National Tie One On Day....

ok, I could not resist making this apron from a lace curtain panel...I folded it in (uneven)half, gathered up the waist, added the MaryJane Farm panel and stitched on the sash/tie which is just one long piece of fabric folded in half. If I had, had time I would have back stitched(red work) over some of the lines in the sweet panel, but it's crunch time now...Maybe next time.
I also chose not to add a pocket given the lacey nature of the curtain.
Now all that is left to do is to top stitch the sash/tie and then tuck it in a bag along with some goodies.
Thank goodness I made 2 dozen muffins....and and extra lavender sachet....as for the jam, I canned plenty. Panel from the 'MaryJanes Farm' line of fabric. Sweet!

Getting ready to pack things up!

Well Wednesday, Nov. 25th is National Tie One On Day...and in the good spirit & inspiration of the Maven of Aprons, EllynAnne Giesel, I have prepared 3 baskets...to be dropped off, or as I call it, Drop-n-Dash... at the homes of unsuspecting neighbors....each basket will contain muffins, peach jam, a lavender sachet & a MaryJane's Farm Magazine...all sweetly wrapped up in an apron...except one which will be wrapped in the green dish towel as it is for an elderly gentleman. Somehow, I can't quit picture him in a Farm Girlie apron...lol!

A lot of the ladies over on the MaryJanesFarm forum are doing like wise.....baking goodies to be wrapped in an apron and given as a sweet gift to friends and neighbors.

I love this time of year,,,I only wish we could/would embrace the spirit of Sharing & Caring everyday....

My Kids & Aprons & Life in General...

I have been keeping busy getting through some of the projects that have been sitting on my sewing table....but still have a stack to finish... This apron was made from a bed sheet & no pattern...just sort of a cut, pin & stitch project.

Debbie Mum fabric and a Daisy Kingdom pattern...

My "grandkids" keep me in stitches.....oh wait, that would be my aprons...lol!

As for the "kids" they are so entertaining....

Happy Anniversary

Yep here we are after 37 years of marriage...not bad for a couple of kids who dated in High School and are traveling through life laughing all the way.... We've gone from city dwellers to country bumpkins with the tractor, weeds & empty bank account to prove it...lol!
The old saying about looking at life like a glass of water, you can see it as half empty or half full...shoot, ours is flowing over!

Happy Anniversary to us! & many more.

83 Doilies

SCORE!!!!!!!!!!
This is what a stack of 83 Doilies looks like!
My mom sent them to me. They were given to her and she doesn't have any need for them but knew I would love and cherish them...and I do. Most of them are in excellent shape, even starched. Only a few have stains. I am thinking it might be fun to just frame a few for display.

It's Snowing!!!!

Ok, this picture was taken about 1 1/2 hours later after the Birdie pics(below)....and yep, it's still snowing!

Little miss Skylar, just turned 4 and already an Apronista! You can't just feed one...

or can you?

Cheap entertainment for my kitties....."The Bird Channel"...lol!

Well here it is, Friday, November 13th....and our first real snow for the season....by 4PM everything was solid white!

But even the snow does not deter the birds for coming to our place for lunch... speaking of lunch... my little friend Skylar came over for lunch, well actually for tea and a sugar rush!

I have some explaining to do to her mom as to why Skylar is so 'amped'...hummm, sugar cookies, sugar cubes, cupcakes & wafers....at least I know her Dentist is gonna love me! lol!

We had fun none the less....and Skylar even got to wear her apron and use her little potholder when we baked Tollhouse cookies. She is such a cutiepie. It was fun to have a 4 year old in the house today (and I don't mean my husband! lol!).

Make Time to Take Time and play with a wee one and recapture your inner 4 year old!

Oh and as for the kitties, both Dolly Girl and Mz Beasley liked all the attention they got from Skylar but lil miss (priss) Peekaboo was not so amused with a wee one in the house...lol!

The Big Affair....

Thank goodness I am not the jealous type! Because as you can see, this is the "other woman" in my husband's life!
At almost 17 years old, our Ms Beasley is slowing down but still loves to cuddle with her favorite man.

Our Newest (Grand) Kids....

Ok, so our latest Grand Kids are these 3 guys....
Our daughter & Son-in-law have taken in these goats so now they have 5 goats & 1 sheep....
I think they have this "Adopting" thing down pat! All of the critters seem to get along very well. No shortage of antics around their barn.

Sewing Up A Storm...

Little girls holiday apron for a very special little 5year old who is coming over for tea this Friday. I also made a special pot holder to fit her little hands.

This is 1 of 5 Dinner style aprons that I am stitching up for gifts & a couple that I have sold.
I also made matching pot holders to go with the aprons. Some are fun festive prints while the rest are Holiday prints.

