Reusing Vintage Hankies - A Hanky Pillow

I love the style of old crazy quilts.
Today I put together a couple pillows loosely based on that style, using some vintage hankies I had laying around.

Generally, crazy quilts are hand embroidered with decorative stitches at each seam.
As you can see, I didn't get that fancy while making these...

Instead, I cut each hanky and laid them out in my desired design, making sure only finished edges were exposed on each piece before I topstitched them to the pillow top.

I used 5-6 different coordinating hankies for each pillow.

I'm so happy these vintage hankies aren't stuffed away in a box any longer. They're to pretty for that!

Vintage Iron Crib Turned Settee

Something that has been on my "want list" for a very, very long time, has been fulfilled!

Back in June, my friend Todd (Bountiful Home and Nursery) posted a picture here, of a vintage iron crib he had for sale in his shop.

I wasted no time hurrying down to Edmonds to snatch it up!
Today, I finished making the mattress cover, ruffle skirt, and pillow covers.

I've always dreamed of having a covered front porch where we could lounge around on warm summer days drinking iced tea, reading, or even taking a snooze on a vintage cast iron crib turned into a settee or daybed.

Well, since there are no covered front porches in my near future, I figured what the heck, we could still use an outdoor daybed anyways. We have a wonderful spot set aside in the garden where it will be nestled under some trees - a perfect place to daydream.

I am always on the lookout for photo and show props, so I think she'll make a great fixture for displaying my ruffle rose pillows too.

Thanks Todd, for posting a picture that day. I'm so happy with my purchase!

Croquet? Bocce Ball? Anyone?

When was the last time you played Croquet?
It's been so long, I can't remember the last time I had played.
But a few weeks ago, in all its charming, vintage glory, this set was begging to be played - so that's what we did!

Oh my! It's funny how a seemingly gentle sport, can turn into a fiercely competitive game.
Doggone it! I don't think I could have had any better luck hitting the wickets if I tried -hmpf! Somehow, the wickets just kept getting in the way of my ball, and made it impossible for it to pass through - ha! I'm such a poor loser...

Thankfully, at least I didn't come in last again the second game too - ha!

And, how about Bocce Ball?
It's another game we like to play during the summer.

Although it can take some skill and strategy to win, it's such a fun game that anyone can play.

Some of us use the "strong flying method" ...

While others... well, they just don't have a method at all - ha!

No matter what method, or skill. Good times are guaranteed!

Roses and Victorian Funeral Baskets

I cut most of the roses from our yard, today. Oh my goodness, it's hard for me to do this!

Ahh, but so worth it when I get to bring them inside.

I picked up the tall vintage Victorian funeral basket,
at a great garage sale on Whidbey. Couldn't pass it up, it was too good of a price.
I just love the height of it!
Perfect addition to my collection, wouldn't you say?

Double Bluff Beach

While up on Whidbey Is. a couple weeks ago, we spent a few hours one morning/afternoon, at Double Bluff Beach. It's a favorite public beach (most beaches are private on the island) for locals and visitors. We lucked out and had pretty decent weather that week, something we haven't had much of this summer...

It's such a beautiful beach. I love how the best of everything "beachy" is here. You get pretty beach grass, wild roses, perfectly sun bleached driftwood, and soft sand under your toes. Not to mention, the splendid view on a clear day, of the Olympic Mountains to the west!

It was fun to watch the low clouds lift and disappear off the bay, while we were there.

All along the beach, people have built forts, and even created art.
I loved this heart sculpture that someone had made from clam shells and clay from the bluff.

The girls were very excited to climb up the bank and carve their names in the bluff.If you're ever up on Whidbey Island, Double Bluff beach is a must to visit!

Happy 4th Of July, To You!

Wishing you all, a wonderful holiday, celebrating our country's freedom!
God Bless America

Desirable, Sustainable, and Collectible

I had a good yard sale(ing) day, Saturday.
We're up on the Island for the 4th, so we headed to some sales (which there are usually more of on holiday weekends) over here.

One of the sweetest old ladies ever, had a marvelous sale going on.
I pretty much spent all my dollars at her sale. I got some cool stuff!
One thing I bought were these old tins.
I love old tins! Aren't they great?

I'm going to add the Colgate, and Vaseline tins to a vignette in our main bathroom. Oh, and the lard tin? It's gonna make a wonderful vase.

Disneyland Memories

Our 5 day Disneyland adventure was a fun-filled, whirlwind of a vacation.
My cousin, Jennifer met up with us two days. She was the best guide, ever. We rode 6 rides before 11 am one day - thanks Jennifer!

At times, even with our 4 day park hopper tickets, we felt like we'd run out of time to see everything. We ended up closing down Disneyland 3 nights in a row!

A relaxing vacation? Hmm... uh-uh.
But, lots of fun memories were made!
We loved it.