Primitive Dolls Update

Good morning all... 

I’m up before the birds this morning, after a dreadful night’s sleep. Too many things lately to keep me up at night.  Rain showers are starting our morning and for that I’m most thankful.  But for our gardens it’s too little and too late... I will be updating and adding several dolls to the website today.  I will send an email out to my subscribers prior to going live.  Did I tell you I’d rather be stitching than taking photos, writing descriptions, finding boxes and calculating postage? 😂 oh I’m sure I have!  

Have a nice weekend!  

#websiteupdatecomingsoon #handmadeinamerica #sassafrashillprimitives #primitivedolls #handmadecreations

Time for The Big Girl Panties

This year is too much!   The shows I do and the wonderful people who come out to them are my lifeblood.      

They give focus to my work and goals to achieve.  Every show I plan to the last detail so I can build a better display than the time before.   I find that level of stress works for me.  Also it’s just the right amount of distraction from things I need distracting from.  Ha! 

So... yesterday I happened across the posting from Old Deerfield and not only is the Autumn show cancelled, but also the Holiday Sampler.   I’m too sad for words.   And yes, I am relieved too, because it’s safer to stay home and not be surrounded by huge crowds.   

And then I checked Old Wethersfield and they had also just posted and canceled.   That was the last opportunity for  this year.   So... I will keep making, because it’s what I do.  It’s just harder creating and not having visions of awesome primitive displays swirling through my head!  I will miss my people and the hustle and bustle of the shows.... the hugs, the heartwarming response to my creations, and another job well done.   😢

A Folky Pear Pincushion is Yesterday's Creation

Happy Tuesday all.... Yesterday's creation is a printed vintage advertising pincushion, stitched from beautiful natural linen fabric.  I adore pincushions of every kind and have a vast collection.  I also enjoy creating them.   Not only are they fun to collect but they're also functional.  

This started off as a completely different project but evolved into it's current form.  A happy meandering day sometimes brings the best creations...   I listed the instant download pattern if you'd like to create your own.  I also listed the pattern model.  This would be a great gift for one of your stitchy friends!  

Have a happy meandering August day... 

Autumn Creations and Pattern Writing

It was another hot August day here in Connecticut.  

I finished two more masks this morning because who knows how long we'll be needing them.  It sounds like forever.   And I don't even go anywhere, but we wouldn't want to run out, would we?! I have a huge stack made for family and friends... Because don't we all want gorgeous civil war reproduction prints?  Haha!  I really want something cool and fun, but I'm not fabric shopping anytime soon.  

Then I finished up a pattern I had started writing back many moons ago, one of my first autumn pumpkin guys ... before the shows got real and I stopped!  I didn't like the photos I took... too sunny.  I tried a few more times throughout the day.  Go figure... the first photo was the one I went with.  The pattern is available in both mailed paper copy and instant download.  The finished product is spoken for.  I promise I will keep trying to add finished!  

I've been stitching and painting and sanding like crazy.  I do everything in huge batches, so finishing doesn't come quickly.  I usually fly by the seat of my pants until the September shows and wrap it up right before, but I'm trying to mend my ways for this year.   Maybe it will be the start of something new.    

Pumpkin Roulette Anyone

My yearly tradition is a pumpkin parade on the clothesline!  I'm not sure I trust this clothesline.  It's a bit ragged, but we'll see what happens.  Just keep adding one more, and another, and maybe another? Can I reach the treeline?   Ha... It's no fun picking them off the lawn and garden.  And it wouldn't be the first time!   I have a mountain of unfinished work to paint over the next days.... Hopefully the weather will hold up for it.  

I'm extremely thankful we emerged from yesterday's storm mostly unscathed.  Over 700,000 power outages in Connecticut.  Scary stuff for sure.  My monstrous trees were flipping around in the wind for hours like floppy little ragdolls.  So many trees are down all over town.  I think my prayers were answered.    I lost my beloved trumpet vine I grow for the hummers, but really it's been a chore keeping it tame over the past years, so maybe it's a blessing!

A few beautiful hot days and I'm extremely motivated to keep the painting going and get some finished creations listed on the website.  Be sure to subscribe to the mailing list on the website to be in the know.  And be sure to confirm when you get the email, or you will not receive my emails.  Happy August!   

Big Beautiful Sunflowers Pattern

Happy Tuesday all!   We are hunkered down waiting for Isaias to pass.... Ugggh, high winds and tornado watch are our biggest fears this time of year, when the trees are fully leafed out!  Both our house and my momma's are surrounded by gigantic trees.  We are as ready as we can be and praying for the best.

In the meantime I finished another bunch of creations and got another pattern written.  

After the storm we will enjoy several perfect days for finishing my mountain of pumpkin creations!  I will post finished product on the website as soon as I can.   

Enjoy your summer week!  

Olde Pumpkin Jack Pattern

Always one of my favorite things to create.... prim olde pumpkinhead dolls of all sorts.    I've finally had a moment to get this prim guy posted in pattern form and will be listing the pattern model this week.  

Enjoy your Sunday and Happy August.