A Sneak Peek: Before and After Series of Our Home Beginning in June

 

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Beginning in June, I'll be sharing numerous posts of before and after photos of The Country Farm Home. . .I'm so amazed myself at how far we have come from the beginning. . .It's still a true farmhouse, but so, so different from the way it looked when we first acquired the Craftsman Farm Style House. . .I called it a house in the beginning. . .but gradually it turned into a home. . .The Country Farm Home. . .and one we are both very proud of. . .

 

 

You'll be amazed yourself at the transition. . .

 

I won't say anything else and give away the up-coming posts. . .

I'll only say. . .

DON'T MISS IT !!!!

 

 

 

One more note for ya: I've been away for a time. . .working on at least three. . .or was it four?. . .major, time-consuming projects. . .Although I still have some involvement in them, I think they are about wrapped up. . .Maybe I can take a little breather now. . .and enjoy my online friends again. . .Sure hope so. . .I've MISSED YOU!!!!!

 

 

 



Arkansas PBS TV Filming In Our Farmhouse Kitchen !!!!

 

Surprise. . .Surprise. . .I've known for several weeks that Kevin Clark, Producer at AETN would be visiting The Country Farm Home and Duncan Farmstead but I kept it secret until it actually happened. . .Anything could have gone wrong. . .which takes me back to my frustration with the massive dust storm we had and the days of clean-up it took to get the house and farm back in order. . .We had a deadline to make. . .With diligence and determination, we made it. . .

 

 

Kevin is filming a documentary on vintage ARKANSAS BARNS that will air in August. . .He happened upon our two barns on the net and decided to include them. . .I thought it was just a matter of getting the grounds ready. . .and telling him the basics as he shot the photos. . .But that wasn't all. . .Once he arrived I found out differently. . .He wanted to interview John and myself also. . .We suddenly found ourselves sitting in front of two cameras. . .all wired up. . .telling the FARMSTEAD story. . .and the BARN HISTORY. . .I didn't have time to get nervous. . .although it's not easy to recall information on the spur of the moment. . .I think it went well, though. . .He has plenty to cut and edit for our little spot on the program. . .

 

 

Once the interview was done. . .Kevin decided he wanted shots of the FARMHOUSE KITCHEN also. . .As you know, our kitchen is representative of the 1930s. . .making for a Depression Period or Vintage Farmhouse backdrop. . .

 

 

Kevin was born and raised in Northeast Arkansas. . .but has been working at AETN in Conway for 20 years. . .I think he enjoyed coming back to his roots. . .and spending time on the FARM. . .In fact, he stayed into Friday evening in order to catch an awesome sunset with a farmstead setting. . .Can't wait to see that one. . .Can't wait to see the entire program. . .But we'll all have to be patient. . .It won't be aired until August 2016. . .

 

 

This was such great fun. . .Our secret WISH is that one day a 30s-40s PERIOD MOVIE will be shot here. . .even if it's just a scene or two. . .Can you imagine?

Just DREAMING a little. . .

 

 

A busy time for us. . .but enjoyed it tremendously.

 

 

MANY, MANY THANKS, Kevin, for including us in your documentary. . .

We look forward to it's airing. . .Come back any time. . .

 

Now. . .For all our followers, hop on over to

 

DUNCAN FARMSTEAD

 

for the outdoor segment of filming.

'SEE YOU THERE'

 

 

 

Ever Seen Such a Dust Storm?

 

Did you see photos of the Arkansas dust storms on Good Morning America today? . .Now, I realize that this post won't be of interest to many of you. . .but I couldn't be outdone by GMA !!!!

 

I've have never seen anything like it 'in all my years'. . .It went on for eight and a half hours. . .wind gusts to 50 mph. . .pounding and pounding. . .that fine, get-into-every-crack dust. . .seeping into the house. . .hour after hour. . .We couldn't see the sun. . .We couldn't breathe. . .the central heat and air fan going continuously. . .clogging the filters, which had to be cleaned about every hour. . .dumping more dust into the air. . .Eyes burning. . .coughing. . .and the never stopping wind. . .At one time it looked like a fog in our own living room. . .I grabbed sheets and blankets to cover the the windows and doors in an attempt to curb the dust. . .You have to remember. . .we live in an old farmhouse. . .We've sealed it as tight as we can. . .but this was an extraordinary event. . .

 

 

Here it comes. . .like a rain front. . .

 

A few minutes later. . .

 

 

Believe it or not, the sun was shining all day long. . .somewhere above the dust. . .

 

 

This wasn't the worst of it. . .

 

 

The photo on the left was early in the storm. . .We could still see the neighbor's trees. . .

but not their house. . .

The one on the right was typical of the entire day. . .Can't see the neighbors at all. . .Can't see the road.

The sun was shining up above but not down below.

Isn't it an awesome sight?

It reminds me of all the old videos of the 1930s Dust Bowl.

