SweetMeadowsFarmHappenings

Dirty Rabbits and new patterns

2012-02-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

Okay, so far there are 3 new patterns with more rabbits to come next week hopefully. I am extremely busy with doll orders and shipping patterns so who knows!
Here we have Easter Bunny Girls

This pattern contains both the sitting style rabbit and the standing rabbit. Standing rabbit, stands at about 17" tall. Pattern includes complete instructions for making the dolls, their clothing as well as the eggs and a tutorial for the cute eyes. This pattern is $11.00 + shipping.

Next we have "All U Need Is Love". This pattern is for these little 9" raggedies, they make up quickly. It also includes suggestions for finding some cute tags for your little dollies and instructions for their hairstyle as well.
This pattern is $8.50 + shipping.

And finally, we have "Dirty Rabbits" pattern.

This pattern includes instructions for making these rabbits and staining and "dirty" techniques as well.

These rabbits make up to 9" sitting and were designed to sit.

You can make them from fur or make them from muslin that you can paint and grunge.

I even made one with a vintage sugar sack body!

The ears will be poseable.

Pattern is $9.50 + shipping

Simply email to order, thanks for looking and hope your day is a great one!

The rabbits are coming!

2012-01-28T18:40:00.000-08:00

I've been bitten. By the creating bug again. I've got several new designs in the works that are also patterns.
I'm probably even gonna put one of these rabbits on ebay tomorrow.
Here's a lil peek, I love the way these turned out and they can be made standing or sitting and there's also those big eggs too!

Anyhow, here's some pics for you, pattern should be along in a day or two with a few others including the "Love" raggedies!

New dolls and a new site

2012-01-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

If you like these little dolls and feel the need for one, you will also need to visit this new site.
Lots of nice handmades from talented artists to be had.
Click below to get transported there now, go ahead, you know you want to!

Primitive Handmades Mercantile

Let's get warm!

2012-01-18T11:26:00.000-08:00

Hope this helps!!!!

When I get big

2012-01-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

"When I get big, and have a baby, I'm going to that hospital you were at. They have the best chocolate cake and you get the softest babies".......quoted by Sophie Ann Mills - age 5

Life is so simple when you are young......*sigh*

La la, la la Lola!

2012-01-14T19:09:00.000-08:00

This is where I have been for the past few days. My newest grandbaby, Lola, made her entrance into this world.
I have four absolutely gorgeous grandbabies, we are so blessed!

Winner Winner!

2012-01-09T17:15:00.000-08:00

Okay, Mr SweetMeadows pulled lucky "Kintro", I don't have an email so please send one off to me and I'll explain how this will work!
Congratulations and thanks to all who entered.

I have decided to do another giveaway next week, this time it will be a finished item so stay tuned for this one in the next few days!

A budding dollmaker!

2012-01-07T10:29:00.000-08:00

I feel it's so important to encourage creativity in children. There's more in life than just plunking them down in front of the T.V. or handing over video games.
For Christmas we purchased ALOT of art supplies for my 6 yr. old granddaughter and my 3 yr. old grandson. They've always had a box on a shelf in my sewing room with their supplies, they know just where to go for them and so enjoy using them.
Sophie wants to sew like Grandma. So I bought her a little kid sewing machine and she's delighted but she wants to go right to the "big" machine!

Patience, I tell her, you need to practice first.

As she familiarizes herself with the machine, her 3 yr old brother Holden asks, "Grandma, is this art supplies?"....hoping for a turn himself! To which Sophie replies, "NO, this is girl supplies"!!!
Right away, she wants to make a dress for her sister, Lola, who is due to be born anyday.
Oh, if it were only that simple!

A pattern a month for a year...GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-05T10:20:00.000-08:00

It's time for that giveaway. One lucky person will win one pattern each month for the entire year of 2012.
All you have to do is leave a comment and you will be entered. If you can't leave a comment, simply send an email with Pattern Giveaway in the subject line and I will enter your name.

Drawing will be on Monday, 1/09 at 8 p.m. EST.

Hurry and get your name entered!

Oh, and keep watching, the rabbits are coming!

Polyfil alert!

2011-12-31T09:22:00.000-08:00

If you use or used to use Morning Glory polyfil and can no longer find it, well head off to your local Christmas Tree Shop.
They have 1 lb. bags of Buffalo Snow, it's pretty much the same as MG. It is now on clearance for $1.34 per bag!!!
I got 25 bags, could have gotten more but I use the "other stuff" and supplement with the MG or Buff. snow, and I have several 5 lb. boxes of that.

Now, where to put it all............................?

A Self Cleaning Bathroom

2011-12-30T08:32:00.000-08:00

Sounds good, eh?
WHERE ARE YOU INVENTORS??
I think this is a wonderful idea, you press the button and the doors lock.
They won't open again until the bathroom is cleaned!
Of course we'd have to remove curtains, accessories, etc. first, but wouldn't it be worth it?!
I hate cleaning the bathrooms.....
Self cleaning, not likely.
But one can dream, right?!!!

A beautiful song.

2011-12-29T11:50:00.000-08:00

This is such a beautiful song, it's as if this one comes straight from Heaven..
Caution, get the tissues ready!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBaSLH_3sAw

Contemplation....

2011-12-27T12:13:00.000-08:00

.........spent alot of time in contemplation, reflection, etc.
Losing my Mom as a horrible hit. Earlier in the year, my Grandmother also went to her heavenly home. We went from 5 generations to 3 generations in less than a year.
I felt a HUGE hole, loss, in my life. I spent most waking hours of my days crying.
At times the pain seemed unbearable and I felt alone.
My Mother was more to me than my Mom, she was my best friend, my confidant, my prayer partner, my ROCK. Together, we upheld every member or this big family in prayer.
I prayed to God for days asking for the comfort and peace I so desparately needed.

The purpose of this post is not to bring us down again, but to share.
After days and days of pleading with God, I finally got my peace. I came to the realization that I now would carry on the prayer for my family, I sure can do that.
God let me know that he is here and I could "feel" his loving arms around me in comfort.
The week of Christmas, everyone in my home came down with a flu. It was bad as all of us were down sick at the same time and pretty much on our own. By Christmas Eve, however, we could finally stand on shaky legs and felt like eating a bit again. So, Christmas Eve day, we quickly brought in the Christmas tree and hastily decorated it. Then we prepared food and gathered together and we had a very nice time.
Christmas day, more of the same.
You see, the Lord brought this to my attention, my Mother was whole and in the company of the very one who's birthday we were celebrating here on earth!! Our saviour Jesus!
I would not call her back here ever.

I just want to let you all know, no matter how badly you feel, you need only to call upon the Lord, he loves us all. ALL OF US.

I'll be glad when this year ends, looking forward to new beginnings. For me, sewing is therapy and I'm really itching to get back into it again.
Have a safe and healthy New Year, I'm sure you'll hear from me again before then!!

My heart is broken....

2011-12-15T10:18:00.000-08:00

......into a million tiny pieces.
Last night my sisters and I surrounded my Mother as she left this earth for her new home in Heaven.
My Mother was my rock, my best friend, my comfort....everything.
My Mother is the reason I am the woman I am today.
When I was 13, my mother patiently sat me at her precious sewing machine time and again until she had taught me to properly sew. "No short cuts Maureen, no unfinished edges or seams"....keep it neat. She made me a perfectionist, made me pay attention to detail whenever I sewed anything. She is the reason I am the artist that I have become.
I'm SO PROUD to have called her Mom, our family was SO BLESSED to have been able to share part of her 79 years on this earth.
She was so strong in her faith in God and became my prayer partner. But God needed her more.......
We rest assured that she is with her Heavenly Father and our family members that have gone before her and rejoice in knowing that we WILL one day have a reunion with her in Heaven.

Fly Mom with the Angels,
I'm sure you are wearing the biggest set of wings.......

If you could...

2011-12-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

.....keep my Mother in your prayers.
She's facing open heart surgery for the second time and it's extremely serious. This came out of nowhere and has pretty much knocked the wind out of our family.

An ebay auction....or two.

2011-12-04T18:42:00.000-08:00

Can't hardly believe it but I did list two dolls on ebay tonight. I always sell patterns but cannot remember the last time I listed an actual doll. There are two separate auctions for the actual dolls in the pattern below. Had so much trouble doing the listing it took 45 minutes to do both of them. I don't know if it was me or ebay but I'll blame ebay! HAHAHAHAHA!
Here they are, take a look if you like: http://www.ebay.com/sch/sweetmeadowsfarm/m.html?hash=item519c2b75b3&item=350512444851&pt=Folk_Art&_trksid=p4340.l2562

Have a good evening!
Maureen

HoHOHo, Let it Snow!

2011-12-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

Nope.

We are not getting snow, thank the Lord!

In case you haven't determined this yet, I hate winter.

So, what is it, you ask?

It's these two. Made the snowman for my open house. Sold it repeatedly.

Completely sold out....of many. That's how many I made! hehe

So I thought I'd put it in a pattern because it's WAYYY easy.

Are you seeing a pattern here lately, I've been making some stuff that is fast and easy.

I decided he needed more. So I then made Santa.

