Sunday, August 18, 2013

Mom's needlework

My Mom was always busy. Besides gardening, cooking and baking, she also did various types of needlework, sewing, and crocheting. I recently did some re-decorating and hung some of her needlework in my dining area. 
I am trying to follow in her footsteps and hone my embroidery, sewing and crocheting skills along with gardening, cooking and baking!
She was my best friend. She has been gone 15 years now. I still miss her.
Y'all come back,
Lorilee

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Crocheted Ripples

I have been working on this Ripple spread since February I think. I started it when I ran out of yarn on another project. (I was able to finally get the colors I needed for the other project and will go back to it when this is finished) I got the Ripple Pattern from Lucy at Attic 64.  I love her blog and tutorials!
I guess it is obvious I chose colors to coordinate with my comforter and shams. The reverse side of the comforter and shams is floral which will probably look better with the ripple stripes than more stripes. 
Yippee, it shouldn't be long now! This is my second spread and the largest project I have ever crocheted. It is rather cumbersome, and I only work on it while sitting in bed before I go to sleep. 
Y'all come back,
Lorilee

Monday, August 12, 2013

Rooster tray

I love my new rooster tile tray. A friend gave me the rooster tiles several years ago. She had planned to use them on her backsplash during a kitchen remodel but changed her mind. I boxed them up and thought about them every now and then. This spring, my brother and SIL re-grouted the tile on their kitchen counter. I came across my box of tiles and said to myself, "Hmmmm, ---- just re-grouted his countertops. I bet he still has grout and the tools". So I found a wooden tray on sale at Hobby Lobby and took it along with the tiles to his house. He did all the work for me. My brother is a sweety that way!
Y'all come back,
Lorilee

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Rummage Sale treasures

My SIL has been in charge of the "boutique"  part of her church's rummage sale. Last year I helped her work on pricing for a day. This year I had a week of Pre-kindergarten teacher workshops to attend and was only able to help for a couple of hours. The perk is getting to shop early! I have been looking for a simple miniature coat rack styled jewelry rack but have been unable to find one that fit my vision or pocket book! SCORE for $1.
A lavender Liz Claiborne handbag. It doesn't appear to have been used at all. I usually buy sensible brown handbags. I always love the brightly colored ones, but I  hate to spend so much money on something that won't match everything! Perfect for $5.
I want to display more of my vintage hat collection, but vintage hat stands are too expensive. This is actually a candle holder that was marked 50 cents! Yippee!
AND I found this crocheted shawl in a box of scarves marked 25 cents each. 
These treasures made my day!
I also made my first fabric and appliqué banner. I  was working on it until time for Ashlynn's birthday party and didn't get a photo of it.  So here it is with Ashlynn and her mom, Michelle.
Y'all come back!
Lorilee

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Wind Farming

 I traveled with my brother's family to the Texas State Swim meet in Corpus Christi. On our way home, their oldest son wanted a closer look at the Wind Farm near Taft, Texas. We were able to pull over and get a fairly close look at one. They are HUGE! There are nearly 196 wind turbines on the "farm".
 All turbines are approximately 262 feet high and have 2 blades. They have a maximum rotation speed of 22 rotations per minute.  The majority of the electricity is sold to the Lower Colorado River Authority and CPS Energy which is owned by the  City of San Antonio.
They were interesting, but I am glad that I don't have them lining the horizon near me. 
Y'all come back, 
Lorilee