Happy Birthday Lori!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORI B

Today you were born

Today you started your journey

Today with much happiness in my heart I call you friend

Today with much happiness in my soul I call you sister

Today I thank you for teaching me and for giving me a part of yourself.

Happy Birthday My Friend

Now with that said, the little pillow above is one of the first things I made when Lee bought me my first sewing machine 2 years ago. For those that do not know it, I failed sewing in home ec. class--I passed cooking with flying colors--but was pretty bad with the needle and thread. My grandmothers did not really sew either so I had no teacher. All that you have seen on here has been learned just over the last few years. I guess my sewing teacher would be cousin Lynnette in West Virginia--she taught me over the phone--you shoulda heard some of those conversations. My machine came with a dvd so you could learn to thread the machine. I guess I should have paid a camera crew that day to come in and video, I honestly think we could have won an America's Funniest Videos. It took almost as long to figure out how to work the dvd player as it to thread the machine. And we won't even go there with the bobbin thing (that still frets me). But, things do get completed and some how I manage to read a pattern...sometimes!

This is why I may be so partial to primitive: It Aint Gotta Be Perfect!!

Have a blessed Sunday with family and friends and remember ..

They Aint Gotta Be Perfect Either.

Blessings to all

Robin

Primitive Needlepunch

Goodmorning to all!! This is my needlepunch drawing that I will be working on the next few days. His name is Hiram the Cat. Sorry for the lighting, I took several pictures and this one was the best. He will be worked up in grays with the outside being done in reds, golds and maybe some tans. My drawing talent is VERY limited so the simpler the better. I will post a picture when he is finished.

Hurray, the shop was put back together yesterday. Jan and I worked on it most all day but finally got her done. It is so windy here today that we will spend most of the day chasing things through the yard and making sure the roof stays on the building. I hate wind, especially since it's cold already! But I am very thankful that there is no snow falling, the sun is shining and the sky is blue. Well, since the shop opens in about 40 minutes, I guess I better get ready to go.

To All: Have a great Friday filled with much happiness

Blessings,

Robin

Thursday Happenings

I have spent the last few days recovering from the show and running around town and have gotten 'nuttin done at home or the shop. They are both on the boarder of disasters. We unloaded the trailer on Sunday at the shop, but did we unpack anything...noooo. So guess what we get to today? Yep, unpack, rearrange and clean-up. Hopefully-ha ha- everything will go smoothly. I always start my days with the best of intentions- what happens? Is there a force out there that deliberately throws us off course? You know what I mean...don't you? Do you have the stack of unfinished stitchn', wool that needs felting, patterns calling your name to be sewn...and the list goes on. I have my list made out for today of things I would like to get accomplished, I know what you are thinking....forget the list, but you don't understand without a list I can forget my own name. (just ask Lori!!LOL). Maybe today will be the start of at least one day in a row when my intentions go as planned. Well, off to get ready to go to the shop.

More Did You Know: Ivory soap floats by accident. In 1878 a Proctor and Gamble employee accidentally left a vat of soap churning while at lunch. It whipped in a lot of extra air but nobody realized this until the public started to ask for "The soap that floats"

Here is hoping that you have a day full of smiles and sunshine.

Blessings,
Robin

A Treasure Hunt

Look at what Lee dug up out of the woods...an old enamel ware coffee pot. Isn't it

cute?!! As you can see I have filled it with old spoons and will place it on my

kitchen counter. I love the hunt...the challenge and excitement of a new

treasure. Our property boarders the railroad property and I guess many, many,

many years ago people would dump down in there. We have found beautiful old

milk glass, cobalt blue and old mason jars. We have bought home enamel ware with

no bottoms that we "plant" in the yard for the spring flowers. On one rare occasion we found

some really old plates...I used them to boarder some wild flowers...cute huh??! I can't

wait to go back over and see what awaits us. After all the snow I am sure that some

more treasures have been unearthed.

We are becoming adjusted to the loss of Champ, but it feels really

strange without him. The animals are still searching for him, our other

cat was in my kitchen cabinet this morning looking for her friend.

Some more Did You Know: In 1919 600,000 American babies

wore gold-filled rings from Woolworth's Dept. Store.

Be safe and Happy until next time.

Blessings,

Robin

The Passing Of A True Friend

It is with much sadness that I write this. I have lost my

best friend of 21 years. At 6:20p.m. this evening Champ

went to Kitty Heaven. There is such a loss

felt in the house. He was more than just a cat. He had been

with me thru thick and thin and he never questioned any of

my decisions. He had a wonderful life and was our pride and joy.

Champ....you will never be forgotten and will be sadly missed buddy.

