The T-Cozy

Summer Reading

I've done a lot of reading lately. While working in my studio during the week, I try to take a mid-afternoon break. If the weather permits, I walk down the street to the beach with a book. If it's rainy or oppressively hot out, I park myself on the chaise lounge under the ceiling fan in our porch and read for an hour. 

These four books are the ones I've enjoyed the most this summer.

The Ballad of West Tenth Street by Marjorie Kernan
In a fine old brick townhouse on West Tenth Street in Manhattan, children Hamish and Deen manage to muddle along as best they can with a loving but distracted mother. Their whole world changes when the house next door gets a new owner, a mysterious Southerner who quickly endears himself to his new neighbors, taking them and their friends under his protective wing. In doing so, he transforms everything.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
Set in the ethnic neighborhoods of Seattle during World War II and Japanese American internment camps of the era, this debut novel tells the heartwarming story of Chinese widower Henry Lee, his father, and his first love Keiko Okabe.

Freddy and Fredericka by Mark Helprin
A modern day tale of the Prince of Wales (Freddy) and his princess (Fredericka), a royal couple known for their generosity with the media. They are sent off on a quest in which they must conquer a foreign and barbarous land — America.

Shelter Me by Juliette Fay
After Janie LaMarche's husband, Robby, dies in an accident, the 38-year-old widow embarks on a year of transformations in this wise and inspirational debut. The concerns of single motherhood after sudden tragedy come vividly to life, and as Janie learns to appreciate everyday miracles, readers will be charmed.

I am in the middle of reading Shelter Me right now. So far, I love it and don't want it to end. Don't you hate it when you finish a book you really like? Me, too.

If you happen to give any of these books a try, let me know what you think. What have your favorite books been this summer?

Happy reading!

Susan

Thinking About Winter

I'm so happy! I've been asked to write another article for Studios magazine! Once again, I have to thank editor Cate Prato for having faith in my and giving me this opportunity. 

On my desk, I have a note to myself reminding me to get working on the article; not that I really think I'd forget, but these summer days do seem to be flying by. 

I hope you had a chance to read "Bringing the Outdoors In," my article in the summer issue. As you know, that piece was my magazine writing and photography debut. I am pleased to announce that my second article, entitled "Textile TLC: The Care and Keeping of Vintage Finds," appears in the next issue of Studios due out on August 10. This fall issue is extra-special as it highlights quilters' studios. If you'd like to view its table of contents or pre-order a copy, click here.

I can't tell you too much about my next article yet, except that it will be in the winter issue. So even though we've had a sweltering summer, I'll need to shift into winter mode when I start working on the piece. I hope to shoot the photos tomorrow and write the article early next week in order to make my deadline. Wish me luck!

Susan

The Art of French Beaded Flowers

Here is another gem of a booklet from my latest finds . . .

Published in 1929 by Dritz-Traum Co. of New York and considered to be the first book on flower beading, this rare first edition Hiawatha beading pamphlet contains 17 floral designs based on the french beading technique of wrapping beaded wire around a central row of beads.

Many of the designs in this book would make great vintage-inspired jewelry pieces. Beaded flowers can also be used for bouquets, bridal headdresses, barrettes, corsages, and more. 

A list of supplies for each design, recommended colors, detailed instructions, and color illustrations are included for each project. This wonderful pamphlet is now for sale in my Esty shop here.

Have you ever made beaded flowers? Reading this booklet has really peaked my interest, so I thought I might try my hand at them. I stopped at the craft store yesterday to pick up the required supplies. Unfortunately, they didn't have what I needed, so when time permits, I'm going to search online to see if I can find everything. 

In the meantime, I'll enjoy these two beaded bouquets (not made by me) that I happen to have at home. 

I'm finding my new stash of vintage booklets very interesting. From beaded flowers, sewing with bias fold tape, cooking, shellcraft, canning, lettering, and even making homemade games, these how-to brochures have given me a better understanding of what handy women were up to 75 years ago. 

