Rainy Days and Mondays...Not Minding Bedrest Today

On a day like this, with 2 movies waiting on TiVo and some old Marie Claire Idees to page through, I kind of don't mind being on bedrest. (I never thought I'd say that!). My dear friend Anne arrived Saturday evening with a laundry basket full of food. Salad with homemade dressing, crusty, grainy bread, chicken paprikash and even sponge cream cake for dessert. The evening flew by and I actually went to bed tired. She noticed that I had ripped this recipe out of my Martha magazine and offered to make the cookies...Now that's a friend. Although after a clear side view in a full-length mirror this morning, I think I can safely say that I am eating enough!

When I am working, I spend my time trying to think up creative activities that will help my students reach their fine motor, gross motor and visual perceptual goals. Schools and families used to include such activities in their daily lives but, with the increased use of computers, video games and television, many children lack basic skills. So, my students learn to sew buttons onto a shirt, mend a hole and repair a hem. Imagine my joy when I came upon this at an estate sale...

 

The box holds a collection of sewing exercises completed by a child...

I love that this useful and developmental exercise was a part of this child's education...

I think the name is Georgia Arnliff. Does that seem right? All of you who sew with your children should feel great about the fact that you are helping them develop manual dexterity  skills that will serve them as they grow...as well as a practical skill and pastime.

I also like to weave simple things with students, so I was very excited to find this vintage loom...

this website has information about the Weave-It looms. Another company makes a reproduction of the original Weave-it, called the Weavette. Martha Stewart did a wonderful article on hand looms a few years ago. These little looms are great for weaving wool yarn into small pieces of cloth to make sewing projects.

What I love most about craft work is that it is universal. We all have our ethnic flavors, but the base skills are the same. Thank you for stopping by Hollyhocks.

21 weeks 6 days.

Comments

[Cathy]

I'm glad the bed rest isn't getting to you, and it sounds like you have friends to treasure! How lovely to find the sewing exercises - I've never seen anything like that before. Enjoy putting your feet up!
Cathy X

[Leigh]

I am happy to hear you are doing so well, and that you have a great friend to boot!

I love your vintage finds! Just lovely!

[caren]

ok, so how about you call me when pawlik brings over those cookies and i'll join you ladies!!! :)

[Sondra]

I just adore the baby gowns below. What a great find!! Have you been thrifting?? You are so lucky to have such a great friend, Vicki. How would we get through difficult times without people like that in our lives?

[Felicia]

What a fabulous friend to bring goodies and offer to bake cookies. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way :)