The Portion of my Inheritance

Turning 13

August 14, 2015 by peggy1martin2

The question has been in every conversation for the past few weeks. What to get our sweet Hannah for her birthday? Officially turning into a teenager tends to make the gift portion of a birthday a little challenging. No more cute little pink dresses or barbie dolls, being a teenager changes everything and your thoughts have to shift in that direction.

We discussed her love language and what really, really mattered to her, and finally settled on a gift.

The gift of our time.

Our plan was to take her out to dinner, so steak (her love language) at Logan’s was our first stop.

Then we moved our party to the main street in Weatherford to Painting with a Twist.

We spent the next couple of hours painting one of Hannah’s favorite things, an anchor.

The class took us step by step through this painting.

We had a couple of breaks allowing for drying time, and some photo shots of the birthday girl.

We painted, and talked, and laughed and of course I took pictures. Sometimes we worked in silence, concentrating on fine lines and steady brush strokes.

With determination we continued on until our paintings were complete.

Hannah’s painting.

Happy Birthday to our precious Hannah! I pray that Jesus will always be the anchor of your soul, your constant hope and strength, both sure and steadfast. We love you.

so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:18-20

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

A Productive Day

August 13, 2015 by peggy1martin2

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us– yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

The Vintage Peasant

August 12, 2015 by peggy1martin2

My neighbor of 34 years called a few weeks ago and asked us to come over. When we arrived at her house she was hard at work sorting and cleaning. She told me that she was going to turn 96 next month and she wanted to make sure that her fabric would go to someone who would appreciate it and use it.

So the three of us sat in one of her bedrooms that had obviously been used for her sewing room. Her sewing machine sat in front of a window, safely tucked into a sewing cabinet, the kind that looks like a single desk. Remnants of her sewing years lay scattered throughout the room. Two plastic sewing cases sat next to her machine along with a couple of bags of fabric. The room was now used for storage as she explained to us that she could no longer sew.

I went through the dresser that held her beloved fabric, drawer after drawer and Martin put the fabric in bags as I made my choices.

There were times that when I pulled out a piece of fabric her eyes would lite up, and I would see a memory splash across her face and she would say, “Let me see that one!”

I understand.

There were a lot of beautiful fabrics, but I definitely had my favorite.

The instant I pulled this fabric out I knew it was meant for Aria. It matched her bright, fun and spontaneous little personality. Happy flowers covered it with brightly colored jewel dots in each center. The soft polyester fabric had the 60’s vintage look and probably is in fact from the 1960’s, or close to it, and I knew immediately what pattern I was going to use.

This 1960’s peasant dress pattern is not the first of the peasant styles. This style has been around forever and has recycled and turned up in just about every fashion era, and I have made my fair share of them.

This pattern is so easy to sew up, just a few pattern pieces and just a few seams.

One of the things that I love about the peasant look is the elastic around the neckline. I left a small amount of fabric above the casing to make a soft ruffle.

The pattern also called for elastic at the waist but I chose to put a belt instead. My plan was to get a blingy turquoise belt, but I have not found one yet, but I am still on the lookout.

Aria changed the look also by adding her cowboy boots, giving it more of a western look.

This dress will always be special because of the fabric. It will be a reminder for me of my dear neighbor and of the joyous day we sorted through her fabric.

And they mounted four rows of stones on it. The first row was a row of ruby, topaz, and emerald; and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire and a diamond;

Exodus 39:10-11

Posted in Vintage Patterns | 4 Comments »

French Sewing Pattern

August 5, 2015 by peggy1martin2

I received my very first french sewing pattern! It came from Troussures in Northern France.

I have always been drawn to the foreign patterns, both in the sewing and the knitting patterns. There just seems to be a classic, timeless look to them that really draws me in.

I love this pattern and actually found it on Pinterest.

It is written in French so you would need a basic knowledge of patterns and how the pieces fit together.

I can’t wait to get started! I think I will start with the top for my darlin baby. I will post as soon as I finish.

“Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain. Exodus 25:40

Posted in Sewing | Leave a Comment »

Moses Baskets

August 1, 2015 by peggy1martin2

Here is where I got the clever idea and instructions to make the rope baskets.

I took her idea and decided to make Moses’ baskets for my granddaughter’s Bitty Baby, it would also work for any 16″ baby doll.

You will need to purchase cloths line rope, I got mine at Walmart. The Moses basket takes around 400 feet. The cloth line rope comes in 25 or 50 feet lengths. You will also need 2-3 spools of thread to match your paint color. It takes a lot and the bigger your zigzag stitch is the more thread you will need.

I have experimented with different ways to paint the basket and I found that this is the best way for me. I dilute paint in water and stir it in, then I just soak my rope in the paint. I turn it over a couple of times to make sure it’s all coated. You can work with your paint until you are happy with how it turns out. I used Apple Barrel paint purchased at Walmart.

