Rain, rain and more rain today. Sounds like the sump pump will be put to use once more. There are flood warnings as the rivers rise due to snow melt and several inches of rain. I’m keeping an eye on the snow – will it be entirely gone by the end of the day? Crossing my fingers.
You all know I have an extensive collection of pottery – predominantly McCoy Pottery, with some Red Wing, Roseville, Hull, Fiesta and Bauer. Then there is the china – oh my. Mockingbird Hill Cottage is a wee little cottage – there is only so much room here. So when I saw my friend Cheryl’s post about her exquisite collection of Shawnee Miniatures, my heart went pitter-patter. Take a moment and visit her – she has displayed them on a charming little vintage shelf. I’ve fallen in love once again (and they’re tiny!) Being the inveterate collector that I am, a little seed was planted in my brain. Fast forward a few weeks and I had a slap-upside-the-head moment. I remembered two treasures I found a few months ago that have been sitting on a shelf in the studio cupboard.
I have no idea whether these are Shawnee miniatures but they certainly are the start of a collection, aren’t they? Now if I could only find my miniature Fiesta pitcher which has mysteriously disappeared.
Don’t you just love it when you start a new collection?
My wonderful and talented sister, Meredith, has once again dangled a little carrot in front of my eyes. She was the one who told me about the Obsession Scarf. This time the carrot is the Japanese Flower crochet pattern that has become very popular of late. She’s having a great time crocheting the flowers. Yesterday, I found myself making some test flowers. The one on the left has 12 petals – the one on the right has 10. I made these using some Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino that I had on hand, since my stash is now next-to-nothing. Baby Cashmerino is expensive, therefore, not practical for anything large.
Mer is making a shawl. I might make a little rectangular throw to place at the end of our bed as we move into Spring. If you visit Mer’s blog, Mereknits, you can see the flowers she has made so far. She’s joining them together as she goes.
I’ll be making more today. It’s the perfect project for a rainy day. – after I eat the pancakes Don is making as I write this post.
What are you up to today?
Rain and flooding, hope the water stays outside and does not envade your cottage. Thank the lord for sumpumps.
I think it looks like you sure do have some Shawnee.
Crochet; I admire those that have this talent…and it truly is a talent and a gift. To watch someone crochet while talking or watching tv and hardly ever look at what they are doing, just floors me.
Your work is truly lovely, every stitch perect.
I knew we would get you soon or later. Aren’t they too much fun. Mereknits is what I thought, but was just checking. She does have some beautiful flowers. Her color choices are right up my alley.
Claudia, I love your collection, and I encourage you to begin this “small” new collection. But, I know what you mean. I am always resisting.
Rain here, too! I’m tired of rain, but they say we are still below the level we need. Your pottery is great. Love the miniatures! Your flowers look so pretty. I’m still working on a sweater that I am struggling with!
I love the mini’s and space becomes an issue even for me who has a lot of it. I have been going to estate sales and I usually run into McCoy or Hull pieces but they are expensive. It has been rainy and windy here too and I am ready for sun!
Your flowers are beautifula nd I am glad to have given you the bug!!!!!
XO,
Mere
I hope you don’t get too much rain- I worry about all the people that will now be dealing with flooding. Mother Nature is not giving folks much of a break this winter. Oh my goodness those flowers are beautiful!! Now I am even more determined to learn to crochet! I keep practicing with online videos :) Hope I can create something like them someday soon! I’m off to peek at Mer’s flowers too :)
OH, THEY ARE PRETTY…
YOU CROCHET SO NEATLY.
MUST GO OVER TO VISIT YOUR SISTER MEREKNITS,
MY NIECE KAREN LOVES HER BLOG, SHE ALSO SAID PAY HER A VISIT.
NO FLOODING FOR US…
HOPE IT STAYS THAT WAY….IT RAINED ALL DAY. WELL, FOR A BRIGHT TOMORROW, TAKE CARE…RIZZI
I love the glaze and the colors of Shawnee pottery. I have a bowl, and it’s one of my favorites. I really like your small pitchers. They are very pretty.
I have the soul of a collector too, and a small house. I’ve been trying lately to edit things, as we’ve been bringing home a few special momentos from my mother in laws house. It’s so hard sometimes to know what to do.
Your crocheted flowers are very pretty. I’ve been loving Meredith’s crocheting lately, and I like the way she adapted the pattern to her own tastes. I’ve been seeing some beautiful shawls made from these. Seems any color combination “works”.
Take care.
How pretty I remember my mom making a version of these when I was young. Blessings, Joanne
Your flowers are lovely. I read your article on your studio and it is charming. I am amazed at how much you have managed to fit into your space. Keep sumping and dry…
I love reading your blog and you and your sister kick started me to crochet again and I have made scarves for friends, family and me, do you have a pattern for the flowers for the Japanese scarf? I have searched high and low for one like yoursany help would be appreciated, and I also want to thank you for introducing us to Magnolia Bakery, when we were in NYC celebrating our anniversary/Valentines Day we went and got wonderful cupcakes, Many thanks for a wonderful blog
Claudia, I just love your crocheted flowers, and your sister’s are gorgeous! You two are very talented!
Your rain is moving into our area tomorrow. And our sump pump has been running regularly with all the melting snow.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and I sure wish I had someone to cook for me!… Donna
Wow~ I can understand why you were smitten by Cheryl’s collection. They are fabulous!! I think a mini pottery collection would be just up your alley, with your love for pottery and all. Go for it!!
Love the crocheted flowers~ such yummy spring colors!
Hugs,
Jill
PS: I spy Spode “Claudia” :)
I love those flowers, slightly more aanced than mine! love the little pots as well, in fact love your blog!!! jennyx
Found your blog while looking for reviews of The Death Instinct and see that we share some interests other than books.
I have a few pieces of Hull and Roseville that we bought for my mother who loved them. Now, they belong to me, and I treasure them.
Hi Claudia~
Oh swoon over the Japanese Flower pattern! Its just lovely.Speaking of Japan, did you see the footage? Just shocking!
Yes, Chateau was wonderful, in fact it was glorious. I think being out with the ladies in Christie’s garden was just what I needed.
Have a great weekend Claudia.
The old Shawnee make great collections. I don’t own any, but have seen them around and in general they are very cute!
DI
There’s always room for minature pottery and I know you’ll find a place for many more pieces to fit into your wonderful collection.
I hope the rain and snow melt soaks in and makes way for a lovely and bountiful garden. I could sure use some of that rain here in Texas on my newly planted tomatoes and flowers. I’ve emptied my rain barrel this week and am ready for the next rainfall. Hope it comes soon. I love the rain water on plants…and they love it too!
Hi Claudia,
So glad you found those miniatures…they look like Shawnee but, when I get a minute, I’ll check my reference books and let you know. So happy I could inspire a new collection for you. If you find more, please ost photos. Thanks for the link to my blog, too.
Hugs,
Cheryl at My Sister’s Cottage
Your tiny pitchers are so adorable, I do hope you find your Fiesta! A collection of miniature pottery is perfect for MHC, it won’t take up that much room! I will have to keep a look out for these, and if I find one, I will send it to you sweetie.
I do love the flower pattern you are working. Rainy days really are perfect for crochet. I am working on hand applique for my new quilt. Did I tell you I am learning to quilt? The squares are almost done. I am so excited!
I do hope your rain stops soon and that all the snow goes with it!
Hugs,
Terri
Dear Claudia, I understand when you talk about collecting, there´s something that will never end when one loves something or finds something new to collect!!!!
The crocheted flowers are oh soooooo lovely!!!!
sending you lots of hugs my dear