Tea with Dolly

Don't faint.

It really is me.  I have not fallen off the face of the earth, yet.

I have really enjoyed being unplugged for awhile.

I may, or may not, share some of my thoughts on that at a later date.

I may, or may not, stay plugged in after sharing this post.

Time will tell.

In the meantime, I wanted to share a little something I whipped up in my sewing room today!

For the past few years, I have made and donated a doll garment to an auction raising funds for a hospital's neonatal intensive care unit.

Here is this year's contribution.

This was not my original plan.

Funny how often that happens, isn't it?

I decided to try and be a little more trendy than usual, and began making something completely different.

Then, frustration set in.

The pattern directions were lacking.  I could tell the garment might not fit.  While it was meant to slip over the doll's head, little impatient fingers might have a difficult time.  My larger, and supposedly more patient, adult fingers were already having problems with it.

So, I turned to a beloved tried and true pattern -- a doll sized version of Children's Corner Mary De.

I also turned to one of my favorite fabrics, pinwale pique, for the bodice.

Adding lace and Swiss embroideries only made it better!

I was a happy camper, and the sewing machine was humming again!

The skirt is Garden Pindot in Azure by Michael Miller.

Embroidery floss is woven through the entredeux borders of the Swiss embroidery insert.  It is further embellished with Spanish lace edging on either side.

Spanish lace is a little heavier than the French laces often used in heirloom sewing.  I felt these were a better choice for a slightly more casual dress, and sturdier for a little girl's play time.

I decided it needed a little fun punch of color, and added lime green microcheck gingham piping at the waistline.

There are also three folded tucks at the hemline, to add one more finishing touch!

One of the sweet features of Mary De, is the wrap back closing.

The dress opens completely down the back, hopefully making it easy for little fingers to dress dolly.

Two fun flower shaped buttons close the back.

Her stylish bonnet began as a plain, and rather rough looking, straw hat purchased at a local hobby store.  I dug through my box of trims, finding a lime green ruffled trim that echoed the color of the dress's waistline piping.  I also discovered a floral ribbon garland, with tiny pearls decorating each flower's center.

Of course, we know everything is better with a bow, too!

This adorable miniature tea is the final part of my donation.

I used to sell these in my store, and still have a few left.

It makes me happy to know some little (or big!) girl will enjoy sharing tea with her dolly.

I made two little cloth napkins, using one of the decorative stitches on my machine to finish the edges.

It was good to be sewing again, and especially for a worthy cause.

Thanks for visiting!

Maybe it won't be as long before I have something else to share.

Have a wonderful week!

Thank you . . . and an update

That bit of a break turned into more of an extended hiatus.

Thank you for the emails, calls and cards inquiring about my recovery.

During the last couple of weeks, my finger is beginning to look more like the finger I remember.  There is still some residual swelling. 

It is still numb from my knuckle to fingertip.

I am so relieved that my fingernail hung on, and has started growing again!

I have never had great nails, and thyroid disease only makes them worse.

I am even more thankful to still have all ten, and not have lost any to Mr. Snake's snack.

There are still pricks of pain when I try to grip objects, or hold heavy items.

It improves with each passing day.

So, the physical recovery is going well.

The emotional recovery is taking a little longer.

I have attempted to conquer my fear and return to my yard.

I will not lie.

It is difficult.

Playing in the dirt and tending my plants was always therapeutic and relaxing.

Now, I am tense and always vigilant.

I no longer let go and allow my mind to wander.

I miss that.

As the photographs show, Spring brought new life and blooms to my yard.

I do sneak out with my camera to capture the growth.

But, the grass no longer tickles my bare toes. 

There are always shoes on my feet.

My eyes are always on the ground, and not gazing upward or all around at the marvels of nature.

I miss that, too.

Since the bite, there have been more frequent and prolonged bouts of double vision.

It is unknown whether they are due to the bite, stress of the incident, interaction of drugs, or simply the unpredictable progression of Grave's disease.

So, there is still some healing and recovery ahead.

I wish there was a report that my closets are all cleaned, my spice cabinet organized, and desk completely clear.

Or, that I spent time playing in my sewing room, creating wonderful things.

Dream on!

While it may have been quiet here, life continued at its usual hectic and demanding pace.

