Hazel & Delt

`

I have such a spot in my heart for my country. As a member of the DAR, I have a special pride as we celebrate the dedication and sacrifices of my ancestor, and so many others before us, in forming a new nation. Happy Independence Day.  

With cherry season on I went out and got a pitter and started on my first cherry pie. The only fruit pies I've made have been apple and strawberry.I don't love cherry pies, so I thought I would make it for a friend couple.

        

I used this filling recipe and this super awesome easy recipe for the pie crust, which I will be using again soon. Aretha was puppying out and pulling on my apron ties the whole time. 

So, I did something wrong because the pie didn't set very well. I had one little bite and it tasted fine, well actually it was really good, so I was still willing to share with them- a little liquidy or not.  

I heard Aretha get quiet, went to check her out and she had her big puppy face in the pie. And then it was like this. And my friends will have none. **By the way, sorry for the funk. what's the deal with typepad? argh*

I didn't actually take the before pictures until the contractor had begun some of the work, but you can't really tell. So, the studio is two rooms plus a small bathroom and a couple of closets totaling about 300 square feet. We think it was built sometime in the 1950s and of course used to be a little rental home behind the main house. One room will be used for sewing world. 

 

 

The other room will be for not sewing- I'm so looking forward to getting started on all those other crafty things I haven't had a chance to really pursue. There will be a large stainless steel sink and counter under the window to help with anything paint, ink, or dye related. Also a work table and a bookshelf. 

 

The bathroom is great. I mean great as long as you don't actually have to bathe in it. If the shower head still works I'm keeping it. There is a drain hole in the floor and you never know when it may come in handy to have a shower head coming out of the wall. Plus I really just like the way it looks. The bathroom window is also the only window that hasn't been replaced by the previous owners and I'm thinking it is perfect for window film.

My little cottage is finally really on its way to becoming a sewing studio! It was supposed to start on renovation in April, but the first contractor turned out to be a creep and I had to find someone else. Turns out the new guy loves dogs, and I'm so glad because Aretha runs out in the mornings and tries to *help*. It looks as if it will be finished sometime in August so I will be fully back sewing by fall. No more cramped sewing corner. I'm beyond excited. More soon... 

A piece of history

Knowing I'm not alone in loving those little pieces of history that tell a story. How I would love to own this one- found via Reference Library.  

new old chair

I got in a hurry to get the chair re-covered and grabbed some fabric from a local fabric store right after I got this chair at a thrift store. Now I don't really love the fabric I chose and the texture is just so Emma thinks it is her new scratching thing. I really wish I had thought a little before I had it covered because I could have gotten something really good like the stripe in cayenne fabric from hable construction.

almost 6 months...

springtime, new home, outside

Sadly, I have not been sewing since moving into the new house; I have been waiting on edge for my sewing studio (guest cottage) to be renovated. It is gutted, and still needs real walls and floors and such. I have turned my focus more to getting the house together and embroidering- both seem very good for springtime. And every chance I get I'm spending time here:

on the front porch:

rocking chairs from Tennessee based Hinkle Chair Co.,
Marimekko throw pillow

or in the backyard:

vintage glider from the flea market

colored tp

I wish this wasn't so pricey because I love the idea of having bold and funky toilet paper all the time; it's kind of funny. Black is my favorite, but a handful of bright colors are available. Made by French company Renova.

Mmm...Cake

My Dad, who loves the email forward, sent me this picture. Entirely cake and frosting.