I call this pattern, "HoHOHo, Let it Snow"

Seems to fit.......

They are 14" tall and pattern includes both dolls and their clothing. Even has a source for making

those little round tags or if you don't wanna make them, you can purchase them ready made to

go with your pattern.

$10.00 + shipping gets you this pattern, ready to ship now.

I don't have the epattern for this one. I'm shopping for a new scanner tomorrow!!!!

Hope your day is a good one, without snow and warm and sunny to boot!!!!!

Open House, Thanksgiving, a whole week....

2011-11-28T14:25:00.000-08:00

....gone in a blur. We had to take our Mother to the hospital early last week, she was in for a few days and decided she wanted to come home for Thanksgiving. The Dr., however, did not agree but reluctantly let her go. "You'll be back tomorrow", he said. He was right. This time though, she was so ill she had to be taken by ambulance. I do have regrets as I pushed for her to be home for the holiday. I just felt she would know if she was well enough and she DID seem much better. So the week was a swirl of sleepless nights, worry, migraines (of course) and I squeezed in the open house somewhere as well!

A BIG THANK YOU to all that came, and I'm sorry for those I missed while at the hospital. We are literally picked clean of Christmas items and handmades....not a bad thing :) We are planning to be bigger and better next year.

We have started to plan our Spring Open House, date will be announced soon. We will do 4 Open Houses a year now that we are no longer doing shows. I wish I had gotten around to taking pictures but there just was no time. I did get a great pic of three friendly faces in front of the shop, maybe you know them!!!

They came with their festive handmade Christmas hats, you can't tell in the photo but these hats had Christmas lights and they were lit!!! Such fun!
I did get this picture to share, I love the way this shutter turned out with the candy cane. I made this so the candy cane is removable, I was thinking some spring flowers would surely look nice!
(Can you tell I'm ignoring winter??!!)

There's no biz like "Sno Biz"!

2011-11-18T14:20:00.000-08:00

As I've made things for my Christmas Open House, I put a few aside to share in pattern form. I've selected the easy and fast ones to make.
I never feel as if I have enough to offer for my open house and with all the craziness here this past week, I've just decided to accept things for what they are.
As they say, "It is what it is"! That's really a silly saying, like the alternative would be, "It is what it Isn't"??!! lol

Anyhow, before I lose my train of thought, I offer for sale this most EASY and I mean EASY, and fast to make pattern.
Pattern will include the fat snowmen, they are about 14" give or take an inch depending on their hat length. It includes the hats, the mittens, and those twig-like arms that bend....I'm loving these arms!

Also in the pattern is that cute 3-D tree!

This one is $9.50 + shipping and I do not yet have an epattern, sorry.
Did I tell you they are easy to make? HAHA!
Have a good weekend and God Bless you all,
Maureen

UH OH.....Christmas Open House date change.

2011-11-12T18:30:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry to have to do this but something totally unexpected has come up and needs our immediate attention. Our Christmas Open House planned for next week will be postponed until the following weekend.
Our shop is now closed but we will be back to reopen on 11/23. We are closed on Thanksgiving Day but our Christmas Open House will run from Fri, Nov. 25 thru Sun. Nov. 27.
After that we will be open Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas.

I'm sorry if this is causing anyone an inconvenience but sometimes life gets in the way of even best laid plans :(

Hope to see you as I do have some nice handmades to choose from as well as the antiques and primitives as well as sweets and treats to sample while you browse. I will also be doing a couple raffle/giveaways over the weekend.

If you would like directions or need to phone, email here: sweetmeadowsfarm@yahoo.com

Oh boy, A Few Good Men!

2011-11-09T15:52:00.000-08:00

Still in the creatin' mood.

Meet A Few Good Men.

These soooo prim guys are one of my easiest and quickest patterns.
The pattern includes all three men. These are NOT ornies, no sirreeeee, they are at least 17" tall and that doesn't include hats!
Pattern includes directions to make all three men, as well as hats, the little snowman pocket that Santa has too. You can purchase little craft mittens for them but WAIT!!!! You won't have to! Get out those old sweaters, 'cus there's also instructions for making your own little mittens! Probably could use old socks too...LOL!
Did I mention these were easy?!? I made all three in a day!
My fave is the gingerbread but my family likes Santa....wonder why......?!

Good Ol' Santa with snowman pocket

Gotta love those oversized mittens.

Pattern is $10.50 + shipping.
Email to order.
Have a nice day, I'm off to see what else I can come up with, wish me luck!

Santa Bear

2011-11-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

Santa Bear Pattern. I made up a couple of these guys for my shop's Christmas Open House and now I'm offering the pattern. As I make things up, I might have more patterns to offer, ya just never know!
I have about 1-1/2 weeks to get stuff done.....ugh!
Anyhoo, this pattern will allow you to make this 15" tall standing bear as shown. Pattern includes directions to make the bear, his santa hat as well as the dirty candy cane ornie. Complete instructions for making your bear old and grungy looking if you so desire! Also includes pattern and instructions for the wood base. Fairly easy pattern here!

$9.50 + shipping.....email if you'd like to order.
Have a great day!
Maureen

O Christmas Tree....

2011-11-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

Yeah!
I'm creatin' again!
Must have been all that snow that was dumped on us last weekend, thank God it warmed up and it's just about gone.
I had this idea in my head, to make the tree. But sometimes what is in your head does not always translate
to paper as you wish. In this case, I don't care, I am pleased!
This is a new design, and it's in pattern form. The full tree pictured is about 36" long. Yep, it's a biggie.
But guess what, you can make it any size you want! Woohoo!
Pattern includes complete instructions to make the tree, AND the crows.

You don't have to put crows on it, you can decorate it any way you choose or not!

It's oh so primitive and stained, I love it.

You can also opt to make the tree in a smaller version, pictured below is the tree at 17" tall.

You can pretty much make it any size you want to.

There are also dimensions for the wood base

for the big tree to stand.

I also include directions for making the the can look rusty and there will be a copy of my

label that I used for you to stain as well.

Let's not forget the crows! You will get instructions for making the

crow into ornies to hang with tiny santa hats!

All of this in one pattern for just $10.50 + shipping.

Imagine this tree frosted with Mica, or in a nice print fabric,

or done up in a different color...like pink! HAHAHA!

I just had to share this!

2011-10-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

This is reposted from Facebook, I found it so important that I want to be sure that everyone sees this. Thank you to George Houghtby for enlightening us all!

George Houghtby's Photos

‎(ALWAYS READ THE LABELS ON THE FOODS YOU BUY--NO MATTER WHAT THE FRONT OF THE B...OX OR PACKAGE SAYS, TURN IT OVER AND READ THE BACK---CAREFULLY!

With all the food and pet products now coming from China , it is best to make sure you read label at the grocery store and especially Walmart when buying food products.

Many products no longer show where they were made, only give where the distributor is located.

It is important to read the bar code to track it's origin.

How to read Bar Codes .... interesting!

This may be useful to know when grocery shopping, if it's a concern to you.

GREAT WAY TO "BUY USA & CANADA " AND NOT FROM CHINA!!

The whole world is concerned about China-made "black hearted goods".

Can you differentiate which one is made in Taiwan or China ?

If the first 3 digits of the barcode are 690 691 or 692, the product is MADE IN CHINA.

471 is Made in Taiwan .

This is our right to know, but the government and related departments never educate the

public, therefore we have to RESCUE ourselves.

Nowadays, Chinese businessmen know that consumers do not prefer products "MADE IN CHINA ", so they don't show from which country it is made.

However, you may now refer to the barcode - remember if the first 3 digits are:

690-692 ... then it is MADE IN CHINA

00 - 09 ... USA & CANADA

30 - 37 FRANCE

40 - 44 GERMANY

471 .... Taiwan

49 ... JAPAN

50 ... UK

BUY USA & CANADIAN MADE by watching for "0" at the beginning of the number.

We need every boost we can get! Pass this on to everybody on your E-Mail Contact List!! )

It's quiet in here....

2011-10-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

....yeah. I have no excuses, only reasons not to blog, or why I have not. The past 2 months have been a bit stressful. We've had to deal with some unpleasant happenings that have ultimately been resolved. Praise be to God!
But that's not all. Nope.
Once again, I'm dealing with health issues. There are times when I am in bed for a 3 or 4 day stretch.
I long to create and by golly I will.
I'm off to the Doctor today, keep my in your prayers.
I'll be back in a few days, I promise.
I have something "cool" up my sleeves.........!

Sweet Annie...PART TWO!

2011-09-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

I've had many emails asking about preserving sweet annie as well as making the walnut ink.
I do have ALOT of sweet annie in the varying stages of preserving.

Cut your sweet annie. Mix hot water with glycerine. I do 1/2 cup glycerine to 1-1/2 cups water + 1/4 teaspoon of green food coloring. Mix WELL, this is important. Cut your sweet annie and put the stems in the solution - be sure to use a glass container. I just used old canning jars. You will want to be sure not to pack alot of stems in the jar, you need the air to be able to circulate around the stems and branches. Allow the stems to stay in the solution until it is absorbed into the plants. Usually 3 days, you can tell because the color of the sweet annie turns a darker green color. I then spread the stems out on paper to dry. Then I bundle the stems with elastics and hang them upside down to further dry, about a week or so depending on humidity.

