Introducing.... Starlings China!

Stoller Farms is a nearby neighborhood that has an annual garage sale day where many of the neighbors have their sales on the same day.  This year it was a particularly fine morning when I headed out to search for lounge patio chairs and a keyboard.
I parked my car near the entrance of the neighborhood and the first sale had this lovely set of china for $25!  I fell in love instantly and $25 for a 35 piece set including a coffee pot, creamer, sugar bowl and gravy boat is a very, very good deal, but I had a $300 worth of bark dust coming the next day and couldn't afford to be frivolous. I kept walking. I found some lounge chairs for next to nothing and then when I headed back to my car there was the china still sitting there.

And so I bought it.

As we wrapped the dishes in newspaper and packed them in a box I had a lovely chat with Ursula who told me that the china had belonged to her uncle and his wife who lived in Grande Ronde and she inherited it when they passed.   

I love that it is part floral in a dandelion seed parachute and thorn sort of way but that is is also very mid-century with a star burst design.  The pattern is by Creative pattern # 1014 and is called "Platinum Star Burst." I can't find out the date but one site had a set with a date of 1935!  To me it says "Starlings"

When I had it in my possession I examined it further and really appreciated grey, grey blue, brown grey and the raspberry centers!  It was then that I knew that I had found the inspiration piece for my kitchen.

You can see from the top photo that I have a very nice selection but not quite a full set.  I am missing bowls, teacups and saucers, dinner plates (thought I do have luncheon plates) serving bowls and platters and a teapot.  But I do have a coffee pot with the usual accompanying pieces and salt and pepper shakers.  I didn't even know that they made matching salt and pepper shakers for china patterns.

So my dear friends, family and readers I ask most humbly for you to keep your eyes open at your rummage sales, thrifting excursions, antiquing and the like for pieces to fill out the collection.  I would love to have a full set.  It would be a great thing to remember for gifts (hint) and you can buy some pieces on-line.  Etsy seems to be reasonably priced but some places are exorbitant.  I am pleased to report that my bargain basement garage sale price works out to 71 cents a piece (71 cents for a coffee pot!)  Oh, how I love a bargain.

I can hardly wait to pull these out on special occasions. Next, I need to choose a star burst-y flatware pattern and find a pretty cabinet to store and display my pieces.

Special Delivery

I would like to say I just stumbled upon this mailbox and instantly knew what to do with it but the truth is even better. I knew I wanted a vintage mailbox and it was my mission to find one on Boxing Day. While my Mom and Dad and I were hitting the antiques shops I was looking out the car window at all of the mailboxes and saying "Like that one," "That is too big," "Too ugly," etc...

We found this one at the FIRST SHOP. Just one of the reasons boxing day was a smashing shopping spectacular. I am putting my bills in it and hanging our keys on the hooks. I have decided that it looks lonely and I want more mailboxes at LEAST two more.
I also picked out lovely yarn and buttons for this.
Got screaming deals for all of this jewelry because I know a guy.
Found a dinner bell.... (cute nail polish eh?)

Found "antique" spindles for less than half the price they were at the yarn store.

My dad bought this amazing cookbook
I don't know about the recipes (because I haven't tried them) but every page is a work of art.
I spent too much money on this...

I found this little bit of loveliness to powder my nose.

And I ate a tuna burger at Vinny's Sushi that I kept thinking about for days.
Boxing Day antiquing was smashing success.

Interview with a Samurai, pt.1

As my life is SO mysterious, and inquiring minds DO want to know, La Keira has very kindly volunteered to do an interview with Samurai Mom to answer many of your pressing questions. I hope you enjoy it, I did.

#1: Living in Portland, as you do, I imagine you see a lot of bumper stickers. I saw a particularly self-righteous one the other day that said "What exactly do conservatives want to conserve?" Wow. What a zinger. Here's your chance to respond. I'd like at least three bullet points.

