Dana from The Starfish Studio gifted me with this lovely autumn themed banner a few weeks ago. I love the little details…sweet buttons, a maple leaf, a starfish…it’s a keepsake designed to a picture-perfect T, and uniquely me! Thank you Dana! It fits right in with my simple dining room decor; the duck decoys, handmade by my Dad, and my small, but growing collection of ironstone pitchers. Dana lives a creative life on an idyllic island in Washington’s Pacific Northwest. Her darling cottage has breath-catching water views, and so it’s no surprise that her whimsical creations are not only inspired by the sea, but are often crafted from treasures found on the beach itself. I always feel refreshed and inspired after visiting her blog.
Things are decidedly fall-like here…Canadians across the country celebrated Thanksgiving this past weekend. We, the mister and I, hosted dinner as we often do. We are contentedly non adventurous when it comes to our holiday meal planning…most of my recipes are slightly tattered, if not visibly spattered with pumpkin or dusted with flour. The lovely carnations, below, were a gift from a friend. Thank you Shirley!
I’m in the throes of switching out summer dresses, flips flops and straw bags for woollies and wellies. Not all is getting packed away though. I just finished sewing a maxi sundress and there’s hope for a warm weather winter holiday. Here’s a brief peak…it seems silly to model what is obviously a summer dress while raindrops are dancing against the window panes. But don’t worry, I will definitely show you the dress in all it’s maximum glory…just not for a while yet.
I’m more than a little in love with these labels, gifted to me by Tasia from Sewaholic. They add such a sweet, personal touch to my me-made garments.
I’ve discovered that my winter wardrobe is seriously lacking in gingham, polka dots, and all things colourful….sigh….but I did get a little giddy when I was reunited with my Minnetonka booties.
And on my sewing table? This colourful fabric is all a twitter and anxious to be sewn…
Thanks for stopping by.
I am thankful for your readership,
your friendship,
and your inspiration.
Curtise says
Your dresser looks beautiful, Sue, and everyone's favourite recipes should have splashes of ingredients on the page, that's how you know where to find them!
I can't wait to see you modelling that maxi dress – look at the print, the colours, the polka dot facing! And the bird print is just wonderful – you make such great fabric choices!
Wishing you a belated happy Thanksgiving! xxx
Connie says
I love that Canada celebrates Thanksgivng before we do here in the US. I get so many great ideas 😉 so much pretty stuff here. I love your Fall booties and sweet gifts from sweet friends. OF COURSE your Dad carved ducks! Artistry does run in families. I love that you're planning on wearing a summer dress in the Fall. Keep that sunshine coming!!!!!
Vix says
I'm dying over that sneaky peak at your Summery dress, it looks like a work of art. The boots are too cool.
The dresser looks so cosy and inviting with your banner! xxx
Suzanne Carillo Style Files says
That is such a sweet gift and works perfectly in your dining room. Very rustic.
I can't wait to see you in that maxi dress. I wore a new maxi skirt out yesterday…I paired it with a merino wool sweater and loved it. Also yesterday it was 24 and sunny…now if it could only stay this way until April! ; )
bisous
Suzanne
Natalia Lialina says
I love your dining room decor, Sue! Very charming and inviting, with a wonderful collection of pitchers and this artistic banner. I'll come over to see Dana's blog! The dress with a giant butterfly print? So unexpected and beautiful! Lovely booties too! xxx
Aya in Couturgatory says
Your home looks so lovely and warm. I love seeing snapshots into my blog friends' lives! That maxi dress is a knockout, and you're going to shine like a star in it. 😀
Dana Bishop says
Sue, I feel famous! Thank you for a little showcasing of the banner. It looks absolutely perfect on the hutch!
Those booties rock! I'm looking forward to a future post featuring them with one of your designs.
I am so blessed by YOUR blog and our blog friendship.
amy mayen says
Oh wow, I wasn't feeling festive about fall but your Minnatonkas won me over. I will grudgingly accept the cool weather since you are. How,lucky we are to have friends and people that love us, your flowers and sewing goodies are fab! And I can't wait to see that dress, Sue.
Flo says
It's definitey cooler here, I'm so not ready. I'm glad you posted that banner, reminds me I need to dig mine out. If I can remember where I stored it!
MIS PAPELICOS -Mis P says
Welcome indeed, and happy weekend, dear Sue
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ariane Lasalle says
Fall is here too and soon or later we will have snow, i don't want to think about it!
Love the banner, so cute!
Can't wait to see what you do with that fabric
Joni James says
I just love that birdie fabric! I would make curtains for my kitchen if I had some of that goodness. 😉
Isn't that banner the sweetest thing? It's got me inspired to make something for Christmas like that.
Rebecca says
Your fall themed banner is a lovely gift and it looks so perfect hanging there! Love the dress and the pattern is so fantastic! I really do hope you get to wear it on a fabulous winter holiday! Love those fun labels, they really make a great touch to any handmade piece!
