A Haven for Vee

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Pine Cone Pillow +

Even though it has only been a few short days since my last post, I am feeling odd about posting as if the silence has been too long and it's all so awkward. That and I was "hyper" last time so perhaps I need to find a larger divider between topics since one thing is certain, I'll be hopping around.

Blogging twice a week means that I am combining everything I want to share in two posts instead of dividing it up and presenting topics in a daily, unified, semi-coherent package. I'll work on presentation and I hope that this will be the last discussion about being absent, at least, on my part. After all, I dispatched myself. ; }

And, before I forget it, thank you for all the supportive comments and emails about my weight-loss efforts. I know that I can do this having done it many times before. It's the keeping-it-off bit where I fail each and every time.


Another surprise in the mailbox this morning. Beautiful coasters from Suzanne (At Home With the Farmer's Wife). Don't they look like summer? I've used them already and they work great. She tells me not to use them on any priceless antiques because they are not waterproof. Good thing I don't have any such animal. Thank you, Suzanne, I love them!

Coasters


I have decided, after making my very first envelope pillow ever, that the Irish linen just isn't going to hold up for making a State Flower Quilt. As Vicki at Turkey Feathers suggested, it's too wimpy. So even though I'm working on Mountain Laurel for Connecticut, I'm going to turn it into a pillow just as I did for the Pine Cone. I am probably the last person on the planet to make a pillow in this way; in case I'm the next to the last person, I used the wonderful tutorial from Cottage Magpie *here.* For this pillow I had to stabilize the linen on another piece of fabric in order to sew the back pieces on.

Envelope Pillow


Work continues slowly and steadily on the house. We are shopping for a new kitchen window this evening. Hopefully, something like this: 


Instead of this:


Gosh I do like that apron sink, too. Guess I just can't justify the cost of it. The window, on the other hand, has been a thorn in my side since the day it went in. I'm so done with it. I want a window I can open in the rain...the one above winds out into the rain. Not so good.




Wave Petunias

Still enjoying the new fence even if I am startled sometimes to see it there. I keep expecting to see the old chippy white one.

A wonderful day to you...

49 comments:

  1. I enjoyed this post; and I, too, love the apron sink! I am having to redo my already once-redone kitchen (grr!) and would love to have a window and sink like the photo you posted! Lantana...so NOW I know what that flower is! Milk in glass bottles is just the best, isn't it?

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  2. I love your pillow! It is simply beautiful. It sounds as if things are moving along there. You'll love the new window. I adore my kitchen window.....with all of the hours I spend in the kitchen my view I enjoy the view.

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  3. Your pillow is pretty! I so envy those who are crafty through sewing and needlework. Is it a sin to be envious when it's over something so trivial and you admit it??? The linen is just so pretty, even if it's not substantial.

    I do like the apron sink too. Something about them just makes a kitchen so cozy. I like your idea for a window. SO pretty. I can see flowers planted just for your viewing pleasure now. =)

    Hope you are enjoying your time away from blogging.

    Jen

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  4. when you change a blogging habit it does take time to get back into your own rhythm, but for heaven's sake don't feel awkward, we're the kind of friends where you can just pick right up where you left off...and it's always lovely to see a post from you :)
    Pillow = gorgeous!
    I quite like that sink as well....

    Have a wonderful day
    Niki

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  5. Vee,
    Beautiful pillow. And I bet you are excited about that kitchen window. I am trying to cut back on the number of blogs. I find myself chasing the blogs for comments....I need to get away from the computer and move around a bit!
    Carol

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  6. What a nice find...to start the morning sharing a cup of coffee with you. Bet you didn't know we were doing that!

    Have you looked at garden windows? When we buy again, I will have one. It's on my wish list. I want herbs growing there so I can use them all winter long.

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  7. The embroidery is perfect! And the kitchen? I would love a window in mine... but they put an add-on room in ours prior to our purchase and now it has no window at all :-(
    I'd want one of those that open up-an-down..love it!

    I'm limiting my blogging as well..I sort of feel like I was writing just to be writing and that spending too much time on the computer is not good for me (I spend 8 hours a day at work on it..my eyes get VERY tired!)

    The coasters are darling!

    XXOO

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  8. Now you need a new project for the Irish linen!

    Love your pillow, it turned out great!

