Louisa and Penelope are all dressed up! AND A PILLOW

OK, I'm so thrilled to show you this because well, I am.  I have never done anything like this in my entire life.  EVER.  I was extremely excited about it. So much so that I wrote a note in "screaming" font to 

Polly at Make Mine Beautiful

after seeing her tutorial on sewing a pillow cover over at 

Donna's FJI workshop.

  

I never did the pillow cover.  

edited: 
THAT'S A LIE!  I DID!  HERE SHE IS! (On Thursday afternoon I put the petal to the metal. That was after I had already written this post!)

Pillow sewn per Polly's instructions

With Cording (oh my!  Never did that before!)

And...are you ready?

Here 'tis!

A zipper.  The ever-loving zipper!

It opens.  It does!

All the way.  See the other pillow inside?

Polly, I did it!  Thanks to your tutorial!  (And Donna for letting me inside your computer for a day and a half!)  Oh, you should have seen me, running back and forth from the computer to my sewing machine.  "No, that's not right.  Oh, that's how it's done."  Sweating.  

It's not perfect.  I made a few mistakes.  But I know what to do next time.  NEXT TIME??  You bet!

And it's mine!  And it goes with....read below

continued from above original post:

Instead I made a slip cover.  You see.  Because of all of you.  I'm getting mushy, gals.  But you see. I live this simple life.  Me.  EC.  Two darling boys.  Two doggies.  A little house.  A little church.  Some sweet, kind friends.  A few songs.  A walk in the park.  That's it.  Nothing more.  No grand anything.  Just a simple life.  I adore the simplicity and it is only possible because of God and his mercy and good grace that I'm a happy person.  Actually a very content person.  If I made stew in the crock pot with some delicious bread and had a few friends over and we played music together and in the evening tucked my boys in and kissed their heads and then I crawled into my bed afterwards, well.  Content.  I don't need any thing more.  And then I met you.  And I am becoming more.  Becoming more is not the same as needing more.  Becoming is a gift.  Freely given.  Because you are who you are doing what you do, I am becoming who I am doing what I do.  And then some.

Onto the dresses!

When I first met Louisa and Penelope they were gold.  

See.  Not ugly.  Just tired.

I found them on CL.  I'm not much for talking about the price of things. Mainly because I don't remember.  I've noticed since entering blog world that many of you creative geniuses "talk" about prices.  I appreciate that we all can get more for less and then do something even more spectacular to something we got for pocket change.  I probably will not price out my stuff.  For the reason stated before and also because I live in the moment forget that I even bought the thing let alone how much it costs.

Oh and I grew up with a mother that priced everything.  My eyes got stuck in the back of my head one time because she was laying out all the prices of things she bought that day.  Then I fell over backwards.  It's a traumatic memory.

So more often than not, probably never, will I talk about prices.  But if you ask, I'm happy to oblige, if my memory prevails.  Just so you know these gals were worth every single $40.  

Here's where I first introduced you to Louisa and Penelope

(oh, and it's all because of

Miss Mustard Seed

that I would even consider this pair!)

I kept looking at Louisa to see what she should look like.  I stare.  A lot.

I had a bolt of fabric (not because I'm a seamstress.  Because I'm a lunatic.  I buy bolts of fabric because I'm a wannabe)  This is dream fabric.  Creamy texture.  Smooth.  Sturdy.  Washed out cotton.  Looks like faded denim.  Flannel.  I don't care.  I love it!  And I've vowed that whenever I see this kind of fabric I am buying bolts of it in all colors that go with my life!

Then came the ruffles.  Ruffles?  I am so not a ruffles gal.  I do however love old English regalia - clothes from the late 1700's, early 1800's. No corsets, thank you.  I am a long admirer of Jane Austen's novels (we share a birthday - she's like 188 years older than me).  So I started making a pleated bustle type thing,

  before I even decided on making the slip cover.


I had no idea how to do this.  My only guess is that after reading all of your blogs, the info that you've been dumping out seeped into my brain and landed in the slipcover file.  I got to sewing.  I made the top.  Attached the bustle.  Then cut out and sewed the seat.  Then made ruffles.  

