This has been the loveliest summer I can remember. Weekends seemed to get the best weather and there was so much to do.
Over here, the projects are lining up as we prepare to sell our house of 15+ years. That means mostly clearing out. Oh, the stuff! It's time to let it go and seriously downsize.
More than anything, of course, I want to sit down and make more stuff. Draw, stitch, paint, sew. There will be time when the weather cools and there is a new settling in. In spite of all the chores and distractions, I have enjoyed so many adventures this summer. And there are still more to come. Next month Meleen and I will be hosting two retreat weekends in Vermont. We are going to make felt cottages and journals among other things. Perfect opportunities to destash here. I'm so happy to be heading back!
The felt cottage class is one I've taught before and it remains a favorite. Looking forward to crafting and relaxing with old and new friends again in one of the prettiest places ever.
August snapshots to follow and a bit of exciting news too ~
Grammy and Erin
an evening walk through my friend's orchard.
uncovering a favorite house wren image.
my tattered summer hobo bag in need of mending.
planning a new holiday project.
gladiolus delivered color and drama daily.
the farmers' market, a town event for table and photos.
visited the other side of the river's shoreline.
bowled for the first time in 20 something years.
dusk on the Hudson again and again.
a Yankees game in the bleachers!
The most exciting news around here is that Maggie and James are expecting a baby boy this winter! All of us are beyond thrilled for them. So much love awaits. So much!
{And yes, that box of baby clothes was the first one I pulled down from the shelf. After three girls, a little boy will need his own new handmades. Happily, there are a few things that will have another turn. I made this little shirt for Erin in 1978. All of it handstitched. Even the buttonholes! Will it surprise you to hear that I still have the pattern? Folkwear's #109 Little Folks}
Congratulations on your impending grandmotherhood! And I hope you are going to give us a tutorial in Vermont on how to downsize!
Posted by: Margaret | August 21, 2014 at 12:48 PM
So excited and happy for you...:)
Posted by: Connie | August 21, 2014 at 12:55 PM
Oh what exciting news! Congrats to Maggie & James. I'm sure he will be very well loved. It's nice to see a picture of your lovely mother. We recently lost my 92 year old father, but were so lucky that he remained vibrant to the end. Good luck with your move, such a great time to clean out! Hugs.
Posted by: Troy Louise | August 21, 2014 at 03:01 PM
Warmest wishes and congratulations! I still have that pattern,too.It's a keeper. :)
Posted by: Julie Loeschke | August 21, 2014 at 04:13 PM
Wonderful news! Congratulations and have fun designing "boy duds"! Best wishes with the downsizing, decluttering all that ever gets me is started on a new project! Have fun and enjoy the last few days of summer splendidness! It really has been delightful!
Posted by: beth schultz | August 21, 2014 at 04:14 PM
Good things deserve saving. That pattern is definitely a good thing! Looking so forward to Vermont all over again.
Julie
Posted by: Julie | August 21, 2014 at 05:04 PM
A new address is very exciting. Fitting in your favourite "stuff" and maybe searching for some special new pieces.
Posted by: Barbara Johns | August 21, 2014 at 06:11 PM
Congratulations on the baby news! And a new house to move into...how fun :)
That little shirt from 1978 is darling...I would've saved the pattern too <3
Smiles, DianeM
Posted by: DianeM | August 22, 2014 at 06:18 AM
Congratulations!!! I am so excited for all of you. Good luck on the move. I did the de-stash and move last year and it was "interesting". :)
Posted by: Jeannie | August 22, 2014 at 07:47 PM
Ahhh another lovely post, so happy to hear your news about the baby! Having a new soul to love is a wonderful thing... it has been the best summer of my life! So happy for you and your family!
xoxo Monica
Posted by: Monica Fullerton | August 22, 2014 at 10:11 PM
Hooray!!!! So happy for you all! Exciting!!! And what? 20 years?!? We are all jealous over the Yankee game- we wish! And lastly, I'll take all those quilts off your hands...happy to do my part with the move ;). Xo
Posted by: Pam | August 23, 2014 at 12:42 AM
New life chapters...sounds like you have a lot to look forward to! Where are you moving?
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 23, 2014 at 09:31 AM
A baby boy -- oh how exciting!! Your summer has been lovely!
Posted by: Laurie Jackson | August 23, 2014 at 10:25 AM
I am so happy for you! So much fun for you to look forward to!!
Posted by: Laura | August 24, 2014 at 12:37 PM
Wow! Moving…that seems a surprise to me, although I have no idea why. Will you stay in the same area? We need some details.
Such exciting news about your grand baby. We have a 4 1/2 year old grandson, and just found out we will be grandparents again next spring. Crossing our fingers for a girl this time around.
Posted by: karen on bainbridge island | August 24, 2014 at 04:19 PM
....just going through baby clothes myself (!) but nothing like that on my horizon....!
Wonderful news, my friend! ...and glad the summer has been so full and fulfilling. Lots to look forward to in the fall, too. BIG hugs, Charlotte.....xo
Posted by: Jone Hallmark | August 24, 2014 at 05:47 PM
So thrilled for all of you Charlotte!
Posted by: Jen@thecottagenest | August 30, 2014 at 08:02 PM
Ah, congratulations to everyone. That is wonderful news. Have fun at your retreats. One day I will join you.
Karen
Posted by: Karen | August 31, 2014 at 01:52 AM
aw!!!!! yay! xoxox
Posted by: Nina | August 31, 2014 at 12:39 PM
Love your blog and have followed it for years. Your Vermont courses sound blissful - the needlework interpretations of blue and white pottery are utterly charming. I blog about embroidery, patchwork and country living but in Oxfordshire in England. My sewing is very different from yours - I would love it if you had time to have a look. Congratulations on your news.
Posted by: Mary Addison | September 09, 2014 at 05:50 AM