Yesterday I started a new design for Easter – it’s time for “slide show” instruction. It’s not actually a slideshow but a series of still photos of work in progress to clarify the written instruction. For some, it’s easier to understand if they have difficulty with written instructions or never learned how to read a pattern.
In the meantime, I have the vintage ruffled doily drying. No it’s not blocked. In this case I felt the best way to block the piece was to dip it in starching solution and then squeeze out the excess and roll in a towel – jelly roll fashion, to dry. I’ve changed the towel a couple of times and once it’s almost dried, I’ll press the doily until it is dried. This will ensure the ruffles stand nice and proud without being stiff as a board. A lot of work but I really think it’ll be worth it. I’m anxious to see how this doily will look on my dining room table. I was thinking the breakfast table, but – well, you know how men are. I’m sure it’ll end up with flattened ruffles or spills of one kind or another.
It’s getting close to that Costco run. I’m out of chicken among other things and I love chicken! But I’m holding out until we eat up a few more things in the freezer before we make that shopping trip. I don’t know about you, but when I’m let of the cage – uh, I mean house, I have to look at everything in site and “oooh” and “aaah” over each and every thing I see. I’m always surprised at the new products and foods on the market. I confess; I’m not the grocery shopper in the family. My sweet hubby is. Ever since founding Crochet Memories, it’s just been easier for him to stop by the store on the way home from work and now he’s the “gopher” for most everything we need. We do the Costco runs together so we usually make it a fun day and eat lunch out if possible.
Until then we’re having pork for dinner tonight. Did I mention I’m a recipe collector? Tonight it’s cherry tenderloin with baked sweet potatoes and a cape cod tossed salad. The pork recipe is from www.savingdinner.com and the Cape Cod is one off Barefoot Contessa. I’m making some slight adjustments and don’t actually go by the measurements in the recipe as much as toss in the amounts I deem “just right.” The original recipe uses arugula with apples, bacon, walnuts, blue cheese and dried cranberries. I’m using red leaf and romaine and omitting the bacon. The dressing is to die for – citrus vinaigrette. Yum!
It seems arugula is “the” in, new salad “lettuce”. But our local stores rarely carry it. If you ask me it seems like this wonderful green is a weed? I saw pictures of it and how it’s harvested. You whack off the top and the plant grows back – just like a weed. I have to wonder! And if it is a weed, how come my local stores don’t carry it? The last big rip off was actually buying “weeds” at a craft store. The very same plant I use to go out behind the house and pull up! Yes, I think they’re pretty placed in big vases and have done it many times in the past, but to actually pay for them??
Here I have the Sweetheart Table Topper on an antique dresser with the Pineapples and Roses Doily centered on top. I love the look for my powder where I have small rosebud wallpaper. Granted – not for everyone. 
For St. Paddy’s I have the Irish Shamrock Runner on my kitchen table with the Lucky Shamrock Doily on top if it. I have shimmering shamrocks inside our Free Pot of Gold Candle Holder – a free pattern 
On my dining room table I have a lace tablecloth – bought back during Methuselah’s day with our newest vintage doily displayed in the center; African Violet Ruffled Doily and in the center of that doily, I have Mom’s Rose Lattice Doily. 
In the spare bedroom that houses hubby’s side of the family antique bed set, I have the Country Gingham Runner and in the center of that, the Pretty N Pink Doily, another ruffled vintage design that was revised. 
Lastly, I have one of our small pineapple doilies; Pineapple Daisy Doily setting the stage for Marta’s Pineapple Bowl. 