The Art of Dressing Like a Lady.....

Dearest Readers,

I finished the jumper that I sketched in my Sewing Planner (although I did change the decoration at the top of the jumper) and wore it for the first time yesterday. As it was a wee bit chilly, I donned a black turtleneck and black tights, along with a pair of black mary janes.

I so enjoyed its cozy comfort and ease of wearing, allowing me to breeze through my day while attending to all of my daily tasks.  Laundry churned, bread baked and the Easter decorations began to make their appearance around our little home. 

All the while, I felt completely feminine, yet ready to tackle anything that might come my way....

I do hope that you will find a way to include a little femininity in each day....it is so lovely.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

P.S. Do forgive these photos...Dearest was gone all day and I used my camera's self-timer...it was quite hilarious as I tried to "position" myself in the 10 seconds before the flash! 

Notes from the Foothills......

Dearest Readers,

March is here, rather like a lamb...a spring lamb....as the temperature here is hovering in the 50's!  Spring fever abounds and I have been pouring over my seed catalogs with the overwhelming desire to plant something, anything, in the rich soil.  Of course, it is far too soon, so I will just have to be patient and wait until the ground is ready.  I am going to try to grow a few cool weather varieties out in our cold-frame for the first time, as we didn't install it until too late in the season last year.

I have made a list of sewing, crafting, and indoor projects that I wish to accomplish prior to Mother's Day (the official day for planting around here) so that I may then turn all my energies towards my "outside" home and all its pleasures.  

As the stores are already being stocked as if it were summer, I will be keeping an eye-out for budget-friendly cushions for the little wicker love-seat and chair that reside on our front porch, as the current cushions are in a sad state of disrepair.  Our dog, Shiloh (also known as Armageddon) has taken a fancy to sprawling upon the love-seat....she has been most unkind to the upholstery fabric. 

Normally, we would never have allowed her to settle upon the love-seat (she has a dog bed on the porch floor), but after her horrible accident last year, we just didn't have the heart to scold her when it made such a comfy place for her to watch the world go by.  Me thinks she is spoiled!

I also want to have Dearest attach a flower box in front of the upstairs bedroom window...I think that it will be so charming come spring! The house always looks fairly "bottom-heavy" as all the color and decor is found around the first level...it would look nice to have a little color splashed about on the second level as well.

Also, I wanted to share a link with you, Dear Readers, as I know many of you are familiar with the West Ladies and their series "Homestead Blessings".  I have two of the sets and reference them time and time again in my pursuit of a gentle life.  Well, I was pleased as punch to find that these dear ladies have their very own blog.....Homestead Blessings! It is full of beautiful pictures and excerpts of their simply lovely days along with a link to their website that features all of their DVD's.

Another wonderful place to visit is the Sugar Pie Farmhouse (see button on my right-hand sidebar)!  The newest post is full of wonderful inspiration about our hearts and homes...not to mention an adorable pantry, complete with a flickering lantern (I would love to have one!).

I hope you have a gentle day, my dear, sweet friends.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

S is for Sewing......My Sewing Planner

Dearest Readers,

I have been slowly organizing my Sewing Planner (I purchased the PDF from A Little Grace and Charm) starting with this page....

It is so nice to be able to sketch my ideas for my next jumper, making notations and calculations as I go along.  I will print out a sheet for each project and keep them in my planner...how nice to have a record of my sewing projects. Here is the page, safely tucked inside my planner...

I also am copying the front and back of all of my sewing patterns and putting them in my sewing planner (a homemade divider keeps things easily accessible).  How many times have I been at a store or charity shop and come across beautiful fabric or trims, but couldn't remember how many yards I would need for a particular project?

I have a nice pocket in the front for sewing/crafting coupons and fliers and I added a pencil bag to keep a measuring tape, fabric samples, a pen and calculator all ready for my next shopping trip.

The back pocket holds paper for taking down notes or making lists.

Hooray for organization....an essential element in the well-run household!

How do you keep all your sewing and crafting projects organized? Do tell.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

P.S. I don't receive any compensation for any of the products I mention....I just want to share my lovely "finds" with you!

Valentine Blessings To You.....