Rebecca
http://www.winnipegstyle.ca
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks for the bright wishes Curtise! Yep…my maxi dress went maxi pattern too, LOL!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Your welcome! 🙂
Funny, but I don't think I ever connected my Dad's duck carving skills with the art I do, DUH!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I know…the print is fabulous, and I can't imagine why I didn't notice it in the fabric store at the beginning of summer, instead of the end. Ah well…I'll still get lots of opportunity to wear it.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I've been thinking about my dress and possibly styling it for fall…you know, with the booties and a sweater. The skirt portion isn't lined though, and it just might not be warm enough….and speaking of warm enough….24 degrees???? Hello…what's up with that?
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Natalia! Yes do visit Dana if you get a chance! Lots of PNW eye candy for us all! I'm so thrilled you noticed the butterfly. It's not easily discernible for many…but I LOVE them!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Aya! I'm the same way…I love catching little bits of interiors or neighbourhoods…it really does give a deeper understanding of the blogger.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank YOU Dana…and it does look perfect on my hutch!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Don't worry…I'm the same as you…wah wah fall…but my Minnie's do make me happy, LOL!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I hope you don't get hit with the wicked weather of last winter Flo! We've had such a stellar summer, that, although reluctant, I can accept that fall and winter are on the way.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
oxoxoxox back atcha Sacramento!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Okay…now you DO have something to not look forward to…Montreal winters are intense shall we say. Fingers crossed that your winter is milder than last year Ariane!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
OH YES! It is home decor fabric after all…and would look so cute…um?….everywhere in my home!!!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Rebecca! Living in Winnipeg, you know how special a winter holiday can be! I guess things are looking autumn themed in your lovely province now too!
dan says
Dana is a sweet person and I love her blog ! She has a special taste in choosing objects for her home… her posts are quiet and relaxing… the banner she sent you is very nice and, yes! It is perfect in your dining room!
The labels are just a cute extra touch on your clothes…a very nice idea!!
No fear of fashion says
Indeed those labels are sooo sweet. Your maxi dress looks very good. Cannot wait to see it.
And I think you might have to sew your gingam and polka dots in winter version now.
Have a great fall.
Greetje
Heather says
Sue that dress looks amazing!! I hope we get to see it soon. And I am in love with your fabrics for the Minoru jacket too! One of my favourite parts of fall is being able to dust off the boots and your little booties are so cute! Sounds like you've had a lovely start to Autumn and a great Thanksgiving!
Rosy says
So much inspiration here, dear Sue …. the dresser looks lovely and romantic with a touch of Fall … I'm looking forward to seeing you modeling your new dress .. it does not matter if it rains, a new dress is a great event !!
Sheila says
Oh, such lovely fabric – you have such a great eye for colour. I love the little booties! Happy Thanksgiving to you, Sue! I totally forgot about it this year, since we were away.
Louise Perry says
The bird fabric is beautiful, cant wait to see it all sewn up. I am finding the transition to fall a little depressing. I have to grab those rare sunny days when they come and revel in them.
The Style Crone says
Your blog is always filled with inspiration and color. It's always a delight to stop by!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
You've described Dana just as I would Dan! It's a small world, this blogging community!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Yes! I'm on a mission to sew some winter clothing that feels right for me!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Heather! I'm starting to sew my Minoru, and this fabric just makes me smile…birds on a branch!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Oh thank you Rosy! It's always a joy to have you stop by and say hello!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Sheila! I can totally understand that Thanksgiving was forgotten this year….your trip to Italy looks to have been the 'best Thanksgiving ever'!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I hear ya Louise! Why can't it be summer forever? We've been fortunate here in that our fall has been really quite lovely weather. Hopefully, that will make the dark days of winter less depressing.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Judith! I feel exactly the same way about your inspirational blog!
Anonymous says
just tried to post and it vanished. Oh well. Here goes again: That dress is going to look good on you in you know where. Glad the flowers are lasting. I did not get this posting in my inbox, so I am glad I decided to check your blog to see if there were any new postings.
Shirl
sabine says
Dear Sue,
it is wonderful to see how you welcome fall. The decoration, the flowers, the cute fabric I love it all. Best I love your boots. So cool!
Have a great week my dear.
Sabine xxx
Kezzie says
This post is full of beautiful colourful things, suiting your blog title lots! I bet you'll make something stunning out of that material! Those boots are super!x
Trina says
You just proved that simple things can speak volumes! I do so love that banner and all the simple, yet beautiful little details as well as your breathtaking and simple dining room accessories, it just says, “please sit down and enjoy yourself”. And, those labels, how precious are they? I'm sure you will be putting them to good use. Last but not least, I would be wearing those boots daily, talk about an item that could go with just about any attire, looking forward to seeing more of these this season.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
We have got to get that sorted out Shirl! xo
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Sabine, always such a lovely writing style and thoughtful comment! Thank you! xo
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Kezzie! Just posted my make, 😉
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Trina! I am so appreciative of my autumn banner, and it does suit the decor in my dining room. Both you and Dana are so talented with making beautiful vignettes in the home! I find inspiration regularly be reading your blogs!