Dog Days of August, Geometry in Quilting, Lori Holt's "Stitch"

 Enjoying the free buffet are these three Chipping Sparrows. I've begun including small seeds with the sunflower and that has attracted more sparrows this summer.

The three dogs are enjoying their summer days together. The vernal pond is back to nearly its full level and of course, being Labradors, they love the water. They enjoy watching and trying to chase the odd frog but luckily have never caught one. 

This was the indoor/now outdoor Geraniums at their glory. I was so happy with this colourful display.  Geraniums never disappoint!

Here is a block of the Wheel Within A Wheel project showing additional "wheels". Still some adjustments needed here.  I have ten blocks now more or less to this stage and would like to have them all sewn to this stage soon. My main TO DO stitching the rest of this week. I'll be linking with Linda's To Do Tuesday Party.

My July project to practice accuracy was the Kaffe table runner. This month I've been using more of the HST's to continue some colour play with different colours (for me) and geometric arrangements while keeping the HST's points, etc.  I'm not good at this and critical of my efforts even when following someone else's pattern. More about this pattern I'm trying to achieve later. Hopefully, I'll do better with it than I've been so far. 

I ordered this bundle of Lori Holt's fabric line for Riley Blake called Stitch. I really like the turquoise greens and the range of browns too.  I was also intrigued with the motifs mimicking crochet and cross stitching in particular.

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This guy, Petey, is under my feet whether at the computer or the sewing machine. Daughter works from home and he spends his time under her desk so he's just carried on with that I guess. 

Here he is pawing me while his eyes are saying please it's time to play ball, Nana. 

Which I'm off to do now. Hope you all have a great week!

Linking up with the folks at My Corner of the World, Quilt Fabrication and Quilt Paint Create.

Three Free Patterns, Orange in the Garden and in Reds, Pigeon's Rare Visit

Day lilies are all in bloom. So many striking colours it's hard to choose one to show you. But this orange is so bright it's like a blinding orange is what I'm calling it. Reminiscent of the poppies I shared last month. 

Here is a visitor we had for one day last week. Have never seen a Rock Dove (Pigeon) here before. It was of interest to see he was sporting bands on both legs and they were different. Wouldn't it be interesting to know this fellow's history!

Ned enjoyed keeping a close eye on him.

LeeAnna's at Not Afraid of Color prompt this week was to name a food we especially enjoy in the summer time. I do love all the summer fruits and this one immediately came to my mind. Fresh cherries. When they become available I eat quite a few.  Below is my goat cheese with red chili jelly topping on rye bread little lunch. Do you share my love of cherries?

 And do you have an Idea Notebook?  I've mentioned before I love notebooks and always have one at hand to jot down things/ideas/writing, etc. to remember.  I haven't cottoned on to doing that on my computer though I do use my phone to take pictures of things I want noted. 

This week I took a little break from the dogs each day while Hubby kept an eye on them. That gave me a chance to spend some time at the machine and finish a number of these four patch blocks for the redworked Flight of Fancy project.  The colours are very warm and give me a cosy and good feeling whenever I'm in the room. I did a little research and found out that the warm reds are the ones biased towards orange. So that is a thing and these must be warm reds. Someone asked so I'm going to see if I can get some close up photos of the embroideries. 

Thursday's Three Free

Becky Goldsmith and the crew at Piece O' Cake have put together a  group of very cute free e patterns found at that link.  For instance, there you will find the pattern for the Tisket Tasket Basket that a lot of folks are making and also the wonderful Searching for Beauty project.  In the video below, Becky chats about background fabrics. Speaking of backgrounds, that is a gorgeous winter/Christmas quilt behind her.

All People Quilt I was struck by a particular quilt designed by Avis Shirer.  A simple fruit outline to applique using pretty spring/summery fabrics. You'll find the pear pattern and tutorial there at that link.

I Love Quilting Forever has this gorgeous free pattern, Abundance. 

And here is the link to their Free pattern cache to explore.

And for my embroidering friends, generous Amina at Stitch Floral has many free patterns to download. At that link you will find three patterns for pretty potted plants. 

I've made note of her Tulip pattern.

I thank you all for your visit here today and I hope you found something that will encourage you to visit me again. 

