Wednesday 22 September 2021

Rule #7, Embroidered Primitive Mini Quilt, Links, Shopping

 Rule #7 All life on earth is vulnerable. Money, intellect, education or prestige don't protect against all the ills that can befall us. So there is nothing that has happened to me or will happen to me where I can say those two little words, why me.  While I didn't say that out loud when I lost everything in the fire, a part of me inside felt let down by the universe.

 I'd been through enough by then with my various losses to know I wasn't special enough to be given a free pass from bad things (during those times I got a lot from reading the book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner)  but I did think of myself as a good person going through life trying my best to do good. It felt like because I'd had those bad experiences and survived, I'd paid my dues, that I'd earned protection from further bad things happening to me. How could that be my pay back I thought. Nonsensical I know, especially when I would remind myself that nothing I'd been dealt was directly life threatening like so many many face. I'm  ashamed to admit I was bitter for a month or two. before common sense took over and righted my thoughts, thankfully.  Aging is going to present challenges I know; perhaps I'll have a better perspective. 

Ok, enough about that...on to the good stuff that we all enjoy and love. For instance, with continuing warm temperatures, the autumn garden is still pretty. In particular, the pink Sedum has thrived.

All the yellow Ligularia in this garden is the Brit Marie Crawford strain which is known for its gigantic elephant ear leaves. Here the Sedum is a standout with Lavender on the left and one of the mauve Asters in front. Coral Bells peaking on the lower right. Any purple to be seen is Lavender.
Neddy down by the pond. Wild Goldenrod flourished this year and with the warmth, is still blooming.
This week I sewed a primitive style mini quilt. I've often mentioned how much I love pumpkins. I drew this very simple pumpkin shape, embroidered chain stitch to get full coverage on a small scrap of dark gray fabric. I used the most orange DMC, #740, that I had.

A little Kaffe material (I think) from the scrap bag for the border.

And embroidered the word Pumpkins on the other side. Funny about colours in photos; this is actually the same green as the stalk on the front. 

I'll probably use it for a mug rug. A fun little project. And here is the link to the Pinterest site, Mug Rug Halloween that features 630 Halloween/Autumn mug rug ideas.  All so cute and many many free patterns.
Stitching this weekend will be working on evening up the sides of my Tumbling Stars panels. I think I have enough sewn for a single bed size now and it's time to gather ideas for borders. All happy stitching for me. This is definitely my most ambitious hand pieced project to date.
We bought ourselves two items to celebrate our summer birthdays. One was the Nespresso machine and the other was a Cubii elliptical machine, not quite as much fun.   I've been using it while watching tv which you can because it is very quiet.  As a committed multi tasker, I think it is wonderful.  Strong legs are important for balance so hopefully this activity, even while seated, will help somewhat. 

New mug from Walmart with words I couldn't resist. Link is here if you'd like to order one.

Hope your week has been a great one and your weekend will include some stitchy time.

So happy too to link with these fine parties... Not Afraid of ColorLife in the ScrapatchTexas Quilt GirlThe Inquiring QuilterMy Quilt InfatuationConfessions of a Fabric AddictAlycia QuiltsSo ScrappyKathy's Quilts and Quilt Fabrication







30 comments :

Nancy J said...

The Cubit machines are SO expensive here, Hugh bought a similar one for less than a 1/3 of the price, he likes it. Coffee machine, I see here you can get re-useable pods that you put your own coffee in, that would make it very attractive for me.Do you like yours?

Jenny said...

How does your garden grow? Very nicely, I have to say, full of beauty and lovely colours! I have seen that exercise machine on TV, we have something similar where the feet go around in a circular motion, and try to use it every day. This machine was recommended for Robin's upcoming knee replacement.
Your pumpkin stitchery is very cute, you have done a wonderful job there.

Jenny said...

How does your garden grow? Very nicely, I have to say, full of beauty and lovely colours! I have seen that exercise machine on TV, we have something similar where the feet go around in a circular motion, and try to use it every day. This machine was recommended for Robin's upcoming knee replacement.
Your pumpkin stitchery is very cute, you have done a wonderful job there.

Jackie said...

I love your pumpkin mug rug. I need to check out that site.

God bless.

Brian's Home Blog said...

We like Rule #7. Your flowers are really, really pretty and so are your pumpkins!

Angie said...

Jocelyn - guess what? You are human. We all have times that we feel sorry for ourselves, and suspect that the "universe" is out to get us. I think it is necessary to feel those things before we can move on ... The fall garden photos are lovely. And what a clever way to make a pumpkin shape!

Linda said...

I had the same thoughts after going through rough times - I should have been given a pass. I found that it was easy for me to be philosophical about other folks' trying times, but quite difficult to get myself through them! Prayer has been my sustaining force.

Your garden is so beautiful! Your mention of sedum took me back to childhood when Mom planted some sedum seeds. I got a new perspective on "flowers" as we enjoyed the chunky red blooms.

LOVE your pumpkin! I've never "filled" a space with stitches and am admiring how good that looks! It looks like a satisfying and fun project.

Thanks for linking to To Do Tuesday! :)

Carol in Texas said...

Jocelyn, I have been thumbing through your last posts to see more of your rules. I wish you would gather them up and make them a printable list…..I like them all! Some I really need to work on….especially that posture one!!!!! About the walking, I was asking my doctor about memory pills advertised on TV. She said there were no medications proven to help, but what had been proven to help memory was a 30 minute walk a day. How easy is that! And it costs nothing…..just the effort and the will. I am at least a decade older then you are, so keeping my sanity is a hopeful goal of mine. I do so enjoy your blogs, and thank you for sharing your rules with your readers. Also….your garden is beautiful!

Carol in Texas said...

I tried to comment and it vanished!

Sherrie said...

