Put Your Feet Up

The transformation of the Pretty Room is coming along nicely.  I've finished slipcovering the pair of ottomans and now we have a place to rest our weary feet.

The room has changed drastically from the sage green walls and all the pink, but it was time and I'm loving the peacefulness I find when I'm in here. 

I still have pink touches.  Even though I don't have a picture of it today, I have left my pink coffee table made from a vintage door in the room as well as some pink shelving.  The cottage beach theme feels like coming home since I grew up in St. Joseph, Michigan located on Lake Michigan.

The other day I found my Grandmother's blue ball canning jars, one of the things I acquired after her passing many years ago.  I was in college then and had no idea what I would use them for.  Throughout the years I have put many a posy in them.  The glass reminds me of water, and they look so pretty on top of the cabinet with the morning light shining through them.  They cast an iridescent glow.  

What are you up to today?

Joyfully,

A Little Sugar Creek

I stopped in at JoAnn Fabrics yesterday.  I managed to satisfy the fabric craving by purchasing a little Sugar Creek by Denyse Schmidt.  I think the top one looks like it could be from Lecien's Flower Sugar line.  I noticed that some of the Etsy stores are carrying the line now.

The good thing about JoAnn's is that there is always a sale going on.  Quilting books were 40% off.  I've been wanting this one for awhile.  It does not disappoint. 

This book came from Amazon.  I can't tell you how much I love it!  The quilt on the cover is on my list of projects.  You must take a look at this one.  The pillows alone are to die for.  Did you make any fun purchases over the weekend?

Smiles,

Sunday Scripture

"You are the light of the world.

A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp

and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on a stand, and

it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light

shine before men, that they may

see your good deeds and 

praise your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:14-16

In praise,

Ruby Jean

I came across a blog and etsy shop that I wanted to share with you.  Angelina makes the most beautiful things, specializing in aprons.

One of the things I love about her aprons is the story that she writes to go with each one.  Not only is she a talented seamstress, but a talented writer as well.  Visit her etsy shop here.

Angelina continues her creativity over at her blog which is certainly very pretty to look at.  Stop by and take a look.  Sweet blessings today!

With joy,

Little Discoveries~

I was on my way to work last week when I decided to stop by the antique store that I pass each and every time I go out to the farm.  I've made a point of not stopping by but could not take it any longer.  I'm so glad I caved because I found these precious little girls to add to my Holt Howard collection.  They are called "Daisy 'Dorables" and they certainly are adorable!

Always a push over for a white picket fence, this little pitcher found it's way into my car.  What is it about this time period that draws me so?

I also go weak in the knees for vintage children's toys and this little phone had me as soon as I saw the color.  I love that it rings when you dial it.  It makes me smile whenever I look at it.

I snapped this picture this morning.  I know that fall has started in the garden when the fall Clemantis starts to bloom.  It is out of control this year.

Growing through the Clemantis is a Morning Glory vine that comes up on it's own every year.  It looked so pretty in the morning light today.

The color of this vine is amazing.  I could do a whole quilt around the color of this one flower.  Such treasures!

Joyfully,

Featured Today At ~

Come visit me today at Quilt Story

Thank you Megan and Heather for the opportunity!

With joy,

Snippets for Tuesday

I'm puttering around in the sewing room today.  Do I clean it or do I sew?  It's hard for me to be creative in a messy environment so I'll probably clean.  I found these vintage spools of thread while I was poking around in my mess.  Look at the brand name on the bottom two, "Fast to Boiling".  I love it!

It's so much easier to baste a quilt with curved safety pins when you can actually find them.  A pretty canning jar does the job perfectly.  Now I won't be hunting all over for stray pins to complete a quilt.

I took some time to group some of my collections.  Of course they all have a pink theme, you know me.  Just looking at this shelf makes me smile.

Still madly in love with the pink "Sew Master" toy machine that my friend, Diane, gave me.  It even has a vintage spool of thread on it.  Tickled pink for sure!

The vintage pink "Wolverine" metal kitchen pieces are a favorite.  "Kleanser Kate" keeps a watchful eye over all.

Often when I need a burst of creativity I just look at the jar of vintage cake decorating goodies and all the colors and themes are the jolt I need to get inspired.

As I work on a t-shirt quilt for a dear friend, I take breaks to work on this ottoman cover.  The colors are just dreamy.  Hoping creativity flows from your fingers today in all that you do!

Smiles,

Sunday Scripture

Photo from my friend, Char~

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge

and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

Psalm 91:1-4

With joy,

Simply Saturday~

I'm in one of my August moods today. A bit melancholy, a tad sentimental.  It's blueberry season here in Michigan.  A good excuse to make and eat muffins.  As they bake, I'm watching the goldfinch at the bird feeder and thinking about the chipmunk that was perched there last week while I watched and wondered what on earth that kind of bird was.  I hear thunder coming from the west but it doesn't faze the many butterflies who are swarming the rose bush.

Oh, let's head outside, what's a little thunder amongst friends?  The climbing rose is showing off today, big time.  The progression of colors sings a continuous song of praise, reaching up.  Next year it will need an arch for sure.  It blooms late August and cheers the rest of the garden on as colors begin to fade.

Last fall I tossed a rotting pumpkin by the tree in the back corner.  Guess what sprouted this summer?  I keep mowing around this vine, not wanting to disturb it.  Today I thought I would see if there is any sign of a pumpkin...

I'm wondering if the neighbors found my happy dance entertaining.  Just one little pumpkin coming to maturity would make for an awesome fall.  Might even take away the August blues.

This is what happens when overzealous planting occurs followed by a large wind and rain storm - one mass tangle of stalks.  Picking tomatoes is like mining for gold.  I'm not sure if any peppers grew because I can't find the plants.  When I want basil I reach my hand in and pull at whatever will come out.  It's worked so far.  Don't we always learn the most through trial and error?  Will I ever be old enough to stop learning this way?  You don't have to answer that.

Muffins are done.  I sure wish you could come over for coffee and muffins today.  We could discuss how we all handle the transition from summer to fall.  Play time to school time.  We head back to school after Labor Day here in Michigan.  I know many of you have already started.  Where did the summer go?  Enjoy your Saturday!

Blessings,

Today I'm Thinking...

Today I'm thinking about just how talented bloggers are!

From here.

How many gifts I need to make for new babies (insert smiley face!)

What a wonderful book this is!

How I can't wait to make this...

What are your thoughts today?

With joy,

For Baby

Today I packed up the baby quilt and sent it off to a sweet little bundle named Camdyn.  I wanted to share the pattern with you that I purchased at Cluck Cluck Sew.

This was a fun and easy pattern to sew.  It was especially good for hand quilting because you could do straight lines inside the squares and rectangles.

Last night Nancy and I hosted the Bridal Association meeting at the farm.  This is a quarterly meeting for vendors.  It gives us an opportunity to network with other people like us.  I was in charge of decorations and spent the morning making floral arrangements.  When I got them packed in my car, they looked so pretty I had to snap a picture for you.

Most of the flowers were in my Grandmother's large blue bell jars.  You can see some of them in the quilt picture above.  I also used a white enamelware pail.  All of the flowers came from my yard with the exception of the pink roses.  I used various hydrangea and hosta flowers.  It was a fun event!

Smiles,