Air conditioning units broke, hot water tanks leaked, automobiles needed servicing, and family situations required attention.

My online store remains open, and days are spent filling and shipping orders.

In the midst of pain, healing and concern, I am grateful for the day-to-day normalcy of life.

Although, some days are easier to be grateful than others.

And I am grateful for the little surprises of life!

As if they knew there are times only chocolate can help.  I now can head toward a certain fast food restaurant and have my favorite milk shake and cookies to go!

I have always believed that God's timing is perfect; that all things work together toward the good.

Shortly before Mr. Snake slithered into my life, I had considered closing my blog.

I never dreamed a snake bite would provide the opportunity and time to give greater thought to the idea. 

Over the past weeks, it has been nice to be unplugged; to have one less item on the agenda.

On the other hand, I miss visiting with all of you.

The coming weeks are crammed with obligations, responsibilities and events.

It may still be awhile before I resume regular blogging, and the possibility of stopping is still on the table.

The only thing constant in life is change.

I have been so deeply touched by the outpouring of concern, the warmth of your compassion, and the power of your prayers.

Thank you for continuing to visit and care, even in my absence.

It is difficult to believe that it is almost June.  Summer is here!

As we close May, I am grateful our son successfully completed his first year of law school.

I congratulate family members and friends who are graduating and beginning the next phase of their life.

I look forward to long days of sunlight, the better to see and sew.

As we celebrate Memorial Day, I am forever in debt to those who serve and protect our country, so that we might enjoy all these things and so much more.

Bit of a Break

It has been awhile since we last visited.

It may be even longer before I return on a regular basis.

Our drive to Minnesota, for last month's appointment at the Mayo Clinic, was much like that old saying about the postal service:  through rain, sleet, hail and snow. 

Add in some unbelievable winds, a little sunshine, and a range of temperatures from freezing to sweltering, and you have a description of our traveling experience.

The news received from my appointment was a mixture of good and not-so-good.

I returned and decided to take a brief break, while enjoying this wonderful Spring season.

It has always been one of my favorites:
a season of rebirth, joy and hope.

I love to watch bulbs planted last fall burst forth in glorious bloom and color.

I wonder each year if my beloved peonies survived our long hot and dry summer, and if my hydrangeas were protected enough during the cold of our winter.

Nothing makes my heart pitter patter as much as that first glimpse of a red tinged peony shoot peeking up through the garden soil, or a bright green hydrangea leaf bud on an otherwise dead looking branch.

All of these were happening, and I was oh-so-happy!

I was also humming along in my sewing room, stitching on pretty pastels and summer brights.

On Saturday morning, my husband and I were outside working in our yard.

I felt a sharp prick in the third finger of my right hand.

I do not wear gloves.

There is nothing like playing in the dirt and feeling it squish through your fingers.

I find it more difficult to deadhead flowers or squash an unwanted bug with gloved fingers.

They never fit well, and seem to cause more callouses and blisters -- at least for me.

So, I am used to splinters, scratches and cuts.

This one was different.

It felt different.

It looked different.

My finger and hand began to swell before my eyes.

Then, I saw why.

A snake.

I screamed.

My husband ran.

I managed not to pass out, but only barely.

He identified the snake as a Copperhead, and rushed me to the nearest hospital's Emergency Room.

I was hospitalized for the weekend, receiving anti-venom and other medications.

I returned home with an extremely discolored and swollen hand and arm.

Yesterday, new symptoms sent us to another physician for additional treatment.

Recovery will be longer than I expected, and is much more painful -- both physically and emotionally -- than I wish to admit.

There may be permanent damage from both external and internal tissue damage.

Please be careful in your yards and gardens, as you welcome Spring this year.

I am not sure when I will be able to return to blogging, sewing, or gardening.

In the meantime, I wish each of you a joyful Spring and blessed Easter.

Return to Rochester

Those of you who have read my blog for awhile, are familiar with the above photograph.

I originally posted it here, when I first learned of serious problems with my vision, and later in several follow-up posts.

Well, here it is again.

My husband and I will be returning to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota this week.

Recently, periods of double vision have been creeping back.

While not as severe as previously, it is enough to be bothersome.

Before it worsens, we are visiting my wonderful surgeon to seek his opinion and advice.

We were relieved that Minnesota was experiencing a mild winter this year.

