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Friday 28 September 2012

Higgledy-Piggledy

Dear readers,
 
Goodness me, I have had a spring in my step this week. Good news does that to you, I'm sure you will agree, together with the warmth of human kindness.  Your generous, supportive comments have touched me more than I can say. Writing 'thank you' to each and every one of you seems a little inadequate, I'm afraid, but these two words are truly heartfelt.
 
With the glorious sunny weather we have had during the latter part of this week you would have spotted me out and about our hilly village prancing around like a not so
young colt and dancing on my tiptoes.  Excuse me if I raise my voice here but just look at my NEW SHOES!
 Every autumn I relish the ritual of purchasing a pair of Fairysteps handmade shoes.  Oh, the joy of choosing which whimsical shoes will become my favourite walking companions each year!  There is something so intrinsically "Elves and the Shoemaker" about Ren and her artistic talent; even her blog has a fairytale aura about it.  She is a hard-working lady too.  I have sometimes wondered if the little folk have gifted her with the ability to thrive on no sleep for she is always busy stitching her beautiful leather in those jewel-like colours, sitting cross-legged on her workbench, perhaps, and when the last stitch is in place she adorns some with a beautiful organza or silk ribbon.  Perfection.  Not only are they exquisitely made but they are blissful to wear. As light as a feather and as soft as kid gloves. Now I am saving up my coins to buy some boots for this coming winter.
 Sticking to my heels most glorious days is Angélique my other faithful walking companion.  Actually like most two year olds she prefers to hop, skip, and jump instead of walking.  She has taken to wearing this beaded beret I recently knitted for her all the time.  I made it pale blue with ice-coloured glass beads to remind me that she is my winter daughter.  I love this feisty child so very much who now claims she is no longer a baby but a little girl.  Sigh.
 
I am all higgledy-piggledy this week and a little bit excited about the new hare orders I am receiving.  I, like Angélique, am hopping and skipping between the seasons as I stitch (and prepare to stitch) a spring Hare with a touch of Easter, my third Mademoiselle Bloom (with a fourth in the pipeline), a small family of autumnal hares, and, dare I whisper, some Christmas creatures with silvery stars and snowflakes.  My imagination is having a ball.
 
A few weeks ago I finally got organised enough to set up a facebook page for my teeny tiny business Madame Millefeuilles. So if you are on facebook it would make me so happy if you headed over there and 'liked' me.  If you come and join me I will be sharing regular snippets of inspiration with you. Thank you so much!
 
Edit: would any of you be interested in a special edition autumnal hare giveaway, I wonder?
 
A shorter than usual post this time. A relief for some perhaps? ;-)
 
A bientôt,
 
Stephanie


52 comments:

  1. Oh such lovely shoes - I will smile and think of you next time we are reading the "Elves and the Shoemaker" (which I'm sure will happen soon as the days are getting cooler and we are spending time inside cozy by the fire with our favorite books).
    Your daughter is so sweet! I've been reminiscing about those two-year-old days....
    Now am on my way over to like your FB page :) Have a lovely weekend!
    Karen

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  2. a very special pair of shoes! and your daughter is so sweet in her new hat. Happy making, so nice to have orders. Heather x

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  3. EVERY girl should have a pair of shoes laced with red ribbon! Ada :)

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  4. Oh my, what fabulous shoes Stephanie!
    Victoria xx

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  5. I love your shoes they look like "wishing" shoes, just magical!
    Your little girl is so pretty in her new hat, bless her
    Thea x

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  6. Not a relief at all Stephanie your posts are always a pleasure. :)
    What fantastic shoes they look amazing and how cute does little Angélique look in her beautifully knitted beret!
    I'm very excited to see all these new hares. :)
    Happy weekend Stephanie,
    Vivienne x

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  7. What special shoes! And your daughter in her hat -- precious.

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  8. I cannot wait to see all your wonderful creations. And if you are asking would I be interested in an autumnal giveaway, I say yes, most definitely! Angelique is a lttle star. When my daughter was her age I tried to get her to wear a beret, but it was constantly tossed aside. Your new shoes are lovely. Have a great weekend, love Linda x

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  9. Lovely shoes and Angelique is adorable! xxx

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  10. MY DARLING FRIEND,

    I don't know if you saw my comment from this morning but thank you for coming to visit me today.

