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Monday, December 29, 2008

Farm Girls Sue & Hannah.. Bringing in the Sheaves and Amazing Grace


Again...we find Sue and Hannah together...this time in their Sunday finest. They are sharing the little song book and if you listen carefully, you can hear their sweet voices lifted high in praise..singing the old loved songs of our childhood. Maybe the church is a little white one with a steeple, wooden steps and needing a coat of paint which the men of the church would soon take care of. There would be trees all around...and set furthur back, there would be an old cemetary, and maybe it was old..but it was so well kept, for there had been 2 cemetary workings and there was freshly cut flowers, bushes had been trimmed and soon, "dinner on the ground" would begin. But the church service would be first. Inside the little church, the sun comes through in sunbeams and has little speckles of dust..and up front, close to the pulpit..there stands an old weathered piano, The keys are kinda yellowed, but the sound brought forth by Ms. Anna could give you chills and you wanted to sing even louder. The church pews was simple wooden benches with backs..but the men of the church had smoothed them down and the women kept them spotless, as was the wooden floor. There were hand fans on all the benches, stacked up as neatly as could be..they were the pleated paper kind with the thicker edge all around.... and so we leave Sue,Hannah,May and Molly...and all the children..inside the church, but soon the service will be over and the children can run and play while the ladies get the dinner ready and the men talk. Thee men talk of fields that are planted, and are hoping for rain..the women talk of gardens and children..and their favorite topic, quilts. Someone has asked .."have you seen the Rose of Sharon quilt?"
and so, the talk of quilts and patterns...of hope chests and of baby quilts... and what dish each would bring to the next quilting. Finally, the dinners are set out and ready, the children are called..as are the menfolks.........................

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Baby Sunbonnet Sue Pincushion and Needlecase .... Blue Monday


Ahhhh, we come yet again to that day of the week..Blue Monday. I'm really searching through now..I have this blue and then, uuummmmm...hhmmmm, well, I'll have to think of where to find more. It's definately too much fun to stop..I love visiting Sally and all the blues.. and I know newcomers will as well. If you haven't joined the fun, you're missing out. Come on and join us..skedaddle on over to this lovely lady,
Sally..and join in...
I just hafta find more blues...and maybe something besides a Sue baby...

This little blue Sue was made for a sweet friend Denise,she was a work of love. Her little bonnet is a pincushion and she is also a needle and pin holder. As you can tell, Sue is my favorite..even the little ornaments are sweet..and !!, I've started the second quilt block of baby Sunbonnet Sue..now, if I can just get it finished..:). Happy blue Monday everyone..now scoot on over to Sally for even more blues..

Friday, December 26, 2008

Baby Sunbonnet Sue Needlecase / Pincushion .... Pink Saturday


It's that time again..Pink Saturday. The day we've set aside for a fantastic pink ongoing tea party. We go looking at beautiful pinks..house to house with stops in between for latte's, coffee and tea. Well, okay..a cookie as well and we're off again to see more pinks. This has been quite amazing to me..at all the pretty things, the lovely ladies and our own sweet Beverly, our hostess with the mostess. So, without furthur adooooo, let's all skedaddle over to Beverly, and see what the pinks are today. And....many, many hugs and thank you's to Beverly for hosting us all.

For my pinks today, I offer little Sunbonnet Sue, dressed all in pinks and ribbons and flowers. Before she was sent to my lovely friend Jean..I added more lace and ribbons... and tiny ribbon roses. Sue was packeged in soft tissue and lace..in a pretty box..and sent on to her new home. Jean's daughter wrote me a sweet note, telling me how much her mom loved little Sue and how she loved the one I sent her.
I was so blessed for Jean to have seen little Sue and enjoyed her, for in less than a month..my sweet friend had passed away.And I feel blessed to share little pink Sue's photo with you all...
for you see....little Sue has a purpose...(other than looking so darn cute..:) ). This and the rest in this series of Sues, are needlecases and scissor cases. I love working with Sues..whether it be embroidered pillowcases, napkins and tablecloths, appliqued Sues on aprons and lap quilts..or made and fitted into shadow boxes and or frames. I love little Sue enough, that I would love to build my business around her.
I will show more Sues in the following days...if you see one you like...or have an idea of different colors, I will be happy to make it. The prices will start @ $14.95. Use the little form logics form if you have an inquiry or comments..I would love to hear from you. I'm very proud of my little Sues..they're my ideas and my patterns.., and I would ask that you honor that, and give credit if you use my ideas. It's an honor for me to share, and I hope you like them. I've designed Sues for awhile and have finally decided to see if others like my ideas..:). It may take a bit to get my little business going..but I'll get there..:).