    Those coasters are so cute what a sweet gift!

    I am very happy when I see a new post from you!

    Deanna

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  9. I love your acorn pillow. I am in love with that sink....But unless I win the lottery I better just be happy from loving it from afar...

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  10. Your stitching is beautiful, Vee! And I love your big pot of petunias! Enjoy your week! ♥

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  11. Hi Vee,

    I love this new post style and I love your divider. Your pillow came out wonderful. Come to think of it I have never seen linen in a quilt before. Suzanne really made beautiful coasters I have always wished I could crochet or knit. I am not good with my hands, can't even sew on a proper button.

    Oh, it's a beautiful day here today. Hope you have this beautiful blue sky and low humidity. Let's see what Sunday brings. We are about thirty minutes from the coast.

    I love your fence.

    Karen

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  12. OMYGOSH...when I saw that photo with the farmhouse sink, I thought it was yours and I was gonna put a hex on ya. I have wanted one for a hundred and fifty-five years and I am pretty sure I "ain't a'gonna get it"..
    UNLESS, I find one out beside the road...or on Craigs List or at an awesome yard sale....so...like I said, IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN.

    I'm having a tasty giveaway and if you've not been over, better come a'runnin.

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  13. Envying the pillow, white fence and the abundance of wave petunias.I love all needle arts but have made a hard choice to sit as little as possible to keep my weight in check. Getting out with my camera hunting visual treats has replaced most of my sitting hobbies. Or I do them while standing... Scared of weight based joint damage and circulation issues.

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  14. Hi Vee! Your new fence turned out so well - so inviting! We always keep coming up with projects for our husbands don't we? Good men! An upgraded window is a practical thing to install and truly will enhance your kitchen. Our project since being back has been to paint our bedroom. After staying in so many other homes, B&B's, we decided our bedroom was "blah" and needed a little "bling." We'll see if we can get it done this week. Blessings - love your embroidered pillow!

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  15. Hi sweet Vee!! You did a beautiful job dividing your thoughts...I love the button divider too! Your pillow is just wonderful ~ I love the pine cone embroidery. Your home and yard are always so beautiful, I know you'll find a window that you love. I'm eating healthier right now too. That's what I call it. I don't like the "D" word at all :) I hope you're having a great week dear friend, hugs and love, Dawn

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  16. I just was about to say ..I love that apron sink but then realized just as quick that it isn't in "our" budget. It is always surprising to me how in bloggy land we all feel part of the process.
    Your pillow is just perfect! Well done.

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  17. I love apron sinks but they're not in my budget either. Your pillow looks great!

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  18. A major kitchen make-over is on my wish list. However, I'm determined that I have to be able to pay for it as I go, so it will be a while. I hope the window goes in beautifully for you!

    I enjoy your hop-around blogging. It almost feels like I'm part of a real conversation, not just reading a post. **smile**

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  19. Beautiful pillow!

    The plans for the new window...and apron sink?...sound wonderful! I know whereof you speak...about the windows that crank out into the rain. I have that kind at my sink as well...and am not all that thrilled with them.

    All the best with your new 'program'...one step at a time...one day at a time!

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  20. I love that sink! Hey, at least you can look out your kitchen window & see trees and green. My kitchen window faces the laundry room and another window in the laundry room goes to the outside.

    (laundry room was added on years ago, these old houses back then didn't have inside laundry rooms. So, we have to walk out the backdoor to get to the laundry room.)Hopefully-prayfully that will change in April when we move closer to town.

    ALSO, NEVER feel awkward, we miss you and so look forward to seeing you. Blessings

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  21. It's interesting to hear how you're planning to spend your blogging time, Vee.
    Blogging seems to have become another of the things on my to do list this summer. i enjoy it so much but have to use the warm days to accomplish all that must be done around here. Good luck with wherever you are on the weight loss journey. I have lately had a problem scale and for the first time in my life weighed twice in one day just to check the number. Time to get back to the food journal..."Just one, small and slow" are my eating watchwords. and this great phrase - Oprah's I think..."Nothing tastes better than feeling thin!"

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  22. Dear Vee,

    I always love everything you say...good for chuckles too.

    Love the pillow it is gorgeous.

    I like the farm sink too...I guess you just have to decide it it is worth it to you.

