today . . .

Our temperatures have been a little warm, but the weather has changed enough,
 especially the last couple of days, to feel and enjoy the change of seasons.
 I think I need that change - or rather I change right along with the seasons . . . and I need that.

It changes my routine and my way of looking at things.  I seem to slow down and find joy in things a little easier this time of year.  I read more.  I enjoy cooking and baking,  I pull on an old, cozy sweater that has been softened by years of wear and drink my coffee outside because the day feels beautiful and glorious and I don't want to miss a minute of it.  I love to just be home.  We light fires in the back yard.  We go for rides in the country . . . and sometimes we just wander.  I love this time of year!

"Summer ends, and Autumn comes
 he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night; 
and thus he would never know the rhythms 
that are at the heart of life. 
~Hal Borland

Embroidery and Lace

Still more keepsakes from mom.  This sampler I embroidered years ago.  It was actually a gift for my ex mother-in-law.  She ended up giving it back to my mom years later thinking that I might like to have it.

I embroidered this for my grandma . . . I can't remember when.  My mom had it after that - she thought since I was now a grandma she should pass it back to me. 

I mentioned in an earlier post that my grandma taught me how to embroidery when I was young.  This was the first thing I ever stitched.  You can see where Gramma drew lines to help keep my stitches straight.   I don't remember how old I was, just that I stitched it to earn a Girl Scout badge . . . and how patient she was teaching me.

Some vintage embroidery transfers . . .

. . . and pieces of wonderful old lace and eyelet that I can use for my dolls. 

Shabby Charlotte Doll - Lillian

I had this little doll nearly done . . . and there she sat.  For some reason I couldn't get going on her, but last night I finally figured out what I wanted to do to finish her . . . and here she is. 

She was another special order . . . for a Disney fanatic.  :)

Lillian

Lillian is an outgoing little doll with a positive attitude.  She loves to smile and laugh and most of all have a good time.    She loves her name . . . because although it is not something everyone knows - she is named after Walt Disney’s wife.  Lillian loves everything Disney.  She always has her Mickey Mouse bag with her just in case she finds some fun Disney item she can’t live without.  If it was up to Lillian – she would go to Disneyland every day . . . since she can’t, she carries a special ticket in her bag to remind her of the magic place she loves so much.  Keep this little doll nearby to remind you that . . . “Laughter is timeless ~ Imagination has no age – and Dreams are forever. "

I love her little bag.  It is made out of a cloth Disney tag.   A perfect place for Lillian to keep her Disney keepsakes.

I have had this lace top in my closet for a couple of years . . . as pretty as I think it is - it just reminded me of an old lady top for some reason.  I am not sure why - I have other lace tops that I love to wear . . . so it was one of those times where I raided my closet to dress a Shabby Charlotte doll.

It makes a perfect little underskirt . . . and one less thing in my closet.  :)

And I have so much more lace I can use for other dolls!

lace and inspiration . . .

Another stop at an antique store before my hair appointment . . . my hairdresser moving to this shop is either a blessing or a curse.  I love the antique stores so close, but I end up spending more money than just on my hair . . . no worries.  :) 

This time what I found actually didn't cost all that much - some wonderful vintage lace to use on my dolls . . .

. . . and this wonderful little rhinestone dragonfly pin.

I have another special order for a Disney doll.  The lady that I am making it for brought me some items that I can possibly use for her doll.  I have a picture in my head what I want this doll to look like - with these items being the inspiration. 

  It is the last week of school - so work is CRAZY busy . . . I am having a little trouble finding time to sew or do much of anything other than work.  I hate that . . . but with the last week of school comes summer vacation and finally some extra time to do the things I like to do.