"Pearls and Lace"

 Here's a new addition to Bird Nest on the Ground.....a dress donated to my stash of miscellaneous "hunted down and gathered" stuff by my daughter, Kelly.  She's worn it a time or two and since it was damaged (on the back hemline where you can't see), she decided I could use it because it has all those pearls on it.  Good for me.  I had this dress form in a closet, so moved it out to the Nest.  It's been in here before, but as you know, I like to move things from time to time, so back out here it came.  Moving into the Nest that day also, was some crocheted pieces, recently living at one of my local flea markets, so I just threw them on the form also......then added Micah's wonderful necklace from a couple of posts back.  I must admit after seeing this photo that the dress looked so much better on Kelly!!!!  Of course, all garments look much better on an attractive and shapely woman!

 I especially like the upside-down hearts on the bodice....of course, me being very OCD, I wonder why they are upside-down.

 These little floral motifs...both the larger one consisting of three flowers and the tiny one with one pearl surrounded by seed beads....are wonderful.  I  haven't counted to see how many there are...but do know that IF I use this dress to make other things with....which is likely at some point in time, they would certainly be gorgeous on some of my white-on-white embroidered pieces.

Since pearls were on my mind...I decided to show you a few other things I have with pearls or that "go" with pearls.  There is a dish of broken strands of pearls...a few vintage ones in the mix....NO, none are 'real' pearls. 

 I also have a 'hand' collection...a small one right now...but hope to add to it.  May show you some day!  Pearl buttons are something I am always looking for and frequently find...on occasion, a very special one or two.  I could probably post quite a lengthy story on those.....I am currently in the process of organizing some of these things....so you never know...they will show up here sooner or later.

 Here's a dear little seed bead purse....about four inches high x five inches wide.  Tiny white seed beads.....with some almost clear seed and bugle beads between the squares.  So pretty.  It's quite old I think....comparatively speaking, of course.

As you can see, the label says 'made in France.'  There is a tiny pocket with the smallest little square mirror in it.

Another look at the bowl of pearls.....Two belt buckles included in the mix....I've several of those around and about the place.  Do we ever tire of looking at pretty things like this? I think NOT.

 This necklace was found in a jar of old broken jewelry........it's completely intact, but could use a cleaning.  Kind of pretty if you ask me. 

 Somewhere I've seen long necklaces made with larger pearls surrounded by smaller ones as these are....I think back in the day when my mother-in-law and I tried crocheting pearl bead 'lariats.'  I wonder where some of those are?  Must check into that.

 A friend gave me this pearl/bead trim a long time ago.  I don't know what it came off of, but she wanted me to have it.  I really need to use it in some special project.

 Look closely....each pearl is surrounded by seed beads...sewn on a lace base.

 A couple of weeks ago, I found an old handkerchief  or hosiery box with this lace in it.  (There is a black piece of lace underneath the off-white lace....but I'll show you that one on another post.)  It's all really pretty stuff.

This wide piece is quite pretty and the very narrow lace struck me as being quite special...mainly because it is so delicate and there isn't much of it.

What do you think?  I just love it!!!

There was this pleated piece of lace......I intend to remove the stitches at the top and see what I can use this for....quite pretty!

 A closer look at it.

 Here is another piece....actually, I'm thinking this is two pieces of lace sewn together in the middle, then gathered....I'll investigate and see...then, decide how to use it also.  There were two of these in the box.

So, there you are....a pretty dress and some other deliciously gorgeous things from the 'goodies' out the in the Nest.   I hope you enjoyed seeing them!  Take care, pat

Do You Know?

Do you know what these tools are for and how they are used?   These are items I have recently come across...beautifully made, I must say, but mysterious to me.  I  have tried to find out what exactly they are for...to no avail.  So, figuring someone out there is smarter than me about such things....I am asking...DO YOU KNOW?

Tool #1 is, I believe, some kind of needle.....it's big and I'm wondering if it is used for some kind of fish net weaving?  It is a beautiful piece of wood, smooth as can be and that definitely is a big eye, so what do you think?  I found this tool in a box of sewing 'stuff' at the flea market.

Tool #2, I do believe, has something to do with knitting....but I've searched and cannot find out a thing about it.  There was a bunch of sewing thread wrapped haphazardly around that spool looking thing, but I removed it as as to get a better look at it.  Any ideas about this one?

Here's a closer look.....ring any bells?  You can turn the 'spool' by that little 'handle' sticking up top there.  This tool belongs to my friend Jim.  I was sure I could find out what it was and would love to be able to tell him what it actually is.

 Tool #3 is the most mysterious of all.  I'm totally clueless.  My friend, Laverne, invited me some time back to see if I wanted anything from her parents estate sale...she had put this back for me thinking I would like it.  I sure did, even though, like I said, I was clueless as to what it is.  It is beautifully made and I believe just a part of some bigger apparatus.  As you can see, there is a slot at the top for thread of some kind, a bobbin for thread in the middle, and all those wooden gears to make it 'go.'  (By the way, in a post last year, if you saw my wonderful vintage green 'blackboard' now in my studio, it belonged to Laverne's Dad and has become one of my favorite possessions!!)

