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Mary's Cottage Treasures

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Monday, June 28, 2010

New/Old Linens


What is a new/old linen item?
It is a beautiful piece of handworked linen history 
which has been given a second chance. By a 'second
 chance' I mean it, in a sense, has been recycled.
Someone other than the original creator/owner
 now owns the piece and will either find another
 use for it, or use it as originally intended or,
 in the case of Linen Collectors, handle it with
love and care as they add it to their ever-growing
 collection of similar linen items.

Those who find another use for the piece often
 incorporate it into another item they are creating,
 such as using a section of an old embroidered
 dresser scarf in making a pillow.
Or maybe you have seen a new purse decorated
with vintage doilies or cut outs from a vintage
 tablecloth used as appliques on a new handtowel. 
This is, perhaps, the truest form of new/old linens.

Unfortunately, in our busy world today, new
handworked linens are not being made as frequently
 as they used to be. Nor are the various forms
 of needle working being taught. In generations past,
 young females were taught as early as
they could manage a needle and thread how to do
 various forms of needlework. Sewing, embroidery,
 cross stitch, crochet, knitting, crewel work, smocking,
 quilting, needlepoint, tatting, needle punch,
 needle felting, tassel making, needle lace, tapestry,
 and applique are just some of the many various
 types of needle work.

Are you a lover of new/old linens? How many of the
above types of needlework do YOU know how to do? 
I only can do or have done the first six methods. 
How about you? 

Have a great week!
 Blessings on your & yours,
Mary Patterson

Sunday, June 13, 2010

RAINBOW

Two weeks ago we had a terrible thunderstorm followed by
 a gorgeous bright sky as if the clouds were simply pushed aside.
Everything was so fresh and clean, bathed in clear sunlight.
After a few moments of enjoying the 'clean' green foliage
 of the bushes outside my kitchen windows,
I jumped from the chair and quickly opened the front door.
 And there it was, right over my neighbor's roof top -
a beautiful rainbow, my favorite creation of my Heavenly Father.
The next morning our local newspaper had a picture
of the entire rainbow, end to end, on the front page.
I only saw a small portion of it, but was still thrilled!
Do you love rainbows, too?
God's love for us is awesome and Rainbow's are a sign of the love.
He promised never to destroy the earth with a flood.
He loves us so much He sent His only Son to die for our sins.
John 3:16
Have a blessed week and look for rainbows after a storm!
Mary Patterson


Sunday, June 6, 2010

Creativity

My hubbie and I took a little trip recently
for a few days of R&R.
I decided last minute to bring some jewelry supplies
and here is what I made one afternoon.
They will be listed in my shop very soon..
You may email me before then
if you are interested in a particular one.

Have a great week!