I purchased my Glycerine from a local pharmacy. Walmart does have it but it is a little bottle and more pricey than my local supplier (Go Figure!)
You could buy it online but the shipping would kill you for sure!
It looks like we may have frost this weekend so I REALLY have to step up my harvest to get it all in.

Walnut Ink: Go to this link and scroll down for the directions to make walnut ink, OR just do a search using google, yahoo, etc: http://www.phancypages.com/newsletter/ZNewsletter538.htm

I hope this helps.
I plan to dry apple and orange slices in the next few days so I shall report back on my results with pictures....if all goes well!

Sweet Annie Harvest, etc.

2011-09-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

I've been harvesting my Sweet Annie daily now. I decided to preserve all of it because drying it just ruins it....it becomes brittle and shatters and just makes a mess, not to mention it loses it's green color.

This is much more time consuming and involves a couple steps but worth it. The plants are quite large this year and they are growing, intertwined with zinnias and cosmos. My cosmos this year is about 7 feet tall!!
Here are some of the bunches in the dye/preserving solution.

I also cut alot of Tansy and that I'm just bundling and hanging upside

down to dry.

Our black Walnut tree has lost almost all of it's leaves already, revealing the abundance of walnuts. These will be dryed and I'll use the hulls for stains and dyes.

There are also plenty on the ground to be gathered. Here you can see the difference between a dried and not so dried hull.

I hope to have sweet annie and tansy for my fall open house in our shop, October 8 - 10.

The ScareBear pattern is now ready to ship. If you would like to purchase, simply send an email. It is $10.50 + shipping. You can make it plain also or sitting as the pics below show! He's only 15" standing and he's got short legs and is on the chubby side!!

Children of the Corn...

2011-09-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

Corn Maze, that is!

We all assembled at my house and left in a caravan of 7 cars. All family members, 4 generations in place!!My Mom, my sisters, spouses, children, grandchildren....The weather was perfect, even a bit warm for late September.Here's the farm, if you happen to venture to the northeast corner of Pennsylvania, you will have to visit this maze.

Across the road they have a little farmstand with produce, pumpkins, etc.
Enter with caution! My hubby seems a bit wary!

We all started out in a pack, with my Mom sitting it out in a nice shady spot outside the maze.

That corn sure is tall, my guess is at least 10 feet.

There are clues planted throughout the maze. You have a sheet of paper

and you are to fill in the clues as you go to complet the word at the bottom

of your paper.

There are really pretty views....when you can get a glimpse thru the corn!

Wow, these are some cute lil girls in the corn! My grand daughter and my sis's grand daughter.

It seems we all went different ways in the maze and were broken up into several groups.

After about an hour or so of "wandering", we kinda, sorta cheated and left the maze.....and not exactly following the path! We just wanted out! HAHA

Just outside the exit in the field were some beautiful horses.

Hello Friend!

There was also a nice town playground for the kids, a place to kill time while waiting

for the others to find their way out.

Chubby babies, playing in the shade!

This is my other sis's grandson and my newest grand baby, Gabriella - 5 months old!

If you visit the maze, it is only $5.00 per person. If you have a group of 10 or more, it is $4.00 per person.

Not a bad way to spend a nice afternoon!

Afterward, the caravan went for apples and we spent the better part of the rest of the day,

lazing in my back yard and chatting the day away!

Flood!

2011-09-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

Truly unbelievable, the amount of rain and flooding in northeast PA and upstate NY. Roadways are flooded or damaged, bridges flooded or ruined, business destroyed....schools closed everywhere and all areas declared states of emergency.

Our home is on high ground, we are one of the luckier ones. When the rain finally stopped and we could get out a bit, we took some pictures about our small community. The Susquehanna river is a small river in this area but it became a roaring demon overnight. Below are some pictures we were able to take as far as we could go...which wasn't very far at all. I don't know how long it will take or even HOW this area will be able to recover.

The river has yet to crest many miles south of us in the Wilkes Barre area, keep this entire area in your prayers please.
This is looking down Main Street in Lanesboro, PA.

This is Lanesboro Main Str. from the other end.

More Lanesboro, how ironic that boat is parked in flood waters.

Up the hill from Lanesboro, looking down across the river to Oakland.

Down in Oakland, you can get only so far on the road before the river overtakes it.

You will see far in the picture is the tree line where the bank of the river actually is under normal circumstances in Oakland.

Here's the Susquehanna River. When things get back to normal, I will come back and post a picture of how it really looks.

Side of this road is washed away and you cannot see from the picture but there is actually a waterfall.....

This is the nice quiet stream that runs thru Lanesboro......not so today.

More random shots in Lanesboro. As I stated, we could not go very far due to flooding and road conditions.

Just before dusk, my son snapped a photo of a rainbow with his phone. Sorry, I don't have that shot but we did have some clearing skies....Tomorrow HAS to be better.

And the winner is....

2011-08-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

....Roberta from Cottonwood Lane Primitives!
Shoot me an email Roberta!
Thanks to all who entered, I think I shall have another giveaway very soon!

Irene came a calling...

2011-08-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

.....and we just now got our power back. So I will hold the drawing tonight for the bear kit. This means you still have time to participate if you haven't already.
Thank God, we are all safe here. Just wayyyy too much rain and some trees down. School is cancelled today.It finally quit raining
late last night and today the sky is blue and the sun is shining!!

How about a "giveaway".....

2011-08-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

....comment here and I'll enter you into a giveaway. Post on your blog and I'll enter your name again. What do you win? You will win a kit to make your own "Scare Bear". I'll include the pattern, the fur fabric, the eyes, gloves, clothing fabric, hat fabric, the wood base kit and a few other supplies. You'll need to purchase a very small amount of things, you might even have them on hand.

He's a short, stout bear, about 14" tall made up and now here's your chance to make your own!This giveaway will end with a drawing Saturday night (8/27).

Scare Bear.....

2011-08-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

.....he might not be scaring mice but I sure don't see any crows around him!

2011-08-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

Living in the state of Pennsylvania has it's advantages. One of them being that I'm never too far from Lancaster County. So much to see and do and buy!

On a recent excursion, I stopped at this wool store, it's a must visit and bring a drool rag! I got the nicest handspun, hand dyed wool for my raggedies as well as some felting needles.
Hubby and I visited the Central Market in downtown for some lunch and then found a nice little bakery in Bird-in-Hand for some dessert.
Hubby opted for the fresh peach shortcake and I selected Black Forest Cake dessert. Both were yummy!

One afternoon while strolling thru Strasburg, we passed a very old church with a verrrrry old cemetery.

Just down the street we found this old house that is being restored to it's original state. Made me want to run home and rip down the siding on my old house and see what's underneath! Sure needed the drool rag here!

Maybe the grass IS greener on the other side:

We never seem to get enough of the scenery while driving around, farms as far as the eye can see!

Let's not forget the over-abundance of quilt shops! Love all that fabric!
Can you tell how thrilled my hubby was to be dragged thru yet another fabric store?! He's a good sport for sure, I think I'll keep him!

You must pay a visit to this shop in Intercourse, "Country Crossings". She's got lots of great junk

both inside and out and good prices. And she's just an all around nice person too!

And last but not least, let's not forget who lives here! There were 3 buggies ahead of us at the traffic light!

They're baaacccckkkkk.

2011-08-12T18:18:00.000-07:00

Ick.
The migraines, they just barely left me.
Heck of a summer.......took my last pill this morning, called my Dr. to get a refill.
Thanks be to God that there is a medicine that will help some.

I don't have time for this, there is much to be done.

Keep me in your prayers, I'll be back in a day or so......

Summer fun!

2011-08-03T16:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, don't get me wrong....summer hasn't been without it's finer moments!
Sometimes you have to stop and just smell the roses....or lillies...whatever it may be.
These are just some random shots from random events or non-events at my home or out and about.We made this guy for our July 4th BBQ.He sure was a hit with the kids!My sister and niece made a TON of designer cupcakes! This is just a small sampling.
I made everyone take them home that night....I SURE didn't need them!A quick downpour had us all running for cover and after we were treated with this amazing rainbow. If you click on the pic, you will notice a second one forming to the right. Pictures cannot do this justice, we all stood in awe.We should have a pot of gold, this rainbow ended right in the road in front of our home!Later in the day everyone gathered around my nieces' car.....keys locked inside.
Everyone had a shot at trying to get the door open without success.
After dark we shot off our firework display and then called Triple A!My lillies were spectacular this year, they looked artificial!One afternoon my grandbabies presented me with freshly picked daisies and I decorated them with the flowers! Recently me and Mr. SweetMeadows took our family out for dinner. This picture is my daughter and her little family with new baby Gabriella, my other grandies, Sophie and Holden, and my Mom-who is also Gram and Great Gram!

And this photo below is my son and his family. They are expecting our 4th grandbaby in Jan., their third baby.

Early one morning while everyone was still sleeping and all was quiet, this mist rolled up thru the field. I tried to capture it with my camera but I couldn't of course, capture the movement. I stood and watched it until it all drifted away, I was lucky my camera was close by.

