Sunday

I cut out some 5 inch squares for a new quilt...
I baked some fresh bread. I love the way it looks right out of the oven; warm and smelling oh-so good.
I washed and dried my zigzag quilt. I love when a quilt comes out of the dryer warm, and perfectly crinkly.
I love Sundays. How was yours?

It Was Lovely

I went to Buffalo with my mom to visit some family and attend a cousin's baby shower. It was so lovely up there. We had perfect weather and it was such a welcomed relief after all the heat we have had in Florida. Highs were in the mid sixties by day...in the fifties at night. I actually wore a fleece! Gasp!

While there we hit up a couple estate sales and I scored three lovely vintage items. My favorite is the dachsund. He was with 3 others and they were all made in Germany. Sadly I just didn't have enough room to bring back all 3, so only this one made it with me. As we all know flying isn't what it used to be and all these fragile lovelies had to be packed and brought as a carry on. Luckily they made it unscathed! The violet cup is bone china, made in England. Not sure what I'll use it for yet. The rooster is also very cute and matches somewhat a vintage rooster planter that I got when I was living in LA. The trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to a LYS! I bought 6 hanks of this alpaca/wool blend in a yummy fall color to make a cardigan. I am finally making headway on a sweater that I started 2 years ago. I'll post photos soon. It's the Millie cardigan by Alicia Paulson. Anyway, after that cardigan I'll start my new one using the yarn above.

So, the baby shower was hosted by a friend of the family who lives in this lovely farmhouse

out in Wilson, NY. She has pumpkins growing in her garden. Pumpkins people, pumpkins! It put me over the edge. I was so giddy at the sight of all things fall like, as Florida is lacking in all things fall.
Plus, there were all these kittens running around. I think I was in heaven. Nothing compares to kitten love. To me anyway. All soft, and squishy. They purred and purred. Momma cat was nice too but a little skittish. This white & gray baby captured my heart. Sigh.
I whipped up a crochet hat and sweater for my cousin's little one. As the photo probably dictates, she's having a baby boy in December-ish. I really loved all the handmade gifts she received. In addition to what I made, 2 of her friends crocheted some other items including a sweater and booties. I appreciate that so many peeps are still making by hand.
I took this photo as we were getting ready to leave. It's one of my favorites. That's my aunt and cousin standing to the left of the tree with 2 younger shower guests. If I close my eyes I can still picture being there. A perfect afternoon.

For All You Poodle Lovers...

....I made a poodle totebag! I took a vintage poodle transfer pattern, traced it with a pencil on to tracing paper, then I copied it with a transfer pen onto regular white copy paper, and then ironed the design on to a piece of white linen. I quickly decided that this poodle should be none other then the color pink!

So here she sits, framed by patchwork squares. Sewn together with other patchwork squares to make the back, and voila! A poodle patchwork tote. I dare say it turned out really cute. I made it for my shop though it is tempting to want to keep it just to make shopping or library venturing more fun!

I was also naughty. I placed an online fabric order. My mind is contemplating various creative projects while I sit at my office desk all day. Alexander Henry has outdone himself this time with the chickens and apples. Just in time for fall!
Over the weekend I got bit by the baking bug. On the Monday labor day holiday I decided to whip up some cupcakes from the Martha cupcake book. These are the roasted banana cucpakes with cinnamon vanilla buttercream. They are delish! I didn't roast the bananas however, and I only used 1 banana because that's all I had. So the banana flavor is mild, yet still yummy. The recipe calls for 3 bananas, plus more for garnish. Perhaps I'll try that next time!

I've officially gotten bit by the bread making bug! This is my second loaf of Amish White Bread and it may very well be the best white bread I've. Ever. Tasted. Ever. Sorry, store bought bread. I'm ending our relationship now in favor of some homemade goodness. I cut the recipe in half so as to only make 1 loaf. Slather on some Bonne Maman and you've got yourself a slice of heaven on a plate!

What did you do or make over the Labor Day weekend?