Sew, Snow and Blessings

Friday, February 3, 2017

Earlier this month, I became a great-aunt again, to a sweet little girl living up in the gentle hills of Tennessee.  I wanted to make something for the wee little one, and decided to pull out my favorite pattern for a little girl's dress.


 I used three different pink fabrics that I've had for years.  I think two of them may have been purchased from Stampin Up! when they were selling a fabric line.


My favorite part of the dress is the cute little flower I created for the dress.  The idea for this little flower came from my days as a Stampin Up! demo, and combines both sewing and the Big Shot die cutting machine.


Any die cut machine will do this, but I really love my Big Shot, as it requires no electricity, just a hand crank, and it works amazingly.  It will cut just about anything that is thin enough to pass through, even tin!


I have this large scallop die cut that I believe is no longer sold through SU, and it is one I will always keep.  It is so versatile and has so many uses.  I simply cut the scallop out by passing it through the die machine 2-3 times to get a nice clean cut.


My next step could be done by hand, or by machine. I chose to do it by machine. I just sewed a smaller circle in loose stitches around the scallop edge.



Then I just gathered the stitches together until it "scrunched' up into a little flower shape.


And lastly, the easiest part, and one which truly just adds a very special touch, I hand sewed a shabby fabric rose to the center of the scallop.  You can buy these fabric roses at Hobby Lobby in the lace/ribbon section.  It comes in a roll, and you just cut them off one at a time.  I love these shabby roses, after being introduced to them by Stephanie at The Enchanting Rose.  

I also made a second scalloped shabby rose and finished off the back with a small cut piece of fabric, and glued on a little clip for the little one to wear in her hair if desired.  

Now there is something very special about this little dress, that I have never had before when making them.  Can you see the difference in the picture below? 


 I now own a serger! 


A precious friend of mine called me back in October to tell me she had come up with the perfect surprise for Christmas for me.  She gave me some clues, one of which included "you will have to go back to school", and "you will scream when you see what it is"...  I was quite perplexed, and shared her clues with my family, and they all agreed with me, it was a puzzle and a surprise all in one.  

This dear friend of mine is an immigrant from the Ukraine.  Her daughter and my daughter became close friends in high school, and because of their friendship, we became friends too.  It was a win-win!  She has an amazing grasp of the English language, but still there is a bit of a language barrier there, and we often spend a lot of time laughing together, as we try to understand what each of us is trying to say. Sometimes we just use hand signals, or facial expressions to convey what we want to say.  In other words, any time we get together, laughter and fun fill every moment of our time.  She is a precious dear soul who is generous, fun and loving beyond words.  

In her country, every time you go to someone's house you bear a gift, and so, her generosity each time we get together is a precious thing.  I'm so thankful the Lord allowed our paths to cross.  She doesn't believe in the Lord or that there even is a GOD in heaven, and we've had many conversations about that too.  I feel great hope that someday she will learn to love HIM as I do, but for now, I just love her, and am so thankful for what her friendship means in our life.  

So, I shared all that to tell you this... my dear sweet Ukranian friend and her daughter bought me this amazing serger for Christmas!  She showed up at my house a few days before Christmas with this big box wrapped so prettily, and inside, was a present I could hardly believe.  Did I scream? Yes, with delight!   


And the clue about having to "go back to school", yes indeed, owning a serger has caused me to delve into videos and how-to's to learn just how to use this amazing machine.  But thankfully, my dear friend T knows all about sewing machines and sergers, because she is a clothing designer, and has amazing skills with both the sewing machine and serger.  She told me that after she saw my work making little girl dresses that I needed a serger, and she was going to make sure I had one!  Such a huge generous heart she has, I feel overwhelmed by her sweet and generous spirit!  

I'm so proud of her too!  Just this week, on Monday, she became an American citizen!  She studied hard for the citizenship test, and made 98%, passing with flying colors, an honor for her to become a citizen of this great country.  She is the kind of immigrant that this country thrives on, one with a generous heart who is not afraid of working hard, and doing all she can to make the world a better place that she lives in.  How blessed we are to have her in our lives! 

