Calico Rompers

Earlier this summer I sewed two calico rompers for Jemimah using McCall's 7107. Is is an easy and adorable pattern. I love the added detail of little pockets, so sweet!

                      I found the perfect little flower buttons in my collection to coordinate with the fabrics.

McCall's 7107 did not include a peter pan collar, so I used a collar from another baby pattern. I embroidered a rose bullion and leaves on the collars in colors to match the flowers in the fabric. I do enjoy seeing little embroidered collars on baby clothes!

Snaps make for easy diaper changes. In the future I would like to invest in a proper snap setting tool, as I found my hand sewn snaps don't stay snapped as securely as would like, especially when my little one is crawling.

Here is my little darling wearing her romper in our garden last month. I think she has enjoyed wearing her rompers almost as much as I enjoyed sewing them, and seeing her wear them. : )

Nighttime Lullabies

Sweet bedtime lullabies and prayers . . . just before you turn out the light.
A case-bound padded board book from the Really Woolly^® brand gives children sweet lullabies to help them fall asleep. Little ones will love the charming Really Woolly illustrations, engaging verse, and Scripture from the International Children’s Bible^® that allow them to drift off in sweet dreams, knowing they are loved and safe. Prayer starters also encourage children to end their day talking to God.
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Really Woolly Nighttime Lullabies 
By: Bonnie Rickner Jensen
Illustrated by: Donna Chapman

 "Nighttime Lullabies" is truly a sweet and calming read. Each page includes a lovely illustration, a scripture, poem and prayer. Each verse is meant to remind the little reader (or listener) that Jesus is watching over them and promises to guard them and give them His peace. It is the perfect book to open up before bedtime to remind anxious little ones of God's constant care and that there is no need for fear. I found the poems to be well written and soothing.

It is hardcover and the pages are thick board as well, making it a great book for my little one to enjoy on her own too. I was truly blessed by the beauty and simplicity of this book! I would highly recommend "Nighttime Lullabies".

*I received a complimentary copy of "Nighttime Lullabies" from Book Look Blogger in exchange for my honest review*

Rose of Sharon

For years now I have admired the beautiful Rose of Sharon bushes I would see this time of year. It seems that many people in our area plant several Rose of Sharon bushes in a row in their front yards. Sometimes in varying shades of pink, white and lavender.

Recently while visiting a farmers' market I found an absolutely lovely Rose of Sharon. I was thrilled! The color is so delicate and pretty. Plus the bush looked fairly well established, so I am hoping it will thrive, and over the years perhaps we can plant more.

It is such a pleasure to enjoy the LORD's beautiful creation, especially this time of year. It is bittersweet to see all of the gardens flourishing at the end of August, knowing that soon autumn will be here. We have had one gorgeous day after another, and I am enjoying each moment; savoring the beauty of summer while it is still here. 

Earlier this summer my sister found this wee frog while we were visiting my mom. Isn't it adorable?! I have always liked tree frogs. : )

"The earth is the Lords, and the fulnesse thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." 
 Psalm 24:1

Plum Jam

While shopping the other week I saw these beautiful sugar plums. I couldn't resist purchasing some for plum jam. Never before had I made or tasted plum jam, but I had seen some recipes for plum preserves and jam on Pinterest and felt inspired.

It was such a beautiful day I decided to pit the plums outside at the picnic table. When making plum jam you don't need to peel the plum, just pit them. Being outside definitely made it pleasant work.

And having such an adorable little companion while working made it an even greater joy! She just loves spending time outside. I had a hard time keeping her occupied on her little blanket. The flowers were far more interesting.

 I just loved the vibrant color of the pitted plums. It was hard not to eat too many. They were so sweet and delicious.

The jam is quite tasty too. It has been a treat to eat in plain yogurt or spread on an English muffin.

Have you made any jams this summer? What is your favorite jam to make or eat?

                                                 May you have a blessed day!

A Thrifty Little Dress

 Last month my mom gave me a blouse she no longer wanted. She had purchased the blouse a couple years ago at a thrift store. The color was a soft lavender and it was 100% rayon, but too big for her.  She hated to just toss the blouse, because it was pretty and comfortable. That was when she had an idea! Mom thought that there might be enough fabric to sew something for Jemimah, and that the color would look  lovely with her blue eyes. Mom was right! : )

I pressed the blouse and then set to work laying out the pattern pieces. It was a lot easier than I thought. The front and back of the blouse were a perfect width and length for the skirt. I cut the ruffle sleeves from the sleeves of the blouse and then with what I had left from the front and back I was able to cut out my front and back pieces of the yoke.

