Blessings

Try measuring your wealth by what you are

rather than what you have.

Put the tape around your heart

rather than your head.

~Unknown~

Blessings

The art of abundance is not about greed or selfishness.

The art of abundance is about celebrating life right now,

in this minute.

It is a way of looking at the potential your life holds --  the little blessings to be thankful for now

and the gifts that God wants to give you,

if you'll open your heart to receive them.

It's about being enthusiastic about life every day,

not just on the rare occasions when everything seems to be going your way.

~Candy Paull~

It Started with Bunny Slippers

These bunny slippers!

Aren't they uber cute?

They even have fluffy bunny tails!

How could I resist?

You may remember that last year, I made and donated a nightgown and little outfit to be used in a hospital fundraiser.  This year, I volunteered again to make something.

I just happened to spy these sweet slippers shortly afterwards, and decided they would become a part of my donation.  My original thought was a pair of pajamas and matching robe.

Now, comes the part when I have to admit to procrastinating, not finding a suitable pattern, and a deadline quickly approaching!

So, I turned to the trusty pattern used for last year's nightie.

Inspired by the Old Fashioned Baby Retreat slip dress that I am still working on, I incorporated many of those design details.

I omitted the sleeves from the pattern and added Swiss insertion and French lace edging to the bodice.

At the seamline of the skirt and bodice, I used large entredeux beading that I borrowed from a well aged and unfinished class project kit.  This nightgown needed to be completed, and I knew that class project would most likely remain in the basket of UFO's for a very long time.

Sweet pink and white gingham ribbon was threaded through the entredeux and tied in a bow --

because we all know a bow makes everything better!

While bows and long ties might not be a wise choice on a nightie for a real live little doll, I figured this dolly was not likely to encounter any harm.

The hem is finished with folded tucks and Swiss edging.

Last, but definitely not least . . .

bunny slippers!

Wooly bunny slippers may not be the normal choice for a delicate summer nightgown.

Let's just overlook that small detail, okey dokey?

Hoppy Monday!

Blessings

The great lesson is that the sacred

is in the ordinary,

that it is to be found in one's daily life,

in one's neighbors, friends, and family,

in one's backyard.

~Abraham Maslow~

What I Did this Weekend

I wove blue floss through the Swiss entredeux edging on the skirt from the Old Fashioned Baby sewing retreat.

I began embroidering the hemline of the skirt, too.

Jeannie used featherstitching on her dress.  I have substituted stem stitch.

Featherstitching on curves is not my strength, and I really enjoy doing this stitch!

We fired up the grill.  After the hot dogs and chicken, came the best part --

S'mores!

We watched some of these, which were much prettier than my picture taking skills portray!

Hope each of you had a fun weekend, too!

Now on to a very busy, but short, week!

Independence Day

God Bless these United States of America!

Have a safe and happy celebration!

Blessings

As the tree is fertilized by its own broken branches and fallen leaves,

and grows out of its own decay,

so men and nations are bettered and improved by trial,

and refined out of broken hopes and blighted expectations.

~F.W. Robertson~