Ribbons -n- Rags

ETSY

2011-11-15T09:54:00.001-08:00

New items in my ETSY shop!!! Good time to Christmas shop!!!

Back-to-School Bargains

2011-07-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

People often ask me since we homeschool do we do any back to school shopping. Oh yea! My children look forward to it. The lists, choosing just the right color folders and notebooks, whether to get trimming pencils or mechanical, the new binders and rulers.

We did our shopping yesterday. While I do not have to buy clothing, it is a good time of year to find great prices on clothing and shoes. For example, two of my clan did have a need, no a desire, for new athletic shoes. My goal was to find both pairs for under $100. One of our local sports stores had a special on athetic shoes, buy one, get one for half off. I also had a rewards coupon to use on my purchase. BONUS!! We were able to buy a pair of New Balance, a pair of Nike shocks, a sports bra, and two bundles of socks (18 pairs) for--------$78.00. Yes, and I have the receipt for you non-believers.

The "latest"

2011-07-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

These aprons are the latest of my creations in the sewing room. They are patterned from an apron that my great grandmother made in the 30s or 40s that I have the honor of possessing!!! They are "girly" with the pleats in the front and the daintiness of the fabrics. Each is for sale for $17.00 **free shipping. If you are one of my local customers, cost is $15.00. Each is machine washable and dryer friendly! Each tie is 34" long.

This one is one of my favorites with the contrasting fabrics that compliment the main fabric.

Cheerful with the pinks and blue dainty flowers and contrasting blue band.

Nothing says summer more than sunflowers. This apron has two pattern of sunflower fabric, both complimenting the other.

Seeking Treasures

2011-06-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

"A man's real possession is his memory. In nothing else is he rich, in nothing else is he poor." ---- Alexander Smith

I have not posted for several weeks because I have been busy seeking treasures. Those treasures are memories with and for my children. Treasures of activities and events to create lasting and positive memories for them. I believe that no amount of material possessions will ever substitute for a mind full of good childhood memories!! So, if I post sporadically for the remainder of the summer, just keep in mind that I am out seeking treasures!! Have a great summer!

Summer Break

2011-06-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

At last, Summer break!!! Such big plans: waterpark, horse shows, swimming, fishing, canoeing on the river. Can't wait!! What are your plans for the summer?

Prom Princess

2011-05-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Here is proof that you do not have to live in Britain in order to be of "royalty". One of her favorite things to do when she was little was to dress up. We even had a prom at our house when she was 8 because she was so fascinated with watching her teen neighbor leave for prom. It consisted of formals from her mom's and my "past", dancing, a "limo" (really a Lincoln town car), punch and cookies.

Our princess at her first real prom=BREATHTAKING.

P.S. You will get to go next year Sunshine!!

Where You Lead Me

2011-05-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

Where you lead me, I will follow. One of the most fascinating things within motherhood for me has been observing the interactions of my children with their siblings. Our order goes girl 16, boy 13, girl 9. The brother acts more like the "big" brother with his protective nature. The 9 year old follows the 16 year old and wants to be just like her. This statement is beautiful from both sides; wanting to be like someone and being so that someone wants to be like you.

A PERFECT Day!!

2011-05-09T19:01:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while there are days that are perfect all around; the weather is good, we feel good and all seems good. Yesterday, which happened to be Mother's Day was one of those perfect days. My three amazing children each made homemade cards (the best kind if you ask me) complete with their own thoughts, art work and penmanship.
After church we went to a town not too far away, walked around the local university's campus and then to a park in the downtown area. At this park was a beautiful white, horse drawn carriage complete with a cowboy in a tuxedo! Of course we rode!!!! I even received a pink, long stemmed rose as part of the ride.
It felt so good to have all three safe with me, happy to be with me and having a good time with me. PERFECT.

Dogwood Winter

2011-04-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

The older generation calls this time of year Dogwood Winter. It is named because after a period of sunshine and warmth in the early Spring, and the dogwoods bloom, we will have a period of cooler temps and rain. Early Spring weather gets us excited for warm sunshine, but don't put your long sleeves away just yet!

