-
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
Tags
architecture art autumn boats christmas colors Cooking DIY everything else Family Farm Features flowers food garden gardening HAIRSTYLES holidays Kids knit Knitting Knitting & Spinning Lighthouses Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts Memories New England New Jersey New York New York City Oak Bluffs Pets photo a day photo a day challenge Photographs postaweek quilting Seasons Sewing sky Spinning Uncategorized water Wordpress yarnArchives
- April 2025 (1)
- March 2025 (3)
- February 2025 (2)
- December 2024 (1)
- November 2024 (1)
- October 2024 (1)
- September 2024 (1)
- August 2024 (2)
- June 2024 (3)
- May 2024 (1)
- April 2024 (1)
- March 2024 (2)
- February 2024 (1)
- December 2023 (4)
- November 2023 (3)
- October 2023 (1)
- September 2023 (3)
- August 2023 (3)
- July 2023 (4)
- June 2023 (1)
- May 2023 (2)
- April 2023 (3)
- March 2023 (3)
- February 2023 (2)
- January 2023 (5)
- December 2022 (4)
- November 2022 (2)
- October 2022 (2)
- September 2022 (1)
- August 2022 (1)
- July 2022 (5)
- June 2022 (5)
- May 2022 (5)
- April 2022 (2)
- March 2022 (2)
- February 2022 (1)
- January 2022 (2)
- December 2021 (2)
- November 2021 (2)
- October 2021 (5)
- September 2021 (6)
- August 2021 (6)
- July 2021 (3)
- June 2021 (4)
- May 2021 (4)
- April 2021 (1)
- March 2021 (6)
- February 2021 (7)
- January 2021 (6)
- December 2020 (4)
- November 2020 (6)
- October 2020 (3)
- September 2020 (4)
- August 2020 (3)
- July 2020 (6)
- June 2020 (6)
- May 2020 (4)
- April 2020 (5)
- March 2020 (3)
- February 2020 (2)
- December 2019 (1)
- November 2019 (4)
- October 2019 (8)
- September 2019 (4)
- August 2019 (11)
- July 2019 (8)
- June 2019 (29)
- May 2019 (22)
- April 2019 (18)
- March 2019 (26)
- February 2019 (21)
- January 2019 (58)
- December 2018 (207)
- November 2018 (108)
- October 2018 (34)
- September 2018 (31)
- August 2018 (35)
- July 2018 (41)
- June 2018 (110)
- May 2018 (60)
- April 2018 (25)
- March 2018 (23)
- February 2018 (10)
- January 2018 (17)
- December 2017 (22)
- November 2017 (15)
- October 2017 (32)
- September 2017 (16)
- August 2017 (17)
- July 2017 (19)
- June 2017 (12)
- May 2017 (14)
- April 2017 (12)
- March 2017 (9)
- February 2017 (23)
- January 2017 (20)
- December 2016 (43)
- November 2016 (31)
- October 2016 (20)
- September 2016 (28)
- August 2016 (28)
- July 2016 (40)
- June 2016 (81)
- May 2016 (38)
- April 2016 (39)
- March 2016 (28)
- February 2016 (31)
- January 2016 (37)
- December 2015 (43)
- November 2015 (44)
- October 2015 (56)
- September 2015 (39)
- August 2015 (36)
- July 2015 (42)
- June 2015 (46)
- May 2015 (43)
- April 2015 (57)
- March 2015 (58)
- February 2015 (56)
- January 2015 (39)
- December 2014 (60)
- November 2014 (73)
- October 2014 (67)
- September 2014 (63)
- August 2014 (80)
- July 2014 (81)
- June 2014 (85)
- May 2014 (86)
- April 2014 (87)
- March 2014 (93)
- February 2014 (89)
- January 2014 (89)
- December 2013 (107)
- November 2013 (89)
- October 2013 (79)
- September 2013 (90)
- August 2013 (94)
- July 2013 (112)
- June 2013 (104)
- May 2013 (151)
- April 2013 (139)
- March 2013 (140)
- February 2013 (119)
- January 2013 (138)
- December 2012 (136)
- November 2012 (175)
- October 2012 (154)
- September 2012 (158)
- August 2012 (181)
- July 2012 (194)
- June 2012 (171)
- May 2012 (204)
- April 2012 (203)
- March 2012 (214)
- February 2012 (118)
- January 2012 (52)
- December 2011 (37)
- November 2011 (27)
- October 2011 (26)
- September 2011 (23)
- August 2011 (8)
- July 2011 (12)
- June 2011 (11)
- May 2011 (12)
- April 2011 (9)
- March 2011 (16)
- February 2011 (11)
- January 2011 (13)
- November 2010 (6)
- October 2010 (12)
- September 2010 (11)
- August 2010 (15)
- July 2010 (15)
- June 2010 (4)
- May 2010 (5)
- April 2010 (3)
- March 2010 (3)
- February 2010 (7)
- January 2010 (11)
- December 2009 (11)
- November 2009 (14)
- October 2009 (17)
- September 2009 (9)
- August 2009 (8)
- July 2009 (1)
- June 2009 (5)
- May 2009 (15)
- April 2009 (5)
- March 2009 (4)
- January 2009 (2)
- December 2008 (1)
- November 2008 (1)
- September 2008 (2)
- August 2008 (1)
Contributors
- Cloth-n-Clay
- Adri Makes a Thing or Two
- Ambersambry Blog
- Booking Through Thursday
- Caroline Fryar
- Cherished Moments
- chez farm
- Dave and Lisa’s Backyard
- Dragan's Project Page
- Fyberspace's Blog
- Gilead Goats
- Grandmatutu musings
- It’s MY Life! (Diary of a Mom, Pet Owner and Fiber Artist)
- Knit Mainea!