Friday, December 19, 2008

A Precious Moments Pink Saturday


Yes, it's that special time again..Pink Saturday.It's more and more fun as several more join the othet participants. I try to get around to everyone, but sometimes, I just don't make it....but our lovely hostess Beverly, always visits and leaves a comment. That's a great part of the fun..reading all the comments that are left. So please..join in the fun... Just click on Beverly
to take you to the list of participants. Come on ..join us...
For my Pink offerings..I will show you some of my Precious Moments treasures.
The first in my music box, given to me at a time when I so needed my sister. I had been so desperately ill with pneumonia and then blood clots..and was as sick and miserable as I could be..until Carol walked in, and all was ok. I couldn't hug her enough..and then she gave me this sweet Precious Moments music box. I didn't capture it well in the photo, but the little girl, the ducks, bunnies and frogs just make me laugh. I love it. It's special like all big sisters are.

Next is my Precious Moments Cookbooks given to me by my grandson at his first Christmas. What a time we had sitting on the floor, with him in my lap, and he tuggaing at the ribbons and pretty paper. My memories are so precious...as is this sweet book, all done in cream, pink and green...

Next following, are some of the dividing pages..that have never been added on.. I've kept it just as it was.




Another cutie that I've put away..it goes with my cookbook...

And last..the hot pad / pot holder that I put away..I just couldn't touch something hot with these sweeties.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Friday Fill-Ins

Join in the fun.. click the link below, and scamper on over to see what all the other participants are saying about Friday Fill-In's.... This is lots of fun..come join in..

fridayfillins

# 103

1. Said the night wind to the little lamb, do you hear what I hear.
2. The first Noel, the angel did say,was to certain poor shepards in fields where they lay.
3. May peace lie, over the hills and everywhere.
4. It came upon the midnight clear,that glorius song of old.
5. Laugh, be joyus, Let your heart be light.
6. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing Oh!!, Please no to my singing :).
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to resting, tomorrow my plans include working and shopping and Sunday,I want to visit my grandaughter!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Farm Girl Sunbonnet Sue. She's Saying sshhhhh!! ... Vintage Things Thursday

We gather once more..for Vintage Things Thursday..and thanks to Suzanne aka Colorado Lady for hosting us all again. Try as I might, I can't get the VTT button to work when I move it to this post...soooooo, to get to the other participants, click in the button on top right on the sidebar. Come and join in the fun. Post your vintage goodies, scamper on over and post your name on Mr. Linky..it's easy and it's lots of fun..Come join in.

We find our little friend Sunbonnet Sue...going ssshhhhhhh and reciting the poem..
"Twas the night before Christmas and allllll through the house
Not a creature was stirring...not even a" "hhmmmmmm" she says, "Hurry Carrington and get finished. we need you for the poem. You're the mouse"..:).


Below is a new edition..(well, it's actually 2 years old)of a Better Homes and Garden Cookbook... however, there is something special about this one. It's a reprint of the 1953 edition of the "Red Plaid Cook Book". It's been reprinted word for word;"the text appears just as your grandmother or mother may have read it". It's one of the better cook books I think and I was happy to add it to my collection of cookbooks...

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Sugar Pie X 2



Sugar Pie

Source: An older cookbook..maybe half the pages remain.It's missing it's covers, so I'm at a loss as to age. I know the pages are browned and fragile..so I'm careful with it, but all the recipes I've tried from this book have been good ones.

Scald 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar,1/3 cup of flour with 3/4 cup boiling water. Stir.
When dissolved thoroly add 3/4 cup of cream, dash with nutmeg and dot with butter. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes, reduce the heat to 400 degrees and finish cooking.

