Sunday 28 April 2019

What She Carries

For the last week we've been living in a world that reminded me of the ill fated 1995 Kevin Costner movie, Waterworld. I remember it well because at the time it made me think of the biblical Noah and his Ark story we read as children. Okay and yes probably because it had Kevin Costner in it.☺  Friday was horrible with what I call driving rain....a brisk wind pushing rain sideways which kept up all day.
People near lakes and rivers, of which there are many here, have been flooded and the mayor of Ottawa declared a state of emergency. This enabled the militia to rush to the aid of the many people needing help.  Though there is lots of rain in the forecast for the coming week, there are not the warnings that we just had. Hopefully the floodings will be short lived.

But a weak sun is striving to shine down on my house today. So maybe we can get this spring back on track.

I have learned to have separate containers designated for each of my hand projects. With our t.v. in the basement, I am constantly trotting one or the other down and up.  And I can easily grab one to take with me on my kid sitting nights with older grandson.

 For instance, I like to keep my Appliqued Baskets in this clear pink plastic container.  I think I bought it at Michaels with one of their 50% off coupons and it has served me well. I like that I can see exactly what's in there too.
I'm ready to stitch four more of the tan/brownish baskets.  And have started prepping four more of the yellows.  This is a really fun project with no deadline pressure, etc. I keep another container inside this little tote. I store the needles, thread, glue and scissors, etc. in the old toffee can. I've learned to have all the gear there all the time.
I carry my crochet project, the Sweet Pea CAL, in this cherry red, soft corduroy bag I bought at a local craft fair.  It's large enough to hold several balls of wool and the project for now. Which is also progressing. What a great relaxing hobby for t.v. watching! And pretty colours to work with.
My cross stitched Cornwall Cottage Sampler gets its own little bag too... this DMC one specially designed for stitchery projects.  It has pockets inside and its own little needle keeper place which is very handy.
And my progress to date...I've finished the bottom half of the basket since last report.  Happily, I am still enjoying this stitching and am just as determined to get this piece done soon.  I am also so happy that everything has been lining up properly and dare I say, no unstitching so far!
This is check in week with the SAL hosted by Avis at Sewing Beside the Sea.  We are an international group with a wide variety of projects to share. Very interesting to me.
AvisClaireGunCaroleSueConstanzeDebbieroseChristinaKathyMargaretCindyHelenLindaHeidiJackieSunnyHayleyMeganCatherineDeborahConnieClare, Mary MargaretReneeJennyCarmelaJocelynSharon

I was lucky to catch a couple of photos of our mother robin gathering straw to line her nest. She is spending a lot of time sitting in it now so I think the eggs must be laid. I worried about her during the rain...did she choose a spot with enough bough cover or would she be flung about with the wind or something, but she is a hardy little thing. And her nest is an extraordinary and solid work of nature. Still there.
Two separate trips...such a hard little worker.


Note Murphy up by the pink tote...see her eyes. They are asking me to finish this and get going...it's walk time and we will never forget that. With all the ice finally gone from the trails, Rex and her are finding all kinds of wonderful things to sniff.
So even though I have much more to share, I will stop now.  Hope your Sunday is a wonderful one!

Also wonderful is the chance to join these link up parties...Kathy's QuiltsViewing Nature With Eileen, and Love Laugh Quilt.









25 comments :

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

your Sweet Pea blanket is turning out nicely! don't you just love the colors in this one. I think I will find that the blanket is much easier to crochet then this sweater kit that I was determined I was knowledgeable enough to make - I'm having second thoughts of that as I read these instructions - that are for a "beginner"! there must be a level before beginner as I find I am very puzzled!!
Hope your rain stopped and no flooding for you. I keep projects in boxes also so they are easy to grab although some seem to be out of their boxes more then in them lately

Libby in TN said...

We've had those torrential rains, too. So sad when it comes so hard and fast that the earth can't keep up with it. We have the most beautiful red cardinal and his bride living in one of our trees or bushes. The titmice did their "thing" yesterday so we should be see a passel of young ones this spring. I had a hummingbird briefly visit my window yesterday.

K Reeves said...

I would call that significant progress on your sampler, Jocelyn, as well as the sweet pea blanket and those delightful baskets. This week I must focus on my appliqu, I am ready to be finished with it!

Mary in Peoria Handmade said...

Oh my goodness-what a lot of rain! I enjoyed Waterworld and of course Kevin Costner but that's a lot of water. Love those pretty crochet colors. I keep all my projects in those clear plastic boxes from Joanns's too. Make it so easy. Now, I have several empty which means I'm finishing up stuff, finally. Enjoy your day! mary.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Yes, that is way too much rain but that robin sure must be on a building spree!

