Nehemiah 4:14-16

"After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work. From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah..."

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

"P" is for...

Last summer while looking through a stack of antique linens that had been given to us by a friend, I found a particularly sweet (albeit well loved, and slightly imperfect) table runner, which I immediately fell head-over-heels in love with.

Later, as I was giving the runner a once over I realized it was monogrammed. What was the letter? you might ask... It was a "P".

I have been thinking of the things that "P" could stand for since it isn't part of my initials, and the runner is so lovely that I can't bear to part with it. After weeks filled to the brim with long hours of thought, it (FINALLY) came to me:

"P" is for Pincushion.

But how shall I do it?!?!?!?!

Here, my dears, is the answer to that dreaded question...

The magazine article that I used for inspiration is found in last years May/June edition of Victoria Bliss Magazine.... but I tweeked it a little as I went along and found what worked for me :) 

My crafting supplies (minus the fabric...since I still have to search the external hard-drive for those pics) include: a mason jar and lid, cardboard (from a ramen box works), Gorilla Glue (you're supposed to use fabric glue but this is all I had), pillow fluff (not shown), and some mini-sewing kit supplies to go in the finished jar... consisting of a pack of machine needles, a pack of mixed hand sewing needles, assorted small white buttons, safety pins (the ultimate seamstress's life-saver -- aside from duct-tape which fixes EVERYONE'S problems), a thimble, some embroidery floss, some floral lace trim, and a pretty dark grey pearlized Butterfly button :)

My fabric cut out already... I have more pics of the full runner, but that is for a later craft-project post :)

Tracing out the lid onto cardboard... you are supposed to use two circles of cardboard like I have shown here, but I found it easier to use one. And, it's best if it is slightly smaller than the lid :) 

Fabric, pillow fluff, lid and cardboard... time to center the "P" in the middle of the lid, and insert pillow fluff. Then comes the cardboard to hold it, and you glue the fabric to the cardboard to lock it all in place. Don't forget to trim the fabric after the glue is dry. Should look something like this...

And here is my finished pin-cushion...

Then you just fill the mason jar with a mini-sewing kit. Like this:

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

(I think I will redo this post with better instructions later... lol)

Pardon my Words...

We have so much time and so little to do. Strike that, reverse it.

~Roald Dahl (1916 - 1990), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

This first day of June...

"What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that it's fresh young beauty will ever fade." - Gertrude Jekyll

...as found in Bliss Victoria Magazine May/June 2011

A not so Wordless Wednesday

Back in January I made and embroidered a corset to go with an Edwardian drawers and camisole set I had made just weeks before... all undergarments for a Ballgown I was in the process of making for the Patriots Ball. I had only a month to finish everything!! I have been so busy since the completion of all of my garments that I have hardly had the time to both take, and post, new photo's. (I was also trying to find a way to wear my corset that was both modest and pretty.)

I was inspired by my blog-world friend Aurora to take pics OUTside, so while I dig around for one of those pics to photoshop into glory... I hope this one will suffice :)

-- A Victorian Cowgirl

Raw Apple Cake

Sorry I don't have a picture to go with this, but it all got eaten up before I could snap one!

This recipe is really easy for those days when you are in a baking mood, but go to the fridge and have none of the liquids required to bake with :) All you need is:

2 c. Sugar
2 whole sticks butter (or margarine)
2 eggs

Step one: mix together

2 c. flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder

Step two: sift dry ingredients together

1 1/2 c. chopped apples
1 c. chopped pecans

Step three: mix ALL ingredients

Step four: spread into pan*

Step five: bake at 350 for 1 hour.

* dough is tough to spread evenly in pan, so don't worry... just do your best!

I think I 16th-ed my apples and they turned out alright in this dish... also, I only baked for 45 minutes, but then again I am in Colorado so just keep an eye on it :) If you are cooking at a high alt. like moi, it would be best to use High Alt. Hungarian Flour.... it comes in a yellow bag :)

All the Best,
A Victorian Cowgirl

What would a girl be...

Without a pair of fabulous looking shoes?!

Perfect for those going to a ball, or who just like the style in general. Hop on over to American Duchess' shop, and buy yourself a lovely new pair!

-- A Victorian Cowgirl