Would you pray with me that the Lord would continue to work in her life? I have seen moments where her heart has been touched, and she has allowed me to pray with her many times, but there is something there, I'm sure having something to do with her past in the Ukraine, that keeps her from knowing HIM as Lord and Savior.  She has asked me to pray with her many times, yet she says she does not believe in a god.  So, I know it is just a matter of the Lord's time for her to know Him in a beautiful way! {smiles}

And speaking of the Lord's timing... as I was writing this post, the mailman came and dropped off a large package to me today!   Blessings upon blessings!  

As I opened the package, my heart was in complete amazement at the amazing generosity of another friend of mine!  


A precious card inside told the story... my dear friend Cheryl who blogs at Homespun Devotions sent me this large collection of fabric, as she is currently downsizing, and reducing, and she wanted to bless me with all this fabric!  She knew that I enjoy sewing, especially these little girl dresses, and wanted to bless me with this generous gift of lovely fabric pieces.


Oh the possibilities!


All the beautiful possibilities for different fabric combinations that she sent me!  And I think I shall have some help with it all, although probably not the most productive kind of help.... {smiles}


Did you think I could have a post without our sweet little girl in it? LOL!  No, I'm afraid not. She has made herself known in every part of our lives now, and when she saw me enjoying the fabric, she just had to see it too!



I think this one shall be a pillow.... let's try it out! 


"No, you can't have it.  It's mine now!" 


"What... you mean I can't play tug-o-war with your pretties?"



"Hee hee hee... we shall see about that... "


"Oh Grandmommy, it's so fun, please, let's play".... at which point the camera drops, and a certain fur ball is scooped into my arms and told no, she can't chew up my pretties!  LOL. Riley and I both thank dear Cheryl for her generosity in sending me this delightful package today!  

In other news, we are getting a snowstorm here today, and are expecting about a foot of snow today, and then rain tomorrow... ick!  You know me, I love the snow so much, but the rain is going to mess it all up!  So, we are enjoying the snow today, while it comes down so prettily. 


Annie, has become comfortable in her role as "momma" to Riley, was watching over Riley, and enjoying the snow coming down too. 


Here we have Riley holding the turkeys hostage!  They are not happy with her keeping them away from the feed block.  They call out to me as I watch, begging me to do something, lol!


We are having just too much snow fun, enjoying it while it lasts!




Have a blessed and lovely weekend,  
from our snowy world to yours! 

78 comments

  1. What a talent lady you are, very cute little dress you have made. How nice of your friend to give you a serger. I will say a prayer for your friend to know Christ as her Savior.

    Blessings,
    Teresa

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    1. Thank you for your visit, sweet words and prayers, Teresa, they mean so much! Hugs to you today :)

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  2. The serger was such a generous gift and I'm sure you'll work wonders with it after 'your schooling'. :-)
    An ingenious way to start the fabric flower by using a die and the finished dress is adorable.
    It looks like Riley would like you to make her something with the gifted fabric, something girly perhaps?
    xx

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    1. Perhaps Riley needs a little coat with all this cold weather we are having, lol! Thank you for your visit Judith, I hope you are having a lovely week!

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  3. The dress is so darn cute! I can't even sew a straight line. I do embroidery and stuff like that, but useful stuff? Nope. Truth be told, I don't even know the difference between a sewing machine and a serger.

    Riley already looks bigger than last week.

    It's pouring snow here in Post Falls. We're buried. Our precious "snow plow fairy" fell and broke his pelvis and damaged 7 ribs. Ouch. Even from his hospital bed he told all his accounts that his side kick Richard would get to us. How's that for good service? Our driveway is too big and we're too old to deal with the snow. Hubby does paths to the gates and that's about it.

    I'm getting ready to clean out my craft stuff over the next few weeks. When I get it all sorted, I'll send you a list and anything you want is yours. I already sent all my beads to a blogger buddy in Boise a few months ago.

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    1. Haven't we gotten a ton of snow! And more on the way! I do hope you were able to get your driveway plowed, I'm sorry to hear about the difficult mishap of your snowplow person!

      I'm sure you could sew if you can embroider! A serger finishes the edges off nicely, like in garments you buy at the store, while a sewing machine stitches various edges. It is very handy when making clothing or finishing edges, to have a serger.

      Well that sounds like a lot of work, cleaning out your craft room! Thank you for thinking of me, I will be glad to see what I can use, and perhaps that will give us an opportunity to meet :) Hugs to you today dear friend!

