Knitting, Sewing and Traveling

My first adult sewing project. A very basic little patchwork cushion from bits of fabric I love. There is a wonderful tutorial for beginners at this Flickr site. Thanks, Amanda.
And the "Irish Hiking Scarf". This was suppose to be completed for last Wednesday. It is a gift for my eldest daughter's boyfriend, but in typical Knitty, Vintage and Rosy fashion, it was late. I have been struck down by another sinus infection and it has slowed me down considerably. Breathing has been enough of challenge. Not to mention a burnt nose. Do you really want to know? Well the doctor gave me a "Sinus Irrigation Kit" (that is as much as you want to know, trust me) and you must use previously boiled water for it. Well, there wasn't any in the kettle so I boiled some. Patience is not one of my virtues. I thought it had cooled down enough, you can figure the rest out, I am quite sure. And I am to leave in two days for a hockey tournament in the nation's capital. I need clear sinuses, a good book and a new knitting/crochet project. I'm not really asking for too much am I?

Shame on you, Country Living

Imagine my excitement, opening the newest Country Living with all the blue transferware on the cover. Sitting with a cup of tea, whiling away the afternoon in comfy bliss. On the cover there is a little spoiler, "Classic Whites and Products We Love". Well, that gets my juices flowing, maybe some pictures of some Nordic hideaway? I am quickly falling in love with the Scandinavian Esthetic and my heart is beating just a teensy bit faster as I flip through the pages. Finally, "Swedish Style" it says. Gustavian twin beds? Geez, they look vaguely familiar somehow. Where is that magazine I was breezing through a few weeks ago? Yes, there it is. Was it in here? Bob's your uncle!
Not only did Country Living re-use these beds, which in itself is really fine, because that is what decorating is all about. Finding new uses, re-purposing, re-arranging, no problem. But damn, if that isn't the EXACT same picture as what they used, oh say, back in April 2000. The exact same picture. I paid for this magazine to give me new ideas, new concepts, new. Not the exact same layout as what you gave me almost 8 years ago.

So screw Country Living (although the transferware was beautiful and there is this great article about Debbie Dusenberry that is really great, but I digress) there's other fish in the sea. Like this great book I just got out of the library called...damn, didn't see that. Well, that Country Living is just everywhere aren't they? So the book is "Country Living" Collection Style. It behooves me to say, with feathers in my teeth, that it is a great book. Can you see that glorious sun filled room? Simple yet cosy. And I received the "Shortcuts to Decorating Country Style" for Christmas. Lovely, lovely pictures, and you can pretty well guess what magazine editors this is from right? I also borrowed the new "Perfect English" by Ros Byam Shaw and again, very pleased. And of course, the old standby, "The Laura Ashley book of Home Decorating". My first decorating book purchase after I was married, way back in the day.


Well, now that I have made an utter fool of myself I simply must tell you that I have been working on some crafty (did I just say "crafty"?) little projects that I will be showing you shortly. I don't know if that is a teaser or better yet, a warning. I have been sewing!










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Btw, I actually had a pretty crummy day today, with many unexpected twists and turns and since I have been posting these gorgeous pictures and chatting with you, I actually feel better! Thank you.

The Elusive Marie Claire Idees

This magazine has had me in a spin for about a month now. I've been wanting it but unable to find it in many of our large bookstores and newsagents. While downtown yesterday, I found it at the World's Biggest Bookstore. I did try and subscribe to it online but it is in French. My French is elementary level and I am sure there is a subscription for this magazine going to some unsuspecting granny in Poland right now. I was clicking buttons all over the place. I know amazon.com sells this subscription but many of the reviewers had problems with amazon so I didn't really want to order it through them. But, now I have it and am very pleased. Beautiful colours, interesting projects and innovative designs you just do not see here in North America. Worth the wait.

While looking for sheets online yesterday, I came across two of my most favourite bedding shops. Pine Cone Hill is absolutely divine. They have the most darling prints and cosy fabrics. I particularly love this green and fuschia pink duvet. Just smashing, don't you think?

I am also partial to Garnet Hill. They also sell clothes, children's items and other household goodies but today, it is the rugs that I love. The turquoise and pink ones are to die for.

Aren't we all in the mood for linen shopping now. Go, treat yourself. I just may.

By Invitation Only

Can someone tell me why some of the blogs I have been visiting for quite some time are now prohibited?


"This blog is open to invited readers only"


Why? I mean I can understand if it is a family blog or a blog that deals with sensitive issues but craft and decorating blogs?

Too bad, some I will miss but it does give me an opportunity to list some new ones.