I just wish summer lasted a little longer............................

I know what you're thinking....

2011-07-31T18:53:00.000-07:00

....you're thinking, "Maureen, where have you been?"...or something along that line, right? Well, I'll tell you, I've been ~~dealing with~~ trying to deal with migraines along with other odd ailments and working on orders, trying to keep ahead of the weeds in the gardens, etc.

It's not all going my way...*sigh*
We gave up our two shows for this year, forfeited fees already paid as I just cannot add anything else, my stress level is up there.

I'm not sad about it....at all.

We will have a Fall Open House weekend at our shop Columbus Day weekend. If you are in the area, or feel like taking a lil drive....or a LONNNNG drive, be sure to stop in and see me!

In the meantime, I am working on a new design too. I'm going to be selling off some extra doll bodies, some doll dresses and other supplies soon. I just have wayyy too much stuff and not enough time.

My loss can be someone else's gain!

Christmas In July Sale!!

2011-07-17T17:48:00.000-07:00

That's right, we're having a sale.
Buy 2 patterns - Get 1 free.
Buy 4 patterns - Get 2 free.
Buy 6 patterns - Get 3 free.
.....and on and on and on, as many as you want to buy.
Free patterns will be the patterns of the lowest value.
Free shipping is NOT included with the sale, sorry.

Simply visit my picturetrail site and then email your order to me
along with your payment preference.

Just click here: www.picturetrail.com/sweetmeadowsfarm

Sale ends Saturday, July 23, 2011.

Ugh....

2011-07-15T08:10:00.001-07:00

Migraines.....again.
Enough said.

Henpecked Ladies are here!

2011-06-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

I worked or should I say "re-worked" these ladies and they are now my new pattern design. I like the newer versions better. Check them out! They really make me laugh!

I have several options in this pattern. There's those simply legs, or the leg with the feet with the funny toes, or the leg with the boots that the taller doll has. She's got an apron that has the bib front that ties at the neck and the waist in the back. She's 20" by the way, the other gals are 17". The crazy chickens are 7" long.

You can make simple needle sculpted mouths or opt for the separate attached lips.

The eyes are pretty basic too.

Noses and brows are all needle sculpted, a rather simple design so don't be skeered! lol

Doesn't this girl seem bewildered by all those chickens?!!

Gotta love her feets tho...........!

I made these girls nice and grungy and stained!

AND, who wouldn't love a whole bunch of these running chickens to boot?

The finished dolls are for sale, $49.00 each + shipping and each doll comes with your choice of one chicken.
Pattern is $10.50 + shipping.
Just shoot me an email if you want to purchase.

An old design made new....

2011-06-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

......I've had ALOT of requests to bring these girls and the chickens back. Well they never were a pattern but I have decided it's time. So, right now I am tweaking them and within a few days, they shall emerge.

They DO have alot of personality.

Keep watching to see the new and improved,

"Henpecked Ladies"

What happened???

2011-06-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

Alot. For those of you asking where I've been, welllllll where do we start. The weather has been freaky to say the least. Our electric was out, TWICE, and our phone service was out several times as well. One time for DAYYYYYYS. Oh how we love our electric and phones! LOL
I had a real bad bout with migraines as well, it lasted almost five days.
Life is beginning to settle down again here. We've been trying to get our gardens done. Look what's in the greenhouse, waiting to be planted!

Sweet Annie, tons of it. I've got about 3 dozen plants in the ground, this crop will be a wee bit later. I'll have tons for myself as well as for sale at the end of the summer...yay!

Take a close look at this picture, there's something red in there!

I've planted this little patch in one of my flower beds, it's been very fruitful this year (no pun intended!)

So one afternoon, me and my helpers headed out to the farm market for some fresh veggies and peaches!

Aren't these some cute helpers?!

One is a bit of a ham, the other won't usually pose very well for pics!
At the market they had all sorts of "babies" so we checked those out prior to leaving.

We picked berries when we returned.

Between the fresh berries and the fresh peaches, we were able to enjoy THIS after dinner!!

Hope you are enjoying the start of your summer!

I'm spending my week at the sewing machine!

Find a little humor in all things.

2011-05-31T08:32:00.000-07:00

This is my daughter-in-law, hamming it up. She's down in the hole caused when the big tree blew over and the roots were pulled out of the ground.

Bad Storms....

2011-05-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

...they rolled thru here a few days ago, leaving alot of damage. We were under a tornado warning but I figured we live in the mountains so can't be for us. WRONG.
It was evening, nice and warm, I was laying on my bed watching T.V., the windows were open and there was a sometimes cool breeze. The breeze stopped. Then there was this silence and then a wind. Weird sounding. It was like a low vibrating roar and it just picked up in sound but there was NO wind or breeze coming in the window. It got so loud, I got kinda freaked out and shut the window so I wouldn't hear it. Louder still, I turned up the T.V. Then I went downstairs because I was spooked, and my hubby was feeling the same about it. So he went outside but soon came back in. By now the wind was extremely loud and strong. The wind took down half the tree in my son's front yard, right across the driveway from us. It was just hanging on the electric wire to my son's house. Mr. SweetMeadows went back out and down the driveway against my protests. By now it is raining bad. I watched him from the porch just as the wind took down the rest of that hanging tree and pulled the eclectric wire out of the house. The wire was live and was sparking and "jumping" and needless to say, the Mr. got back in the house quick!
We called 911 and they said they would send the fire dept. right away to secure the live wire.
So, my son was without power, but we still had ours......key word being "had".

During this time, my sister and mother were experiencing their own damage. They too heard the strange, loud wind and their house began to shake. Then windows broke and branches came thru windows. The HUGE tree in her yard was blown down onto the house. Another huge tree was blown down thru the back yard.

It took out her back porch and did MAJOR roof damage.

The tree in the front yard was blown over and the roots were exposed.

Yet another tree was stripped of its branches and leaves. CRAZY. The house across the street also suffered damage as did the house on the hill behind this one. Across the river there was damage done at a bar/restaurant. All of this in a path, or line.

On one side of the house, a tree went thru the window, on the other side of the house, another tree thru another window. It's creepy....like the trees were trying to get it or something......

The electric company came during the night to secure the live wire at my sons house and in turn disconnected ours.....grrrrrr....so we were days without.
Water too.
I've always felt very safe in my home but now, not so much.....

Soooo, if you've been trying to reach me or have an order pending, etc., please be patient as we try to get our lives straightened out and everything back on track here in the next few days.

Panda-monium here!

2011-05-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

Yep!
Pandas everywhere.

Big pattern here, you get directions/patterns for a 16" standing panda, 12" sitting panda, tiny 7" sitting panda, 9" giraffe, and the pull toy too. You sure can have lots of fun with this pattern.
I know, I am. I've got grungy, dirty ol' pandas everywhere right now.
We are opening up our shop for the season this weekend and I needed to make sure to have some new stuff to offer for sale.
Looks to be a REALLY nice and warm and sunny weekend to boot. Good thing, as most of May was rained out and cool.

Look at that little pull toy, you can put either the giraffe or the lil panda guy on it! I even have the pull-toy kits for sale too.

If you want to purchase, simply send an email. Pattern is $12.00 + shipping. Pull-toy kits are $5.00 + ship and include the wood, 4 metal wheels, and the string. You will have to paint and age the wood and the wheels yourself.
Mention my blog and I'll take $1.00 off the pattern.

Three way cool things

2011-05-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm a bit sluggish in the blogging dept. as of late.

I have excuses...I've been busy.
HeeHee...
Last weekend three really great things took place.
Thing number 1: My Daughter-in-law graduated from PennState
WOOOOHOOOOO Erika!We got there early enough but it was still really crowded already. Had to sit in the bleachersactually sat wayyyy up top but turns out those were great seats......just a little hard! lol

While we waited I must have read thru this at least 10 times!

Before you knew it, they all filed in......whew, it was starting to get hot in there!

I just wanted to share this tidbit from the program!

She's the one with "Hi Dad!" written on the top of her cap. Her dad passed away a year ago, this was her way of including him!!

Waiting patiently in line for her name to be called!

Afterwards, we took pictures out on the lawn where they had a small catered reception.

This is my proud son and his wife.
And what picture isn't complete with out the Pennstate Lion and a member of the band! LOL

Erika, we all love you and are so proud of you. You got your degree while having and raising two little children!

Thing number 2: Hubby took me away for a few days to visit my daughter and our newest grandbaby, barely 3 weeks old. I was missing her soooo much and spent those day just holding and kissing her. We even convinced my daughter to come home for the week with the baby!

Thing number 3: I received a text, EARLY in the morning on the day we were to leave to visit my daughter. My son stated that the kids wanted to come over and say Good By.....WHAT?...we are only going for a few days.....okay, whatever, I never pass up a chance to see grandbabies! When they came in, I noticed writing on their shirts but didn't pay attention as I gave hugs and kisses. When I stood back, I read on Sophie's shirt, "Big Sister Again" and Holden's shirt read, "Big Brother".
Well, guess what, I'm gonna be a grandma again.....WOOOHOOO, soon we'll have a fourth grandbaby!

For me, this week, good things came in threes!

California and Australia!

