Snow Day

Yesterday evening we busily prepared for the impending storm; setting candles about, making sure the radio had new batteries and filling pails with water. The news forecasted quite the storm- two feet of snow, 50 miles per hour winds and wide spread power outage. We were ready for the worst, but prayed we would not lose our electricity.
When morning arrived we had a lot of snow. Thankfully the wind wasn’t as bad as expected and we did not lose our electric! So we were able to spend a cozy day sewing. The LORD is so good!
We were so pleased to see the farmer who lives up the road plowing our driveway with his tractor. Truly a blessing!
Later in the afternoon, my mother, sisters and I went out to shovel a path to the driveway. The snow was very deep. I think it exceeded the two feet expected. Our little dog Sophie wasn’t quite sure what to do, but as soon as we shoveled a path she ran about excitedly. Sophie loves the snow.
Today I received an email from a customer and sister in the Lord. She shared how over the past few months she has felt lead to reconsider the way she dresses. I really liked the way she expressed her feelings about this decision. She said she was going to “celebrate her womanhood”. One of the many joys of womanhood is the privilege to wear lovely, feminine clothing.

“Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight. “ Psalm 119:35

“Blessed be Your glorious Name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise! You alone are the LORD; You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their hosts, the earth and things on it, the sea and all things in them, and You preserve them all. The host of heaven worship You. “ Nehemiah 9:5-6

It is so wonderful to see the days lengthening. With each added minute of daylight I feel spring is just a step closer!
Earlier this week, while I was out, I saw a hill covered with snow and a flock of Canadian geese congregating on top of the hill. They were such a pleasant sight, like that of an old friend returning after a long journey.
Today I worked on a new denim skirt design for our website. I look forward to sewing new blouse styles too. Here at the Scarlet Thread we have enjoyed purchasing new spring calicos and I am very excited to use them. : )
For lunch today I made pancakes. Saturdays just seem the perfect day to take some time out for fun. I set the table with a vintage floral table cloth,and blue and white dishes. I brewed a pot of tea, and used our calico tea cozy mom sewed to keep the tea hot.
My sisters and I discovered a really lovely blog yesterday, http://www.blessedfemina.blogspot.com/ . The old-fashioned pictures, quotes and music truly are a treat!

“Set your affection on things above, not things on the earth. “ Colossians 3:2

Swiss Outfits

Last week we sewed two really adorable outfits (see photo above). Two little girls attending “Heritage Days” at their school needed outfits that reflected their cultural background. With their father being originally from Switzerland they decided to wear little Swiss styled outfits.
Here at the Scarlet Thread we have enjoyed creating outfits with an Austrian flair since we have always been fans of Maria von Trapp.
We have a wonderful book with several pictures of the Trapp family, and my mother has been inspired by their style of clothing to create the “Heidi Outfit” and “Alpine Outfit” featured on our website.
When reading Maria von Trapp’s autobiography “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers” I was so impressed with the creativity of the Trapp family. We all know they were gifted singers, but they were also accomplished artist, wood carvers, builders etc. I so enjoyed Maria’s account of how the entire family worked together to build their home in Stowe, Vermont.
Each member of the family had their special gift in helping each other. One daughter made all their shoes, another knitted all their stockings and sweaters, and another sewed all their clothing!
For fans of “The Sound of Music” I would highly recommend, “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers”.

“The most important thing in life is to find out the will of God and then do it.” Marie Augusta von Trapp

Ribbon Flowers

I am sure I am not the only one that is anticipating spring. Just yesterday we received a catalog in the mail filled with beautiful flowers. Already I am filled with excitement to see the first hyacinth bloom in my garden. But as I still have quite a wait I am feeling very content to enjoy my ribbon flowers. Yes, I did say “ribbon” flowers. : )

I just recently discovered instructions on how to create beautiful roses, leaves and a variety of all different flowers from fabric and ribbon. Just the other day I sewed a lovely pink calico apron, and added a delicate white organdy flower to the pocket. All week I haven’t been able to stop thinking of the many different ways to use my flowers.

And then I stopped to consider, it is only natural that I would enjoy creating these flowers, as I am an expression of God’s infinite creativity. And God must enjoy creating flowers as He has created so many beauties!! So today I am thankful that God has given each of us the ability to be creative.

“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts. “ Exodus 31:3