A Week Of Reflection

Last weekend saw the first anniversary of my nephews death, he chose to take his own life.  As a family we have had a week of what ifs?  In the end, the final decision was his and we can only respect that.  I can only hope and pray that he is at last at peace, the stress and anxiety he had in life gone forever.  It has certainly been a week of reflection with so many other happenings around the world.   He will be forever in our hearts, gone but never forgotten.

On a lighter note there has certainly been an Autumnal note to the weather here, the temperatures are dropping earlier each day.  The stove has now had the flue cleaned and is good to go so we have had a fire the last couple of evenings.   The stove gives a cosy warmth and a rosy glow.  Add the beautiful sunsets and it is an idyllic place to be.

Idyllic...sadly the midges were rife yesterday so difficult to be out and about.  We had a trip into Stornoway to pick up some supplies and they were unbearable.  Who knew something so small could be so irritating?  I have already been using some skin-so-soft that was recommended by the locals so hopefully I will remain bite free.

Whilst out and about I did call into the Charity shops and picked up a couple of patterns to add to my ever growing collection for 5p each...

..and a Winter quilt magazine for 30p.  I had a lovely hour last night browsing and dreaming.  There are some beautiful creations, if only I had the skill.  I am realistic about my limitations but at 30p it was lovely to look through.

I had some soap compound left over from a previous project, so put it to good use this week, making a soap each for the Grandchildren.  The centre of each holding a small dinosaur, they will have fun with them.  

I also made a couple adding some dried lavender, they smell wonderful.  I have added a cotton crochet facecloth into an organza bag.  All ready for gifts.

Both Wilbur and Daisy started school this week, Daisy is loving it.  Long may that last.  Wilbur told his Mummy he has better things to do with his life.  Thankfully he is still going in without tears or a tantrum.  He needed a project bag so one was dutifully made, filled with love and posted.

Finally Mickey has been constantly in the garden this week, standing and guarding us for hours on end...

...keeping a wary eye on the Canadian geese, they are prolific at the moment.  Although for obvious reasons I am unable to get a decent photo of them.

It has taken a little adjusting to life on this beautiful Island not least the lack of shopping facilities.  To see so much amazing wildlife in their natural surroundings, the stunning skies and beautiful landscapes more than makes up for it.  We have found our forever home...

Christmas has come early to our household and a start has been made, early due to the fact that we will be visiting family  November.  Visiting and bearing gifts but I will save that for my next post.  At the moment our thoughts are on all those affected by the devastation caused by the fires and hurricane Irma, we have been in touch with friends in Florida to let them know they are in our thoughts and prayers.  All we can do now is watch and wait.

Take care and see you soon.

Five on Friday

Friday once more and the Five on Friday gathering kindly hosted by Amy over at Love Made My Home.  For those who have been following my blog for awhile you will know that I collect vintage patterns of all descriptions covering a wide variety of crafts.  Today I would like to share five children's sewing patterns.  As you can see my new Grandson and imminent arrival of my new Grandaughter are uppermost on my mind.  I love looking for patterns and enjoy the inspiration that they often give but in actual fact rarely use.

I was enthralled by my first choice of pattern, the smocking or gathering is a real delight.

 

It was printed in 1958 by McCall Corporation in the USA and brings back memories of my childhood as these were the sort of dresses I wore as a child, along with a knitted cardigan.

 

 

It is complete and so could be used, a few minor adjustments would make it quite contemporary.

 

My second pattern is another top that caught my eye with smocking,  three variations and quite modern trousers with poppers on the inside for easy nappy change.

 

 

This is a 1966 pattern and yet looks quite modern.  Another McCall's pattern printed in the USA. 

 

 

The first pattern cost 45c in America, 2/9d in UK in 1958.  The second pattern was 50c in America 5/- in UK which in todays money is 25p in 1966, 5c difference  or 2/3d difference in 8 years.

 

My third pattern is for a little romper suit, I can remember my brother wearing these many moons ago.  A pretty little dress too that wouldn't look out of place today.

 

 

Printed by Practical Fashions Ltd in London  costing 25p.

 

 

The pattern has hardly been used, so not a much loved pattern by the previous owners.

 

My fourth pattern is again one that could be adapted for modern times a practical overall, bib and brace type trouser/short.

 

 

This pattern is a Simplicity pattern printed in UK in 1972 on a trademark of Simplicity Pattern Co New York. 

 

I do wonder how much adjustment would be needed to accommodate disposable nappies rather than the bulky terry towelling ones that were used back in the day.

 

My final pattern is a beautiful 1967 Simplicity pattern for a christening gown and layette.

 

 

The pattern makes my heart sing, I am going to have a closer look at it and at the very least make the bib.

 

 

This post has taken me so long to type  as I keep getting the patterns out and browsing the instructions and measurements.  I do wonder how many babies have worn these garments and think of the love poured into them as they were made, what a lovely thought.

 

Five beautiful vintage patterns that I hope you have enjoyed looking at as much as I have sharing them with you.

 

 

I think my next job is going to be checking what fabrics I have in my stash, I just love shopping from the craft room.

 

Take care.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five On Friday

The last Five on Friday link up for the year and with so many things going on it was difficult to choose what to write about.  In the end I decided to share five of my vintage patterns.  I am an avid collector of buttons and vintage patterns, most of which never get used but are loved none the less.  I have picked out five of my favourite Christmas related patterns and hope that you enjoy them as much as I do.

First up is a pattern for a stocking, made with penstitch and fusible applique. 

 

Even the pattern for the alphabet are included so names can be added to finish and personalize the stocking.  A heirloom in the making.

 

Who remembers the Mrs Claus that you could buy and then added the knitted costume?  Some of them had a music box in their backs.

 

 

Strangely this pattern was printed in the USA but was distributed in Europe by Craftime Ltd, Ramsey Isle of Man.  I can remember my mum knitting these ...

 

Pattern number three is a Heart to Heart leaflet, a great pattern where no sewing is required.  What fun, a stunning addition for any project.

 

 

I love the cinnamon stick bundles a great addition to the tree with a wonderful seasonal aroma.

 

My fourth pattern is Angels and Santa's, the favourite figures of Christmas.  A pattern that has been well used in the past, looking at its condition.  It has some beautiful ideas to enhance your décor.

 

 

Now that I have rediscovered this pattern Angel-eek, Heavenly Hog and Cloud Nine-Cat are on my to do list for next year, they are adorable.  I am sure the children would love them.

 

My final pattern is The Mistletoe Express a beautiful book of cross stitching and quilting patterns.  It fills your head with visions of Christmas's past and is so full of doable projects.  I intend to keep this one out and make some of the reindeer bean bags for the children for next year.

 

 

I am joining Amy over at Love Made My Home for the final get together of the year.  Hope these patterns may have inspired you to start your own collection.

 

See you soon.