How are you all? I'm keeping very busy in the house and in the garden. Here is a view of the wooden house from the right side. I let that Birch tree grow from a tiny sapling and now I wonder if I should have done that. I love Birches and they don't have the longevity that other kinds of trees have so it won't be there forever. I thought it provides a little shade and privacy too. Anyway, it is now as tall as the roof!
The pattern of later afternoon and night time thunder storms has continued. They are ferocious storms and we can't believe how long they last. They bring huge downpours of rain. But it seems that nature loves it because everything is blooming beautifully. Each day, I spend a little time pulling weeds. I'm having a lot of Manitoba Maple vine this year and another tall unnamed fern like weed that has somehow deposited itself in both side beds at the front and along the side you see in that photo. Someone said it might be the bird seed that spreads these unwanted seeds. I have so many critters here...the turkeys, including young ones now, are coming around every day, so maybe they are the culprits.
Could I win a county fair ribbon with this one below?
This Hydrangea bloom is 12 inches across!
My stitching fingers have been busy...of course! I found another 10 of the quarter Dresdan blocks already stitched but all without the black corners. I've not received the black fabric I had to order to finish these, not having found any black 100% cotton shirts at any thrift store.
I've added two more rounds to that sixth hexagon panel for the very scrappy version of the Liberty Liliput Puddle quilt that I'm creating.
Autumn stitchy projects and chatter are already appearing around the net. I love Autumn stitching of any sort. Maybe it is my favourite season to stitch. I've mentioned I want to make a project from each of the books I have in my little library. I've always admired this cover quilt from this book, Friendship Strips & Scraps, by Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts.
I notice she seems to be fond of scrappy quilts and includes lots in both of the early books of hers I've bought at thrift stores.
So I tried out the pattern and have these two to share. They are not perfect- one door definitely looks taller, but did use up some of my longer scrappy strips. And this made me do a little machine stitching for a change too. I'm going to see if I have enough longer strippy Autumny scraps to make more rainbow houses.
Edyta alternated the house blocks with a little appliqued pattern. I have a maple leaf template and thought of using it for my appliqued blocks. What do you think?
I've been thoroughly enjoying the videos my favourite stitchers have made of their visits to the massive European Festival of Quilts show held in Birmingham this year. Here is Rachel's video and it must be just overwhelming to see so much quilty beauty in one place.
I finished Summer Feels. I've stitched three pears this summer.
And I've picked up the G. Legere 1898 project to add a few stitches.
I have that large pear finished and I can't wait to get to stitch that pretty red/rosy house which will brighten up this piece. Very enjoyable stitching.
The giant pear is about three and a half inches tall.
Someone asked about the term I used of one thread over two. DMC embroidery cotton has 6 strands. For cross stitching, you can use two of those strands in your needle at a time or one. That decision can depend on the cloth you are stitching on. If you use Aida cloth, you generally use two strands as the holes are bigger. If using linen, the weave is much tighter, so one strand can be used. Some of us like to be able to see the cross that the threads make so using one strand enables that especially on the thread count of linen I use. But using two threads of embroidery thread on Aida will give a deeper saturation of colour, something I've also noticed I've lost with stiching on linens. And some folks love that and stick with Aida for certain designs for that reason. Any of these choices, like in all stitching, basically comes down to personal preference.
My constant companions do this. I feed them three times a day and nearing those times, this is where I find them...in the back hallway where their bowls are...you wouldn't know but they were starving.
As I write this, I hear the familiar rumble of thunder; it will be the sound of summer '26. I do hope you all are having a good August with lots to keep you busy and happy.
The only constant in my days is that they are flying by. Does time speed up in the summer months I wonder. We had Tony's birthday celebration last week and he is now 87 and counting. It was a somewhat sad day as he reflected on all the people he has lost including another good friend in recent months. Things brightened up though when we went out for a meal to a nearby restaurant with Beth and Brad. Beth made him a beautiful chocolate cake, his favorite. She uses Barry's recipe found at his site, Rock Recipes, and it was very moist and delicious.
Everything is in full bloom which is beautiful. This means the weeds are also doing well. I've had to pull out a lot of Manitoba Maple as well as a new weed that grows straight and tall. Every day, I pick a part of one of the gardens to work on and spend about twenty minutes tidying it. Here is the view from my kitchen window these days with the Hydrangeas putting on their usual amazing show.
