westmoreland drive

My first house of memory was on Westmoreland Drive in University City, Missouri, an urban suburb adjacent to the Washington University campus. In the 60's, children of all ages filled the sidewalks and yards with bikes, lemonade stands, camp-outs, forts, street games, birthday parties, laughter, hollering, mischief and general happy-kid life. We walked to the neighborhood school or library any day of the year and never really worried about much of anything as I remember it. Dragging our rough and tumble, independent selves back in the kitchen door at dusk for dinner, we counted the minutes until we could run back outside for the last neighborhood play of the day. And at holiday time, those were the years of absolute blissful magic when Santa started at one end and worked his way down the block in and out of chimneys at each house. That's what we were sure of then.

This new kit I'm posting reminds me of that time- of the sequined tree skirt and stockings my mother made, of the gold-rimmed plates dotting the holiday table, of velvet, sashed Christmas dresses, new toys calling our names from every unopened box, Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto bossa nova tunes jazzing up the mistletoe season. My mother has an artist's sense of style and a practical elegance, and it was always at Christmas that it dazzled us the most. When she comes to visit us this year for the holidays, maybe we'll all sit around the kitchen table and make tiny festive houses and trees. So, here is my newest though sweetly nostalgic Westmoreland Holiday Kit. I'm happy to think that you can make these too, and remember when, your way!

**After a number of emails and questions, I'm sticking with what works. Scratch etsy for now, selling them here on the blog shop even though I still can't manage that Paypal buy-now button. Mostly, I want you, my favorite neighborhood pals, to have first chance at them since they include vintage materials. When I run out, that's it. To order, send me an email, include your Paypal email addy and I'll send the Paypal invoice to you. Happy holler-days, my friends. C'mon, let's play! xoC 

Comments

[Stephanie Howell]

how cute is that house??
sent you an email!

[Janey]

Hi Charlotte, love the house!
I sent you an e-mail.
I've actually been making one of your kits today from Silver Bella.
Janey

[jerusalem]

How cute are those? And what great childhood memories you have - they sound a lot like those of my mother. I am trying to create that sort of carefree childhood for my kids as much as possible. And the kit is ADORABLE!

[jayne]

Oh come on now Charlotte! These are so cute they are borderline *ridiculous*. Or, maybe a better description would be *ridiculously cute*!?! :D

[sarahfishburn]

This is darling, you are too clever.
xxo
sarah

[Julie Loeschke]

Sent an email. Hope to hear soon. :)

[Rebecca]

Can't keep up with your crafting adorableness (i'm making up words, that okay?) Love the story of your neighborhood and of course love the little cozy house.

[Pamela]

Sent you an email so I can enjoy recreating your heart-felt little house :>). Pam

[Sally]

Oh my good gosh Charlotte! I must have those! Sent you an email. :)

[Ellen Crimi-Trent]

love these sooo cute!!

[Carolyn Peeler]

What an adorable little project Charlotte. Good Luck!

[Sue]

I know that area well...we lived near St. Louis for 3 and a half years and loved it.
This project is so sweet and special thanks to the warm memories.
I want to begin getting the kits as Grace wants to try them!

Hugs,
Sue

[Kas]

I'm a Missouri-girl too! (Though I've lived in Illinois now for 14 years) Did you see the great coffee table book that came out several years ago about the amazing houses on Westmoreland? Your post today makes me want to find it at the library again! Happy Holidays

[terri ventura]

Hi Charlotte,
This is beyond sweet I must have a kit... You can bring some to the class next week...
Terri

[frenchgardenhouse]

What a great kit, what makes it special are your sweet memories that you shared!
Lidy

[Robin~Thrifty Miss Priss]

These are adorable! I have a soft spot for these little houses!

[Heather - Speckled Egg]

Oh Charlotte! This kit is just stunning! I love it to pieces!!!
Hugs!

[Cate]

Charlotte, you little houses are perfectly adorable and your post is more evidence that we grew up in the same time with the same Midwestern aesthetic. I still have one of those felt and sequin stockings (will post it on my blog, soon), my mother had a "theme" tree all in peacock blue and olive green, and I swayed to the tune of "Bossa Nova Noel." Your post really brings back memories.

[Daughter Maggie]

Ma, these are really cute - and your post isn't as mushy as you made it sound! It's nice...glad one of us can still manage to be nostalgic! I'll get it back soon...love you! xoxomags

[alyssa]

All the good parts of Christmas past ... love the kit.

[kim]

Absolutely wonderful, my friend!!! MAkes me wish so desperately that I was feeling less...uuuuuhhhh...pukey, so that I could do some crafting. ;)

Hey, not that I am the paypal pro by ANY means, but YELL if you need some help with those nasty buttoms. I've discovered a few tricks through all the times I've nearly pulled my hair out selling on my blog.

[Susan]

I know that area of University City well. Though I lived on Southwood off of Skinker in Clayton my senior year at Wash. U., several of my friends lived in U. City. Great neighborhood! Your kit is just as sweet as can be.