Now this sweet little apron (child's size 3) is made from a pillowcase like the one it is photographed next to. I modified the apron and changed the neck tie from tie strings to a collar w/a snap closure. I added Battenburg lace trim onto the pockets. The battenburg trim was from a tattered piece of linen. And of course a couple of Yoyos just because....

This Weeks Projects....

Ok. this is some of the mischief I have been getting into this week!

And if Peek-a-boo kitty tells you she helped....don't believe her! lol!

I crochet yet another rug, this one is pink & blue & will go in my 1963 Scotty trailer as will the brown apron with little pink & grey Scottie dog motif.

The Western album is a birthday gift for a Sisters on the Fly friend who will be turning 29(again!)....lol!

You can click on the photo to get a closer look if you want.

Thanx for stopping by.

Back in the Saddle Again!

Back in the Saddle Again! Back where a friend is a friend.... Our lil Peekaboo loves being a cowgirl kitty!

OK, so talk about putting the Cart before the Horse....I haven't even gotten my horse yet and hubby dearest has already made me a wonderful saddle stand....

I can hardly wait to find the perfect saddle to sit on my new saddle stand.

Thank you Honey Bear.....

Look what I made....

Look what I have been up to..... This is a sweet little girls outfit I sewed up for my future grand baby girl.
The pink snugglie is a simple 1 1/2hour project. I stitched it so it could be reversible.

Ok, here is another rag rug that I crocheted up from sheets.

The lamp is a 2nd hand store find...sort of....I bought the lamp base at one place and the shade at another. I cleaned up the base & shade and then I glued on the hanging beads and rosettes.

I think both projects turned out cute. And both are going to my daughter's for the baby's room.

Ah, signs of Autumn....

I know it is Autumn when I start coveting sweaters.....and each year I like to treat myself to one special one...thou usually they are Cashmere, angora or wool, for once I actually bought one that was not.
I had been holding off on this one, but found myself drawn to it each time I looked at it in the Victoria Trading Company catalog....so I gave in and bought it. OMG! it is yummy soft & sweet and it even came with it's own sweater bag.....which gave me an idea...why not convert some of my vintage hand stitched pillowcases into sweater bags...all I would need to do is cut the top-back side off, hem the edges & Voila' instant sweater bag. Tuck in a little lavender sachet and my good sweaters will be kept sweet & safe..... I was at Joanns Fabric store the other day & their McCall patterns were on sale.
Now normally I would not but a Pattern for YoYo projects, but for .99cents, what the heck!
It features a yoyo garland, 2 different size yoyo trees, a wreath and a stocking decorated with yoyos.
The little pumpkin candle pad is just a simple project from the 'Bareroots' craft pattern line.
A nice project to work on while sitting in front of the Idiot Box(T.V.).....
I am currently spending more time in my sewing room....much needed 'sewing therapy'! lol!

Ranch Profits.....

"I put all my profits back into Ranch improvements" OK, so after going back through our expenses for the past to years I have come to realize that owning 5acres of dirt...ain't cheap! Who would have thunk it that maintaining dirt, weeds and a little garden could be such a lofty & expensive endeavor! lol! But ya know, I wouldn't have it any other way.....
Hubby & I are onto our second adventure.....getting the property ready for next Spring...we have $200.00 worth of pasture grass seed waiting to be put down in the next week...weather permitting. Then we will expanding our little mini fruit tree orchard as well as putting in more lavender plants.....I figure buy the time all the dust settles, hubby & I should be ready to be sent to "Shady Acres Old Geezers Home" lol! Oh well, at least someone will enjoy our hard work and hopefully our "foot prints" will be beneficial.
So now speaking of foot prints...or should I say Hoof Prints.....Hopefully by Summer there will be 2 horses out back,,,and I don't mean "Pasture Ornaments".
But rather a life style that we have chosen to re-connect with.
Back in High School I use to ride, bareback...and Gary's family always had horses,,,I guess that is why he is so proficient in Stall mucking...LOL!
Well, first you have to Dream it, then ya have to build it and then ya have to live it......
I can hardly wait for Spring when we can start construction on the Barn/stalls/arena & then like Roy & Dale we will ride off into the sunset for the next adventure in our lives. I am so happy that Gary is a good sport and that he looks forward to spending time with me out riding. I am one very lucky lady.
Happy Trails to you, until we meet again.

I've been busy stitchen' ...

I recently did a fun Western themed Apron Swap and here is what I sent to my swap partner...
I hope she enjoys the goodies.
The apron is a Roy Rogers & Dale Evan montage'. The goodies consist of a sweet MaryJane's farm fabric, book and chocolate. Then I included a sweet dresser scarf & pot holder that I found at my favorite little vintage/antique shop over in Airway Heights. My little 'peekaboo' kitty is making sure no one sneaks off with any of the goodies. lol! Here are 2 "Harvest/clothespin aprons.... both are going out to very special ladies. The both are made from men's shirts. The green one will be going to a friend to wear out in her garden or out to feed her horses....love the large pockets, there is even a smaller pocket for a cell phone & keys. The blue/purple one is going to another gal to be used for stashing her clothes pins in while hanging her laundry.