We love you,

Mom (Robin) and Dad (Lee)

...And Fun Was Had By All

I do not know where to start. So may play pretties were at the show, I can't possibly tell you about them all. There were some amazing artisans and wonderful primitive furniture. I just wanted a u-haul to load everything up and bring it home. My heart was pounding when I was touching a early 1800's stepback...I wanted that, then I turned around and found an early early dry sink....I wanted that ....my heart almost stopped. I just love old painted furniture. I did buy an old bench wringer, which I will turn into a really neat coffee table (picture will follow in a few days). I had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people, thank you so much for making the show a success for Millstone. We sure did bring home a lot less than what we took!! Hopefully there will be another show the first part of July...we will be ready. Now for a sadder note...my Champ cat, who is 21, is not doing well at all. We know that it is just a matter of time before he is in Kitty Heaven, mousing and chasing anything that moves. This is just hard for me 'cause I have had him for soooo long. But I will not end this on a sad note. It is a beautiful spring like day here and I am really liken' it. Think I will take a muddy walk down to the crick and think about what new prim items Jan and I can make for the shop and our next show. Again, thank you to everyone for all of your wonderful comments and for your support.

Hope you are having a sunshine filled day

Blessings,

Robin

Ready

It is late (after nine) and I am ready for the show. The trailer has been packed (twice) and everything has been accounted for, I hope. Now comes the hard work, unload and the set-up. I takes me forever to get that "perfect look" but with time and patience hopefully I will get close. I will now find some of the spice tea that I made and have a cup, I am tired of coffee. My stomach is calming down but I know it will start up again about 3 a.m. Saturday morning, thank goodness I have a very supportive husband that has been such a big help....thanks honey. O.K. Grey's Anatomy is on and that is the only t.v. show I watch, followed by Private Practice. To All: Thank you for your very kind comments and support. Will talk to you on Sunday, and I will post some pictures...until then,
Many Blessings, Good Thoughts and Much Love.
Robin

Is It O.K...?

I know that I posted once today but was wondering if this picture works for the magazine. This is the keeping room off my kitchen. I am trying really hard to take a few pictures everyday along with loading the apple crates full of our "goodies" for the show. Thanks for your input. Sleep tight.

Robin

Nervous Nellies

Good morning. What a beautiful day, the sun is out and the birds are chirping, but it is cold. I saw a Robin yesterday, does that still mean that spring is around the corner. All is right with the world, except my stomach. As the show draws closer my stomach goes into flips. I find myself asking "Do I have enough or do I have to much", "What should I pull from the shop?" Those that do shows know what I mean. I keep thinking what my "sister" Lori would say..."it's quality not quantity". So with that said I have decided to only pull a few antiques from the shop and concentrate more on the hand made items...or at least while I am writing this that is what I am thinking. I know that I will be taking an awesome old white huge basket that I just love and so does Jan. That is why we have it for sale, we both want it. There is a mid 1800's table and 2 chairs that will be making the trip with us along with an a great smaller farm table....I like that also!! The small rug hooks in the picture will go, but the star punch will stay home until I find something to put it on. I am so looking forward to the show but will miss my partner at this one, she had a trip planned for this weekend, so instead I will have my other partner...my husband working with me. He does a great job. He says his purpose in life is to carry furniture and packages and re-pack the car when I go on a shopping trip. I gotta hand it to him, he is really good at that car thing. I never knew my car could hold that much. The only time he couldn't get it all in is when I went to the beach and bought palm trees (fake lighted). UPS did a fine delivery job. He took today off so that he could work on my home shop, he has torn down, re-built and painted. Looks good except it's my job to put everything back and if you could see the mess I have right now....Now for some more

Did you know.. Queen Victoria was a very voluptuous lady. She had commissioned a prominent London Dept. store to make her a dress. She required 24 yards, a measurement that was very ample...hence the term queen size.

Have a very sunny and blessed day.

Robin

Saturday Night Date Night

Hello to All! Well, I finally had my "fix". Lee and I had our traditional date night. That's what we call auction night. Above is my haul from last night. I will use some of the antique buttons and trinkets on dolls and pin keeps. The chair on the left has it's original paint and stencil. I just love old chairs, can't you tell? That chair was a steal for five dollars. The other three we got for five dollars, total. There is a lot of old sewing notions, zinc lids, bottles and hat pins. In one box lot there were 2 old hat pin keepers. The ball jar on the table is filled with old hand made blacksmith horse shoe nails, but the best part was that they are in a number 13 clear ball jar! For those that do not know, the number 13 was generally broken due to the fact the bootleggers thought that number unlucky when hauling "shine". The shoe last in the basket will be turned into candle holders and we will just see what happens with the rest. It was a lot of fun seeing friends we had not seen in a while. In keeping with our tradition we went out for a late dinner at Huddle House. By the time we did get home, the dogs had their little legs crossed at the back door. Well, enjoy your Sunday with family and friends, we are off to Lowe's to look at a trailer and then back home where it's warm and cozy. I will be doing the last minute details of our "stash" in the basement that we will be taking to the show and taking some pictures of the house to send to Mercantile Gatherings. Please do not forget:

