Friday, February 19, 2010

My first knit project!


I finished a knitted scarf...my first knit project! I tried to photograph it so you can't see the millions of mistakes! LOL! But it was a good learning experience and I'm trying to decide which project to tackle next. I didn't make mine out of wool like the pattern is, so mine doesn't look as thick..but wool makes me itch so unfortunately I can't use it. I used Bernat Satin Ombres which is really soft.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Avon calling



Mom sold Avon for a short while when we were kids, so maybe that is why I love the old Avon bottles. I collect some of the older ones and thought I would show some of my collection from time to time. Not only do they bring back memories, I think the designs are so creative and pretty. One of my favorites is Here's My Heart. The second picture is from a 1966 Avon catalog I have. The prices sure are interesting! Avon called powder "Beauty Dust." I still don't have all the pieces shown in the catalog for Here's My Heart, but I find things at yard sales and thrift stores sometimes. Wouldn't it be fun to order from that catalog?

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Letter to Lincoln


I ran across this letter to Lincoln and found it interesting because of the mention of knitting socks for the soldiers. I hope I can still crochet and knit at that age. I have transcribed it so it is easier to read. With a little research I found the lady is Sarah B. Burges Bartlett born December 24, 1777. The letter says the socks are a "birthday gift" to President Lincoln. Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809. The letter is dated Feb. 7th, 1865...Lincoln was assasinated April 15, 1865. Although this letter is about a gift to the President, it makes you think of so much more...all that had happened and what was about to happen. I hope you find it as interesting as I did.

Salem, Mass Feb 7th, 1865
To his Excellency, Abraham Lincoln
President of the United States

A year or two since, a pair of socks was sent to you from Mrs. Abner Bartlett of Medford, Mass, which you kindly acknowledged. She was 87 years old on the 24th of Dec. 1864, and has knit more than three hundred pairs of socks for the soldiers since Sept 1861. She has consented to have me send the 300th pair to you as a birthday gift.
Mrs. Bartlett is the only surviving sister of Tristam Burges, formerly in Congress from Rhode Island, and although far advanced in years, no one is more alive to the great issues of the hour, or more inspired to a true love of liberty_and no one could have a firmer confidence in yourself, or cherish a more unwavering faith in the perfect triumph of her country's cause.

With the highest respect,
I am faithfully yours,
Geo. W. Briggs