A Summer Dance

This is the evening a pet dream of mine was at long last realized...

This is the evening we had our own contra dance.

There were balloons, and twinkling lights, and the four funny little trophies I picked up and knew were absolutely meant to be.  We made big construction paper rosettes out of my pinback button seconds pile, and they were perfect.

There was watermelon, and mason jars of tea, and at last the stars slowly appearing and starting their spiral above us to the wildly sweet sound of celtic contra music that sends toes tapping and blood racing to dance, dance and spin and stomp and swing.

It was awesome.  I felt so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many dear faces that evening, all reflecting the joy I felt from glorious dancing and hilarious fellowship.

The addition of trophies and ribbons for a four-division dance competition infused a huge spark and had everybody trying to outdo themselves with their mad Contra skills.  The concrete was brutal on our shoes (and legs!), but definitely didn't put a damper on the spins, leaps, aerial allemandes, and fabulous footwork we had going.

A much-coveted ribbon and trophy were awaiting the champions in Best Freestyle, Best Swing, Loudest Noise, and - wait for it - Epic.

We're definitely doing this again.

(also - no, we did not have trench coats, machetes, or firearms on the dance floor, contrary to the garb of the setup crew above.  That's another story for another time entirely...)

The presiding Judge and his inseparable companion, Airabella.

Our champion winners for the four divisions; Noise, Swing, Epic, and Freestyle!  The competition was hot, but this crew was unparalleled.

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. 
O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
--Psalms 30:11-12


And to crown all, the evening in film.
Thanks to Ellen and Alex for getting such awesome footage!

Treasury double feature | Old Red Barn

Today's treasury is a double feature of both of my shops - Kellie Falconer Design & The Wall Tent Button Co!

I don't feature the Button Co here on the blog as often as I would like, and I think it's high time we changed that.  There's always something fun going on over there, so why don't you swing on by and have a look-see?  I have some fun plans for bringing the button badges and mirrors offered there to the front of the class just in time for school to begin, so stay tuned!

.::. Be sure to visit this treasury on Etsy, and feel free to share! .::.♥

If you create a treasury highlighting something from the shop (either one!), be sure to let me know - it could be our next feature.

Thanks to Karla for curating this delightful collection - see more of her work here!

Featured  Listings:

Pleated Wedgwood Skirt by Kellie Falconer Design

Custom State Farmgirl Mirror by The Wall Tent Button Co

Indian Summer | Winsome Skirts review + Giveaway

I am pretending that this is what I wore on a day trip over to the Ross Creek Cedars in Montana with all of my favorite people, because that would be absolutely topping. 

As it is, I simply donned the accessories and changed out my ballet crocs for sandals in the middle of another work day at the tent, measuring tape swapped for pearls and chalk pen for sunnies.

The Kellie Falconer Design Autumn Collection is materializing in vibrant wools, crimson tulle, and ruffled denim, and I'm oh so excited to see this coming together.  

Fall is getting far too close... I'm taking advantage of every opportunity to get outside in this glorious Indian Summer weather - hiking, swimming, wonderful visits with friends, and little picnics popping up all over the place.  I even went water skiing for the first time last week, which was excellent.  I also finally made myself a swim suit, which I've been wanting to do for years.  I'll try to do a post on that soon!

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

The lovely Elise and Libby that I had the delight to meet last year have opened their own small business, curating and selling secondhand skirts!  Be sure to stop by Winsome Skirts and take a look at the wonderful selection in their store.  They graciously offered to send me this sweet cornflower blue number, and it's exactly the kind of skirt you always hope to find when thrifting but rarely ever do.  Absolutely perfect.

Let the ladies of Winsome Skirts do the gathering for you!

top - blouse - shades // thrifted

Skirt - c/o Winsome Skirts

sandals - necklace // gift

Elise and Libby are also hosting a giveaway for the winner's choice of any item in their shop!

To enter, just leave a comment below with your favorite moment(s) from this summer.  This has been one of the best ever for me, and I want to hear all about yours.

Be sure to earn the rest of your entries in the Rafflecopter below!  Have fun♥ 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Random Harvest

Floral frock - made by me // Grey tulle skirt - Kellie Falconer Design

ballet flats by Crocs // spoon ring - gift

It's been such a long time since I've sewn anything for my very own self, just because.  Not for a prototype, not sourcing materials and making sure they are procurable in bulk.  Just the last three yards of a beautiful summer clearance fabric that cried out to be made into this dress and worn to the contra dance.

I found this gorgeous copy (just drink in the typography on the cover!) of Random Harvest at the thrift store the other day and couldn't be more thrilled.  The 1942 adaptation is one of my favorite movies, and I've heard reports that the book more than holds it's own as well.

Hilton's description of autumnal London:

"For London... was of all cities in the world the most autumnal - its mellow brickwork harmonzing with fallen leaves and October sunsets, just as the etched grays of November composed themselves with the light and shade of Portland stone. There was a charm, a deathless charm, about a city whose inhabitants went about muttering, "The nights are drawing in," as if it were a spell to invoke the vast, sprawling creature-comfort of winter. Indeed no phrase...better expressed the feeling of blanketed enclosure, of almost stupefying cosiness, that blankets London throughout the dark months - a sort of spiritual central heating, warm and sometimes weepy, but not depressing - a Dickensian, never a Proustian fog."

Paired with the new frock; the Grey Tulle skirt is now on our shop shelves!  I take great care to find the perfect material for the lining of each tulle skirt, and this grey Duchess slipper satin is absolutely dreamy.  So heavily draping and liquid.

Won't you stop by the Wall Tent Studio this evening and catch the last few chapters of Bleak House with me?  The rocking chair is on the porch and I'd love to show you what I've been working on first hand...