BITS AND PIECES

I have been teaching Frannie how important and EASY it is to recycle - or is it upcycle?  You know - re-use something you might ordinarily throw away.  So, can you guess what this needlecase is upcycled from?  That's right - there are CD's in there - four to be exact - two for the front and two for the back.

 

Here's what the inside looks like.  The left side has a pocket and the right has a two-layer felt booklet for needles and pins. The hinge is a scrap of wide black & white polka-dot ribbon.

 

Flip side.  The fabric is from Deena Designs.  Have had it for years.  The little girl on the left with the pony tail reminds me of Frannie.

Speaking of Frannie, here she is on stage at the Citywide School Orchestra.  She is first violin, and only the cream of the crop gets selected to perform at this event.  Do I sound proud?

 Look at all those conductors!

Every violinist needs some flowers at the end of a performance - pink of course!  How cute are those shoes?!!

We made Easter cookies.

Then we gussied them up and Frannie hopped around the neighborhood making deliveries.  She always pops up unexpectedly with treats.  The neighbors can't wait to see what she brings next.  Don't tell anyone, but they should be receiving a nice little surprise for May Day.

And, yet, another cupcake hat.  This one has white frosting with multi-colored sprinkles.

I think this one is my favorite so far.

One more little tidbit - we were in the mood for some bakery-style sugar cookies.  Large ones.  With lots of sprinkles.  Really, really good.

I just realized I didn't take any photos of the crocheted cherry hair ornaments I just made.  Super cute!  I'll have to remember to do that.

S.W.A.K.

 

APRIL IN PARIS

There was another birthday around here recently. Frannie turned 11 years old. We celebrated with a "Parisian" style party for her and eleven other girls. Of course, we were so busy attending to our guests, that another year has gone by and I have only these two photos to show for it. We set up three intimate tables with seating for four girls at each one. The color theme was pink (of course), white and black. The tablecloths were white with black polka-dots ($1/yard fabric that I cut to size. I didn't even bother to hem and at the end of the party I just tossed it.) The plates were paper, but the petite champagne flutes were glass. Each girl received a "bon bons" container filled with goodies. I made these out of recycled cereal boxes that I formed into cylinders. They were quite generous, measuring approximately 7" long by 4" in diameter. I covered them in pink papers and printed out the words on the computer. Frannie filled clear cellophane bags with lots of goodies and then we tucked them inside the cylinders. I wrapped each in clear cellophane and tied the ends with wide polka-dot ribbon. The girls loved them!

The guests dined on five courses of "French" food. They started with petite croissant sandwiches - their choice of jambon (ham) et poulet (chicken). This was served up on an elegant footed silver-plated tray that I had previously rescued from the Goodwill. The second course was pizza de pain français (French bread pizza) that was devoured in an instant. Next up was pommes frites (French fries) - I had no idea 11 year old girls could each so many! Soon the pain grillé français (French toast) was ready - another hit! The last course were parfaits in petite parfait glasses (I've been collecting them from tag sales and thrift stores). My husband, François, donned a beret (as well as Frannie & myself) and penciled on a thin, pointy moustache for the occasion. He put a white cloth over his arm and played the role of waiter. François served the girls champagne (ginger ale). All afternoon the girls were calling, "garçon, garçon, more champagne! The guests had their choice of desserts as we set up a table de dessert in another room. They had a selection of yellow gâteau with frosting de chocolat, gâteau de chocolat with crème rose de beurr, red velvet with cream cheese, giant pastel M&M cookies, petite eclairs, and Oreo truffles in petite ice cream cones dipped in chocolate and covered with sprinkles (not to mention jelly beans, marshmallows, and other assorted bon bons). There was plenty for each girl to take home as well as another hand-made party favor which is not shown. I made each guest an adorable pink felt chick (from Pinterest) and crocheted a small black beret for each one that I sewed on top. After all, French chicks do like to party!

S.W.A.K.

P.S. - Here's a knitting update - not only did I finish 24 points, I also picked up the 120 stitches required to continue. No, I did not spend the entire day knitting.

SIXTEEN TONS

Today is my birthday. Yesterday would have been my father's. We used to have cake together. When I thought of him today, this song, by Tennessee Ernie Ford came to mind. Now, Roger could carry a tune and this is the song I remember him singing most. I don't know if he sang this particular song because it has a catchy tune or if because that's how he felt - probably both. If you have a moment, listen.

Today, I am taking knitting time for myself, but please don't tell anyone. If they find out, there will be raised eyebrows. You see, there are quite a number of other things I should be doing instead. But this knitting time is much needed and well deserved. I have finally started a scarf I posted about many moons ago (you can see it here) and so far it is "easy peasy". We'll see what happens after I finish the 24 points required for the border. I will say that the yarn is luxurious! I have to find out if it is available in pink. You know who loves pink. And sparkles.

Oh Yeah! (Inside Joke)