Your Money,
Your Rights,
Your Liberties,
and possibly,Your Sanity

#2: I know your home schooling style is inspired in part by Thomas Jefferson but I can't bring myself to like the guy (Declaration notwithstanding, it's gonna take some time for me to get past the Sally Hemmings thing). So, my question is, which Founding Father do you most relate to and (if different) who would you like to spend a dinner with? Why?Though I haven't studied him much, I think that I most identify with Patrick Henry. I don't think that I have all the ideas but I know correct principles when I see them and they burn within me and become part of me. I hope to be a "radical" as he was and maybe one day if needed to come up with a phrase as patriotic as "Give me liberty, or give me death!"
I don't want to mince words, I want to speak the truth.

As for dinner I would like to break bread with John and Abigail Adams because after reading McCullough's biography how could one not adore and admire John Adams?

#3: You, like me, are a collector of the fabulous. What item in your home do you have an inexplicable passion/unhealthy obsession for?
I simply cannot choose just one. This answer will be woefully inaccurate no matter the answer I choose so I am going to say that currently I am in love with colanders though I am limiting myself to possessing only 4. Also, there is Danvers, my ceramic duck filled with knitting needles, perhaps my favorite item.

And Books. I love books, even if I never read all of them, I love books.

#4: Speaking of books...The character Desmond on LOST is saving up a copy of "Our Mutual Friend" to read as the last book he ever reads in his life. Do you have a favorite book that you wish you could unread and save for just such an occasion?
I am having trouble with this one. First, I would say Jane Eyre but Jane Eyre has so many lessons that I have needed in this life, I would hate to have gone without them. Second, I would like to say Mrs. Miniver but again I can't imagine a world without knowing the joys of Mrs. Miniver. Just think of bidding on an auction emotionally because something looks lonely and not knowing that Mrs. Miniver would do the same thing.
I choose Rebecca. Rebecca is one of my favorite books but I fully admit that the life lessons learned therein are faulty and one doesn't learn much in that respect. It would be delightful for the last book read to begin "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderly again."

#5 I know that you loved your time in London. Where was your favorite place there? What time of day? What should it smell like?

I loved to walk along the Thames at night. Always with a friend, not because I was ever afraid for my safety in London Town but because walking along the Thames is a time for conversation. We would walk along the embankment and then cross to the south using Lambeth Bridge, then Westminster enchanted by the Houses of Parliament waving to Boadicea as we passed. Then skip Hungerford past the sphinxes and on to my favorite, Waterloo, which leads to the Royal National Theatre and up to the elaborately painted Blackfriars bridge. If it wasn't too late and the conversation was still good there was Tower Bridge via the New Globe Theatre, but not often. It smells like roasted chestnuts and crisp fall air. Chestnuts taste terrible but smell delicious and I am sure the Thames smells but if it does I can't recall the scent.

.....to be continued. Tune in tomorrow to find out my bad habits, psychological philosophy, and what I will look like in heaven in Interview with a Samurai, pt.2

Interview with a Samurai pt. 2

#6 What are two bad habits you have (that are shareable)? Which would you be willing to give up first?

I am very messy and I do not clean up after myself. It is really, really bad and applies to all areas of my life. I am a slob. I would like to give up both first but I know I will never conquer either of them.

#7: Mormons believe in having a perfected body in the hereafter. We've all thought about it. My best me looks like Angie Harmon or Katherine Zeta-Jones. Who does your best you look like?
Honestly, I am pretty happy with myself. The things I would change are minor but practical. I would have a skinnier feet so I could wear cute shoes and a normal back so bras would fit properly - but I highly doubt there will be bras in heaven. If there are it won't be heaven. Slightly redder hair, a little off of the inner thighs and lose the baby belly but keep the stretch marks. I have come to think of them (the stretch marks) as badges of honor, like a God given tattoo for each child. And of course, better "assets." Same size just less obedient to gravity.

George Lucas told Carrie Fisher that there was "no jiggling in the Empire". That's heaven to me.