Winter In The Valley

Sat. Feb, 20, 2010

10-5

early bird is 8 am

$5 admission

$10 for early bird

Have a blessed and beautiful Valentine's Day

Robin

Thank You

Just a quick "Thank You" for all the kind words and words of encouragement. I really appreciate it. I am trying to learn how to be a follower of your blogs and to have you listed on mine as well. Please bear with me. Thanks again

Many Many Blessings,

Robin

Mercantile Gatherings..We made it

I am sooooo excited!! I just received an email from Twigs (Tiffany) last night. She informed me that she would like to feature OUR house in the magazine. I still can't believe it. Much work is to be done now though....think I have time to remodel?? Now I want to re-do EVERYTHING. I am hoping to have all the pictures taken soon and send them to her along with a very long interview package. The shop will also be included in the feature. We just can't wait. Both Jan and I have worked very hard not only for shows but also our shop and to see it in a magazine is going to amazing. We are still trying to pull it all together for the show ...and time is creeping up. We have decided that we work better under pressure.
O.K. off my cloud...the wind here today is awful. I hope the trees stay put and the power stays on. I am off to Michael's for some more beeswax...I finally found another ole time shoe mold and will have some poured up for the show and shop...of course they will be blackened and grubby!!
A Little Did You Know: The shoes sold in the eighteenth century were identical for both feet, it was up to the buyer to break them in as a pair. When the first shoes made for each foot were invented the were called "crooked shoes".
Have a day full of many surprises, happiness and blessings.
Robin

Cabin Fever

We all have had cabin fever the last few weekends. It can bring out the creative side in you, you can get stuff done that you have been putting off or you can simply decide to do nothing. I wake up with really good intentions of cleaning and creating but I end up doing nothing. We spent this weekend on the sofa watching movies and cooking...my husband made Oatmeal Pie. Don't worry, I had never heard of it either. He hadn't either until it was finished and he gave it a name. To my suprise it was pretty good, and he even cleaned up his mess. I did manage to get a few things done in the shop, but nothing like I had hoped. I hate to feel like I wasted time, we have so little of it. As you can see in the picture, we had some snow!!!

GOOD NEWS!!

The Winter In The Valley Show has been rescheduled

New Date: Feb. 20th

Now we really have to get busy, the shop driveway has been plowed so we hope to be open again on Thursday. Well, hubby has left and now I am off to the home shop to finish up and start something new. Many blessings to you all.

Robin

Friday Ramblings

I found the pin cushion while out and about yesterday. My first day out in 4 days, and that almost didn't happen...I got stuck in my driveway. But I had a 10 a.m. hair appointment that I was not going to miss (you know a woman and her hair). I made it. Back to the pin cushion, I just love older pin keeps and I have my mother's and grandmother's. The box is one made by Lee using the last of the old wood found in our woods. It's snowing here again today (what's new). Lee says that's a good thing-means the auction will be cancelled and he can save even more money. I feel like I am trying to quit an addiction "cold turkey". What is a auction "junkie" to do? I got a wake up call from my dad, who is in Myrtle Beach" giving me his weather report...that just was not necessary..lol. Well, I am off to the home shop to start something new, hopefully the shop will be stocked with creations whenever we get to open back up. Well to all Happy Friday.

Warm bleesings,

Robin

Some small stuff

Some small finishes and almost finishes. On the frame are pins to be

finished this morning and the larger needle punch are magnets. On the

right is the cupboard tuck stick horse, he is really cute stuck in an old

bowl or in a small crock.

In my mind today it is about 80 degrees and sunny with the birds chirping and

the flowers blooming, but in reality its not. They are calling for some

more of the snow and ice hear on Friday and Saturday so it does not

look like we will be making it to the Winter in the Valley Show for this

weekend. Bummer, we were really looking forward to it. Donna has

gone out of her way for this show and I know it will be awesome.

Jan and I have both been busy at our "home shops" so the store

will be full of some spring and Valentine projects soon. We will not

be open this weekend as the weather is not looking to good and

we still have all the snow from last weekend that needs to be

removed. Will it ever end? There is a saying that goes

"Challenges are opportunities to find out who we really are"

I really thought I knew who I was!!! But with that saying

I guess "practice makes perfect" is fitting.

Well friends, keep stitchn', punchn' or hookn' the winter

weather away.

Think of Spring

Blessings for a beautiful day,

Robin

MONDAY FINISHES

This is what I have finished today. The shelf is made from old

wood that we found out in the woods and the screen is from an

old fireplace screen. The bowls are hand painted, sanded and

then antiqued. "Kat" and Cora Black are new Millstone Originals.

This group will be heading with us to our show, hopefully the

snow they are calling for on Friday will pass us by. Well, I am off to

start dinner and then I will work on the new rug hook. I will try and

have that finished by the show.

Hope that each and all had a wonderful day and have a blessed evening.

Robin