Spring Twirly Skirt

2011-04-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

This simple skirt is so cute for Spring. It is elastic waisted and is fully lined with unbleached muslin. The bias trim is hand made to coordinate with the fabrics. The matching tee is store bought and appliqued with coordinating fabric. I love making these. This one is for sale. Size 5-6.

Frugal Friday

2011-03-25T05:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes being frugal does not pay. This is the case at my house with flour. I bought a 25# bag of no name flour, to be frugal, but the biscuits were terrible and the gravy was unspeakable! My family thought I had lost my ability to cook. Never again will I do that. My family deserves great biscuits and gravy!!!! Brand name flour-here I come.

Another Birthday

2011-03-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

We celebrated yet another birthday this week. This one was a huge milestone (in her eyes). Sweet 16, driver's permit in hand, full of knowledge and wisdom, ready to take on the world!!! I want her dreams to come true!

Navigating on her new Kindle.

Birthday time

2011-03-19T17:55:00.000-07:00

It was birthday time this weekend at our house!!!! The youngest turned 9. Here she is with her polka dot gifts. Children are such fun creatures. At the end of the rug shown in this photo is the spot where we have put our Christmas tree every year since we moved in. My children always put their birthday gifts in the spot as they would be under the tree for Christmas. I guess to them it is the "gift" spot. Sooooooooooo precious!

The Tree House

2011-03-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

This is the tree house that my son had dreamed of forever! Well, it is sort of a "treeless" house since we do not have any trees in our yard mature enough to hold a house. It sets between two trees for the effect of being in a tree.

We had enough lumber left over from a barn addition. He and I set the posts and he designed the entire thing. We got a friend of ours to construct it and put the roof on. I must say it is a fancy tree house.

My son envisions covering the outside with license plates from all across America. He has a good start!

It is his refuge and source of such joy. How I wish we would have done this years ago!!

Embellished notebooks

2011-03-12T11:32:00.000-08:00

These are photos of my newest craft project. Steno pad notebooks embellished with ribbons and cut outs. This is an easy project. First you must remove the wiring from the notebook. Then cut paper (I used cardstock) to fit the cover. Return wire and cover to notebook. Embellish. The possiblities are endless!!

I have blues and browns. This one has a tag that says "Happiness".

This one is black and white with dainty pink ribbon holding a flower cut out. It is a pocket sized notebook. $2.00

This one has different shades of blue wistera type flowers with pink satin ribbon wrapped around and tied in a bow.

These make great gifts at $4.00 each. I have many other styles, some with matching pocket sized notebooks and bookmarks. Email me if you wish to order or they may be viewed locally at Tammy's Closet.

Frugal Friday

2011-03-11T18:03:00.000-08:00

We needed some roofing shingles for a small project. While at the lumber yard, I noticed a pile of shingles with torn packaging. I inquired about the price, they were one third the original price!! BINGO-tree house roof completed on a frugal budget! Pictures to follow one sunny day soon.

Pillowcases

2011-03-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

Full/Queen 100% soft cotton; $15.00 plus shipping

I have been craving French seams and pillowcases are perfect for them. I have become addicted to French seams.

I have these for Spring and they are for sale. I am now selling stuff locally at Tammy's Closet and I plan to put them on ETSY. These are $15 per pair or two pair for $25. I am in love with the cream and green ones with the tiny leaves.

These are Queen size, 100% cotton (has the feel of percale).$15.00 plus shipping. (I will calculate shipping to where you live, so you will not pay more that it costs me)

Bunny (Speckles)

2011-03-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for the Cadberry Bunny, I think he lives in our barn! This is speckles and he is trained for a leash. A bunny on a leash is funny!

Quotes-George W. Bush

2011-03-02T16:55:00.000-08:00

"The passage of time allows passions to cool, results to clarify, and scholars to compare different approaches."--George W. Bush: Decision Points

Frugal Friday

2011-02-25T07:26:00.000-08:00

How many cleaners do you currently have under your kitchen and bathroom sinks? In years past, I would have many different types of cleaners for different jobs. I have discovered that plain, warm water will clean so many things. After all, water is the universal solvent! We have all hardwood flooring and tile in our home and when we built it, the manufacturers recommended no chemicals, just water. So I decided that this could be the case for many other cleaning jobs! I do use a soap scum cleaner in the bathrooms and some bleach in the kitchen sinks but that is pretty much it. This also saves a great amount on the grocery bill.

