Countdown to Winterfest 2017 ~Two Days ~Our Pumpkin Patch

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving Week without a Pumpkin Patch.

What do you see when you look at this 

stack of thrift store sweaters?

That's right...

Pumpkins.

Sweater sleeves, little twigs, and some homespun...

are a nice contrast to the 

wooden pumpkins in our shop.

There are pumpkins of calico,

pumpkins of homespun,

and pumpkins of sweater knit.

They are all priced, packed and ready to go.

Stop by our Pumpkin Patch at Winterfest and say Hello.

We look forward to seeing you.

Take care,

~Natalie

What'cha Workin' on Wednesday ~How this Teacher Spends her Summer ~~Cleaning our House, Room by Room ~~~The Living Room

With two cats and hundreds of dust bunnies, 

I look forward to the summer when I can clean each room in our house...

side to side and top to bottom.

Brushed, Dusted, and Vacuumed...

time to put it all back together.

Where's Callie?

I had it finished in time to host a summer PEO meeting.

I do have a new portrait to hang over our piano...

just waiting for hubby to have some time!

Would you like to see a little more?

Yes...I do have a thing for Teddy Bears.

And yes, I do have an obsession for vintage dress forms.

I love, love, love, vintage books.

The coffee table centerpiece needed a little love.

I added the tall vases in between the hydrangeas.

This one with a decorative ball mix!

(available at Hobby Lobby)

This one with balls of twine.

And this one with wine bottle corks.

We all hoped you enjoyed this little tour.

Take care,

~Natalie

Tuesday Tip of the Day ~Those Butter Wrappers

So this tip, I learned from my mom.

When you are baking, 

that butter wrapper can be used to grease your pan.

And then, lay the wrapper out flat on your counter 

for your rubber scraper and measuring spoons.

It makes clean-up sooo much easier.

Take care,

~Natalie

What'cha Workin' on Wednesday ~~Countdown to Winterfest...3 days

Sometimes when creating, 

whether you are a musician, a writer, a chef or an artist,

a project comes along that presents a bit of a challenge.

For me, it was this Chenille Snowman.

I just felt he was going to be something special,

but wasn't quite sure how he was going to get there?!

He started weeks ago with a vintage chenille bedspread 

purchased in an antique store on one of our many 

trips to a cross country meet.

Of course you've read about my stash of wool remnants for his coat.

Hubby has great style right down to his socks.

When they are worn out in the feet, 

the tops make the best snowmen hats.

But, that was where my creativity stalled...

Everytime I went into the studio, 

that tub of snowmen was there, begging to be fininhed.

Now, time was no longer on my side...

I had to dig deep into my supplies 

and give this guy the personality he deserves.

My mother-in-law brought me some precious 

vintage coat buttons from her button tin.

And the scarves?

Well, I have two drawers in the shop stuffed with vintage sweaters.

This one was the perfect combination of colors.

(I can't wait to see if our daughters recognize the knit!)

Here they are, ready for adoption.

It just might be hard to say goodbye to them this weekend!

Take care,

~Natalie

Whatcha Working On Wednesday?

Sweater Sleeve Pumpkins

These are so fun to make. I had seen them on-line last year.

To see the original tutorial just type 'sweater sleeve pumpkin tutorial' into your search bar for several sets of instructions.

I'd like to share my tips with you...

An adult sweater will yield 4 pumpkins...two from each sleeve.

Just cut...no need to measure.

Wrap twine around your hand and elbow...16 times for larger, and 8 times for smaller pumpkins.

Insert twine pieces through the inside-out sleeve piece, leaving about an inch at the bottom.

I wrapped two rubber bands around the end to make sure it was secure.

Turn sweater sleeve right side out.

I like to add a scant cup-ful of rice.

This makes a nice foundation for the bottom of the pumpkin.

Use more or less, depending on the size of your pumpkin.

Stuff your pumpkins to desired plumpness.

I have polyester stuffing...

some folks use plastic grocery bags.

Separate the twines on the bottom and bring them around to the top.

Grasp tightly and secure with another rubber band or two.

This is where you feel like you need three hands.

Wrap more twine around the top to create a stem.

Make sure to gain the approval of your assistant.

They're perfect...

...don't you think?!!

Take care,

~Natalie