 

 

This is the breezeway today. . .even though windows were down--storm windows and storm doors closed--that dust found it's way in. . .About the same INSIDE the house. . .especially in the kitchen around the fireplace and windows. . .That rug to the left was once black and white. . .Everything. . .everywhere. . .covered. . .What a fine mess, huh?

 

The floor is suppose to be bright red. . .as is the log bin. . .

We vacuumed a small path to the outside door. 

 

We have been plagued by wind and rain these last few years. . .Last year we had a tornado that took us all year to repair the damage. . .It also damaged the big fireplace, which now leaks. . .This year straight line winds took the roof off one of our shotgun houses. . .We got 7" of rain in one week and lots of flooding. . .We had leaks in the house and buildings from those storms. . .Then the dust storm came along yesterday. . .and rain today. . .making mud of all the dust. . .Makes a person wonder, doesn't it?

 

It will take us a while to climb out of this one. . .Remember. . .we have twelve buildings to clean. . .We definitely have job security. . .

 

Enough of that. . .We'll get it done. . .I have two or three posts I've been working on and will get them online as soon as possible. . .One is about rural Southern quilts, which will be posted at the Duncan Farmstead, but I'll let you know when you can find it there. . .And since I'll have to take everything down in the house for cleaning, I'll be rearranging and changing the décor for you to see. . .Our living room is looking better and better. . .Coming this summer (only two months away!), I'll start a series of before and after photos of The Country Farm Home. . .You won't believe the change, from the way it was when we started, to now. . .I look back on them and marvel at the difference we have made. . .There's more coming your way. . .once we get rid of these dust bunnies. . .devils. . .

 

 

 



Welcome Spring

 

Today a little bird told me. . .SPRING IS HERE !!!

I awoke to a new sound this morning. . .one I realized I've missed for months. . .The morning SONGS of our feathery friends. . .and the soft cooing of the dove family who nest on the porch close to my window. . .Such WELCOMED SOUNDS. . .Such a WELCOMED SEASON. . .NEW BEGINNINGS all around. . .I can hardly wait to get barefoot and in the garden. . .and put Old Man Winter behind me. . .

Just sharing a couple of snaps with my friends to say. . . 

 

 

Peek Into My Vintage Sewing Machine Collection and Graphics

 

1908? One hundred eight years old? Amazing. . .

I only hope I look that well at 108. . .(smile)

 

My passion and John's hobby is collecting vintage treadle machines. . .I collect them. . .John restores them. . .They are wonderful pieces of domestic art. . .The decorations on each one is rather awesome. . .very collectable for the artwork alone.

 

 

 

 

I learned to treadle about eight years ago. . .Our collection was getting so large and the machines were so lovely that I decided I wanted to learn how to use them. . .Lots of trials and errors before I got the rhythm down. . .Once I did, I LOVED it. . .

 

Sources: The Graphis Fairy &  Knick of Time

 

I still laugh at myself, thinking back to those 'learning days'. . .of how I was so clueless that I spent hours one day trying to figure out how to backstitch. . .I looked at--and tried--every knob and lever. . .I tried to treadle backwards. . .Then I made a phone call to a friend who had told me that she remembered her Mom sewing on a treadle. . .She got a real 'belly laugh' because of me. . .'Treadles don't backstitch! They're OLD'. . .Who knew? . .Obviously. . .not me.

 

When you think about it, ladies in the 19th and early 20th centuries were probably glad they no longer had to sew everything by hand. . .THANKFUL FOR SMALL FAVORS. . .

 

Source: www.olddesignshop.com

 

I won't tell you about my first attempts at filling a bobbin. . .for a SHUTTLE. . .totally embarrassing. . .

 

Source: Source: Pinterest Graphics Board

 

When I set my mind to something, I don't give up easy. . .Since I had no instructions. . .no book (at the time). . .and my patience grew thin. . .I searched the net for information. . .Eight years ago there was very little in how-to treadle, as there is now. . .It was John who found an old treadle machine manual that was a God-send. . .Gradually. . .very gradually. . .I began to get the hang of it. . .falling in love with the process that in the end, wasn't that hard. . .I was making it too technical. 

 

 

I think treadling is as much a feeling--a calming rhythm--in the soul as much as it is mechanical. . . There is nothing like the hum of the treadle at work. . .It's relaxing. . .believe it or not. . .There's something basic and comforting in it. . .

 

That may be the difference in my love of treadles and John's. . .Mine is of the heart. . .His is in the simple mechanics of it. . .but both of us have a deep appreciation of them.

 

Source: Pinterest Graphics Board

 

I make many of my quilt tops on the old machines. . .The vintage treadles are so heavy and strong and make the most beautiful stitches. . .much finer (in my opinion) than any of the newer electric sewing machines.

 

Source: Pinterest Graphics Board

 

 

 

 What TREASURES I find in the sewing cabinet drawers, too. . .

