I’m sorry I haven’t been able to answer your comments like I usually do… my life is so busy right now. I read the wonderful things you have to say and wish I could find time to answer, but just can’t right now. I didn’t realize it was going to be this time consuming almost a month after my hubby’s surgery, but it is! There is still a LOT that he can’t do, so guess who gets to? Plus Rebecca has been doing more than her share of the chores around here. It’s pretty much a sun up to sun down life for me right now.
This will just be a sort of “catch up” post today…. just to let you know what I’ve been up to, with a few pictures to share.
I like this picture of my china cabinet with the “new” stuff in it and my blue cabinet in the background.
Cindy sent me this picture of a table this morning and said, “I found the perfect island for your kitchen!” Isn’t it wonderful?
We also hung up some bird pictures in the kitchen on the shiplap. I think they are SO pretty and thrilled that Cindy brought them to me when she visited last weekend. They are theorem paintings… on cotton velvet. My hubby loves them! :o)
I’ve been considering a clock on the wall just to the left of my big window above my sink. I picked up one at Walmart, but think it’s maybe a bit too yellowish and also a little plain. I’m going to check out Hobby Lobby’s clocks before I take it out of the box.
I’ve also been thinking about curtains at my kitchen window. The window is big and I can see out of it just fine, but if I put up some Roman shades on the inside of my window trim, the shades will block my hubby’s view. He’s pretty tall (6’4″) so where he looks out is right where the fabric would be. I don’t think he’ll go for that. So I just took the temporary piece of muslin I had up there on a tension rod and split it in two pieces and put it on some black sliding clips. I wanted to see if I thought I might like the curtains to open in the middle and slide to the sides. My picture isn’t the greatest, but I think you see what I mean… I just have pins holding up the bottom… just to see if I like the look of them.
If you click on the picture, you can see the look a little better.
I was considering a taupe or soft blue colored buffalo check for them. I found a few pictures and a few links on Pinterest to show you what I meant.
The wall near my fireplace is painted a pretty blue color and I thought even a color like this buffalo check might tie the two rooms together.
My hubby mentioned it to me tonight… “I think you should sew something…” I think he might be right. It would be nice to have a doll dress to share. (I know Civil War dresses weren’t referred to as “frocks” but I wanted my title to rhyme.) I received a few requests for my next dress to be a Civil War dress and there is nothing I’d rather start up again with than a pretty Summery dress for one of my 1800’s girls. I found a couple of ideas on Pinterest and thought I’d get your thoughts…they are just sort of inspiration pictures…a starting point.
I’ll see you when I can,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne, so good to hear from you again! I have not doubt you are busy–any kind of ostomy can be pretty time-consuming by itself, and then added to that, the inability of the patient to do what he usually does, meaning others have to pick utp the slack or it doesn’t get done……well, I understand!!!
Loved seeing your pictures; I really love the birds!! The are so pretty, and are just perfect where they are!!
The clock–you know, against your wall, it does seem a bit yellow, but next to your counterop, it looks really good! I think you’ll have to get another clock (with a whiter dial?) there and compare, to see which looks better in your kitchen. Point to keep in mind: it needs to look right in your Whole Kitchen, not just agaisnt the wall! I think you’ll know when you find the right one!
I do like the buffalo check idea; either blue or taupe will work, I think; choose the one that looks best to you–you’ll be the one looking at that fabric every day for the next umpty-ump years!
I like both those gowns; the print fabric is so summery, but of course I do love the lavender silk with the lace (although I’d go with a lighter color or white lace–but I suppose this lace has darkened some with age).
Take care of yourself, dear Jeanne, and I do hope you get a chance to sew again, really soon, even if it’s just a seam or two. Prayers continue!
Hooray, you’re back! I really miss you on the days you are “off”! I know you must be very busy, and I completely understand, Jeanne. I think we all do, so no need to apologize for it.
Oh, how pretty the birds are! They add color and inspiration to the room, who doesn’t like a bit of wildlife to brighten up a room? Wonderful find!
I too, love the island! Did you or are you getting it? Is that a gray color? If so, if you could find a gray and white buffalo check to match that or close, that would work perfectly for the curtains. Cindy certainly has the eye, and the places to find things!