Attached them.  Then stared at Louisa.

She was smiling back at me.  I had tears in my eyes.  We were both nodding, "Yes".  She whispered "Thank you" - in a British accent.

Then I sat on the floor and made four large ruffles for Penelope.  Sewed the top of the otto (woman), attached the ruffles.  

Got her all dressed up.  And Penelope, being a bit more passionate, needed those ruffles to be flared out, draping, making a sweeping sound as she whirled about the room!  Penelope thanked me in her own way.  By twirling!  

I'm so in love with these right now. They are sitting sweetly in the middle of my living room because I have to have the pair on display for myself and visitors.  I'm going to put them in my room.  But all I do there is sleep.  Poo.

 We shall see where the ladies end up!     

I'm linking here TODAY - Tuesday March 30th

for this

I'm going to be linking up this weekend to a bunch of parties, fan fares, etc.  Oh and I'll be painting the legs on Louisa to match her new dress!

I invite you to take a look at the finds over here!

Check out Angie's Designs and what the other gals are doing

And I'm playing over here too...amazing creations...take a look!

I played here too!

Oh where oh where have my tassels all gone?

Tassels are new to me.

I've long admired seeing them hanging here and there.

But I never made one.

Until about a month ago.

Seriously.

Never.

It's all her fault.

And her's 

And her's

And her's

 And I love them ALL for it!

If you'd like to know "how to make a tassel" jump over here.  But wait 'til you see where I've found to put these babies!  And I'm in love!

More showings next Tuesday!

Thank you for stopping by today!

Monday MakeOVER

OK, last week we went through the breakfast room.  On our way we stopped at the pantry.  Great ideas were suggested here.  I love them!  Especially softening up the space with curtains in place of the doors!!  And putting in a work area via a counter top!

Breakfast Room:  A sweet little stop with two small desks and an oval kitchen table (where the name of this blog came from).  Next to this small room is another not too large room/area - the dining room.  That's what I call it.  It's really just the other end of the living room.  Not ideal.  But, I am ever-so grateful to have a dining area.  I am.

Here's the wall.  Between the breakfast room and the dining room.  I want to knock it out.  So does EC.  But then we have this long area.  Two windows.  Not bad.  But how to put a table there?  We keep staring at the wall.  Tearing it down in our mind.  Finding a table, also in our minds, that would work.

Here's the Dining Area

Sorry I was trying to be a hot shot photographer here!

This is how we have it set up now.  Quiet.  Soothing.  Hand me down wooden chairs with curved wood whojamathingys that stick in our butts every time we sit down.  They'll be going some place else. (I was going to type "to the curb" but realized that may be offensive so I'm not going to type that).  The Parsons were a steal on CL.  Those we love!  I'm hunting for others as you read this right now!!

OK, normally, I would just wait to show you the living area.  But it's right here.  So close.  Turn around.  Hi.  There it is.  

Wood stove, which we love, at the other end.  And grand sized furniture.  

No one will take my sofa, please.  She was the first real piece of furniture I ever invested in.  Now that I'm making slip covers -  Hahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahaha!

(see upcoming post!).  I'll be making one for her. So she will stay in the family for a  

l   o   n    g time.  

Then, there's EC's chair.  We'll be doing something about her.  I showed him my post about the chair and he's working on letting "it" go.  (I know I just changed from personifying the chair to making it inanimate again.  That's how I detach!  And I can detach REALLY fast.  Trust me.)

Here are the two computer armoires!

I love pieces that make the room taller.  Only 8 foot ceilings here. 

Big.  Huge window.  That overlooks our deck and back "yard".  Old trees.  Wooden fence.  Outdoor fireplace.  No grass to mow.  Paths and rocks and a fort for the boys.  The perfect size for their adventures.  And a nice place to sip iced tea on hot summer days. You are all invited.
  
"Oh, wouldn't that be grand?  I love having friends over!"  


Complete with natural shade.  Hardly any sun in this here back yard.  

Except for today.  It's bursting out there!!!  

Back to the living area.  Wood floors.  EC installed them.  