Too Many Gifts for Me

Yesterday, I decided to take a bit of me time and go shopping. There is a lovely little "village" not far from where I live that has wonderful shops, bakeries and delicatessens. I love shopping there especially if the weather is not inclement. While browsing a funny little floral shop, I found this charming hand painted wooden tray. It looks perfect with the needlepoint cushions on the sofa (which I didn't photograph, seriously, who am I kidding, will I ever get this photography thing or what?) Pretend the deep pink tulips there have already bloomed. Cute or what?
So mother came for tea today. As I greet her at the door, I notice a package sticking out of the post box. Jeez, doesn't that adorable little bird look familiar? Why yes, I do know that bird, it is a parcel from Claire Louise Milne, illustrator extraordinaire. Claire won a little giveaway I had a few months back and doesn't she mail me something. How sweet is that. Certainly unnecessary but completely appreciated. In case you cannot see (and aren't nosy enough like me and click on the picture to get a better view of blog pics), there is the most darling ribbon, delightful buttons, fabric in pinks and greens (how well does this woman know me?) and a thoroughly enjoyable copy of Canadian Home and Country which, by the way, is full of pinks and greens.


Thank you so very much, Claire.

All the Snow is Gone

As a result there is nothing but dead looking grass and mud all around the garden. What a dreary time of year. Of course, all this brown has me thinking of the spring. I want a new rose this year, called Earth Song. It is the lovely pink one shown on the left? (it is on the left now, but after playful blogger posts this it may end up at the bottom). I have a thing about pink roses.
My first attempts were with some gorgeous french ones. Celeste and Comte de Chambord both of which did not appreciate harsh Canadian winters. Not to mention they were not recurring and I only want those now as the blooming season is so short. They were also very prone to aphids which are a constant nuisance here because of the hot, humid summers.
So lately I have chosen roses that are a bit more hardy, more than one bloom, but still pink and rosy. I don't really care for the hybrids, I tend to lean towards the more old fashioned looking varieties. The William Baffin and John Cabot are both from the Explorer Series and have done very well in my garden. They were developed here in Canada so they are very happy here. The tiny pale pink rose is The Fairy. What a trooper. It blooms here til November and is extremely hardy. I don't know if you are aware of our temperature fluctuations here but it can be down to -25 C in the winter and up to +40 C with humidity in the summer. A wonderful resource for these and many roses is Pickering Nurseries. They have an extensive selection and an online catalogue.

But for the truly dedicated you must visit Hortico. They are also available online and really are a super supplier of all things floral. My mother is a fan of Glen Echo, and has used their landscaping services and has been quite happy with them. I haven't been there but perhaps I can take a jaunt up there one day and meet my bloggy friend, Elizabeth. She has just moved to a new rural home and I am sure gardening will be on her to do list come spring time.

Oh, and the blue morning glory? That was from my garden a year or two ago and thought it might just put a smile on your face.

Well, that is the plan anyhow.

Thankful for So Much

Happy New Year!

I have been doing nothing but enjoying these wonderful days with my family. My husband and I have spent our holidays with pots of tea, morning coffees and salubrious lie-ins snuggled in our king size bed, with snow flakes gently falling outside our bedroom windows. We have been blessed with more snow this year than usual and have been savouring every minute of it.


As you can see, I finally purchased the new camera. I managed to find an online deal here, although they were out of stock, I was able to print off the advert and got the local electronics store to price match it. Glorious. Now I just need to figure out how to actually use it without always choosing the "auto" feature. It is the Canon A560 so all suggestions will be welcome.

I must have been a very good girl this year as I received some truly thoughtful gifts from both family and friends. My husband got me a sewing machine, yes you read that correctly, and I am ready now to embark on the journey to the sewing world. I also received many books, dvds, cds and of course, the obligatory pajamas. One movie, in particular was a complete delight as I have searched for it on many occasions all to no avail. If you have never seen My Life So Far, you are really missing out. And who doesn't love Colin Firth and Rosemary Harris? My daughters gave me the most beautiful porcelain blue and white chopsticks. They are just lovely displayed in an ironstone jug. Why didn't I show you those? What a grand photographer!



I am still waiting for my carpenter to come and do something with my kitchen cupboards. I want them painted with new knobs and some repairs done to some of the drawers as they have not been cooperating lately. All my other repairs have been accomplished but the front door closes most reluctantly now since they "repaired" it. Two steps forward, three steps back.



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Well that's most of my news. I was quite sick at the beginning of the holidays with a very nasty sinus thing. This seems to be making the rounds both here and in the UK and I can only hope all the ill bloggers get better quick. I miss all your lovely posts!

Cath Kidston, Eat Your Heart Out!

Poor Canadians. Living in the second largest country in the world with a major metropolis like Toronto, and yet, we are Cath deprived. As a result, our only option is to fake it. Here is my little cosy blatantly ripped off from the Cath one.
But don't you think mine has a bit more personality? And did you notice the knitted egg cosies? They are crocheted. Well, must go. I have a craving for steaming hot porridge with brown sugar and cream, so off I go. With a cup of tea and my newest cosy.

