Look What I Found!

Last summer I made new cushions for the wicker sofa glider on my screened porch. We love to spend time on the porch during the warm weather months - reading, relaxing and eating meals away from the bugs. The glider itself is in good shape, but with a lot of use over the years, the cushions had seen better days. I made the new cushion covers with zippers in the twill fabric so that they could be removed and washed - they should last for years to come. The new cushions are sturdier and more comfortable than the originals, so I was very pleased with the results!

Recently, I was excited when I found this pretty tropical leaf print decorator fabric for just $3 per yard. I was going to buy a yard or so and make a couple of throw pillows for the glider. Then I quickly remembered that this fabric would totally clash with the other furniture on the porch. So, I bought all of the fabric and I decided to recover the rest of the furniture cushions!
I'll have to buy two zippers for the cushions on the chaise lounge, and then I'll have a whole new look for about $25. Yeah, I know I still have to do all the work, but I like to sew and I do love a bargain! I'm off now to prewash the fabric. Stay tuned for the results!

Virtually Carefree Cactus

There will be no stickers in your fingers from these cactus!

They are actually soft and fuzzy to the touch.

And they need no sunlight or water!

These cactus are made from felted recycled wool sweaters.
They each have a small felted flower and are softly stuffed with polyfil.

They make a wonderful, whimsical decorator item or use them as a pincushion!
Now available in my Etsy shop.

Pretty Beaded Flower Brooch

Oh, I do love flowers. These pretty flower brooches would add cheer to your day and be a lovely accent to just about any outfit.

I think these look like little exotic, tropical flowers.

And a pretty beaded rose is a nice touch anytime.

I've made all these flowers from felted, recycled wool sweaters. I added a swirl of seed beads, some embroidered leaves and have sewn a pin back securely in place. They would be a lovely accent to a dress, sweater, wrap, attached to a summer handbag or even worn with jeans. These and many more floral accessories are available in my Etsy shop today.

Awesome Asparagus

Asparagus spears growing in my garden.


Asparagus spears ready for dinner.

Asparagus plants mature very slowly. It takes three years from seed to first light harvest. Most gardeners buy one year old roots to plant and still have to wait two years to harvest the first spears. But, if you have the patience, it's well worth waiting. What a treat to enjoy the tender spears cooked on the grill, roasted in the oven, or added to salads and pasta dishes. The harvest season is April and May, then sadly it's time to let the plants enter their revival period.