Harvest Home

My friend Keturah sent me some 5" sample squares of Moda's fabric line Harvest Home. This is just the impetus I need to try my hand at quilting. The squares are patched together into a doll-sized top, but I'm waiting to get a few more supplies before I start the quilting process. Oh, and I will be machine quilting -- I figured if I tried hand quilting, I would never finish any projects!

Tea cozy

Another very quick sewing project: a tea cozy for my brown betty teapot. This was made with a remnant of quilted fabric from a sewing circle at church. The grosgrain ribbon from my stash was added on a whim!

Jacket for Sophie

Small sewing project of late: a flannel baby jacket for the daughter of a friend of mine. Both parents are young and artistic so I thought they might like a funkier print than your usual pastel pink.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that the pattern is Simplicity 2900.

Canisters

My husband gave me these canisters for Christmas. Let me now sing their praises... Aside from being attractive, they are sturdy stoneware that will last a very long time, unlike the cheap canisters I've seen in stores (when I was able to find any at all). They are large enough to hold plenty of flour or sugar -- and that's another thing I love, there's a canister for brown sugar! Usually a trio will include "coffee" as the final third and since we're not regular coffee-drinkers, I love the brown sugar jar instead. I also love the wide open mouths that give you enough room to dip in there with a measuring cup -- no awkward and messy pouring. Obviously, I think they're great!

Thanks, dear!

Ardmore Platinum

Douglas and I did a rather old-fashioned thing by registering for china before our wedding. Since each place setting comes with a teacup and saucer, I'm now blessed to have a beautiful tea service as well as elegant plates! It's a luxury to be able to savor a hot cup of tea (in this case, the perpetual favorite English Breakfast) on a cold winter's day.

Back again

The month of January has been a busy one, including trips to Florida and Pennsylvania, as well as my costume sewing, plus the regular tasks of housework. Now my costumes are done, the travelling is over for now, and it's nice to feel like I have some more leisurely days ahead!

My husband took this photo of tulips in morning light at my grandparents' condo in Florida. Hopefully soon we will see some tulips poking out of the ground!