Can You Say Beautiful?

I enjoy and am in the process of learning to create pretty tablescapes. But sometimes when I turn my back, this is what happens!

 

My Vintage Boy has been shopping again. It's time for me to get everything listed in our inventory, get it priced and to our booth at the I-29 Antique Mall, Tea, SD. If you're in the area, stop by and take a peek. It's the Benson Flea Market in Sioux Falls this weekend, so hopefully some of those shoppers will find their way to our booth.

 

Hoping your day is bright and beautiful!

 

Till next time...

Blessings,

 

Gail

Arm Knitting... What?

Have you ever heard of arm knitting? No, it's nothing like arm wrestling. When I got my hair cut the other day, Sharon told me about it, and then showed me two scarves she had knitted using her arms instead of knitting needles. I know, it sounds bizarre. But that's the charm of it - trying something new and different!.

So I purchased two skeins of a chunky wool yarn to give it a whirl. I will use two strands and chose charcoal and grey marble to give it a tweedy look.

 

I'll let you know how it turns out. I just happen to know someone who wears a lot of black, and so it will go to her - assuming the scarf looks decent when I'm done. If not, I'll just unravel it and make something else.

 

Till next time...

Blessings,

 

Gail

 

Magazine Heaven

By the size of the magazine displays at B&N, I can assume that I am not the only magazine junkie on the planet. I.Love.Magazines! But I have done a really good job of weaning myself off of this addiction the past few years. Actually, my last magazine subscription expires as of this month. I am so proud of myself. But that doesn't mean I'm not drawn in when I see displays like this...

 

Decorating, organizing, do it yourself (although I rarely do) - these are all topics that appeal to me. And you can find things for small spaces like mine and HUGE homes; and then there's that log cabin that I've always wanted. And even though I will probably never tear out a kitchen and re-design it, you never know when that information might come in handy.

Then there are all the different types of craft & hobby magazines. Oh, my! Who knew there were that many options out there. I've done some quilting and a bit of knitting and crochet - maybe it's time to take up a new hobby. Jewelry making is intriguing or there are all sorts of paper crafts that look interesting. Before starting something new, I think I better be sensible and finish the projects that I've already started.

These two magazines called Artful Blogging and Journaling caught my eye. They were done with beautiful photography and had heavy, almost book-like covers - they felt really good in my hands... and then I looked at the prices. Both were $14.95 - for a magazine? I think I'll take the time to look at them in the store.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg! Technology publications abound, and then there all the magazines for the guys (no, I'm not talking about THOSE magazines).

Pinterest has satisfied some of the desire to sit and look through a magazine for ideas and inspiration, but my heart still skips a beat when I look over and see a display like this!

I think I will allow myself one magazine subscription - I'll have to choose carefully, and one magazine purchase per month. That sounds do-able! Are there any other magazine junkies out there?



Till next time...

Blessings,

 

Gail

A Quick Note

Six days without a computer is waaaaay too long. I didn't know how much I depended on it being there! Anyway, since I'm way behind on things I'm doing for others, I'm just going to post a quick picture of two pillowcases I've made for a couple of very special little people for Valentines Day.

 

Kennedy will love the hearts and flower and the fact that it's PINK!

 

Cooper loves anything STAR WARS!

 

And I love making special things for them... and the jumbo rick rack!

(fabrics from Heirloom Creations, Sioux Falls, SD)

 

 

Happy Valentines Day to each of you. May you be able to spend it with those you love!

 

Till next time...

Blessings

 

Gail

 



 

 

Hello Dolly

Do you remember Storybook Dolls? When I was a girl they were "the collectible." They were small dolls, 5 1/2 inches tall that were dressed in costume. There were nursery rhyme characters, movie characters, period costumes, and costumes from different countries. The two that survived my childhood seem to just be wearing pretty dresses - I don't think they represent anything specific. After years of being hidden away in a box, they found their way to a larger display of dolls (we'll visit the others another day). But recently I decided they needed to go out on their own.

My favorite is wearing a peach brocade gown with ribbon and lace trim, and both doll and dress are in excellent condition. She looks ready to go to a party!

 

.

The dress on her friend is not quite as fancy - it's red tulle over satin and trimmed with white lace. The red of her dress has faded over the years so isn't as vibrant as it once was.

They wanted to get together for a chat before going back to their respective places!

My childhood neighbor/friend had a large collection of storybook dolls that represented different countries. I remember admiring them as they were displayed in the family living room. I don't recall that we ever got to play with them, however. Where do you suppose they are now?

Till next time...

Blessings,

Gail

KNIT TWO PURL TWO

Knitting is a relaxing pastime for me. I first learned to knit when in high school, but my knitting was so tight I could hardly move it from one needle to the other. I knitted a brown tie for the young man that would later become my hubby - there was no way the poor guy could tie it because it was almost as thick as it was wide. If I dig in the trunk I think it's in there somewhere. I should find it and give it to him again on Valentines Day! I wonder if he would remember.

Anyway, I recently decided to take up the needles again after years of neglect, and thought the best way to start would be to knit dishcloths. So I searched for directions on Pinterest and settled on this one. It's quick, easy and something I can use.

Today, when our wind chill is -34 I'm wishing it was an afghan as I sit here listening to the 22 mph winds. So thankful I can stay inside!

Till next time...
Blessings

Gail

I'M SORRY

I'm so sorry Mr. Barnes and Mr. Noble. I have always loved your store, and appreciate it as a refuge from the busyness of everything outside your walls. I was very disapointed when you removed the comfy chairs, but that isn't the reason I've not visited as often the last few years.

Each time I stop by lately there are fewer of these (sorry for the blurry picture)...

And more shelves filled with...

And I feel responsible. From the time I purchased a Nook, and then an iPad with a Nook App, I have quit buying 'real books' for the most part. Yes, I like the feel of a book in my hand and the turning of each page; but for me the convenience of looking up a book the moment I hear about it, and downloading it minutes later is a big draw. And I don't have to find a shelf to store the books, and dust them, etc. So I feel personally responsible for the difficulties your stores are facing. But I do promise to shop with you for toys and games. And I am very thankful that you've maintained your wonderful children's book section. When choosing a book for a child, it is important to be able to look and read through it before deciding.

And your display of notebooks did catch my eye (see last post)...

I'll be back for the striped one on the bottom shelf one of these days!

Until next time...

Blessings,

Gail