ON Cottage Way

Renewals on Etsy

2010-02-25T12:43:00.004-05:00

I have updated both my Etsy shops today - as it appears that Dale and Nevada will not be fodder for a tale/tail today. *S*

From my Vintage Shop - Regency Cottage - I have renewed a few items.
This placemat and napkin set is one of my all time favourites. The hand stitching on this set is amazing and would have taken hour upon hour of work.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30929500

And we have a vintage hand knit and crocheted Baby Blanket in white and yellow. Being a sometimes knitter I appreciate the time involved in this piece.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32070406

And also today - this vintage white and chocolate checked curtain panel.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30849994

Home Again

2010-02-24T10:18:00.005-05:00

We are home again - have been for a few days and just now getting caught up.
Nevada is hating the cold and snow. ( so am I )
Here are a few pics.

This is Dale's and Nevada's mutual admiration society. I have no idea what they would do without one another. *S*

We actually found my parents old winter home on the canal system in St. Pete's.
And took some pics to show Dad.

Even on a beach in Florida, Nevada found birds to point. Good girl Nevada - all that early training has stuck and she whoaed beautifully when asked so I could take several pics.

And what is a visit anywhere without a Weimaraner, or several of them - and bonus - a passle of puppies.

And finally one of "me". I rarely have pics taken of me as I am normally the one behind the camera rather than in front of it.

I also came home with absolutely piles of fabric - so keep tuned to my Etsy shop for updates in new fabrics, renewals of favourites the occasional sale item.
www.oncottageway.etsy.com

2010-01-08T21:40:00.002-05:00

Nevada Goes to School
The Continuing Escapades of Dale and Nevada

Up the street from our home is the local high school, Kincardine and District Secondary School – grades 9 through 12. Behind us, runs the school field – which over the years has transformed from a football field, to a running track, to a soccer field and is now just a field used for gym classes and a few portable classrooms that accommodate the overflow from the main school.

Throughout the 23 years that we have lived in this house, we have used that field
for working the dogs in obedience, show, planted birds for field work and even done a bit of tracking – after school hours of course. But most often lately, we use it as a safe place to take Nevada for a run off leash so she can expend some energy.

Tonight, after dinner, Dale decided to take Nevada for a run – bitter cold though it is. He agreed that he would only be gone a few minutes, knowing that Nevada’s feet would freeze quite quickly. The two of them bundled up in their snow gear and off they went.

Almost 45 minutes went by and I was beginning to be concerned, wondering where they were, when Dale staggered in, quite obviously betwixt and between himself.
“Nevada’s locked in a portable” he hollered at me – stuttering and stammering. I know I must have had a totally confused look on my face as he hollered the same thing at me again. I started to ask him what he was talking about and he just hollered at me to get the keys for the van. Now I am really confused – what do the van keys have to do with a high school portable classroom and my dog. He sputtered at me long enough for me to understand he was going to chase down one of the school custodians for keys. He races off.

I quickly gear up in my snow clothes. As the crow flies, she is only a couple of hundred feet away, but rather than scaling an 8 foot security fence, I have to take the long route and stumble up the snow covered sidewalk as fast as I can manage, around the corner and through the gate into the school field.

I know immediately which of the 5 portable my girls is in, as I have been hearing her screaming hysterically since I opened the door at home. A crowd is gathering at the door of the main school (there must have been some event at the school this evening) , with them all looking at nervously at the field where the unearthly wailing is occurring. I am sure they think I am a crazy woman as I stagger through the snow and into the field directly at the unidentified screaming. ( have I mentioned what a weenie Nevada is ?) all the time hollering at the top of my lungs I’m coming Nevada, Mommy’s coming”
I stand outside the locked door and talk Nevada into some semblance of normality and she gradually quiets.

The people at school leap out of the way as a blue van comes flying up the street, slides to a stop in the snow and slush, and Dale leaps out madly waving a stick with a key dangling off the end of it. He races past, plants a hand on my chest, to push me out of his way on the trip to the locked door. He fumbles with keys, Nevada is wailing again, I am picking myself up out of the snow and finally – Nevada hurtles out of the open door.

I collar her quickly, snap her lead on and head home, while Dale heads back to the van to take the keys back to the custodian. The group at the high school door disperse rapidly at the advance of the crazy woman and her dog, heading back into the school, only to peer at us through the windows of the closed and locked ( yes I heard the lock snick home ) door.
Anyway, we are now home safe and sound, Nevada is still trying to tell me all about her adventure and Dale is sitting quietly trying to calm his racing heart.

It appears, being the good Samaritan that Dale is, that he had noticed the open door on the portable classroom and went to shut it. It automatically locked when he shut it, not realizing that Nevada had beat him to the punch and was already inside the classroom.
Another disaster diverted and all is well – if a little calamitous in our home.

Nevada's Stick

2009-12-13T07:28:00.004-05:00

Nevada has a stick. It is her very favourite stick. It is the very best stick in the whole wide world. No game is as much fun with any other stick. It is Nevada’s stick and has been Nevada’s stick for a long, long time. Rather then drag this stick back and forth to the school field, Dale and Nevada found a safe hiding place for this most precious of sticks. On the way to the field, they stop and pick up the stick. On the way home after their play, they stop and return their stick to its safe hiding place. And so it has gone for over a year now.

Today, Nevada’s stick was almost lost. Not once, but twice. Disaster. Total Disaster.

Nevada must have her stick. And Dale indulges her in every way – even with her stick. Today, after their play time, Dale and Nevada staggered into the house, cold, wet and bedraggled. Dale was in such a dither it took a while for him to be able to explain things to me coherently.

As usual Dale and Nevada had headed out for their walk and play time. And as usual on the way the field, they stopped to pick up Nevada’s Stick from it’s safe place. Then they continued on to the school, and behind the school where there is a small field to play. Here, the stick throwing commenced.

Eventually, somehow, the stick went down the steep embankment, which sloped toward the Penetangore River. Nevada flew over the bank – quite safely – and proceeded to search out her stick. She searched and searched, growing more and more frantic with each passing moment. It was nowhere to be found and she refused to leave without her stick. Eventually, Dale gave way and headed down the embankment – not quite so safely as Nevada had, tumbling head over heels till he reached the bottom. He oriented himself and stumbled to his feet. He and Nevada then continued to search out Nevada’s Stick, eventually finding it. Nevada, happy as a lark at this development, bounded up the embankment. Dale was not so lucky and it took several attempts to gain the brim of the “hole” as he now calls it. He started up several times only to fall back the steep, rough embankment. He finally worked his way round to a stand of trees and hauled himself up, bit by bit, with trees and branches. After stumbling round, puffing and panting, he eventually regained his breath and the stick game continued – with Dale carefully NOT throwing it near the embankment and Nevada gleefully racing after it.

But danger lurked everywhere today for Nevada’s Stick. After a few throws, the stick bounced and on the rebound, landed in a dumpster. An almost empty dumpster. At the very bottom of an almost empty dumpster. Nevada of course did everything but leap inside after her stick (Nevada, for those that don’t know her is extremely agile – even for a Weim ) Dale held her back and went to investigate himself.

He peered over the edge of the dumpster and way, way, down, at the very bottom was Nevada’s Stick. He couldn’t reach it – not even close. But upon further investigation, he discovered a bit of a ledge. He stepped up on this ledge and leaned over. He was much closer to reaching Nevada’s Stick, but couldn’t quite get his fingers on it. He helfted himself up just a tiny bit more, reached, almost had it, strained just a wee bit further, had his fingers on it, lost his balance and went head first into the dumpster, amongst the bits and pieces of garbage and rubbish.

Dale got to his feet. Nevada’s Stick grasped firmly in his fist and peered out. Nevada of course is sitting back watching these strange goings on with great curiosity, head cocked and eyes very wide. She is not about to leave until she has her stick clamped firmly between her teeth.

There is no ledge to step up on inside the dumpster and after many tries, Dale realizes he is stuck inside the garbage bin. He just isn’t agile enough anymore to swing his leg up and over the top. Starting to panic and with no help in sight, he gets steadily more agitated. He is out of sight, behind the school. No one was within shouting distance. No one knew where he was. No one could be expected at the school until Monday morning. (this was Sat. afternoon) Finally reason kicked in and he started piling the little bits and pieces of garbage in a corner until he had enough of a pile to stand on and haul himself out of there. He did finally get out, stick in hand, with Nevada waiting impatiently “on the other side”. Rather dirty and stinky, wet, cold and bedraggled, they staggered toward home, stopping only to put the stick safely back into it’s safe hiding place.