I do like the style of the clock, and I do see what you mean by too yellow, but it isn’t really that bad. But yes, you might want to check around for another to compare it with. Big, and plain are the way to go with clocks now, you see them everywhere, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding others. But then again, I don’t think this one is all that bad, and you might not find a clock with a white background that would match the white of your wall. Contrast is the way to go, not matchy matchy.
That pink dress would make a darling dress for some lucky dolly! It is really the perfect style and looks like something a proper young lady would wear to a tea party in your gazebo! I love the summery look of the ruffle around the shoulders, the pretty rose at the center and your fingerless lace gloves would be just the thing to complete it!
George has the right idea for you, to sew something! It’s what makes you THE Jeanne Marie! Say “hello” to him for me, and I hope things are getting better every day!
How about painting the base of the island piece the same color as the blue cabinet in the living room and going with a matching color check for the kitchen curtains? The cabinets are going to be white, right? Curtains are certainly an easy way to add color and interest to the kitchen and can even be changed out with the seasons. Thanks for posting the pictures. Glad George is doing well.
Hi Jeanne,
A quick hello…your perky birds are a plus for the kitchen…how nice that they greet you each time you are there. Decisions, decisions about an island (the photo was nice of that one), curtains, clock…and now a Civil War era gown! I do hope it all is fun for you~ a diversion from the daily routines that you, George and Rebecca are going through. George is so thoughtful to suggest that you sew something. I really like the floral dress but the other is surely gorgeous too….fun decisions.
Blessings/prayers.
Cindy found a beautiful island. I think we all need that one. The buffalo check curtains in the soft colors are really appealing. I wonder if you could find a clock framed in brass to go with Chandi. Black would go with the frames of those very attractive bird pictures, which is not a bad idea either.
What about shutters instead of curtains? Time to return to Pinterest. Your kitchen is full of lovely straight lines. I think whatever you choose for the window needs to hang or fold or whatever to go with the neat, precise lines you have established.
The thing I like about the idea of sewing something for dolls is that it won’t have to match with or blend with anything — how relaxing. It looks like you are planning a summer party dress from the Civil War period. You have lots and lots of beautiful lace and this seems like a nice way to use some of it. I’ll bet you even have some perfect fabric in your stash. The dresses above are fairly plain, but with the right lace, and maybe a fan like one you did earlier, and a pretty headpiece — we’ve seen your work, whatever you choose is going to be beautiful.
I’m wishing you a very pleasant, productive day.
Yes, you are severely missed when we don’t hear from you. Even though I understand that you are extremely busy and on the edge, the silence makes me worry about you know everything. I’m happy that you are there, George is recovering, and that you are even looking at sewing something.
What a lovely photo of the cabinets and your dramatic new floor.
I certainly hope you had Cindy snatch up that island for you. Painting it another color is always an option too if that doesn’t work. But, the design works perfectly for your room, and you really need an island.
The bird prints are a perfect addition. Love birds. In the first photo, the frames look to be on the blue tone, but black in the others. I prefer the black.
As to the clock, because it is inside a white box background, that is effecting how it looks. Perhaps, you can get it out of the box and hold it up to the wall or have someone hold it up and step back, because I like it. Goes perfectly with all you have.
Oh boy, here goes my window opinion. Now don’t take this the wrong way, but why would you want to block that wonderful view with fussy curtains at all? I would just leave it wide open to let in the light and beauty. If you feel the need for privacy at night, I would go with something plain. Not layers of Roman shades. Too much. They make great custom shades that pull down, or my preference, 2 inch wood/vinyl slat blinds. They come in many colors and usually have a clean narrow covering to hide them when up. They don’t take up much room at all and would leave the beautiful view intact. If you go with the buffalo checks, perhaps a smaller size check would work, like in the dining room or bedroom you showed. The kitchen check is too large for your window size. Just my opinion. I also don’t like hanging curtains at a kitchen window over the sink. Just asking to get dirty from water/food splashes. If you want to make something, figure out something that will not hang down any further than your porch roof line as seen from George’s height. Have him stand there and point to where that begins so you will know what space you have to work with. I’m sure there is some kind of blind with a cord on one side that would work that you can make. Think keeping the window open and uncluttered. I really like the bedroom/dining room checked long curtains. I believe I’ve seen some similar fabric at Ikea for a great price. Some of it can be ordered online.
