the loud birds are still awake

...and it's 8:45! That's a sign that we must be close to summer. You know, I have more pictures of my Alewives Fabrics visit the other day. Of course. How can I NOT go there with camera in hand? 

The Amy Butler Birdie Sling Bag

Yummy, plush flannel birdies

It was a pleasant Sunday, I was with Joanie (go ahead, leave her a comment, it'll knock her socks off!), and there was beauty all around the store. 

Rhea (aka Alewives Girl) encouraged me to cut my border fabric for my quilt (so handy that I toted it along), right there in the store with all the nifty gizmos. But really even better was her standing there lending me moral support and watching my patented technique of holding my breath while cutting fabric.

Rhea at work on a duvet cover

You see? Gorgeous.

More later about that sparrow fabric...

I kept coming back to this pattern.

I am not sure I am ready for it.

Good to know such cuteness exists.

I am excited to tell you that Ravenhill is having a giveaway: two prizes for the craftily and sewing-minded. Check it out---although by telling you, I am lowering my own chances to win. But I guess that's how much I like the people who are reading this blog.

Finally, a question or two. Sometimes, does getting out the door in the morning feel like a creative endeavor to you, finding the right shoes, having the teeth brushed, not being a broken record about socks on the floor, etc.? Or the elaborate way that we juggle the schedules of four family members? (And believe me, I would not consider us over-scheduled, just...well, four people). So do you have any tips for morning smoothness and/or peace? What's your favorite type of morning?

Happy May Day

"Yellow Cape House dress/thirty years loved, then passed on/for another's use."

On Monday, Jake's last living grandma died at 100 years old. Trudy had just about the most lovely death you could imagine, surrounded by her four children, two of their spouses, and one grandson (Jake); as she died they were holding her, speaking encouraging words, and giving their love. What a gift that Jake was there with her. The whole last day of her life (she was sleeping), she had a full hospital room of her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids coming and going, rubbing cream on her hands and feet, laughing and joking, sharing stories of her life.

For Jake's whole life, whenever he visited the family home on Cape Cod, Trudy wore a yellow shirt-waist dress. The dress meant summer days and lots of cousins and family, the beach and ice creams. I knew her in the dress there as well, and one year remarked to her that I always thought of her in that dress at the Cape. She replied, "You know, I finally gave that dress to the Goodwill. I was just sick of seeing myself in so many pictures in it, but it had plenty of use left in it for someone else." A true Yankee who had lived as an adult through the Depression, she never wanted to throw something away that might still be useful.

Below, inspired by a Neruda poem, a child wrote these words:
"Where did the star leave its book tonight?"

And look at these gifts from friends...
Robinsunne noticed my delight at this lovely stamp she made, so she stamped me up some cards for my "crafting pleasure!" They came in their own pocket on an ATC.


And Emily, of Ravenhill, was actually on this continent and right in my neighborhood, but we weren't able to connect this visit! But we managed to pass each other some lovelies anyway. I sent her some ATCs and she sent me a little gift bag with one of her most special Babushka dolls inside! I am thrilled. Ravenhill has an Etsy site also, if you'd like to see more. Did you know that in Norway there is a saying: There is no bad weather, only bad clothes? I love it, and learned it from Emily's blog!

I am disappointed that my camera cannot really capture the details, but I think you can see that there is some delicate applique and embroidery, not to mention a delightful mix of colorful fabrics.

Month of May Comment Give-Away!
So, yes, the commenting should be easier now, so I wonder if you'd like to leave one and have your name entered in a bowl for a "Thank you for Reading" ATC giveaway? In your comment, leave your name and email (if I don't have it) so that if you are the lucky winner I can let you know and find out how to send you your booty. I will draw four names, for the four weeks in this month! Just drop a little note...it doesn't have to be fancy