Roses in the Snow

2009-12-04T15:06:00.004-05:00

I can hardly believe it. A sweet little rose bush in my garden has buds on it and actual blooms.
In freezing temperatures, with a skiff of snow, in Canada, in December.
And YES - that white centre in the one rose is snow!

You can see the little skiff of snow on the ground beside the rosebush.

This little Miniature Rose Bush was an Easter gift from my Granddaughter. I planted it once all danger of frost was past and then it was pretty much ignored for the remainder of the summer. But it grew and grew and grew. Much bigger than your average Miniature Rose Bush. And now all the buds and blossums. I am so impressed with this little plant.

New Items - Finally

2009-12-03T19:49:00.007-05:00

Finally - I have had time to do some designing and some finishing! And of course listing. Can't sell items that I don't have time to list!!
.............................................................................................................

First item is a new baby bonnet in a wonderful turquoise with primary coloured accents. I absolutely adore this bonnet.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35934538

Another bonnet - again in turquoise, but with retro flowers and polka dots this time.
This is such a darling little bonnet.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35938210

And a hand crocheted baby blanket worked in a shell pattern, finished in dc and with sweet
little tassels on the corners. How very warm and cozy.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35937657

And lastly a new baby blanket with a vintage inspired fabric in a circus pattern on a bright, sunny, yellow background. This blanket is framed and backed in a yellow and white check cotton flannel, and lined with Warm and Natural.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35936852

Please check out my shop for many more items, sale items and OOAK items for the little one in your life.
www.oncottageway.etsy.com

Bathing Nevada

2009-11-16T20:20:00.014-05:00

Nevada hears the dreaded "B" word and races into hiding. She figures if she can't see us - we can't see her.

Hiding didn't work - so she tries out her very most pathetic and beaten look. Adding a little shivering and shaking into the mix to try and guilt us out of her bath. Add a little limp noodle and top it off with a rigid ball to be truly pathetic.

But nothing workes - Dale gets her cornered and collars her. She is absolutely horrified by this indignity.

NO NO NO - Please don't take me - don't bath me - HELP HELP HELP
For heaven's sake - somebody help and get that idiot with the camera away from me!!!

Nevada is absolutely beaten, all her tricks have failed her and she is led away to the tub for the dreaded BATH.
But she was rewarded afterward with a lovely run on the beach.

Anyone looking at this and not knowing our Nevada would think we beat her on a daily basis, when in reality she is probably the world's most spoiled dog.
She is currently stretched out in front of the fireplace with Dale tossing her treats whenever she raises her head!
My - how boring life would be without Nevada.

PLAYING CATCH UP

2009-11-14T10:04:00.008-05:00

I have spent the past few days playing catch up. Being hospitalized, even overnight, plays havoc with schedules. But I think I have finally caught up and am back on track now.

I finished these Christmas Stockings on Thursday and am very pleased with the results. The fabric and an old Christmas stocking to use for a pattern, was supplied by the client and I was simply told to "play with the fabric" and see what happened. Which I did. For the girls I added bits of antique lace, for the boys I made piping of contrasting fabrics.

The same client also came up with some favourite fabric of her daughters and asked me to make a couple of cushions out of the fabric. Again I was quite pleased with the results.

I had enough fabric to make 2 cushions - one is 14" square and the other 20" square. They should make a colourful addition to her daughters bedroom - a southern gal born into Canadian winters. Hopefully these cushions will warm her up in the cold months to come!!!!

A Day at the Tub

2009-10-20T07:14:00.013-04:00

For those that are not local or have never traveled to the Tub, it is a village on the tip of the Bruce Penninsula of Lake Huron, otherwise known as Tobermory. Also where the Chi-cheemaun, ferries people across to Manitoulin Island.

Nevada Runs on Water

View from the Observation Tower at Fathom's Five National Park

Dale and Nevada following the seche on Singing Sands beach.

Singing Sands beach is one of the few in Canada that have a seche - a tide on a fresh water lake that activates with the weather. In this picture we had to walk almost a quarter mile to reach the water as the seche was out. When it comes in - it travels fast we have been chased off the beach more than once by the seche.

And now - back to work

I've been a tad under the weather the past few days so haven't listed anything new in my Etsy shops, but I have re-listed a few items. Here are a couple of them.

Here is a sweet little set of hand crocheted, all cotton baby washcloths to be found on my site
htty://www.oncottageway.etsy.com

This is a sweet little crocheted blanket I made for my shop, worked in a Granny Square with colours of sand and blue. Perfect for bringing baby home

Regency Cottage

2009-10-14T07:32:00.007-04:00

I finally broke down and started to destash my vintage fabric and textiles. I was simply running out of room.
And so, Regency Cottage was born.
You can find us here:
www.RegencyCottage.etsy.com

Evey vintage item I list on my Etsy shop, breaks my heart a little.
And when it sells and I have to package it up and ship it out, it is all they can do at the post office to get it away from me to measure and weigh the package. Sometimes it almost develops into a tug of war. I"m sure they think I'm just a wee bit odd. LOL

Here are a few of the items I've sold.

More Warm and Cozy Winter Hats

2009-10-12T07:03:00.008-04:00

Well - I have finally done it. Crocheted myself into a combination of Tendonitis in my left hand and Carpal Tunnel in my right. But I can't seem to just sit and and watch TV. Or even just sit and chat. I have to be doing something with my hands at all times. Here is an example of the children's hats I have knit and crocheted the past few weeks.

Skullcaps and Stuff

2009-10-11T10:12:00.012-04:00

I have been busy crocheting these days. I seem to go in fits and starts are my many venues. My sewing machine is sitting idle, my knitting needles silent but my crochet hook is moving fast. I have made and listed several skullcaps on my Etsy shop the past while. These are all one of a kind OOAK as I use no pattern and different yarns for each. Sizes range from baby ( under 6 months ) to adult. To check out more, log on to http://www.oncottageway.etsy.com and look in the "sections" for knit and crochet.

My Listing for the Day

2009-10-07T11:30:00.002-04:00

I found this really sweet fabric on Etsy with Texas Longhorns and Cowboys. I always have a hard time finding fabric suitable to make those special things for little boys and here was a great opportunity. It consists of a crib size blanket, burpee, large bib,m small bib, toy tether and pacifier lead. The blanket, burpee and bibs are topped with the funky fabric, lined with warm and natural and backed with cozy flannel. Come visit my shop for more pics
www.oncottageway.etsy.com or go direct to the item at
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32170528

Veteran's Day Parade

2009-09-28T07:21:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, our town held it's annual Veteran's Day Parade. My Dad is always in this parade. At 86 he is the oldest surviving Veteran from the RCAF in our area.
My I present Pilot Officer Kenneth H. Linklater.

Baby Blanket Gift Set

2009-09-27T08:50:00.008-04:00

I've spent the past couple of days designing and creating this great little baby gift set. It is a nine piece set with crib sized blanket, change pad, burpee, large bib, small bib, toy tether, pacifier lead and two snack sacks.

I ordered this fabric and was thrilled when it arrived. The colour were even more vivid than I had expected and I could hardly wait to get into it.

This is a one of a kind set, never to be repeated.

You will find it in my Etsy shop
www.oncottageway.etsy.com

Fast Action Beginning to Sleepy Sunday Morning

2009-09-20T10:34:00.007-04:00

A RAPID BEGINNING TO A SUNDAY MORNING

Early this morning – around 5 – Dale gets up to go to his part time retirement job at the local golf course. Nevada and I hunker down for some more snoozing. Dale commences his usual routine, which includes opening the door for the dog, which has a large curtain hanging on the frame that serves as our version of a doggie door. A few minutes later, after much stretching and moaning about the early hour, Nevada slithers off the bed and yawning and grumbling, heads outside for her early morning constitutional.

Seconds later she comes torpedoing back through the curtain like the hounds of hell were on her heels. With this dramatic entrance she brings with her the stench of skunk and the doggie door curtain. Dale is racing around trying to catch her. Anyone that knows Dale knows that his only speed is “very slow and relaxed”. When he speeds up it means something drastic has blasted him out of his usual aplomb. Hearing Dale moving frantically about the house, hollering for Nevada ( he never hollers either ) brings my eyes wide open and all senses on full alert. I catch a whiff, discover Nevada hurtling for the bed, door curtain still in place, making her resemble something out of a Halloween Horror Show, and I leap out of her way, tripping and stumbling over the bed clothes. After rather rapidly assessing the situation, I take off after Nevada and she now has two of us chasing her down – me in my nighty and Dale is his – uh, well, skivvies – we finally manage to corner her and toss her out on the deck.