I said this would be the summer of dresses and I've added a couple to my wardrobe. This mauve one is a thrift store find from Old Navy. Though it isn't slimming, it is light and airy making it perfect for an Ontario summer. And this is as long as I'm letting my hair grow- to the bottom of my earlobes. That Smoke Tree is enormous.
I'm happy with my summer of 2026 hand stitching progress too. Summer Feels is almost finished. I've just a few stitches here and there to add still. And I've finally gotten a photo that shows the true colour of that background linen. It's such a pretty shade. I've added three butterflies that weren't in the pattern. That is something I would never do in the past but now my thoughts are different. Who cares if I do that? No one is who. What's a summer garden without butterflies and they filled in sort of blank spaces.
I'm finishing my appliqued Quarter Dresden project too. The last ten blocks are getting appliqued this week. I was aiming for 50 and I think I've sewn more than that. Such an enjoyable stitching project and I've loved every minute of each of the stages creating these blocks. Next will be layout decisions.
I've also been adding to my Liberty Puddles WIP. This was a SAL in 2022 run by The Strawberry Thief over on Facebook and there are videos available. I'm on the sixth panel now. Surely my scraps must be diminishing with all this scrappy stitching. You'd think, right. Here it is on the chair where I'd been stitching on the patio.
The dogs are loving getting out for a long walk early morning before the day heats up. I shake a Bear Bell to warn any critters that might be about. A fox has been visiting the yard regularly lately and I really would not want an encounter with the dogs.
They are so joyful running about and that always puts a smile on my face.
I hope you are smiling too.
It's a wild world out there. Is it just me or is it getting wilder??? Take care of yourself!
Truly I got a fright when I glanced out the kitchen window and saw this hulk type animal under the feeder, so different from what I am used to seeing there. I first thought it was a bear! This is just the second time I've seen a Raccoon here on this property. I went outside, gave a few loud claps and it ran off and to my surprise, up the side of the garage and did so with remarkable agility. I haven't seen it since.
Another strange thing I witnessed was this... I've never seen a turkey lie down before and I thought it was dead because its head was down as well. It was a huge relief to see it looking about. She was there for an hour or so before getting up and moving off. It was one of the high humidity days and I wondered why she hadn't chosen a shady spot if heat was the issue.
It's been a very rainy summer so far with high humidity and many, many thunder and lightening storms which seem to roll in late in the day. One stalled over our heads here and lasted four hours. With every clap, Ned and Pete would bark which was not great. But even they grew tired of doing that when it wore on and on. Many people lost power so we felt lucky we didn't. There's been flooding of homes too, sadly. I've begun swimming earlier in the day because these storms seem to build as the day progresses and my only rule for not swimming is if there is lightening in the forecast. I'm enjoying the swimming very much, btw.
I do have more Stitching Progress to share, in spite of the fact I feel like I spend one quarter of my time just looking for things. On Summer Feels, my pears are finished and I'm working on that interesting flower pattern on the right.
I don't think I showed you my finish of Painted Lady by Laura Heine. Laura's site is Fiberworks if you'd like to check out her amazing collage type art work and kits. The photo is a little dark because I've put this one on the wall in the t.v. room and the lighting is dim in there. Stitching with embroidery wool on wool is a dream and so much easier on the eyes than cross stitching on linen like above.
That's a primitive painting there that Tony bought at an auction and to the right is how I corral my cardborad and papers to use for applique templates.
I found a good choice for the backing with this bright blue fabric that's chock a block with flowers in bright blues, reds and yellows just like the appliques. I brought it around to the front for the borders.
The cleanup in the Sewing Room brought to light a very scrappy project I'd started some time ago? ? and tucked away. I had cut out a lot of very small quarter moons so I've been using them up to stitch a few more of these little appliqued blocks. They are about 5 inches finished and another great way to use up scraps. I laid them on the dining table for a picture. There are a number of options for final layout with these so I'd like to continue to stitch a few from time to time.
We've been to Robbie's baseball games and celebrated a birthday with Brad's family. I spend a little time in the gardens most mornings weeding and clipping. I've finally learned not to try to do it all in one session. It's wonderful to get up close with all the growing things and the beauty here still amazes me over and over. And the heat and rain have greatly benefitted the growth of all those wonderful things. The sun is shining today and there is a promise that it will hold all day. We are thankful too for our A/C. I'll save speaking about my fears for another post.