This is an other Barn Goddess apron for a friend over in Rosalia, WA. I figure the pockets are big enough to put a few apples & horse treats in as well as maybe a curry comb & hoof pick. I made this one from leftover remnants of fabric from other projects.

Ok, so now maybe I'll finally get around to making one for myself.....lol!

Look What I Found...

1958-1962 Pink Kenmore Sewing Machine.

Crochet roses and another set of acrylic-resin grapes.

Ok, So my dear friend, Elizabeth & I are perusing the local 2nd Hand shops and I no sooner say to her, I have to quit buying sewing machines....what do I find????

Yep another sewing machine, but unlike all my others, this one is Pink! OMG & WOWZERS!

As best as I can find, it is somewhere from 1958-1962. By the Sears & Roebuck Co.

And the machine sews wonderfully...but the really best part....I only paid $3.79...yep, you read right...$3.79....talk about being in Hog Heaven...

The sweet roses are crochet....not sure what I will do with them, but I could not resist...they are so sweet.

I also found these blue resin grapes for only $3.25...hahah, they cost almost as much as the sewing machine.

I just love a good day Thrifting....how about you?

Spending Time with Mama...

Mom & papa Bob come up to Spokane for a very long over due visit.
It was so great to have her up here. After all, every little girl needs a visit from her mom.
Love ya mom!
Mama having fun on our tractor.... You Go Mom!

Mom and me...at Manito Gardens on a beautiful September day.

Spending a wonderful day with mom in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho.

Apron Swap Fun....

I just finished up with another Apron Swap and look at all the wonderful goodies I got...

The navy blue with white polka dots apron is too cute and I luv the vintage 1954 cook book.

As for the cute crochet'd pot holders, I wish I were that talented.

Soon as I get a free moment I plan to make one of the cute little aprons from the pattern.

All these wonderful goodies came from Jennifer W. in Alaska....Thank you Jennifer.

Ticked Off Praying Manthis

(click on the pics to see a closer view)

Ok, so while I was out weeding I came across a praying manthis.....

and being the "little girl " that I am I had to play with this one, ok, so I was teasing it...

again, the little girl in me.......

What I did not realize about P.M.'s, they can get really ticked off when they don't want to

play or be teased...LOL!

Then I was out in my little Lavender field to do some weeding. You know, there is nothing better then weeding in amongst lavender plants. It smells WONDERFUL to say the least.

I still have about 18 plants that need to be pruned back but I just can't bring myself to do it yet because of my sweet little pollinators.....I want to make sure they get all the nectar they need before Winter.

Oh and be asured, I WON'T be teasing these little guys! LOL!

Goats, Sheep and Family

It's hard to believe that just a little over 2 years ago we were wearing designer clothes and frequenting trendy little Bistros back in SO. California and now here we are, wearing
not-designer jeans, boots and my trendy hair-do is a pony tail..... We now can our own veggies, sew & re-purpose and enjoy evening sunsets. Life sure has changed and for the good!
Our daughter & Son-in-Law are following their dream of having animals and today their first "flock" arrived. So while they are 'Critter Parents" we are now 'Critter Grandparents" LOL! The cute little barn no longer sits empty....and by next year there will be free range chickens.... Here are Meri & Evan & their "kids"

Does this picture make my nose look big?

The proud parents & grandpa looking at pictures of the "kids"...

Grandpa bringing his "grandson" into the new goat & sheep habitat.

'Buddy' still hasn't figured out why his new sibblings look and smell different....

Here is their sweet sheep, or as I call her, "Meri's lil Lamb" lol!

This is their sweet little girlie goatee....she loves to make funny faces.

Thou his name is HeeHaw I think the name "Trouble" is more befitting....Isn't he a cutie?

Buggy Barn Quilt Show 2009

This picture is out of order, but I could not resist.... even horses like a good quilt....which brings to mind a very talented quilter, Nancy DeWeir Geaney of www.darkhorsefarmdesigns.com
She makes horse blankets & pads from quilts. Oh to be a horse.