    This is, like all of your posts, just magical. Your beautiful beaded beret, and THOSE SHOES! I had to skip over to her blog and I am smitten. I am following her and her shoes are just exquisite. I am sure you will continue to prance around like a YOUNG colt and spread the JOY!!!!!!!! LOVE TO YOU DEAREST! Anita

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  11. Those shoes are fabulous! I for one would be interested in an Autumnal Hare giveaway - I adore your creations. Have a wonderful weekend. x

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  12. Your daughter is gorgeous in her beret!
    I love your shoes - thank you for the link, I shall visit Ren's blog!
    Autumnal hares?? I haven't seen a hare here for months!

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  13. Ah, I have long wanted a pair of Ren's shoes! Maybe one day. Meanwhile I shall admire yours. And Angelique's darling winter hat, so very pretty :D

    I am captivated by the thought of Christmas hares :D

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  14. Those shoes are divine. Your little girl is cute too. My baby boy was like that, but he has recently turned 12 and insists that he's all grown up. I'm finding that hard to swallow.

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  15. Stephanie what beautiful shoes! I can just imagine you walking everywhere in them with the lovely organza laces. And your little Angelique is so adorable in her sweet beret :) So looking forward to seeing more of your lovely hares, I just love waiting to see what you come up with next. Did I see a mention of an autumnal hare giveaway?? squee!

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  16. What a coincidence this is - at work today I was thinking about the divine shoes you bought last year, and trying to remember the name of the maker. And here's another lovely pair!

    Angélique's little beaded beret is perfect. I don't blame her for wearing it all the time.

    A bunny giveaway? Mais oui, bien sur!

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  17. Dear Stephanie
    Your shoes are delightful and what a lovely treat for yourself. Talking about treats, an autumn hare giveaway? Yes please!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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  18. What fantastic shoes, I went on her website and those boots are to die for!!!!! Lovely picture of your Winter Daughter n that lovely hat. ANd a giveaway....count me in!
    Happy Weekend,
    Meredith

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  19. what a beautiful sparkling shoes like them a lot thank you for the information of her website like these caint of shoes a lot natural and handmade like other brands like the dutch loints shoes and the spanish el naturalista also but this was new to me never hear of it before but the are lovely en very sweet to see how do the sit and walk ist it if you are walkking on little clouds thank you for briging it up to youre blog love her shoes
    greetings leon10

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  20. Oh my goodness Stephanie, what gorgeous shoes.

    Your happiness leaps out of this post and, having popped back a post or two, I see why. I'm so thrilled that your court case has been resolved so deservedly in your favour. What a huge relief.

    Your daughter looks as pretty as a picture in her beret.

    Heather x

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  21. Stephanie, Im blushing profusely... as ever your posts are a joy to read, and visual perfection as always! Enjoy your autumn... Wishing you red berries and warm fires, Ren x

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  22. what fantastic shoes! i would be skipping down the road in those :) Angelique's hat is lovely, I like the beading and must give that a try. May your happy and giddy state stay a while, these moments are to be treasured and enjoyed to the fullest.

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  23. Such beautiful shoes Stephanie and wonderful to know that you are skipping around in them feeling so happy and energized now your very long court case is finally over..I'm so looking forward to seeing your new hares...they all sound so enchanting!
    Little Angelique looks beautiful in her hat...I have a summer daughter and a winter daughter...both as wonderfully different as the seasons!
    Wishing you a lovely weekend (and see you on Facebook!)
    Susan x
    P.S An autumnal hare giveaway?...I'm already crossing my fingers!

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  24. They are utterly lovely shoes.

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  25. Oooo shoes! I do love Fairysteps blog and her shoes are just gorgeous. One day i tell myself one day I will own a pair. They are so beautiful and magical aren't they.

    Love your lovely little girls hat such a pretty colour too. Oh how they break your heart with their wild declarations of independance. Makes when they hold you hand again all the more special.

    Sounds you have been very busy with your beautiful makes. Wow a giveaway with one of your lovely hare's as a prize, I am already wishing and hoping.

