a bow tie for the littlest

Little guy needed a tie.  I have loved this gray fabric with the little white raised polk-a-dots from my vintage stash and have almost used every bit of it.  I had a small amount left and was inspired by a friend's Instagram photo to make a bow tie for Isaac.  

 this kid melts my heart!  can he get any cuter?

The tie worked perfectly.  It's a bow tie with 2 wide pieces of elastic on either side that slips under the collar and attaches in the back with velcro.  The velcro closure which is a couple of inches long so as to allow for adjustment is covered in the same fabric.

Amy's dot garland

I found a really cute children's book for 60 cents at one of my favorite thrift stores.  I needed some cute garland for a baby shower I was decorating for and Amy (my sister) came up with this idea.  We punched circles (I have a great scrapbook punch from Creative Memories that made the job easier) and sewed them all together.  W the help of some friends we ended up making LOTS of this for the shower.  I need to post pics of the event.  You can see it on this fb album if you want.

Tie belt

This sweater has been in my closet for several years.  I like it, but the double breasted large brown buttons that were on the front of it (sorry- no before pics) weren't working for me so I never wore it.  I only liked to wear it when I had a large preggo belly sticking out in front and then the sweater could hang open to the side.  Since I'm out of that stage it was time to refashion this sweater.  I dug through my grandpa's old ties and removed the buttons and came up with this look the other day.  SUPER easy refashion that gave me a new sweater!

grandma's sewing box

I have inherited my grandma's sewing box.  It's a special treasure for me.  

 There are unique little gadgets in it and beautiful colors of thread.  

 I got all teary when I found this 3x5 card tucked inside the box that she had typed a poem on.

Bring me Your Flowers Now


I'd rather have one little rose 
in the garden of my friend;
than to have the choicest flowers
when my stay on earth must end.


I'd rather have the kindest words 
which may now be said to me;
than be flattered when I'm gone
and life has ceased to be.


I'd rather have a loving smile
from friends I know are true;
than tears shed 'round my casket
when I've bid the world adieu.


Bring me all your flowers today
whether pink or white or red;
I'd rather have one blossom now
-than a truckload when I'm dead.

My grandma loved flowers.  Her gardens were beautiful.  She knew plants and trees and enjoyed God's creation more than anyone I have ever known.  Grandma taught us how to make holly hock dolls.  She had collections of rocks, shells, nuts, eggs, nests, and pinecones.  As much as she enjoyed nature and cultivated and displayed it's beauty around her she cared more her own and others spiritual condition.  She studied God's Word regularly and shared His love with others.  I miss my grandma.  I'm so thankful for all the memories, lessons learned, and time spent.  I truly think that every observance I had of her showed me a glimpse of Jesus.

Since Jason's infection a year ago I have thought about the shortness and uncertainty of life on a regular basis.  I hope that I show God's love as I have the opportunity to NOW and not wait for LATER.  It may never come.   Some things that were once terribly important to me aren't anymore and other things that didn't seem to matter so much are infinitely valuable.

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On a side note, does anyone know what these little leather finger tip things are?  I assume they are some sort of old thimble.  Just curious.