I'll be changing it UP a bit in here.  Soon.  
Something about waiting for the spring.  I like moving furniture when all the windows are open and I can blast music.  


Can you "see" another way for the furniture to be placed?  It's a long room with a BIG window. I'm lost on this one!  I'll be re-doing the window treatments, too.  If you'd like to say anything about this space, I'd love to hear it.  Or if you have something else you like to comment on!  Please take liberty!
Thanks ever-so much!

Wee Blog - for Wednesday

I don't know why.  Maybe it's because I have severe pain in my neck and shoulders right now.  Maybe because I'm sitting here alone at home while my three beautiful boys are skiing.  Maybe because spring is in the air.  I'm not sure.  But today I feel like telling you all...all 17 of you who follow and the other 3 who may read on occasion that...well, you all make me smile.  And tear up.  I'm touched by your sweet words.  Your funny words.  Your creative thoughts.  You are special.

I have this here wee little blog.  Nothing grand like some of those out there.  Nothing too, anything, in comparison.  Yet, this wee blog has created something in my being that pushes forth energy for this bud to bloom. And I don't stand alone out in the field.  We are all swaying in the breeze together.

I'm delighted to be out here with you!

Adirondack Mountains 2009

Highland Park 2007

Tassel Tuesday !!!

Tassels have been around for thousands of years!

Hanging around.

Quite literally.

They are called "the finishing touch"!

See what I mean?  Pat shows off her  junk embellished touch here!

I have a fondness for them, tassels.

I think because I feel like one.

My hair gets caught in the car door nearly every time I get in to drive.

And I think, "Gosh, I feel like a tassel!"

I sway to and fro through the house, the grocery store, the park.

Sway.

I do.

When someone calls my name I don't just turn around, but with my entire being I swing myself toward the sound of their voice.

I didn't know I did this.

Someone pointed it out to me one day.

"You swing and sway", I believe is what they said.

I'm a klutz type person though.  On most occasions.  I trip.  Bump into things.  I never took dance lessons or ballet or hip hop.  So swaying?  I marvel at that.  I don't feel graceful. 


I also am not a "hang around person".  I don't linger or loiter or lounge much.


I am whimsical, though.


Tassels represent WHIMSY to me!


That I am.

  

Monday MakeOVER - Breakfast Room Showing

Last week I showed you my galley kitchen

Everyone thought it should be lightened up with some paint on the cupboards.

The more I stood in there, the more I agreed and then disagreed.  So I'm trying really hard to figure it out.  Is there a decorating site where one can plug in your room and have it painted?  You know, to see what it would look like?  

I know everyone here says "it's only paint" but I have this thing about doing paint projects RIGHT the first time.  Should I paint one cupboard?  I'm scratching my head on this one!!!

What I didn't show you because I was lazy, was the inside space of the pantry or butler's cupboard.

We're thinking of putting in a counter here for more workspace.  EC and I are both "chefs" and really enjoy being in the kitchen.  We can't be in there together though.  It's not pretty.

Take the doors off?  YES!!!

Ideas?  I love and appreciate them!

Now, onto the wee breakfast area

This is the view from the kitchen, pantry on the right.

Small room.  Ceramic tile continues into it.  Table cloths are the window treatments.

We home school our boys.  Some days they do their school work here.This table was a find in an antique's shop in Philadelphia.  It was originally "milky green".  My dad refinished it for us as a wedding gift!  Love you, Dad!

And there's Grama's sewing chair - waiting to be changed up a bit! 

My good friend's mom paints furniture.  I bought this sweet little blue desk and chair (for a steal!).  The fabric she chose was the same as I had on my bulletin board.  So it was "providence" that I should have it!

Notice the door.  YUKO.  Not sure if new interior doors are going in any time soon.  We have all these hollow babes throughout the house.  Any ideas?

Here are two more angles.  I'm not stuck to anything we have in here.  Placement or otherwise.  Personally I'd love to knock out the wall and open up the space into the dining area (which is our next stop!).  It's an odd shape though!

Let me know what you think!  The more radical the idea, the bigger the smile on my face!

You're the best!