A few seconds later I hear her panicking, screaming and scrabbling, at the door and head out to give her a piece of my mind. Before I could open my mouth, I am face to face with little Mr. Stinky. I am not quite sure who was more surprised – Nevada, Mr. Stinky or Me. I make a quick snatch for the door and Nevada and I take a nose dive to safety pulling the door shut behind us. Before I could grab Nevada she races to the living room and rolls on the chesterfield, then evading my desperately grasping hands, gives the area rug the same treatment. Tripping and stumbling, I chase her through the house, with Dale hot on my heels. She beats us to the bed and has another good roll there before Dale gets his hands on her. She is carried in a very undignified manner to the bathroom and the door is slammed securely in her face. Dale and I look at each other and the air turns blue with our cussing. Dale heads off to get his breakfast. I head off to mix the de-skunking solution, only to find that I am flat out of peroxide. I make do with dish detergent, baking soda and water. I fight my way into the bathroom which now is absolutely unbearable with eau de skunk. I quickly turn on the fans and open the window. Nevada gets tossed unceremoniously into the tub, doused with my concoction and told very firmly to “stay put or else”. Nevada, for those that don’t know her, is a terrible weeny and she hates baths – particularly when it happens so abruptly. She has her legs spread and braced in every which direction. One foreleg is between and behind her hind legs. One hind leg shoved forward to the front of the tub and between her forelegs, to keep herself from sliding forward. The other two legs are anywhere she can find a bit of traction for them. She shivers and shakes, pulls her limp noodle routine, and basically acts like she is being murdered. I get her bathed, dried, the bathroom cleaned up and stripped of anything that may carry the rancid odour. I do the same to the bedroom. And head to the laundry room. Dale happily leaves me to it and deserts me for the golf course. After a bit the smell outside dies down so I begin opening windows. Soon the smell begins to dissipate. And I think “ah – not so bad after all”. Not a direct hit but a spray in Nevada’s general vicinity.

I think things are finally getting better and my son and Grandson walk in. The immediate look of horror on their faces and the grabs for the nose tell me that “no” the smell is still there, I have just become accustomed to it. The two of them do an about face and march straight back out the door, out the gate to the truck and drive away. Halfway home they call me. The hoodie that Caleb had left here the day before and which I had tossed to them on their march to the truck had assumed the vile odour and my son was driving home with it hanging out the window.

So currently, 5 hours later, Nevada is relegated to the floor – no soft surfaces for her till her smell improves. My washing machine is chugging away trying to dislodge the odour from my bedding and towels. Dale has not yet dared come home. I can guarantee he is taking his time with the greens this morning.

I cannot be sure that Mr. Stinky has vacated the yard. It is very securely fenced with only one place where he can get in or out. I left the gate open till daylight hoping to give him another means of escape. My yard is a cottage garden full of shrubs, masses of perennials, deep glades of towering trees and tall decorative grasses everywhere. He has a million hiding places if he hasn’t left the yard.

Nevada will be under very close surveillance for the next few days till we know we have the yard to ourselves again.

Now if I could just find a pleasant smelling spot to have a snooze I’d be all set.

What Kind of Fabric Is This??

2009-08-18T18:50:00.003-04:00

I was given this piece of old vintage/antique fabric and I would like to know what type of fabric it is.
It feels a bit like cotton but is shiny, almost slippery on the pattern side. It almost crinkles when it is bunched up.

Choose the Photo

2009-04-10T09:42:00.010-04:00

Help - I need opinions on which
provides the best background
for photos of my bonnets.
My single worst feature of my Etsy shop
is directly related to my skill as a
photographer.
Please take a look and leave your
opinion.

Fence Rail

Picket Fence

Primitive Brick Wall

Wall

Tree

Floor

Primitive Ladder

Shelf

I look forward to hearing your opinions.
So hearing opinions from others will be a great help.
Thanks.

Snowy Day in April

2009-04-06T08:21:00.009-04:00

Perhaps for today we should focus on something a tad cozier for our little ones. How about one of
my crocheted hats. Gotta love them. Simple,
stylish for they tiny tot crowd and can be made
in a variety of colours and sizes. I can also do custom orders
in the event that someone would prefer one in
another colour or size!
And isn't this Floppy Brim crocheted hat just adorable on this gorgeous wee girl.
And just a tad warmer and cozier than my cotton bonnets - perfect for a day like today. Brrr.
I love sitting in the evenings with my crochet hook or knitting needles,
and yarn and just creating.

Hats for All Ages

2009-03-04T14:37:00.002-05:00

Isn't this little girl absolutely priceless? She is wearing one my hand crocheted bucket hats. I make these, beanies, toques, etc in both knit and crochet.
I use all colours and textures of yarn. Some hats are adorned like this one with a hand crocheted flower, others are left as they are. Some hats are patterned, some striped, some plain, and I make them in all sizes. Check them out in my Etsy shop, along with my spring and summer bonnets.
http://www.oncottageway.etsy.com

2008-11-24T13:07:00.002-05:00

ON Cottage Way is having a Pre-Christmas Sale
Here is my shop announcement

Hello and Welcome to my shop!
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
♥ SALE ♥ SALE ♥ SALE ♥
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
20% Off & FREE Shipping
From Mon. Nov. 24th to Sun. Nov. 30
ON Cottage Way is having a sale.
♥Everything in the shop is 20% off
♥even the already reduced items in my "SALE" section
♥AND Free Shipping.
So please - come on in and browse for a bit.

In order to receive your discount - Your Choice
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Option 1: you could purchase the item as is and I will then refund your discount and shipping.

Option 2: email me in advance of your purchase and I will reserve that listing for you and adjust the price and shipping before notifying you that it is ready for payment.

Happy Shopping!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

ON Cottage Way was created many years ago from my love of sewing and crafting. I spend most of my time on children's items, with the occasional deviation into other venues.
Custom orders and special requests are welcome.
For information on shipping, returns, environment, and more on myself and my items, please visit my Profile or contact me via Conv with questions, ccncerns or comments.
Thanks so much for dropping by and I hope you come by to browse often.

http://www.oncottageway.etsy.com

Venture Into Vintage

2008-11-15T15:04:00.009-05:00

Every once in a while I venture into vintage, if not antique items. I especially have a fascination with vintage textiles and linens. This one in particular caught my eye. Tis the season and all.
It is a plain red cotton cloth with 8 replicas of the the candles/balls/ribbons and snowflakes all hand stitched or embroidered. Wow - what a ton of work was involved in the making of this. Having done my share of needlework I truly appreciate such items. However, finances intrude and I found myself wistfully listing this in my Etsy shop under Vintage.

I found this little gem in the same place as the Christmas one above - in almost pristine condition - it brings so many memories of my Grandparents - I remember my Grandmother having a tablecloth almost identical to this one.

And this last one - my Mom had the identical table cloth but in orange, browns and yellows rather than the green. Almost a Thanksgiving theme to this one but is suitable year round - at least my Mom used hers year round!
You can find these tablecloths in my Etsy shop at
http://www.oncottageway.etsy.com

I am a true vintage junkie, haunting rummage sales, thrift shops, yard sales, bazaars and auction sales. Often coming home empty handed but often enough I find some treasure I can't do without. Sometimes vintage fabrics and textiles, if not in great condition, find themselves recycled into some of my creations. I use cutter quilts for teddy bears, tote bags, coasters - you name it. Old chenille is a special favourite - and cutter pieces I use as linings in my totes, lining in baby bonnets, backing on baby blankets, again - teddy bears - whatever I can find to put it to a new and good use. In the picture below you can see one of my old quilt teddies. old quilt squares and bits of fabric, made into a baby size quilt, a rag doll made of scrips and scraps and if you look closely at the right hand side you'll see a primitive bunny made of recycled fuzzy fabric.

Fun in the Sun

2008-10-16T18:24:00.005-04:00

Here is my sweet little model at work on the playground
in a tiny tot swing - and of course wearing one of
my bonnets

A very feminine little sunbonnet for your little girl. Pastel pinks
with touches of other colours for interest.

Another new bonnet with a solid brim - lots of brim to
keep the sun from baby's face.

Check out my Etsy site at www.oncottageway.etsy.com
for more new items.

A BOGO Sale of Monstrous Proportions

2008-10-06T18:44:00.002-04:00

BOGO Me Baby!!

Friday October 24th and Saturday October 25th be a part of a massive Etsy Street Team event. An EtsyKids BOGO sale of monstrous proportions!! With over 175 EtsyKids’ shops participating you’ll be sure to find huge deals on what you need this holiday season for children big and small.

