Allyson Hill

Are You a Full Circle?

Back in college I knew a girl who shared some thoughts about love.  She read a book that explained how most people go around life thinking they are only half a circle and must look for their other half to make them whole and complete.  We hear this expression all the time, "my other half - or my better half".  Well she explained that the book said we need to stop that way of thinking and instead be complete, a full circle, before finding love.  I could understand and see the sense in this, but wondered how I would know when I was my own circle, full and complete and ready to love and be loved?  Well, here I am, years later - um 16 to be exact - and I am finally realizing that I have reached that point.  Now.  I am complete.  I am my own circle.  I know it is true because of this feeling of joy that surges through me.  This feeling for which I can only give credit to *ONLY* give credit to God.  Because I have finally come to realize and truly accept that I am exactly who God made me to be, and He has a plan uniquely crafted for me, in me, and through me.  So I when I found this ring on Etsy, this full circle ring, uniquely crafted and handmade for me, I ordered it.  And every time I look down at my stubby hand, oh that darn stubby hand, I smile and find joy, that yes, God has a plan for this stubby hand, for this unique and artistic girl - and I can feel satisfied to be nobody else, but me.

Get your Orbit Ring Here, by Kriya

A Mother's Day "Hike"

We had it all planned out, Mom and I.  We were going to go on a lovely Mother's Day hike down a trail we had never ventured.  Until.  Until we realized that the hike was oh-so-near a very large antique barn.  Change of plans!  The boys let us have our way without a peep or complaint. 

So now Mom and I have decided that "Let's go for a hike" really means "Let's go antiquing".  What a wonderful memory and what a wonderful Mother I have! 

Singer Sewhandy

I wish I had this when I was a kid.  Well, it's mine now and I'm so happy!  It makes the most wonderful chain stitch.  No foot pedal.  No bobbins.  It's adorable!  Found it on Etsy.  It's the Singer Sewhandy (sew handy) 50D made in Great Britain.

A Crewel Dream

Oh how I would love to stumble upon this treasure of vintage crewel & embroidery at a garage sale!

Spring Inspiration

I went antiquing with my Mom yesterday in Millerton, NY.  I snapped some pictures for inspiration - gingham & rug patterns.  Tore my favorites from the latest Anthropologie, hoping to inspire a spring/summer wardrobe - handmade of course.

So I didn't buy anything while antiquing, but I did buy a new plant.  I'll be back soon with some new springy projects!

Ahhh Sugar

You are perfect for me

(Vintage sugar bowl found at Fishlegs)

 (Vintage faux bois utensil holder found at Blue Sky Day)

(Vintage napkins "wipe" napkins found at Storybook Charm)

Here are some other vintage sugar bowls that I am swooning over (click the image to purchase):

 

(Rick Rack Vintage, Beggars and Choosers, Jawaddel, Macho Machismo,

Moon Asking to Stay, Terrys Got It, Two Little Owls,  and Riff Raff Review)

Whoa

Oh. My. Heavy. Huge. Complicated. Scary. Help.

Wow, choosing the right industrial machine was really hard.  That's why I've put it off for so long.  Let's hope this machine is right for me.  The Consew 199RB-1A with the Sewquiet 4000 motor.

I only hope I can get it up and running in time for Christmas orders!  Tons of parts, belts, rods, oil, oil, did I mention oil?  The bobbin case is drenched in oil.  Not sure if that happened during shipping?  How do I clean that up?  So many questions and unknowns...I'll have to figure it all out as I go (any advice is welcomed)!

I narrowed it down to this machine because it Zig-Zags, has a double capacity bobbin and can sew anything from leather to lace.  I'll submit a review once I put some mileage on it!