So far it’s been a very wintery winter here in our part of Virginia. Some of us are loving it, and some of us (me) are freezing. I must say that looking through my photos from the last few weeks, it does give me a nice, cozy, wintery feeling. I just have to ignore my icy fingers.
I was at the ironing board the other night, pressing some fabric intended for a pencil pouch and Jonny made a comment along the lines of, “When my wife is struck with an obsession and can’t stop making pencil pouches.” He’s been there, done that, with various things over the past couple of decades. I do tend to get obsessed and a little bit single-minded. However, in recent weeks I have realized that pencil pouches are missing from the lives of many people whom I love and I feel it my duty to try and remedy that, one pencil pouch at a time. For those who have asked, here are some details: The pattern I follow (minus the tab) is HERE. The zippers (Amazon links are affiliate links) are THESE. And I typically include one fancy pencil, and a pen. I have been sewing them mostly from fabric I already had on hand, namely a bunch of Heather Ross fabric that I bought many years ago because Jonny and I wanted to sew a quilt together. (We never did.) I was asked where I buy fabric, and I don’t have one particular place because I haven’t bought any in many years. However, I did need to get a bit of fabric recently for pouches, so I searched ‘Heather Ross fabric’ and then shopped around. I am not a Heather Ross purist, but I do like her prints and that search was a good starting point for me.
One of the fabrics I purchased recently was a pretty pale pink linen blend with warm brown asters and I made a pouch using that on the outside and one of my older Heather Ross prints for the inside. It’s very cute, and I’d like to give it to one of you. (I wish I could give pencil pouches to ALL of you.) Beatrix and I went shopping for a used book to go with this giveaway and while she lobbied hard for Jane Eyre, I settled on this pretty copy of Middlemarch. It’s a wonderful and very long book. Perfect for getting through the rest of winter! I will confess that when I read it a few years ago I alternated between the book and the audiobook and that helped me get through it faster. However, it’s not a slog, and you may be just fine with only the book depending on your stage of life! I will also include a bar of goat’s milk soap and a tin of calendula salve.
**Thanks to everyone who commented! The giveaway is now closed and the winner (selected using a random number generator) is Heidi, who commented, “Your photos here remind me of the Little Women movie which is my favorite. A sort of haunting and cozy stillness. Beautiful. And as always, love your makings. Stay warm!”
p.s. Here’s an affiliate link to the pretty book pictured above (From Laurel Hill to Siler’s Bog). I am reading it now amongst other things. And I hope you noticed how my yarn matches the latest issue of Bird Watcher’s Digest! That was a total accident. Also, that winter blooming shrub in the top photos is witch hazel. It’s one of my favorites!
p.p.s. There is a soap sale going on in my shop as I make way for new soaps!
What a generous giveaway! I look forward to your blogs and am always so happy when I see one pop up. ❤️
We’re enjoying all the snowy pictures from our Southeast US friends. The ones of your kiddos sledding made me smile. Stay warm, and keep sewing!
I love small pouches and bags; there’s always things that need to be collected together! Thank you for the thoughtful giveaway!
I love the snow and cardinal. We don’t have them where i live now and I always miss seeing them.
Ginny, your posts are always a gift! Thank you for the links on how to make pencil pouches. I want to try making one and perhaps sewing one with my granddaughter.
I always look forward to your posts and beautiful outdoor photos. And especially photos of your family through the years. The pencil pouches are so cute!
How wonderful, Ginny! Thank you!
I always look forward to your posts and beautiful outdoor photos. And especially photos of your family through the years. The pencil pouches are so cute!
I ordered the book by John Terres. I can not wait to read it… Love your posts always! It is cold here in PA too.
Peace and Blessings,
Val 🙂
As someone visiting the tropics I feel glad I escaped winter. Intrigued by the first book. I’m going to see if I can get it.
Have a warm February.
Jimena
The pencil pouches are so adorable! I saved the pattern for Christmas gifts this year :).
Everyone should have a pencil pouch! What a great idea.
I’m not sure if this applies to sewing as well but as a knitter I get a fire in my belly for making new things in the winter. Something about it just gets my creativity ramped up to 11. I love seeing everything you have been up to. Stay warm this winter!
A long time follower from Europe (the Czech Republic) here! Your giveaway would make me happy 🙂 and we can share the shipping.
We had a bit of snow, not so much yet but you never know, it may still come…
Your son and granddaughter snuggling in bed remind me of my girls, so cute.
May you be blessed ❤️
Ginny, your posts feel like a letter from a friend! We too, have been enjoying a very wintery winter. I am taking it all in stride and enjoying every season our good God has given us!
I need to check my Witch Hazel, I planted one last year, so it may be too young to bloom.
I’ve been your blog for along time. I love how you raise your children, And things your willing try.
Joy
Your posts and photos always make me happy. I think sometimes I love a certain project because it is a tangible item I actually finish, and most of life with lots of children means most of what I do is never finished. 🙂
I always get so excited when I see a new post from you! Your photo are so beautiful and I love hearing about your family. Thank you for an opportunity to win some great goodies!
