Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Garden Tuesday: Lilacs!

I never get tired of spring in my little corner of the world. The colors just keep coming. We have a fair number of very old lilac trees here, which bloom in several colors: light purple, or lilac,

dark violet and white! Aren't these two beautiful side by side?

You don't pay much attention as you walk down the driveway toward these, but when the perfume from the trees wafts toward you, this is what's overhead.

The little Japanese Cherry Tree is still blooming outside my breakfast room window. On Saturday morning, I took a picture of my first attempt at the Daisy Lace dress that Gaylen and I are trying to replicate.

This is a stretch lace, made more to see if I had the lines right. I didn't even put a zipper in it. I started to cut out one from eyelet, to see how it would work in a non-stretch fabric, but then it was sunny and 75, so I quit and made this cute little summer number instead.

It's from the same eyelet I plan to use for the second test of the Daisy Lace dress. You see, I'm kind of an idiot. I found a piece of this eyelet which was 14.5 yards long for only $30, and had to have it. So there are probably a couple more summer dresses in the 9 yards left, and extra fabric to be returned to the shelf.
Last, but not least, Thor wanted me to be sure to wish a very happy 5th birthday to fellow mastiff, Mango, of the great state of Master Chew Sits. Hope your Momma is good to you, dude!

15 comments:

Dexter said...

Thanks for the big birthday wishes. I am only half as old as you. I bet you could tell me tons of good stories.

Hey! Your mom sews too? Maybe she can adopt me for my next birthday and make me a real cake and a nice party outfit.

Slobbers,
Mango

Diane said...

Your lilac trees are stunning. Your figure is stunning as well. How do you manage it with so many children? If I wore something that was in stretch fabric, all the lumps and bumps would be very visible!! LOL Diane

SissySees said...

Love those dresses. I still have time to order the inspiration for the annual meeting on the 20th, but...

Happy birthday Mango! I'll be baking an applesauce cake tonight or tomorrow for Wednesday night's dessert and birthday fete at a distance.

gMarie said...

the lilacs are beautiful. they make me sneeze though. Wish I could have them in mason jars in the house - but no.

I was thinking of you this weekend as I was flipping through a mag and there you were in the article about a cute little 2 fabric dress. Looked just like you. Might have to send you the mag!

The dresses are fabulous and you are miles ahead of me on progress. All I've got is fabric and I sure didn't pay $30 for 9 yards. But I am down about 10# so it's closer to muslin time. g

Paula said...

Your yard is awash with springtime color! I bet the lilacs smell lovely. Galen's comment about Mason jars brought back many springtime memories. When Kerry and I were dating, he'd bring me fresh cut lilacs.*sigh*

Glad to see you sewing your pretty dresses again. Good lord, woman, gain some weight! Lots and lots and lots of weight. Kind of like me. I need to tame my jealous thoughts! :-)

Lapdog Creations said...

Happy Birthday to Mango!
Ah-choo to the lilacs...
Love the dresses! Sexy Mama!

The Blonde Duck said...

1) Love your dress.

2) I want your boobs.

buffalodick said...

I agree with Blonde Duck... :)

Sue said...

The lilacs look beautiful. I used to love the scent, but now I'm, deathly allergic to them. I stay inside when they're in bloom.

Off to make my apple cake.

Breezy Point Mom said...

You live at such a gorgeous place. Those lilacs are so vivid, I can smell them in my mind. We had them in New Jersey where I grew up. Can't grow here, and I miss them. Thanks for sharing these pictures.

Claire S. said...

Your property looks stunning in all seasons. Your little corner of the world looks so homey.
On my walk today to meet DH, I passed my first lilacs - we used to have a guy at work who would bring in armloads every year. The office smelled amazing !

The dress looks wonderful, what a great buy on the fabric ! I was considering following along with you & Gaylen with a lace dress from a Burda mag, but haven't got anywhere near starting. Just can't find a fabric and I haven't had time to get up to the fabric district.

Sarah said...

I loved my very old lilacs at my house in Calgary. They were more like trees than bushes and I had a purple and white planted together just like yours. I am still getting up my courage to set up my brand new sewing machine!

Pam said...

I love your driveway and the lilacs. Your property is beautiful Marjie.

Both dresses are so cute! I wish I wasn't so intimidated by my sewing machine.

Happy b-day to Mango.

monica said...

The lilac trees are beatiful - and they smell so nice. The scents of spring are the best!
Gorgeous dress !

Big Dude said...

The lilacs look good and I enjoy the smell whe I walk by ours. As for the dress, I think you make it look real good.