    P x

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  26. Your shoes are so lovely , such a beautiful colour and they look so soft and comfortable. The Elves and the Shoemaker was one of my favourite ladbybird books the pictures were so colourful and the shoes so beautifully made, just like the shoes you have bought!
    Sarah x

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  27. Lovely shoes - they look so comfy and pretty too. Lovely little beaded hat. Lovely post altogether!

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  28. What beautiful shoes .... and the little hat is so lovely ... and a little autumn hare ... how wonderful ... hoping you have a lovely weekend ... Bee xx

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  29. Stephanie, your life sounds quite magical right now. I am so very happy for you.
    I see why your "winter daughter" loves her hat! No longer a baby? They grow up way too fast...
    Your new shoes do look a bit like fine kid gloves for the feet. Happy, lucky feet!
    If you do indeed choose to award one of your hares, I'd be pleased to have a chance. Win or not, I'll enjoy seeing what she looks like. Each is a work of heart.
    Enjoy the sweetness of the season.

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  30. Stephanie, your life sounds quite magical right now. I am so very happy for you.
    I see why your "winter daughter" loves her hat! No longer a baby? They grow up way too fast...
    Your new shoes do look a bit like fine kid gloves for the feet. Happy, lucky feet!
    If you do indeed choose to award one of your hares, I'd be pleased to have a chance. Win or not, I'll enjoy seeing what she looks like. Each is a work of heart.
    Enjoy the sweetness of the season.

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  31. I am so pleased that things worked out for you and your family. It is nice to be back in touch, your blog is always filled with beauty.

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  32. Stephanie, reading this post and seeing the photos brings such happiness.

    Your new shoes and the other styles that I found on the link are marvelous examples of comfort, beauty and even perhaps surprising sturdiness. I do love unusual shoes!

    The beaded blue beret is a gem, and your Angelique is a perfect petite model. Isn't Koigu yarn wonderful to work with?

    Let's see what else...oh, of course I join the queue eager to see what certain hares might be planning to wear for there special fete de Noel!

    Best wishes, xo

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  33. I adore the hat with the beads :) Great shoes in the photo, I can see why you have a skip in your step :)

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  34. What wonderful shoes, they would certainly put a spring in your step. Angelique is quite right, she's a little girl, but she'll always be your baby, much the same as Eleanor is mine still at fourteen. I've answered your query over on my blog.

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  35. I'm sorry my visits to you have been so scarce over the summer Stephanie, but I do hope you received my email in reply to yours regarding Mademoiselle Bloom ..?

    Oh my, what can I say there are so many gorgeous things in this post, least of all Angelique in her stunner of a beret! I have just got to check out those Fairysteps shoes and Ren's blog. My dear father used to say that you cannot ever surpass a pair of handmade shoes and I think he was right!

    I've just made myself a cup of tea and now its time to sit down and catch up with those missed posts!

    Jeanne
    xx

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  36. I have oftened look longingly at Fairysteps shoes but owning a pair is not to be. Your little winter girl looks perfect in her pale blue beaded beret. I am looking forward to seeing all your wonderful new creations. The autumnal hare giveaway sounds intriguing! x

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  37. Oh my - look at those shoes with their beautiful red ribbons.

    I love the beret - my girls would most probably be the same - I can't remember when the hop skip and a jump thing stops, mine are all about pelting around everywhere these days....or ballet spiralling.

    Nina x

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  38. Your new blue and red ghillies are so lovely!! It must be so gratifying to be getting your business up and off the ground. The hares you make are delightful, so I am not surprised to hear that lots of special orders are coming in.

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  39. Magical shoes and a little sweetie in the beret! I am very sorry to say that I don't know anything about Facebook except my children have told me that I am too old for it and they wouldn't have me as a friend! The hares are lovely though, and I am glad that it is all going so well.

