Eclectic Loveliness

Blue toile fabric from France, wedding gift silver and crystal candlesticks, first wedded purchase of silverplated flatware, wedding gift crystal glasses, collected red transferware in assorted patterns, all set with precious, caring children's hands. White linen covering scrumptious, freshly baked rolls in a thrifted pewter bowl. Mismatched chairs...to be filled with seven little olive shoots 'round about our table. Eighteen years never went so quickly and lovingly...Providentially.

Patience

...is a virtue I need more of at times. I just got the loveliest shade of pink linen for the girls' dresses for Resurrection Sunday. I LOVE linen. I know why God wanted it in the Temple and for the priestly garments. The Proverbs 31 woman knows its value, too. It is the yummiest of fabrics...finery at its finest. Now, I have a fondness for fine cottons, silk and wool, too. But linen is my favorite, hands down. If I could clothe my family in it exclusively (weather permitting, of course) I would. I feel sure our white robes in Heaven will be pure linen...maybe even Irish handkerchief linen. ;-) And as my mother says, "like Jesus, I want neither spot nor wrinkle!" There is nothing like a crisply ironed white linen shirt in summer, with just as crisp khaki. Anyway, off that rabbit trail, patience and perseverance are needed now. Patience to cut and sew the dresses I have dreamed up. Perseverance to complete some other sewing tasks that must take precedence (like unfinished Christmas & birthday gifts!). But with less than 90 days, I need to get hopping! If only the laundry would fold & put itself away, or meals cook unattended. Alas, the time will come as it always does. Where there is a will, there is a way (God's will, that is). I just want to get it done without being up all night the night before Resurrection Sunday. And if I could be diligent in completing the tasks before me in a timely manner, I might just have an opportunity to make myself a skirt to match! Oh, Lord, please let it be!!

Too Cute and a Skirty to boot!

The infamous Amoretti purse is too cute and a skirty to boot! Enter to win!

Practical and Pretty

Rebekah Merkle, of Amoretti designs has done a fine thing for little girls. The Skirty is a practical and pretty way to show discretion on the playground. And right now, if you comment on Rebekah's blog, you may find your visit fruitful! And so may I...

She is also offering a discount to CREC members. Don't know what that is? Ask!

thinking on these things....

Philippians 4:8 was one of the first verses I committed to memory as a child and it has stuck like glue. Today, as I try to be patient awaiting the arrival of our newest and seventh little blessing, I am meditating and dwelling on these verses. I really like the rendering of the Geneva Bible for this...it makes it hit a little closer to home.

"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice. Let your patient mind (emphasis mine...my mind has not been so patient)be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be nothing careful, but in all things let your requests be showed unto God in prayer and supplication with giving of thanks. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall preserve your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Furthermore, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whastoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are worthy love, whasotever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, or if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:4-8

May the rest of this day be filled with His peace...and should it be in His will, we would joyfully receive Isabelle Anne today. But even if not today, may my "patient mind be known unto all men."

for the baby...

You know my motto...if it is useful, it ought also to be beautiful. Why should anything be dull or ugly, even if the baby will spit all over it?

And when lovely fabrics are available, why choose anything less? Even little girls should learn to coordinate their wardrobe.

Sew....what have I been up to?

Crocheting the edge of this ethereal Dotted Swiss for my summer baby's nursing cover... designing a pretty pocket for the sling I made...

and smocking this bonnet for Isabelle.
Among other things....more to follow.