PS. If one more family member asks me if this is a hat and can they have it, I will burst.

I Need More Time

Don't you just love Blogger? You are never quite sure where your uploaded photos will end up. Big, small, here, there, it's like a game, actually. Anyhow, here are a couple of goodies I have found recently. A beautiful green tole tray, a brass french horn lamp and about 3 yards of the most softest green velvet.



I also thought I would give you a shot of my oversize poinsetta my father brought me today. It is so large the only spot it will fit and look decent is in the corner of my diningroom. I tried it on the table but it takes up over half of it.


And here is the tree. Decorated, with presents. I still need more time. I can't understand how all these other ladies do it. They are sending orders out, baking, decorating... I'm lucky if I can still serve a hot meal for dinner.

By the way, did I mention we got over 25cm of snow on Sunday? I am so hoping it will stay for the big day. Makes things awfully cosy feeling here.

Nigella for Dinner

Last night we feasted on Nigella. One Pan Sage and Onion Chicken and Sausage. My whole family really loves this dish and it is terribly simple to make but tastes like you slaved for hours in the kitchen. It is a wonderful dish to serve to company at this time of year. The aroma is quite heavenly. Grace at Rose Cottage had a little discussion about her a few weeks back and I commented on how Nigella has "an erotic earthiness while remaining totally unthreatening". Don't you agree?
And while my chicken was roasting so aromatically in the oven I was trying to repair this lovely quilt that has needed some tender loving care for so long. I have already done some patches with a vintage sheet that has come out fairly well. I just have some questions I am not sure about since I do NOT sew or quilt. How do you do corners? Do you nip some of the excess material or fold it in? If you do fold it in, it tends to get a wee bit bulky when sewing it up.

I am using this lovely fabric now from an old Gap kids dress. I took it all apart yesterday and ironed it into a neat little pile. It is a tiny gingham, a pink solid and a tiny rosebud pattern. The dress was so adorable I really hated taking it apart but the fabric is so perfect.


I also took a huge leap forward and got some decorating done. I know these pictures are horrible and I am hoping to get a new camera but there is a wee snag there as well. The cameras here are all 80.00 to 100.00 more expensive than in the U.S. The same model of the Canon Powershot I was checking out here, online is $249.00 on the Dell website. The same one on the U.S. website? $129.00. And they have the nerve to use the same photo and description. None of the american retailers will ship to Canada. Bah-humbug!

And my vintage balls. Believe me, they are much prettier in real life than what this ugly photo shows.

Browsing Old Victoria Magazines While I'm Supposed to be Cleaning and Decorating

How do you women do it? I have the tree up and that's about it. While looking through old Victoria magazines I came across our queen of all good things, Cath Kidston. These pictures were featured in an article back in January of 2000. The header was "Cozy Time ~ Snug Places to Dream". Apparently, that's all I do, dream. I don't organize, decorate or clean. Just dream.

I also have some contractors here fixing up little things and hoping to get my kitchen cupboards painted BEFORE the big day. What are my chances do you think? I know, not likely. But I can dream can't I?

Shrunken Head

What's with all the shrunken headers on Blogspot blogs??? I don't know what the problem is but there appears to be a glich with many of the blogs I visit like Dear Little Red House and Buttercup and Roses.

If anyone knows what's going on or how to fix this, it would be appreciated. Now my header is just a short silly looking thing. The odd thing is, on my daughter's laptop it still looks normal.

Not good for the tekkie challenged like me...

Vintage Roses

I seem to be collecting quite a few pieces with roses. Have we noticed that? The cake plate and server are James Kent Old Foley and it is magnificent. I think I will be putting it on ebay as I have so many cake plates already. But this is pristine. And to have the server, well that's just too beautiful. The teapot is also James Kent but I am keeping that. It holds two cups of tea and that is perfect when it is just me in the house having tea. The little creamer was too cute to pass up, with its little tiny rosebuds.
Look at the detail on the server. Oooooh I am so tempted to keep this!

On to other interesting little tidbits of my life. Do you know what the definition is for "magpie"? It is "a person who collects or hoards things".
Can I tell you how happy I am that I found The Vintage Magpie? And how delighted I am that she collects and hoards things? Like lovely buttons, charming fabric and delightful trimmmings?
I received this package in the mail today with my new bag made by Nicola. She also made me a wonderful tissue holder I boldly asked her to make to go with the bag.

Thank you so much, Nicola.

A Few More Pics to Tickle Your Fancy

Isn't this livingroom gorgeous? The carpet, jardiniere, mirror, everything, I just love.
I like this one because the sofa is very similar to the one I have in our family room. Not sure about the red accents though.


And a delightfully organized linen cupboard all neatly stacked with ribbon and ricrac. The kitchen is simply lovely. How fresh and calming.