2011-05-13T19:56:00.001-07:00

First person from California and the first person from Australia to leave a comment will get a free e-pattern!
Good luck!!

Early Prairie Doll Pattern Is Ready!

2011-05-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

The pattern is ready!! The regular price is $12.00 + shipping but mention this blog and it'll be $11.00 + ship. All you have to do to order is email me and let me know your payment preference. Thanks for looking!

A Fabulous Mothers Day!

2011-05-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

Each year, for Mother's Day, my son takes me to the garden centers and lets me go hog wild! Okay, well, I do some of that on my own as well.
It's a tradition.
Usually one or both of the grandkids comes along, this year the entire family went. A horrific downpour didn't dampen the mood (no pun intended!)
We came home loaded with some of the prettiest posies ever, all intended for one garden or another.
That was yesterday.
Today my hubby took me to the flea market. Sometimes we score big time, sometimes we come home empty handed. Today was an okay score.
This is what we got:
$1.00 - Small yellowware bowl
$1.00 - Old galvanized pail
$4.00 - Old BIG square galvanized wash tub
$10.00 - Large Hoosier jar with red lid
$3.00 - 3 Very old pitchforks (don't ask!)
$1.00 - 1 very rusty, very old snow shovel (for a prim snowman)

The afternoon was spent cleaning in the greenhouse, putting my new plants in their new (temporary) home. They like it, it's all warm and steamy! lol

It wasn't warm and steamy outside today but at least it wasn't raining. Still got to clean up the weeds and the yard, soon I'll be planting the flowers I purchased after all fear of frost has passed. Here is how it looked last summer.

But regardless of the weather, I spent time with family. The grandkids wandered in and out of the greenhouse, at one point my 3 yr. old grandson tried to get his bike inside!!

The only one missing was my new grandbaby, Gabriella. But we'll see her next weekend (YAY!)
This is what it's all about!!!

We finished off the day with a fine meal and a pretty spring sunset.

Hope your day was a good one!!

Early Prairie Doll Pattern Is Ready!

2011-05-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

First, let me say, the sun is out today...off and on but I'll take it.

Now, on to the dolls. I created these dolls because I wanted a prairie doll that looked like it was well worn and well loved. Not well worn and SKEERY. LOL! These dolls are worn and soft. The sitting doll has been partially stuffed with rags for a nice weight and feel. They are stained of course but not over done. You can make a standing 16" doll or a sitting 15" doll. They have tiny fingers but don't be scared! I didn't stuff these perfect, I wanted them to look "used". You could make these dolls for a childs room. The little bonnets are cute hanging up too. I've given these dolls a full round head.

I think I will also make the dress to hang on a prim hanger, how cute would that be? You could paint little boots on the feet but I opted not to.

The sitting doll has the cutest pinafore!

I gave the sitting sister a lightly penciled face and the standing sister no face. I also needle felted hair to the sitting sister but none for the standing sister.

These are all options.

Now, the pattern is now ready. If you would like to order simply email me. It is $12.00 + shipping.

Hope your day is a great one!

Maureen - in sunny PA!!!!!

Here's the little dress hanging on a twig and rusty wire hanger with the little doll bonnet.

Okay, Snap out of it!

2011-05-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or has the sun been MIA for a long time? If we get one good day a week, we are lucky. Yesterday was warm...not very sunny but I'd settle for warm. Last evening the thunderstorms rolled thru here and this morning the heat was on again. Yup, you heard me. The heat came on.

I'm thinking I need a little trip....a few days away with Mr. SweetMeadows for some relaxation and maybe to see that new baby that I am missing so........Good thing there are still two others living close by that I can kiss and squeeze at will!

Hope your day is a good one, clouds, cold and all.

When is stealing not considered stealing???

2011-05-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

NEVER.

NOT EVER.

Buying a pattern does not give you the rights to reproduce and redistribute the pattern. Nor does it give you the right to purchase an epattern and "pass it along" or print it out and resell it.

It's been brought to my attention that there are some out there, doing just this thing.

It's making me rethink my decision to sell epatterns.....................................

Shame on you, you know who you are and now, SO DO I.

We've grown by two feet!

2011-05-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

Our family has grown by two feet.....two tiny feet! Gabriella MaryAnn entered our world 10 days ago and we are all so smitten!

So we now have 3 grandchildren, we are so blessed, it doesn't get any better than this....unless of course we add more grandchildren! lol

Who wants to Barter???

2011-04-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

I do, that's who.
Here's what I'd like: Primitive Candles, in the jar. Grungy, really prim looking jar candles.
Primitive tags for my dolls. I just haven't found what I want yet.
Here's what I have to offer:
Depending on the trade of course, dolls.
Patterns.
Let me know your thoughts and offers!
You can email me if you prefer to keep it private.

Hope you are all having a good day, I'm doing a bit better today.
Seems we will have a new grandbaby any minute now......tick tock, tick tock...........
When I get the call, I'm racing off, and away, out of town for a few days to be with my daughter.
I almost forgot, I'm going to be in the delivery room! Woohoo! Oh, BTW,I've added more epatterns to the list, you can see them on my picturetrail site.

It's the little things.

2011-04-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in almost two weeks now. I'm going thru a "thing"....can't really put my finger on it but sometimes I'm just feeling so sad that I need to cry. I'm making myself crazy, thinking I am losing it.....just a little.
I hide this from my family. Or so I think I do.
I go from feeling sad, to feeling depressed to extreme sadness. Now mind you, none of this has a basis for being....I only know that I am feeling, at times, pretty low.
I'm thinking....it's probably part of that meno-you-KNOW thing.
Ugh.
So, today as I was working on my taxes (yeah, yeah, I know, last minute, you say!) I felt that depair coming on. It truly had nothing to do with the taxes. lol
I stop, take a deep breath, and dig in deeper to the pile of receipts and paperwork.
Out from between two sheets of paper, a small scrap of paper about 2" X 4", slipped onto the table.
I'm not sure how it ended up where it did or why but here is what is written on it:
"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
Jeremiah 29:11
Wow!
For sure it was no accident, that little slip of paper in the wrong place, at the RIGHT time!

I'm guilty.

2011-04-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

As charged.
I did it, I ate the donut.
I tried not to, really I did.
But everytime I walked into the kitchen, it beckoned to me.
"Pssssssst, Maureen!"
"Over Here"
.....I tried to ignore it, even went upstairs.
But I knew I had to come down eventually.
It just kept calling out to me. I even went out to feed the animals and then
when I came back it, it started in again...."HEY YOU, Over here, you know you wanna!"
I got so mad that I ate it. And then I was really mad that I ate the donut,
So, I ate his brother too!
LOL!
I deserve it, afterall, it's snowing again.........ugh.

I'm buried!

2011-04-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

Yep, buried.
Just popping in to say that I AM still here.
I'm trying to catch up with my orders, shipping like a mad-woman every day.
Just plain buried.

But, I have good intentions.
I am planning to finish some new stuff this week.

The weather here has been very un-spring and chilly.
If you have any extra sun or warmth, could you push it to the northeast portion of the U.S. please?

Thank you in advance!
May your day be a good one.

Just a bear.

2011-03-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

I decided to list this bear on ebay. I was beginning to get too attached! I never, NEVER keep any of the things I make. I feel as if I have a revolving decor here. I make stuff, I display it for a week or two, I sell it, I ship it out and then there's room for more new stuff!

I've been buried up to my eyeballs with work and orders and I'm starting to see the light...I think.

Anyhow, if you think you "need" this guy, amble on over to ebay and snag him with a bid!

Click Right Here!

Basket Case Bunnies!

2011-03-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

I got these done this week. I scratched out a little bunny on a scrap of paper at least a year ago. It sat in my pile of scribbly sketches, some of them are several years old and have yet to become anything. Well, the first bunny did not come out like the scribble but I liked her. So I thought she should have a friend that wore a skirt and was darker. Sooo, then came the brown bunny. I "thought" I was done. Hubby came home, I showed him my work and he said, "but, you need a boy"......oh.
I was not pleased, I felt I had finished. But sometimes he is right. (I hope he doesn't read me admitting this)
Back to the drawing board.Well, there he is, on the end!

So I'm calling these, "Basket Case Bunnies". Why? You ask. I'll tell you. They fit nicely into an Easter Basket! lolThey are about 12" or 13" and were pretty easy to make. I think they are probably my last bunny pattern of this year. But what do I know, never say never.
So the pattern will be shipping out on Monday, you know the drill, if you wanna order, simply send an email and I can send a paypal invoice if you like.Oh, epattern won't be ready for a couple weeks, sorry.

I'm off now to purchase some stockings for church tomorrow, have a blessed Sunday everyone!!

Tip and tools of my trade....

2011-03-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

I want to share a tidbit with you right now as I am thinking about it.
There are some things that I am never without when creating my dollies. My Prisma pencils and Tourtillions are among those things. Nothing, NOTHING makes my dolly eyes "pop" more than the shading, etc. that I can do with these tools. I'm not a painter, I'm a sewer (is that even proper english?!)
The pencils colors I rely on most are: Cream, Dk. and Lt. Umbers, and Black. I outline, smudge, highlight ad color eyes, and sometimes brows, mouths, noses and ears. All depends on what I am working on.

