Summer Sewing - for Fall

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date."  - Wm Shakespeare


I've been busy sewing fall things - too late, really. I should be deep in Christmas sewing. I also plan to can pears, make peach jam and paint the house. Summer is going toooooo fast!!


New fall things just listed on Etsy:

A very full skirt - and a matching top

I loved this fabric. Its called Farm Stand, so I made a reversible skirt -

 two skirts in one!

When you reverse it . . .

the other side!

Then some bonnets:

Whoops, that was Marley D.

Here's the bonnets:

Enough Farm Stand, here's a twirly top and matching pants

 - perfect for back to school.

Hi from Sunny!

Love, Linda

Myth Creations by Dora

Hi everyone,

Today I would like to share the artistry of my friend, Dora Siemel. She is a sculptor working in ceramics, and her website "Myth Creations," can be found here.

I've known Dora for, well, let's just say many years. During my visit to her studio last week, she kindly allowed me to photograph two of her latest creations. The first one is called "Chicomecoati, Aztec Goddess of Fertility and Patron of Artists."

Dora kiln fires all her creations herself, and adds additional embellishments after firing. She is using a new medium called "freeform crochet" which I'm sure will interest all you textile artists. She describes the process as "just starting without a pattern and creating new forms without thinking about it." You will see the freeform crochet on this piece.

Above, use of crochet and feathers for ear ornaments.

Below, the headdress.

The second piece is still in progress, but she agreed to let me photograph it. Dora is famous for her horse head sculptures. This one is entitled: "A Steed as Dark as Erebus, With Rainbow Tatters in His Mane."

Isn't he beautiful??

He truly has a "rainbow mane." I hope you have enjoyed seeing a different kind of artistry.

 For a list of shows and contact information, please see Dora's website link.

Love, Linda

Tea Party! with Recipes

I had a tea party yesterday - and promised to share some recipes.

First thing is to set the table . . . and make some herby centerpieces. Coleus and potato vine, asparagus fern, sage, and some of the herbs I didn't put in the food - parsley, basil and rosemary.

Table is all set!

Le Menu:

Chilled Peach Champagne Soup

Salmon Mousse Hearts

Sandwiches:

Cucumber Herbed Cream Cheese

Tomato and Aged Cheddar

Shrimp Salad

Raspberry Scones with Raspberry Cream Cheese

Fudgy Brownies with Praline Topping

Wines

Tea Assortment

Food preparation - champagne for the soup - and the cook!

Peach Champagne Soup

5 Local Ripe Peaches, peeled and stones removed

Superfine sugar to taste, about 1/2 cup depending how sweet the peaches are.

Juice from 1/4 lemon

Champagne

Put the 1st three items in the blended and puree. Store overnight in the refrigerator. Before serving, add 2 to 3 cups champagne. Stir together with a whisk and serve chilled.

Drink the rest of the champagne.

Fudgy Brownies with Praline Topping

1 1/4 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 sticks butter

4 squares bittersweet chocolate

4 squares semisweet chocolate

(eat the rest of the chocolate - it's good for you)

Get really good chocolate

2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla

5 eggs

5 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 tablespoons water

2 cups confectioners sugar.

Oven 350* Butter a 13 x 9 inch pan.

Mix flour and salt in a small bowl.

Melt butter and chocolates over low heat, stirring

frequently. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and

sugar. Add eggs, stir until well-mixed.

Stir in flour mixture and spread in prepared pan.

 Bake about 30 minutes.

Praline topping: Heat 5 tablespoons of butter and 1/3 cup brown sugar over medium heat until mixturebubbles, about 5 minutes. With a wire whisk beat in 1 tablespoon vanilla and 2 tablespoons water. Stir in 2 cups confectioners sugar. Spread over cooled brownies.

Making the praline - and the finished brownies!

Salmon Mousse Hearts

, , , and the Raspberry Scones

I forgot a picture of the sandwiches - until they were all eaten! They looked nice on the white three-tier server though!

The guests:

I've set you a place! Love, Linda

"Make thee a box of rosemary, and smell to it, and it shall preserve thy youth."

Wm Shakespeare

Etsy Cottage Colors Party!

Summer garden post: My garden is mostly in containers this year. Here are a few of them . . .

Happy Summer! May it never end!

Love, Linda

Fall Sewing

Hi everyone!
Time for fall sewing projects. Look at these yummy fabrics!

New patterns!

And for those who want the Shabby Christmas spirit . . .

The first project is complete! A fall REVERSIBLE skirt for little girls.

Two skirts in one! This is the other side.

This one is Size four and listed in my Etsy store. I welcome custom orders for other sizes and colors.

Still visiting creative spaces on Where Bloggers Create, and I'm following lots of new blogs. Click on the button at right to see Where Bloggers Create.

Love, Linda