It goes with out saying,,,,I am just in absolute awe of these talented ladies that can create art through the use of fabric. I have no idea how many people will have walked the grounds of this old farm to gaze upon these beautiful quilts but for those who did...it was a fabric feast!.
The day actually started out with a light rain, but by the time the quilt show started the rains were no more & the sun was peeking out from behind the clouds. It was such a delight to
walk-n-talk with apron wearing "Farm girl' girlfriends and as it would happen we ran into other ladies that we knew like Heather aka Pickles & I running into Cindy from Idaho who is a fellow-et Sister on the Fly friend... Then I ran into a friend from a local Red Hatters group. We all meet up with our lovely Maryjane Farm-girl-friend, Julia & her best friend...So much chatting, so much scheming for future get togethers and so much fun shopping....I know that Heather, Rene' Julia, Tata & myself,,,we all had fun "shopping the vintage goodies dealers, chatting with vendors not to mention having strangers approach us and ask about our aprons. We just giggled and said, Why we're MaryJane Farm Girls....
We located Amanda's aka Firemama...apron...Amanda, You are "sew" talented....your Sun Bonnet Sue quilt is adorable!
While there were probably well over 100 quilts, I could not possibly post pictures of them all, so here are just a few that I found very interesting. It's funny, just between Heather, Rene' & myself it was interesting to see which quilts caught our attention. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. (as always, you can click on the pic's to get a larger view).
One of the barns covered in quilts.

Amanda's...Sun Bonnet Sue hand stitched Red Work Quilt.

I think this might be fabric from the Jennifer Pagnelli collection. I like the pink & brown mix.

This is a lovely Christmas quilt...I would love to have this one to snuggle up in during the Christmas Holidays.....

I thought this one was rather interesting...a Jigsaw puzzle! How Cute!

I must say, Rene' , Heather & I gravitated to this cute simple denim/jeans quilt.

I'm thinking this would look cute in any of our lil vintage trailers.

There were some great vendors and I found this one to be quite intriguing....these can be use as plant trellis' or just as yard/garden elements....and I love the wind chimes incorporated in the trellis.

Newest Burlap Apron Creation

Ok so this is the 2nd Burlap Apron I made..only this time I added yoyo's to the waistband & pocket.
I plan to wear it to the Quilt Show over at the Buggy Barn Quilt Farm in Reardon, Washington. I'll be meeting up with some "apron wearin' farm gal pals" to view the quilts on display and then off to lunch.
If you notice, the 'ties' are short. They go around the waist like a belt & snap together.

Another Day in Apron Land...

I made this Burlap Apron from a mid 1960's Aunt Lydia's rug yarn booklet. I still need to finish the blue stitchery on it. I also made a second Burlap Apron but rather than adding stitchery I am going to add yoyo's to embellish it. This is a creation of mine that I call "Harvest Time"... This apron is made from a mans XL shirt.
I remember seeing an old episode of "Leave It To Beaver" where the mom-June Cleaver was wearing an apron with huge pockets for her house cleaning tools so I thought why not one to wear out in the garden or orchard...roomy enough for enough apples or peaches to bring into the house to make a pie! Plus there is a smaller pocket to put your cutters or hankies or cell phone!
I embellished the side ties with yoyo's but they did not show in the picture.
This apron is from a Butterick pattern. It is fun & whimsical..I have made several from this pattern. In fact I am thinking of doing a Cowgirl/Western one next.....and as always,,,,it has yoyo's on the ties & pocket....

Ah last but not least....this is a Mary Mulari apron called "Church Lady". It is a reversible apron. The other side it solid red with the rooster print as embellishment.

As always, you can click on the pictures to get a closer look.

Who Would do this to their Husband???

OK, I don't know about your husbands,,,but mine would Divorce me in a New Your minute if I even thought of crocheting one of these for him!
I found this pattern in a 1965-68 Aunt Lydia's crochet booklet....& these are from 'rug yarn' no less! Yea, tell me that ain't scratchy! lol!

I Love My Family

Gary doing what he does best...move dirt! lol!

Our grandpup Buddy, Gary & our wonderful Son-in-law Evan

My babygirl, Meri & her baby boy, Buddy

Meri & Evan makin' hay...

Farmer Gary tasting hay....lol!

I am so blessed with a wonderful husband as well as daughter & Son-in-love.

We have fun in our daily lives learning to live on our mini farmettes.

It's a never ending "learning curve" LOL!

Rather then go to the bank to deposit our money... we just go out to our acreage, and toss our money into the freshly till soil! lololol!

"Green Acres is the place for me...farm livin' is the life to lead..."

A Sunday Drive....

Wouldn't one of these old trucks look cool towing my 1959 Aljo trailer?

Edwall Post Office

Uh, Noah,,, do you know something?

Recently Gary & I took an afternoon drive around the back roads of some small Washington towns & farm areas...We started in Airway Heights, to Reardon, Davenport, Creston, Wilbur, then down to Odessa, Lamona, Harrington, Edwall, Waulkon, Medical Lake & then back home..

We saw some wonderful sights along the way. One of which was a boat perched up on a hill just outside Odessa. I love the little Post Office in Edwall. All in all we saw some beautiful farm lands and meet some delightful people along the way.

Singer 500a Rocketeer?