As usual, just as we are to arrive, winter storms and winds are beginning to howl!

Coats, sweaters, gloves and boots are now packed.

Once again, my prayer is to gracefully accept any limitations and the path my life follows. 

Even with wonky eyes, I will be OK!

I truly believe that.

Monster Tooth Pillow

Isn't he cute, in a monster sort of way?

I adore this guy-friendly design for a tooth fairy pillow!

I happened to discover it while browsing Suzanne's blog, Just Another Hangup.

I used a medium weight twill for the pillow front and a quilting cotton for the back.

Applique pieces are a mixture of quilting cottons and craft felt.

I used a buttonhole stitch to applique the fabric pieces, and a zig zag stitch for the felt eyes and teeth.

I added a fabric loop at the pillow's top.

It may be hung on a door knob, drawer pull or wall hook, making it a little easier for the Tooth Fairy to find in the dark!

Finished size is approximately 10" square, and it is lightly stuffed with polyfil.

The lower part of his funny face makes a pocket for the surprises and treats

left behind by the Tooth Fairy!

Be sure to visit Suzanne's blog for other creative and fun ideas!

A link to the pattern and instructions for the monster tooth pillow, and a tutorial for applique by machine, may be found in the sidebar of her blog.

And now this little monster pillow is on its way to a special little boy!

Hope everyone's week is off to a great start!

Blessings

Safekeeping

Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear;

rather look to them with full hope that, as they arise,

God, whose you are,

will deliver you out of them.

He is your keeper.

He has kept you hitherto.

Do you but hold fast to his dear hand,

and he will lead you safely through all things;

and, when you cannot stand,

he will bear you in his arms.

Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow.

Our Father will either shield you from suffering,

or he will give you strength to bear it.

~St. Frances de Sales~

Shortcake Romper and Dress

A fun little romper for Spring!

I used this pattern, Shortcake Reversible Romper & Dress

by The Cottage Mama.  It includes Sizes 6 Months to 6 Years.

Designer, Lindsay Wilkes, has recently started marketing her cute patterns.

She also has a fun blog, The Cottage Home, filled with scrumptious recipes, tales of being a young mother, and examples of her creative sewing.

Her patterns include excellent instructions, complete with photographs of each step of construction.

This pattern also included a recipe for Lemon Blueberry Shortcake Muffins!

Yum!

My version of the romper used Freckles in blue by FreeSpirit Fabrics and

Treetop in pink from an Oliver + S collection for Moda Fabrics.

This is a Size 3T.

This is a very easy and simple pattern, perfect for beginners, or if you just want to whip up something really, really quickly!  There is no hand sewing at all.  It is all completed by machine.

It probably took me longer to decide on fabrics and trace the pattern, than it did to actually stitch.

The romper is completely reversible, making it two outfits in one!

Both romper and dress tie at the shoulders.

I did add a sweet applique monogram to the blue side.

This is the Rick Rack Monogram from DigiStitches.

I alternated the fabrics for the leg bands, to add a little more contrast and interest to the finished project.  I also applied a lightweight woven fusible interfacing to each  leg band piece.  I believe this added a little stability and gave a more finished appearance.

In all honesty, I thought about adding the interfacing while tracing and preparing the pattern.

In my haste to get to the fun part of stitching, I forgot to cut out the interfacing.

Again, I decided to try and follow the pattern instructions for this first time use.

However, after attaching one leg band, I could tell interfacing would really help.

So, my trusty seam ripper was put into action!

After a few minutes of cutting and applying interfacing, I was stitching again and more pleased with the outcome.

For the dress version, I selected Half Moon Modern Big Dots in Steel by Moda.

I used a solid pink broadcloth for the lining.  While the dress is still reversible, I made it mostly to be worn with the dots as the outer fabric.

The hem is edged with pink rick rack.

The dress is Size 4T.

I really love the more full swing style of this little dress -- perfect for running, skipping and twirling!

I also monogrammed the dress in pale pink to match the rick rack and lining.

The font is Empire, one of my all-time favorites, from Embroidery Arts.

I am cleaning up my sewing room to prepare for a few more projects.

First, I am off to pamper myself with a much needed manicure!

Happy Friday to all!

All fabric and patterns available at BessieMary.