If I Had My Own Blue Box:

I have been looking forward to sharing this feel good project as part of my Share the Spirit initiative for Whimsy Wednesday. I never expected that in the days leading up to this cat theme, that friends would suddenly lose their dear feline family members. When I read of the first loss, I had one of these kitties on my lap getting it’s filling. I had been planning this video when I read the latest. Both brough tears and added more meaning to this feline project.

I hope you enjoy this project whether it be a holiday feel good or something more memorial.

(I don’t know what happened with the video. My phone split it into two parts. I have yet not resubscribed to WeVideo for editing it back together.)

The end bit

Click on the cat thumbnail for the pdf template:

It was a damp 46 degrees when I left the house to head for Ag Fair. I didn’t care. With layers of wool and silk, I was ready and comfy. This was a much needed escape to my favorite place and one of my favorite events.

It did feel weird not entering this year. This may account for some sub-conscious crankiness on Friday. Apologies to those in my path that day. This year two big tents filled the Great Meadow. The trio of sheep and mother son pair of alpaca got to be the animal stars, along with two small ponies pulling carts around the village square. Food was in abundance from piping hot cocoa and coffee with donuts to kettle corn to yummy struddle. Music filled the meadow from the stage platform on the hill. Who knew that relatively new and simple addition would become an advantage this year.

I was delighted to see faces I haven’t seen in person in years. ❤❤❤

On way to the village, a tent was set to give guest interpreter, Cheyney McKnight, ample space for visitors to safely stand and watch. Her dish this morning was in recognition of Sojourner Truth; a dish with potatoes and kale.

In the village square, you could learn about Temperance, Phrenology, how corn was processed, and watch a Punch’n’Judy show.

The corn demonstration area became a magnet for young visitors. Ar one point, I heard 3 languages spoken as these kids were captiveted by the tasks. Yet they managed to keep safely distant.

Of course, there was lots to buy from local artisans and agri-merchants. I set aside a budget so I could support some of my small, local businesses:

It has been many months since I have done a proper monthly reflection. For a brief moment, I thought it would good to do a summer reflection… Then…. Nope…. Just Nope.

Moving on.

September is usually a transition month for me. I switch from summer millinery mindset to fall school mindset with an in between focus on Ag Fair preparation. This year, is of course, quite different. The pandemic adjusted Ag Fair does not include a fair entries component. This means my period of assembling this and that little project is not happening. That being that and the state things being the state of things, I find my mindset is most definitely dwelling in the land of millinery and small joyful crafty projects. This means a great sense of reality disparity is happening.

September Millinery has been minimal due to the great dragging of self through the door at the end of the school day. I think I only made 5 pieces.

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I was excited to offer my second project kit, a parasol penwiper. It followed the previous kit, an embroidered velvet needle-book.

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I also started this year’s Christmas ornaments- straw cornucopia. These cuties will have their own Whimsy Wednesday how-to episode on how to decorate them.

And then…. there was this past weekend’s Millinery room reorganization…. aka a spurt of energy that had to be taken advantage of. https://youtu.be/JSoUzGUUA-c

I have several project and topic ideas for the coming Whimsy Wednesdays. I just need to get them in order and try to time them well for you.

For this Whimsy Wednesday I share a rough look at my work space along with the story about its sudden reorganization this past weekend.

I think I forgot to mention in the video the main use of this work space being for examing originals along with some cutting and laying out of projects.

Here is the video I mentioned that prompted me to take the step, then leap into this much needed change. If anyone know Bernadette, please tell her I say thank you for the much needed nudge.

Btw – I think Clara was upset she was no longer able to be part of the to-do. After I finished recording, she just sat on the back of the couch. This tells me I may need to make a Clara spot or stool. I did not think she could make that jump. That will not be a Clara acceptable space.

Coming Soon: A little project that will need a feline-esque or cozy fabric, approx 11″×16″. I will be using a fulled wool, a Family Heirloom Weavers remnant, and a fun quilt shop fabric for each of my samples.

Today’s video is accompanied by several links because it has a lot of “you need to know about this”.

Costume On is the program from this past weekend. Bookmark the site and follow them on FB.

The Genesee Country Village and Museum is offering the Rightfully Hers Webinar Series in October and November on Wednesday evenings.

Corsets and Cravats has just announced an assortment of Virtual Activities in the coming months.

The book I mentioned is Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle.

For those interested, here is my ever evolving Books of the Pandemic Wish List. These titles come from virtual sessions I participate in. I keep adding and removing as I am able.

I am excited to announce my Limited Edition Parasol Pen-wipe Kits are now available in my Etsy Shop!

Only 8 kits are available.

Each kit contains:

• Three circles of Valdini wool – pre-pinked on an antique pinking machine
• A bone crochet hook
• A string of 2 colors of glass beads
• A small pinked circle of wool
• A black and gold cord for hanging
• A url link to a how-to video (this will be emailed)

I got a little long winded today….

The Embroidered Velvet Needle-book Kits have sold out! Thank you to each of you who purchased one. The pdf directions are still available in the In Detail.

I am currently planning the next kit: The Parasol Pen-Wiper, which happens to make an adorable ornament. This kit will also be a limited edition, with only a small number available.

After that, I am pondering a seashell and/or walnut pincushion kit. Would that be something of interest?

Today’s video covers impromptu hat stands and a couple new cdvs.

This is the tempting photo that would like have a hairnet given the headdress….

Here are magnifications:

Here is the second photo of Emma and Jennie, who may be sisters, who may be twins….

And some magnifications:

Part 1: Wednesday chat…

Part 2: Introducing Share the Spirit of the Holidays!

Find the Cornucopia in the Holiday Whimsy section of my Etsy shop.