Frugal Friday

2011-02-18T17:51:00.000-08:00

I so enjoy the foam handwashing soaps in all the fragrances and attractive bottles. However at $5-6 per bottle this can get expensive, especially when you cook 3 meals per day and a couple of snacks. I discovered a way to save a great deal of money. I use dishwashing liquid. For an 8 oz bottle, put 1 tablespoon of d/w liquid in the bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with warm water, gently swirl to mix well and there you have foaming handwashing soap. There are many fragrances to choose from. So the label doesn't necessarily match the contents, no big deal!

Great Pyranees

2011-02-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

This is the greatest dog in the whole, wide world! His name is Boston and he is a Great Pyranees. He is the size of a small calf in stature but has a heart of a puppy. The breed originated in the Pyranees Mountains in France. They are used for guarding herds of sheep and have been used in war time. They have a thick undercoat which is used to make sweaters (I haven't tried this yet)and he has the most gorgeous black eyes.
They are protective by nature, possessing an unparalleled ferocity. This breed has been known to take on bears, yet are wonderful dogs for children. By the time he was six months old, he was protecting our home and farm and children. Their loving personalities are mysteriously compelling. The only flaw that I can find in him is that he is such a protective home body that taking him to the vet is a difficult task. It usually takes 2-3 of us to load him in the truck.

Frugal Friday (belated)

2011-02-05T18:41:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite "after Christmas bargain". I purchased this comforter set, king comforter and 2 pillowshams for $12.00!!!! It was considered Holiday merchandise but I love the reds and greens and I plan to use it for awhile. The green suede pillow was $3.00 on clearance.

Did I mention that the comforter set came in this nice tote? I plan to take it apart and make a couple of window treatments. I need another snow day!!
The chair under the tote is a blue color, which did not match the comforter. I love the chair and so I pulled, out of my keepsake trunk, this creamy afghan made and gifted me by me sweet Nana. Voila'!!! A room makeover without painting or spending much money.

French Coconut Pie

2011-02-01T18:11:00.000-08:00

This pie is to die for!! I could eat the entire pie and have actually come close. It is so easy and attractive when finished. However, if you are a calorie counter, you should put away the calculator because you do not even want to know. I entered this pie in the local county fair one year (1st place) and the extension agent figured the calories, fat, cholesterol and all those depressing facts. Let's just say, I did not keep the info! Try it, you will love it.

FRENCH COCONUT PIE

One unbaked pie crust (I like the deep dish)
1 stick margarine or butter (unsalted)
3 eggs
1 TBSP white vinegar
1 1/2 c. white sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. coconut (I add a bit extra)

Soften (do not melt) the butter/margarine. Add eggs, sugar, vinegar, and vanilla. Wisk until well blended (I use my wisk attachment on the electric mixer). Add coconut and stir with spoon. Pour into crust and bake at 350 degrees until top is golden brown (around 45 minutes)

Let me know what you think!!

**I discovered powdered vanilla a couple of years back. It is the most wonderfuly thing! Use the same amount as liquid. I make a great amount of bakery icing for cakes and cupcakes and the powdered vanilla keeps it snow white and adds great flavor.

Paperwork

2011-01-28T06:08:00.000-08:00

I have not blogged all week due to PAPERWORK! I decided to spend the snow days of this week, catching up on paperwork. I had school papers to sort and file, bookkeeping, and a scholarship packet to assemble with my daughter. Paperwork is not my favorite thing, yet a necessary one. Have a wonderful weekend and I hope to be blogging more next week.