Well here is the re-done sewing table for my Singer sewing machine. It was sort of a Harvest Gold paint job so my wonderful Gary stripped it down & re-stained it. I Love It!

Love my Ironing Board...

After seeing a "Sister" Sister on the Fly use her vintage ironboard as a Bar table for her vintage trailer I was bitten & it became a Quest to find one for myself as well..& I did!

It even had the origional instructions on the back side....along with the date! How's that for making it easy to date!

This is Meri~grace...my newest little dolly, who will be going to her new home soon. To a very special Blue eyed, Blond haired big~little girl...she and this dolly are very special to me.

Meet Lucy & Ethel at the Chocolate Factory...

My latest apron creation.....this fun apron was made for the Apron Swap that I am in. It will be going to the East Coast shortly.

I did not have a pattern so I used one of my aprons as a template to make this apron.
I made the apron ties extra long so the wearer can wrap it around & tie in front if she desires.
I sure hope she likes it....

Lessons in Life!

Our lil Scooter...probably should have named him "Speedy" cuz that little stinker can disappear on you in no time fast!
Ok, Lessons in Life...
#1 If you let your tortoise 'graze' in your garden,,,hoping he will snack on the lettuce & broccoli, think again...he will head for your Sweet Peas, carrots and other delicate plantings!
#2 If you are wearing shorts, do not stand next to your kitty who is rolling in the cat mint/nip getting schnockered... cuz it is certain that she will roll over & wrap all 4 paws around your leg & shred your leg like a shredding post! Ouch! pass the band-aids please!
#3 Be sure to savor a yummy piece of Dove chocolate w/almonds with your glass of red wine....I know, it's not evening here yet but it is somewhere! LOL!
Oh and #4...be sure to read the "thought for the day" on the inside foil wrapper. Mine said:
"Smile when you want to, Cry when you need to, Laugh whenever possible!"
I am Smiling! how about you?

SCORE!!!!

I really SCORED big time!

My mother came across these 2 crocheted aprons that are in very good shape! I am so in envoy of the ladies who hand crocheted these sweet aprons. Oh if only I could crochet like them. I am guessing that these two aprons are mid-century given the size and popularity of crocheted aprons from the 1940's-1960's

Then today after running what seemed like a gazillion errands in town I treated myself to a quick "Stop & Seek" mission at one of the local Thrift Shops in Spokane. I can still hardly believe it, I got these 17 hand crocheted pot holders for $1.99

They are all in nearly perfect unused condition except for 2 of them that have small little yellow spots on them.

While at the Thrift Shop an odd thing happened....I had come across a Samsonite Train Case in very good condition for only $2.99...I was excited to bring it home, and decoupage it like I did with my other two..so I set it in my cart. I shopped a bit more then went up to the register to pay. As I was unloading my "finds" I discovered that the Train Case was not in my cart! OMG! someone took it out while I was not paying attention...I had parked my cart a couple of times, & with my back to the cart was looking at some sheets for future rag rugs....so I guess the lesson I learned today is,,,never turn your back on a great find or your shopping cart! lol!

MaryJane's Farm... "Farm Fair" Weekend

Dinner at "Lenny's" Italian Restaurant in Cheney WA.

Me(grace) Rene' & Bev...we tried to smile but the sun was in our eyes....

I love this picture of the old turn of the century flour mill & vintage mid-century trucks.

What a wonderful weekend Bev & I had at the MaryJanesFarm...Farm Fair ... "Buggy, Barter & Boogie" weekend....It started off with Bev~beehavenmaven flying in from Pennsylvania to stay & visit with us.....then a giggle fest & dinner with MJF gals from Oregon & Washington to be followed with a nice glass of wine at Karen~kpaints beautiful home.

On Friday Bev & I had a relaxing afternoon at Michelle~huckleberrywine's property, where we visited with Michelle's horses, hubby & sweet daughter, oh and of course enjoyed some of Michelle's wonderful wines of which I now have 3 new favorites,,,,huckleberry, Lilac and Strawberry-honey...Now I am hooked, I want to try my hand at wine making....

Friday evening was a light dinner in Coeur d'Alene, ID. a quick window shopping trip and then over to the MaryJanesFarm Store for a meet-n-greet of farm gals and their hubbies too!

Saturday Bev & I loaded up the jeep & buggied on down the Palouse, hwy27 to see what goodies we could find oh and find we did!

I bought a vintage Sears & Roebuck ironing board, a vintage 50's child electric iron but my best find was a vintage ornate cast iron radiator which I will paint glossy white, put a glass top on it and use it as a side table in my guest room...hubby was a little less then pleased & still wonders about my sanity,,,but oh well, he loves me just the same & if I play my cards right, he will help me sand down & paint my radiator....giggle giggle!

