by HEIDI EMMETT
Welcome! Before I get nostalgic, I need to let you all know I don’t do much on the social media front so I’m sorry in advance if I don’t message you, Facetime with you (I have a Google Pixel), respond quickly to “Friend” requests, etc. I have only sew much time and I need to be creating. If you need to get in touch with me (I know so old-fashioned) here is my email: hmemmett@gmail.com
All right, let’s take a trip down memory lane. Embroidery was REALLY hot in the 70’s. I loved that. And it’s popular again, right now! Happy, happy about that!
Spring came upon us here in Grass Valley, CA so fast this year. My vegetable garden has been planted already. I NEVER, I mean NEVER plant before Mother’s Day. I actually planted it on April 16th this year. They are talking drought for all of California for the first time in four years. Sigh…Let’s just enjoy today, the few pictures I have of Spring.
It’s Friday people and I can see the weekend from here. Set aside some creative time JUST FOR YOU! Hugs, Heidi
This is cattle country. The elevation is low 5,000’s. And HUGE meadow areas (miles and miles) with the Sierra Nevada Mountains at the edges. The soil is so sandy that it’s a wonder anything grows in it. But there are natural springs that meander all through these areas. The sky is so clear. No smoke.
Normally not my favorite type of scenery, but when one has only been to and from the grocery store for months and months, this is gorgeous. And look, a bull. And he is really, really BIG! And don’t forget, a beautiful, blue sky.
This is a scene played out on many outbuildings in these little towns. Giant, painted Quilt Blocks. The Downieville Quilt guild started this and instead of a “leaf peeping” tour, it’s the Quilt Block tour. I saw at least 3 more but did not have a chance to get good shots.
There were barns and sheds everywhere that were on their last “legs” so to speak. As one who values “Yard Art” and buildings with rustic finishes,I think that these would be fabulous. Hmm.. maybe next trip honey, we could stop and ask. KIDDING! Robert says I can give away but NOT bring more home.
Pretend this is a different quilt block even though it’s just a different view. The mountains waaay off in the distance have all burned. A year ago. 60,000 acres. The fire started at the town dump by lightening. The people working at the dump had a huge dozer and called the Forest service (state Forest service of the state of California) and said, “Hey, we can put this out in no time with our dozer.” The Forest service told them NOT to touch it! It was THEIR jurisdiction and that’s how the Great State of California operates on ohh, soo, many things. And that’s how a tiny fire ended up destroying 60,000 acres of beautiful land.
So many of these buildings are really old, early 1900’s.
All the scrubby stuff is mostly hay stubbles. The hay was harvested months ago. It is such a lovely golden color. Just once more, taking deep breaths of the beautiful, clear, air.
How about this one room school house at one time had 1st-12th grades in it. Now it is a library that services about a 100 mile radius and 5 or 6 little towns.
On the way back we stopped at this restaurant for lunch. It’s called Jax. Love this curved glass block. We had to sit outside (no inside seating). But we liked that because our dog Riley could join us along with a menagerie of other dogs and people.
This is an original dining car from the 40’s. Truckee was the busiest, largest town from the gold mining days (1850’s onward). All the trains stopped here. They came up from San Francisco over Donner Pass (elevation 7,239) and down into Truckee before moving on to Reno, Nevada.
Look at all the stainless steel and the ceiling.
So much is the original dining car.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate my artichokes. YES I GREW THESE MYSELF! I have one plant. I had NO IDEA that one plant could grow so large. 6 total artichokes. They say you usually don’t get any artichokes the first year. BUT I DID! Haven’t tried them yet. The one at the top has black edges on it. It was just a tiny young thing when we had a week of high 90’s. So the tips were burned.
The fabric on the left is a Kaffe Fassett, called “Parasols.” The fabric on the right is a heavy rayon made into a long wrap skirt (yes a thrifting find). But look! Little parasols. It’s perfect.
Do you see my fingers on the left side? This fusible is fantastic! It does exactly what it says, “adds shape while maintaining drapability.” Yes, I have a bolt of it (I think they still make it) that is hmm…20 + years old. It is perfect for knits or wovens. And is never stiff. It adds just the right amount of drapability to this front collar.
The rich aqua green Tussah silk long collar fronts are lined in the pretty black parasol rayon. Wear the collar pieces several ways. This is a fun and fast to make jacket, perfect for cool Fall days. Dress it up or down. Buy this Art to Wear sewing pattern from me directly for the month of October and I will ship FREE. Zephyr Jacket has all sizes included XSm-4X. All instructions and tissue pattern pieces included for $15.00 U.S. I bill via Paypal. Contact me at my personal email—hmemmett@gmail.com
Karenanne is on the left, me in the center, and Linda on the right. The Swift sisters from Portland, Oregon. We have already begun to plan our next get together.
Look at me! Please note my EXCITED countenance. I am making pasta for the very FIRST TIME!
Adding flour in their little piles to keep them from sticking together. Gosh, I sure look “wild-eyed” don’t I? I am just so excited to learn how to use a pasta machine. See those long yellowy pieces (they have really yellow yolks from the neighbors beautiful “range free” chicken’s eggs)? I did thatNext step is fettucini. It really is easy. Karenanne taught me. And you can freeze the dough, and it keeps and keeps in the fridge.
Karenanne made a beautiful sauce using my “Sun Sugar” (cherry types) tomatoes. Grated fresh parmesan cheese. Ohhhh, I’m in heaven. And served this time with a wine that I picked up at the Health Food Store. It’s true! The owner loves to buy cool wines when he sees them. I figure it’s good for us as it came from the health food store. There is resveratrol in it. And that IS good for us and it’s only found in red wine. Isn’t the label terrific? Is that how you pick a wine?
I even like the design on the foil. Looking for ideas everywhere. A great fabric idea. Silver and black. Two colors only. This could work. Where is my sketch pad?
We went shopping at our local Ben Franklin store. They have lots of fabric. It was on sale. I was proud of myself. I took a picture first (so I could think about it) of the two pieces on the right. I was only going to get one of them. Guess which I chose.
Yep, the pinks and purples. The ombre’ with the little squares I think will be perfect for an OFF THE GRID VEST. What? You don’t know about it!
Remember this picture? Riley was in “LOVE” with Karenanne and Linda.
Yes, this was Riley two hours after they left. Sad. He was sooooo sad!
Where are they? Where are my treats? They gave me tummy rubs…….I’m so sad.
Check out one last special gift that I received from Karenanne and Linda. Yes, it is a beautiful walnut box and the Omnigrid (this size is my favorite) slides on and off to reveal a deep space to hold whatever you want. Am I not the luckiest person to have such great friends? I miss you two. We are keeping up with each other and our current projects. I will keep you posted. And of course there were more recipes. Look for the mouthwatering, BEST EVER baked chicken recipe soon. It will be perfect for fall.