I always think of my mother on this day for the last three years. She passed away here in our home on this very day, the day with the most light, the longest day of the year. It was almost as if she had ordained it because she loved sunshine and long days dreading the darkness ever since she was a very small child. She passed away just before noon on a day that was sunny and warm.
So this bouquet of lisianthus is in remembrance of her and her love of flowers and gentle things.
However, on the eve of summer solstice, Father’s Day, my husband and I decided that even though the weather should be getting warmer and sunnier, and it was still rainy and cold, we would have a fire in the fireplace. We ate our dinner gazing at the fire and then we read our books. I started a new one yesterday…..
This is one I have had on my ongoing stack for some time now. When I was with my daughters last weekend, both great and voracious readers, my oldest was astonished to find that I had not yet gotten to this book. So even though I am currently reading an autobiography by one of the Bloomsbury women, Frances Partridge, I decided to start this one too. I am already caught up in the story and the beautiful way it is written. I am always drawn to books about strong women, this definitely being one of those.
I made this skirt when I was in Mendocino out of a vintage linen curtain panel. I have had it hanging in my studio trying to figure out a way to make it more appealing. I love the fabric and color but something is missing. I think I am going to shorten it a bit and add some old crochet trim to the flounce. I want to wear it for summer……soon.
crochet trim would perfect…try adding it to the area where you would be shortening it, it might look good with the skirt bottom still there.
I l ike the idea of insertion of frochet higher up thatn the hem for several reasons. However, I’m not sure you actually need to do much of anything to this classical patterned shirt. I can’t tell what thickness the linen is that it is made from, but it looks pretty robust. Might you do some hand embroidery on one or more of the motifs? If you have any fabric over you might make a pocket and embroider.
Or simply leave plain. Perhaps make a feature of whatever top you wear with it. Again, adorn with any left over fabric and make more of an outfit out of it?
hi Phyllis, thanks for leaving a comment on my blog, the “less is more” one. you have a beautiful vase of flowers for your Mom, she would appreciate them. and my thoughts on the skirt are simply that it is lovely just as it is, worn with a very light coloured summery top, so all the attention goes to the skirt. cheers, kaite
I’d probably put Ahab’s Wife on a top ten must read list…. Very good book.
The skirt I like “as is” myself.
Happy Solstice!
I like the skirt as is….it’s such pretty fabric….I’d hate to cut it.
I loved Ahab’s Wife; read it twice and will probably read it again!
I simply cannot understand why I waited so long to get started on this book, but I am sure I have many that are like that…. waiting to be opened and started.
That skirt looks perfect to me. The flip at the bottom is especially appealing.
That photo of the fireplace would make a very evocative Christmas card. The photo gives all the feeling of warmth and happiness that one would want people to have at Christmas. Lovely photos and wonderful warm memories of your Mother.
The skirt needs a break between the ruffle and the body to emphasize the separation and give it more style and shape. I never liked looking too frumpy, and I think this is how it appears as it is. I like a fire any time of year as long as the weather is cool and I want to feel cozy!
The book looks like a good one and I agree about loving books about strong women! (Will have to put it on my wish list)
How beautiful that you remember your mother with the lovely flowers. I am sure she smiles at you : )
What a cozy and lovely fireplace. I love having a cozy fire any
time of the year. I do not have a fireplace at this time so I light candles and it is always like a celebration to me.
The skirt is fabulous just the way it is but, if you decide to alter it I am sure it will be just beautiful.
I definitely think candles are a great substitute for a fire any day too. In fact, I often will light a scented candle every time I walk into my room to sew. It sets the mood for solitude, comfort, and peace, the things I love best when I am in my room sewing.