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I will post some pictures tomorrow of my recent purchases. All roses. What's with me and the roses lately?

Self Indulgence

Yes, while I sat yesterday enjoying my new magazine and catalogue and yummy egg salad sandwich and a cup of tea, ironing was piled up to here and laundry was piled up to there. I should be tidying, organizing and cleaning. I should be making Christmas lists, devising and planning innovative Christmas gifts and browsing through cook books for delectable baked treats. Instead, today, I am staring at a very untidy, unorganized office/computer room/dumping ground that desperately needs tender loving care. It is a mess in here and my goal today is to get this room spic and span. The problem is it is not just my clutter but everyone elses as well so what do I do with all this detritus of not just my life but all the others?

Thinking I should make a cup of tea, sit and make a list. Maybe browse through the new Martha Stewart Living to give myself ideas...

Rummaging and Thrifting

This morning my mother and I sped off towards the enticing aroma of bake sales, Christmas Bazaars and Rummage sales. Honestly, the heavenly smells that waft up the stairs as you are entering the churches is to die for. Cookies, cakes, muffins, scones, rock buns, tea breads, it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. And the couple of churches that we went to that were predominantly italian parishes? Lasagna, cannelloni, cannoli, espresso... a gastronomic delight and on top of all that? Great deals! Now the bowl with roses I got last week but the other items were from this week. The pink ticking with blue roses is an apron, brand new. The frog was just a necessity. The lovely teacup and saucer with roses, well that was just too charming to pass up. And I am hoping that pink stuff is crochet thread? Not entirely sure but I loved the colours. The little mustard jar with the roses is late 19th century German. Love it.

The blue transferware was purchased last week as well. At the moment I don't know what to do with it. I have sooooo much blue and white transferware I've run out of space to display/store it. So these may go up for auction on ebay.

All in all, pretty productive the last little while.

My Newest Obsession: Crochet Trimmed Tea Towels and Samplers

Isn't that cushion sweet? I spent the better part of my knitting group last night sewing the top closed. Have I remarked before how lousy these particular skills are? Hopefully nobody will notice the sewing job, only the prettiness of the cross-stitch. Don't tell anyone but I got it for .99 cents. I know it is rude to brag about what you spend on items but really, .99 cents? Mother would be angry.
And, like I needed more obsessions. Vintage tea towels. The one on the top left I actually had and always used as a doily. The morning glory one (just delightful) and the one on the far right bottom I purchased together on ebay. The Wednesday one I also purchased on ebay, but separately and the top right one I picked up for .50 cents at a contents sale a few weeks back.

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Anita, I have tried several times to leave a comment on your blog but I think blogger comments are not working. Lovely blog you have there and that quilt is simply scrumptious.

Another Birthday Gift

My mother and father just received this print in the mail that was another birthday gift for me. I think it is such a wonderful picture.

Thank you to the blogger that introduced me to this lovely, serene piece. I just wish to heck I could remember who showcased it a few months back. So sorry not giving you the credit you deserve but for the life of me I cannot find which one of you it was.

Now off to the framing store. I think I actually have an antique frame that is perfect for it.

And the Winner is...

Well, first I must show you the process. I also stuck Lisa at Pink Paint and Roses in although she did not leave a comment she did email me a sweet Happy Birthday so her name went in as well. An interesting story there. Lisa and I share the same birthday, and have so many things in common it is positively uncanny. She was also a great help when I was considering selling my items on ebay, so heck, she was thrown in the bowl with the rest of the ladies.

I swirled the names around vigorously. I must admit, however, there weren't any witnesses. I tried to rouse one daughter but classes do not start until 1:00 and pulling a teenager out of bed to pick a blog contest winner out of bowl, well, just wasn't happening. So trust you must. And the winner is...

Yes, the talented artist, Claire Louise Milne! Thank you, Clare for visiting my little site. Please email me your mailing address and I will post your little goodies. The prize includes a wonderful decorating book I picked up at a charity shop that looked simply delightful. It was indeed, delightful, so much so that I actually had the same book already at home. The other articles are a vintage pillowcase, a lovely piece of turquoise fabric and a vintage apron with roses. Oh, and Elizabeth? I am sending you out a little thank you for being such a faithful reader of this blog. Again, email me your address (hoping you have an address right now) and I will post it for you.

And while we are talking about gifts I thought I would show you two of the most loveliest gifts. A teacup and saucer from my sister-in-law, who absolutely knows my taste. It is Zandra Rhodes, and it is so charming. I just love it.

The pretty orchid is from my mother.

Thank you so much for entering my little contest and please feel free to comment. I do like them you know!

And, as another little gift, some truly wonderful blogs I have found inspiring:

The Inspired Room

Dear Little Red House

Little Jenny Wren

Have a wonderful day ladies. Hope to hear from you soon.