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!   

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.  

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

Prim Olde Pumpkin Head Dolly

wooooooooooooooo, what a busy summer.  I've been offline as much as possible, and enjoying every minute of it.  Garden has been awesome, with tomatoes and peppers coming in full throttle at the moment.  We are canning lots of salsa and tomatoes for sauce...  

This summer went by tremendously fast!   Hard to believe autumn is on our doorstep.

Currently on Ebay....

I love creating these prim feedsack dolls. 

 I've been so busy preparing for my upcoming shows, and am really excited about my offerings this year.... I really overdid it but I truly think I would be happy working on autumn and halloween items all year long. 

I have listed a few auutmn offerings on my website. This prim little dolly can be found on ebay...

Sunday I will be at the Somers Day of Arts and Crafts on Rt 190 in Somers CT, which is a nice little show.  First show of the season and I will have a bit of everything.  It's supposed to be a gorgeous day, as it always seems to be.    I am thankful that Hurricane Earl will give us just a bit of rain on Friday..... Seeing this in our forecast was a bit worrisome.