Hi Jocelyn,
Your flowers are beautiful, really like those tall yellow ones. Your Pumpkin Mug Rug is awesome...thanks for sharing link...I'll be checking this one out. I love your Tumbling Blocks..so colorful. And the cup is really cute. Have a great day!

Jenn Jilks said...

That must have been a shock to lose everything. I am so sorry. Your attitude is great, however. Too many times TV interviews show people devastated, rather than the people who are grateful to be alive.

I love this time of year. Your crafts are amazing. I have lacked motivation for a bit. You inspire.

Rosemary Dickinson said...

We experienced 3 deaths in the span of a few months. It was such a difficult time for us. It's never easy but somehow, you get through it. It does make you wonder why. We all just do the best we can. I think our sewing/quilting gets us through the tough times. Love your pumpkin mug rug. Beautiful flowers!

PaintedThread said...

LOL. Love your mug. Your pumpkin is super cool. We have so much goldenrod in our yard! Bad things can come out of the blue - I try to be grateful for all the things that go right.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Your embroidered pumpkin mat is just adorable, Jocelyn! I love the orange floss on the dark background - fun border, too. I'm enjoying your rules! I think it's not unusual for each of us to to wonder, "Why me?" when bad things happen. It's good to get past that and realize everyone has "stuff" happen.

Michele McLaughlin said...

I can't believe how big Neddy is getting! It seems like it was just yesterday he was a wee pup! You might want to read a good book that came out years ago but I always felt useful. It's called Necessary Loses by Judith Viorst and I've probably referred to that book more time than I can remember! Anyway, it might help. Anyway, I love your beautiful mug rug and your new quilt top is lovely, will you applique the border? Have a lovely and safe weekend!

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

I thought about what Carol was commenting on - a list of the rules. I was going to copy the rules and set them up because we all need them.

I will say that after the 7 years of bad things coming our way, I feel now for sure that we are placed where God wants us - Now I am not sure about the fire you were speaking of that you experienced, but I can certainly understand.

I held resentment for all the bad things we have gone through, and feel blessed that we made it through them without jumping off a cliff! So hang in there, from now on the road can get rough, as I have learned, and I am trying to enjoy each day! Some days I just want to go to bed and put the covers over my head, but won't do that.

I have walked every day for the last 40 years. At 76 (almost 77) I can do the 20 minute mile and 30 minutes 1 and 1/2 miles. It does provide better days.

Lovely post! Hugs

Home Sewn By Us said...

Hi Jocelyn! Your new purchase, the elliptical machine, looks pretty nifty. I've seen them advertised on TV and wondered if they were effective. I have a recumbent stationary bike that I use more frequently during the winter. It's not small so there's no TV watching while riding it but that would probably make me use it more often! Your pumpkin turned out so cute! It makes me smile just looking at it. The flowers look so pretty and Neddy looks quite hidden they are so tall. {{Hugs}} to you and Happy Friday. ~smile~ Roseanne

QuiltGranma said...

Beautiful garden, my Autumn Sedum Joy are looking lovely now too. They are between Indian Blanket flower a d Rosemary, not as pretty an arrangement as you have. I've had Why Me too. I guess our Lord is teaching me patience. 'in His time, not mine.

Susie H said...

It's so easy to take unhappy/uncomfortable events in our lives personally. Your opening paragraph gives great perspective. I absolutely LOVE your pumpkin mug rug. What a great idea to just embroider it up. Not so hard but very impressive statement for Autumn.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Oh your sedum is lovely. I have a tote full that the kids brought me after a landscape job. It has been in that tote for months. When I have a few minutes I plant a couple. Reading your first paragraph I can so relate. Love your pumpkin and your tumbling blocks. Oh and the dog coffee cup is a definite smile maker.

audrey said...

What a healthy attitude, not allowing bitterness to overcome you in the end. Now that I'm middle aged, I can see that sometimes its a challenge to not get weighed down by the heavy things in life. A connection to nature {such as your walks and gardening and such} is obviously very helpful too. That's something that I struggle with, getting enough daylight time outdoors to enjoy the simple things. Love your Tumbler block handwork project. Coming along very nicely!

Angela said...

I love your pumpkin! The universe has your back and all that you encounter in life can be used for your good. It just doesn't always feel that way.

Quilter Kathy said...

What a lovely fall treasure you created!
I love everything pumpkins!

Karrin Hurd said...

I love your pumpkin! Thanks so much for the link! Hope you have a great week!

The Joyful Quilter said...

Your pumpkins will make a darling mug rug! Thank you for passing along the project link.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I have learned that using the term 'why me' doesn't always apply - most often it's more like 'why NOT me'.
Your garden looks so pretty - sometimes I think a fall garden is the nicest, mainly because of the wonderful colours.

Floor said...

Everyone has that sometimes, you worry and become gloomy. Fortunately, that usually passes and you can enjoy small things again.
The sun, the flowers in the garden or sewing on your quilts.
The Cubii elliptical machine seems very nice to use, I am not familiar with it at all. Will also search the internet here.
Have a nice day.
Greetings,
Floor

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

Your pumpkin mini is juyst perfect for this time of year. and Wow! the color in your gardens!

Jennifer Fulton Inquiring Quilter said...

Your garden is so lovely and that is such a blessing. Love your sweet little pumpkin project. Thanks for sharing on Wednesday Wait Loss.

Sandra Walker said...

Sorry I missed this post somehow...Such a sweet mug rug - love how you filled it in with chain stitch. I also love the name of your dog, Neddy. :-) That was my stuffed donkey I had as a very young child, lasted through all four of us siblings. :-) The warm temps were just fabulous this year weren't they? My sedum got trampled by an electrician hooking up the mini-split for our upper level renovation, but it came back pretty decent. Fingers crossed it will thrive like yours in the next year or two!