Grand Haven

I’m sure nobody missed the fact that this past week was Independence Day for the US of A. For the first time in a number of years, we took my daughters down to the harbor to watch the fireworks. It was with a certain degree of trepidation, given that my youngest has some significant noise sensitivities. But, she loved it and we loved an evening with our neighbors in a great little town. I even got to bring along my tripod and camera and get some nice snaps of the show.

Coincidentally (or not?) we’re also coming up on my 1 year Anniversary for the blog, on July 13th. I’ve had rather a lot going on and haven’t gotten nearly as much sewing in as I’d like, though I’ll have my Quilt Bee quilt to share soon, I hope (preview on Instagram).

My little one has also started sessions with a new therapist (I have a point, here – stay with me), who prefers to work with her without my interference. So now I have an hour every other week to sit.

I hate sitting.

I need a new hand project. Both to feel like I’m being productive, and for the pure satisfaction of handwork. For the moment, I’m doing some bindings and finishing up a few bits and bobs. As soon as the new “Baltimore By The Sea” pattern comes out in September, it’ll be that. It was designed for the Manderley fabric line from Moda, so look for it if you have an interest.

There is an inherent joy to hand sewing. In a world of “two-hour skirts” and “super-fast, super-easy quilts,” there is space, too, for slow sewing.

Time to appreciate the hand-sewn vintage quilts our grandmothers made.

Time to recognize that faster isn’t always better. And modern isn’t always more.

So, since it’s my (blog) birthday, and I can do what I want (at least until my husband gets home), I’m going to have a little giveaway. Leave a comment, and tell me what type of slow sewing you want to explore: Applique, embroidery, or English Paper Piecing. On next Friday, 7/15/16, I’ll choose one commenter and send them a goodie pack tailored to their choice. Depending on what you pick, it might have some Aurifil thread, Cosmo floss, Tulip Hiroshima needles, Wonder Clips, and probably a homemade goodie or two (pin cushion, pouch, etc).

In the meantime, Happy Birthday, America:

And Happy Birthday, Lighthouse Lane Designs.

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The Calendar says it’s Summer for another week or more, but the weather doesn’t seem to agree. Here in the wilds of West Michigan, Fall is starting to peek around the corner. I start waiting for Jeanne Crain to start warbling a version of Rogers and Hammerstein’s “It Might As Well Be Spring,” but with an Autumn theme.

All the signs are here. The SweeTango apples are here in the market. I’ll spare you all my Johnny Appleseed screed on the horror of grocery store apples and say simply that Honeycrisps are seriously overrated. It’s less Martha Stewart-y sister, the SweeTango, is where it’s at. Equal parts tart and sweet, and pretty to look at, too.

Another sure sign that Autumnal Splendor – snow fencing that marches across the beach like ranks of Red Coats, futilely attempting to hold the sand in place. In spite of this, sand will pile up on Northshore Drive all winter long, as the bitter winds have the whole of Lake Michigan to build up before they get here. Still, they leave gaps in the fencing so that people can still walk down to the water, even in the face of a December gale, should you be hardy enough to do so. Right now, it’s still pretty.

Most of the tourists have gone, and downtown is quiet again. There will be some leaf peepers yet to come and the occasional hardy traveler. But, for the most part, Grand Haven once again belongs to the locals.

Now that my kids are back in school, I’ve had a little tiny bit of sewing time. With the help of that new rag doll book I shared, I’ve made a sweet little dolly of my own. She seems to like apples.

She also seems to enjoy hanging out at the beach.

She does still need a name. Since my youngest, who has claimed her, is mostly nonverbal, I may have to provide that service. I haven’t settled on anything firm yet. She also needs some clothes. I’m planning on sharing her new outfits and accessories as they’re made. And, since I have TWO daughters – I’ll probably make another doll. I might even do that as a “dolly-along,” since the book is great but instructions are a bit vague. That way, you can get a copy of the book and I’ll walk you through the construction.

In the meantime, dolly and I are going to watch the sunset and dream of colored leaves, crisp air, hot cocoa, and new quilts.