Dying Art

Today I was trying to get organized and came across these three precious little baby items. I have them wrapped in pink tissue and they just really made me think about what a dying art this is. These little items were made by an 80 year old woman that lives in Biloxi, Mississippi. This adorable little lady endured hurricane Katrina and has so much spirit. Her attention to detail is so wonderful, like the tiny pink french knots that go around the little pink flannel blanket. Each are spaced evenly and this is how she attached the satin to the blanket. And the little white hat with the pink pom pom, each stitch is so perfect. The little Mary Jane crocheted shoes are just my favorite.
I really sat and looked at these, and thought will there come a time when no one takes the time to sit and crochet or embroider? Years ago it was so common, in the evenings women would pull out there crocheting or embroidery or knitting. I remember my mother and grandmother always having something to work on. I know many of you collect the embroidered dish towels, pillowcases and tablecloths. Each has a such a sweet feel to them, we try to imagine the woman that sat and took the time to embroider a dish towel or the women that gathered to quilt. I am always amazed not only with quilting but the time that went into preparing the fabric. Cutting all those pieces with a certain pattern in mind. If it were me, I would have probably cut a small portion of fabric and then had to put it away for a rainy day. It seems I have many projects that are still waiting for a rainy day.
I am always so excited when I find a vintage linen or quilt, I feel like I am playing some part in preserving history. I tell my daughters repeatedly, that this is a dying art and some day you will only find embroidery, crocheting, knitting and quilting that has all been done by machine. How sad!
So I just marvel at these little baby items, still made by a woman who has not conceded to letting machines do it. I am sure in the early evenings she sat and worked on these, no pattern needed, these came right from the heart.
I look at these as a gift and I hope that who ever buys them will cherish them and the sweetness of another era.

Sweetest Little Birds Anywhere

I am so excited to share these precious birds with you. They are made from hand dyed wool and sit on a vintage silver spoon. As you can see the bowl of the spoon holds a sweet little pin cushion made of vintage lace, accented with vintage buttons and a little sign that reads, "Spoonful of Sugar". I just think these are beautiful and would be so sweet to send to a dear friend or just to keep for yourself.

These beautiful birds are made by Laurie at charming designs. The box that these were shipped in had beautiful hand painted roses and leaves. Laurie is just so talented, and I am just so excited that I get to share these with you. I think it is always so nice to celebrate someones talent and I'm sure you will find other sweet designs from Laurie.