New Projects for a New Year

So it's back to work here...we had a super Christmas and New Year with our family-you know, it is great to have all of your grown children at home again :) And, Brantley-such a smart young man...spent Christmas Eve at home with me and Bobby....and, he knows that if you believe (and play the part)-Santa always pays a visit :) As long as you believe, Santa is real!!!
OK-with the decorations finally put away-I have finished a couple of projects that I thought I would share.
One- an Etsy custom order- nursery bedding...my favorite...you know, the ruffled edge bumpers and crib skirt. This client requested natural handkerchief linen -- here is the listing:
Classic nursery bedding in natural handkerchief linen, all prewashed and dried before construction. These softened linen nursery bedding pieces are finished with a 1" gathered ruffle edge. The four bumper pieces are made as separates...each with a zipper closure encasing the covered padded inserts. The bumpers are sewn with wide self-fabric ties that are made long enough for large bows. The crib skirt has a drop length of 17.5" including the ruffled edge.
I so enjoy making these sweet nursery pieces...and the softened linen is wonderful...in any color choice.
My other finished project is an ottoman and slipcover using medium weight chocolate brown linen. I made this slipcover in a simple structured style with a 1" gathered ruffle hem. This ottoman and slipcover will be sold together...but I would be happy to make a slipcover for your existing ottoman-for a great update! I have this ottoman and slip ready to deliver to our booth at Old South Antique Mall in Dothan...tomorrow :)

A November to Remember...I am Thankful

This month has always been one of my favorites...remember when you were little and your favorite month was your birthday month? Yea...still true...not just because of my birthday, but November is just a beautiful time of year...the colors of nature and the beautiful crisp fall days-the sun even shines differently in November-the sky is more lovely, especially in the late afternoons when I walk my dogs and talk to God. I do this each day-it is my time-and usually only about 20-30 minutes...but it is a great time to reflect and thank God for all He does for me and my family.
It has been one of the most unusual months for me...Bobby had hernia repair surgery at the end of October-not a big deal, we thought...after having put it off for about 7 years. So Bobby decided to get it done...we are so busy, always, so no time is good----really. But-a few weeks-and back to work sounds simple enough...
Bobby developed (?) this infection...so sick...just not feeling well...and the site of the incision-well...infected-not good at all...Thankfully, he is on the mend now...and I truly mean "thankfully"-it has not been easy. I have tried to work and I have worked (lots!) ...but it is not the same to work when you are a bit worried about things-and, to tell you the truth - I am not a very good nurse. So, it is great to see him improving daily and feeling more like himself. He was actually so sick during the week of my birthday...and on the very day- he was in town running errands and did not come home until late. He was "looking for something"...he told me when I called to check on him...and so, you will never guess what he found for me for my birthday-you will never guess, so I will tell you...it is precious, you see, -not expensive- as he said "it is the least of nothin'"...but to me,-my favorite gift this year. A toboggan-hunter orange! Is that a hoot? You see, it is deer hunting season here and my "walking territory" is close to other hunting property-he bought it for me to wear while walking the dogs:) And the birthday card-you should see it! A handwritten note on a folded piece of printer paper..."Happy Birthday" on the front, opening to "You are the sunshine in my life...can't wait to fix the house" "all my love"...now that is worth a million $$$$, don't you think? Just the sweet thought when he really felt lousy...and the "fix the house" part...you see, we keep planning our small house remodeling project...other things get in the way, but we keep planning. Anyway, he is the greatest, sweetest, most caring and unselfish person I know-I mean, I really wanted to give "somebody" a piece of my mind when he developed that infection...but not Bobby, he is so kind and doesn't blame anyone at all-he is so good...just had to share that with you:) For Bobby, I am thankful.
And, my other favorite birthday gift...my dad called and sang to me...the "Happy Birthday" song...I will tell you, that will get you every time. For daddy, I am thankful.
Our daughter and son-in-law and grandson are getting ready to build a house close-by on the farm...now, I can't wait for Grayson to go for walks with me...and walk to my house to see me...and walking he is-everywhere now!!! For this move, I am thankful!
I have had a super sales month...lots of drapery orders and nursery bedding, and pillows...thank you, God...for these orders, I am thankful!
Going to my parents' home tomorrow for Thanksgiving Dinner! For this, I am thankful! It is great to visit my parents and family-Always!
Leaving you with a few photos of some of my latest projects...more to finish before Christmas--for more projects, I am thankful!
May you all have a Happy Thanksgiving as well...and make wonderful memories!