Ginny, I have always loved reading and seeing your photos and living vicariously through your family. Thank you for staying in touch with all of us. Also, I’m a knitter and a crocheter so I love seeing what you are making. You have a wonderful life!
Oh Ginny I’m soo sorry you’re freezing! So far we have manged to dodge the freeze front here in Central Texas this year, but it was in the 20s and 30s for about a week! Not normal for here. I’m loving your obsession with pencil pouches! I am the same way and my husband is used to it as well, hah! I actually don’t have a copy of Middlemarch, so fingers crossed!🤞❤️
I love pencil cases and Middlemarch is a favorite classic for me! Thank you for posting such beautiful stories and pictures, I enjoy reading about your simple life.
Lovely and as always- inspiring! I started quilting last year and have loved every minute [6 quilts under my belt now] however, I find zippers to be so intimidating hahaha!! Obviously, I need to get on with it and conquer my fears.
Oh, thank you for the sweet giveaway dear! Your pencil cases are so sweet. We are up to our ears in snow here in northern Utah, but its perfect for making a lovely cup of tea and getting immeresed in a sewing project! Today, I’m sewing a Chinese new year dress, making bread, and, lots of cleaning and laundry. Hope your day is lovely!
It’s lovely to see what you’re obsessively making!!
Thank you, Ginny, for your post. It’s always lovely to hear from you. I’m so glad you mentioned that the shrub is witch hazel, as I was wondering about it. It’s a pleasant touch of color in this chilly winter. Stay warm!
You put together the best giveaways! I love the fabric on your pencil pouch!
Love the view of winter from your part of the world. A number of mentions on this post that I will follow up on. Thank you as always for your generosity to share specific information. I’ve followed your blog since early days, Ginny and it is a delight to continue to do so…. best regards always.
I enjoy reading your blog and seeing the beautiful photos!
I’ve never even thought of having a pencil pouch since I was in school, but now I realize I would love one! Especially if it’s beautiful like this!
I always follow and rarely comment, but this is a great little bundle of lovely things, so I had to. 🥰😍
I have several pencil pouches. One is for my nicer, more expensive fountain pens and ink cartridges. Of course my pencils need their own because some are wooden (mostly for sketching/drawing) and half as many are mechanical. I keep one in my bag out of habit and necessity. A woman can never have too many pencil pouches. Someone else has to speak for men.
I do like that fabric. Would want one with reversed pattern also. Well done!
I love it when I get an email saying a there’s a new post of your waiting for me to see and read. Thanks for the chance to win!
I hope I win!
What sweet insight into your life. Reminds me of someone I know. Lovely!!
I am in awe of all you create!
Ginny, we too are experiencing a rather wintery winter. I do enjoy your posts and think the pencil pouches are darling. I purchased very basic pencil pouches this christmas for 5 of our 6 kids to keep in their school binders. The daily battle for the best pencils in this homeschooling house demanded a solution. Now at least everyone can keep track of their favorites!
Such a beauty in this season of winter frost. What a great way to hibernate. Thank you for sharing!
What a lovely giveaway! Thank you!
Beautiful pictures! Middle March is on my bedside table but I haven’t started it yet. Your other read looks really interesting too!
It’s wintery here, too, in Colorado. The snow and cold give us a chance to slow way down and enjoy January and February. What a beautiful pencil case! Great Horned Owls are mating and frequent visitors in our yard this month. We’ve been enjoying their company immensely. Thank you for the book recommendation as well as the giveaway. Such a lovely idea that! ❤️
Those pencil pouches are adorable, and I agree, everyone should have one in their life. You can’t go wrong with a good pencil pouch equipped with the essentials. I cart one in my everyday bag, lol!
Hello! We’re kindred spirits 🙂 I’m here in south Stafford (Hartwood) and as beautiful as the snow is I must admit I’m looking forward to some warmer temps. I love the pencil pouches! What a great little project for these colder days. I look forward to hearing what you think of “From Laurel Hill to Siler’s Bog”. Looks lovely.
My daughter and I both subscribe to your posts. Simultaneously we both said “ooh” ! I was wondering what you are knitting? Winter snowstorms make the perfect knitting afternoon. Thanks for giving us something to look forward to.
Love this giveaway!
Hello Ginny ! Thank you so much for sharing your lovely photos & thoughts & the chance to win these beautiful treasures ! Stay cozy & warm ! Love to you & yours !
I was just about to search for that particular zipper! Thanks for the link and the chance to win.
Those pencil pouches make my heart flutter! Keep on making those – there can’t be anyone who wouldn’t want one!
The fabrics you choose are just perfect for this little project! Thank you for offering this giveaway!
I love the babies in bed photos, and the matching yarn to books accident. Yay for pencil pouches!
What a thoughtful give away! You are such a talented maker.