Worthy Thursday Things

In the middle of the night I had a couple of ideas for this post but I didn't have enough wakey sense to write them down. But believe me, they were brilliant.

I've been wanting to share this lamp, a gift I received from Hubby's former in laws a few years ago.  I was happy that they had accepted me and took the time to pick out such an appropriate gift for a stitcher. It is very special to me.

March Winds Vintage Hummel- always have loved these. Do any of you?


I'm liking learning how NOT to scorch my fingers while getting a hang of how to use this wee little bitty iron! That long steel bit in the middle gets hot.

Enjoyed this little series very much.  Manhunt starring a much thinner Martin Clunes than I'm used to.   Manhunt link at IMDB  Wish they'd make more.



Been on Nana duty a few days this week. Little grandson was spiking a fever off and on. You know it gives me joy to be able to be with him. He said the first morning...
"Nana I have a serious cough so no hugging today."

I think I'll share a few basket projects that I've come across in my research.  I've been inspired by so many of you with your sweet basket designs.  I bought this pattern from Allie Oops Designs shop a few years ago.  It features the Loaves and Fishes, based on the famous Bible story many of us grew up with.

                                     
 Allie's FaceBook Group continues to grow and she is very generously offering many of her patterns for free. Check it out at Allie-Oops Designs.

Speaking of baskets, I've had a little time this week to work on mine. Twigged the pattern to make it slightly smaller and have worked out a system for ironing and basting the edges, then sewing them in place. I'm enjoying using this Sulky silk type thread...the stitches disappear.

At the  Sulky of America site you can check out lots of free stuff, patterns and also videos like this one  featuring how to use crayons to tint cloth...a favourite technique of Meg's at Crab Apple Hill Studio. Update: A little weird...the wrong video is here and I can't get rid of it. Sorry.

I've been steadily working through my bin of larger scraps and sewn quite a few string blocks with them. Mindless sewing is good!  But how can there still be so many scraps left?
 It is almost reckoning day when I try out the idea I had. Wish me luck!

I looked at this photo with a fresh eye...spying for the first time how strings have been used in those diagonal background stripes.  Interesting use of colour- restrained and so effective.

On the pole by the pond, lucky to grab these shots of a northern flicker.  We see them frequently around the edges of the tree line, sometimes venturing onto the lawn on the west side of the house.  Strong bird but very shy.  These took lots of cropping to get to this point.
Spied the beak first.

I think he was taking a moment to enjoy the sunshine which we too are enjoying lately. The black bib, black spotted belly and the yellow tail feathers make him a Yellow Shafted Northern Flicker.

Can't blame him for savouring the warmth there after the winter we've had.

Anyone interested in writing their memoirs? Recommended by a facebook friend;I've read the reviews on this book and think it looks as good as these type of books get.  Amazon link is here.
                                  

I treated myself- meted them out so as not to give myself sugar overload because I wanted to eat them all. (Sorry Hubby.) So it seems my love of marshmallow and chocolate has not abated, no sireee, not one bit.
                                        
I hope there is something creative, inspirational, or tasty in your day!
Lots more to see at Not Afraid of Color, New Thursday 13, Sew Fresh Quilts, My Quilt Infatuation, Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, and Paying Ready Attention.