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!   

Autumn Handmades

It's been the most productive spring season in sassafras land... However I can't say I'm sorry to see it pass.   This will be a year not soon forgotten!   

I have started summer off with a big bang by working on offerings for autumn.   This is an uncertain year and I haven't quite figured out what to work on.     One of our favorite fall shows, Walker Homestead, has been cancelled.   I am rather hopeful the rest will follow suit.   Knowing what we go through to participate in our shows, I can't think of any possible way that they would be safe, for ourselves, or for our dear customers!  

I will be writing some fall patterns this year, and I do feel blessed to be able to work on the new website.   It has given me new focus on my humble beginnings.   I've updated and added most of my early feedsack luminary and printable designs as instant downloads.   Many of my cloth designs are also instant downloads.   It's so much easier for me to handle them with mom's care mixed in with my daily duties....   I will also be accepting paper pattern orders and finished luminary bags, when time permits.   It's all still a work in progress, unfolding a bit more every day.  Handmade finished items and a few supplies will be also available.   I'm awaiting a box order.... no way I'll be groveling around the supermarket for empty boxes in the midst of a pandemic!!!   

so.... this is some of what I'm up to.

Next thing is waiting on a patch of dry and sunny weather to fill the clothesline for my annual painted pumpkins picture.   That will be too fun...  One of my favorite summer things.   I am ahead of schedule this year! 

 "Til then, be good, and be well.  ~ Denise

Autumn Shows - Display Pics

We are home and recovering from two amazing back to back shows!  

Warm thanks to all our supporters who attended.  We always enjoy your company.  I'm such a homebody and love my time spent creating, but it's nice to get out sometimes too!

I always love autumn in Deerfield and it was a nice weekend for a show!
This is just a peek.... I have several more photos on my facebook page...
 

 

 

Walker Homestead is the perfect setting for a prim show and once again we had a fabulous show.  The weather was picture perfect and it was nice to see everyone once again.

 

 

 

 

 

So now I have a few orders to complete, and some things I must find from show photos to mail out, and alas we are moving on the winter items.  I don't ever transition well with that, because the autumn handmades are so heartwarming for me. 

 

 I do have some creations planned for Deerfield Christmas Sampler and placed a fabric order this morning....   This week will be spent organizing and putting away my messes!  And a last picking expedition planned for Sunday.  So that's fun!  

 

Deerfield PumpkinHead Dolls

Waiting for the show....

We will be at the Old Deerfield Craft Fair this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, in Deerfield Massachusetts.  Should you be able to attend, you can find us in space B25, on the sidewalk, same as last year.

Have a great weekend!  ~Denise

New Autumn Items

One week til my craft show in Somers...
see my website for show info http://www.sassafrashill.com/

It looks like a pumpkinfest here... I will be sad to see these guys go!