 The 'handle' moves back and forth very smoothly....it was fastened, evidently, to something else, as there are all those screw holes.

 Notice that little lever which seems to act as some kind of 'stop' when the thread on that long thin piece runs out.  There are also two little eyelets (blue) up at the inside top of the 'handle.'  I don't think it's a handle, but it is shaped like one.

Are you 'with' me?  Do you think they are beautiful?  Do you have any idea what they are?  Kindly leave a comment if you can...or go to my profile where you can send me an email.  I'm just wondering what wonderful uses these beautiful vintage pieces have.  Hope you are well out there....and STAY COOL!  pat

UPDATE!!!  HERE IS THE LATEST ON THESE VINTAGE TOOLS:  I am happy to report feedback about the use of these tools has come in and I thought you'd want to know the latest.
Seems #1, the needle,  was used to make fish nets and also HAMMOCKS.  How interesting...and pretty close to what we thought, isn't it?  #2, the thing that looks kind of like a fishing pole, has been revealed to be used as a 'holder' for kite string and can be reeled in an out as you need more line.  I loved that whole idea.  #3, the real 'mystery' item -  it turns out -  is a part of a specific loom apparatus that made hatbands, ribbons and labels in a factory.  I'm amazed to find that out.  So, there you are...information asked for and received.  Just how cool is this blogging thing?

"My Special Heart"

 My friend, Micah, made this necklace for me.  She is a very dear person, a mom, a hairdresser, and a wonderful artist.  She makes many whimsical art pieces in all media....but this necklace is kind of a 'new' thing for her.  My daughter ordered one for me for Mother's Day and I was delighted to receive it.  As it was Mother's Day and Micah has lots of friends, she made a lot of these for daughters to give to their mothers....and as happens....a new chapter has opened in Micah's art career.  I'm so glad.

 These pieces are made with vintage spoons and other objects....this one has a copper heart, some rhinestones and the cutest little white rose bead at the very top....I just love it!  As friend, Jim and some of the family call me 'the queen of everything' it was fun that she stamped Queen Patricia on it.

And, yes, I DO know that there are many mothers out there called by that name, so it is amusing, but not unique.  I smile anyway.

Micah has opened an etsy shop...find it HERE.   As shown on the gift tag below...she has named this endeavor "Gus and Patine."  I'm sure she would love to make you one should you be interested.

"One of a kind handmade goods from vintage finds."  Of that there is no doubt...as she loves flea markets as much as we do.  You may also see more of Micah's work on her blog which you will find HERE.  She is very talented as you will see.    Hope you drop in and see what she is up to....and tell her I sent you!  Hope you are all well.  take care, pat

A Great Seven Minute Movie

Today my son sent me a link to this little seven minute movie.  It was made by an acquaintance of his, Chriss Helms.  The subject was Ronald Chase, a 78 year old artist.  Scott thought I might enjoy it and he was right.  It was wonderful!  So, if you are interested in being inspired to live to 78,  to create the artwork YOU love to do, to be productive,  to encourage young people, to contribute to the world in a positive way and to actually enjoy being that age (or any age!) - then watch this movie.  I could have watched many more minutes of this....and hope that in the ten years it will take me to become 78, I will be just as enthused and full of life as Mr. Chase is.  Thank you, Chriss, for a terrific movie!!  

 

And, thank you, Scott, for calling it to my attention.   Take care out there! pat

PS.

Watch for one of his grid pieces containing old photographs...I wanted to reach into the computer and grab it for myself....LOVED it!

My Ecru Thread Collection

 

Today I thought I'd show you some of my ecru thread collection.  Some, but certainly not all, as it seems I collect this stuff wherever I go.  Sometimes it is given to me, sometimes the flea market just has it waiting for me.  You know how I am.  There are drawers of crochet thread here...much in ecru (my favorite color of crochet threads) and sometimes in every color.  I'm hopelessly drawn to it.  Here is the whole kit and kaboodle.  The little chest you can see on the upper left of the photo is a gift from my friend, Sandra, in Alabama.  I just love that precious little thing!  And, the old-fashioned wool pincushion I made sometime back and use often.

 

 

These are all the threads I have which are still in their original boxes....so today they really spoke my name.   Along with the threads, I wanted you to see some of the other vintage sewing things that live here in my bird nest on the ground.

 Here are some of the threads nestled in their boxes....I could crochet, knit (yes, I have knitted with them before to make doll things) couch, embroider, or whatever strikes my fancy with this thread from days gone by.  Some of these are in remarkably good condition and some, not so much, but I love using them and some days, like today, I just love looking at them!

 These are pristine....and I was so lucky to find them....yes, I really do display them and find the boxes very interesting too.

 See!

 These too!