If you are using the pencils, you will want to have a tourtillion. This papery pencil-thing does all the smudge work for you! AND, you can even put it in the pencil sharpener!
You will see I have them lettered. A is and older, stained, and previously sharpened one. B is a recently used but new one. C is a brand new-out of the package one.
You should be able to purchase them wherever you get the pencils.

Hope your day is a fine one, God is good!

New patterns!

2011-03-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I got these patterns done but still have not finished the chicken or another that I was working on. Life keeps getting in the way!

First pattern is called, "Bear Necessities" and it includes patterns and instructions to make this new style of bear with a round-ball head. There's a simple gusset and if you can sew, you can do it. You'll be able to make the short, fat sitting bears as well as the taller standing bear. The little bears are about 11" and the standing bear is about 17" when made up.

Pattern also includes the pattern and instructions for making the wooden base for the standup bear. You can have alot of fun with this pattern. I made my bears a bit on the grungy side but that is optional

This pattern is $11.00 + ship and I don't yet have it in epattern format.

Then we have Rabbit Stand and I've posted the pics of him below in another post but I'll put it here again! This pattern includes patterns and instructions for the rabbit, the wooden base and the 4" eggs too! I've also included the directions for making that little Easter basket that holds one egg.

This guy is about 20" finished from ears to wooden base.

Pattern is $11.00 + ship, I don't have this in epattern format yet.

Last but not least, we have "Eggs"

This is a quick and easy pattern for making these 4" long fabric eggs. They make up quick and it's a good

way to use up smaller fabric pieces or scraps.

Now, don't buy this pattern if you are buying the Rabbit Stand pattern because the egg is included it that pattern. However, if you buy two of any other mailed pattern, you will get this pattern free of charge until March 31.

This pattern is $5.00 + ship, not yet available as an epattern.

To order, simply email me: sweetmeadowsfarm@yahoo.com

I plan to have finished items for sale soon on my selling blog. It is not yet open but I will let ya all know!

Hope your day is a good one, we are having SNOW here.....yup, snow. They cancelled school twice this week so far.

Spring can't be far off, right??

RIGHT????!!!

Current list of E-patterns

2011-03-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have listed the available epatterns and prices on my picturetrail site. If you are not familiar with the pattern you can find it on the picturetrail site.
This is how I have to do it until I have the time to change the site around.
I will be adding epatterns in a week, probably weekly after that until all of my patterns are converted. ALL of them will eventually be in epattern form.

Just click here to go to the picturetrail site: www.picturetrail.com/sweetmeadowsfarm

E-patterns are coming!

2011-03-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

Yeah.
I'm finally getting with the program.
There will be epatterns, there ARE epatterns. But not nearly all of my patterns yet.
So I guess what I am saying is this, I think I have about 25 to 30 patterns available in epattern form.
This will cut down on postal issues, time spent at the printer and time waiting for your patterns!
I know you are excited......
right?

I should have a list of them on my picturetrail site tomorrow or Tuesday but if you are interested in what is available, simply email me.

So many shoes...

2011-03-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

Look what I found!

Well, I didn't find it sorta........it was buried in my craft room. I NEED to get rid of stuff, every square inch of that room is full of stuff. I forgot about these baby shoes, collected over the years to put on just the right old looking dolly. I put the box on a bottom shelf and forgot about them. So I got to thinking and I'm going to have an online yard sale....soon, very soon. I'm going to rid myself of things I have too many of, too much of, or just won't ever get around to using. Might even have to part with fabric *shudder*

I spend wayyy too much time looking for things that are packed away or buried and that is time I could be sewing or creating.........

or napping :)

So, in probably two weeks, I shall announce my yard sale along with a link. Please feel free to relieve me of some of my stuff!!

How about a lil bear?

2011-03-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

No chicken yet, but I WILL get it finished today.

But how about this bear?

The patterns are getting their finishing touches....

BTW, if you won a pattern with the last giveaway and haven't gotten it, email me.

With the craziness leading up to the shower, "some" things were left undone.......

I do apologize!

No chicken yet...how's about a rabbit?

2011-03-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

Still working on the chicken and other rabbits, a bear too.

Got my hands full for sure.

I just wanted to show you my el grungo rabbit and yup, he's a stander!

See how I incorporated those eggs?!

I'm really busy, the shower is behind me, orders are done and I have time...sorta.

I've been keeping late hours and getting up early.

.......except today....*gulp*

I slept in.....till 10 a.m.

It's all beauty sleep and I sure could use lots!

The chicken or the egg..........?

2011-03-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

...so, which came first?

Well, in this case, the eggs!

Why, you ask, welllll, simply because the chicken isn't finished yet!

hee hee.....

Fast making eggs, 4" long each, a cheapo pattern for sure but will probably have a deal for it when the chicken is available.

Soon.....very soon.

Rise And Shine!

2011-03-16T02:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, really?
At 4:30 a.m.?
What's up with this lately.....I seem to wake most days at 4 a.m. It's been happening for at least a month now. It doesn't have anything to do with the time change since it started before that. It would be fine if I could just start my day at that time but I really do lose steam around 9 a.m.
Some days I go back to bed for a mid-morning "nap".
I just want to sleep a normal pattern, get up at a normal time, and begin my day......normally!

*yawn*......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Cell Phone users+Do not call list!!

2011-03-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Cell phone users, did you know in about a month our numbers will become public knowledge and available to the telemarketers?

You can call this number, from your cell phone now, to get on the "do not call list" and hopefully this will help fend off the unwanted calls: 888-382-1222
You must call from your phone that you want to add to the list.

So much Sweetness!!

2011-03-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

My daughters baby shower went off as planned. It was a great time of family and friends. We have a large family, and we all have children and grandchildren and for my Mom, new great grand babies all the time! Anyhow, all our husbands and even the kiddos are invited. What can I say, it's all about family!!

We rented the community center in town as we had over 40 in attendance. My daughter-in-law, nieces, and sisters and Mom all had a hand in helping to either make decorations, set up, clean up, etc. Thanks to all! And thanks to all the men in our families who watched the kiddies so the women could have fun...errr....work on the shower!!! heehee
Here's a pic of what it looked like two nights prior. Pretty boring and empty.
But then, we added the pink and brown! We even wrapped a clothesline around the entire center, utilizing those ugly poles! The clothesline was filled with baby clothes. For each item you put on the line, you got a ticket. There was a table of prizes with a container in front of each prize. You could place your tickets in whichever container you chose. Throughout the shower, my daughter pulled a ticket from the container and the winner would get that particular prize. Just some more fun!

We set all the tables with pink tablecloths and plates, etc. We cut brown polka dots from felt and randomly placed them down the tables. There were pink candles, pink fresh flowers and cut branches with pink paper flowers attached to them, placed in canning jars with spanish moss. We made all of the tissue pompoms hanging from the ceiling. I wish the pictures could truly capture it.

The guests of honor arrive!

Checking out the clothesline!

After dinner it was time to open all the presents with Grandpa overseeing!

A little bit of help!

I made sure to get a frilly pink dress!

What's a shower without some ham???!!!

And even a little more ham.....

Oh, look, isn't that the cutest blonde gift???!!

At each table, we had goodie boxes with nametags on them in pink and brown. These served as placecards and after the gifts were open, everyone got to fill their boxes from the pink and brown dessert buffet!
We had several kinds of cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, cheescake squares, cream puffs, chocolate dipped pretzels (pink of course!), cannolis, mini cupcakes in chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet, assorted chocolate candies, and chocolate lollipops!

Everyone, I mean EVERYONE enjoyed the dessert buffet!

My daughter got everything she needed and then some!
I want to thank everyone that helped and everyone that came to celebrate the impending arrival of our newest blessing from God!!

We all can't wait to meet you baby Gabriella!

A sea of pink and brown....

2011-03-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

We are in the throes of a baby shower here at the "farm". Well, it won't be here, we've rented a place in town. There shall be 35-40 folks in attendance this weekend.
It's been a whirlwind of activity, planning, purchasing, cooking, more planning.....shopping till we drop!

All of this you see, is in preparation for the arrival next month of our sweet Gabriella!
We have no clue as to her weight, we don't know whom she shall look like, whether or not she has alot of hair, what color her eyes are....but we love her just the same!

This will be my daughters first and only (she says now) baby. But she will be mine and Mr. Sweetmeadows' third grand baby.
We are TRULY blessed by God!

The shower theme? You guessed it, pink and brown! There will be lots and lots of pink and brown and even polka dots. Grandma loves polka dots! heehee

I promise pictures, lots of them and even some of my recent excursion too. But they'll all have to wait until after the weekend is over

So for now, there is lots of decorating, wrapping, and more shopping to do!!!

ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION?

2011-03-06T19:06:00.001-08:00

You all know the drill, first 3 people to leave a comment right now will each recieve one free pattern!

Someone's having a birthday today!

2011-03-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Nope, not me.
Happy Birthday Jeremy! My firstborn, my only son. It sure is hard to believe that it's been 32 years since you came into our lives. I remember everything about that day leading up to your arrival late at night.
You've brought us joy, growing from a sweet baby to the man that you are today. Raising your own family now, you are the best husband, best father, best son!
We are so ABSOLUTELY proud of all of your accomplishments and we love you TOO much!

