I've Got Something New Up My Sleeve

I'll be working in the studio for the most part of the day. I've been waking up at night thinking about designs in my head. I need to go in the studio and finally work on them or I will not get a good nights sleep until I do. I hope I like what I've been mustering up in my head and I hope you have a creative and productive day! ~amy

Dad

Today would have been his 83rd. birthday. I can best describe my dad as kind, funny, a simple man, smart, very patient, welcomed a good time, loving and who I miss sitting on the front porch with. He used to say "let's go on the porch and watch the world go by." We used to just sit, talk and watch. He was the one person in the world who called me "Missy." I miss you dad and I love you. ~missy

Lets Hear It For The "Lasts"

I remember when my children were babies and I was so caught up into their "firsts". The first time they smiled, talked, sat, walked. I couldn't wait to grab a pen and note every milestone in their baby journal. Now that my first child will be wrapping up her senior year in high school....I can't help but try to remember all of her lasts. When did she hold my hand for the last time when we were in a parking lot or crossed the street? When was the last time she sat on my lap and hugged me with the tightest bear hug she could give? How about that last butterfly kiss, the last time she gave me the secret code... that she loved me before she got on to the school bus each morning. Or the last time she crawled into bed with us at night because she was scared or just wanted to be cuddled. The last time she said "I'm going to live with you forever" or "Daddy I'm going to marry you." If only I had a crystal ball and I knew that the "lasts" were staring at me right in the face...I would of cuddled her a little longer, held her hand tighter and just savored the moment.
~amy

It's A Banner Day

Decor for the nursery. Just completed embroidered banners in three different styles (unisex, boy and girl) that will be available for your little one. They measure approximately 17 "wide by 34" long and coordinate with each piece in the "Duck Pull Toy Collection" by My Vintage Blankie. Each banner can be personalized! ~amy

Just A Little Fact

For as long as I can remember I have loved to sew.

My first memory of sewing was when I was 9 years old. At the time I was taking sewing lessons at the local Girls Club in Niagara Falls, NY. I remember quite vividly sitting in one of the rooms cutting out my first pattern and stitching up the hem on my apron....trying to evenly space each stitch.

The fabric I picked out for my apron was a blue and white gingham. My fingers can still feel its weight. I can't remember exactly what shop I bought that fabric from but I do know that anytime I visit a fabric shop now... I am like a kid in a candy store. The smells, textures and patterns of fabric are comforting to me as being at home.

The creation of that apron must have had a big effect on me subconsciously because that memory may also explain why today.... I am a woman who much prefers a closet full of fabric rather than shoes! ~amy

Eden's Bouquet

Thank you Jen for the very nice mention on your blog http://www.edensbouquet.com/blog/ You are an amazing mom and talented designer. Your clothes from Eden's Bouquet http://www.edensbouquet.com/ are timeless concentrating on fine quality and exquisite detail and your photography is just beautiful! ~amy

Dartbrook Lodge - Keene Valley, NY

I've got to tell you about this! Check this place out!

Front facade of a cottage

Living area of a cottage

Living area of another cottage

If you are thinking about going skiing to Whiteface Mountain up in Wilmington, NY...then I highly recommend you stay at the Dartbrook Lodge http://www.dartbrooklodge.com/ . It is an easy 11 mile drive to the slopes and the accommodations are terrific!!! What better way to experience what the Adirondack's have to offer than by staying in a newly renovated rustic pine cottage built by local artisan's....bark siding, pine interiors, birch furniture, porches, kitchenette and a babbling brook. Each cottage is uniquely decorated in the Great Camp Style and you can experience these accommodations for a reasonable rate. We have stayed at pricer places in the Lake Placid High Peaks Region... in my opinion that weren't as nice. The lodge has it's own bakery and restaurant open for breakfast and lunch. If after a full day of skiing.... you find you want a bite to eat locally.... there are a few other eatery's in Keene that are good with rustic interiors. Lake Placid is a short 15 minutes away. Plenty of shopping, restaurants and attractions to keep one busy there but I have to say...the Dart Brook Lodge in Keene, NY is picture perfect. It is quite, rustic, and charming...nestled amongst the pine and birch trees. Between the Adirondack's natural beauty, the accomodations, the scent of pine burning in the fireplace, and the pure crisp mountain air... it is all too perfect. I'll chalk up this destination as magical! ~amy

Bedroom

Main Lodge