A New Use

My growing pile of platters needed a place to rest where they wouldn't get broken.  I found this vintage plant stand the other day when I found the dress.  A quick calculation and I snatched it up.  It looks great on top my fridge with the platters in it.  Prom dress shopping begins today.  What are you up to?


Smiles,

Prom Inspiration

Tomorrow marks the first day of spring break for my teenage daughter.  We aren't making any big trips this year, just day trips where we'll be on the hunt for the perfect prom dress.  I spent the day cleaning, sorting and dropping things off at Goodwill.  I said goodbye today to some cookbooks, mostly low-fat, weight-watcher, no-butter-for-you, recipes.  If I don't know how to watch my weight by now, at fifty, there's something wrong with me.  When I couldn't handle one more dust ball, I headed out to the local resale shop.  I spotted this beauty of a dress behind a table, with only the top peering out.  I almost walked by knowing that I couldn't afford the hefty price these dresses always bring.  What's the harm, I thought, just look at the tag.  Oh my word, did I read that right? $5.00.  Even the cashier couldn't believe it.  What a beauty, lavender-gray over the palest pink.  The vintage brooch is one of mine.  The sewing on this is extraordinary.  I wish you could see the ruffle strap, the ruffle is gathered and attached on a pink strip that is only 1/4" inch wide - I kid you not.  I hope that Maddie and I can find something just as exquisite, even in this day and age of show-it-all and leave nothing to the imagination.  We will do our best, with this one as our guide.


Hugs,

Chicks Must Wait

The weather has taken a dip in temperature, here, in Michigan.  There's a bit of a nip in the air.  More like the March we know.  The flower beds are greening out nicely as are the weeds, so soon enough it will be time to spread some Preen.  I managed to get the porch cleaned and set some of my favorite things out on the aqua hutch I so love.

There's been a bit of a halt in the chick production.  I made the mistake of starting this book.  "The Forgotten Garden" may be the most wonderful read to date, until this one, "The Distant Hours" by the same author.  Can I just tell you that by page 21 (out of more than 500 pages) I knew I was a goner. Who needs eating, sleeping and other necessities of life when I can immerse myself into another world, time and place.  I'm surprised I stopped long enough to type this post, seriously.  Have any of you read it?


Joyfully,

Sunday Scripture

Image from the wonderful Susan Branch

"See!  The winter is past;

the rains are over and gone.

Flowers appear on the earth;

the season of singing has come,

the cooing of doves is heard in our land."

Song of Songs 2:11-12

With joy,

Chubby Chicks

I want to share with you the pattern that I made yesterday's chicks from.  I've had it for a while and was inspired by another blogger to make it.  Isn't that one of the best parts of blogging, the inspiration and encouragement we get from each other?  I also want to show you the retro birthday candle holders I just purchased from Etsy ~ another cute group of chicks!


Smiles,

Spring Chicks

Sweet little chicks are popping up at my house!

A long overdue unfinished project from 2010.

They are so cute, what took me so long?

Blessings,

Pink-Tipped Tree

I've been bringing out my Easter decorations a little at a time.  Today I unwrapped my new pink-tipped tree by Bethany Lowe Designs.  I purchased mine through Victorian Trading Company.

I've been collecting ornaments over time and my poor dogwood tree finally couldn't stand the weight anymore, so a new tree was necessary. 

The colors of spring and Easter-time make my heart sing!  Enjoy your day today!


Hugs,

Take Me Out To The Ballgame...

85 glorious degrees here in Michigan today!  I get to go watch this boy play baseball.  It doesn't get much better than that!  Thank you for the sneaker love yesterday.  The link for my new shoes is here.


With Joy,

Simple Pleasures

Green grass and new sneakers,

can't think of a better way to start the week!

Smiles,

Sunday Scripture

Garden statue titled, "Basking in God's Glory".  A gift from my beautiful niece, Jessica.


"Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.
Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and Amen."


Psalm 72:18-19


In Praise,

Bunny Love

It's that wonderful time of year again when I get to bring out the quilt my Mom made for me last year.  It's called, "Rabbits Prefer Chocolate".  This quilt ushers in spring for me.  If you are reading this Mom, thank you again!  Love you!


Joyfully,

Oh my...

Why is Lecien torturing me?

Don't they know about my no buying fabric rule?

I think I might sit down and cry…

Smiles,

Checking In...