Sharing this post with Floral Friday Foto, A Stitch in Time, Kathy's Quilts, Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts and Alycia Quilts.

Het Klossie Challenge, Panama Pyramids, Labrador Love, Flight of Fancy Fabrics

 Even in what I think is the fulsome of summer, a little nagging thing has happened. Hubby pointed out that the light is fading a tiny tab bit earlier each day. As much as the continual heat waves and humidity are unwanted, the thought of the summer fading is not a good one.  

So just have to enjoy the growth while we can. Below is a neglected part of the garden behind the house. With so much in the front areas to maintain, this bit gets left out often.  The blue flowering bush hides the ac unit and I'm not sure what that undergrowth is. It is quickly taking over this area this summer.

August days have brought bright sunshine, heat wave warnings...35 C here on Saturday.  Heavy downpours of rain late evening the last two days have kept everything hydrated and blooming well despite the scorching heat. 

Many hummingbirds around this summer...not the easiest bird to photograph because they tend to flit about like the butterflies. 

The three Labradors are together again! Tail wag blur there. You can guess what Tony is saying. 

Time to share more of the EPP worked scrappy Panama Pyramids. A variety of colours this time. I will have to dig out my scant orange fabric if I am to join the August RSC party.

 I really should press these a little before showing.                              And I've been auditioning fabrics for the Flight of Fancy birds. Love these warm reds with a little cream too. Have to make a decision and begin the machine stitching of the 4 patch blocks this week.  I have yet to see a Magpie here but was delighted to watch many of them while visiting Alberta a couple of times.

Speaking of creams, the folks at  Het Klossie have started another challenge, this one called Kniertje Challenge using light, meduim and dark blues with ecrus.  You can find the free pattern downloads at that link. 

I am ever so tempted.  I really enjoyed the project I made with one of their earlier challenges. That one with reds and white. 

This week I will be keeping the three dogs busy and happy.  No doubt the extra walks will do me good too.  Take care all!

I'm linking this post with Linda's Tuesday's To Do Party post where she shares her own Peanut Butter Cookie recipe and also that a Christmas Squirrel got into her sewing room!

Also sharing with Quilt Fabrication, Brian's Home Blog, Life in the Scrapatch, Quilting Patchwork Applique and My Corner of the World. 

Three Free Patterns, Wildlife, Jackrabbit Cross Stitching, Favourite Sun Block Cream

 So what do you think? Lining one of the tunnels for a nest perhaps? Update...I've been told he/she is probably storing food for the winter.

The three small groundhogs, the chucklings, seem to have disappeared. I read they move on to establish their own territory and I hope that is true. This bigger one is spotted in the front yards nowadays often tearing chunks of grass. I've read a lot about groundhogs/woodchucks and have enjoyed observing and photographing them up close. Mid summer amusement. 

I've also enjoyed a few calm early mornings laying stitches on my beautiful Jackrabbit. Ran into a hitch when I realized I don't have enough Gentle Art's Aged Pewter thread that is the lighter grey forming the diamond pattern-which is a bit tricky to stitch and I have to really pay attention to the counting. 

 I've put in an order to 123 Stitch.Com; they provide the quickest service. Of course a couple of other things wound up in the cart. :D

Our prompt from LeeAnna this week was what is our favourite sunscreen. A good question as it took me ages to find one that I could wear on my face. I wear any old thing on my arms and the backs of my hands but for my face I wanted something different. It couldn't stay white-ish or be too greasy but yet have a good sun protection number. I finally found this one and do like it. On my second container this summer.

 It combines a face cream with SPF30. So I'm very happy to share this with you. Very reasonably priced as well and found on  Amazon if you would like to check it out. 

*I am not affiliated with any of the companies, etc. I mention on this blog. 

BTW, Thank you all for the kind comments about my finish I shared in  the last post. Basket Case was a joy from start to finish!

Three Free On a Thursday

At Quilting Cubby you will find the tutorial on how to make this summery Diamond String quilt. I like how they've chosen a bright to be a constant throughout the project. Really sets it off.

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Flutterby Effect from Live Art Gallery An amazing table runner with stars and big stitch quilting from The Wannabe Grandma. That would be Alexa and she has a great site to check out too. Sorry I couldn't upload a photo.  First link leads to the free pattern so you can see it for yourself. 