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  4. That dress is adorable! I would love to sew and I planned to start quilting this year but that has not happened yet. I am sure that I will at some point. I hope to work on many crafts this year.
    My problem is that the money is usually don't there to get the supplies. I love to make cards and other small crafts, but it takes money of which I don't really have.
    I don't quite know what a serger is, but it seems as though you are truly excited about yours.

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    1. I understand that it takes a lot of money to craft, some things anyway. However, there is a lot you can do with things you have around the house too. I find that if I'm making something and don't have everything, I can improvise and come up with something new, that is what makes crafting fun, adding your own touch to it! I am so happy you stopped by for a visit, and hope that we continue to get to know each other! Have a blessed day :)

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  5. Hello Marilyn,

    The dress is adorable and love the sweet flower that you made for on it.

    You have to love friends with such generous hearts that give sergers for Christmas gifts.
    that is an amazing story. I will surely pray for your friend that she will come to know the Lord. You are certainly doing the right thing by loving her and one day, in His time, she will come to know Him also.

    Riley is so adorable.

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    1. Thank you for your prayers for my friend! I do believe the Lord has orchestrated our friendship for a reason. She has an aunt in the Ukraine who is a believer and who has prayed for her, she tells me. I think it is just a matter of time! Thank you for your visit Dianna, have a blessed day!

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  6. That is a precious little dress, it will look so sweet on your niece.

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    1. Thank you Mary, your sweet words and visit are always a blessing!

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  7. Hello,
    Oh my, what a lovely post, your sharing of the story gave me goose bumps! God is working!! I went to Ukraine in 2006 for two weeks to work at an orphanage. Your friendship with this women is wonderful. I will be praying. You are a light my friend!
    I love snow as well!!
    Enjoy the weekend,
    Carla

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    1. How awesome that you got to go to the Ukraine in 2006! That must have been quite an experience! My friend has an aunt in the Ukraine that has prayed for her for years. I do believe our paths have crossed with purpose! Thank you for praying! Enjoy your blog break, have a blessed week :)

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  8. I LOVE that little dress and can you BELIEVE that serger???? OMGOSH!!! What a fantastic surprise!!! I have to get my sewing area set up downstairs again. It is so dreary that I hate going down to the basement and that is where I set up to sew. I have a serger that jams every time I use it. It just drives me nuts!
    We had a friend that did not believe in God or anything beyond the here and now. When he got sick (and we knew he was dying) we prayed with him. He said he just couldn't believe. We asked him....What do you have to lose? If WE'RE right and there is a God that you can believe in then you win...and IF you die and there is NOTHING there what have you LOST by believing. Before he passed he became a believer. I know there was something in his early years that made him think there was no God (by whatever had happened to him) but when he was sick and out of control of his life- he finally believed that there must be something beyond what we could SEE and PROVE...we talked a lot about FAITH in what is seen and unseen.
    Okay-more than I planned on saying...lol
    Have a great weekend- xo Diana

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    1. That is such an awesome story Diana, it just blessed me so much to hear it! It's true, you just never know how and when the Lord is going to work in someone's life! Yes, that is T's difficulty, she finds it hard to believe something she can't see. However, it is all in God's timing!

      I've heard a lot of stories about sergers that don't work right. So far mine is new, and works great... I hope that continues, lol! I know you make beautiful sewing projects, but it would be tough to have to sew in a dark place. I need lots of light to see what I'm doing.

      I know this has been a tough week for you, missing your brother. Praying for you friend!

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  9. I'm so thankful you enjoyed your package, sweet friend. And, that dear, little Riley! So precious! I look forward to seeing what all you make on that new serger with the fabric. Sending you much love and many hugs!

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    1. Thank you again so very much dear Cheryl, it was such a blessing to receive all the goodies you sent me! I have great plans :) I just need to find the time to do them all, that is the bigger problem, lol! Many hugs to you today dear friend!

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  10. Such a beautiful dress, Marilyn. Love the fabrics you chose and the flower finishes it off perfectly. Oh my......a serger!! What a lovely friend to think of you and gift you such an amazing present. I don't doubt you screamed upon opening this wonderful gift. I will keep your lovely friend in my prayers....with you as her friend, she can't help but see the Lord in your life. Love those fabrics....you have been spoilt...and rightly so. Sweet Riley just gets cuter by the day, doesn't she.

