STARTLED!

My husband is not an easily startled person. Believe me, over the course of our marriage I've tried. He remains unflappable. I, on the other hand, will spook at my own shadow. I'm a dream come true for practical jokers. Don't even ask about the plastic spider in the shower (circa 1980). He's the "Andy." I'm the "Barney."
So it's ironic that when I finally succeed in giving him a good fright, I'm not even trying. Last Wednesday, it rained all day. Stuck inside, I spent some time styling my dress mannequin (like you do). I took a lot of pictures, trying to find the best light, and eventually moved her to our bedroom. Then, I became distracted by other things. Hello, puppy who needs to go outside every 30 minutes (slight exaggeration).
I never went back upstairs. Mr. C. went up around 10, walked into our room, flipped on the light, and saw this apparition standing next to the window. HA!!

While I admit, he didn't actually scream (that would have been awesome!), he was most definitely "taken aback." I'll take it. If you knew him, you'd know that "taken aback" is as good as a spook.
Here's to the lady in vintage white! It only took a second for you to do what I've been attempting for 32 years.

Love of Art: Fly-Tribe Blog Party

Welcome to the Fly-Tribe Blog Party. The subject is LOVE of ART.
I use a lot of vintage fabrics, tattered needlework, paper ephemera, and found objects, in my work. What I love most is the connection I feel to those creative souls who came before me.  When my needle is slipping in and out of time-worn linen, I believe I am extending the story of those other hands and hearts who have held the same piece of fabric. We are each a part of one history, and with my needle, I am weaving a thread that will extend our shared story into the future. 
We are all connected by art...to our past, our future, and each other.

And finally, a work in progress. Love this tattered bit of crazy quilt. I pick it up and add a few stitches, when I'm not sure what I want to work on next. It helps clear my head and gets the wheels turning.

Enjoy the party, and please, stay connected! Go here to see a list of party participants.

Pillow Talk

In my biggish stash of vintage fabrics, I have some handmade doll clothes. Because they are a little worn and fragile with age, they probably wouldn't survive the hands of young children, so I look for ways to re-purpose them.  I think their flaws are part of their charm.

Embellished with embroidery and bits of other tattered linens, and backed for stabilization, they can enjoy new life as a sweet pillow...

or a wall hanging...

Rescued doll clothes, a fun project for me because I LOVE handstitching. Not as much fun as rescuing puppies.

  

Every Needle Tells a Story