 My friend, Pat S., brought this sewing box to the downtown studio one day.  It belonged to her and she'd had it for a very long time.  She's just a little bit older than I and isn't sewing like she used to, so she thought I'd like to have it, complete with contents.  Of course, I was beside myself and treasure it.  She's another kind and generous friend I've met over the years.  Note the tatted cross.  I have never gotten the 'hang' of how to tat, so I treasure every snippet of it that comes my way! 

 

There are beads and such in here too.  Oh, what FUN!

 

 One day I ran across this box of thread at the flea market...and couldn't believe it.  Ok, if you owned this and it is found in a flea market, you must have passed, so that means I will enjoy and treasure it FOR YOU.  And, hopefully, USE it!

 Pretty, pretty stuff!

 Many years ago, friend Jim, walked into our quilt guild's Ferndale retreat, found me at the Registration desk and gave me a little box with this vintage bodkin in it.  I knew right away what it was and I have not only used it, but ENJOYED using it many times since.  A very special thing indeed!  The crochet hook is tiny and I'm not sure what it is made of...but so very cute.  It showed up in a box of sewing 'junk' I bought one time.  Sweet!

 Several years ago, I decided I was going to make buttons.  I tried various kinds, including these crocheted ones.  These are about the size of a nickel.  FUN!  I've never used these, still looking for just the right place for them...and, should you want to make you own...the instructions for these and many other kinds can be found in the book I used...."50 Heirloom Buttons to Make" by Nancy Nehring, published by Taunton Press.  I don't know if it's still in print, but you would enjoy trying some of the techniques in it.

This little wooden bowl....vintage, I am sure, called my name several times at the flea market.  I avoided getting it four or five times, then one day I gave in to it and love seeing all these vintage sewing goodies in it.  The old scissors, clothes pins, needle holder, and a vintage piece of crochet...in a rose pattern....no telling how long I've had that....seems it cost me a nickel way back when.

 

  

 Well, that's it for the threads and sewing goodies.  I hope you enjoyed seeing them and if you should have some of the same things, I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine.  I count them among my most favorite treasures!  Take care, pat

A Gift of Baskets

One day, not long ago, I emailed my dear friend, Jim with a request.  Sometimes I ask him questions he'd rather not deal with, such as - "Would you draw some basket patterns for me?"  You know....like he has nothing else to do.  And, sometimes he will say 'not on your life.'  Other times, he will just say..."we'll see."  A few days after I asked him to draw the basket patterns for me, an envelope arrived in my mailbox.  Actually, I wasn't expecting it to be patterns, as I knew he was really busy.  I thought it might be a paper snowflake...he's always drawing those.  Or, maybe something to make me laugh.

He does that too.  I took the envelope into my backyard studio, opened it and was surprised to find that he really had drawn some basket patterns for me.  Now, that is a good friend!!!  There are eight of them!  And, to top it off, he said I could post them on my blog and share them with YOU.  Yes, he said to be sure and tell you that you are welcome to use them in some of your work.  He didn't ask, but I will....if you do use them, kindly give him credit for the patterns...as you already know, it is the right thing to do.  So, here they are....all eight.  The largest was copied on an 8" x 10" sheet of paper to give you an idea of the size.  I have taken the liberty of reducing them down four times....the smallest is about 1 1/2" by 2" or so.  You could make them any size you wish.

#1....if you see a gap in the drawings anywhere, as in the handle on this pattern...he left spaces for leaves, roses, or whatever you wish to add here and there....this one is my favorite as I can SEE those ribbon roses spilling out of this basket already and haven't made a stitch!

 #2...Love this one too.  Can you see Baby Ric-Rac for the handle?  You can use these in a zillion different ways.

#3...Fill this one to the brim with pretty flowers......and remember, you can interpret  the basket stitching in many different ways too.

#4...This one looks like a crystal basket to me.....might want to stitch it in a shimmering thread on a dark background.

#5....How do you see this one?  Any ideas?  If you use it (or any of them)...please let us see your work.... it would be fun.  I see it couched in a heavy thread.

#6...How many things can we do with this basket?  You could also complete the handle and use silk ribbon to make a three dimensional bow....

#7....I'm not sure I could repeat this one easily....but did think I could use a bit of Battenburg Lace for the basket...or make it look like that kind of lace....Hmmm....

 

#8....What could we do with this one?  I think a metallic thread would be interesting.  Oh, the possibilities!!!

 

Here are all the patterns in the tiniest size....very cute, don't you think?

Then, of course, the basket on the front of the envelope.  I have ideas of what to do with it NOW!  I love getting mail from Jim....the contents are wonderful and the envelopes are always FUN!  So....okay....have some fun with this gift from Jim to me and YOU.  And, if you want to see what else he is up to, visit his blog HERE.  He really is a good friend....and a talented guy.  THANKS, JIM!!! 

Oh, and before this day is over.....I hope you have had a beautiful Mother's Day!  Take care out there, pat