- Knitting Scholar
- librarysarie
- maggistitches
- Maltese Parakeet
- Marla Holt
- Merry Magpie Farm
- Midwest Yarn
- MV Obsession
- Nishikot: Crafty things from Sheeri
- Punctuality Rules!
- Ramble the Travelling Ram
- Rebecca’s Pocket
- Red Dirt Knitter
- Retired, but not Retiring
- Rhymes with Flurms
- Stoneview
- Sundaybee's Blog
- Sunset Cat Designs
- Thoughts of the Day
- Through Jersey Eyes
Meta
Monthly Archives: May 2013
Here comes the heat!!
Lots of fiber and clay happening down here in Virginia. Despite the rising temperatures... (it was bound to happen eventually right?)
Remember the haul from Maryland Sheep and Wool? Many of you fell in love with the two twists on the far left....
Now they are a 3 ply (Navajo plied...meaning there is some color separation...) light worsted yarn! A three ply this thin is pretty good for me. (That's a nickle for scale.)
Meanwhile my friend Lynette is working on items for her show in August. I spin wool for her sculptures...and this 8 oz will become a beehive. The colors are perfect! We were excited to find it at Maryland.
My latest blanket.....
And I had an exciting visitor. No pictures of course but Hannah McAndrew was in town! She was on the long journey home to Scotland after her show with the St Croix Valley Potters in Minnesota. She was very interested in a blanket so we made a swap.
This plate is BIG, 15 inches across and much more golden than it looks in this picture. I love it! And I know Hannah will enjoy her wool throw in chilly Scotland. Thanks so much Hannah!
And I have finally found my groove again in the clay studio. It was slow going at first. Even though I have been throwing pots for over 7 years I still often struggle with some of the basics. I am so thankful when it starts to flow again.
I am working on getting a kiln load dry and ready to bisque in the next 2 weeks. All those little bowls on the top two shelves of the drying rack have to be in Vermont before the end of the month!
I am SO GLAD that my little AC unit seems to be working ok in my studio. Not nearly as efficient as the split system I had in my studio in Charlottesville. I should have taken it with us since the buyers are simply using the space as a garage. It is definitely cooler then the 90 degree air outside but the humidity still seems high. Drying is going slow...
So potting, weaving, spinning and sweating on those morning walks with Layla.
She LOVES her air conditioning.
A Line Skirt
I finally finished a skirt I’d cut out months ago.
Just in time for our first campfire of the season!
The fabric is a delectable avian print by Joel Dewberry.
And can I say how much I enjoy having a serger to make nice finished edges?
The pattern is one of my absolute favorites. It’s Amy Butler’s Barcelona Skirt pattern, and I’ve made many of them.
They’re comfortable, flattering and super easy to make. I don’t know why it took me so long to get this one sewn up.
Tagged: Sewing

Comments Off on A Line Skirt
Tagged Sewing, Uncategorized
May Twilight …
Comments Off on May Twilight …
Tagged evening, Martha's Vineyard, Photographs
Giveaway! Shabby Apple
Shabby Apple is giving us the fantastic opportunity to off you a grand prize giveaway! We teamed up with them once before and both Juniper Moon Farm and Shabby Apple has such a good time doing it, that we’ve decided to do it again! They’re offering a $50 giftcard to Shabby Apple.