Frugal Friday

2011-01-21T10:20:00.000-08:00

Our grandmothers and great-grandmothers were frugal out of necessity. I just believe it makes good sense! At our house, we have what I call "feature meat". This means that whatever meats are on sale at the grocery each week is what I stock up on and work with in our menus. This week's feature meat was pork tenderloin. It was by far cheaper than sandwich meat. I love it when I can serve my family of five a good meal for around $10.00. This recipe is one of my favorite's of all time. I cook the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker for several hours. Remove from the cooker and place in a casserole or baking dish. Mix 2 Tablespoons mustard (any flavor you like) and 3 Tablespoons of honey. Put over the top of tenderloin and put in a 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until the top begins to brown. This is delicious!!!! I served it with baked beans, macaroni and cheese and cream corn from our garden last summer. Cost of meal: Tenderloin $6.50, baked beans $1.19, Mac and Cheese dinner $1.00 (on sale this week also), corn from our garden a few pennies. Under $10.00

B.T.W. I have been blessed by knowing and enjoying both my grandmothers and two of my great-grandmothers!

Penguin Jumper

2011-01-19T18:57:00.000-08:00

Since the weather here resembles Antarctica, how about a penguin? And a happy one at that! This jumper is made of turqoise colored corduroy. It is fully lined with bleached muslin. The shoulders have covered button closures with decorative bows, of black with white polka dots, sewn into place. The penguin is of quality fleece and is appliqued into place. The same ribbon that adorns the shoulders is also on the bottom of the jumper. Machine wash and dry (however, I like to let mine hang to dry).
It is a size 4 and is looking for a home. Handmade right here at Ribbons-n-Rags boutique! $35.00 with FREE shipping in the U.S.

HOW TO MAKE a new ironing board cover

2011-01-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

One snowy afternoon this week, I made a new ironing board cover. My old cover was, well "pitiful", so much so that I am NOT including a photo. I iron a great deal and it was ready for retirement. So, I chose some fabric from my stash, bias tape, and elastic and made a new one. Here is how:
-trace pattern (use old cover to trace)
-cut out the new pattern on new fabric
-attach double sided bias tape all the way around (this makes a simple, fast casing for the elastic and finishes the edges)*leave the beginning and ending point open for running the elastic
-run elastic through the casing
-place cover on ironing board
-adjust elastic to fit
-tie elastic in a knot and tuck under cover

SIMPLE. EASY. FAST (around 30 minutes). CHEAP (I used supplies I already had)

As for the brown camo.......let's just say it will make for adventurous ironing.

The Aspiring Baker

2011-01-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

My eight year old is an aspiring baker. She dreams of having her own cupcake shop. I am all for that!! While snowed in she has been practicing her baking. She made chocolate chip cookies.

While practicing breaking eggs, I heard her say, "You have to become one with the egg". TOOOO Funny!!! She strives for perfection, even when breaking eggs.

The cookies were delicious and BTW, there were none left by bedtime.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

2011-01-13T08:29:00.000-08:00

We have been semi snowed in this week. But we have pretended as if we are totally snowed in. Staying home, sleeping late, eating, reading and all those things that you do when you are housebound. I enjoy these days. It seems almost as if time stands still for a bit and I can capture moments with my children without rushing places and meeting deadlines. They grow so quickly and as I reminisce, I wonder where it all goes and what on earth will I do when they have all left home?

Growing up

2011-01-10T06:18:00.000-08:00

While I enjoy watching my children grow up, there are those sad moments when you wish they were still really small. This was one of those moments. Remember when they would get in the tub and play and talk until their skin shriveled and they shivered because the water was cold. I looked at the "bath tub" toys and well, they had not been played with in a really long time. So I gathered them up to put away in storage. When my youngest, who is 8, saw me she quickly protested to the putting away of these toys. When I reminded her that they had not been played with and I thought that she had outgrown them, she asked that I leave them out "just in case". And I did!

Socks

2011-01-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

Please tell me that I am not only one in the world with socks that do not have a partner. I have collected over a period of time, this basket of socks that have come through the laundry and have no partners when I fold everything. Where do these socks go? I made an executive decision and tossed them in the garbage. No more clutter in this basket!

HAPPY NEW YEAR---I want to be a LOSER

2011-01-01T16:34:00.000-08:00

       As I ponder my New Year's Resolutions, I thought it would be great this year to be a LOSER.   Yes, you heard correctly, I want to be a LOSER of the following things?
            1. 15 pounds ( we always have to think of that at New Year's)
            2. any negative attitudes or feelings
            3. any bitterness I have harbored
            4. any desires to exist in any way other than God's will
            5. clutter (both in my home and in my mind)

Have a Wonderful New Year and may you prosper and feel God's love in 2011.