Sunday Bev & I attended the Settlers Creek event in Idaho. It was so nice, relaxing, cute & yet informal...you didn't feel hurried....We had fun chatting with the other farm gals, tasted organic wine, beer, tofu and the always popular "Kettle Corn" yumm! I love kettle corn.

Lunch was all organic, the veggies, beef-kabobs and even the dessert-strawberries & creame over fat shortbread cookies..

The music was delightful and it was wonderful to hear MaryJane read to us about following our dreams....oh and Rene', you nearly had us all in tears with your genuine heartfelt gratitude...I have to say, I could never have pulled off such a wonderful event as you did, and to think, this was your first time doing this....Hugz & Kudos to you, Sista'.

But as all fun weekends do, it came to an end,,,,Bev & I lugged our tired bodies & found treasures back home...Bev flew back to PA. the next morning and I went back to my world of weeding, watering & playing w/my kitties, oh and cooking dinner for my wonderful hubby who survived on a weekend of leftovers & frozen meals...he is such a trooper.

I wish I had taken the time to take more pictures but I was having to much fun spending money...LOL!

I am looking forward to next years event....guess I had better start saving my money now! lol!

Keeping Busy...with another project.

As if I don't have enough projects waiting to be completed....but I am smitten with the idea (aptly 'stolen' from one of the classes @ the MaryJanesFarm store in Coeur d'Alene, ID.)lol!

It will be decorated with lace trims, hankies, vintage buttons and what ever other farmgirl glam I can find...I already have the perfect lamp base, crystle of course, and the spot ....just got to

"get er done"....

And The Winners Are!!!!

Thanx to all who entered my little blog drawing...

And congrats to the following who won....

Please email me with your mailing address so I may send your little prize...

And the Winners are....

#1-Quilt kit~ Kristen Sherrill

#2-Needle work kit~ Linda aka Yarnmama

#3-Apron kit ~ Kay B.

I hope you will enjoy your little "kits".

Hugz,

>^..^<

An Other Blog Give-Away....

Prize catagory #1 Quilter...1 lil Cowpoke pattern, 1 fat quarter & 6 wooden buttons

Prize catagory #2 Stitchery... 1 Angel Baby stitchery kit & mini apron

Prize catagory #3... 1 Apron pattern, 2yd fabric, 1yd lace trim & mini apron

(to see any of these items better, click on the image)

**************************************************
Ok, Bloggers & Bloggerettes,,,,

In the good spirit of Blog Give-Away fun, I am having a Blog Give-Away....but I have 3 categories.....as I will explain, but first the reason I am having this Give Away,...

I recently found a wonderful site via another blogger.....and in doing so was lucky enough to win the most adorable pillow for my vintage 1963 Serro Scotty trailer.

I truly believe in supporting women and their cottage ventures and while I may not be able to afford to buy from them all (as much as I would love too) I believe in putting the word out about them. I may not be in need of a particular hand crafted item but someone else might be in search of that very thing & how wonderful to share another woman's skills & craftsmanship or should I say Craftwomanship! lol!

So here is how my little give away will work....I have 3 categories.(prizes)...

1. Quilting

2. Needle Work

3. Sewing

Take a peek into any (or all if you have time) of the links I have listed on my blog in my favorite places to go site. Then come back to my blog, tell me who you visted & why and then tell me which catagory to enter your name. (1, 2 or 3)

It would be nice if you could post on the blog that you peeked into but is not necessary to entry my Give-Away.

My Dear friend, Bev, from Pennsylania will be here till Monday, July 6th so I will give her the honor of pulling out 3 names (1 from each catagory) & then I will post the winners names on my blog on the evening of July 6th...so let the fun begin!

Remember it all ends by midnight on Sunday July 5th & Bev will draw names on the morning of July 6th.

Good Luck to all who take the time to enter.

Look What I Won in Blog Land...

Is this cute or what!!!???!!!

Dolly-girl inspecting the back side of this cute pillow.

One of the things I like about 'blogging' is that it allows us to share our thoughts and creativity as well as connect with others who share our same interests not just in our little communities but all over the Country, nay, the World.

Most recently through the blog of a friend I learned about a creatively talented lady over on the East Coast. Nancy DeWeir Geaney of http://www.darkhorsefarmdesigns.com/

She creates the most wonderful horse blankets as well as other delightful goodies.

On the particular day that I visited her blog, she was hosting a wonderful drawing and low & behold I had the good fortune to win this ever so cute pillow...Is it cute or what!!!????!!!!

It will have a new home in my 1963 Serro Scotty trailer & will look ever so cute with my Chenille bedspread & pink curtains......hmmmm, I feel a "Glamping Trip" coming on!

I almost forgot, along with the pillow came a sweet Lavender sachet....How cool is that! For those of you who know me,,, know that I love lavender.

Thank you Juli Thorson at http://equisearch.com for posting about Nancy in your Blog & Thank you Nancy for the cute pillow & lavender.