    RE WEIGHT: I lose it and I keep finding it again.

    Love to you,

    Sharon

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  23. The pillow is great and those coasters are fun. What a fun package to receive. Time for a new window...the one you like is very nice. I, too, started drooling over that sink...sigh. All our projects are on hold till after the wedding.
    Have a wonderful day Vee!

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  24. Seeing your name pop up in my reader is always a good thing.

    I like the new window you're thinking about. I would have liked an apron sink when we redid our kitchen, but like you, couldn't justify the cost.

    Fun mail! And I really like that piece of stitchery.

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  25. Vee, I am a fairly new follower of your blog, but I must say I felt sad when you said you wouldn't be around so much! You write incredibly well, and take great photos, I think your twice-a-week posts will be as fabulous as if you separated each topic. We have to be burning some calories running after photo ops and typing!!!! Good luck on your efforts, I am sure you will do well. xo

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  26. So, are you going to make 52 state flower pillows and sell them? :-) Great idea to blog twice a week and put loads of stuff in. I'd like to do that but I take too many pictures (have you noticed?) to share so the blog would be a mile long! I like our casement (windout) windows but we have deep eaves I guess so not a lot of problem with rain unless it's coming sideways. Have a great week! The weather looks great. Pam

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  27. Vee,
    Twice a week is good. I have cut back to usually 2 or 3x per week.
    The weight loss - ugh. Yep, keeping it off - there's the rub.
    I'm making an attempt to whittle down myself, too.
    The coasters are so pretty! Your pinecone pillow and embroidery look great too.

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  28. I miss reading your daily posts but glad you will still be around.
    The coasters are so pretty, I really like the sink, and the petunias are gorgeous.
    Have a great week, my friend.

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  29. 2 days a week. Your self-imposed blogging schedule. Wow! You really *came down on yourself.* :-) Not even 3 day a week... Like Mon., Wed., and Fri. with the whole weekend off. :-)

    I know. We each know, what we each need to do.

    If you can lose weight, but never keep it off, doesn't that tell you, that you need a different life-time-plan, this time? Hope you have it, in place.

    Wishing you *ooldes* and *ooodels* of mental perseverance.

    Gentle hugs...

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  30. Oh Vee - that window and sink combo are just what I'd like in my new house (that I hope to build one day)! So homey and farmy looking - and I'm all about farmy!

    Cute coasters - how sweet of Suzanne!

    John does such a wonderful job of keeping everything in such good order - your yard and outside areas are always looking great! What is that green stuff growing on your yard areas? I think I remember that stuff, but all we have now is sand and stickerburrs...

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  31. *Cough* I love my darling, but he does not do yardwork. He builds fences, works on houses, but no mowing of lawns or taking care of posies for him thank you very much.

    Yes, Auntie, I hear you. I like to think that I have a plan in place, but whether it takes is another thing entirely...

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  32. Sounds like you have a wonderful plan on blogging..oh my!! so organized and planned out, not me I have no clue...so glad you got it figured out.

    Love the window...the sink is on my long wish list in a house one day...dreaming.

    Your fence and flowers...so welcoming...have a great week.

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  33. Well, Vee it looks as though I have missed a lot by being off line, and must come back to do some catching up. I have thought of you and missed you, I also wondered if John had finished the siding, and now you are talking about a new sink and window, You go girl, get it and enjoy and just as soon as my piggy bank with pennies over flows I am getting me a new farmhouse sink. Of course if we have more earthquakes like to day, I might not have to wait. It was an experience, I will not soon forget. Your pinecone pillow ... so pretty.. and the coaster lovely.
    Thanks for your sweet comment, you are such a treasure.
    Sue

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  34. Sue~

    Alas no apron sink for me. But I do have a new window ordered and coming in just a couple of weeks. Yay!

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  35. What a lovely surprise you received in the mail. The coasters are so pretty.
    Your pillow is lovely too. You did such a nice job on it.
    I, too, will miss your everyday posts, but I certainly understand. I seem to be having a heck of a time getting around to commenting and visting as much as I'd like to.

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  36. You sound happy, two blogs a week just might suit you. Your new gift coasters are beautiful. I understand how the Irish linen could be difficult to work with, it is very thin. The new kitchen window and sink will look lovely in your place. When we ordered new windows, I was glad to get the ones without the tic-tac-toe frames, they are a pain to clean. Your purple petunias are gorgeous!