Generational Gathering

2010-12-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

We had a Christmas gathering a couple of days ago. My grandparents came,

who by the way, have been married for 73 years as of December 18 ( he is

92, she is 88).

There were also cousins, first, seconds and thirds. If you lost count, that is

4 generations. We ate, ate and ate some more and then played games-the

board kind and cowboys and indians.

What a blessed time and a wonderful gift. No store bought gift can ever

have as much meaning. ...................and life is good!

Winter Vacation

2010-12-17T17:57:00.000-08:00

Today was the last day of school for this calendar year!! A two week winter break to celebrate Christmas and spend time together.

My mind drifts back to a carefree time in my youth when Christmas break was such a warm and exciting time. The celebrations, family gatherings, long days at home just to play and read. The remembrance of what gifts I received, if they fit or not or what they cost is long gone, but what remains is how good it feels to have been loved and just to be home, safe and secure without a worry in the world. Ahhhhhhhh! These are the memories that I also want my children to enjoy.

In years to come, it will not matter if they were given a sweater or a scarf, what foods we ate and drank or how much it all cost. What will matter is the difference that we make in the lives of our children (the non-material differences!)

M.E.

Bargains and Burdens

2010-12-14T14:45:00.001-08:00

...........the answer to a "Bargain Burden".

I found this designer jacket on sale at 90% off, yes you read that correctly. Regular price was $129.95, mine for $12.95. I could NOT pass it up. However, the pin stripes in it were light gray and magenta. The jacket is a dark gray. Not the easiest colors in the world to match. After a year of hanging in my closet, I found this gorgeous piece of magenta fabric and made a skirt, in less than one hour. Perfect match. The entire outfit cost less than $20. As the executive in charge of all matters of housekeeping in my home, maybe I will wear this to work tomorrow!!

SIMPLE THINGS

2010-12-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

I love it when children are excited about simple things. We
had friends over for lunch and socializing. My eight year old wanted
to go Christmas caroling at the neighbors. For two days, she planned
how it would be, the books we would use and what we would wear. We
needed to "look" like Christmas carolers....and we did!

Getting ready for Christmas

2010-12-07T17:18:00.000-08:00

Seeing this old fashioned truck with the tree loaded on the back set the mood for putting up my tree and decorating. I would love to have this truck and drive it with the tree up my long country driveway and carry it through the front door. Oh well, it sounded nostalgic!

Instead, we pulled our storage bag off the top shelf of the barn, my son put the artificial tree together and my youngest daughter put the lights on. We always put it together one day, let if "fluff" for a day or two and then decorate. Waiting on the "fluff" today.

A NIGHT OUT--just the two of us

2010-12-04T12:21:00.000-08:00

Price of tickets to NCAA basketball game--reasonable. Price of a soda--outrageous. Price of food at the game--ridiculous. The fun we had and memories we made--PRICELESS!!!!

My son had never been to a college basketball game. So, while in the city for a science exhibit, I took him. He was in awe.

The game was great! The Cards made easy work of the the FIU Panthers.

The new stadium and all the entertainment during the game was wonderful.

My Scientist

2010-11-28T14:54:00.000-08:00

This is my little scientist. This week he is an agriscientist. He will attend the Annual Farm Bureau State Convention this week to exhibit his project on barns and their usage in agriculture. Big trip to the Big City accompanied by going to a college basketball game. Oh, the excitement!!! I love you feller and I am so proud of you!!!!!

"SWEET DREAMS"

2010-11-26T17:37:00.001-08:00

My sister brought this and asked if I could work on her pillow. If that is what you call it. It was flat enough to use as a pot holder. Now, this pillow is from our childhood, we are talking the mid to late 1970s!! So, I said, "Yes".

So, I got busy and inside the pillow were only a handful of feathers. I had some down pillows that I no longer used. With some new ticking and the re-purposed feathers, my sister now has a set of new feather pillows.

