Veil Nation: May 2017

Ivanka and Melania Trump Veils at the Vatican.

So, they were at the Vatican last week. Current papacy and presidency and whatever feelings you have regarding those aside, what do you think of the actual veils?

I thought Ivanka's choice was a pretty bold fashion statement. A little gutsy even for a lady who is unaccustomed to veiling. No? I like the headband.

But Melania, I could've done you better; softer, more romantic! It looks like it was starched or something. It sort of appears to be like a helmet. And she needs to push it back further on the head. Was she trying to prevent it from falling off? Maybe a sewn-in comb would've been better if she was worried about slippage. For such a beautiful woman, she should be stunning in a mantilla.

In the end though, I was impressed and thought they showed good form in going the traditional route with modest black clothing and wearing a veil at all. Especially given the things the pope had to say about Donald during the campaign. Nice job, ladies!

How To Make A May Crown

Here's how I made my latest May Crown for the Blessed Mother, 2017.

I started with tiny roses and the purple flowers. I think that small flowers tend to work best. The white ones are artificial. In the past I've found a good quality artificial flower keeps the crown looking fresh throughout the month.

I use the inner part of an embroidery hoop for the frame. It's a good, sturdy and relatively inexpensive option. This one is 6", but you should measure your own statue to see if you need larger or smaller.

A reliable glue gun and a good supply of glue sticks will come in handy.

I use the floral tape and snipper-pliers even more than the glue gun.

I wrap the floral tape around the hoop, entirely covering it.That way the frame won't show through.

Snip the flowers into small clusters. Wrap a small piece of floral tape around each little bunch.

Keep the flowers all facing the same direction. Attach the small floral clusters to the hoop with more floral tape. The floral tape will stick to the hoop and keep the flowers well secured.

The glue gun can be used when the May crown is almost complete. Use it only to fill in a single flower here or there in any empty spaces. Don't over-use the glue gun, because it's easy to turn the whole thing into a stringy mess.

Bring Flowers of the Rarest

Refrain: O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today!
Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May.
O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May.

Bring flowers of the rarest
bring blossoms the fairest,
from garden and woodland and hillside and dale;
our full hearts are swelling,
our glad voices telling
the praise of the loveliest flower of the vale!
Refrain

Their lady they name thee,
Their mistress proclaim thee,
Ah, grant that thy children on earth be as true
as long as the bowers
are radiant with flowers,
as long as the azure shall keep its bright hue
Refrain

Sing gaily in chorus;
the bright angels o'er us
re-echo the strains we begin upon earth;
their harps are repeating
the notes of our greeting,
for Mary herself is the cause of our mirth
Refrain

Welcome to My New Sewing Kitchen!

Well, we're settling into our new home. I thought you might like to see my new sewing studio, which funny enough, turns out to be another second floor kitchen, just like my old sewing studio!