I dry it outside on my cloths line.

Once it’s dry you can start making your basket.

The Moses basket needs to be oblong, so I start with a 8-10 inch length of rope and sew two pieces together using a zigzag stitch, making sure to catch both pieces of rope with the thread.

You will need to position your rope so that as you sew the bulk of your basket is on the outside of your machine.

Continue sewing your rope around and around until you get your desired length. My bottom is 18-19 inches long.

Once you get your desired length you will turn your rope on it’s side and continue sewing. This will change the direction of your stitch and create the sides of your basket.

Continue until you have the desired depth of your basket, then you will make the handles.

I measure and mark my four centers, then from my side centers I measure out about 2 1/2 inches on either side and mark it. I sew up to the first mark and secure the stitches really good, then I stop sewing and cut my thread. I measure a 10-12 inch length of rope and start sewing at the end of that length, starting at the next marked spot-making sure there is a 5 1/2 inch space between the two. Continue sewing around the basket until you get directly on the other side of your 5 1/2 inch space-this should also be marked-and repeat the same thing you did on the other side. I made three more rounds to make the handle of the basket. At the long end of the basket I cut the rope and folded it down and worked it into the basket. Back stitch several times to secure it down.

The bottom of my basket was a little wavy so I steamed it and ironed it until it was flat.

You are now done with your Moses basket.

You are now ready to make a pad and blanket for your basket.

I use cotton fabric on one side of both the blanket and pad and on the other side I use a super soft minky fabric.

For the bottom pad: Place your basket on a long sheet of paper and trace around the bottom, marking your basket. Cut it out, adding 1/2 inch for seam allowance. Lay it on top of your desired fabric, right sides together, place 1-2 layers of batting on the bottom. Sew the layers together leaving a 4-5 inch space to turn it right side out. Trim the seam then turn it right side out. Iron your seams flat and sew along the outside edge of the pad.

For the blanket: Cut your cotton fabric and one layer of batting 18×18 inches. Cut your minky 20×20 inches. Place your minky face down, place your batting and your cotton-face up- on top of your minky, leaving 1 inch evenly around the outside edge. Double fold the minky over the cotton and pin in place, making your blanket edge. Sew the minky along all four sides.

You can quilt it either by hand of on your machine if you would like.

You are now completely finished with your Moses basket.

This Moses basket will be featured in my next Missions basket.

I have also made a few baskets using this technique, here are a few pictures.

Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a daughter of Levi.The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw ^]that he was beautiful, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got him a wicker basket and covered it over with tar and pitch. Then she put the child into it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile.His sister stood at a distance to find out what would happen to him. Exodus 2:1-4

Posted in Sewing Tutorials | Leave a Comment »

Yuka Sweater Pattern

July 31, 2015 by peggy1martin2

Another wonderful pattern by Svetlana Volkova, the Yuka pattern.

This is the second of three patterns that I purchased from Svetlana Volkova. Check out her awesome patterns on Ravelry.

I absolutely love everything about this pattern. It has cables (a favorite of mine) everywhere! The sleeve cuffs are trimmed with cables at the top of the ribbed stitches.

The back edge is longer than the front and also has the cable at the top of the extended 2×2 ribbed pattern.

There are cables that run triangular at the top of the bodice, meeting at the neck center and separating the sleeves.

The yarn is I love this yarn purchased at Hobby Lobby and Aria chose the red color.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. Proverbs 31:21

Posted in Knitting | Leave a Comment »

He Has Hedged Me Behind and Before

July 29, 2015 by peggy1martin2

I love how the Lord works in our lives, how He reveals Himself to us in the unexpected. How His living Word touches us so completely and so deeply, no stone unturned, to the point that it is a miracle in itself.

If we could truly see all the times that He has hedged us behind and before and laid His hands upon us, we would be astounded! We would be so awestruck by His grace and His love that we would live a totally surrendered life.

Although our physical eyes can not perceive Him all the time, in His mercy He gives us these wonderful glimpses. Just enough to leave your soul begging for more, so satisfied and so wonderfully joyful. He is truly an awesome God.

It has always been for me that in the teaching of others it has been me that walks away with the treasure, the gold nugget that gets stuck right between your breastbone and your heart, wedged in deep. It has always been me that the lesson was for, the unveiling of His love through the beautiful words of His book, the living Word that pours out, drenching my spirit completely through.

It has been throughout our history together, me and Him, together, living and moving and having my being, that I sometimes get it, just an inkling. The knowing that He did it once and He can absolutely do it again.

And it was the young man David that showed me this time. The official but unofficial king, not yet even a man, that walked right up to the famous mighty giant warrior, with sling in hand and His Lord in his heart.

