Checking in...

Pattern for little girls...check.
Fabric laundered....check.
Pattern traced and cut out...check.
Found another, more "correct" fabric online....check.
Waffling on the stash-busting challenge....check.
Resolve?....working on that.

Spring Stash busting challenge

In my attempts to be a good steward of what I already have, and in the effort of being a good helpmeet to my husband and loving mother to my children, I am about to embark into the (thus far for me) unknown....stash-busting. I am going to try to make Easter dresses this year, using only what I already have available. Do you think I can do it? Have you seen my stash??? Pattern chosen (and purchased last week) is Jenny Chancey's Georgian Portrait Dress for two little girls. My darling, oldest maiden of virtue has decided to make her own festal attire. So, we'll keep you updated on our progress, Lord willing.

Finally!

A Girl's Regency and Drawstring Regency, patterns by Jennie Chancey of Sensibility Patterns in the yummiest pink handkerchief linen from Finestitchery.
Isabelle, in a pattern of the same name from Wendy Schoen.

Sevice with a smile

There are plenty of places around these days where service has gone down hill. It is refreshing to find folks who actually do things the way they ought to be done. So, from time to time, I may introduce you to those lovely people. Today, I would like you to meet the Long Ladies of Marie-Madeline Studio. They are a family of gals (ok, there are some fellas there, too) who have an old-fashioned air about them...which you know I love. Their blog will tell you more about them than I can, and it is easy on the eyes, too! But, please be sure to check out their shop! This week, they are having a sale and free shipping offer until Friday. And just to give you an idea of how sweet they are, listen to this. I made an order of fabric and patterns for my budding seamstress and opted for the free shipping. Then, the next day, I found a couple more fabrics that I didn't want to do without (hush now about stash-using, you hear!). So, I sent a little email asking to add them in if my order had not shipped. Well, it did. That's ok...I can wait (really). But these sweethearts went ahead and shipped those fabrics with free shipping, too! And, lo and behold, the first package arrived only a day later already...all wrapped and tied with a lovely ribbon. Like I said before, they do things they way they ought to be done. And that is refreshing. So, go on over there. Say hello to the Long Ladies. Buy fabrics (you know you want to anyway) and patterns (all of which we have loved so far). Support family entrepreneurship. Support the Body of Christ. Enjoy it. I do!

Done.

For all those who waited with baited breath to see if I would get three dresses done in time for Resurrection Sunday without staying up all night Saturday to do it, I answer a hearty YES! But there was so blessed much going on that I did not take the first photo. Go ahead, we've already been chided for that! But, I will do it soon. You'll just have to trust me. But I do have witnesses who saw my girls dressed ever so lovely on Sunday morning...(and quickly changed after church before there was a chance for spot or wrinkle!). We are having a very kind and able photographer "do" our family portraits in a couple of weeks. So, since I am supposed to be in the kitchen right now making supper and painting wainscoting (yes, at the same time!), you will have to wait! But, I assure you, it will be worth it. Really!

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!!