Just beautiful . . .

. . . this morning as I opened our front door.
Looks like an old black and white photo.

Honoring the pause

This morning we received a light dusting of snow. 

Not too uncommon for the Portland area at this time of year.
I was so happy to see it! 

Yesterday, I had felt a little agitated throughout the day. I didn't sleep well the night before. My cat was restless too. 

Then this morning when I looked out, I saw that  the snow had started.

A feeling of peacefulness has returned.

I love the snow for the very reason that it causes us to give pause to our day, and forces us to rearrange our lists of priorities. I believe that everyone needs this from time to time.

Enjoy your day.

March 1, 2012

Finally. . .

We haven't had much snow this year.

But, isn't it beautiful?!

A Northwest Snowman

When the weather changed from Fall to Winter on our calendar here, I embroidered this 'Northwest' version of a Snowman and made it into a pillow for our guest bed.

He's got moss and mushrooms growing on his arms and head. This guy is holding a hot cup of coffee, and of course it's raining instead of snowing. Very typical for our Winters here in Portland, Oregon.

I simply reduced one of my Seasonal applique patterns 50%, and traced it onto a piece of muslin. After I stitched it up, I used a little instant coffee on the whole piece to achieve an 'aged' look. Can't see much of it in the picture though. I would have liked there to be more contrast between the threads and the fabric.

One lesson learned: 'staining' the whole piece afterward also stains the threads!