What can you get for $50? Here are my favorite picks!
This sweet, pink Cherry Blossom Skirt
This vintage-inspired lavender Freesia top. The bow and sleeves slay me!
This darling ballerina dress that is onsale and I think would be flattering to many body types. (Actually there’s a bunch of adorable things on the deep discount sales page that you could get!)
Maybe you’d prefer some accessories to go freshen up something you already own?
I’m smitten with these slingback flats.
This faux-leather belt with cutout details could bring new life to a dress!
And after buying the belt, you’d have almost enough to get these 3/4 hoop lacy earrings.
I know my friend Kelly would flip her lid for this pearl necklace. (Everything’s better with a bird on it!)
It would be worth the splurge to get this nautical-inspired pleated dress!
How to Enter / Rules
To enter, go to the Shabby Apple Facebook page and “like” them. Then come back here and tell us what you’d pick if you won a $50 giftcard.
Entries close at 11:59p EST on Tuesday, June 4th and a winner will be chosen and posted right here on the morning of Wednesday, June 5th. The winner will have 24 hours to claim his/her prize by emailing us with the shipping info. If the winner doesn’t claim his/her prize, we’ll draw another name.
This contest is open only to those with a US shipping address. Sorry, rest of the world!
Comments Off on Giveaway! Shabby Apple
Tagged Giveaway
Giveaway! Shabby Apple
Shabby Apple is giving us the fantastic opportunity to off you a grand prize giveaway! We teamed up with them once before and both Juniper Moon Farm and Shabby Apple has such a good time doing it, that we’ve decided to do it again! They’re offering a $50 giftcard to Shabby Apple.
What can you get for $50? Here are my favorite picks!
This sweet, pink Cherry Blossom Skirt
This vintage-inspired lavender Freesia top. The bow and sleeves slay me!
This darling ballerina dress that is onsale and I think would be flattering to many body types. (Actually there’s a bunch of adorable things on the deep discount sales page that you could get!)
Maybe you’d prefer some accessories to go freshen up something you already own?
I’m smitten with these slingback flats.
This faux-leather belt with cutout details could bring new life to a dress!
And after buying the belt, you’d have almost enough to get these 3/4 hoop lacy earrings.
I know my friend Kelly would flip her lid for this pearl necklace. (Everything’s better with a bird on it!)
It would be worth the splurge to, get this nautical-inspired pleated dress!
How to Enter / Rules
To enter, go to the Shabby Apple Facebook page and “like” them. Then come back here and tell us what you’d pick if you won a $50 giftcard.
Entries close at 11:59p EST on Tuesday, June 4th and a winner will be chosen and posted right here on the morning of Wednesday, June 5th. The winner will have 24 hours to claim his/her prize by emailing us with the shipping info. If the winner doesn’t claim his/her prize, we’ll draw another name.
This contest is open only to those with a US shipping address. Sorry, rest of the world!
Comments Off on Giveaway! Shabby Apple
Tagged Giveaway
Me-Made-May final days!
Here are the last few days of May, and I've been happily wearing me-made stuffs. I'm kinda bummed this month is nearly over, but I'm so glad I brought out my hand-made goodies. The weather has been so crazy, I was actually able to wear some of my winter hand-knits!
May 26th, I wore my Mod-Podge jacket. Little did I know I spent most of the day with the snaps misaligned. Oh well.
May 27th, all this hand-made goodness inspired me to finish a pair of jeans! I had the fabric ready, but was unsure it would be enough to make a full-length pair. They're tailored and about ankle length. I think they look rather fetching at ankle length. I've worn them twice now, and they're quickly becoming a fave.
May 28th, the second time I wore the jeans, I paired it with one of my favorite cardigans knit in Malabrigo Lace which is super soft and fuzzy. I had no idea I'd be wearing hand-knits and it's nearly June. The weather's been crazy.
May 29th, and I think this may be my final Me-Made-May post. I have a wedding to attend this weekend in Italy, and I don't know how likely it will be that I can photograph my wardrobe. So, I did it! I wore hand-made items 4 days of each week. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, but I did get lazy last week. The cold weather actually helped me pull stuff from my hand-knit collection that I might not have worn. So, today I pulled out my alpaca shell. One of my warmest hand-knits and one of the earliest garments I knit. I love it and it used exactly one giant skein of Alpaca with a Twist yarn.
May 28th, the second time I wore the jeans, I paired it with one of my favorite cardigans knit in Malabrigo Lace which is super soft and fuzzy. I had no idea I'd be wearing hand-knits and it's nearly June. The weather's been crazy.
