Fall At Pier One...

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Squirrel Plates

Fall is my favorite time of year in Wisconsin. In Florida, this time of year is rainy, and frequently dotted with tropical storms and even hurricanes. Our oak trees don't drop their leaves until December and new ones appear by March or April. Acorns on those oaks in October or November are the only vestige of Fall that I recognize from up north. Perhaps that's why I love them so.

I saw signs for a Labor Day Sale as I passed Pier One today. I hadn't been in the store in over a year - for good reason. I love many of the items they carry. Once you see all the wonderful things I saw, you'll congratulate me for my "admirable restraint".

The first thing I saw was these gorgeous squirrel and acorn plates. I was careful not to drool on them. Truly - and I resisted the urge to buy them all.

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Deer Plates

These deer plates remind me more of winter and Christmas, but I do love the little birds perched on antlers that more closely resemble a tree. Artistic license, I think. Sweet, for sure.

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Leaf Plates

These dishes reminded me of many days spent afield with my beloved retrievers. I think I may need to go back for one of the canisters.

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Acorn Jar

Oh, yes. An acorn covered jar. My dear friend, Denise, gave me an older version of one of these, so I wasn't tempted to get a newer interpretation. (I'm quite fond of my older one, by the way.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Leaf Plates

These colorful table elements - dishes, table runner and decorative leaves - would brighten any autumn table. They're so warm and wonderful...

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Acorns

especially if these acorns are added for more interest. Even the placemats are gathered leaves. Every little detail is a salute to this time of year.

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Pillows

If you decorate with pillows, you'll love the selection of Fall pillows available in the store. There were pumpkin pillows everywhere I turned, and also those with words expressing gratitude. I don't  decorate with plaques, decals, paint or decor with words. It's not my style, but I do love these pillows.

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Pumpkin Pillow

Then, I saw this pillow. I love white pumpkins, and I've decorated with faux white pumpkins here because the warm weather quickly rots real ones. I knew this one would come home with me. This is where you can find it online. Have fun looking at all the others while you're there. (Don't blame me if you're tempted to get more than one from their selections!)

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Pumpkin Pillow At Home

Here it is. My perfect touch of Fall in our Florida home. I think it fits in with our color scheme, and will coordinate well with my white pumpkins, too. 

I have some French General blue linen toweling fabric that I'm going to make into a larger square pillow to put out with this one. I'll work on that next week, as I can't be in the studio this today. We already have our first showing on the house this afternoon. I have a good feeling about it. Must be my vision of Fall in the air.

Dear Heart...

Mom Grace has moved into a nursing home. The home she's lived in for the past fifty years is empty and for sale. Anything that she didn't want in her new quarters was divided among her four children - and me.

There were things she wanted me to have, including a few things I had made and given to her years ago. This hand-dyed wool pillow I made for her over fifteen years ago was one of those things. I remember the time I spent stitching on it like it was yesterday. I even added our initials to each bottom corner, and I couldn't wait to surprise her with it! It sat for years on her bed at home and I know how much she liked having it.

But there are only so many personal things you can take with you into a small room that becomes your living and sleeping quarters, so choices had to be made. I understand, but I couldn't help but be a little sad.

In the boxes of things she had set aside for me were all the letters I'd ever written to her and the photo albums I mailed to her to show her what I was creating, how our grandchildren were growing and thoughts I wanted to share with her. Seeing all of these things in the box bothered me more. I know that it was out of consideration for the photos that they were returned to me, but it somehow felt like something was coming to an end. I don't think I can explain it any better than that.

There were other things, too. Items I will treasure that meant something to Mom. Things I can now treasure in our home. I know that this pillow will sit in a special place where I can see it every day, and reminisce on the nearly forty years of friendship we've shared.

I'll continue to send letters and photographs to her when we're apart. I'll spend as much time as I'm able with her when I'm in Wisconsin. It's not the end. It's just a new beginning, but I think in some ways it will be as uncomfortable and sad for me as it is for her.

Life will go on, Dear Heart. It will just be different. I love you, Mom. 

Saturday In The Studio...

Saturday in the studio was quite productive.
I still have a few gifts on my To Do list,
but I can cross these off my list now.

I made two pillows using this image - one for a blog friend and
one for a dear friend who will be celebrating her birthday this month.
(She also gifted me all the
gor-jus vintage laces that I used on the pillows.)

My favorite fabric, muslin ruffles, vintage laces and buttons and
the picture from My Vintage Studio. Thanks so much,
sweet Sharon, for sharing this image with your online friends.
I absolutely love it and will be using it again soon!

Then, I made this pillow as a
belated birthday gift for someone very special.

This image was courtesy of Karen at The Graphics Fairy.
Thank you, Karen, for your generosity to all of us in Blogland.
Another favorite creamy fabric, lace and vintage buttons.
I made the little rustic rosettes, and then sewed the button on top.
Each pillow measures approx. 13" x 10".
(You can click on the pictures to enlarge them.)

I've been asked a few times about my creamy, dreamy fabric.
No, I didn't cut up a quilt, and I didn't quilt it myself.
It's a home dec fabric, and it really is one
of my favorites to use for pillow projects.

Don't overlook the home dec section when you're
looking at fabric. It's usually a little heavier, but there is
always a great selection of pattern, color and texture
that you can use for pillows, totes, aprons and purses.

So, do you love them...my pillows?
Do you think I should make a few
more like these for my Boutique?
I'd love to know what you think.