Lilacs in September

The other evening when Adam I were returning from a walk we discovered that one of our lilac bushes was in bloom! We were very surprised to smell the beautiful fragrance of spring on a September evening.

The following day I decided I should take a couple pictures and pick one of the lilacs to press in a book.

Never before have I seen a lilac blooming in September, but it was a delightful surprise!

Vintage Smocked Baby Dress

 Recently my mom and I spent a lovely afternoon visiting some antique shops in a nearby small town. While browsing one shop my mom came across a rack of vintage baby clothes. They were so delicate and lovely! Little embroidered slips and dresses, mom had a hard time deciding which she liked best. But this sweet little smocked dress finally won as a favorite with us both. Mom said she had to purchase it for me as inspiration. : ) I enjoy smocking, but it is one of my hobbies I haven't kept up with, I am sure that will change soon!

Isn't it just precious?! I love all of the details, the delicate lace on the collar, placket and sleeves. The smocking is so pretty, as are the rose bullion stitches! I must say it does inspire me to smock again.

The lady at the shop guessed that the dress dated somewhere around the 1930's or 1940's.

I was very taken with the scalloped hem. The dress appears to be completely hand sewn.

And completely french seamed. It will certainly be a joy to see our baby girl in this little dress!

The Sunflower Blogger Award

 Recently my dear friend Jazzmin from Blessings n' Sweet Tea nominated my blog for the Sunflower award. Be sure to stop by her blog, as I find that I am always encouraged by her posts!

Here are the questions Jazzmin created for those she  nominated for the Sunflower award:

1.  What is your passion in life or your most favorite hobby that you are passionate about?

I have several hobbies, but sewing is my favorite and I spend a lot of my time each week sewing for our family business. 

 2.  What is your favorite bible verse that most strengthens you?

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse has always been my favorite! It has comforted and encouraged me when I was unsure of what the future may hold.

3.  Where in the world would you like to travel to for your next vacation?

When I was about ten my parents took my sisters and I to Williamsburg, VA. I would love to visit Williamsburg again.

4.  What about blogging do you most enjoy?

It has been such a blessing to connect with like minded ladies around the country! So many have become special friends and truly a source of encouragement.

5.  Your favorite style of music?

I love classical music, hymns and music from old musicals. I can't really decide which is my favorite though. : )

 6.  Do you know what your name means?  

Sarah means "princess" and when I was a little girl I was thrilled to make that discovery!

7.  What type of landscape do you find most beautiful: mountains, prairies, canyons, beaches, etc.?

I love the rolling hills and farmland in our area, also the lakes. We live in the finger lakes region, and it is beautiful.

8.  What is something nostalgic to you about your childhood that you cherish in your memories?

Oh, there are so many things! I loved growing up in the country, raising chickens, bringing home kittens, baking blackberry pies with my mom. I guess it is a lot of little things. : )

9.  Which season is your favorite?

Definitely spring! I love the flowers and new life everywhere.

 10.  If you could be a prodigy at something, what would you want it to be?

Probably playing the piano. I can play a little, but I wish I were more accomplished at playing.

Thank you Jazzmin for including my blog. : ) 

Hope you are all enjoying a lovely week!

Diaper Covers

 Back in January when I found out that we were expecting I purchased this diaper cover pattern offered by Green Pepper. I tucked it away for a few months, but then recently while shopping at JoAnn's I became re-inspired when I discovered their sweet little section of diapering patterns and fabric. I couldn't resist this package of super girly PUL fabric; to be honest I think the cupcake fabric sold me. : ) In the future I will probably sew the covers from solid white PUL as it is more cost efficient and sensible to wear beneath light color baby outfits, but still these three fabrics were fun to work with.

I lined the covers with flannel, as I had read somewhere that flannel made a good liner. Any suggestions on fabric for lining diaper covers?

 Several patterns I have found recommend using snaps, but this pattern suggested velcro. The velcro used on the exterior is the soft side and spans the entire front of the diaper so you can adjust the fit of the diaper as your baby grows.

One construction feature I found to be interesting was how the elastic was attached. In the past I have always created a casing and then pulled the elastic through the casing. This pattern recommended that you stitch the elastic directly to the seam allowance with a zig-zag stitch pulling as you sew. Then you pull the cover right side out and top stitch around the elastic sections, once again pulling as you go. It was a lot easier than I thought it might be, and I was pleased with the results.

Overall it was a fun, easy, and quick project. I look forward to purchasing some white PUL fabric next time I visit JoAnn's, as I hope to have a nice little collection of covers to accompany the fabric diapers we have purchased. But most of all I am looking forward to the dear little girl who will be wearing them!

Divided

AN EMPTY sky, a world of heather,
Purple of foxglove, yellow of broom;
We two among them wading together,
Shaking out honey, treading perfume.
Crowds of bees are giddy with clover,
Crowds of grasshoppers skip at our feet
Crowds of larks at their matins hang over,
Thanking the Lord for a life so sweet.
Flusheth the rise with her purple favour,
Gloweth the cleft with her golden ring,
’Twixt the two brown butterflies waver,
Lightly settle, and sleepily swing.
We two walk till the purple dieth
And short dry grass under foot is brown;
But one little streak at a distance lieth
Green like a ribbon to prank the down.

An excerpt from Jean Ingelow's poem "Divided".

I added some "new" vintage books to my Etsy shop this evening. Please be sure to stop by and take a peak. Besides this delightful copy of Jean Ingelow poetry I have listed a 1940's copy of "Wuthering Heights", a copy of "The Little Minister" dating the late 1800's, as well as, a couple other lovely books from the 1800's.

Hope you are all enjoying a lovely start to your week!

Happy 4th of July!

Then Pa began to sing. All at once everyone was singing:

“My country, ‘tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing….

“Long may our land be bright
With Freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, Our King!”

The crowd was scattering away by then, but Laura stood stock still. Suddenly she had a completely new thought: God is America’s King.

She thought: Americans won’t obey any king on earth. Americans are free. That means they have to obey their own consciences. No king bosses Pa; he has to boss himself. Why (she thought), when I am a little older, Pa and Ma will stop telling me what to do, and there isn’t anyone else who had a right to give me orders. I will have to make myself good.

Her whole mind seemed to be lighted up by that thought. This is what it means to be free. It means, you have to be good. “Our father’s God, author of liberty-“ The laws of Nature and of Nature’s God endow you with a right to life and liberty. Then you have to keep the laws of God, for God’s law is the only thing that gives you a right to be free.

From “Little Town on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls Wilder

May you all have a very blessed Fourth of July!

Clematis

 I have been excitedly watching the clematis growing by our back door. I noticed several blossoms last week and knew that it would not be long before the blossoms bloomed into an abundance of beautiful flowers. The other evening when we came home we were greeted with the first few flowers and today it is in full bloom!

Aren't they beautiful? I love the rich purple color.

Last week mom and I visited our favorite greenhouse; it is owned by a Mennonite family. They have the prettiest flowers and best deals. While there I spotted this little wagon planter and could not resist purchasing it. I thought it was a great idea since it can be used each year.

                           I hope you are all enjoying a lovely week! What is blooming in your gardens?




"How many are your works, Lord!  In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:24