Computer Woes

I had every intention of posting something new long before now but a glitch appeared in my laptop preventing me from accessing the blog writer component. And I'm pretty helpless to fix anything but the simplest problems.  Having a computer expert for a son-in-law has multiple advantages including getting my computer working smoothly again. Unfortunately he lives 150 miles away. Our visit to the Morgans this weekend resulted in his working his magic with my computer so I'm up and blogging again.

Collier pulls up on everything

Uncle Travis takes a turn feeding Collier

Ice cream with hot fudge is a rare treat for Hamilton

Claire gets free riding lessons from our wonderful neighbor

Pops hold his boys

These pictures of the grandchildren were made when they came to Mountville the previous weekend. 

Wild and Crazy Valentine's Day

I know that Valentine's has come and gone but I'm still recovering from the madness. In a round about way I was recruited for duty to help in a florist for Valentine's Day and the day before. It's the largest day of the year for the floral industry and this Greenwood florist hired lots of additional help to satisfy the demand for flowers, bears, balloons and gift baskets for the beloved. My job, primarily, was to arrange flowers--long stem red roses for the most part--and to tie bows. It was hectic and fun at the same time. I'm glad it's over!

This florist is in an old house and the kitchen serves as the design space;

sometimes there were 4 people back here throwing flowers around

The ubiquitous red rose awaiting delivery

Valentine Project

A client requested I sew a Valentine jon jon for her little grandson but she was hoping I could do something to make it wearable for more than just one holiday. I'm familiar with children's clothing that is reversible but I'd never actually made any. Here's my first attempt. I was so happy with the nautical side that I bought some more of the same fabric to sew one up for Collier--haven't decided what I'll do for the flip side yet.

Climbing is one of Collier's latest skills and this box provided another level to hike.

Monkey Shoes

I have come to the conclusion that I'm more of a 'big picture' person when it comes to sewing. If I am to spend hours on a project then I think it should have some mass about it. This realization came to me as I was making these little monkey shoes for Collier. Denim and felt plus iron-on adhesive, velcro, ribbon and a little embroidery were required.

In other words, there was a lot of work involved for something so small and seemingly insignificant. (I've always kind of felt that way about shoes.) Anyway, they're done and I hope he'll get a little wear out of them before he outgrows them. I do know that they'll look cute on his little feet. Of course I expect he'll pull the ears off first thing!

Sewing Again

Ava's party kept me hopping for the last couple of weeks but this week the sewing studio beckoned with an Etsy order that I'd put off until I could really devote some time to it.  I have done these mock Roman shades  before but they look so fresh with this customer's fabric intended for a nursery.

Ava's 90th Birthday Party

Dale's mom, Ava Taylor, turned ninety this weekend and we threw a party. Saturday afternoon found us at the Old Mountville Schoolhouse welcoming friends and family to celebrate with us. I was busy, busy most of the time making sure the food, drink, and mementos were in ready supply that I snapped very few pictures. (I didn't even get one of the birthday girl.) But, there were others taking up the slack.
We used a winter theme with evergreens, snow covered branches, snowflakes and birds. We served homemade desserts, fruit, coffee and tea. The weather cooperated with chilly temperatures, sunshine and no snow. Lots of family from Virginia and North Carolina were in attendance, plus her local friends and churchmates. She was thrilled with it all.
Ava is a wonderful lady and does many kind deeds. I am happy that so many honored her on this special day.

Kathy Lowman made this gorgeous cake!

Another Chair Project

Years ago I purchased a Chippendale-legged chair at a flea market for $15.  I refinished the legs at the time and left the green vinyl cover in place. We've used it in several places in our house but lately I've had it in the den. It wasn't a particularly comfortable chair; the padding was flattened ages ago. But it had good bones so I decided to reupholster it. It seemed like a simple project--looks can be deceiving. Dale and I worked together on this project and it took hours to complete. Now it's all padded and nail-headed up and looks great.