Uncategorized Archives - Hopeful Homemaker

Vintage U and I Sugar Sack

January 30, 2025 jennifer Uncategorized

I’m still playing with my cute little diamond heart blocks, and really enjoying them. They’re fairly quick to sew, and I love tucking a heart into a small diamond. It didn’t really hit me until today, however, that Valentines Day is right around the corner! With that thought top of mind, I laughed out loud when I saw this vintage U and I sugar sack at the antique mall. I mean, a sugar company called U and I Sugar?

Research tells me this is probably the Utah & Idaho Sugar company, of which I had no knowledge. I indulged in a mini history lesson which was interesting, and kind of fun. But I confess I bought this little U and I Sugar sack with Valentines day in mind. It’s like a dad joke buried in a company name? Cheezy but cute. U and I Incorporated. All of it makes me smile. My girls love it, but what to do with it? What would you do? It could become a cute pillow cover, or be featured in a quilt. Maybe a tote bag? I want to put it to good use somehow.

The sad truth is that I often see things like this and know that someone should do something amazing with it. Then I buy it and save it and…. I don’t want to do it again. So, I’m sharing it here.

This vintage U and I sugar sack is in excellent condition, and very clean. It’s unopened and measures about 11″ x 14″. Please, if you have any ideas, help a girl out! I would love to showcase this little piece of history in a fun way.

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Leaning into Gratitude

November 5, 2024 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized

It feels like anxiety and stress levels are running a little high for many of us, and for a myriad of reasons. Autumn blew in and suddenly today feels like winter, complete with tiny snowflakes swirling in the biting wind. Darkness settles over the day early, making me want to curl up with a book. Yet there is much to do; my calendar is full, so many people around me are struggling, and all of us watch the news in concern. What to do? I’m leaning into gratitude as a powerful tool for staying positive in tricky times.

I found a lovely printable gratitude tree recently which I intended to use at Thanksgiving. Today I changed my mind and printed a couple dozen copies. I think it’s time to use them now, so I’ll be sharing them with family and friends this week. The tree has 16 banners for writing down the blessings we’re grateful for. It also says “Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” I agree. For many years I have loved the quote from G.K. Chesterton, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”

So today, instead of worrying, here are just a few things filling me with wonder.

The last of my summer dahlias, cut and on the kitchen table.

One lone bells of Ireland plant in my flowerbed. I’ve tried to grow these for years with no success. Imagine my surprise and delight when a single seed grew this time! I can’t tell you how happy this makes me.

The sound of geese honking overhead, causing me to look up as they fly in formation across the pink-tinged sky at sunset. Against the backdrop of nearby mountains, it’s magical.

Watching one of my children light up with a new-to-them insight, and savoring the smile that comes with it. Small miracles like these remind me it’s amazing that we can keep learning.

Hot pink streaks on the back of fading flower petals. It’s the little things!

Cooking dinner for my family with food we grew in the garden, while savoring the colors, smells, and textures of fresh vegetables.

Slow stitching in the evenings, making steady progress on my applique project.

Studying the shapes and forms around me, because they are an endless source of inspiration and beauty.

What does leaning into gratitude look like for you? Savoring simple joys is, undoubtedly, a healthy practice. So lean a little more. Look for the good. Live in the gain. Do it emphatically, no matter what’s wrong out in the world. We’re going to make it!

Halloween Eyes quilt block

October 29, 2024 jennifer Uncategorized

A few days ago I was looking for a particular Halloween candy at the store when I saw this felt eyeball wreath. I don’t like Halloween very much, but for some reason it made me smile. Maybe it was the colors? Then I went to a children’s activity and someone brought a pan of these adorable Rice Krispie treat monsters. All these little eyes! So when I was playing with fabric in my sewing room, I decided to experiment with a little Halloween eyes quilt block.

At least once a month I set aside time to just play with fabric. Sometimes I’m following up on an idea, while other times I’m reaching for one. Either way, it’s healthy and also rewarding. I find inspiration and feel refreshed. And then I go back to the project with a deadline. But it sure is fun to play! So play I did, until I had some long, skinny diamonds.

It wouldn’t be a Halloween eyes quilt block without making it obvious. Although, it would be fun to play with this shape minus applique. In this case I chose to add applique to finish the block.

I’m not sure which orientation I prefer. Both are fun. My family has been guessing what sort of creature they should belong to. I have no idea! What I do have, however, is two sketches in my notebook for different directions this could go. I love the way creative exploration opens so many doors for future experiments. And of course, my new journal cover makes cataloging ideas even more fun than usual!

My Halloween eyes theme didn’t end with a quilt block. I made my favorite Chocolate Zucchini cake for a family party, and lots of little candy eyes found their way onto the cake. It was a fun way to use our garden’s bounty with a simple nod to Halloween. I appreciate the blessing of small details and simple joys, especially in autumn. Our world is so beautiful!