Montreal Sugar Pie

Source: An older cookcook..maybe half the pages remain. If anyone recognizes the recipes..I would appreciate your leaving a comment for me.

Preheat oven to 375. Prepare sufficient pastry and line a 9 inch pie plate. Trim and flute edges, but do not prick crust.
Bring to a boil, over low heat: 2 cups lightly packed brown sugar or 2 cups soft maple sugar, chopped and 1 cup heavy cream.
Cook, stirring slowly for 10 minutes or until it's thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts.
Cool and pour into prepared pie shell and bake in 375 oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool. Filling will set when cold.

Monday, December 15, 2008

American Homemakers Holiday Show and Share

The American Homemakers Holiday Show and Share

It's that time again..for our favorite Holiday Show and Share. Let's each of us hop into our reindeer drawn sleigh and in a twinkle follow the button above to visit all the participants. So snuggle down in the warmth of the fur throw, pour a hot chocolate (don't worry..our reindeer will not let us spill)..and we're off to visit..:)

I love these red berries on the backdrop of green. leaves..it's the look of Christmas. Now if only there was a few snowflakes to complete the look...

I think this tree is just amazing and I wish it was mine..aaahhhh, but next year it will be. I love the look and it has some of my most favorite things..from tin punch to yoyo's. I can't believe how the simplest of things can be so beautiful..maybe it's that magic of Christmas..the true meaning,that lets us know..that somehow the beauty of Christmas is our love and faith.

Just a pretty red flower..in this cold, the color warms my spirit..

I think this is possibly one of the sweetest little Nativities I've seen. And, even after I knew that it was made with cookie dough and frosting, I had to look again and again.

And so we end with another of the red flowers. As we speak, I sit snuggly and warm..with a latte, trying to make certain there's nothing I've left out...as is said "makin a list and checkin it twice"..but all seems to be in order.

sally at smilingsally

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Blue Monday

It's that time of week again..the time we all gather at Smiling Sally's to see all the Blue Monday participants. It's ever so much fun, so if you haven't already joined in the fun..comr on..it's time you joined in. You'll meet the most wonderful people and see some beautiful blues..all you have to do is click on the Blue Monday button to the right and come see..

After scampering about trying to get a squirrel to sit still so I could get a picture..I gave up. I do like the photo of my tree, but still..the little squirrel was just so cute.

A little walkway in the park area of a small lake..it's one of my favorite places. I love to come to little lake, watch the ducks..and dream dreams..

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Baby Sunbonnet Sue ... Pink Saturday

It's that time again..Pink Saturday. I love going around seeing all the pink posts and hope you do as well. So come join in the fun..waltz on over to Beverly at how sweet the sound and join the pinks..click on the button just to the right..the one thats all pink with the pretty doll...


This is my pink offering this Saturday...and no she's not all in pink, but there are some sweet touches of the color. This is my first block of my Baby Sue quilt.. I hope you all like her. She sorta "speaks to you" and has her own choices of little dresses.Do, the maker of the first baby Sue quilt thought I was nuts when I first said that to her, however, she quickly found that if Sue doesn't like her outfits...nothing will work. Not the hat, not the shoes..not any part will work and look right. I will post my blocks as I go along..hopefully I will be finished with the quilt top in a month or two..

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Cross Stitch on Gingham Pattern Leaflet

This was a free leaflet put out by that most wonderful company of:
Coats & Clark's Family of Quality Products
and was issued by the:
Educational Board of Coats & Clark Inc,
430 Park Avenue New York, N.Y.
Copyright was 1961
This wonderfu; company makes some of the finest products ever..the ones we all use and count on..from zippers, threads, trims, Red Heart yarn (my personal favorite for most of my afghans), and the best crochet/knitting instruction books. They are my favorite books to collect and I am fortunate to have so many of them.. I love this cross stitch on gingham..and from the messages and emails I get..I believe a lot of you love this revived craft as well.
As this is Vintage Things Thursday, please skedaddle on over and see all the wonderful things everyone has to offer. I love Thursdays..this is always so much fun.
Cpme join in, simply click the Vintage Things Thursday button just to the right and you will be transmitted to all the wonders this day holds..:).. So come on..lets go!