Grin Factor 10

OK, how can you not grin when driving by these guys.....somedays they are out in the back pasture but today they were out front.

These Alpacas are so cute.....when ever I drive down the road to head into town I get a Grin Factor 10....

Ah, the country life!

1893 Singer Sewing Machine

OK, so even though I said I wasn't going to buy anymore vintage sewing machines, I succumbed to weakness and with the help of my dear husband,,,,lost all will power and bought yet another one and for only $40.00!

This is a wonderful rotary machine..and it runs smoothly....

It goes with out saying, I love it!

As you can see, my little Peek-a-boo likes it too!

Hubby was able to track down it's age via the serial number....1893, how cool is that?

I wonder how many bits of clothing and what nots were sewn on this lovely machine. If only it could talk.

My Frannie Apron...

Isn't this is the cutest apron,,,, I received it from Frannie, sister #487 this past weekend at our Sisters on the Fly 'Glamping' trip....It was stitched with love & Debbie Mumm fabric....I am wearing it today over my 'garden jeans'...I should look cute watering my sickly looking garden.. oh well at least the flower print on my apron looks festive & cheery.

Hugz & Thank you Fran...

I love this Shade...

I was not able to attend the recent creative class over at the MaryJane Farm store

in Coeur d'Alene, ID., this past weekend, because I was "Glamping" with the sisters from Sisters on the Fly... Glamping- "Glamour Campimg"

Rene, a very dear and talented friend, brought her shade to the campgrounds for me to see what I missed out on...Oh Wowzer! this is absolutely adorable!

I would love to make a mini version for my trailer,,,what do you think?

Sisters on the Fly Take over Spokane...

Ok, I returned late Sunday afternoon from a fun filled 4 days of "Glamping" with my

"sister Sisters" over at the Bowl & Pitcher campground on the Spokane River, WA.

But if you want to see & read more about us & see some pics of my lil Serro Scotty trailer you will have to skip, run or click over to my other blog, click on the trailer icon just to the right side of this page....see ya there.

Keeping Busy...

Finally, a nice day to sit out on the balcony...

yep, another rag rug.....I luv the green & purple blend.

I finished this fun apron based on a 1925 pattern, but with a modern fabric print of bees & apples.

It has been pretty busy around here, tween co-hosting an up-coming Sisters on the Fly camping trip up here in Spokane, trying to get my vintage trailer finished & ready for the trip and working on a couple of birthday presents.

Being busy keeps me out of trouble!

Good ol' Boots!

Poor old boots.....

OK, my pic's are a bit out of order,,,but,,, like an old favorite pair of boots, we all have a favorite grubby pair of jeans, soft as a diaper and stained from gardening, wood working & trailer re-habing.... pure joy!

This years (from last years bulbs) Tulips. Pay no mind to the grass sneaking into my Tulip bed.

Don't ya hate it when your boots are ready to give up the ghost! After all, I only have 5 more pairs of boots! lol!

Well these will cost me $65 to get re-soled & heeled, but sadly they just are not worth the money to do so and yet they have been great schlepping boots.

I keep telling myself,,, "Self", make a bird house or feeder out of one and a flower(vase) holder out of the other one....but before I do, I think I will wear them a few more times, after all, they are great boots to schlep around the barn & property in... they have been such good friends.

Oh and special note....be careful when digging while wearing your boots,,,that's how I split the bottom & tore up the heel....digging up my elderly neighbors garden for her. The ground was horribly hard!

"Gotter Done!!!!"

Oh My Word!!! I actually started & finished a project in the same week!!!

So here is the completed rag rug. It was so easy to do.Now I am motivated to make another one, in fact last night I tore up several sheets to make another one.... It's a great take along project as well as something to do when I feel compelled to watch the mind numbing boob-tube!

Rag Rug Class

Rag Rug from old cotton bedding sheets....

A very 'intent' group of crochetting ladies...

left to right: Karen, Grace, Teresa, Amanda & Vickki

Ok, so today a handful of us gals converged on Rebekkah at the MaryJane farm store in

Coeur D'Alene, Idaho.

First I have to say, "Thank you" Rebekkah, what a great job you did teaching us "Crochet hook challenged" ladies...lol!

What a delightful time we had trying our hand at crocheting strips of sheeting into a rug...I am not sure I am doing it correctly but it is turning out cute and I am now thinking I may have to make a few more of these as gifts.....

It really is easy and it is amazing how a really ugly sheet can turn into a really colorful rug.

Oh and of course there was the usual gabfest, coffee and then after the class we hit the Antique shops....and yes, I could not resist buying some vintage Chenille fabric(old bedspread) as well as vintage sewing patterns....It was a very productive day.

Who Me????

Where's da kitty?

