Our sweet granddaughter Flora turned FOUR this past week and I thought she might enjoy something fun stitched up by her “Gramma Karen” in Vermont. I have peeked at Twig and Tale, a delightful pattern company more than once and decided it was time to try some wings.
Gosh, the first time through a pattern can sometimes be challenging, but Twig and Tale has wonderful video tutorials to help you along. Flora remains a girl who loves her purple, and the wing fabrics are 100% from my stash. I did have to purchase some (dreaded) interfacing to stiffen the wings. I really must do more research to find an alternative!
Along the way, my machine started skipping some stitches, and I should have stopped to change the needle. I’m not wild about the raw edges/zigzag appliqué. I’ve made some notes on the pattern so that I may try a different sequence, using hand appliqué next time. (Because, I don’t know, maybe all five grandkids need wings?) Also, next time, the poor moth will get some eyeballs. :-)
I do love the way the straps are made, with a series of snaps, so that the wings can be adjusted as the child grows, or they can be shared with a different sized sibling or friend.
The wing pattern comes in three sizes…small, medium and adult. Imagine a whole family of gorgeous winged creatures!
Have you heard the story of Max the cat who has graduated from Vermont State University? I heard the story on VPR this week, then on NPR later in the day. You can read about this fabulous tabby here.
A bit of foraged moss and lichen.
When I was a kid, my dad used to help us make terrariums for our bedrooms. I’ve been meaning to make one for the past year. I finally pulled out a glass canister and put one together this afternoon.
I could not resist adding a stack from my pebble collection.
Batman even found me a balsam sprout that self-seeded!
I purchased the tiny fern from a local nursery, but otherwise all the plants came from our woods. We’ll have to wait and see if everything “takes” in the terrarium.
I found guidelines for planting at Homestead Brooklyn. Look here!
The crabapples and lilacs are just about to pop. The coltsfoot that lined the road have gone to seed and they float in white murmurations as cars drive past and disturb them. A few days ago I pulled over just to watch the magic. We’ve been eating spinach and kale from the hoop house and the fig and Meyer lemon trees have been moved out onto the porch.
Paying attention to beauty and whimsy and magic and joy…this is what saves us, friends. Holding thoughts of each of you close to my heart. xo