Sewing Beside the Sea said...

Looks like you have a very placid robin. The one in my garden seems to be preoccupied with terrorising all the other birdlife around here. Great progress on your SAL project. It's looking close to a finish :-)

Nancy J said...

Great idea to have projects in easy to carry bags and containers. and then along came Murphy. Make the most of those fine days before it gets all too hot/

jenny Ginger Ninja Crafts said...

Your project is looking great Jocelyn and I love seeing how you store all your different works in progress. How cute to see your robin busy with her nest building too x

Anonymous said...

your cross stitch is coming along beautifully
claire93

Pyros & Patch said...

Hi! Sorry if I could not comment on your work,leave you a greeting,in the past few weeks.Due to a violent storm, my internet connection has failed and in addition to damaging the computer has created damage to the central cabin of the network.I hope you will excuse me.I like you stitching and crochet!Very pretty!
Hugs! Carmela

Jenny said...

Hope your rain has abated, But I think you must have sent it over to us down here in New Zealand. It's been raining hard for hours! Luckily we as now home from our road tripping and safely tucked up inside. I enjoy seeing all your projects and how they are coming along. Happy stitching

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Great photos of Mama robin! I like your assortment of project bags. One of my favourite things I have is a Janet Basket - I splurged on one several years ago and haven't regretted it. Beyond that I use various tote bags. Hope the rain has stopped for awhile (we woke up to a snow blizzard yesterday but fortunately it didn't last!)

Renee said...

I hope your weather clears up soon! You are making wonderful progress on your Cornwall Cottage Sampler and I love the colors in your Sweet Pea CAL. Beautiful work!

Quilting Babcia said...

You are so very organized; I need to find my little baskets and start working on them again. We went to visit several of the kids and grandsons this afternoon, and driving along the south short of Lake Ontario we noticed the lake level is extremely high. We all need a lot less rain and strong winds for a while, so things can settle down.

Lin said...

The blanket is looking gorgeous - Lucy picks such beautiful colours. I have a tiny sewing space so I too have learnt over the years that a separate bag/box for different sewing projects or techniques is essential - and I am always looking for an excuse to make another sewing bag! xx

G Adrian, Sweden said...

Tonight the forecast says rain and we do need it! Great idea using boxes for each project!!!!!

Debbie said...

ooooh it appears we have a lot in common. project bags are the best, i have too many, your bags are beautiful!!

i crochet and knit...and most recently i started needle punching (LOVE)!!! your blanket is really beautiful, i learned to crochet after i learned to knit. although i did crochet when i was a teenager...that was a long time ago!!

your needlework is gorgeous...having everything line up is awesome!!

awesome captures of the robin, he/she is quite ambitious in its nest building. it's so fun to watch them!!

I also knit and cook and eat! hehehehe, we are twins!!

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

Beautiful cross stitching project! You are progressing very quickly on this one and your Afghan is beautiful! I have not crocheted in years, but am trying to do better with knitting! It is always nice to have designated places for our projects! Easy to pick up and work on ! Hope the rain settles down - send it to South Texas! LOL

eileeninmd said...

Hello, the windy weather and rain have been awful. I hope you stay safe from flooding. Your projects bags are wonderful, they are handy. I love your cute pup, almost missed Murphy. Cute captures of the Robin and nesting material. Thank you so much for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Monday, enjoy your day! Wishing you a great new week ahead.

CathieJ said...

I like your different project containers. Your pink one looks quite useful. I never saw a DMC tote before. I love watching the birds collect grass and twigs for their nests. So sorry that the rain has causes such problems in your area. It has certainly been a cold and rainy Spring this year even here on Long Island. Not expecting much sun or warmth this week either.

Jenn Jilks said...

That's a very full bog report! I am tired!

Stewart M said...

Floods and robins building nests - the seasons are active indeed!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Sunny said...

I love your cross stitching project -- and am so impressed by all the detail. Looks like you are nearing the end?

Magpie Sue said...

I've also learned the value of keeping projects in containers of their own. And keeping those containers fully stocked! I have to be able to see through them too, otherwise I forget what I've got. You've done very well with your cross stitch. It looks wonderful.

Angie said...

Jocelyn - having special bags/totes for your various projects is an inspired idea. I tend to use one bag for my main project, and everything else is in a plastic grocery bag (gasp!) Why haven't I thought of this before? Mrs. Robin does look quite industrious - I just wondered how she could see to fly anywhere?