Source: flickr.com via Elaine on Pinterest

I have been busy at the cafe for the past few days.  I didn't want you to think I've forgotten about you. I found this adorable wreath on pinterest and wanted to share it with you.  I love everything about this.  I can't imagine how long it would take to find all the items for it, but I certainly can enjoy someone else's creation.  What have you been up too?


Hugs,

Sunday Scripture

Source: unafloresita.blogspot.com via Renee on Pinterest

With joy,

Spring Hankie Scarf

This is a quick and easy project.  Decide how long you want your scarf to be.  Lay out the hankies in the order you want and zig zag them together.  That's it!  It took about ten minutes.  A pretty accessory to replace the heavy winter scarves I'm growing tired of wearing.  Have a fun Saturday!


Love,

Giveaway Winner!

Source: etsy.com via Mdm Samm oh yes let's PIN on Pinterest

The winner of the March giveaway is

Kathrynn!!

Kathrynn is most looking forward to being outdoors and enjoying the SUNSHINE this spring!

I have sent you an email Kathrynn, congratulations!

Smiles,

Cupcake Flowers

Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments yesterday on the cafe.   I want to answer some questions from you about the cafe.  The Garden Gate Cafe is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan.   Nancy and Doug Knobloch are the owners.  They are friends of ours and I have been working with them in various ways over the past few years.  Two years ago I became their event coordinator at their farm which hosts outdoor weddings and other events.  They have asked me to be their event coordinator for the restaurant also.  I will be the primary contact and planner for such things as tea parties, birthday parties, showers and special events like rehearsal dinners, book club dinners and just about anything else that we can come up with.  The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch so the evenings open up all kinds of possibilities for special events.  I'm thinking about ladies craft nights, guest speakers and that sort of thing.  We have eight weddings on the books for this summer at the farm so it looks like I've got my work cut out for me, but it's all so fun!  I get to work with people I love who allow me to have such creative freedom in what I do for them.  A job doesn't get much better than that!  I'm feeling very thankful and blessed by it all.  Have a wonderful Thursday!

Flower arrangement by my friend, Char.

Is that cute or what?


This is the last day to enter the giveaway,
winner announced tomorrow!

Hugs,

A Cup of Cuteness

Oh friends, I wish I could meet you at the door of the new cafe, pour you a fresh cup of coffee and give you the most delectable cupcake.  We could have a seat and talk for hours!  I so wish that was true.  I want to share with you today some shots of the cafe.  Friday night we were open for a sneak preview and gave out samples of the goodies.   I almost missed it, having come down with the flu on Thursday, but I was able to attend for a bit - the result of much prayer.  The official opening date is March 12.

Everywhere you look is cuteness and creativity.  We had pendant lights made out of vintage cake carriers.  I spent some time yesterday drawing on the chalkboards with chalk markers - teacups, cupcakes and curliques - along with the menu of course!

My window display made the front page of the local newspaper on Friday.  It was like getting asked to the prom by your dream guy!  I'm so happy that customers love it!  The building is a historical building which has been taken care of wonderfully.  The floors are gorgeous!

The vintage Maytag washing machine always stirs a ton of interest.  People take pictures of it and share their memories of their moms washing with one.  I pray that God will bless the work of many hands as we embark on this adventure.  To see our newest chef/baker go here.  That is an amazing story for another day!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Smiles,

March Giveaway!

I can't believe it's the first Monday of the month already.  Seems like I was just sending out the last giveaway.  I should be calling this one "March Madness" because that's what it feels like to me.  I'm having difficulty parting with this month's goodies.  You may ask yourself why I'm doing this so let's both you and I take a look here.  Ouch.  It's good to have the reminder.  So what's included in this pretty bundle:

1 yard Strawberry from the very hard to find Old New Fabric Collection by Lecien
1/2 yard lattice from the same collection

1 yard each of the three prints shown here from Rosalie Quinlan's Grandmothers Flower Garden also by Lecien.  Three gorgeous yards!

Be still my heart.  2 1/2 yards of the most beautiful aqua and white toile "Tiny Treasures" by RJR Fabrics.  I might have to sit down (oh I am already!)

And two of the cutest books, "Sew the Perfect Gift" and "Home Sweet Sewn".  The giveaway will be open until Thursday at midnight.  I will announce the winner on Friday, March 9.

To enter:

Be a follower of Sewn With Grace

Leave me a comment telling me what you most look forward to this spring!

For me, I'm most looking forward to not wearing a heavy winter coat

and

FLOWERS * FLOWERS * FLOWERS

Smiles,

Sunday Scripture

Source: triciawilson.tumblr.com via Renee on Pinterest

With joy,