 

Source: Pinterest Graphics Board

 

Soon we'll be displaying at least fifteen Treadle Sewing Machines from various manufacturers. . .Visitors will be able to try their hand (or foot) at treadling. . .so I began to work with a few graphics for ads. . .I intended to make a couple. . .then it was another and another. . .There was no stopping me. . .I made many more than I'm sharing. . .

 

 

I also discovered the Designer at BE FUNKY . . .

Lots of inspirational templates that are so easy to use. . .FYI. . .

 

I plan. . .one day. . .in my spare time (wink). . .to demonstrate on a post what I've learned about sewing with a treadle machine. . .practical advise. . .as well as more of my Vintage Sewing Machine Collection. . .Those posts will be at DUNCAN FARMSTEAD since they are so connected to the past. . .And there's a possibility that John may sell a few treadle sewing machines in working order, too. . .Lots of good things to come. . .in VINTAGE SEWING and COLLECTIONS. . .Be sure to STAY TOONED. . . .It will be fun. . .

 

 

For more Sewing Graphics, visit:

PINTEREST GRAPHICS BOARD

KNICK OF TIME

THE GRAPHICS FAIRY

 

 

Inspiring Women: UpDate on Creating With Threads

 

Do you remember Marta, an Architect at the American University of Nigeria,

and her work with the LADIES OF YOLA?

She wrote:

There are 42 ladies involved in the program who have created and sold about 200 rugs, 20 sets of placemats and a few hand bags.  We are presently  working on an order of 480 rugs!!!! The materials used for weaving is  recycle strips of fabric from local tailors. 

This is the first time these ladies have done something for themselves and their earnings is allowing them to send their children to school, attend to medical difficulties but most of all is giving them confidence and empowerment. . .

Since they received the additional 33 RAG RUG LOOMS, these ladies have been weaving Rag Rugs like crazy. . .

 

They finished the year with great success. . . making more than 350 rugs additional rugs by the middle of December. . .Is this not INSPIRING?

If you missed the original post about the ladies of the CREATING WITH THREADS PROJECT and the heart-warming story of 6 year old HELIMA who weaves and sells placemats so that she is able to attend school. . . CLICK HERE

 

 

I can't tell you how thrilled John and I are to have been a part of this project. . .It's amazing how four little pieces of wood have made such a difference in people's lives. . .When we originally started making the looms, we were hoping organizations would benefit. . .especially the youth organizations such as SCOUTS  and 4-H. . .never dreaming how far-reaching the craft would go. . .Thanks to Marta and her foresight, the LADIES OF YOLA are bettering their lives. . .I think I can speak for all of us in. . .

 

Wishing the LADIES OF YOLA

another successful RAG RUG year!

 

 

Farmhouse Kitchen Color Trends for 2016

HEAD'S UP for this year's KITCHEN COLOR TREND. . .which continues to dominate the marketplace. . . from KITCHEN AND BATH BUSINESS NEWS:

 

"GRAY and WHITE. . .NATURE-INSPIRED HUES. . .deliver a blend of PEACE and POSITIVITY in 2016"

 

For a couple of years I've been enamored with soft shades of WHITE and GRAY for tranquility in our own home. . .utilizing neutrals that CALM the SOUL. . .

 

Recently, I came across an article in Kitchen and Bath Business--a trade magazine that keeps me up-to-date on new products and trends. . .I may live in a true FARMHOUSE, but that doesn't mean I can't latch onto some inspiration from present trends. . .What's really nice is when my decorating style lines up with the marketplace. . .I love saying to myself, "Well. . .I've been doing that for years!" (grin)

 

According to KBB, there's a trend toward SERENE due to our growing interconnectedness with social media causing us to spend a lot of our waking hours "staring at some sort of computer screen. . . As a result we have seen a shift to a more neutral and natural design aesthetic as an escape from the chaos that is everyday life."

 

GRAYS, SOFT WHITES, and other NEUTRAL PALETTES are the hottest trend for 2016 because after a busy day, we are ready for some 'CALM, SIMPLICITY, SPIRITUALITY, LESS-IS-MORE visual relief.' . .The neutral palettes are also a wonderful backdrop to add more color--if desired--at any time. . .

 

I've been thinking about our own kitchen for this coming year. . .It's time to repaint and refresh. . .We also have a sink to replace, which I hope will be one of those deep porcelain ones. . .so I began looking for inspiration. . .Here's a few that I selected at the BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS  and the KITCHEN AND BATH BUSINESS websites:

 

  

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

   

  



Notice the use of BLACK or a dark, smoky gray in some of the photos. . .They look much like our kitchen palette already. . .HMMMMM. . .

I do like the kitchens that are less cluttered  . . .Maybe I'll just up-date with fresh paint and put more items out of sight for a fresh, more contemporary look for 2016. . ."LESS IS MORE". . .or so they say. . .

 

Ideas anyone? Are you leaning toward this trend?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. . .from my farmhouse to yours. . .