Get your shopping list ready today and beat the crowd by previewing the entire list of EtsyKids shops taking part in this colossal sale:

A La Mode Fabric - http://alamodefabric.etsy.com

Ali Bug Bowtique - alibugbowtique.etsy.com

Baby Friendly Beads - http://bfbeads.etsy.com

Baby Hangers - www.BabyHangers.Etsy.com

Baby Kay's - www.babykaysboutique.etsy.com

Baby Peas And Carrots - http://www.babypeasandcarrots.etsy.com

Bam Designs - http://bamdesigns.etsy.com

Black Eyed Susie - blackeyedsusie.etsy.com

Boo Roo's Bowtique - www.booroosbowtique.etsy.com

Bossy Baby - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5430401

Bows & Things - www.bowsandthings.etsy.com

Bumble Belly Designs - http://bumblebellydesigns.etsy.com

Chichi Boulie - http://www.chichiboulie.etsy.com

CiCi Art Factory - www.cicifactory.etsy.com

Ciuccio - www.ciuccio.etsy.com

Coco and Milk Weed - www.cocoandmilkweed.etsy.com

Cozy Cabin Creations - http://www.cozycabinmom.etsy.com

Cute And Sweet - http://cuteandsweet.etsy.com

Daisy Chains - http://daisychains.etsy.com

Deedaloos - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5137032

Designs By Michele - www.designsbymichele.etsy.com

Dine.N.Doodle - http://lilbdesigns.etsy.com

Doodies Booties - www.doodiesbooties.etsy.com

Doodle Designs - http://DoodleDesigns.etsy.com

Ellie Beans - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5202542

Flora and Nicole's - www.flowernicky.etsy.com

Francisbel Boutique - www.FRANCISBEL.etsy.com

Going-Ga-Ga - http://goinggaga.etsy.com

Grandmas Girl - http://www.GrandmasGirl.etsy.com

Grey Frog Designs - www.greyfrogdesigns.etsy.com

Griffin Gear - http://GriffinGear.etsy.com

Happy House Quilts - http://happyhousequilts.etsy.com

Hip Kids Tye-Dye - www.hipkidstyedye.etsy.com

Hot Fudge - www.hotfudge.etsy.com

Hulla Baloo Boutique - www.hullabalooboutique.etsy.com

I Luv U TuTu Much - http://ILuvUTutuMuch.etsy.com

Itsy Bitsy Bunny - www.itsybitsybunny.etsy.com

Jennifer's Bows and More - www.jennifersbowsnmore.etsy.com

Joey And Aleethea - http://joeyandaleethea.etsy.com

Jus Shar Designs - http://psbbdesigns.etsy.com

Kaching Design - www.kachingdesign.etsy.com

Kathy's Lil Creations - www.kathyslilcreations.etsy.com

Katie Bean Kids - katiebeankids.etsy.com

KeiKi Boutique - www.KeikiBoutique.etsy.com

Kim's Stitch In Time - www.kimsstitchintime.etsy.com

Kissie Girl - www.kissegirl.etsy.com

Knit Style - http://knitstyle.etsy.com

Kuddle Bugz Threadz - http://kuddlebugzthreadz.etsy.com

Lemon Cadet - http://www.LemonCadet.com

Lilly Rose Bow Company - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5095159

Lily Rose Bow Company - www.lillyrosebowcompany.etsy.com

Little Bird Creations - www.littlebirdcreations.etsy.com

Little Bit Designs - www.girliemomma.etsy.com

Little Butter Beans - www.littlebutterbeans.etsy.com

Little Duckies - http://littleduckies.etsy.com

Little Empress - www.littleempress.etsy.com

Little Prairie Designs - http://littleprairiedesigns.etsy.com

Lizzy Pops - http://lizzypops.etsy.com

Loco Mo Momma - www.locomomomma.etsy.com

Loopy 4 Ewe - http://loopy4ewe.etsy.com

Love 2 Sparkle - www.love2sparkle.etsy.com

Luca Bella Designs - www.lucabella0522.etsy.com

LuLu & Peep Children's Shop - http://www.luluandpeep.etsy.com

Madaline Jane - http://www.madalinejane.etsy.com

Mami Girl Boutique - www.mamigirlboutique.etsy.com

Mary Had A Little Party - http://maryhadalittleparty.etsy.com

Michele's Jewelry Designs - http://micsjewelrydesigns.etsy.com

MJD Boutique - http://mjdboutique.etsy.com

Mom N Mia Quilts - http://momnmiaquilts.etsy.com

Moochies Mama - www.moochiesmamma.etsy.com

My Kangaroo - http://mykangaroo.etsy.com

My Sugar Plum Baby - www.sugarplumbaby.etsy.com

Nana McQuilts - www.NanaMcQuilts.etsy.com

Ninkey - www.ninkey.etsy.com

Odanny's Girl - http://odannysgirl.etsy.com

Olive & Ollie - www.oliveandollie.etsy.com

On Cottage Way - http://www.oncottageway.etsy.com

On The Sweeter Side - http://OntheSweeterSide.etsy.com

Once Upon A Cloud - http://onceuponacloud.etsy.com

Oscar and Theodore - www.Oscarandtheodore.etsy.com

Painted With Heart - www.paintedwithheart.etsy.com

Petit Debutant - http://petitdebutant.etsy.com

Petunias - www.petunias.etsy.com

Pink Dixie - http://pinkdixie.etsy.com

PJ Hill Co. Crochet - www.pjhillco.etsy.com

Pretty Baby Boutique - http://prettybabyboutique.etsy.com

Pumpkin Head Baby Co. - http://pumpkinheadbabyco.etsy.com

Punky Fae Designs - http://www.punkyfaedesigns.etsy.com

Punky Fae Designs - www.punkyfaedesigns.etsy.com

QB Tots - www.QBTots.etsy.com

Reilly Belle - http://reillybelle.etsy.com

Retro 80's - http://www.retro80s.etsy.com

Retro Family Works - http://msliesenfelder.etsy.com

Ribbon and Ruffles Boutique - www.ribbonsandruffles.etsy.com

Rosey Posey Bowtique -www.roseyposeybowtique.etsy.com

Rozzis Sweet Peas - www.rozzissweetpeas.etsy.com

Scandeez - www.scandeez.etsy.com

Scissor Stitch -www.scissorstitch.etsy.com

Seaside Quilts - http://seasidequilts.etsy.com

SewSoNancy - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5198033

Sheeps Clothing - http://sheepsclothing.etsy.com

Snap Dragon Design House - www.SnapdragonDesign.etsy.com

So Bright Designs - www.sobrightdesigns.etsy.com

Stella Bella Designs - www.stellabelladesigns.etsy.com

Sunny Day Tags - http://sunnydaytags.etsy.com

Sweet Beets - http://sweetbeets.etsy.com

Sweet Pea Boutique - http://happygrandma402905.etsy.com

The Bird & The Bean - www.birdandbean.etsy.com

The Clever Kitty - http://thecleverkitty.etsy.com

The Quilted Lion - http://thequiltedlion.etsy.com

Thumbelina Boutique - http://thumbora.etsy.com

Tiki Tales - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=41608

Trendy Tot - www.trendytot.etsy.com

TuTu Cute & Moore - www.tutucuteandmoore.etsy.com

Tweet Tweet Boutique - www.jabstweettweet.etsy.com

Twinkle Star Art - http://twinklestarart.etsy.com

Whimzee Baby Boutique - www.whimzeeebaby.etsy.com

Wild Olive Kids - www.wildolivekids.etsy.com

Zwei Baby - http://twinmommy.etsy.com

*Sale/sale items vary per shop, please read individual shop announcements before purchasing

New on Etsy

2008-09-25T20:21:00.005-04:00

Finally - I am getting caught up. I have new things listed on Etsy - a ton of things. Many, many new bonnets, some crocheted hats I have been experimenting with and I've re-taken many photos so that the items are easier to see.
This first pic is of a child wearing one of my bonnets and one of my chenille dresses. I love this pic.

This is one of the styles of new crocheted baby hats I've been experimenting with - a bucket hat - not a very attractive name for it - but there you go. I really did like the results. *S*

And one of my bonnets - I have a whole raft of new ones and tons of new fabric to play with!

Find me at http://www.oncottageway.etsy.com

Our Sweet Sophie

2008-09-14T09:30:00.009-04:00

CH. Styrlingsanz Chanting the Dawn CD. CGC. TDI
June 13, 1997 to September 3, 2008

On Wednesday September 3, 2008 we lost our sweet Sophie.

When we got up that morning, we found she did not have have the use of any of her legs. The diagnosis was a problem with a disc in her neck. We and our vet worked with her throughout the day but nothing was going to get our sweet girl back on her feet. We made the decision to help her on her way to the Bridge late that afternoon.