Our front steps this morning with the Hydrageas now in bloom.
I do hope your summer or winter is going well. Take Care all!
I feel a little sorry for the critters whose only defence is to stay stock still.
So far I've been enjoying June very much. And I've been sticking to my plan to pare down computer time during the summer months. I've discovered how much extra time in the mornings that frees up. One way I'm using that time is undertaking a huge clear out in the sewing room which overwhelmed me at first. But I remembered that old saying How do you eat an elephant? Bite by bite. So that's what I've been doing- one drawer at a time and after a sad overwhelming episode the first day, it's been going well. The major issue is not me; it's that the space is way too small for all I have stuffed in there. I guess that is my fault for being such an avid collector over the last 20 years, but I don't want to part with any of it just yet. Tony stopped and watched me there with the piles around me and just shook his head. He wouldn't say anything as he knows he is guilty himself of hanging onto things...on this property, he has a small garage, a very large barn/garage and a room in the basement holding all his collected paraphernalia.
Meanwhile, I'm continuing my calm stitching which is hand stitching of any sort for me. First up is cross stitching. Here is where I am on Feels LikeSummer. My eyes are adjusted to using my #4 readers with this 32 count fabric and I'm enjoying stitching one over two with the vibrant colours. I should also mention I am using my own thread stash for this one and choosing as close to the called for colour as possible. I like the way these tomatoes were charted.
Also with slow stitching, I've finished three panels of the EPP Hexagon project. I need six in all for the size quilt I want to make. I'm staying with using up scraps for these and enjoying the whole process from cutting the templates from old flyers, choosing fabrics and colours, making the hexagons and finally sewing them together.
I've added to my appliqued quarter Dresden project too. I've sewed 34 of these blocks so far and would like to make 50.
Being outside taking in all the sights underfoot is certainly making June a beautiful month and time of year for me. Every time I'm out on one of the paths and something sweet and beautiful catches my eye, I remind myself how lucky to be here still. Such a diversion from worries and cares.
I'm surprised by all the bloom as it's been a very wet start to the summer. I had planted more of these Bridalwreath Spirea bushes when I found out what wonderful and easy bloomers they are.
So lovely.
And this one below is actually a form of Lilac tree. I'll have to do more checking to confirm which one. I had wanted a Lilac tree as the one that was already here is so elderly though still sending out a few blooms each spring. This one continues to bloom abundantly. I put old coffee grounds around the roots of my flowering bushes each fall and I really don't know if that helps, but it certainly isn't hurting.
Tony is out in the big garage working on fixing something on the big mower. I've given him a pillow because I know he has to lie down when taking breaks. I have so much admiration for his determination to keep going. At this point, I think it is pure willpower that is fueling his body. He has decided to sell his Spyder as he really shouldn't ride anymore which is a most sensible decision and relief to me.
I've been swimming between the rain showers we've been experiencing every single day. Someone said the rain is why the trees are so green and leafed out this year after the drought last summer. Or maybe our eyes are just so astounded to see so much green after a very long, very white winter.
I hope you are enjoying the season where you are. " The world is full of magic things, patiently waitingfor our senses to grow sharper." W. B. Yeats
I wonder if your head is spinning like mine. Each day is like the blink of the eye. I'm no sooner up and starting the morning when it seems I'm closing drapes and shutting the house down again. Perhaps that is a good thing as it means I'm busy which I feel I certainly am.
Outside, the world has come alive and so quickly it seems. It's always a pleasant surprise how much colour there is this season of the year. Even the Dandelions are so welcome. I'm calling this one "Me and My Shadow".
And here are the pretty Primroses. I don't know what you would label those colours, but they sure are vibrant.
And my elderly Lilac tree is in bloom too.
I promised I would show you my latest fitness device. It is called a Rebounder and is one of those home trampolines. What's really surprising me about it is I thought I'd be able to jump forever on it- what fun!- but no, I do feel the exercise part of it as it raises my heart rate quite quickly. A mere 7 minutes is all I'm managing right now.
I'd been swimming every day too which is wonderful but rain with thunder has sidelined that exercise the last three days. I'm not heating the pool and like last year, I do believe the cold plunge part is good for me.
