Thursday 19 November 2020

Whimsical Foxes, Applique, Christmas Quilting Tutorials, Netflix Viewing

You know I like whimsical...especially involving mice, fox, deer, dogs, bunnies; well I guess any critters actually. I love the details in this scene below. 

Snug little fox with her knitting, cup of tea and pizza slice. And note the dream catcher on the wall and the tiny cowboy boots.  Does a scene like this make you feel cosy and snug too? As far as I can find out this illustration is from a children's book called Jezeva Kucica by Branko Copic.  Translation, The Hedgehog's House. If you know more about the artist, please let me know. 

And another fox paused for portraits beside our house in September.  It shot across the front yard, only to stop and hang around at the edge of the side lawn. It kept looking back and I wondered what could have frightened it. I've circled him there. 
 I waited and after a while a group of turkeys sauntered out to the bird feeders. Don't think it was them that put him on the run.
And here are the cropped photos; I was very happy to capture this fellow.

 He was heavier with a magnificent tail and healthier looking coat than the one I showed you before. He kept a sharp eye in the direction he had run but gradually settled down and even sat awhile.
Sewing Chat 
 I've been happily working on a little broderie perse which always sounds posh and certainly far more hoity toity than any of my other sewing room endeavors...that's for sure!  There is skill in the choosing, cutting and appliqueing of these flowers if you are fitting the pieces together like a jigsaw puzzle which I'm not. Of course, the Kaffe fabrics with their florid details lend themselves well to this technique.  
I mentioned quite a while ago that I had drawn a basket for a center block of the Basket Case project. And that's what I've cut out the flowers for. Getting this project finished is on my mind but I got a little bogged down in the choosing of the final background fabric....something that would match the two rather dark greys of the small baskets. Finding a good match from my little stash of greys wasn't easy because who knew that not all greys work well together.   Or try to figure out what to order which would complicate it more because choosing colours online is tricky too. Yes, I tend to get overwhelmed sometimes with these tiny tasks so that stalled.  

But I've finally made a choice for better or worse in this grey fabric with a little print and it's a browny grey that coordinates with the others.

😕 Now my next hurdle! I'm stuck on which fabric to choose for the big basket itself. I thought of something bold like the mustard (actually darker than in this photo) which has a brown woven kind of print on it- rather like a basket. Or what about that piece of Laura Ashley paisley fabric I've hoarded for a long time that is brownish grey (actually more grey than in this photo!) and would blend in well in a softer kind of way. Suggestions please???

We've been enjoying this series so much.  I love the era, the clothes, the cars and of course, learning so much about chess.  Beth's story is a riveting one.  The Queen's Gambit on Netflix.

Leila Gardunia has collated twenty video tutorials featuring Christmas Quilting found at this link to_her site. Several of interest to me...something for you too I'm sure. 

I'll leave you today with Murphy greeting Tony back from what was no doubt his last ride of the season last week.  His little biker gang were very fortunate to enjoy riding so late in the season. She likes to have us both around and is always a little unsettled if one of us is gone. 

Hope your week has been grand and your weekend even grander!

30 comments :

Brian's Home Blog said...

That is a very nice looking fox friend! What a fancy hubby ride too. Hey, pizzeles are Italian Waffle Cookies. Thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

mjmaterazo said...

That fox is beautiful! You captured some great pictures. You love in a lovely area. Have. great day.

XO- MaryJo
www.masterpiecesofmylife.com

PS. found you at Thankful Thursday link party.

LA Paylor said...

oooooo I love the fox painting... yes with it's tiny fox portrait on the wall. Your real fox pic is stunning... sitting like Milo does, looking very dog like, no? thanks for the netflix suggestion and the book of ornaments! It may be one I just found,where I found one to make this year

Nancy J said...

I guess your weather is getting heaps colder as we move to summer days very soon.What a great bike, lots safer in my eyes than a 2 wheeler, and a greeting of the best kind. Flowers, those Kaffe fabrics fit right in for your project.

Robin said...

Sweet little illustration of the fox knitting. I enjoy the details of children's illustrators. They are a magic group of artists, I think.
This link will take you to another cute animal picture.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/499477414907951532/

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

The illustration is pretty, I would say it looks cozy and snug. Your real fox is beautiful, a pretty red coat. The basket blocks are lovely, they will make a beautiful quilt. Murphy is a good dog, very protective. Take care, enjoy your day! Happy weekend!

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Awesome photos of the fox. Love your Broderie perse Kaffe fabrics would be awesome for that. Kind of been a temperate fall hasn't it? Your garden with the picture of the fox is so fabulous. I am green with envy. Great likes as always.

Michelle said...

I adore that first illustration with the fox cozy in her home. Just how I like to spend cold, winter nights! Thanks for linking up and have a great weekend.

Libby in TN said...

Men and their toys! (As if we have room to talk ...) I'm leaning toward the mustard/woven basket. I know what you mean about grays -- some are more blue, some are more brown, some have no life at all.