For those that do not know our Sophie, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer in June of 2002. At that time she had a baseball sized tumour removed from the outside wall of her tummy AND 2/3rds of her stomach removed as well.
So after months of diagnostic tests, 2 major invasive surgeries, we finally received a diagnosis of "We're sorry, but the best we can offer you is 10 to 12 months with Sophie - her diagnosis is terminal Gastric Scirrhous Adeno Carcinoma." There were no treatment options.

My vet and I researched cancer diets and converted one that we thought would work for Sophie. With this home cooked diet and supplements, we gained not just the 10 months with her, but 6 more years.

She had other problems over the years, surviving cancer one more time when a mast cell took off and hepatitis, among miriad other doggie ailments.

This last about did us in. Waking and finding her so helpless, seeing her so upset and anxious and confused, trying so hard to get on her feet and being unable to, with the help of our vet - a lifelong friend of Sopie's and a dear friend to us as well, we made that final decision.

In one three day show in Owen Sound, when Sophie was just 2 years old, she earned 9 points toward her Canadian Championship and her 3 legs to give her the CD ( Companion Dog Obedience Title). This is hard on a dog, to change venues mid-stride and change focus and concentration. Sophie just did what needed to be done, with her usual grace, determination and desire to please. What a grand girl. She earned that final point to give her the CH. title a few months later in London - the very next show she attended.
A couple of years later, she also earned - on her first try, her CGC - Canine Good Citizen and her TDI - Therapy Dog International Titles. Sophie raised 2 wonderful litters of pups and was a superb Mother. The dog on the right hand side of the blog - Hoss - is one of her sons.
Sophie had more strength and determination, more heart and soul than anyone or anydog I have ever known. It was such a pleasure having her in our lives. Gentle journey Sweet Sophia.
You will live on in our hearts.

Wyatt and Tina's First Home

2008-07-17T07:24:00.005-04:00

Well - a week ago today, Wyatt took possession of his first home, great little Victorian on almost 2 acres. halfway between Kincardine and Port Elgin. A short shot down to work for Wyatt and for Tina less than 15 minutes to Port Elgin to work.

They've had their hands full in the past week, moving, grass cutting, weed whacking, unpacking and of course figuring out the idiocyncrasies of old farmhouses - of which there are many. I should know - I've lived in enough of them!

I'll add one inside picture - just to show what a sweet little gem this house really is. All open concept - unusual in a home of this age, original hardwood floors and lots of windows to let in that bright natural light. Welcome home Wyatt and Tina!

My New Walkway

2008-07-08T11:53:00.007-04:00

I finally - after 4 years - got my flagstone walkway finished. My boys were both home last weekend and since I had recently acquired a pile of flagstone, decided to finish my walkway for me. I am absolutely thrilled!

The beginning!!!
This first pic is of Wade and Wyatt trying to find the easiest way to adjoin the old sidewalk to the new one - there was a bit of a dip and caused a wee bit of consternation!

Here is Wyatt fitting the pieces together like a jigsaw puzzle. Good job.
Wyatt is my "heat seeker" and can work through any sort of heat and humidity.

Here is Wade - my "Non Heat Seeker" trying to find a tiny patch of shade and fitting in one of the final filler pieces. I think the heat and humidity was getting to him!

And here is Tina - Wyatt's significant other - she apears to be acting in a supervisory capacity!
Me - I was relaxing on the deck with a cold drink, occasionally tossing in tidbits of what I thought the sidewalk should look like - although I mostly just left them to it - I was so happy just to be getting it done. Thanks guys - great job. Love you both.

American Weimaraner Nationals 2008

2008-06-11T21:15:00.009-04:00

I've had a very busy couple of weeks and have not had time to update my blog ........So here we go. At the end of May a friend and I travelled to the U.S. Weimaraner Nationals in Warwick, Rhode Island.
We arrived a day early and did the "tourist" thing, driving to Providence for the day. Our GPS was NOT in a great mood that day and took us on several journeys that turned out to be very interesting. I am sure we saw parts of that town that otherwise we would never have seen! *S* This is a view of the harbour at Fort Adams.

We spent the week watching the dog show, obedience and agility In this picture is Cooper - our Nevada's sire being shown in Veterans where he placed 2nd. He is such a great dog and very accomplished. I know this is not up to date but his registered name, including titles is:

BIS UCH, Am/Can/Int CH

Grauschattens Ghostly Encore, Am/Can CD, Am CDX, RN, NA, NAJ, MH, SDX, RDX, VX3, CGC, TDI, TT

Cooper is 8 years young now and still strutting his stuff like a youngster.

Here we have Cooper in an Agility run with owner/handler Mary Beth Hall. During this week long show, Cooper took High in Trial in the Weimaraner only trial and the very next day took High Weimaraner in trial in an All Breed Trial. For a veteran that guy can really move!

We had a great week, a great holiday, met up with old friends and acquaintances, met new friends and
generally had a wonderful time.

Nevada and Caleb

2008-05-19T16:38:00.003-04:00

Miss Nevada is a real cuddle bug - nothing she loves more than curling up beside someone, anyone. She doesn't care who it is as long as they'll have her. One of her favourite people to curl up with is my Grandson Caleb. Here are the two of them relaxing on the chesterfield, watching a movie.

New Sun Bonnets for ON Cottage Way

2008-05-11T15:54:00.003-04:00

New Sun Bonnets for ON Cottage Way

I've made the brim on the baby girl bonnets with a ruffle - the baby boy bonnets are made with a smooth flat brim.

I love making the bonnets - matching up different colours, fabrics and patterns. Look for these and more on my Etsy site - ON Cottage Way.
www.oncottageway.etsy.com

Ball Hockey Tryouts for Team Canada

2008-05-06T20:00:00.007-04:00

My son had the exciting experience of trying out for Team Canada's Ball Hockey Team. This year the World Championships are in the Czech Republic. He hasn't heard yet whether or not he made the team but figures not. But he was asked to attend the training camp, was in the top half for fitness and scored 2 goals and 3 assists over the weekend. Whether he makes it or not, the opportunity was welcomed and exciting.
Here a couple of pics of my son and his daughter who managed to watch her Daddy playing that weekend.

New Stuff

2008-04-24T18:59:00.005-04:00

I have a bonnet here that is reserved. Made for a little boy - tried very hard to make it as masculine as possible - maybe you can judge it for me?? It is made of sage green cotton on one side and gingham type check on the other.

And I have been crocheting again and came up with a little hat for a baby girl. I hope to have a few of these made before next winter sets in.
Check out my Etsy shop for these and more.
http://www.oncottageway.etsy.com

Busy, Busy, Busy Week

2008-04-18T20:30:00.005-04:00

I've had a very busy week. My 4 year old Granddaughter has been up for a week long visit with her Grammy and Grampy.
We have visited a litter of Border Collie X Yellow Lab puppies, gone to the beach, to the playground, looked up best friends of Saige's, gone out for lunch with family, had flowers delivered for Saige from her Daddy and much much more. What a great week we've had. And to top it all off, my Grandson Caleb arrived today for the weekend - both Saige and Caleb are thrilled with this arrangement. They are the same age and best of friends.
The two of the are currently comparing their wounds - ( scratches from the playground ) and the most stylish bandaids. Saige thinks her are the best - Barbie and Spiderman bandages. Caleb thinks his are best - Superman and Scooby Doo. Personally I think it is a tie!
Looks to be a fun filled and active weekend. *S*
After looking at these pics - I really need to get some better pics of Caleb - and some closeups of him!

Latest Sold Item

2008-04-09T16:30:00.002-04:00

Sales have been slow but I'm hopeful!
I did sell a bonnet yesterday - one I love.
Here it is.

New Baby Boy Gift Set

2008-04-02T19:31:00.002-04:00

This is a Baby Boy's Gift Set that I completed today. The blanket, burp cloth and bib are all made of cotton fabric and lined with Warm and Natural 100% cotton quilt batting.
The front fabric features cowboys, horses, cows and lariats on a red background. Each piece is backed with a medium blue cotton with tiny lighter blue polka dots.
Find it for sale on my Etsy site
http://www.oncottageway.etsy.com

I'll Be Away for a Couple of Days

2008-03-29T20:53:00.003-04:00

I am off to London, ON. tomorrow to visit my sweet, little Granddaughter. And my son of course! *S*
I can hardly wait to load up the van and head out. 2 days is not enough, but all I can manage right now. And besides, Saige will be down to spend a couple of days with Grammy and Grampy in April. I can hardly wait. I just hope the weather will cooperate so we can get outside and do some fun things! Like hike Geddes Park, have a picnic at the beach, go to the playground, visit Nana and Papa, and Aunty Sue etc. etc.
So I'll be back on Monday night - see you all then.