Wow, that pink/rose dress made me gasp! The design is nice, but that fabric awfully loud for my taste. Think pale, muted. The second vintage lace and dainty pleated waist is lovely and demure.
Know you have been having some hot weather, well, we’re in for it over the weekend too. Supposed to be way over 100. Ugh.
Maybe you could mount Roman shades just below you light over the sink. That would extend the size of your window and not block your hubbies view. Then you could have the sliding curtains on the rod, maybe lace, like one of your Pinterest photos. I also love the birds that are stenciled I used to do them on velour paper and now I have to go find a place for mine—I totally forgot about them so thank you for reminding me
I am so happy for you that life is settling into your new normal and that sewing is again on your to do list.
I’m going to call Donna the Decorator! That is a wonderful idea for mounting the shade higher on the wall rather than being cramped in the window frame. Would allow for a Roman shade in checks to be used and not block any of the view. One would never know that the window starts lower as it would be covered. Great idea! I think you have just solved a problem I have too.
Such an interesting post! I love the clock. Love the curtains that pull to the side and George is right you probably need to sew just to get back in your “happy place”. You could toss a coin between the two dresses…both are cute as can be! Some sweet AG doll will be darling in it….with a big floppy hat if you do the one with roses ?
That island is cute but open shelves are a pain to keep tidy looking..maybe you could get baskets that would fit under or cover 3 sides with thin wood pieces painted to match?
Hope things are smoothing out a bit! Hugs ?
Hi Jeanne, so glad to see you back today. I’m sure you must be very busy
The island Cindy found is just wonderful. How nice to have a sister who hunts down goodies for you. The bird pictures are fantastic as well. With George’s love for birds, I’m no at all surprised he’s pleased as well.
The Civil War dresses are both nice, but I love the watered silk one with the lace collar because it’s obviously antique.
How sweet that George is encouraging you to sew again as he obviously know that’s a hobby you love. Hope things get easier very soon.
Dear Jeanne, I love your china closet! I was trying to see what pottery you had. Very lovely.
Do you know what would be nice? OK, I’ll bet you can think of 20 things faster than I can type this. Several pictures of your kitchen so we can all see what you are working with now.
I loved Cindy’s island and asked a couple of friends to look at it on their computers. I think it’s brown with a little gray, someone else said it was silver gray, someone else said, “What gray, that’s brown.” I wonder what it would look like with your floor?
I don’t have your cabinet space, so I’d like an island with doors, and then I’d put too much in it and dent the floor.
I like the blind idea — that’s what I used in my condo when I had a high, long window. I wanted something that gave me privacy but that I could easily see through or get out of the way and they worked very well. I also like the idea of shutters but I don’t know if they’d work well for that window, which is quite long (otherwise known as big and beautiful). The most important thing is to keep that great view.
I hope George is continuing to do well and that you and Rebecca are taking care of yourselves and each other and Reuben. Beyond that, a new dress would be a wonderful thing. I met someone new on AGPT and recommended your blog. Imagine how she’ll feel, never having seen any of your dresses — every dress a new one. What a super treat.
Put up a cornice (nice wood stained or painted, or ok wood covered with batting and fabric), then have your roman shade pull up into it so they are higher and out of your hubby’s line of sight. You can have them lined to help with heat loss in the winter. I will also offer that we have Levolor blinds (the up or down ones with no cords showing) and they do not impress me. We’ve had them in for repairs 3 different times (twice for 3 of the same ones!) and we had to pay shipping even though the repair was free ($135 the last time when we sent in 5 blinds). Hubby says maybe the only bottom up version works better. I just know we will not be buying any more Levolors. (We bought the first set for bathrooms and bedrooms before we moved in, and then the next year we bought the set for the living room windows, the 3rd year was the ones for our sun room. We spent thousands for these 22 blinds with the 3 orders, but we have 55 windows with 14 more we’d like to have blinds for to go with the curtains or for privacy. However, some of them I’d like remotes for since they are so high, others I’d like the woven woods or insulated warm window blinds, or they are odd shapes and need special order blinds. We’ll hit 8 years in this “new” house and we’re still procrastinating about solutions for these other windows. ) So my point with the ramble is… you’ve got time…. so take your time and figure out what you’d really like. PS I really love the detailing in the lavender dress. PSS We found after my husband’s surgery that it was more like 6 months before he was feeling better and at least a year before I stopped treating him like he was fragile.