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!
Thank you for continuing to be a source of creative inspiration for me Ginny! You create the most beautiful things 💛
Ginny you are always so generous with sharing links, patterns and book reviews. I love when I’m notified that I have an email from you sitting in my box. Yes, it’s the perfect time of year to sew and make gifts. I have six grandkids and I’d love to gift one of them with your pencil case. Thank you for sharing.
I wish I loved to see, I might find more time for it if I did. Thank you for the chance for this beautiful one you made!
There is ice clinging to the pine needles on every single ponderosa pine, right outside my window! It is a fairy land this morning! Very magical. The only thing missing up here, close to the mountains in Colorado Springs are the red birds that you’ve captured so beautifully!
A absolutely love your pencil pouches!! I’m a book/notebook/pencil/pen-aholic! Your posts are always so comforting to me. Thank you for all of them!!
I listened to Middlemarch on audio one summer as I harvested flowers on my farm. It’s a great one! Love the pencil pouches.
Oh you can make a dreadful winter look beautiful in your photos. We are keeping our woodstove going to help with heating costs. Yesterday my husband, brother and bachelor neighbor helped split wood to help for next year. Love your yarn!
What lovely little pencil pouches Ginny! I have followed along your family’s growing and adventures for many years, since you only had 4 children, and I had 3! I always enjoy seeing your posts pop up in my inbox, like a letter from an old friend. I’ve long since given up on updating my blog, added a few more children to our family and continued to strive towards a beautiful fulfilling life for us all. It’s often very messy, and dirty and hard, but over all, life really is very good. Thank you for continuing with your occasional reminders of finding the beauty and joy in the small things.
Very cozy photos – I feel like I should go put on the tea kettle! And your pencil pouches are adorable, and practical too. A very fun giveaway! I have always meant to read Middlemarch and never did, thank you for the reminder.
I love your blog. I may even be inspired to make a pencil pouch or two or three…..
I’d also love to win your give away!!
We live in Washington State and haven’t had much snow at all except in the mountains . Your winter pictures are lovely and make me yearn for snow here ! Nothing like it !
Your posts are so beautiful and inspiring. Its been so cold here in Minnesota too.
I love the photos of your bird friends in the snow. Our birdbaths are filled with tiny yellow finches right now and they bring me so much joy! Books, birds, crafts — the recipe for a wonderful winter afternoon!
I love all the photos, but the picture of the littles cuddled in bed is so sweet!
What a lovely winters post! Just as snowy and cold here in Kansas. Thank you for the opportunity for the generous giveaway!
Goodness, who knew that Witch Hazel was so beautiful? It is always so much fun to see a new post from you, and to enjoy your photos of every season of nature and life.
Nature’s blessings. No more needs to be said.
oh, i love your wintery photos. we’ve had very cold temperatures but no snow, which feels somewhat like the worst of both worlds.
i’ve not yet read middlemarch, and i feel as though i should, so i’d love a copy
Oh! Thank you for sharing the sewing pencil pouch pattern. I’ve been looking for simple hand sewing projects too as Im waiting for sewing machine to get fixed. I dont mind hand sewing/embroidery projects while I listen to audiobooks or podcasts 💕
You take such beautiful bird pictures. And those pencil pouches are so cute!
I have so loved watching your children grow up. I’m sure they are not always so sweet (what children are!), but they seem so loving and delightful.
Your fabrics are so pretty.
Here in Pennsylvania it has been frigid and after many snowfalls there is still lots of snow on the ground. Love the witch hazel!
Your photography is amazing!! I would love the book and pencil pouch.
We are also having a wintery winter here in Michigan (after having mostly rain and mud last winter). I have been loving the nearly daily snows the last couple of weeks, they are just so calming and beautiful. Perfect weather for reading and working on crafts–after the outdoor (livestock) chores are done, of course.
Thank you so much for this beautiful giveaway! Jane Eyre is a favorite of mine, but I’ve never read Middlemarch! And I love the inside fabric of the pencil pouch with the clothesline. So whimsical and pretty!
What are lovely part of my life you have been over the past 17 years. Thank you for the joy and calm that your posts have brought to me.
I love the outside fabric of the pencil pouch! And I would love to come smell the witch hazel flowers. Your description of the scent intrigues me.
Was just needing a pencil pouch the other day. Here’s to the hope of spring!
Thank you for the chance to win your lovely gifts!
Thank you for offering another giveaway! I admired the pencil cases you shared from Christmas. And I love your soap. It smells so nice and keeps my hands feeling soft. I will check out your soap sale.
I don’t think I have ever read Middlemarch. Our winter in NW Indiana has been mostly snowless, which is fine with me, but rather cold. It makes me glad I have a job that is indoors.
Thank you Ginny! I would love to win one of your adorable pencil pouches. Your photos and snapshots into your life are so enjoyable- your blog is always such a comfort read. Thank you and blessing to you and your beautiful family. :o)
I remember reading Middlemarch alonnnnng time ago and I like the idea of reading it again, especially while the weather continues to stay so cold and the fire looks so inviting. It is a delight to get to watch you family grow and I am amazed at how you can take such stunning photos. The birds always fly away when I try to catch them at my house.
Oh I would love to win this giveaway! And agreed the East Coast is having much more wintery vibes this year 🙂
What a fun idea. Thank you for sharing your gifts. I especially love your bird photos…they are so fun to watch in the winter. Stay warm!
What a wonderful giveaway. I love all your winter photos. I live in California so I can only imagine such cozy wintery weather!! Also the cardinals, those I dream of seeing in person❤️
for so many years I have enjoyed your writing and photos you share….thanks for the chance to enter this drawing….stay warm it has been wicked here in Indiana that is for sure . All the best from our farm…Trudy
How do you make January look so pretty? I have a soft spot for Jane Eyre but I left Middlemarch unfinished years ago, and I’d like to give it another go.
Heather Ross prints always make me smile. Your photos do make winter seem cozy, though I also am ready for warmer weather. I haven’t read Middlemarch in years. Fun!
I love your bird photos! Pencil pouches for the win! The fabrics are beautiful!! Thank you for the joy
We love your giveaways, especially in the heart of winter!! The soap and salve sound luxurious and soothing, like your posts!! And a lovely pencil case!
From Laurel Hill was in and Airbnb we stayed at in the NC mountains and it was such a lovely read I got a copy of my own!
Oh Giiny I would so love to win! Your photos are definitely giving me cozy feelings 🙂
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!
Your posts are always a wonderful surprise to see in my inbox! Love the darling pencil pouches you have been making!
We’re having a wintry winter here in St. Louis as well! Your post makes me wish I could sew 😁
Love those pencil cases and would love to win your giveaway.
Lovely photos of happy children in a cozy home!🪷
I read Middlemarch in college many years ago and I’ve been planning to read it again. This would be a wonderful opportunity to put those thoughts into action!
You take such beautiful pictures of all the seasons. Middlemarch does sound like a good winter read. And you really have the best obsessions!
Your Giveaways are always some of my favorite! I desperately need a book to get me through the rest of this frigid NH winter! I do hope someday I’ll win one of your giveaways!
What a wonderful giveaway that gives me hope and joy in this very very cold Virginia January! I hear it is warming up. Also, both books look lovely!!! Thank you for keeping up with the beautiful blog!! It’s so comforting.