Susan

Sewing with Bias Tape, Circa 1931

My scanner has been getting a real workout today as I prepare my Etsy listings of the vintage pamphlets and books I purchased from Claire last week. Here's one I am particularly fond of that was published in 1931 by W. E. Wright & Sons of Orange, New Jersey. This booklet is chock full of charming illustrations, useful projects, and tips for sewing with bias fold tape. 

Bias tape is made from strips of fabric that have been cut and sewn together on the diagonal, or bias. Most often, bias tape is used to bind the raw edge of fabric. It is perfect for a decorative finish on a curved edge because it will bend without puckering or warping. 

Back in 1931, bias fold tape was not limited to binding edges. This gem of a pamphlet shows ways to use bias tape for much, much more. It was often used in garment construction and home decoration, embellishing such items as children's clothing, lingerie, pajamas, aprons, smocks, purses, scarves, cookbook covers, curtains, bed spreads, quilt blocks, pillows, and table runners.

Inside the booklet, the text indicates which Butterick pattern to use for the garments. Then it recommends a fabric and bias tape decoration. 

 

There is also a pattern sheet tucked inside showing how to cut, fold, and sew the tape for different effects. I had no idea that bias tape could be used to make pretty rosettes, flower buds, and even a cute puppy dog. Is this some kind of lost art form?

Alas, who has time these days to perfect these bias taping skills, or even to sew their own clothes anymore? 

So although I probably won't be running out to the store for some bias tape any time soon, I am a sucker for old booklets like these. I especially love the beautiful illustrations depicting a simpler time. They are pretty enough to frame, don't you think? 

Susan

Pretty Pictures

We're back from Martha's Vineyard! I've spent the day unpacking, shipping out orders, and settling back into life at home. But before I completely transition out of vacation mode, here are a few more of my favorite photos from our week away.

Jacob kicks back at Edgartown Lighthouse.

A big bunch of Zinnias from Ken's flower patch.

A small pond on the way to our MV house.

The happy wader-clad fishermen.

Frothy waves at South Beach.

There's good eats and more at the Katama General Store. 

Our pensive and pretty daughter.

We figured out that this was Jacob's sixteen and Hannah's seventeenth trip to the Vineyard. I've been over twenty times, and we've lost track of how many times John has visited as he's been going since he was a baby. We never ever tire of going to Martha's Vineyard. There is something about the place that gets under your skin. And I have a feeling our kids will take their own children there someday.

Susan

A Saturday Morning in Oak Bluffs

We had a fun morning in Oak Bluffs yesterday. 

 

First, we stopped at the annual flea market held at the Tabernacle of the Martha's Vineyard Campmeeting Association. For the sale, folks who live within the association are permitted to set up tables all around the Tabernacle's perimeter.

 

At last year's market, I met the nicest antique dealer named Claire who is from Massachusetts. She had a wonderful array of items and I purchased quite a few things from her that sold quickly in my Etsy shop. I was so happy to see her at this year's flea market. Once again, I bought some great things from her. 

Here is a peek at what I found. A large stash of lovely bark cloth . . .

A terrific selection of vintage pamphlets and books . . .

And several cheerful floral tablecloths and tea towels.

Listing these items in my Etsy shop is sure to keep my busy in the coming weeks.

After the flea market, we decided to take a quick ride on the Flying Horses.  

You're never too old to ride this historic carousel. And if you are lucky enough to get the gold ring, you'll get a free ride.

Unfortunately, Hannah and Jacob didn't grab the gold ring this time. So they each decided to buy one from the Flying Horses gift shop instead!

Susan

The Cottagers of Martha's Vineyard 27th Annual House Tour

For several years now, we have timed it right and been on the Vineyard when the annual house tour by The Cottagers organization is offered. And this year's tour, held yesterday, was the best one yet. Unfortunately, photos were not allowed to be taken inside the houses, so I was only able to snap a quick outside shot of them. Even so, I'd like to tell you a little bit about each.

The first house we toured was on a familiar piece of property. A few years back, we toured an ordinary and somewhat ramshackle 1950's ranch house with an unparalleled view of Nantucket Sound in the very same location. The owners tore it down and over the last couple of years built the sprawling and beautifully designed home, below.