Easy stitching this one- Harvest Runner from Robert Kaufman Designs using gorgeous fall like batiks.

Kitty And Me Designs has some sweet free cross stitch designs. Like this one...thinking ahead to a little Halloween stitching.

Elegant Vine Applique with Yoko Saito, one of my heroes. Wow, so fast and yet even with the stitching. 

I miss applique and need to get a project prepped.  And I do have one in the queue, of course. A project found at Timeless Traditions called Sweet and Simple designed by the talented Norma Whaley. Can't wait to get this one started. I love the adorable designs and will have fun picking out fabric for this. 

Hope there is something fun, interesting and engaging in your day!

Sharing this post with Kathy's Quilts, Love Laugh Quilt and Small Quilts and Doll Quilts. 

Redworked Birds- Flight of Fancy, Basket Case Finish, Quartet in Autumn, Petey Posing

 I'd mentioned that I had to go out shopping.  That morning I stood in our closet completely stumped as to what to wear. I have a goodly amount of clothes so why it is such a chore sometimes to pick out a top and bottom is kind of ludicrous. I left and went to a window to look at the sky which told me nothing because I already knew it was very hot outside with the sun splitting the rocks, as we used to say at home. I decided to wear linen which is a difficult material but breezy.  I would sacrifice a wrinkle free appearance for comfort, I finally decided. 

Am I the only one who gets wracked by indecision in their own closet?? Perhaps I just don't go out enough anymore. Anyway, after successfully dressing myself, Thrifting was a huge success! I'll share the spoils soon.

Meanwhile, I had my OMG for July finished in the nick of time ( but not to post). It is soft and cozy and I had the thought that it would have made a wonderful lap quilt if I'd omitted the medallion center and made it a little larger.  Made a completely different quilt really is what I mean I guess, :D.  It is 43 x 43 so fairly large as is. Here is Basket Case in the last day of July 2022 sunshine, ghostly hands and all!  Michelle Ridgway basket pattern and inspiration!

So what's next up to be my August OMG?  I decided it is time for the Redworked Birds to get their day in the sunshine too.  Flight of Fancy by Crabapple Hill Studio. They've been patiently waiting for more than ten years now (!!). Definitely a UFO if age has anything to do with it. All backstitch embroidery.

 When I went to a fabric shop, that mottled ecru fabric is what the lady picked out for me and I didn't have the voice to say I didn't really care for it so bought it anyway. She thought it looked like sky so would suit a bird project. Pretty sure that would not happen to me now. At the time I was just here, new to this province and feeling a bit fragile. Stitching these birds gave me a lot of simple enjoyment and  actually grounded me so I have a soft spot for them. 

There are 12 of these embroidered 16 inch squares and I need to sew the 13 four patch blocks to alternate. I do remember why this project got shelved. The alternate blocks are reds in stripes and I had none of that kind of fabric at the time.  And I didn't have the wherewithall to know what to substitute instead.  I have the fabrics now to do justice to those alternating blocks.

I'll get that started this week and also take better photos to show you some of the embroidery. 

Reading this week is Quartet in Autumn by British novelist, Barbara Pym. I love her writing and am enjoying this one so much. It's about two spinsters and two bachelors who work in the same office for decades. She captures the everyday bits, the eccentric qualities of the four, and the overall abiding loneliness of their lives so well. And yet, not depressing just interesting. 

I'll leave you with this photo of Petey posing nicely. The three Labradors will be together again at the end of this week when Daughter and family take their annual trip to Newfoundland. Ned will be in heaven!

 

Take care all!

Linking this post with Texas Quilt Gal, Life in the Scrapatch, A Stitch in Time, My Quilt Infatuation, Wendy's Quilts and More, Alycia Quilts and Quilt Fabrication. 

Three Free Patterns, Kaffe Table Runner, Wheel Within a Wheel Progress, Me in the Garden

The deer have been around and gnawed down a couple of hosta plants; here they eat the same one and leave all the rest. 

I've finished the impromptu/squirrel project, the Kaffe Table Runner. It finished at 13 by 25 inches. I enjoyed the hand quilting part of this project and how it used up some very old scraps.