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    1. I'm so thrilled to have the serger, still lots to learn about it for sure! I am so blessed to have her friendship, and hope that the Lord will continue to touch her heart. Appreciate your prayers! and yes, Riley does just get cuter and cuter every day, she has certainly wiggled her way into our heart!

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  11. I'm sure she will look sweet in that pretty dress.

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    1. Thank you Barbara! I've been busy with the fabric you sent me! I hope to post in the next day or so what I've made :)

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  12. Good Morning, That is such a darling dress. The serger is such a thoughtful gift. I love the fabrics you were gifted, also. Love that sweet Riley "supervising" your every move! lol I hope you have an enjoyable Saturday.

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    1. Thank you Mildred, it has all been such a blessing! Appreciate your visit :)

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  13. Beautiful little dress, great friends and snow which you also love. Sounds perfect!

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    1. All of it is a blessing, I am so thankful! Appreciate your visit, as always Marie! Have a lovely day :)

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  14. That die cut machine is amazing! I have never heard of such a thing for fabric. And lovely job on the dress. I just love candy sweet fabrics like those. Congrats to your friend on becoming an American. May the seed be planted in her heart and the Lord water it to life. <3

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    1. Oh I do love the Big Shot, it cuts a lot of different materials, and is very versatile in what it can do. I love using it for a mixed variety of crafts. Thank you for the prayers for my friend, so appreciated! I know the Lord is working in her heart and life :)

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  15. You are a talented lady to make that sweet little dress for your great niece. What a beautiful gift from your Ukrainian friend! I know you will get lots of use out of it with your sewing skills. Riley looks so cute in all the pictures. Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. Thank you Pamela, so many blessings, and I'm so very thankful! Appreciate your visit, hope you are having a lovely week :)

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  16. Dear, dear Marilyn! Oh, my heart is rejoicing with you! How good and gracious is our Lord? Oh, praise Him for this marvellous blessing...what a wonderful gift from His kind and faithful hands! Ah...this story brought such joy to me and I am thanking God for His goodness towards you... What a sweet, precious friend you have and I know she is beyond blessed to have you as her friend too! May the Lord do mighty work in her life and lead her to Himself... I will be praying for her salvation and for the Lord to speak through you! Thank you for being a vessel for Him! Oh and how very kind of Cheryl to think of you! She is SO kind and generous and such a wonderful blessing in the lives of many, mine included!! I know you are going to enjoy creating with such lovely fabrics... Riley is too precious for words!
    I am in awe of the beautiful dress you made for the new little girl in your life...such a pretty, feminine dress made in the most darling of fabrics! How precious she is going to look dressed up in it...oh, you did a fabulous job and my, the serger certainly added a professional finishing touch to the dress! Making clothes for little girls is something I dearly love and I have been enjoying it more and more of late as I become a wee bit more experienced...well, a very little it anyway! {{Smiles}} Practice makes perfect! What an adorable little flower you made to adorn the bodice...hooray for your Big Shot machine...so very handy! {{Smiles}}
    Oh, Marilyn...this post put such a big smile on my face this afternoon! Enjoy your creating and the last couple weeks of winter!
    Thinking of you and sending great big hugs your way!
    Love, love and more love,
    Kelly-Anne

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    1. Kelly-Anne, you do leave the most endearing comments ever! It is just like sitting down to a cup of tea and visiting with you when you stop by! Thank you ever so much for leaving such a sweet comment, and yes, we do love dear Cheryl, don't we! Such a precious gem she is, what a blessing she has been to us since we met!

      I know that you are such a talented sewer, and I have been inspired many times to get busy sewing after seeing the amazing creations you and your sister have made!

      Thank you for praying for my friend, I believe all my friends praying for her is going to really impact her life! I look forward to sharing the good report soon!

      Hugs to you today dear friend! Enjoy your lovely sunny weather, even as we enjoy our wild wintry weather here :)

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  17. I have four great nieces and I would love be able to sew like that and present them each with a dress! You are so talented and what a generous friend you have! A serger is a wonderful tool and will add so much to your sewing. Have fun with it! Oh and congratulations to your friend. That is quite and accomplishment!