The home is based upon this ingenious philosophy for summer living: keep it uncomplicated, inspiring, and connected to the life giving forces of nature and the sea. The house's entire exterior is constructed of cedar boards with fir and teak castings. The interior uses those same materials along with concrete, steel, cork, slate, and stone. The home is virtually maintenance free and no paint was used or is needed on any surface. 

With large windows and spectacular East Chop ocean views from every room, this home is furnished in an eclectic style using mid-century modern pieces mixed with primitive benches and old pine furniture. Repeated elements throughout the house are chaise lounges and comfy window seats beckoning one to recline, relax, and be at peace. It is a truly beautiful, inspiring home.

Next on our tour was another newly built home. Overlooking Sunset Lake to the Oak Bluffs harbor and sea beyond, the house, below, was built from recycled products which respect the environment.

Cedar shingled with a gambrel roof and large front porch, this house has a turret made from sustainably harvested cedar from Maine. Although the roof looks to be made of slate, it is actually made from recycled car bumpers! You'll find reclaimed cypress, redwood, hickory, and fir throughout the beautifully furnished interior.

My favorite room was the open kitchen featuring a soaring twelve-foot exposed timber ceiling. With white painted cabinets, this kitchen has the most exquisite Madagascar granite countertops containing shimmering bits of Abalone. It also had a blue La Cornue French range, definitely the prettiest stove I've ever seen! Just outside the kitchen is a rear deck and outdoor shower with an angled roof covered in solar panels that provide electricity for the entire residence. So smart!

Another new house was next on our tour. This home has a flowing, open floor plan with spacious rooms, ample windows to allow for natural light, and an abundance of outdoor deck space --- truly a home built for relaxing and entertaining.

My favorite part of this South Meadow home was the unique third-level tower. Reminiscent of a lighthouse, the blue painted room is encased in windows and offers unique views of the surrounding woods and neighborhood. Dubbed the "sky room," it is an optimal space for quiet relaxation and contemplation.

The last two homes on the tour were located in the historical Copeland District of Oak Bluffs. The one below was built in 1872 and is a fine example of the summer cottage architecture of the late 1800s. It features stick construction, a wrap-around porch, and a roofed balcony. This home hasn't changed much since it was built as is still an unheated and uninsulated summer-only residence. My favorite part was its two-story mansard roof tower room reached by ladder from a small bedroom.

The last house on the tour is owned by a pair of writers who take pride in keeping their Carpenter Gothic cottage as close as possible to the late 1800's original. It sports stick construction and gingerbread trim. Inside, it has five cozy bedrooms on the second level, each painted a different summery color. This historic home retains much of its turn-of-the-century charm.

So that wraps up this year's Cottagers house tour. I hope you enjoyed it!

Susan

More from Martha's Vineyard

Every year, we go to our favorite island restaurant on the last evening before we leave Martha's Vineyard. However, this year, Hannah had a brilliant idea. She suggested we have our farewell dinner in the beginning of our vacation. Then we could all enjoy the meal without having that sad "we're leaving tomorrow" kind of feeling. So last night we headed to The Outermost Inn in Aquinnah.  

The inn was designed and built by Hugh and Jean Taylor and they have owned and operated it since 1989. Above is the amazing view from their deck. It's a very special place. 

While waiting for a table, guests are invited to enjoy the Bluefish Paté and crackers on the back deck. Yum! Our dinner was delicious, too.

Today, while walking back to our car after lunch in Oak Bluffs, I snapped a few photos of the houses along Ocean Park.

 

Ocean Park is a horseshoe-shaped street along the Atlantic with a large grassy park, complete with a gazebo in the middle. The houses I photographed are a very small sample of the ones that border the park. Aren't they lovely?

Tomorrow morning, we are going on a tour of five historic cottages in this area of Oak Bluffs. The tour is run by The Cottagers, a philanthropic organization of African American women homeowners founded in the mid 1950s. Their mission is to promote education, a sense of cultural pride, and the value of service to the island community. The house tour is an annual fundraiser which supports Martha's Vineyard charities. There is nothing I like better than looking at beautiful old homes, especially when I get to go inside and learn about their history.