The pink ribbon marks the end of the pillow where the feathers from her "childhood" pillow went. Sweet dreams, Sis.

wandering jews

2009-10-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

I just brought this pot of "wandering jews" in for the winter. These vines thrived on my back veranda this summer. This is one of my favorite house plants as the green jew belonged to my maternal great grandmother. So did the pot that it is in (blue and white swirled metal bucket). Amazing are the treasures that we hold dear.

Deferred Compensation at its best!!!

2009-10-13T13:21:00.001-07:00

This is my latest "project". Our daughter (high school freshman) was accepted to play with our local university orchestra. The first performance was the other night and was it breathtaking. With presentations from Brahms, Sherwood Forest, Phantom of the Opera and others, I sat in awe of the years of preparation and study along with the hours of practice that all the performers pour their hearts into. This was our daughter's first "grown up" (for lack of a better term) event and did she look grown up! We are so proud of you sweetheart. Sitting in the audience made all the hours of lessons, practice (sometimes involving nagging) of the past 9 years seem worth it all. Kudos to you and Mr. "D"!

Time

2009-10-06T07:47:00.001-07:00

..."The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once."
Albert Einstein

How often do we say, "Where does time go"? As I grow older, I find myself wondering this frequently. Yesterday was our 18th wedding anniversary. Am I old enough to have been married for 18 years? What have we done for 18 years? In that time, we have been blessed with three amazing children and good health. We have enjoyed beaches together, many ball games and competitions with our children. We have worn out 5 (at least) vehicles and had four addresses. We have buried beloved family members and pets. We have seen the world change and rearrange. We have seen that the things on this earth are not steadfast. According to my calculations, I have prepared approximately 19,500 meals (give or take a few for vacations and eating out), washed close to 6000 loads of laundry and driven around 300,000 miles!!!!! It is a good thing that it doesn't all happen at once as Einstein referred to. Did I mention, that I wouldn't change a thing about it all.

Let Her Twirl!!!!

2009-09-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

Put a sweet skirt on a little girl and see how she loves to twirl!! This "twirly" skirt is made from chocolate brown baby wale corduroy with coordinating turquoise fabric. It is fully lined with muslin and has a ruffle at the bottom. The top is a purchased t-shirt with fabric from the skirt appliqued on. The skirt and top can be worn as is or layered with leggings and a long sleeve tee or turtle neck. A must have for all young ladies' fall wardrobes. Thank you Miss L. for allowing me to create this one for you!!!! Enjoy.

How Now Brown Cow

2009-09-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

Every year in September, our small town hosts "Cow Days"-our fall festival. The festival itself dates way back but in the past years it has grown into a good sized event. There is an annual fun run, many craft booths, singing, beauty pageants and much food!!! The most famous food is the "Legion" fish sandwich and a Ski to drink. The fish is sold by the local American Legion post and well a Ski is just a central Kentucky trademark.

This pink corduroy jumper will make its debut at Cow Days next weekend on a sweet little two year old. The cow appliqued and is cut from soft brown fleece. The jumper is fully lined with coordinating bows at the shoulders and covered buttons. I have more pink corduroy, so order yours quickly!!!

2009-03-08T18:52:00.001-07:00

Spring is a time of renewal for some. My youngest, decided on her own, to donate her beautiful brown hair to Locks of Love. Her hair had never been cut. 10 inches in two braids will now adorn a precious young lady that has lost her hair due to illness or disease. What a grown up decision for a six year old!!! My hat is off to you little one.

2009-03-08T18:47:00.001-07:00

The dinosaur and the truck sweatshirts have been sold!!

2009-03-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

This sweatshirt is navy with gingham trim, decorative stitching and large button closures. This is a size 3.

OUT OF HIBERNATION

2009-03-08T18:37:00.000-07:00

Alas, Spring is nigh!! I feel like a bear out of hibernation. I have worked on some projects for early Spring. One project is sweatshirt transformation. These sweatshirts are pullovers transformed into embellished cardigans. They are adorned with appliques and tab closures. The possibilities are endless and they can dress up any outfit.