And What About This Charming Natural Nursery???

Oh, my heart! Something about this crib bedding in natural lightweight softenend linen...so understated and simple. Just the detail of the ruffles to give it a little personality...shown here on my "workshop" cottage style crib, but wouldn't it look great on any baby bed out there??!!
And maybe even add a cording in ballet pink or pastel blue...for just a hint of color.
The bumper is made of four separate pieces with simple one inch ties-each piece of the bumper made with a zipper closure and wrapped poly insert that is removable for laundering.
The crib skirt measures 21 inches including the one inch ruffled hem.
The 12 x 16 inch pillow features a one inch ruffled edge and zipper closure to enclose the polyester pillow form.
Other nursery items available...crib coverlet, window treatments-roman shades or panels,...and other options :)
Have a great day!

Preparing the Nursery for Master John Rivers Oliver

"...Know you what it is to be a child? It is to believe in love, to be so little that the elves can reach to whisper in your ear; to turn pumpkins into coaches...And nothing into everything. For each child has its fairy godmother in its soul." This small excerpt from a poem by Francis Thompson, an English poet...is my favorite. It truly speaks the sweetness of children-the innocence, the wonder, the simpleness of their spirit. I have had the honor to be inducted into the "grandmother" society...and, I will admit, there is nothing quite so grand!
And, now...it is time to share this society with my sweet sister-in-law, Vicki...well, almost time.
Preparations are underway now for the new nursery. We are super excited that the parents-to-be, Beth and Bryan, have moved a little closer to home-that part makes everybody happier, really :)
Bobby and I made a visit and nursery bedding delivery to their new home in Montgomery just yesterday. You know, there is always something special about custom nursery bedding...first of all, mom-to-be always loves the design since she designed it herself...and, when you place it in the new crib... the fabrics and colors add a completeness to the space.
Beth and Bryan are still adding pieces to the nursery...the rocker and ottoman are being reupholstered...and I think the hunt is on for a dresser...and some artwork.
But for now, anyway, the nursery is precious in its soft grey-blue paint color and window treatments made by "Sister". Hey, I want to know-can this be your "grandmother name"???
And, let me tell you-the window treatments are wonderful-full floor length panels hung from rings showcasing the main print -a nursery rhyme toile "Over the Moon"- with a band of seersucker sewn down the lead edges. Details of the blue and white seersucker bows are placed at the top of the panels at the rings. The panels are interlined with a blackout lining-great idea for baby's naptime- and finished with drapery lining. Absolutely perfect, Vicki!!
The crib, a beautiful iron baby bed in bronze, is the focal point...what a beauty! Beth has planned some artwork to hang over the crib-maybe she will send me photos...
One other great find is the tiny chest of drawers-to hold all the tiny clothes for baby.
Now, back to the crib...I had the honor of making the crib bumper and bedskirt. Beth requested a pillow style bumper with a darling mixture of cottage style nursery fabrics. The inside of the bumper features the nursery rhyme toile, the outside is a blue diamond matelasse, a soft green cotton was chosen for the cording and the ties are made with the blue and white seersucker stripe.
The gathered floor length bedskirt in the blue and white seersucker finishes the bedding, except for the coverlet. It is being quilted and should arrive soon.
I love your nursery, Beth and Bryan...and we are all so excited and look forward to the arrival of this new baby. Much Love to you-Beth, Bryan and John Rivers!!! Hugs~ Aunt "Honey"