#8: When you log onto your computer each morning, what are the first three sites you check?

This is very boring. Facebook, Gmail, and SamuraiMom.com to check my links

#9: Nature or nurture? Explain your answer.
Nurture. Nature is important there are certain parts of our personality that can not or should not be changed. I believe that with proper nurturing those traits can become profitable strengths rather than liabilities.

For example: Commander C has a very strong sense of justice and a predisposition toward revenge. I hope that we can help him become a strong man that uses those feelings to speak up for the downtrodden and do what is right, to practice compassion and forgiveness. I am terrified that if we mess up he will become a serial killer.

Besides, the Proclamation on the Family says "Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children." Naturally, I think my job is the most important.

#10: Explain your love of all things retro. (kitsch-factor, workmanship, originality...?)
I gravitate to classic lines, things that are timeless. I like elegance and strength. I love things that make me feel feminine but aren't necessarily covered in flowers and lace. I find the kitch factor irresistible, kitchy things are so absurd but practical all in one. I certainly love having something unique that no one else has it makes me feel special. I also love that the things I love have had a life before I met them. Was my wedding ring a treasured symbol of devotion or a trinket from and admirer? Was the person who painted Danvers satisfied? What kind of events did my garden dress go to when it was new?That is a very Miniver-ian outlook, if I may say so.

Okay, last question: You have a ton of hobbies and as far as I can tell you do them all well. Sewing, knitting, cross-stitch, blogging, revolution inciting... What is your favorite?
I really enjoy embroidery and think it is my favorite form of needlework but I don't do it very often. There is nothing like the satisfaction of a well done monogram.
Knitting however; knitting I obsess over from fall to mid spring. It relaxes me. One day I was a little testy and Moose said that I should go knit something and calm down. I did.

Sewing Machine Meme

Oooh sewing machine meme over at Sew, Mama, Sew! I'm in.

What brand and model do you have? Kenmore 158.18020 (circa 1973 ish?)

How long have you had it? 2 years

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? $50 on Craigslist!

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? a little of everything, a lot of professional quality costumes very little quilting.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

I am a binge sewer. She will sit untouched for weeks and then get heavy usage for a week and then be left alone again.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Very passionate. I love her mint green vintage-y-ness. Her name is Violet.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

Automatic buttonhole, tons of stitch functions, she is sturdy and can go through more than 4 layers of fabric! All metal parts baby!

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

I do wish that there were larger automatic button holes and there is not a free arm so narrow projects can get tricky.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!

I bought her and more than 50 attachments for $50 on Craigslist. I knew it is the one I wanted because a friend has one that she has been using since the early 70's and loves it.

Last summer I accidentally knocked her off the table and broke a big metal piece. I was bereft, sobbing, thought she was a goner, but she lived!

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

Well, yes, because I love her so much.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

I am a big fan of non-computerized machines mostly because of the easy and cheap maintenance. I can't imagine how annoying it would be to have your machine not work because of a computer glitch. All metal parts. Does it have the stitches you would like. How expensive are the attachments?

Do you have a dream machine? Yes, the exact machine I have with a free arm and some bigger automatic button hole parts. I would like to have a cabinet to mount her in so she doesn't fall off again. I would also like a carrying case for her. I would like to complete the set of monogram cams.

I suppose, if pressed, I would accept a high end Viking or Bernina and I could use a good serger.

A timely post...

Since I don't know where to start in a Christmas Review I will just dive right in with gifts that I made. I know it is 3 weeks after Christmas but after all that crafting I needed some time to recoup.

A Lush and Lacy in Knit Picks Swish Superwash Bordeaux for The Lovely Mrs. Moss. I am modeling it so it doesn't fit just right.
An Extreme robe for Mr. Moss. He had specifications for this robe and I learned it is hard to find good terry cloth - so I went to bed bath and beyond and purchased bath sheets and towels and made it out of that. I had my friend Paula embroider "Extreme" on the lapel.
A Flying W Weezer hat for Moose but he doesn't like it. Commander C however loves it and Boba Fett has requested one as well.
For my Knitting Friends I made Mystery Yarn balls. You buy a skein of Yarn and wrap it around fun knitting accessories so when the ball is unwound there are surprises unwrapped every so often.