Classic Dresses

2008-06-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

I love classic little girl's dresses. This is one of my all time favorites. The dress is of cream colored cotton. It has a rounded collar, gathered skirt and wide ruffle at the bottom. The pinafore is pin-tucked and buttons up the front. Pinafores may be interchanged for a different look with the same dress underneath. It is not too early to order one for fall/winter as many hours of work go into this outfit. Complete outfit $70.00 plus SMHB.

Yo-Yo Firecrackers

2008-06-02T19:10:00.001-07:00

This Yo-Yo Firecracker sundress is perfect for the Fourth of July. It is made of red/white gingham and is fully lined. The shoulders are made with "rabbit ear" ties. The front is adorned with patriotic yo-yos sewn on top of red rick rack. A patriotic ruffle adds flare to the bottom. It is size 4; $36.00 plus SMHB. A matching hairbow complete with yo-yo is available for $4.00.

SOLD

Outer Banks Lighthouses

2008-06-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

On our recent family vacation to Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, we visited these three lighthouses. The solid white one is on Ocracoke Island. It is still an operating lighthouse. The horizontally striped house is the Bodie Island Lighthouse. The diagonally striped house is on Cape Hatteras. We climbed to the top of this-257 steps to the top. The view was breathtaking.

LADY BUGS, CATERPILLARS AND BUTTERFLIES

2008-05-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

This fabric is one of my absolute all time favorites. The colors, the pattern and the texture of the fabric is just outstanding. Lady bugs, butterflies, and caterpillars adorn the teal fabric and the rick rack is in coordinating colors. My fashion queen is peeping out from the weeping willow tree in her "Lady Bug Suit" and the other outfit is for sale. It is a size 4, has a pull over top with elastic in the capped sleeves. The capris have a coordinating ruffle at the bottom. Outfit-$38.00 plus SMHB.

2008-05-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

My little fashion queen is ready to plow the garden in her John Deere shorts outfit. This top has elastic at the neck and capped sleeves. It is a roomy, comfortable fit. The fabric is dark and light pink paisley cotton with a green John Deere emblem. The shorts are cut off jeans with a matching John Deere ruffle on the bottom. They are knee/bermuda length. This is available in sizes 3-4, 5 and 8 with hair bows to match. Outfits are $28.00 and bows are $4.00 plus SMHB. Get this outfit early, it is a fast seller!

beautiful purples

2008-05-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

My favorite colors are purple and green and what a beautiful display of my favorites in nature this spring. The lilacs, tulips and irises have been breathtaking. The purple violet in the middle photo is a descendant of a violet that belonged to my great grandmother. She loved tending to flowers and plants and had in incredible green thumb.

KITES

2008-05-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

This feminine pale blue gingham fabric is darling with the yellow appliqued kites. The kite's tails are rick rack. The ruffle at the bottom is made of pale yellow gingham. Size 5. $45.00 plus Snail Mail Haul Bill. SOLD

Farm Girl "Pretty in Pink"

2008-05-02T12:23:00.001-07:00

This John Deere jumper is pink, camo cotton. It is fully lined and is machine washable and dryer friendly. The shoulders are adorned with chocolate brown and pink gross grain ribbon. Available in a size 3 or 4. $34 plus Snail Mail Haul Bill. Matching hair bow $4.oo. SOLD

Frogs-A-Jumping

2008-05-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

This cute whimsical frog set is fun as well as comfortable. The top is made of cotton which is machine washable and dryer friendly. The shorts are cut-off blue jeans with a matching frog ruffle on the bottom of each leg. Size 4-T, $25 plus Snail Mail Haul Bill (SMHB).

Beez Pleez!!

2008-05-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

This adorable creamy yellow, two piece outfit will have your little girl buzzing with fashion. The fabric is by Mary Engelbreit. It is cotton and is machine washable and dryer friendly. The top is fully lined. The pants and top are embellished with black gross grain ribbon and black buttons. A matching gross grain hair bow is also included. Size 3, $42.00 plus snail mail haul bill.

Signs of Spring

2008-04-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

My sign, designed by Cathy Cobblestone, is hanging in my pear apple tree (it was labeled as a pear tree when we bought it but it produces beautiful red apples). Apple blossoms are a sure sign of a gorgeous Spring.