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  37. You are so clever with the little dividers! Do you insert the picture each time? My feeble brain is trying to figure out the magic, LOL.

    Yes, casement windows are not practical. Rather silly inventions, if you ask me. Ah, we but did have one put in - in the laundry room. There is an overhang, so it works out just fine. It was either a fixed window or a casement if that small of space.

    Oh, I have to tell you that I adore my farmhouse sink! But I about had a heart attack when I saw the price! I bought it anyway. What the heck. I've drunk enough generic soda in my life to pay for it, LOL. Get one and you'll never regret it. OK, you'll regret it when you write out the check. Then you won't!

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  38. When I saw the picture of that kitchen, I would say just duplicate this all. Your pillow is gorgeous, love the size. I am getting closer to starting the state flower quilt myself.

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  39. Hi Vee
    Did you feel the earth shake today? I did--very scary for about 30 seconds!

    I have been blogging about three times a week for awhile and it is an easier pace. I think you'll enjoy it.

    Your pillow is gorgeous and such a nice idea. Are you putting pine needles in it to give it a scent?

    Your fence and flowers look very pretty! I'm sure you'll enjoy your new window. My kitchen window is a crank window but it opens up and not out so I can keep it open in the rain :)

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  40. Hi Vee
    I've missed your regular posting, but have to say that as someone who is trying to find some sanity with this blogging world-I understand.
    It looks like you've put your time to good work-love that pillow! I
    look forward to seeing those new paned windows when you get them in
    too. That kitchen is dreamy!

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  41. Hi Vee!

    I have trouble blogging once a month most of the time!

    Your pillow is just gorgeous - so pretty on the linen. I took a peek at the State Flower Quilt blocks and they were so pretty! Thank you for sharing some of those wonderful crafty blogs with us - I have found so many cute ideas from them!

    Hugs,
    Barb

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  42. I enjoyed catching up this morning with what has been going on in your life, busy times. Your petunia is doing so well and looks gorgeous.

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  43. I'm having a hard time keeping up with a weekly post and commenting......I understand where you're coming from.

    Your embroidery work pillow is beautiful. The coasters are so colorful and neat looking, such a sweet surprise.

    Your new window is going to be a great addition to your kitchen.

    Wow, your petunias are so pretty....everything here is dead or dying from our drought.....

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  44. Vee,I have come back to catch up with you, rather than comment on each post, I will tell you here how much I enjoyed my self so much. I think since you are not blogging each day, that you should finish that book. You are so gifted in putting thoughts in print.
    John's photo reminds me of my dh, so supportive and enjoying it right along with me, I get the feeling that He, like my dh is your greatest cheerleader. ~smile~
    We may not ever meet in person, though I think it would be great, but I feel as though I already know you, and blogland would not be the same without you and John. I count myself blessed to have gotten to know you.
    I certainly do understand about cutting back, as blogging takes a lot of time, especially if you are as gracious as you are. On a personal note,... when I was blogging almost twenty four seven, yes I have come to the conclusion that I have an addictive personality.~smile~ I gained extra weight, and my joints began to stiffen, not to mention projects and housework that piled to the ceiling.
    I should have emailed you, and apologize for such a long comment.
    Thanks for always inspiring me.
    Hugs,
    Sue

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  45. Vee, your blog is always so pretty, how do you do it?
    I didn't know you were making the state flowers quilt! I also bought the patterns, love Vicki's site, but have yet to start. The kitchen window- a good one is a must, we spend so much time there. You have a very handy hubby, and thoughtful at that :)

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  46. Vee.. haven't been around myself much these past weeks. So I'm making the rounds and visiting to catch up!

    Always enjoy my visits here, so I look forward to your new words and works!

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  47. How nice it must be to have a hubby who will do your projects! Just a little envious here! lol
    My entire house needs new windows I can actually OPEN!
    The morning glories--those heavenly blue are my favorite. Love them!

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  48. Another nice pillow or cushion as we call them. Glad you are getting on so well with the house these days.

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  49. Great pillow and coasters. I love that kitchen and I've found a sink like that which I hope to purchase in the future reasonably at IKEA.
    Hugs,
    Cathie

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