Here's what is new.

2011-03-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

A new site, a new doll. This doll is a one of a kind, there will not be a pattern for this doll. I am offering her up for sale, if you would like to purchase her, mention you saw her on my blog and there will be NO shipping charge!
A picture you say???
Oh, she's listed on a brand new site! Just click here to see her and there are also other artists there as well: http://www.primnest.com/artist/17/Sweet+Meadows+Farm/

A sad day....

2011-02-26T08:14:00.000-08:00

...indeed.
Today we had to have one of our beloved pets put down. "Itchy" as she was named by my son, was here when we purchased our home. A stray, she was part of a family of four. One by one, we captured them and brought them in to live with us. She's the last remainder of her family of 4, over 18 years old now. She's been slowly failing.....first going deaf, eyesight next. She's gotten painfully thin and feeble. It's the right thing to do as I never want to see any of our pets suffering.
But still.................

Wind Damage.

2011-02-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

Ugh. It's soooo windy. Yesterday temps were way up close to 60, overnight the winds kicked in along with cold and snow showers. The wind was so fierce, it ripped one of the roof vents from the greenhouse and sent it flying out in the snow. The other vent was ripped open, then slammed down and the piston that automatically opens the vent, went thru the roof of the greenhouse. We are not happy campers. Top it all off, the grandkids playhouse went rolling thru the yard during the night and ended up perched on the fence around the garden. That thing is BIG AND HEAVY so you can only imagine how strong the wind gusts were.
The sun is teasing up now, peeking out amid the flurry of snow showers........Where the heck is spring anyhow?????!!!

ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION?

2011-02-18T09:22:00.000-08:00

I'm going to post this every so often. Maybe once a week, maybe once every two weeks. You'll never know which day. Anyhow, when I post, ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION? as my blog subject, first three people to leave a comment will get a free pattern!
Woohoo! So hurry up, 3 peeps comment right now!

On to better things....

2011-02-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

....things that make me happy, like creating! I have for your, Lavender Bunny. Another one I shall put on ebay!

I'm so ANGRY.

2011-02-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

I just got my electric bill, it MORE than doubled. This happened because they removed the cap. This is such greed, pure and simple.

They say we can shop around for our electric.....ARE YOU KIDDING???? Where I live we have no other options.
Well, you can bet that I WILL be very diligent about not using electric unless I have to.
I just don't know how some people will be able to make it....with times as hard as they are for some, they can barely afford to heat their homes and eat let alone pay this kind of bill.
This is outrageous and I plan to write some letters for sure.

Polka Dot Bunny

2011-02-14T10:46:00.000-08:00

I'm having fun working with this new pattern of mine. I did get this bunny done and it will go on ebay tonight. I'm trying to make more finished dolls but I do have ALOT of orders right now so we will see.............

Bunnies Galore!

2011-02-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

Yeah! Well that's what this new pattern is called. In this pattern you will get instructions for two sizes of rabbits, 12" and 15" not including the ears. You will also get instructions for their cute clothing....just look at those adorable flower trimmed dresses! AND, you also have directions for 2 different flowers and several options for positioning the ears. Click on each picture for an enlargement.

Great spring pattern for sure! Make up a bunch of those flowers alone for bowl fillers!

Pattern is $10.50 plus shipping.

I should have at least one more, maybe two, new patterns next week.
I will be putting a bunny or two on ebay as well!!

The times they are a-changing.

2011-02-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

Yeah. Change is in the air, I can feel it. Nope, not the weather.
Style, mine to be exact. As I'm making bunnies, I'm having a hard time dunking their pretty spring dresses into the coffee/tea/water bath. Just a light dunk, thank you! Only for a slightly aged look.
Gone (I think) are the dark colors, I long to paint my rooms all a nice cream color with light accents. But that would mean changing sooooo many things to go along......

Or maybe it's just that I want to "feel" spring. If the sun would come out to stay, I'm sure this too would pass!!!!

Please bear with me...

2011-02-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

...I'm getting myself caught up. I promise new stuff very soon. Some fun things for sure!
On a good note, I lost 11 lbs. I have been on The 17 Day Diet. I just finished the first cycle of 17 days and that's where the weight loss occured. I'm on the next cycle, I get to add a few carbs back into my diet now...WOOHOO! I'm a carb lover. But I realized I eat wayyy too many carbs and I did just fine without them for 17 days. I have to say, I've never felt better! This is such a healthy way of eating and as much as I want to lose weight, for me it was about getting healthier. So here's to getting eating and living healthy!!

I first saw this diet plan on Dr. Phil. I NEVER watch Dr. Phil but one day in boredom, I was channel surfing and this just caught my eye. So I researched it online, decided I would give it a shot, and ordered the book and DVD from Amazon. I really need to be more diligent about using the exercise DVD, however.

So, have a great day and get creative!

We love you Gram!

2011-01-31T08:19:00.000-08:00

She finally got her wings today...............

Our Prayers have all been answered

I finally arrived

The healing that had been delayed

Has now been realized

No one's in a hurry

There's no schedule to keep

We're all enjoying Jesus

Just sitting at His feet

If you could see me now

I'm walking streets of gold

If you could see me now

I'm standing tall and whole

If you could see me now

You'd know I've seen His face

If you could see me now

You'd know the pain's erased

You wouldn't want me to ever

leave this place

If you could only see me now

My light and temporary trials

Have worked out for my good

To know it brought Him glory

When I misunderstood

Though we've had our sorrows

They can never compare

What Jesus has in store for us

No language can share

You wouldn't want me to ever

leave this perfect place

If you could only see me now

If you could see me now

If only you could see me now

Into each life a little rain must fall....

2011-01-29T16:58:00.000-08:00

......feels like a downpour.
Our beloved Gram is slipping away....She's almost 103 years old.
Each day now might be her last. As we all keep vigil at her bedside, precious memories are recalled, family rifts have been healed.
She is loved by many. She is a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a great-great grandmother. But mostly, she is a Christian, who's life has been an influence on all of us.
We just love her now.
She is not dying of an illness, she has NEVER been on any medication. She is passing only from old age.
Don't be sad for Gram though, she will soon be with her Heavenly Father in a far better place than we can imagine and there will be a reunion of loved ones passed.

I love you Gram, Now go get your wings, you deserve the largest pair ever.......................................

Good Morning Sunshine!

2011-01-22T08:41:00.000-08:00

It's a sunny day with a bright blue sky.....too bad it's so cold! It was -10 degrees at 8 this morning.
I'm feeling good and headache free, thank God.
Too cold to venture out so I'm going to hunker down and "fire up" the sewing machine. I have rabbits that are screaming to get out of my head....lol!

Shouldn't be long now....................

Day three.......

2011-01-21T07:47:00.000-08:00

...of the migraines. Again.
I'm trying to function a bit, peek into facebook, check my email and post this to my blog. Then I think it's back to bed again for the day.

This is starting to get old.

Pink and Brown!

2011-01-16T17:08:00.000-08:00

My daughter is having her first baby and it's a girl. So I'm planning a baby shower and decided to forgo the usual "baby" themed decor and have opted for a pink and brown theme instead.
I'm just having the best time planning, there is ALOT out there for a pink/brown shower.

And speaking of pink, OH MY GOODNESS, I just bought the cutest pink beanie hat with a giant pink ruffled bow on the side! Buying for grandbabies is such fun, we now shop for 3!

We are truly blessed!

I've picked a winner!

2011-01-14T17:33:00.000-08:00

Maritza, you have won the free pattern drawing!
Congrats, I will be sending out your "Favorite Things" pattern asap!
Thanks so all who entered.

Favorite Things

2011-01-13T12:18:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited about this new design. I'm calling it "Favorite Things" as these dollies seem to have their favorites with them. The pattern will include the 16" standing raggedy doll. Also included is a pattern for the 8" lil raggedy dolly as well as the way-cool 7" sitting elephant. There's ALOT you can do with this pattern for sure!
Don't be scared off by the elephant, it is made from plush felt and you can either string-joint the arms and legs or just sew them in place like I did!
I'm going to offer a few limited amounts of kits for these dolls This pattern is $12.00 + shipping.
Leave a comment and I will enter your name in a drawing for a FREE "Favorite Things" pattern!!!
One more thing....if you don't want a standing dolly, there's the option in this pattern to just make a regular sitting dolly!

Be watching for the release date of this pattern and the availability of the kits.

Feelin' crappy......

2011-01-12T16:57:00.000-08:00

I've felt lousy on and off for a week now. I have a chronic illness and I suffer from migraines as well. The chronic illness comes and goes and if I'm lucky, I won't experience it for months. BUT, for some reason, it has decided to "attack" once again and I've been dealing with ALOT of stomach pain. On top of it all, the migraines decided to visit at the same time. Makes for some rather miserable days and I have not been able to get much done at all. I said much, I didn't say nothing!

So, with that said, I shall be taking pics tomorrow to share my new design with you. You will love, LOVE this one for sure!

Protect your privacy!!!!