Custom Order for Etsy

2008-03-27T18:22:00.004-04:00

Another Custom Order for My Etsy Shop

I seem to be having a run on custom orders for bibs. This order was requested to be finished with ties rather than velcro buttons. It takes more time to finish one of these but I think the results were worth it.
The top layer of the bibs is made of vintage chenille. The backs are cozy, cotton, flannel. They are lined
with Warm and Natural.
The first pics are of the front of the bibs, the second is showing the flannel backing on the bibs. Rather than tying in a bow at the back, I've made them to simply tie in a double knot. The fabric is thick enough to make them easy to undo.

These bibs are easy care - simply machine wash/dry.
I hope Sue's Grandchildren enjoy these bibs. I had a lot of fun figuring them out and making them. I always have fun choosing fabrics to go together. Hope the recipient enjoys them!

Blizzard March 25th, 2008

2008-03-26T15:02:00.009-04:00

Wow - yesterday morning we got up to a gray day. By 8 AM it was getting windy. By 9 AM we were in the midst of a full scale blizzard.

Here are some photo's of our yard. The one of our side gate/entrance I have as a spring picture elsewhere in my blog.
This morning we got up and it was a gorgeous day. Sunny and temperatures were rising fast. Some of this snow is already gone. Now we hope for a few more days of this lovely weather to melt off the rest of the snow hanging around in our yard.
Today, I made the half hour trip to a Mennonite Fabric Shop. Normally I love this trip. I got a half mile down one road only to find it blocked with snow at the other end. With no way to turn around, I had to back my van the full distance back to the County Rd and find another way around to the shop. Traveling over gravel roads made soggy with snow melt, my van almost bogged down on me a couple of times. I ran the gamut of potholes and absolute ditches in my choice of roads but finally made it. Sigh of relief.
I made this trip for my sister - thanks Sue! - who requested some bibs and things for her Grandbaby, to keep at her house so her daughter doesn't have to haul them all the way home when she comes to visit. And to have when her expected Grandchild arrives this summer! Since this shop is only open a couple of days per week, I didn't have much choice in days to travel!
The shop is in an old machine shed, heated by a wood stove and attended by friendly, helpful folk. But good heavens - fabric?? This little Mennonite shop could put Fabricland ( Canadian ) or Joann's ( US ) to shame for the amount and choice of fabric they keep on hand. And their prices cannot be beat anywhere. I came home with 2 yards of extra wide Warm and Natural, about 6 yards of flannel, 2 yards of 100% cotton, and another couple of yards of broadcloth for less than $50. I could spend hours there. They do not have hydro, so every fabric must be carried to one of the few stingy windows to get a true colour, so your visit to this shop is always an adventure. *S*

Happy Easter Sunday To All

2008-03-23T10:42:00.005-04:00

It is a beautiful Easter Sunday here in our little lakeside town in Ontario. The sun is shining - my my Granddaughter calls a "Shiny Day" - and the temperatures are below average, but bearable. The dogs are hot to trot and ready for their walk. I have almost a full days work finished up and it is not yet noon. I have the rest of the day to relax and dream of spring and warm weather and wonderful green grass, green leaves, green plants - can you tell I love the colour green and the warm weather and that spring is my favourite season? *S*
Just to keep us in the mood - here are some garden pics from my yard.
The first picture is of the entrance to our side yard. The arbour was a Mother's Day gift from my sons, the ladder an antique given us by Dale's Father, the bird bath a gift from my own Father.
This second picture is of our back yard - the stone path leading back to the kitchen. I put a lot of hours into that flagstone pathway and although not "quite" level, I am quite proud of it. *VBG*
I hope you all have a wonderful day.

A Favourite Photo

2008-03-22T17:28:00.002-04:00

I promised myself that when I began this blog that I would update it a couple of times a week. I have fallen behind and will now attempt to play catchup!
This is another favourite photo of mine. It was taken by photographer Derek Pantling, featuring Liz and the wonderful woodlands near their home.
To check out more of Derek's work - go to
http://www.picsfrompants.com/

New Bonnets for ON Cottage Way

2008-03-12T18:55:00.005-04:00

Here are a few new bonnets. Madison is modeling a bonnet and slippers that she took home with her - her modeling fee! *VBG*

Here is another Red, White and Blue, bonnet - with an abstract Stars and Stripes pattern - and a length of eyelet lace trimming the front of it. it is reversible with a solid blue on the other side.

And my Paw Print bonnet - white paws on a black background. The coordinating fabric is a black polka dot on a white background. This too, is reversible with alternating patterns on the other side.

Dog Support Sling

2008-03-06T20:09:00.007-05:00

Here is a doggie support sling I developed a few years ago when one of our dogs, a Weimaraner, met with an unfortunate accident and ended up with several breaks in his pelvis. He needed "rear end help" for several weeks to negotiate. I didn't need a sling again for a few years, then our old gal Sophie (Weimaraner ) started having "rear end issues". She has problems with some discs in her back and one day last summer, when out for a run at a friends farm, she went down on me and she had lost all use of her hind end. Within minutes I had her on her feet and had to use her leash for a sling to get her back to the van. That time she quickly regained the use of her hind end, but it could happen again anytime. However the leash I used as a sling, could NOT have been comfortable for our dear girl. The minute she had been vet checked I came home and made up another sling. I have since made more - one for a friend's dog with spinal issues and more recently I made a couple for our local vet clinic for them to use on dogs in the clinic that needed help.
They are very easy to use - just sling them under the tummy to help support the hind end and walk beside the dog as they move around - whether around the house or out for a potty break. You can keep one hand on the sling and the other on the leash. Pretty easy! They are soft and comfy, made of 4 layers of flannel and a layer of quilt batting. The handles are made the same way. I have just posted one of these slings on my Etsy site.
http://oncottageway.etsy.com

Baby Slippers

2008-03-05T17:14:00.005-05:00

Here is another new item - for me at least. Baby slippers. The pattern I used to make these are by greenjelly - another Etsy shop. I altered the pattern slightly to suit myself and my Great Neice. These are fun to make, can be made from bits and pieces of fabric and are totally machine wash/dry. I have used mainly cotton, but also some vintage fabrics on some of them. If you would like to see more - check them out soon on my Etsy shop.
oncottageway.etsy.com

New Spring Bonnets

2008-03-02T16:13:00.013-05:00

I am still busy making new spring bonnets for the little ones. Most of them, so far are designed for baby girls, but I have finally come across some fabric and designs that are more suitable for baby boys.

This one is made of a great pink camo with a heart band and lining, and eyelet lace. Looks great on my little Great Niece, Madison!

This is one big frilly bonnet. But will provide tons of shade on that little face come summer. The frills are made of a paisley printed cotton with a sage green head piece and coordinating pink bow. It is lined with the same pink as the bow. Again Little Miss Madison is the model.

This is the only one I have made yet that would be suitable for either a boy or girl. I think it looks great on Madison! But would be equally great on a baby boy! It is cotton red, white and blue, stars and strips, lined with a coordinating red.
One of my favourites!

Look for these and my other bonnets and booties soon on my Etsy shop
www.oncottageway.etsy.com

Custom Order for Etsy

2008-02-28T14:16:00.001-05:00

Nice - another custom order for my Etsy shop. This one was for a mutual friend, so I added a couple of things and then shipped it off to little baby Abigail.
This is a great little spring bonnet made with 2 different, coordinating yellow cottons. The fabric was chosen by the "gifter". *S*
It is made from a vintage pattern that
I have re-worked to suit myself.

These are little slippers I made from the fabric scraps remaining from the bonnet. Nice little slip on slippers with a touch of elastic around the heel to help keep them in place.
A pattern I purchased from greenjelly, but again, re -worked to suit myself. Why am I continually re-working pattern so suit myself? I am never satisfied, it seems. *S*

And I had to include a couple of my bibs, made with vintage chenille and backed with cozy cotton flannel.
I used little velcro buttons as fasteners.
Baby Abigail - hope you like your little
surprise package!

Storm Warnings

2008-02-15T09:20:00.003-05:00

I guess Nevada was appropriately named -
CH.Styrlinsanz Storm Surge JH. NSD. CGC. TDI
- she is certainly bringing in the weather this year and she lives within inches of the fireplace! I don't have any snowy pics of Nevada but here is a good one of her. She should have been a southern gal. She shivers and shakes all winter long - even with a cozy winter coat on.

And here is Sophie -
CH. Styrlingsanz Chanting the Dawn CD. CGC. TDI
Again - no snow pics available. Sophie is Nevada's Great Granny and is the most wonderful girl. She is a 2X's cancer survivor and a hepatitis surviver. All the specialists told us that she would not survive her 5th year. She is now 10 years young and counting. She has a huge heart and more determination than any dog I have ever known - in her own sweet, undemanding way.