The mighty Israelite army had tucked their tails and scattered, hiding in the hills or anywhere that they felt would bring them safety. And king Saul also trembled with fear over the day and evening bullying of that rascal Goliath. Oh I understand their fear. Fear has a way of wrapping it’s gnarling fingers around my neck and choking the life out of me. And just when I think I have conquered it, my own giants show up and mock me and threatens me and I run for cover, just like the army of Saul.

But young David volunteered for the task of killing Goliath, despite the fear that hung thick that day, an army and king that were dismayed and defeated, despite the the fact that the cards were stacked against him, in every single way possible. Saul pointed out to him that he would not be able to prevail against the giant because he was still a youth and because he was not a warrior, but was indeed a shepherd and Goliath was a experienced man of war. King Saul and his army looked at the physical things of this earth, their strength was in the armies of Israel, but David’s strength was in his Lord.

And when I read the words that David spoke next, everything stopped and I truly heard these words being spoken to me from the mouth of God Himself. I understood immediately what He meant and it was for my heart only.

“But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it and delivered the lamb from it’s mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by it’s beard, and struck and killed it. Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God. Moreover David said,”The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Sam. 17:34-37)

David was not a part of the trembling army that day, he was set apart for the purpose of the Lord. He did not put his trust in the army, or in the armor of Saul, David completely relied on his God, the One who had delivered him from the paw of the lion. David showed up that day with power and the assurance of the Lord because he had a history with God and David already knew what God could do.

And the stone that David used that day to slay the giant, I suspect was not much bigger than a mustard seed. Goliath came to David with the things of the world, but David came to Goliath in the name of the Lord.

And David’s words to the giant? “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, who you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand. (1 Sam. 17:45-46)

These words that David said so long ago were written just for me! And as I read them, this is what I heard:

“My daughter, do not fear, have I not shown you in the past My mighty strength? Have I not always taken care of those that I love so deeply? I have done it before and I will do it again! Remove the fear from your troubled heart and rest in Me, your strong and mighty tower, and just watch what I will do.”

1Sam. 17

You have hedged me behind and before and laid your hand upon me, such knowledge is too wonderful for me, it is too high, I cannot obtain it. Ps. 139:5-6

photos are from various children’s bibles

Posted in My Heart | 2 Comments »

The Inspiration Dress

July 26, 2015 by peggy1martin2

It would seem that Aria has a favorite.

Turns out that this Burda Style pattern that I made a few months back was a hit.

She wanted to model it again even though it is made out of heavy flannel fabric and is 100 degrees outside.

She loves the style and the jewel belt so much that she has decided to design her Christmas dress using this dress as her inspiration.

The sparkly shoes are also a favorite of hers.

‘They shall be Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them My jewels.’”

Malachi 3:17

Posted in Sewing | Leave a Comment »

Original Halter Dress

July 24, 2015 by peggy1martin2

It was actually a few years ago that I designed and made this dress, I just never finished it. Aria was pretty small and I was so surprised when I pulled it out and it fit her. I can not believe how quickly she has grown.

The front bodice is gathered and trimmed in a yellow bias, both at the top and along the front waistline.

It is a halter dress with elastic at the back.

The cotton print fabric was purchased at JoAnns several years ago.

My supermodel is past the stage of ruffles, big bows and flowers. I have had to completely change my thought process when planning designs for her. She has even been helping me in the design of some of her clothing. So, stay tuned and we will see what this team comes up with.

Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. Proverbs 17:6

Posted in Sewing | Leave a Comment »

Vintage Jumper and Blouse Pattern

July 23, 2015 by peggy1martin2

I am so excited! This pattern is definitely in my top two of favorite vintage patterns.

The jumper has darts in the front and back bodice and there are four buttons up the back. I personally prefer bias binding to facing, so I opted to use the same fabric for the bias that I used on the shirt.

The cotton fabric for the jumper was purchased at JoAnns. I love the variations of color and dots in it. I am very partial to polka dots, so this fabric also is in the top running for favorites.

I also love the fit of this pattern. I did not have to make any alterations at all, a perfect size 2.

One of the things that I love most about this pattern is the shirt. I love the vintage shirt patterns and I am always keeping an eye out for them. But I sometimes miss the shirts that are included in other patterns. Huge bonus for me this time around.

I love, love, love the sleeves on this shirt. It folds up, then is sewn in to make a cuff. It fits wonderful and I will definitely be making more of this shirt pattern.

I used a cotton polka dot fabric purchased at JoAnns.

I used a smaller polka dot cotton fabric for the bloomers.

This pattern is a top choice for the next mission basket. This pattern was found in this Etsy shop. Stop by and check out the rest of her amazing vintage patterns.