Ok, so I was stripping up old sheets to get ready for a Rag Rug crocheting class that I am talking this coming weekend. Well my little Dolly-girl insisted on helping "her way".... I guess my crafting projects are a never ending source of fun for my girly-girls!

Good-by April

Apron from Jessie.M It has cute whimsical cows on it.

Idaho 4-H, 1959

Well April sure went by as fast as the winds blow, and up here they really blow!

I received 3 lovely aprons this month, 2 from swaps that I participated in and one was a birthday gift from a dear sweet MaryJane Farm Girl friend, Jessie.

Thank you dear Jessie, I love it!

I can not resist sharing this little booklet,,, I discovered it while rummaging through one of my many favorite antique shops. So for any of you former 4-H gals, this should be a happy journey down memory lane. But what really got my attention, & made me chuckle, was the last paragraph, stating to "show your apron to your parents and friends, Hold your head up high, walk tall and smile" ok, this is sooooo 1950's....lol!

Lucygrace can hardly wait for me to complete this topper.

Ok, here is a sneak peek of the Mini Memory Quilt top that I am working on...I plan to add red

4" sq corners and a cute print fabric as fill in to create a nice wall hanging...so as soon as I find the perfect fabrics I will finish this cutie. I also plan to add embellishments to the boarder of the mini quilt.

I need to get this finished before I move on to my next MaryJane Farm project, Rag rugs!

Another Fun Apron Swap...

Goodies from Mindy

A wonderful melding of vintage fabrics to create an apron.

Well today was such a delightful day.....after working and then running errands after work, I finally came home to find a box on my door step and a dozen blinking lights on my phone answering machine......not to mention a ton of emails in my in-box....somehow the word got out that today is/was my B-day..... I will gladly have a birthday everyday if I know I will get lots of chocolate! lol!

Anyways I received the box from "Mindy" from the Vintage/Repurposed Linen Apron Swap.

I was so excited to see what delightful apron I had received...OMG! it is toooo cute! I love the soft, gently worn vintage fabric used for the apron base and the embroidered cloth for the top part is so sweet. It is the perfect pairing of wonderful fabrics. I also received a fantastic cookbook and Florida linen kitchen-souvenir towel....and, and, and,,,,lovely linen napkins with the letter "B" embroidered on them, how cool is that!

I am so delighted with all my goodies. Now I must send Mindy a 'Thank you' card...although I wish I could just give her a great big hug instead,,,but alas, she lives in Florida & I in Washington....so I will have to send her a hug via the U.S. postal service.

Thank you so very much Mindy. hugz

Fun-MaryJaneFarm Style...

Samples of the little Mini Memorie Quilts made by MaryJane's Staff.

Julia (in green) Renee (in pink) & me/myself & I..(green & blue).

left to right, Michelle, Kelly, Renee, Julia & Rebekka...

So what happens when you combine a bunch of crafty, apron wearing farm girls together for an afternoon? You get a crazy silly gab fest with a little stitching in between! lol!

Oh my what a fun afternoon at the MaryJane's Farm Store in Coeur D'Alene, ID.

We attended a "Mini Memory Quilt" class put on by 2 of MaryJane's talented staff ladies, Renee & Rebekka who with out a doubt are talented, crafty, funny and a joy to be around.

Oh, and I will never ever be able to look at a Thanksgiving Turkey again without giggling thanx to Julia!!!! Think "Heutterite", think turkey, think road kill & supper...and you have the makings for a story that will no doubt cause you to piddle in your panties from laughing so hard....

What a great afternoon we had and we were not the least bit shy to greet shoppers & invite them over to see what mischief we were up to!

Renee & Rebekka, you both are just too awesome. The class was terrific and I look forward to your upcoming classes.

Whether you are a "Type-A' or laid back crafty lady you will love these classes. It isn't about the finished product (which we didn't finish because we gabbed way to much!) but rather the camaraderie, friendship and laughter and we had all three not to mention coffee & pastries...

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. What a great day.

My Newest Apron...

My swap partner, Shawnee, from the 'Sassy Flirty Apron' group was my partner in a delightful Tea Apron themed swap.

Here is the ever so sweet apron she made for me in my two favorite colors, green & purple.

It is a reversible wrap apron, one of my favorite styles of aprons. The purple is a rose motif and the green/cream is a Toile print, one of my favorite types of fabrics. The "Finger tip" Tea towel has sweet little appliqued tea bags & embroidered flowers on it. Then there is the yummy Scones mix & Chi Tea as well as a awesome Tea Mug with my initial on it. The handmade card has a sweet little tea cup pin attached, which I wore to work today. Also a sweet little book on Teas....which I have read 1/2 way through. I plan to finish tonight.

I feel like such a "Farm princess", and since my birthday is in just a few days it was an even bigger thrill to open all these wonderful goodies.

Thank you Shawnee.