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    1. Thank you Kim! I know you could sew this little girl's pattern, it is soo easy, trust me! You know how you and I both like easy but cute, well this pattern fits the bill. The tutorial and instructions that come with it are the best. You could do it! Let me know if you ever want to make a cute 2-hour dress, and I'll get you going :) Appreciate your visit as always, have a wonderful day!

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  18. Oh Marilyn the little dress for your great niece is just darling! What a big surprise the serger was from your loving friend. I'm sure through your example, she will come to know and love The Lord. What a blessing that He brought you both together through your daughters. Another surprise was the blessing of the fabrics! Have fun creating. ❤️

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    1. So many blessings, and a big thankful heart I have! Appreciate your visit Kitty, you always bless my heart with your sweet comments! Have a lovely day :)

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  19. Wow! What fun for you! I'm really happy for you that your friends gave you a serger and some material and you have a puppy to enjoy it all with! Very heartwarming blog. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Such blessings indeed, I'm so thankful for them all! Hugs to you today :)

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  20. Hi there, What a blessing to get all that fabric and the love that sent it. The dress is adorable and sure to be a big hit. Love seeing your Riley with all the pretty colors-I think the green looks especially good.
    We have sunshine today and lots of wind that is blowing the snow away. I'm ready for spring.
    Hugs,
    Noreen

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    1. Thank you Noreen for your sweet comment, it means so much! Glad you are getting some sunshine! We are racking up the inches of snow here, lol! Spring is coming, but it doesn't quite feel like it yet, not here anyway! Hugs to you today :)

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  21. Oh wow! I love this post... I learned so much about you in this...you are a talented seamstress and a very well loved person. I will definitely be praying for your Ukrainian friend to come to know the Lord. I believe she will...as I can feel Jesus reaching out to her through you, and that is why she is so drawn to you but doesn't know it yet. Give her time...The Lord is at work. Love the Riley pics...so precious...and the other snow pics with the doggies and turkeys. I saw some turkeys today as well, and will post some pictures in my next blog. But no snow! Blessings to you today. What a treasure you are!!

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    1. Well, talented not so much, I can sew, but there are so many others who have way more talent than me! Thank you for your sweet and kind words, I am truly blessed, in so many ways! I would love to send you some snow :) We have lots to go around, lol! Hugs to you today dear friend!

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  22. Thank you for the many smiles, what a lucky little girl to have such a wonderful aunt who can make things, smiles.

    My husbands family are not believers and it has caused quite a firestorm, especially the last several days with the death of a beloved uncle. It has caused undue emotions and hard feelings with us...how can a person not believe? All the ugliness the last few days, the harsh words etc...Just look around at all the beauty...I know, sweet friend, just preaching to the choir, so to speak.

    Again, thank you for the smiles...have a beautiful weekend. And Coffee, our German Shep. has not left our sides since the uncle passed away, like he knows...I often wonder about that...smiles

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    1. Sorry I'm so tardy getting to your comment, life gets busy with an energetic puppy underfoot, lol! So sorry about your uncle, and sure hope some peace has come into that situation for you! How are you faring with all the crazy snow you've gotten? Will stop by and say hello shortly. And yes, dogs do understand the emotions we are feeling, so sweet about your Coffee! I love his name! Hugs to you friend :)

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  23. I need to know more about the rose bud you made! Do they really come on a roll and you just cut them? I'm looking for ideas just like this!

    And now for Riley... she is so cute! She makes me want to get a puppy. We are thinking of getting a dog but not a puppy. Those expressive eyes get to me.

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    1. You can find these shabby roses on tulle trim at Hobby Lobby in the ribbon section. I love them! And for 4.99 they are a great bargain, and come in different colors too. I need to get by HL and stock up on more of them soon!

      We are loving sweet Riley so much, but she is growing so fast! So precious though. She stays right with me all day. I love her dearly. Puppies are a lot of work, but worth it because you can train them yourself. We have much less issues with dogs we raise from puppies than ones we get from someone else. There are pros and cons to everything!