2011-01-10T07:23:00.000-08:00

I hate these internet sites that broadcast your personal info.
Here's the latest, http://www.spokeo.com/
Just type in your name and find yourself....and for just $2.95 they'll give ANYONE even more personal info. about you.
You can get your name off this one, follow the instructions provided here. Remember though, to check your maiden name and other towns/states you may have lived in. I found mine listed twice........sheesh.

There's a site called Spokeo.com that's a new online USA phone book w/personal information: everything from pics you've posted on FB or web, your approx credit score, home value, income, age. You can remove yourself by searching for yourself on their site to find the URL of your page, then go to the bottom of the page ...and click on Privacy button to remove yourself.

Todays, Deal of the Day!

2011-01-05T09:11:00.000-08:00

NORTON!!!!!

$13.99 plus FREE shipping!
Be sure to check "Budget Shipping" on the left side of the page before you final the order.

http://www.buy.com/prod/norton-antivirus-2011-1-user/q/loc/105/217181230.html

P.S. I'm working on a new raggedy pattern.....can't wait to finish this one!

A good deal...

2011-01-03T13:05:00.000-08:00

....have you ever checked out this site: http://www.fatwallet.com/

I can't begin to tell you the deals I got at this site when doing some Christmas shopping. There are good deals, coupon codes, percent off, etc. It changes constantly and you have to be diligent about looking......like I check it everyday!

I bought my grandson a nice truck set in Dec. It normally sells for approx. $119.00 and is NOT made in China. This one particular day, I was able to get it for $27.99 with free shipping! The thing is HUGE and worth it. The next day it shot back up to $119. and the lowest I've seen it offered for since is $74.00. I got a good deal.

Another day I was able to purchase some lightweight spring jackets and other assorted misc. items for approx. .99 to $1.75 each with free shipping using stackable coupons. On some sites you can stack coupon codes.

This weekend, they advertised Lowes was selling those big plastic storage bins with the lids - the 18 Gallon size, on sale for $2.50 each! Think that's good??? Well then there was a coupon for $10.00 off a $25.00 purchase. Soooo, I purchased 20 of them, YUP, TWENTY for $25.00. Then they took off the $10.00 so when they added the tax to my purchases, they ended up being $1.62 each!!!!!! I just had to pay online and pick up at my local Lowes store.

I've got them stacked up for now in my kitchen........I'll need to store my "storage bins" now for a bit! lol
I plan to give my kids some for stuff they need to store, kids toys, clothes, etc.

BUT, I'm stashing fabric in mine!!!

Here's to another year...have you won?!

2011-01-02T18:04:00.000-08:00

Well, we did get five new winners for the single pattern drawings. I have emailed you winners so be sure to let me know that you did recieve my email.
Here they are:
Tammy-primitive place
Marcie
Sabrina-Falling Leaf
Brenda-Rusty Thimble
Tammy-Farmhouse Prim

Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who entered. I do plan another giveaway sometime this month. This one will be for a handmade item!

Our New Years Eve was low-key, it always is...just how we like it! I made homemade pizzas and spent the evening with family close.
Barely made it to midnight, I hardly ever do!
I spent the next day cleaning and organizing (HA!) in my sewing room. Today me and Mr. made a full day run of printing patterns, shopping and shopping. I ran into A.C. Moore with my 50% off coupon and made a purchase. Then it was on to lunch, then we hopped over the Wally-World (Ugh!) for some grocery type items and then head up the road to Joann Fabric with my 40% off coupon and a gift card to boot! Oh, they are having a thread sale, 50% off so you KNOW I filled my cart. I always get such stares as I empty row upon row of the thread! Snagged a whole bolt of muslin with my coupon!
I did purchase another piece of fabric, I have PLANS for that....BIG PLANS like in pattern form plans! You'll have to just wait and see! I'm excited about this one, I hope it turns out as I have it in my head.

Home again, home again, jiggety-jig.

P.S. My Mom is in the hospital and is having a test tomorrow. Please keep her in your prayers, her name is Diana. Thanks!!!

About that tree..............

2010-12-29T08:47:00.000-08:00

.....Yeah....ummm......I never did go get the artificial tree from the attic. I have a very nice, prim tree, a very BIG german twig tree but I just wasn't feeling the "fake" tree this year.

So, there it was, two days before Christmas Eve and I had no tree. It was bitterly cold that morning, I was contemplating my tree dilemna as I dressed to go across the road to the barn to feed the stray kitties. This is a whole other story! Do you know, we feed these strays, twice a day. They are currently residing in the very bottom of our small barn. We heat milk for them and bring them their food. Kinda like room service!
ANYHOW, I thought since I was going out, in the snow and wind to feed them, that I would look in the field for a tree.....a small tree, since I didn't know where the Mr. was keeping the saw. So, I grabbed a steak knife, Yes, a steak knife, and headed out. I fed the cats, and them tromped thru the field thru the wind and snow until I found a little grove of the most pathetic trees you could ever see! BINGO! I couldn't decide, I eyed them all from every direction, finally deciding on one with a trunk I thought I could take down with a steak knife! LOL I "sawed" and "gnawed the trunk from every direction but I think it was frozen. Got down on my knees in the snow and "sawed" away. I'd saw some, then pull the tree some and then saw more on another side. Finally there was enough that I could pull the tree over and snap the trunk. I dragged my tree to the house, carrying it up the driveway easily because it was so light as there just wasn't much to it. I was almost to the house and my daughter-in-law opened her back door at just that moment, took a look at my tree, and exclaimed, "What are you doing with "that thing"????

I tried to hide the steak knife but she saw it...........(I've been the brunt of many a joke over the past week)
Anyhow, I told her she would see, it would be great. Major eye-roll here. I got it in the house and then devised a way to make it stand, in water, inside my giant crock all without a tree stand. I'm not even going to go into that because you all would think I've lost my mind at this point but, I did get it to stand!
Poor thing, it didn't get decorated until Christmas Eve day, I had to let it thaw.........and it was subject during this time to ALOT of ridicule.

However, I did decorate it. I did not use any of my normal tree decorations except for the lights. I then added dried orange slices, and these plastic icicle ornaments from the 1950's that I've never used until now. I then strung two bags of cranberries and added these to the tree. It needed something more. So that night I made these big gingerbread cookies and when they were cooled, I strung them on red cording and hung them as well.

I love my tree. I hate to take it down but it does need to go now.
This is the best picture I could get of it, my camera really is not cooperating with me lately but you get the idea!!

Might have to do this next year as well.....maybe string some popcorn then too.

A winner and one more giveaway.....

2010-12-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

...Donna - Countcrafts!
Congrats, you won!

Not to worry, if you didn't win, I'm going to draw five winners on New Years Eve for one free pattern. If you have already gotten in on the first drawing, you are still in. If you haven't, you have until New Years Eve, 7 p.m. EST to do so. Rules are same as the original drawing. Best of luck to all!

A BIG new giveaway and Merry Christmas to all!

2010-12-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

Our family Christmas party was a huge success. There was wayyyy too much food but who's complaining! The little grand daughters sang a nice round of Christmas carols for us, dressed in their Christmas finery! So cute and serious they were.

This week is filled with baking, cooking and cleaning in preparation for the big holiday weekend. In you busy lives, my wish is that you would stop and think about the true meaning of Christmas, the ultimate gift that God could give us, our Savior Jesus Christ!!!!!

In the spirit of the season, I want to do my own giving, and so I'm having giveaway-last one of this year.
I'm calling this one, The Twelve Months of Christmas. For the coming year, one lucky winner will recieve one free pattern each month of their chosing! Any pattern at all!

In order to get in on this one, you will need to be on my email list, or be a follower of my blog, or post this giveaway on your blog, or just simply comment on this post. You will get your name added to the contest for each of these. That gives you alot of chances to win!
So, good luck to all, I will draw the winners name next Monday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Party time!

2010-12-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow evening, our family will have their Christmas Party. Me and my family, my sis's and their hubs and kids and spouses and grandkids and our Mom, we are such a large group now that we needed to rent a place in town to hold our party!
So today and tomorrow is being spent wrapping gifts (NO MORE PLEASE!), cooking and baking.
There's a rumor that Santa Claus is going to make an appearance as well! The kiddies don't know it yet!
Have wonderful weekend everyone!!!!

Open mouth, insert foot.....

2010-12-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

.....so just "maybe" I should have listened to the Mr. I haven't decorated this tree yet, I've only hung a few strands of lights on it. It's dropping needles like mad......
Yup, I know, the artificial tree wouldn't make a mess.

So now I'm afraid to light the tree because it's kinda dry and I don't want a fire....and I'm tired already of the mess.
Crazy.

Probably it's the stove making it dry out..... at least that's what I think. It's been so cold out that we've had that thing burning non-stop! But I figured it would be okay because I put this tree in the dining room. Oh well.

So I mentioned to the Mr. that I should maybe toss this one out back and pull down one of the *gulp* fake trees. He thinks I'm nuts, he said just deal with it.
Tomorrow, after he leaves for work, I'm going up into the attic *shudder* and fetch myself one of those fake trees and then give this bad boy the ol' heave-ho.

Too bad.....it was starting to grow on me.