papier mache birds

Oh, these were fun!

A long time ago Alicia was making these birds and I was sad I didn't snap one up when she was selling them. Fast forward some time and she sold them as kits. I purchased one and it sat and sat. Last week I got inspired to make them and so on those cold chilly afternoons while his sister was napping Matty and I got to work. It took 3 days because you have to allow for drying time. Crocheting the necklaces with wire was one of my favorite parts.

Both my kids are learning about birds in school. M is in his third year of preschool and he has had a visiting bird teacher every year who comes in much like a music teacher and does lessons with them Outside the windows of his classroom are bird feeders. The first year there he used to sit in the rocking chair and look at books a lot and watch for birds- so sweet. Ms. S is in her first year and goes two mornings. This month her lessons and craft projects are about birds. So, I thought this would be a good project to reinforce what they are learning about.

Ms. S has decided the pink one is hers of course since that is her favorite color, Matty's favorite color is yellow so that one is his. I chose blue and green for Mick. Now we have a sweet little family of birds.

craft room curtain

I made a curtain for my craft room. It's a pretty dark room with only one window so I wanted something that would diffuse the light.

I decided it was time to put away the piece of fabric that was hanging there though I miss the lavender clouds with the french writing the piece had sun damage. I've always wanted to incorporate vintage handkerchiefs into a curtain. I remember long ago having a conversation at work with someone whose sister had done so and had already amassed a collection of my own. I'm happy to have finally tried it out.

I used muslin and sewed on 6 handkerchiefs. I wanted it to be mostly pale in shades so most of them just have embroidery in the corners or lace edging. For the top I just made a pocket for the rod to fit through. The one with the blue edging was made by my Nana.

some of these are old and some of these are new

Some of these are old and some of these are new. They are a few of my favorite ornaments.
I really love the Jennifer Murphy bird and my vintage angels. Also, pink glass ornaments are so special to me. I have to put those on the mantle tree so the little ones don't get to them.




The snowflake was crocheted by my Nana and my Aunt Lillian gave me five of them last week. I don't think she expected my reaction. I have always loved them and when I used to decorate my parents tree they were always my favorite and I did them last.My Mom still has hers and up until now I never had one so I feel blessed and now can have a part of her to share on Christmas with my family.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.

vintage crochet

I suppose my old baby clothes could be classified as vintage:)

I've put together another sampling of crocheted items from the closet of Ms. S that once belonged to her Mama. Here are two skirts, four hats and a pair of mittens.

I'm convinced that my Nana must have devoted several years to making clothes for me. I wish I could tell her how much I appreciate them and how now my daughter is wearing them and will continue to do so for several years.

My Nana (that's what we called my Grandma) apparently never worked from patterns either which is amazing. I'm told she couldn't understand them.

mischief night

You never know what kind of mischief these two are going to get into....

BEWARE!


of the baby that crawls backwards





the hand




and of the almost 3 year old behind the hand!





P.S.
Ms S. is wearing one of my baby dresses that my Grandma crocheted here.

found in the attic

My Mom found a suitcase in the attic with the rest of the crocheted items my Grandma made for me when I was a little girl and when I was there recently she did a little show and tell. There was so many great things in there. I brought home the doll clothes above and this cape and beret but, the rest I left there until we move. The abundance of handmade crocheted clothes my Grandma made me is astounding. I was completely smitten with the Red Riding Hood hat and cape as well as several crocheted skirts and dresses. She didn't always use the best of materials but, they are special to me nonetheless and I plan to utilize them. They just needs a good spin on delicate cycle.

Grandma Jaleelie's Crochet

My Grandma, Jaleelie who is my Dad's Mom was an avid crocheter and she made a lot of items for me when I was young. She made a few boy things as well for my brothers but, not as much. Little M has worn a few of her things and the vests were especially cute on him as a baby.

Here are some lovely crocheted baby girl items I've inherited that I can't wait to put the little one in.

This bonnet just needed a ribbon and it's ends sewn in. It looks like it will fit a newborn.



This sweater is so sweet. I think it will fit next fall/winter



Some more bonnets:

The red one is quite big so it might be for a toddler or even older and the white with yellow embroidery looks like it will be for next Winter.



I guess my Grandma Jaleelie and I share a love of bonnets. Who knew?

There are many more pretties coming to me soon I will share...hooray!
Plus, my Mom said there is another box she needs to find that I haven't seen...oh the suspense...

grandma's tatting

Here are a few of the spools of Grandma Cook's tatting. Jaleelie was an avid crocheter. Whenever she was 'resting' she was at her crochet. She made beautiful clothes, delicate snowflakes which she starched etc. I always admired her hands moving quickly and the beautful things that would emerge. She did try to teach me once or twice but we only got as far as the chain. I'm now able to do single and double crochet but have only made a crocheted flower thus far.
This tatting is beautiful to me to have and to look at. I imagine one does beautiful edging on dresses or tablecloths with tatting. Someday, I may get around to this but, for now just seeing them up on my shelf above my desk both inspires me and reminds me of her while I am working.
Here are a few pieces of tatting trim meant for something she didn't get around to finish or laid aside for the right purpose. I wonder what she had planned for these. I wonder what I could do with them that she would be proud of.



Here they are close-up. The photos don't do them justice.