I made stitch markers out of beads and buttons. Fixed a Christmas colored stitch marker on the ball and tied with a pretty ribbon.

Commander C designed this sweater and I knit it. He has worn it at least 10 days since Christmas. I am unhappy with the ladder effect on the saddle shoulders but other wise VERY happy. Knit in Knit Picks Swish Superwash in Black and Red Pepper on size 8 needles. Elizabeth Zimmerman saddle shoulder yoke instructions.

Boba Fett requested a Luigi sweater. Oy! What a pain. I didn't know intarsia was SO difficut.

I had to knit the sweater twice once in the round and once in flat pieces. Did the intarsia twice,once in the round and once in flat pieces then scrapped it and did duplicate stitch which is where you kind if embroider over the stockingette to make it look like it is knit. Then I knit the neck not once, ore twice but three times, and it still flips out.Then it turned out that I had placed Luigi too low so he is on the belly rather than the chest. I love the 1 up mushroom on the sleeve!The picture isn't so hot because I haven't blocked it and the yarn has been knit and re-knit and wound around other colors so there are fuzzies everywhere. Knit in Knit Picks Swish Superwash Black, Dublin, and Bare on size 8 needles.

Modern Vintage hankies for my mom. I got a bee in my bonnet the day before we left for Montana and sewed some of these up out of fabrics from my stash.
I made several family history tree picture charms for my dad and Aunt Janie.

I rounded my siblings up to sing a song for my dad. I have video but I haven't watched it yet and I am afraid because it was early and our voices were scratchy.

I think that is all I MADE but not nearly all I gave.

In Memorium

Violet the Kenmore sewing machine was made in Japan before I was born. She was a lovely shade of vintage mint green and I am sure made an anti-feminist housewife very happy when her husband bought it for her. Not much is known about her early life except that in her youth she sewed through some one's finger, but I like to think she had been abused and that is why she did it.
After she sewed through some one's finger she was left with the injured person's roommate who many years later sold her to me for $50.
It was love at first sight. Violet had more than 50 attachments, cams, monogramming plates and automatic buttonhole feature and many, many feet.
Violet sewed Nutmeg's purple and black dress (my piece de resistance), Little Red Riding Hood , the Smocked Easter dress and the Petite Blythe wardrobes of 2007-8.
Violet met a violent end when Nutmeg pulled her off of the sewing machine table because the cord was wrapped around the leg of a chair she was moving.
I wish we had pictures of all the fun times we had together. Remember the time I thought she needed an expensive repair and I fixed her myself? We are hoping for a resurrection but there was a broken piece of metal involved. If you know of a organ donor we would gratefully appreciate to donation.
-Heart brokenly,
Samurai Mom aka Sewing Dervish.

Silhouettes

We were watching the original "The Manchurian Candidate" the other night when I noticed in the background of one scene tiny little silhouettes. I have been contemplating silhouettes since I saw them on The Nie Nie Dialogues but I did not like them big. The tiny ones were just the ticket.
I was planning on hanging them on the wall at the top of the stairs, but I think I like them on the mantle. Don't you?

It's Official

For years each time I have eaten Hamburger Stroganoff or Potato Casserole I say, "Mmmm, this is so good. I can't decide if this is my favorite or (insert the other here.)"

Well the question has been answered. The last time I made Stroganoff I was a little disappointed. Last night, Potato Casserole and it was delicious.
And in honor of a decision I give you the recipe for Potato Casserole which is more commonly known as Shepherd's Pie, but for some reason I never call it Shepherd's Pie.