Today is a day to stay indoors and snuggle in before the fireplace. I think I'll move only to make a Shepherds Pie for dinner.

Now - for ON Cottage Way. I have added the bonnets and plan to play with some more patterns for other styles today. I have played with my avatar and banner in my shop and reverted back to my original. I have been told that it is not colourful enough. :>(
So keep checking and see what I eventually come up with.
You all have a great day!

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T19:56:00.002-05:00

Well today I tried - all day - to re-design my Etsy shop - new avatar, new banner, new updated announcements etc. I spent the entire day on this and reverted to my old avatar and old banner. I kept only my new announcement.
Frustrating when you are not entirely computer literate and struggle to do these things. Oh well - tomorrow is another day - right?? *S*

SALE - at ON Cottage Way

2008-02-13T20:01:00.002-05:00

OK folks, I have a sale going on in my Etsy shop. Go to my shop located at
www.oncottageway.etsy.com
and under sections - select "sale". I have either drastically reduced these items OR I am offering free shipping on them. The items with free shipping is noted in the subject line.
Hope you drop on by!

Spring Bonnets for Babies

2008-02-12T21:21:00.000-05:00

I found an old vintage pattern for baby bonnets. I re-worked it a bit to suit my way of doing things - I am never satisfied with a pattern and always add my own twist. *S*
There a few styles of bonnets in this pattern - this is the first of the patterns. The outside layer is a great cotton print with a small floral pattern. The inside is lined with a cozy cream coloured vintage chenille.

This is another I made of the same pattern - second of half a dozen of them! This one is a soft sage green with an all over small floral pattern. Again, lined with vintage chenille.
I love these bonnets - so sweet for little girls.
The ties I made of fabric to match the outer layer. I personally like the fabric ties rather than ribbon ties - so muc softer on babies skin!
Check these out on my Etsy site soon.
http://www.oncottageway. etsy.com

Grandkids

2008-02-11T19:06:00.000-05:00

I thought maybe it was time that I introduced my Grandkids, Caleb and Saige.
Both are 4 years old. Caleb started school last year but Saige missed out on JK by less than a month. These two are the lights of my life and the very reason I began sewing for kids again after all these years. So any inspiration I had for my Etsy shop I can grant to my sweet little Grandkids.

ON Cottage Way Now on Facebook

2008-02-09T09:59:00.000-05:00

My niece, Mandy, started up a Facebook page for my ON Cottage Way shop to help me try to get things rolling. Please check it out.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8074193702&ref=nf
On Facebook, Mandy has added a lot of pics of things I have made for her over the years, as well as pics of things I have made for her brand new daughter - my Great Niece - Madison Sue Christine!
Madison is 2 months old now and such a little sweetheart. Time for another visit Mandy so I can get my Madison "fix".
Love you both!! And John too!
I guess you and Madison will be the first of my family that I introduce on my Blog. I will add more soon.

Custom Order for Etsy

2008-02-04T18:14:00.000-05:00

This is a custom order via my Etsy site
www.oncottageway.etsy.com
They are 4 small bibs, made with vintage chenille, lined with Warm and Natural and backed with a cozy, cotton flannel. They are fastened by a small velcro button.
I joined Etsykids today and had a great time looking over their site and blog. What wonderful imagination for children's items. And so well made. I look forward to participating in their forums and getting to know other Etsians .

Pics From Pants

2008-01-30T14:32:00.000-05:00

Today I want to introduce some favourite photographs taken by one of my favourite photographers - Derek Pantling.

Traditionally, rock cairns are carefully designed rock monuments, that safely guide travelers on their journey. Today they are often seen as purely decorative rock monuments.

These photographs were taken by a friend - Derek Pantling - he has some lovely work on his website: http://www.picsfrompants.com

Take the time to check it out - besides photography, Derek also has music and poetry on his site.

This is another favourite of mine from Derek's work. Having bird dogs, Weimaraners, I gotta love game birds. And this is a great photo that shows a lot of detail.
I'm not much at critiquing photography. I simply know and understand what appeals to me, personally and I love this one.

Another day I'll post some more of Derek's work. Perhaps some abstracts??

Handmade Rag Rugs

2008-01-29T13:24:00.000-05:00

Here is another new item you'll find in my Etsy shop - www.oncottageway.etsy.com.
I have been making them for years but always for family, friends or myself.
They take yards of fabric, torn into strips then crocheted with a huge crochet hook, in a pattern designed to mimic a braided rug.

New Item for Etsy

2008-01-28T11:52:00.000-05:00

Hm - topic for today. I've missed a couple of days looking after Nevada - I am happy to report she is doing well after her surgery. Otherwise I have been busy working on more items to list on Etsy. I've begun knitting totes/purses/bags, whatever you care to call them, out of recycled fabric and odd bits and pieces of yarn. I've added embellishments to them, such as beads, charms, bits of decorative charms etc. Things that I have in my seemingly never ending store of crafting supplies. Here is a picture of one of them.
These have been fun to make and a good use of otherwise defunct supplies. This one is actually made of strips of my younger sons flannel jammy bottoms. Some leftover pieces of yarn and some beads, twine, and purse handle left over from another project.

Look for this and other new items on my Etsy site soon -
www.oncottageway.etsy.com

Nevada's Day

2008-01-24T17:44:00.001-05:00

Nevada did not have a very good day today. It started with no breaky and no drink. She raced back and forth between her crate and the kitchen a dozen times trying to tell us that we forgot her breaky! We ignored her. Today was the day that Nevada was spayed. No food or drink for this girl today. I tried to explain this to her, but her only concern was for her empty tummy.

About 8:15 I put Sophie in her crate and loaded Nevada into the van. Once at the vet clinic, they installed the two of us in the “green room”. My vet came in and did her thing

checking Nevada out and weighing her etc. Then came back and gave Nevada her pre-anesthetic. Within minutes Nevada was weaving and dipping. I convinced her to lie down and relax. Now Nevada is a very chilly girl and is always cold in the winter – she dreams of being a “South’rn Gal”. My vet, knowing Nevada is a bit of a wuss, came in with a pile of blankies and heat packs for between her paws. When under anesthetic dogs lose their ability to shiver, and although we know they get chilled under anesthetic, it is hard to determine just how cold they are. The best way of keeping a dog warm is to keep the tootsies toasty. So – Nevada had heat packs to keep her comfy.

A few minutes later we went in for her pre-op. She staggered down the hall and then allowed herself to be lifted onto the table. I helped prep her for surgery. Eventually she was ready to go. I saw her into surgery, watched them tuck hot packs around her chilly little body, put socks on her paws, cover her any parts of her that didn't need to be exposed and put a big cushy foam underneath her. She was ready for surgery. At this point I left. I didn’t want to see that first incision made and didn’t want to push my luck. I know it is unusual to be allowed even that far into the procedure. An hour later my vet called and Nevada was fine. An hour after that she was ready to come home. I enlisted Dale's help to sit with her in the back of the van and keep her quiet - he also came in handy for lifting her into and out of the van! She has since been on a big pile of blankies beside my computer chair, with a couple more blankies piled on top and tucked around her feet and head. She has a pillow under her weary little head and she is still a little anxious – whining if she opens her eyes and doesn’t see one of us in her immediate field of vision. After a couple of trips outside, into snow up to my knees, she showed me that all functions in the back end are in working order. All is well for tonight.

Tomorrow AM we head back to the clinic for another check of temp, the incision and another shot of pain meds. Then she should be good to go till her 7 day check up.

Nevada is a little perturbed though - why didn't she get pink sutures like her friend Spirit did?

Cold Sunny Winter's Day

2008-01-24T13:23:00.000-05:00

Today is a very cold, but sunny, winter's day. I thought to get us in the mood for spring, I would post some warm weather photo's of our yard.

This is our side gate and the main entrance into our yard and home.
I can hardly wait till the ferns start to unfurl and the rock moss opens it's tiny buds.

This is a tiny House Wren trying to make the huge decision to leave home. He was the last to leave the nest and after a few trips in and out of the nest box, he finally made the dive and left the coop for good.

HOME MADE SOUP FOR A COLD WINTER'S DAY

Another good idea for a cold winter's day is a homemade soup.
Most of my recipes come from "whatever I have in the house" much as this one did.

