January

"January is here, with eyes that keenly glow,

A frost-mailed warrior 

striding a shadowy steed of snow." 

              Edgar Fawcett

A new year is here.  I have many plans and projects for 

this year that I hope to learn how to do, ..........and to finish.

I have spent the last few weeks sorting and organizing my stash

of floss, yarns, and fabrics. 

I have decided to try my best......and I do mean......try

to use up and to work on what I already have instead of 

purchasing something else.......

.but oh my, 

how hard it is to resist all of the pretty new patterns and

materials that are offered wherever I turn! 

This week, I am sharing 5 simple things 

that I enjoyed this past week......

1. I am happy to have put the Christmas trees and decorations

away........neatly 

2. Our youngest son flew home to visit, adding  joy to our holiday.

3. A nest full of tiny eggs, from tiny chickens,  comes from the henhouse. 

4. Miniature roses are still blooming on my inside windowsill .

5. We had a peaceful and quiet New Year's eve.

So tell me...........

do you have plenty of projects and materials to finish up.........or do you have plans

for something new to try?  I would love to see and hear!

Here's wishing that something simple and enjoyable comes your 

way this week! 

No words........

just a pretty photograph....a memory to share....

a moment to just slow down, to savour, and enjoy!

I still have a few things to share and post.......so I will not wait until the new year begins......

I am back.  

Today is the last day of fall...........my goodness, it seems like it did

not last long enough!  Tomorrow winter starts.........

I agree with Edith Sitwell's words............

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” 

Although the days here are still warm and pleasant, 

I still enjoy the colder days that will soon come.

It is a time to find my needle and to stitch the day away.

How about you?

How do you spend your cold winter days?

Do you have fun outside in the snow?

Do you sit beside a cozy fire and read?

I would love to hear!

Until I Return Next Year........

May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;

The spirit of Christmas which is peace;

The heart of Christmas which is love.

Ada V. Hendricks

Wishing you a very merry Christmas!

There is just something about a piece of string

that can be pulled, twisted, and tied, with colors so captivating.....

and then, can be turned into something so beautiful.  

I rarely purchase patterns, but when I saw  this 

crocheted granny square cardigan pattern, 

I just had to purchase it!  I love crocheting granny squares, 

using up the bits of leftover yarn from other projects. 

(for those of you who want to know,

it can be found at Maggie's Crochet.com) 

This is not the weight or type of yarn the pattern calls for, 

however, I have so much  left over from making crocheted scarves and throws,

that I wanted to find something else to crochet with it.  

Such beautiful variegated colors with names like "meadow/prairie"

"winery " , "echo" and "parrot". I also love the feel

of the yarn.  

So I am being careful and making sure the granny square measures the 

right size when I finish.  And there are quite a lot  of squares to crochet!

And it may wind up looking pretty primitive and goofy,

so I may not be seen wearing it in town.........

however, my chickens, cat and dog accept my primitive

and goofy look, so I will wear it here on the farm..........

when I finally finish crocheting it. 

December is here, along with it's chilly days........

perfect for staying in, using the imagination, 

and keeping the hands busy creating! 

Don't you think?

I love  Minna Thomas Antrim's thoughts about chilly nights...........

Brew me a cup for a winter’s night.

For the wind howls loud, and the furies fight;

Spice it with love and stir it with care,

And I’ll toast your bright eyes, my sweetheart fair.

Minna Thomas Antrim, "A Night Cap," A Book of Toasts, 1902

So tell me, what are you creating these days?

I would love to hear!

Thanksgiving day is upon us..........

I think the words attributed by Jacqueline Winspear

says it all so wonderfully.............

"Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live. "

 Jacqueline Winspear

Wishing you a wonderfully grace filled and blessed Thanksgiving!

November comes And November goes,

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring.

Elizabeth Coatsworth (1893–1986)

 I love these lovely, pleasant November days! My husband,  Sophie dog, and Taboo kitty and I love to take leisurely afternoon walks.   I have been able to start having sales in my 

vintage shop........the shop is now not too hot and not too cold.

I spend my days working with my handmades while waiting on visitors.

I finally managed to learn how to make Japanese Temari balls. I saw a photo of these kinds of pretty

balls of thread a few years ago........ordered a couple of books to learn how........and just now

got around to learning!  

 With the holidays fast approaching, my thoughts turn to the food I that want to prepare for our usual gatherings.  I always try to find something that is pretty and tasteful.  This year.....I am keeping it simple with the foods everyone loves..........but I am making at least one decorative pie.  I made this one cherry pie the other day and was very happy at how cheery it looks!  

I have also started painting my Mrs. Butterworth's bottles again and this time 

hand crocheting dishcloths in matching colors for each bottle.

I was thinking these would be cute to put dish soap in........what do you think?

Has your weather turned more pleasant at this time of year?

What are your favorite foods for Thanksgiving?  

Do you decorate early for Christmas.......or do you keep a fall them till after Thanksgiving?

Are you working on hand crafts at this time of year?

I would love to hear!