Susan

Island Views

It's that time of year once again, our long-awaited vacation on Martha's Vineyard!

This is the view I woke up to this morning. Isn't it lovely? Even though this is our ninth consecutive year staying at this particular house, I never tire of the views. It's situated on a little slip of land surrounded by water on three sides, so just about every window has a view of Sengekontacket Pond. 

Yesterday, we had a pleasant ferry passage from Wood's Hole, then spent the afternoon getting settled in. When we stopped for a quick lunch in Oak Bluffs, I spotted this handmade sign . . .

Isn't is a hoot?

Now that I finally have a laptop, I plan to keep posting from the island all week. So I hope you'll stay tuned for more from MV. Now it's time to get ready to head to the beach!

Susan

Soap Powder Holder Before & After

What a difference a little paint and a vintage decal can make!

This plain Jane soap powder holder is now wearing a coat of subtle light green paint with a Cadet Blue handle, spout and knob. 

I looked through my collection of vintage Meyercord decals and decided to apply one with a fruit basket design to each side.

I'm pleased with how this hard-to-find soap flakes dispenser turned out. It looks better, don't you think? As promised, I should have it listed in my Etsy shop sometime tomorrow. 

Have a great weekend!

Susan

Hydrangea Rainbow

I had a plan as I grabbed my camera and headed out for my walk this morning. Yesterday, I was taken with how beautiful all of the hydrangeas were along my way, so I was determined to capture their beauty to share with you today. What a rainbow of colors!

I love how large hydrangea blossoms are, like fluffy pom-poms. And their quilted leaves are lovely, too. And best of all, they are fairly easy to grow as long as they have sufficient sun.

Did you know that hydrangeas will only flower on the previous year’s growth? So if you've pruned yours recently, you won't get blossoms on those branches until the summer after next. Plus, you can change its flower color by altering the soil. For most bigleaf hydrangeas, blue flowers will be produced in acidic soil, whereas neutral to alkaline soils will usually produce pink flowers. Soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 will produce purple or even a mixture of blue and pink flowers on the same plant. Pretty neat!

Susan

Vintage Soap Powder Holders

I love to collect obsolete things. And one of my favorite personal collections is my wooden soap powder holders in the shape of teapots. However, these vintage containers can be hard to find. Sometimes I've gotten lucky at estate sales or flea markets. Last week, I found this one at a neighborhood thrift shop.

 

This relic is plain wood whereas the rest of my collection has original paint and decals. These rustic gems were probably found on the counters of most 1930s kitchens and they were decorative as well as useful. Dishes were washed by hand with soap flakes or powder so these items kept the soap close at hand in a pretty container. These handmade dispensers were probably the handiwork of kids in wood shop class or dads tinkering in their basement workshops.

My wooden soap powder holders embody everything I love about collecting vintage items; they are made by hand and are still very useful along with being kitschy and fun.  

I've decided to transform this new one myself because plain wood is a little boring. So if the extra-hot weather doesn't get the best of me this week, I plan to paint it and add some pretty vintage decals.

Be sure to check back to see how it turns out. I might even list it in my Etsy shop. When I've shared my collection of soap powder holders in the past, I have heard from several of you wanting to own one of your own. This may be your chance!

Susan

Hooray for the Red, White & Blue!

In honor of Independence Day, several homes along our walk donned a bit of red, white and blue this morning. Have a look . . .

 

 

 

Later this afternoon, we'll be getting ready for our annual Fourth of July potluck dinner out on our back deck. All of our dearest friends will be on hand to help celebrate the holiday. After a delicious meal, we'll head down to the beach at sundown to view Rowayton's patriotic fireworks display. It's always such a fun day.

What are you up to today? I hope you'll have a very happy July 4th,

Susan

Have Laptop, Will Travel

You know what? I love, love, love my new laptop! 

Up until now, my studio has been the place in our house where I've spent my weekdays. But on lovely summer days like we've had here in Connecticut lately, I'm so glad to be able to finally opt for a change of scenery. (John gave me those pretty flowers. He's such a sweetie!)

I spent the day hard at work at my laptop in our breezy screened porch. It was heavenly!

Susan