Brown 1lb Hamburger with some onions (fresh or dried) add some salt and put in the bottom of vintage casserole dish.
Open and strain a can of french cut green beans. Put beans in vintage casserole dish to form the second layer.
Open a can of tomato juice and pour it all over the the beans.
Make enough mashed potatoes (real or instant) (don't forget the salt) to make a third layer in the vintage casserole dish - the thickness of the layer depends on how much you like potatoes. As you spread the potatoes make sure they meet the edges of the dish.
Grate enough cheese to cover the potatoes, sprinkle it on top.
Add an optional sprinkle of paprika.
Bake in a 350 degree oven until hot throughout.
Serve.
There is a rule: you are not allowed to skim the baked cheese off the top, if you want more cheese you must eat the corresponding potatoes, beans and meat. Trust me this rule is necessary.

Short Pants

I have previously championed the return of many historic forms of dress including (but not limited to) the lightly boned corset, bonnets, full 50's style skirts, petticoats and aprons (not assembled together however, that is a bit weird.)

But never have I have a more practical cause than dressing boys in short pants.
Ever notice how boys wear holes in the knees of their pants no matter how long they have been wearing them? Commander C wears his church pants for precisely 3.5 hours a week doing "reverent" activities and he still manages to wear out the knees. It is as if boys' knees radiate a fabric degrading signal.

In earlier times little boys wore short pants and graduated into trousers around puberty. Children were easily distinguished from young men. Getting your first pair of trousers was a rite of passage.

If one is worried about cold legs the practice of knitting wool socks is coming back into vogue. I realize this is not practical for those living in areas with harsh winters but for those of us in milder climates I believe this is a practical solution. You just wait until the great depression of 2009 and we are all making our son's pants. Shorts will start looking very attractive.

Kitchy Quotations?

Seven years ago I saved these prints from the Stake Library, they were throwing them away! I always wanted to do something fabulous with them. I sold some of them but saved my favorites.
This is what I have done with them:

(left to right: Raking Leaves with Father, Brothers Gazing on Landscape, Family Picnic, Sister Feeding Baby, Rain Gear and Daffodils, Dusting with Mother.) (Fantastic duck on lower left: Danvers)
I covered every wall in the "Schoolroom" with them. I would have liked grander frames, but I was on a budget.
(Feeding a Calf, Feeding Puppies)
The last one is on a wall all by itself and has a slightly different tone. It is also about an inch too short for the frame.
I think that it needs a caption. Something kitchy, something ironic, something idyllic, something that captures the spirit of the whole collection but also that picture. I would like it to be a little tongue and cheek. For example: the dangers of educating a lady, or how everyday should be just like these scenes. Kind of like how we call the Schoolroom the "Schoolroom" but really very little schooling happens there.
Suggestions?

Retro Vinyl

Today I have been sorting through the dusty box that has been living in the garage for 6 years known as my record collection. It isn't much of a collection, with the exception of my carefully guarded INXS albums, I pretty much just found records that looked fun or had artists that I felt I should be familiar with.
I think I must have happened upon a box at a garage sale or something and bought the box because there are some really mystifying choices in this collection.
Albums that did make the cut:
All INXS and The Eagles, a groovy disco hits album, Disney Storybook albums, classical, Wham, REO Speedwagon, Michael Jackson AND We Are the World, John Denver, Lind Ronstadt, Kenny Rogers, Bee Gees Greatest Hits, ABBA
Albums that did not make the cut:
Chuck Mangione, Neil Sedaka, KISS, Sheena Easton, Gordon Lightfoot, Olivia Newton John, Bee Gees.
Albums I thought I had but didn't Find:
A Robert Palmer single and Hellen Reddy
Pending a decision:
A TON of Barry Manilow and Barbara Streisand Records, Cindy Lauper, Chicago.
The Most Fun:
A Hard Day's Night single (that's by the Beatles for you kids out there.)
The Most Disappointing:
Mary Poppins - Not the Original cast - yuck!