      Hugs to you today :)

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  24. Hello Marilyn,
    Both are very generous and screamable gifts! I'm so happy for you!
    Yay! I hope you can find lots of sewing time.
    Blessings from Missouri!
    Please pass the snow!
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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    1. I would be glad to send you a dumptruck full of snow and ice out of our driveway, lol! I have found lots of sewing time lately, thanks to the cozy weather, and I'm glad! Hugs to you today :)

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  25. So many cute things...cute dress, cute puppy, cute dog, cute serger! Wow. What a generous gift. And what a blessing to have all those fabrics, too.

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    1. Blessings, yes ma'am! SO much to be thankful for :) Hugs to you today!

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  26. What a generous friend to give you the serger! And another to gift you with the fabric. Your little-girl dress is lovely!
    We had snow yesterday but it's mostly gone already. However, on the mainland they are having lots and lots of it. I keep hoping...

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    1. I wish I could send you some of our snow, we sure got lots of it! Now it is melting though, and flooding ensuing. All that snow has got to go somewhere, lol. Appreciate your visits, hope your day is lovely :)

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  27. Marilyn, congratulations to your friend on becoming a US citizen! What a lovely gift that she gave you. I've never seen a serger before but I can see what great results it makes. And lots of lovely fabric and card! How wonderful. I love all the antics of little Riley and friends!

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    1. It was a very exciting day for her! I am so blessed to have her as my friend! A serger finishes the edges of your sewed edge to make it professional, which is a nice touch when making clothing especially. I have been having fun sewing, thanks to the lovely cozy weather we are having. I received your very sweet Valentine in the mail today - thank you so much! So SWEET of you!!! It is a beautiful card! Appreciate you thinking of me :) Have a blessed and lovely day!

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  28. What a beautiful little dress you made. That is one lucky little girl. :) What a lovely gift your friend gave you....WOW!!!! I'm sure you will put it to very good use for years to come my friend!

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    1. I enjoy short little sewing projects like that, and the wintertime is the perfect time for me to do that! Yes, I will certainly use the serger for years to come, blessed, yes I am indeed! Hugs to you today :)

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  29. What a cute little puppy you have! Yes I will pray for your friend who has such a generous heart. The little dress is very sweet!

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    1. Thank you for praying! Together, I believe soon she will turn her life over to the Lord! I enjoyed making the little dress so much... :)

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  30. I love the pretty dress and it will be enjoyed by your sweet niece in Tennessee. The surprise gift from your friend will get good use, and although she says she does not believe - - her heart does not agree with her words. she is a precious friend and her gift made both you and her happy. Cheryl was also blessed and was a blessing to send material she knows will be used. Puppy is so cute.

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    1. I agree with you Hazel, it is only a matter of time! Thank you for joining in prayer with me! Cheryl is such an amazing and generous sister in the Lord, how blessed I am to have in my life as friend! Yes, I have already started to use the fabric she sent me, it is wonderful. Hugs to you today dear friend!

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  31. Hi Marilyn,

    I am imagining you in your cozy home, sewing beautiful things while it is snowing outside your window, with Annie and Riley frolicking under soft, fluffy snowflakes and it all seems so idyllic. The pink dress you made for your grand niece is adorable and I am sure more pretty projects are underway with the sweet pieces of fabric Cheryl sent you. What a generous and thoughtful gift from your Ukrainian friend, too; I can sense the excitement in your written words upon receiving the serger, for it is a great incentive in itself. Thanks for sharing your beautiful blessings.

    Keep creating, stay warm and sew up a storm!

    Poppy

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    1. Dear Poppy, you leave the sweetest comments, how blessed I am to have you stop by for a visit! Yes, I have been busy sewing more things, I have a pile of ideas, who knows which ones I will get to, lol! One at a time...! Yes I am so blessed by the gift from my dear friend, and it will be a blessing to me for years to come. Appreciate your lovely visit, as always, and hope the day is glorious and beautiful for you today :)

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  32. Aww !!! your friend is so nice!!! And the little puppy is so cute.. XOXO...

    Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you Krishna! Thank you for stopping by to visit me, and I hope we become great friends, I am so thankful for all my blogging friends :)

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  33. Hi Marilyn! I know Cheryl very well, and it doesn't surprise me a bit that she sent you all that material. What a loving person she is! She knew just how much you'd appreciate and use that gift.
    The little dress you made is so adorable! I can't sew a lick and I don't know what a serger is either, but I can certainly admire your work, and the generosity of your friend T. I thnk you must be making a real impact on her life, and that one person who can be a reflection of Christ in her life. I will pray for her, and for you as you travel life together. And congrats to the newest American citizen too!
    Blessings,
    Ceil.

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    1. Cheryl knows me well, and what a blessing she is to me, in SO many ways! I appreciate your prayers for my friend T, and believe that the Lord will be welcome in her heart and home soon. I appreciate your kind and sweet comment, praying your day is blessed :)

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  34. Hey Marilyn, The dress is adorable! Congrats on becoming a great-aunt again. :) Your friend was so sweet to send you her extra fabric. I used to give all of mine to my daughter but I don't sew much anymore. I did acquire a second hand sewing machine a few months ago and need to try it out. I bought it to use in my paper crafting and to sew small projects, like curtains, and make minor repairs. I think that's so neat about your friend from the Ukraine becoming a US citizen! Praise the Lord she has someone like you to love her as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. She is blessed indeed!
    Honestly, all the pictures you've posted of Riley have made me want a puppy! I asked my husband about it but he said no. I already have a cat and she is not friendly. He says she wouldn't 'play nice' and the vet bills would end up being too costly. Boo hoo. I'll just enjoy your Riley and Annie!
    Have a blessed week!!!

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    1. Oh I know that Riley's cuteness is contagious! Honestly, I did not want a puppy either, but now that she is here, I can't imagine our life without her! What did we do without Riley? That is how you would feel with a puppy. I have learned through all the many animals we have had that it is better to have a puppy and train it the way you want, instead of trying to unteach an older dog bad things. Riley is already potty trained, she is a very smart little girl, and I am very thankful for that! She is growing so fast. Oh, and one other thing that I love about puppies, they put themselves to sleep for a nap, lol! Unlike babies... :) Hugs to you today dear friend, appreciate your friendship!

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  35. What a precious post . Oh what a sweet gift from two amazing friends too . You are so blessed dear lady . I live the little flower and dress . How darling . Hugs and blessings , Cindy

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    1. Thank you Cindy, the serger was an amazing gift, and I will use it for years to come! And it was so much fun to make the little dress :) Hugs to you today dear friend!

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  36. What fun gifts! The dress you made, the serger, the fabric - all so very thoughtful and fun. Praying for your friend that she can come to know our Savior too.

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    1. Thank you for your prayers Abbi, they mean so much! And always appreciate and am thankful for your friendship! Hugs to you today :)

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  37. Marilyn,
    This little dress is precious! And wow, what a thoughtful and generous gift from your dear friend! I love my serger but do not like threading it so I tend not to use it as much. Can't wait to see what else you will make with your new serger and your stash of fabric!! Do share, please!!!!! Hope all is well with you. Always lovely to see your sweet animals! xo
    Linda

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    1. I have not had to thread the serger yet - can you believe it came threaded and with four full spools of thread! So, I have not yet really had to learn how to thread it, that will come soon, I'm sure! I have just shared today another project I finished sewing. I always think of you when doing my sewing projects, as you are so talented and make such lovely things. You make such lovely things! I tend to make simpler things, for now at least. Appreciate your visit as always, and hope that the snow hasn't caused too much trouble for you!! Hugs!

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  38. What a wonderful gift from your friend! I am half Ukrainian heritage from my maternal side. My grandmother immigrated from a town near Kiev in the early 1900's. Sadly I did not learn the language from my Mother as my father did not speak the language. The little dress you are naking for your granddaughter is so darling. To my regret I never learned to sew.

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    1. Oh wow, that is so interesting! My friend hails from a very small town in the Ukraine, and Kiev does sound familiar. I will ask her about Kiev to see if she lived close by it. It is hard for immigrants to teach their children their native language, I think. So many times it is lost as they try to adapt to living here. Thank you for your kind words about the dress. I did learn to sew as a young child, and it has been a worthwhile thing to learn, I'm glad I did. Too bad someone who knows how, couldn't show you.. I find sewing a very fulfilling thing to do :) Hugs to you today dear friend, so thankful for your visit and friendship :)

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