I decided, because it was geometrical, I would try some rounded edges for the quilting as contrast. Sharing with the Purple Party at So Scrappy.

I cut a cardboard template and used my hera tool to make the quilting lines. 

Then I cut down the template to make a smaller leaf.  I think it is enough and looks okay. 

I've been sorting and cutting pieces for more of the Wheel Within a Wheel blocks. I still don't have four completely together to show you the other "wheels" that go with them. These are big at 18 inch squares and I am really enjoying working with the colours and fabrics. 

LeeAnna's prompt this Thursday was to name a favourite piece of summer clothes.  I'll share this photo with you because I am wearing my favourite summer clothing item, my straw hat. This was taken August 26, 2018 a few days past my birthday. I know this because I posted it to Facebook to thank folks for the birthday wishes. Our front walkway and I'm puzzled why the hydrangeas are the odd colour they are and yet the yellow Ligularia are in bloom which only happens in August. 

 I don't go out without my hat in the summertime to the point now I feel naked without it. It was bought in a specialty shop where the owner makes hats...quite expensive at the time but I've certainly gotten my use of it and it is still as good as new. With my Vitiligo I am very sun shy. 

Perhaps you'd like to share what your favourite summer clothing is.??

Thursdays's Three (or Four) Free Patterns

Another of the pretty chandelier quilt patterns.

This combines two familiar blocks to create a beautiful effect. It is called Le Chandelier and the free pdf is Here. I found it at a site called I Love Quilting Forever and at their link you will find a variety of chandelier quilt patterns. 

This one below is called Picnic at Daybreak and the pattern is found at Moda's huge free pattern bank.  Link to this pattern! I chose it because I'm still in a red, white and blue plus baskets kind of mode. 

Here's a definite summer time pattern.  Ice Lollies to be found at the Craft With Cartwright site. Perfect stitching for these hot July days. 

I must admit I really like this one combining two loves. Link is here.

Loads and loads of stuff there to explore including this to check out for embroiderers.

Talented and generous Ruth is the lady behind this very dynamic site offering recipes, DIY ideas, etc. in addition to the stitchy stuff. Definitely worth checking out!

I'm going out thrifting this weekend and so looking forward to that. Wish me luck! And I hope there is something fun happening for each and every one of you too. 
Happy to link with For the Love of Geese, Kathy's Quilts, Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, Quilting Patchwork Applique, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, Love Laugh Quilt and My Quilt Infatuation.

Four Favourite Things, Floral Motif Sampler Finish, Basket Case Near Finish

The Wooden House in July Showing Hydrangeas

 We had to set the alarm twice last week which is just so odd for us. One morning we had workers coming to work on concrete and stones and the other morning, we had a vet check up appointment for Ned.  He goes to the doctor more often than I do. Anyway, such is the life of the retired and grateful I am for every minute of it.

Four things I love in this photo below...my tabletop Ott Lite, my Mama Bird mug which holds a lot of coffee or tea, my Morris bag which held my Floral Motif Sampler cross stitch project and my too pretty to write in Naturalist's Notebook.

That beautiful book, a gift from my sister, is a 5-Year Natural History Journal. It is perfect for the person who notices and likes to keep track of nature's happenings around them whether urban or rural. On my August birthday,  I intend to make a start in it. 

And the cross stitched Floral Motif Sampler is a finish now to finally share with you.

It is 15 by 19 inches and was begun January 21 as my New Year start. Begun on a stormy day with the world winter white I might add. 

Stitched two over two on 28 count Winter Moon Cashel linen.

Now to do, dig out The Jackrabbit and tiny handsewn needlebook to restart this one. 

On the Sewing Room table is Basket Case nearing the end of its journey.

 I have to choose a binding fabric. I checked back with Michelle and learned she had used a brown neutral so that gives me some ideas. Hopefully this will be finished this week too. 

 Cooler today, a nice break from the heat, and great walking weather. Ned already had a little chase after a deer down by the pond.  No leash this time to cause me issues. 

Join me if you can on Thursday when I will be sharing more free beauties. 

Sharing this post with Texas Quilt Gal's, Alycia Quilts, Floral Friday Foto, Creations...Quilts, Art, Whatever and Quilt Fabrication linky parties.