Little Aprons & Vintage Dolls

Hurray ~ another UFO completed! Some time ago, I agreed to help a friend restore a rag doll that her mother made for her as a child. Originally handmade in the 1950's, this little doll came to me in a small envelope with no stuffing, no hair and missing her apron. And today I finally got her completed.



I was so pleased with my first attempt at a miniature apron. It's only about six inches long. New fabric just wouldn't do for such an old dolly. I was fortunate to have just the right vintage linen in my stash and was able to craft an apron that I felt she would be comfortable in. I think it suits her well, don't you?



She looks so pleased with her new yarn hair and fresh old apron. I sure hope she resembles the doll that my friend remembers as a child. Tomorrow she will be ever so carefully packaged and sent on her way to Mississippi. I wish I could be there when the packaged is opened!

I still have a few more unfinished projects to complete before I let myself begin a new one, but I can't help thinking how pretty a little kitchen Christmas tree would look covered in miniature aprons??? I hope I can make myself wait to begin.

Stay cozy & warm,
Lea

Raggedy Projects & Garden Dreams

These freezing temperatures are keeping me indoors and near the woodstove, so I'm finally catching up on all those unfinished projects that I'd love to work on but can never seem to get to. Am I the only one who does that? I did recently finish this little set of Raggedy Triplets for some dear friends. Now I'm completing my (blush) 12 year old quilt ... the last block in hand. (Will Mom ever be happy that I finally finished it!)



But though I love getting all caught up, my heart has already turned toward the garden with all the hopes of new things I want to accomplish this year. My mind is swimming with herbs & butterfly gardens, stone paths & scarecrow friends ... Sometimes I think God chose to place winter right before spring just for me. If He had not, I don't think I'd ever take time to catch up on other things or even to plan my garden well.

I'm off to stitch and dream some more. Stay warm!

Many blessings,
Lea

Sweet Annies & Pinkeeps ~

Lately, I've been enjoying bits of time in the evening to indulge in some creative sewing. I know that soon spring will be here along with lots of outdoor work and not much time for handwork.

Just last night I put the finishing handwork on these two little darlings. I put some hand-stitching on each of their dresses and made them each a grubby bunny to love.

These little cuties never made it to my shop but have found a home, but I'll be making another soon.

This weekend, I'll be putting them in my Etsy shop or on eBay. I haven't quite decided yet. But I do know that I am going to begin working on one for myself tonight and the boys suggested I make a bunch of bunnies to tuck around the house so I'll probably do that as well.

Then I made this little pinkeep. I find such pleasure in discovering unusual containers to create pinkeeps from. This time I found a tiny teacup painted in blues and yellows. Isn't it sweet?



And here is a pinkeep that I made from a miniature tin watering can.



And finally, here is the paint and the wallpaper border that I'll be using for my laundry room. That project is still on hold but I need to finish it soon. My dad is coming to install a nice shelf for me above my washer & dryer. Don't you just love shelves? I don't plan to use it for practical storage, but want to decorate it with lace and old laundry & kitchen items. Since I spend so much time in that tiny room, I really want it to be a happy place!



Be sure to stop by Leslie of My Country Home to see what other gals are working on this Wednesday.

Blessings & joy,
Lea

For the Love of Annie

My two latest Valentine Annies are here! They are available at my Farmhouse Blessings shop at Etsy. I call them Prim & Prissy because although their bodies have been aged, I left their dresses bright red & white for Valentine's Day. Just click on their photos to read more about them!

These two cuties were hand-crafted using a pattern from De at Bowls N Annies. You simply must visit her web site. There she offers some lovely free patterns. But believe me, after trying them you just have to go back for more ... and more ... and more. And don't forget to check out her free Annie Makin' tutorial. It is simply wonderful! Just click on the Bowls N Annie link in my side column to pay her a visit.

Thank you, De, for all of your support and for sharing your creativity with us!