My stitching fingers have been busy too. I put the totally hand stitched Lone Star Medallion quilt on the wall for a photo. I'd backed it with a white fabric that was a sheet...Tommy Hillfiger actually, so a good quality. It was fun getting it all appliqued but then fiddly getting all the points and dips joined neatly to the backing. I measured and each diamond is exactly 43 inches which amazed me considering all the little hand stitches in this project and how it's been mauled with all the handling for each step along its journey too.
I'm also working on the table topper Primrose Flowers piece. More hand quilting which also involved decision making. After trying two templates I had on hand, I settled on drawing a little mod flower shape and that's what I'm using for the quilting lines. This should not take too long.
For the backing, I used an old sheet from way back in the day that is still very sturdy and perfectly suits this project. I actually remember the Mod Flower craze back in the late sixties. It wasn't my taste but I did have one align dress with flowers on it.
That black thingy there is my magnet; I wave it around my chair and in the sewing room all the time as I'm always worried about the dogs and pins.
I've been waiting a long time to get this library book below and finally it is my turn. It's material obsessiontwo by Sarah Fielke and Kathy Doughty.
I love how Sarah creates these wonderful and surprisingly large quilts with hand piecing and mostly in her lap. There are two particular quilts in this book I've admired for a very long time and would love to make and the patterns are there for me to copy. That's one of the things that gives me a little leap of joy these days. Here is Sarah talking about one of them, Jazz Hands, which is pieced with that kite shape there.
I'm continuing my summer plan to spend less of my free time on the computer. As a result, I'm definitely spending more time outside- gardening, walking, swimming, etc. and inside- stitching, reading and scribbling. So far, it is the garden that is definitely benefitting the most from this plan.
My Phoebes have fledged. I think there were three little ones this year. It's very difficult to get a good photo as this nesting spot is very tight to the overhang and hidden slightly. I thought of getting a step ladder but I didn't want to disturb them. Pretty sure there are three there. What do you think?
On that very hopeful note, I'll end this post. Oh yes, before I forget again, this is also my summer of dresses. I've had great luck at thrift stores finding a few for summer. I'll share the latest next post. I hope your summer or your winter is off to a wonderful start.
Here are the dogs taking a dip one day when the clouds did a very unusual thing.
They swirled and darkened above us in the center with a rim of brightness all around the horizon's edge. It looked like we were under a bowl of doom, LOL.
It was both neat and threatening looking. And I wish I could have captured some kind of surround photo. Everyone's complaining about the cold and cloudy spring. The weather people keep promising higher temps that don't happen or there is a chilling breeze.
My Merlin Sound ID ap is identifying usually seven or eight different birds around the pond every morning. Nashville Warbler is the new one to me but I've yet to see it. Keep hoping to.
Meanwhile, here is the second brightest bird I get to photograph, the Blue Jay.
My cross stitched project that is an homage to Mom is finished. I think of her every day, usually with something I want to ask her about.
And here is my next summer cross stitching project, Summer Feels, from the clever folks at The Artsy Housewife. They have an Owl design that I love, but my rule is this one has to be done before ordering another.
I don't stitch on coloured fabric that often but the design certainly suits this pinkish shade of 32 count Belfast linen called Sorbet. I already know I will struggle to show you this colour as it really is.
And here are the flosses around my upside down very tiny start.
My FPP Primrose Flowers small quilt is at the flimsy stage. I've sized it to fit a certain side table here. These blocks are pretty and the FPP makes the sewing go quickly. Now to choose a backing and get it layered for quilting.
Meanwhile I'm almost finished the quilting lines on the Lone Star Medallion. I'm using the seams as a guide. I'm also using Frog Tape to help keep the lines straight too. Any of you use that?
May has been a productive month for me. I've changed over the bed linens and reorganized three closets. I've cleaned out the flower beds in front and to the side of the house...still have more to do in the back yard. I tidied up the laundry area in the basement where I also keep all my plant stuff. It's one of those places where you dump things and can get messy after a while.
There have been three ticks on me so far and I do a check every night. I'm using the OFF Tick spray and so far it seems to be working; last year I'd found 7 or 8 ticks at this point.
Yes this is the center of a Tulip. Besides the brilliant yellows, I like the hexagon shape and the brushed edges of the brown. There's so much more beauty to see when you look closely. Plants don't disappoint...unlike weather, people, politicians, etc. LOL
I do hope there is nothing disappointing you! One final thing... I've bought a fitness device that I'm loving. I'll share next time.