Tuesday, December 9, 2008

American Homemaker Holiday Show and Tell


It's that time of week again..that wonderful time we gather to show our holiday wonders....be it decorations, gifts, crafts....favorite recipes...our very own holiday treasures. This is so much fun we're lucky it's not illegal..:). Please, join in the fun. Skedaddle on over to the American Homemaker..the button just to the right there..you see it, don't you? Well, grab a latte, click that button and come on in..



~~~~~~~~~~~
Miniature Cheesecakes

1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon sugar
* * *
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
Strawberry, Apricot, Bosenberry..whatever preserve you choose

1.Combine crumbs, butter and sugar. Press rounded measuring tablespoonfuls of crumb mixture onto bottom of six paper lined muffin cups. Bake @ 325 for 5 minutes.

2. Combine cream cheese, sugar, juice, peel and vanilla. Mix at medium speed until well blended. Blend in egg,pour over crust, fill each cup 3/4 full. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes. Cool before removing from pan. Chill well. Top with preserves just before serving time
Note: You can make ahead by wrapping chilled cheesecakes individually i moisture proof wrap. Freeze. Let stand at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes before serving..


~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thumbprint Cookies.."The Best Little Cookie in Texas" :)

1 1/2 cups butter or margarine, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 ( 8oz. ) package cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
4 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
your favorite preserves
powdered sugar for sprinkling cookies

Combine butter, sugar and cream cheese, mixing until well blended.
Blend in eggs, juice and peel.
Add combined flour,and baking powder; mix well.
Chill several hours
Shape level measuring tablespoonfuls of dough into balls.
Place on greased cookie sheet, flatten slightly.
Indent centers and fill with preserves.
Bake @ 350 for 15 minutes.
Cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Blue Sunbonnet Sue and Sam.. Blue Monday.. Part 1



It's that time again..another Blue Monday. Thanks to Smiling Sally, it's ever so much fun. I love seeing what everyone has found in blue.. Alas, for me..until I can determine why my photos won't load onto computer,I will have to scan my things in. It will work okay for now..I have patterns in blue. :). Let's all scamper on over to Smiling Sally and see what all the participants have posted. There are always wonderful things to see..and the most amazing, wonderful people. Come join in the fun.
Here we have our Sunbonnet Sue all dressed in Blue..:)
She's ready to be embroidered or appliqued..


And here we have our boy Overall Sam...all in blue..and just for you. :)

Holly Hobby...Blue Monday... Part 2

Our little Holly Hobby..in beautiful blues..
These little ones are all ready to be sewn or added as applique to most anything..she's a cutie

Blue Monday..the Last Part

Smocked Pillows of All Colors..with 1 in Blue..:).
Simplicity Pattern No. 5340
Printed 1963
This gingham smocking also works on aprons.



Teach Yourself To Chicken Scratch
Leisure Arts
Leaflet 273
Copyright 1963
This little leaflet has 22 designs, and as an added goodie with this book, is the easy to follow diagramn on the basic stitches...and a bit of needleweaving. There is also how to's to make: a yardstick holder,Potholder, kitchen Towel finishing, a Tote Bag, Hearth Broom Cover, Tie Towel Finishing, Apron, Wooden Hoop Finishing, Placemat and Napkin, and Basket Lid for various Baskets. It's a wonderful leaflet..

A Blue Gingham Chicken Scratch Quilt Book...
By: Rita Weiss
Boye Needlework Library
No. 7398
Copyright 1983 by American School of Needlework
ASN Publishing.

The back cover of the quilt book..these are the prettiest patterns ever. The patterns are: Basket, Martha Washington Star, Grape Basket, Dutch Rose, Stamp Basket, Pinwheel, Sunflower, Blazing Star, Snow Crystals, Lemoyne Star, Shimmering Star, and Basket of Tulips.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Pink Saturday


I'm sorry to say, my Pink Saturday has been a flop. I can't get any of my new things to load..and I can't figure out why. So, for me there is no pretty Pink Saturday to show and I apologize.
However, there are many Pink Saturdays to see and after I thank Beverly for hosting us all again, I will scamper on over to How Sweet The Sound to go visiting. Join in..there are always so many beautiful things to see...CC