The Shifty Fox has paired up with Butterfly Kisses~Memories by Natasha, Bella Couture Jewelry & Gifts, The Mixing Bowl, & M’s Creative Designs for an awesome Summertime Giveaway!! It’s our way of saying “Thank You” for all of your support and for spreading the word about our businesses. To qualify, simply click on all of the links, “like” all of the vendor pages, & comment here letting us know that you did! That’s ALL. The contest will last for 10 days- and to be fair, all of the comments will be entered in the Random Number Generator. If your number is picked and it is verified that you “like” every vendor- then you win!

Double or Triple your chances by telling your friends about us! Post a link to our giveaway on your facebook page to double your chances to win! Just post another comment here letting us know and we will keep a total.

Our vision of this giveaway is for you to have a nice day out- without the hassle. Like getting your Child’s picture taken by Natasha -wearing Custom Clothing from The Shifty Fox and a Matching hair bow from M’s Creative Design (Plus 3 pre-made bows to take home!!). When your done, stop by the Mixing Bowl and pick up dinner- a delicious home cooked meal without the mess. A stress-less day- with your biggest decision being whether to pick an insulated cooler from Bella C or maybe a fabulous new purse. That’s my kind of day.

“Like” us…Browse around…& please tell your friends about us! Again, Thank You for supporting your local businesses.

Ready…..Set…..Go!

A month or so ago, my (wonderful) Mother-In-Law called and asked if I would be interested in her Mothers ( My Husbands Great Grandmother, Pearl ) sewing machine and cabinet. Todd and I didn’t meet until after Pearl had passed away, but I have been fortunate enough to hear stories about her and what a special person she was. My husband speaks of her dearly (particularly while we are hanging up the Christmas ornaments that she had given him as a child) and I know that she holds a special place in his heart. To say that I was honored to have such a piece of furniture in my home is an understatement. Not only is it special because it was passed down to our family, but also because I can appreciate it as a crafter.

The following afternoon, I came home from work and the cabinet had been delivered. I immediately began to check everything out, piece by piece. Drawer after drawer were things that she had made -from quilt pieces to other interesting finds like her original sewing machine receipt and user manual. I found a “first edition” original button hole maker attachment- because back then, they weren’t standard on sewing machines. Her scissors, threads, bodkins, rulers, patterns and handmade pin cushions- things that she used as a fellow sewist. As I sat there, I thought how neat it was that I was able to see all of these things and how I wished that she knew how much I really appreciated to have them. Not because they were a gain for me, but because they were hers and even if I didn’t know her personally, my loved ones did and that was enough. I immediately felt bonded with her. I’m sure that sounds odd- but for me it was a neat experience. I probably sat in the kitchen floor for a couple of hours looking at everything- and taking it all in. Projects that were started and not yet finished. I wondered what she thought about when she was using them or who some of them were for….and then I found buttons.

In the previous days before I had heard anything of the cabinet, I started drafting up a new pattern that will be in the shop soon. It is an A Line reversible dress and boy is it CUTE! I decided that I would start the draft and the first dress off of the pattern would go in the hope chest for my daughter. As the draft was finished, I began to sew my dress. I decided to go with some Denyse Schmidt fabric- Flea Market Fancy to be exact. Todd and I don’t know the exact name for our daughter if we are blessed enough to have one one day, but we do know that her name will be Reese in one way or form- after his Grandma that raised him (Pearl’s daughter). This fabric is like sewing butter…so smooth to the touch. The colors are rich and harvesty – just like the colors in my head that a little Reece would wear in the Autumn season with cream colored tights and brown Mary Janes. The only thing the dress lacked, were buttons. Four to be exact. I had been to two fabric stores looking for the “right” ones, with no luck.

Little did I know that the buttons that I needed would be delivered to my home weeks later. I just happened to find four of the most perfect color, size, and shape in Pearl’s sewing machine cabinet. I’m sure you can understand how special that dress will be to me and to our family. A dress for my daughter, who will be named after her great grandmother, and how she is wearing buttons on that dress that were her great-great grandmothers. Those buttons have a “pearl” shine to them too. Can you see it?

It’s funny how the little things in life, like buttons can make the tiniest differences.

Until next time-
xoxo