May 29th, and I think this may be my final Me-Made-May post. I have a wedding to attend this weekend in Italy, and I don't know how likely it will be that I can photograph my wardrobe. So, I did it! I wore hand-made items 4 days of each week. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, but I did get lazy last week. The cold weather actually helped me pull stuff from my hand-knit collection that I might not have worn. So, today I pulled out my alpaca shell. One of my warmest hand-knits and one of the earliest garments I knit. I love it and it used exactly one giant skein of Alpaca with a Twist yarn.
If I dooo manage to finish the dress in the background I'll post a pic. ;)
Happy Me-Made-May!
ETA: final me-made photo. 'twas too cold to wear the dress-in-progress unfortunately. But, I did manage to wear my nicely brightly colored loop! Who would have thought the end of May would be so cold in Italy!
![]() |
May 31st, me-made-loop/cowl, Bassano del Grappa, Italy |
For Neve, On Her Birthday
Neve, you are my best friend’s daughter, but in so many ways, you are mine. From the moment we met, you and I just sort of understood each other. We are so much alike. We share a sense of humor, an over-developed sense of justice and a stubborn streak a mile-wild.
Having lived with that particular set of personality traits for years now, I can tell you that life is will not be easy for you. You will struggle and fight and rage, and demand a fairness that the world just doesn’t have to offer. You will, at times, feel outraged, exhausted and weary from carrying so much right around inside of you. You’ll wonder in ernest why everyone else can’t see things the way you do, why people can be so intentionally obtuse, why no one will listen.
And then, you’ll be distracted by the loveliest field of flowers or a sky full of stars, and the wonder and beauty will remind you that the world really is an amazing, intoxicating place.
Not everyone will understand your sense of humor, your tendency to make a joke even at the tensest, most inappropriate times. And that’s okay. Because the people who you find who do understand you and speak your language will be the most loyal friends anyone ever had. You can’t see it yet, Neve, but you are positively bursting at the seams with personality and charm, and you will be a magnet for the people who get you. You will find your tribe.
If I could spare you the hurt that’s in your future or even just prep you for it, I would. But knowing you as I do, I also know you wouldn’t listen. You would flat out refused to be briefed. You will demand to learn your own lessons, even if it’s the hard way. You will take your highs and lows as they come, wallowing in your mistakes and reveling in your victories. You will own them all. I respect that about you.
But remember, when you do want advice I am always just a phone call away. Sometimes, a person just need to talk to someone who understands you.
Love,
Aunt Mommy
Comments Off on For Neve, On Her Birthday
Tagged everything else
Victory Garden + Four Years
Back in May of 2009, I did a blog post about my Mama turning her front yard into a victory garden. Looking back at those pictures, I just can’t believe the difference that four years and a really long growing season have brought.
Here’s the view from the front back in 2009.
This is the view from the front today.
2009
2013
The transformation has been magical!
As I may have mentioned in a previous post or two (or 10), the strawberries are thriving and fruiting like crazy!
There are three varieties of edible lavender.
And so much rosemary! This isn’t the greatest picture but I need to give you something for scale. That little bit of blue peeking out at the top is a real estate for sale sign. The rosemary bushes are about waist high and there are 8 of them. And to think it all started with a little cutting.
There are blackberry bushes all along the fence. We’re only days away from ripe berries, I think.
Not everything in the garden was a roaring success. The combination of full sun all day and the drought that’s been plaguing Texas for the last few years conspired to kill every tomato plant Mama has ever put in the front garden. (She’s had more success them in the backyard.) But that just left more room for flowers which have thrived.
If you have the desire to transform your lawn, Food Not Lawns: How to Turn Your Yard into a Garden And Your Neighborhood into a Community is a great place to start.
Ideal
I want you to think about your ideal reading experience. Think about the location. (Your bed? Favorite chair? The beach? Indoors or outdoors?). Think about the sounds. (Is there music playing? Happy children playing in the background? Utter silence?) Is there a snack or beverage nearby? Are you alone or with friends/family (presumably being quiet enough for you to read in peace)? What kind of lighting is there? Are you dressed in something ultra-comfy? What’s your position? Curled up? Stretched out?
Now … describe it so that we can all feel exactly how perfect it is … and why.
Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Comments Off on Ideal
Tagged Wordpress
The Cliffs In May …
Comments Off on The Cliffs In May …
Tagged beaches, Martha's Vineyard, Photographs, water