    Pomona x

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  40. Im so glad to hear you're having a beautiful autumn! Your little one looks so cute in that knitted hat (love the crystal detail!) and the shoes are so lovely! I just 'liked' you on facebook too!~

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  41. Elles sont superbes ces chaussures ! Je vais aller faire un petit tour sur leur site :)

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  42. Oh, those shoes, those wonderful, beautiful shoes. I can just imagine you dancing around on tippitoes, how could you not with those super shoes on your feet? I do have a little thing for shoes - they are one of my favourite accessories so I will pop and look at Ren's website shortly! I think if I had a hat as pretty as Angélique's then I'd be wearing it all the time too! Enjoy your hare making, I'm really looking forward to seeing your christmassy ones!

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  43. Lovely new shoes, they do look beautiful! What a clever talent to have...I do like the story of the elves and the shoemaker, it's one of those that has remained in my memories of childhood.

    The hat is beautiful, a bit of sparkle too, my favourite.

    I do like the sound of your Christmas hares....would they have a little sparkle do you suppose?

    So happy to hear your husband's good news...what a huge relief...what a positive note to head into winter and the new year.

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  44. Dear Stephanie,

    What beautiful handmade shoes and so neat that they are comfortable for walking.
    Your little walking companion is the sweetest and love the beret.
    So glad that your hare making business is going well - how exciting, Christmas hares.

    Do hope that you are having a beautiful weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  45. Oh Stephanie!!!!!!! How wonderful to get a visit today from you! How is everything out there in France?We are finally having a real autumn here and it is so enchanting. Cool and crisp, colorful and divine.

    Thank you for your kind friendship and words. I am enjoying crafting things with the simplest of things: PAPER SCRAPS. It is reminiscent of my mother's work of using whatever fabric she had to create WONDERS for me. I will never forget, especially NOW that I am at HOME and enjoying her tradition of creating.

    Thank you dear friend. I wish you well on this new week coming upon us. Mille bises, Anita

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  46. Such a lovely hat and happy child! And those shoes!!! I must start saving my pennies for a pair. The most fun will be deciding on the colors.

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  47. I love those shoes. Perhaps I will treat myself to a pair of handmade shoes. I have had a yen for some green ones for a while now. Why? I have no idea. Normally I wear black boots (when I am not wearing green wellies). The hat is charming. It is a long time since my own very beautiful daughter was a little girl but somehow you brought an image of her vividly to mind.

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  48. Hi Stephanie!
    I'm not sure why I missed this post but I'm glad I'm here now! Your new shoes are so pretty; ribbons instead of shoelaces, what a brilliant idea! I hope you'll go to great places wearing them! :)

    Each and every comment you have left on my blog is so comforting and thank you for that! I think I'm at a dead end with the whole teaching situation, it sucks all my energy and motivation while it should be the opposite happening.

    Anyway, I'll always be grateful to my French teacher for introducing me to Francis Cabrel when I was a teenager. And I'm so glad to finally meet someone who knows who he is! :)

    Have a good week!

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  49. Darling Stephanie!

    How is your weather out there? Is the French autumn wonderful and chilly? I am making a pot of good soup and later will bake some perfect bread to go with it.

    It is always lovely to see you come by to visit and THAT LINK YOU SENT ME IS INSPIRING! You see, I want to incorporate storytelling with my paper art....and those dresses alone are wonderful. Are you familiar with Isabel de Borchgrave, the Belgian paper artist? Oh dear, what perfection.

    Many hugs and thanks for thinking of me...you are wonderful! I hope everyone is well...Anita

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  50. Dear Stephanie,
    many many thanks for you comment on bateaux de papier. I must be grateful for the discovery of two places I now like: Millefeuilles and One Claire Day.
    I'm in love with your rabbit creature, and with your fairy shoes.
    All the familly is also familiar with the Loire valley where my mother lives. I specially love fall there. Have a nice end of the week.
    Amelie

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  51. Dear Stephanie

    I just wanted to pop over again to say thank you for your thoughtful comment to my recent post. A cup of tea with you and Madelief would indeed be solace for my soul. Bless you both. I'm feeling brighter today despite the grey skies, at heart I'm a 'glass half-full' girl and am battering away those demons as hard as I can.

    Did you receive my further email regarding delivery of Mademoiselle Bloom I wonder?

    Love
    Jeanne
    xox

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  52. Very nice topic what you have shared with us.... Every time I got some thing new and interesting information here. I must appreciate your blog site. Good job! Keep posting.

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