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

that is a neat bike your husband has and it looks safe. What a magnificent fox in all the years we have lived here I have only seen one and that was running across the yard to the forest - our daughter sees them frequently and she is closer to the town then we are I always find that odd.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I love the sweet illustration of the fox in her den - a cup of tea with the slice of pizza made me laugh! The fox in your yard is just gorgeous - very healthy looking. Fun to see your basket project and the broderie perse flowers for it! We'll have to try The Queen's Gambit - I've seen lots of recommendations for it!

Out To Pasture said...

I adore the knitting fox illustration. And of course my eyes went straight to the owl peaking out of the tree cavity. So glad to see your very healthy looking fox. Sadly, this Fall I saw one with the worst case of mange I've ever seen. Well Jocelyn since your viewing taste is so similar to mine, I guess I have to give Netflix another chance. Would love one of those three-wheelers myself!

Rosemary Dickinson said...

What a great looking fox! The ones around my house don't look quite as healthy. Love the flowers you will use for your applique. Such nice colors. Love the picture with the knitting fox! My husband has golf stuff all over the garage. I'm glad he's not into motorcycles too! He has enough toys!

PaintedThread said...

We just started Queen's Gambit. Fascinating story. The fox photos are great. I like the mustard fabric.

grammajudyb said...

What is the bike Tony rides? It looks like a Can-Am Spyder! We have given up our two wheeler! But had great fun on it over the years!

Great photos of your fox visitor. Our daughter would be so jealous!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I love that wonderful illustration - there are so many little details to discover. I'm afraid I haven't heard of that book but it would be a joy to find a copy, if only to see the other illustrations. Your fox is a magnificent one - we have a fox we see off and on here but he/she looks quite scruffy compared to this one.
As for the fabric choice question - could you try changing the photo to black and white and see if that helps with the decision?

Nancy said...

I think tho little knitting fox looks like she's about to drift off. Very sweet painting. Lucky you to have a fox visit you. We sometimes think we smell them (don't they have a musky odor similar to but milder than a skunk?) but we've never seen one near our house.
Your broderie perse flowers look great and I think the background fabric you chose is perfect.

Carolien said...

What a wonderful garden you have! And fox ;)
Happy stitching and have a great weekend!

Dutch greetings, Carolien

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Whimsical foxes! I thought you were talking about Miriam! The real fox, however, is a wonderful creature and it looks to be in peak condition. I am happy that attitudes towards this creature are changing and it is not universally viewed as a villainous varmint to be destroyed.

MissPat said...

I love that Tony has a biker gang. Good for him. We're getting a bonus day a bit warmer and sunny, so I'm going to bring in the hose and tidy the front porch (well, my side, the other side is cluttered with stuff my husband should really put away, but probably won't). I see a fox every once in a while, but don't have binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens, so I never really get a close-up view. Cute illustration . Children's books have some amazing pictures.
Pat

Susie H said...

Your fox pics made me miss the ones that would periodically show up in our yard too. Thank you for the Christmas link of links. Wow! I'm just coming back from that rabbit hole! Lol!

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

Neat pictures of the Fox and Hubby and his Cycle! Looks like fun!

I love your basket project - I you are still looking for a color - pick one from the flowers or from the focus fabric in the basket on the top right. Focus fabrics really help in deciding on colors that will blend, or be recessed.

Have a great week-end! Hug

Carol in Texas said...

We too watched The Queen's Gambit and loved it. We watched the first episode while searching through the myriad choices on Metflix, most of which sound awful. Who watches those things? But this turned out to be a fascinating series. Now season 4 of The Crown is available. It is just excellent. I wish there were more interesting series available. Let me know if you run across any!

dq said...

The view outside the window is so pretty especially with your little visitor.

Michele McLaughlin said...

Gorgeous fox! He looks really healthy! I love your basket/broderie perse project! It's a wonderful mix of techniques and your color choices are spot on! Murphy looks healthy and doing well! Have a wonderful weekend Jocelyn!

Gwyned Trefethen said...

Your Borderie Perse project is going to be stunning, whatever you choose. I'm rather partial Laura Ashley.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

I like the fox image, it is a cozy scene. Cute shot of Murphy and your hubby. The real fox is a beauty! Good luck on your quilt projects. They look pretty. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post! Take care,enjoy your day! Have a happy weekend! PS, thanks so much for leaving me a comment.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

The fox is just gorgeous and does look really healthy. How neat for it to come into the open for you to take pics. I haven't seen one in years! WOW! Enjoy your week ahead!

Linda said...

What a beautiful "real" fox (I love the peek into your magnificent property) and yes that illustration is cozy and sweet. Your broderie perse is arranged beautifully. That is still on my creating bucket list. I like your choice for the background and that mustard looks great for the basket - seems to make the the colors pop. I know what you mean about greys. We had that dilemma when choosing coordinating accent tile for the tile in our shower. We started calling them blue-greys and warm greys.
Thanks for the link to the Christmas tutorials. All I need is to invite another squirrel into my sewing room - lol!

Nastya Kaganowitch said...

Hey! I drew this illustration :-) my instagram: nastya_kaganowitch
glad to see You on my profile