And let me tell you, this family has seen some festive weddings over the years... ahem. Heather is awesome, with her Brooklyn living fabric designing self... doesn't she need a blog? (that's a hint for her) And Andrew, well he is just so sharp and kind. Like really, really kind. We are so happy for you both! Oh, I did get to see Heather in her dress because they had a fabulous reception locally after their honeymoon and she wore it for that as well... if you love a collection of beautiful wedding photos, click here for many more.

Second... I really have to run... but if you're wondering what all these soap-y photos are about, they are a teaser.

Let's continue this visit over at The Co-op, shall we?

lost in creation

 

We can say it's official, I'm completely lost in the creative process of this little quilt project. If nobody minds, I'd like to stay right here in this place, just a little longer. The process has been thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring to this point, it's sort of taken on a life of it's own and is not feeling completed just yet. I wasn't prepared for all of the feelings that would brew and surface working on another woman's quilt, taking scissors to it. Yes, it was worn beyond any kind repair to be used again as a quilt... it just feels a little strange, like a violation. I know she would be pleased though with the practical transformation that is going on. Reuse, reuse, reuse. 

Pictured is a sneak peak at the studio... the non-work area part. Funny how quickly that other part was taken over and heaping with quilt scraps and trims and buttons and thread... I only turned my back for a moment! Once this project is over and cleaned up, I'll share some more pictures.

All that green... every spring I put my plants outside, every fall they return to the house double in size. This isn't even half of them... it looks like a rainforest is taking over, but we have the cleanest indoor air around. Be back soon!