It is a very lovely little summer dress, and the fabric hangs so nicely. Since it is 100% rayon it is also cool and comfortable in the summer weather. I think this dress is my favorite "momma made" garment for Jemimah so far.

One challenge in the construction of this dress came when I discovered a small bleach stain and hole. Thankfully it was just about an inch or so above the hem. I carefully mended the hole and then added trim to cover the mended spot. I was very pleased with the added elegance of the trim, but as I stitched the trim in place I realized the trim almost met in the back! I did not have quite enough trim to overlap my raw edges of trim.

I fiddled with the scraps of fabric, contemplating how a little patch might look.... and then I remembered these sweet little flower appliques I had in a tin! They were a free gift with an order of trim years ago. I sorted through the different color flowers and was satisfied with how the blue looked against my fabric. Now that all is said and done I rather like the little flower "patch" in the back of the dress. It is an added touch of homemade whimsy.

So as you can see this is a very thrifty little dress: an old blouse destined to be tossed, a remnant of trim and some free flower appliques. I think that is one of my favorite things about sewing for a baby, you don't need much to make something sweet and adorable!

Picking Blueberries

 Last week was a blueberry week for me! Each year I look forward to driving out to our favorite blueberry farm and soaking in the beauty of the surrounding countryside and fields of blueberries. As I have mentioned before blueberries are my favorite berries. Each year instead of cake I ask my mom to bake me a blueberry pie for my birthday. There is something extra special about enjoying a taste of summer in January on my birthday.

Jemimah enjoyed her first experience picking blueberries with momma and grammy. She would reach out and grab at the leaves, but mostly she enjoyed watching all of the other people picking berries.

 We picked two quarts of raspberries too, so I could make a batch of jam. It was a perfect day, not too hot with blue cloudless skies. It was certainly a day I will always remember! I love spending time with my mom, and little girl, doing the things we used to do when I was young.

 Adam was quite pleased with the berries I picked, but decided that it would be nice to have even more berries frozen for the winter ahead, so last Saturday Adam, Jemimah and I went to the blueberry farm. Adam had never been, so it was a treat for him.

All in all we picked over 15 pounds of blueberries. I baked a blueberry/blackberry pie and will look forward to enjoying blueberries in oatmeal, muffins, pancakes, cobbler and pies throughout the winter ahead!

Bread Baking Aprons and a Crocheted Rug

 Marilla sighed and then said proudly:
"I'm giving Anne that half dozen braided rugs I have in the garret. I never supposed she'd want them- they're so old-fashioned, and nobody seems to want anything but hooked mats now. But she asked me for them- said she'd rather have them then anything else for her floors. They are pretty. I made them of the nicest rags, and braided them in stripes. It was such company these last few winters."
-Anne's House of Dreams" Lucy Maud Montgomery

Over the summer months, when it is too hot to knit, I enjoy cutting my scrap calicos into strips and then crocheting the strips into rugs. It is a great way to use up extra fabric, which I always seem to have an abundance of! There is something so old-fashioned and homey about a crocheted or braided rag rug.

"Anne's House of Dreams" is my favorite of the "Anne" series. It has been years since I read "Anne's House of Dreams", but I have had the pleasure of listening to the story read aloud while I sew and crochet here.

When I was growing up my mom almost always wore aprons while working about the home. We would refer to her favorite style as her "Bread Baking Apron". It is loose fitting and long; perfect for working about the home and garden. My mom often baked homemade bread, and this apron style allows plenty of freedom to move while kneading bread dough. : )

My sisters and I would sometimes grab one of mom's aprons off of the hook in the kitchen before heading out to the garden. The large pockets are perfect for stashing a of couple fresh tomatoes and the apron length helps protect your skirt from being stained by the plants as you walk between them.

 Both aprons and the rug are now available to purchase in my Etsy shop!

Hope you all are enjoying these beautiful summer days! The warmth and sunshine are such a blessing!

"Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;

                                         And let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”

1 Chronicles 16:31