Cheesy Cauliflower and Bacon Soup

I chopped head of cauliflower
1 chopped medium onion
6 strips of partially cooked chopped bacon
1 small sweet potato - finely cubed
a good handful of cut up baby carrots
Cover with water and add a bit. Bring to a simmer and simmer till veggies are tender. During the simmering process, add a couple of tsp. of Knorr veggie stock, any seasonings you wish and 1 envelope of Lipton Onion soup mix.
When veggies are tender add - a cup of crated cheddar cheese, or 2 to 3 Kraft Cheese slices, or a couple of spoonfuls of Cheez Whiz - I actually used a bit of all three ( just what I had in the house *S*)
Add the final mixture, a cup or two at a time to the blender with a splash of Table Cream and blend till creamy. Work your way through the pot of veggies till all is blended and creamy, and re-heat. Serve with a garnish of parsley on top.
Makes enough for about 6 bowls of soup.

Baby Blankets of Vintage Chenille

2008-01-23T13:47:00.000-05:00

I love to work with vintage items - and many/most of those items to date are children's items. Probably due to the influx of 2 Grandbabies 4 years ago. I love to make unique and unusual baby blankets of vintage chenille &/or today's cotton fabrics - most often a combination of the two. Some are strictly today's lovely fabrics but the ones I would like to post today are a combination of vintage chenille and today's cottons. I use a cotton or chenille for the top of the blanket, line it with Warm and Natural batting and back it with either cotton flannel or broadcloth. Here are a few examples.

This one is a lovely new blue toile, but bordered with a great warm white vintage chenille.

This is made from a piece of a lovely vintage chenille bedspread - lovely warm white with soft pastel flowers over the pattern of it.

One more of a cotton cottage floral pattern, bordered by a lovely straight line vintage chenille.

These items and many others can be found at my Etsy shop ON Cottage, Way, unless they have been sold after this was posted.
http://oncottageway.etsy.com

The Story Behind ON Cottage Way

2008-01-23T12:42:00.000-05:00

ON Cottage Way came about many years ago, because of my love of all art mediums. My hands just have to keep busy. I made so many things, we were going to pushed out of our home by the piles of completed projects. I began at that point to set up a retail space at craft shows. I needed a name for my vendor's space and after much debate,
ON Cottage Way was created.
Now, my husband and I live in a original Ontario Cottage, that as far as we can determine was built in the mid 1800's . This styleof home is often called an Ontario Cottage Style or Regency Cottage. So - ON is the abbreviation of Ontario, Cottage from the style of our beloved little home and Way - as a substitute for Style. Thus - ON Cottage Way.

Ours is a quaint little house in the midst of a lakeside town in Ontario. In this little house I have raised my sons and now enjoy my young Grandchildren, enjoyed my dogs, created a cottage garden that I love to pieces and is a forever ongoing project, and crafted to my hearts content.

Over the years I have drawn, painted, made anything and everything possible on a sewing machine, purchased and learned to use power tools for wood craft products, I knit and crochet, weave rag rugs, etc. etc. etc.

After my years of craft shows, I started on Ebay. Then graduated to Etsy. I love Etsy - so easy to use, so easy to shop and wonderful handmade products. I am just now trying to get my Etsy shop up and running.

My Etsy address is
https://www.oncottageway.etsy.com.
Please drop around and visit sometime.

I also love to cook - sooner or later I will include recipes on this blog. Most that have come about as being created simply by whatever I happened to have in the house.

Sweet Pea

2008-01-22T19:27:00.000-05:00

Sweet Peas - are either a wild, climbing, flowering vine - or my old Weimaraner Sadie, whose nickname was Sweet Pea.
A friend was visiting from Texas a few weeks ago. She very much admired the wild Sweet Peas that were growing and climbing in my yard. I picked some pods for her to take home to plant in her own garden. She forgot to take them and I keep forgetting to send them.
The other day I went out and picked a few more pods to add to the collection and planned to package them up and mail them today. I had them sitting on my desk beside the computer monitor. Last night, I guess they decided that enough was enough. All the pods burst within seconds of one another - pop, pop, pop. Well - that made me sit and pay attention. But when the seeds came bulleting out of the pods and pelleted everything in sight, I ducked. They were pinging off the walls, the TV, the computer and my forehead.
Were they just ready to pop - or was it a message from my Sadie?

Nevada

2008-01-22T19:26:00.000-05:00

Nevada is the most exasperating, but endearing dog you could ever meet. You can't help but love her, but she can, single handedly, drive me around the bend. To watch her, anyone would think she got a daily beating. And she doesn't - honest!
Our day went like this.
I start packing for the show this weekend.
I start with the dog stuff. Sophie and Nevada sit side by side watching my activities intently - occasionally glancing at each other. You can almost hear the conversation - "are you going? am I going? are we both going? where are we going? what are we doing?"
I scurry around tripping over both of them constantly.
Once the dog gear is packed I pick up the nail clippers and dremel. Suddenly neither dog is to be found.Sophie has a wonderful recall. I try that and she appears, slinking out of the living room, flops over on her side and sticks her feet up to get her nails done. I spy Nevada peeking at me around the dining room door. I can see one eye and one leg out of my peripheral vision. I look up and meet her eyes and she jerks back out of sight. Except for that one leg. " I still see you Nevada" I say. Immediately the leg jerks back out of sight and I hear her scuttling backwards. A few seconds later she is peeking around the doorway again. This little activity continues through Sophies nail clipping. I call Nevada. No response. I call again. No response. I finally say " Nevada, I know you are right around the corner, now come on." She scuttles into the kitchen on her belly, tail tucked and scrabbling on all fours. She absolutely hates to have her nails done. She squirms over and goes down on her side, curls into the tightest ball you can imagine, with all 4 paws tucked into the centre of this ball. Can you say rigor mortis? I try to untangle a foot and her whole body comes with it. A rather undignified tug of war ensues. I pull and tug and her entire body whips around without once unfurling. I finally win. I eyeball her and she melts slightly. Enough so that I can uncurl that first paw. One I start, the body uncurls at an amazing rate and I suddenly have the other 3 legs braced against various parts of my anatomy holding me off as far as possible. OK - I can manage with this.
Finally Dale gets home. We each grab an end of Nevada's "Canadian Giant" sized Furarri dog crate and heft it out the door, over the fence ( it won't fit through the gate ) and into the back of the van. Well - now we've done it. The girls have figured out who is going and who is staying. We come back in and find Sophie in her crate, snoozing happily but taking up enough room so that Nevada can't join her. Nevada is sitting forlornly in the spot where her crate used to be! The worlds saddest look on her face.
After supper, I head into the bathroom with the dog shampoo and dog towels. Nevada is watching this with great trepidation. After I leave the room, she creeps in and investigates, finds to her horror that it is "dog stuff" sitting beside the tub and shoots back out of the room like a bullet, sliding and skidding on the wood floors. 15 minutes later, Dale ( my dog bather ) grabs Nevada's collar and heads into the living room to get her. She is no where to be found. We search the house, upstairs and down, inside and out. Finally we notice that Sophie is sitting outside her crate looking very disgruntled. We dig a little deeper and find Nevada cowering underneath the dog bed at the back of the crate. We coax her out, put on her collar and she is lured into the tub. 10 minutes later she is back, shuddering and rolling, and scivvying along the floor on her side - her normal antics after a bath!
I spend the next hour itemizing all her idiosyncrasies for the handler I have hired. If not handled exactly right she will wrap herself around his legs and cling like a leach.
Not conducive to showing off her lovely side gait!
Finally - we are settled down for the evening - she is relaxing - for now - but keeping a very close eye on me.
She actually loves to get away, just one on one. She loves the girl we are sharing a motel room with and adores the dog that will be with us - a lovely little Pointer bitch. They are great friends. She loves to walk around the show grounds, meeting and greeting everyone like they are old friends. But she hates the prep work involved!
I am worried a bit about Sophie though. This will be her first time being left behind all alone. I have not left her alone since we lost Sadie. I have Dale talked into coming home to do some bookwork to keep her company. And I have my son talked into doing his computer "stuff" at our place on my computer - to keep her company. Am I a worrier? You betcha! But maybe that makes Nevada and I a good pair

ON Cottage Way

2008-01-22T19:11:00.001-05:00

Well now - this is my second attempt at a blog and hopefully this time I'll succeed with it. Primarily I intend for this blog to be a stepping stone of photos and descriptions of my handmade items in my online Etsy shop. These items include children's clothing, infant blankets, totes and bags and so on. Whatever takes my fancy on any given day is what I turn my hand to. Many of my handmade items are constructed with vintage and/or antique fabrics, chenille and quilts. I hope you check out my shop and let me know what you think. The address is http://www.oncottageway.etsy.com
It will also include the "goings on" of my day to day life and will include chit chat, photos and stories of my family and friends and "the girls".
The girls being our Weimaraners, Sophie and Nevada.
I hope to move some stories from my last blog over to this one - just to get things rolling!
I hope to add something pretty much daily and hope you check back often to see any updates.