Tuesday 27 September 2022

Scrappy Projects, Autumn Bouquet, One Monthly Goal, QAL News, Muffins by Ina

I don't make many indoor bouquets anymore even though that is something I enjoy having; I leave it for the bees and insects. But I couldn't resist the beautiful contrast of the purple Asters and the mustard yellow Goldenrod. There are three varieties of  autumn Asters here, pale blue and white as well as the purple New England Asters.

It felt like a quilt making day on Friday.  The walk early morning was one with a bracing wind in my face. 2C overnight but the wind definitely made it feel colder.  I was thankful I'd opted for my heavier jacket, woolen headband and gloves. I stood around by the pond where it is always breezier and felt the cobwebs being blown away.  Ned amused himself by finding a very large, awkward stick that he insisted on bringing home even though it hooked into everything along the way.  Autumn weather always makes me feel energetic, happy to enter the warm house and get at things. 

Instead of reading or writing over the coffee I took it to the sewing room and jumped in. And here is my result...the scrappy 1 1/2 inch pieces are all sewn together.  These were cut with scissors so I was very pleased how they mostly fit together without a lot of finagling on my part.

I'm on the hunt now for sashing fabrics this week.  I couldn't resist sewing some of the tinier pieces left over from the scraps, yes scraps from scraps! together. There is an idea percolating for using this...if I do I will be happy with how I used scraps this month as Karnak also used up some scrappy fabrics.
My September OMG was to sew the Karnak hanging and it is all done and dusted. Last look before it takes up its spot on the wall in daughter's home office. Thanks to Tessellate Textiles for the fairly easy yet interesting project.
 New to me is the fact that Anna Maria Horner creates beautiful needle point canvases. Needlepointing used to be my favourite stitching hobby along with embroidery including crewel. I did both for many decades with a little knitting and crocheting occasionally. You've heard me say that when I can no longer cross stitch I intend to return to needlepoint. These beauties of Anna Maria's make me want to start that now. This one is called "Morning Duet". You can see more of her stunning designs here.

                              

I promised QAL news and here is one that is free. The Moda Fabrics Blockheads is ongoing. Many designers are sharing their creativity to engage quilters with innovative blocks. One that caught my eye was Block-berry by Jackie MacDonald of Sweetfire Road.  I think Kathy at Kathy's Quilts  is using her pretty version of this block as her header these days.  

To bake this week...Barefoot Contessa's Chunky Banana Bran Muffins.  I have all the ingredients ready to go.  Are you an Ina Fan?
Thank you all who shared your favourite movies in the comments Last Post. We do seem to like Sleepless in Seattle, the Harry Potter movies, and anything with Tom Hanks in it and Deb reassured me she'd read he really is a nice guy.  It would be disappointing to find out he wasn't which is how I also feel about Ryan Reynolds. For Mom it was always Carol Burnett she hoped was nice in person. Do you have a star you feel like that about?

Also how many folks all over the world covered text books with brown paper was such a surprise! Who knew what a common practice that was!

Stitching -wise...October OMG decision making is on my agenda today. What's on yours?

 Happily linking up with Texas Quilt GalFloral Friday FotoQuilt FabricationAlycia QuiltsTrue Blue QuiltsWendy's Quilts and MoreCreations, Quilts, ArtTraffic Jam WeekendQuilting Patchwork AppliqueQuilting is More Fun Than HouseworkFrom Bolt to Beauty, The Inquiring Quilterand Brian's Home Blog

31 comments :

Libby in TN said...

My mother was a needlepointer (among many other arts). I've been thinking about getting back into cross-stitching, but needlepoint might be easier on my aging eyes ... but, then, I'd have to invest in new materials when I already have boxes of floss ...

grammajudyb said...

Oh my! Lovely fall bouquet! I need to grow Asters. Will your tiny scrappy pieces become a table runner. It's fabulous. Know your daughter is anxious to hand Karnak!
I sure like watching Ina Garten. I haven't made many of her recipes. I'm a reluctant baker. I always make such a mess!!!! Then eat too much cause I love sweets.

Julierose said...

Needlepoint was my favorite craft when my children were growing up--so nice and portable--that and crewel too. I haven't done it in years; I find that the kits are super $$-ey these days..I love your little sqs project--so pretty...very seasonal I think. Nice work ;))) hugs, Julierose

Carolyn said...

I love the picture of your dog carrying the stick. It pretty much made my day!

Jenn Jilks said...

You do amazing work, but Ned seems to work the hardest!

piecefulwendy said...

Ned and the stick - haha! Your bouquet is lovely. I am a fan of Ina; one of my favorite recipes of hers is her Guacamole Salad (I think that's what it's called). So good, although I don't make it much now because hubs doesn't like spicy. Make my mouth water, though!

loulee said...

Your scrapper and Karnak both look stunning.

Robin said...

It sure made me smile to see Ned with his stick. I did a lot of needlepoint in the past. It was such a satisfying hobby. I have 3 of my pieces and 2 of mother's framed and hanging in my house. When my son and his family moved downstairs I had to find room for some of the pieces upstairs so there really is more needlepoint on my walls that I would prefer. But, I still really like it. And yes, I'm definitely an Ina fan.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

That is a very pretty bouquet, Jocelyn! I brought in a small bouquet this week, too - it's been so enjoyable to have flowers on the table. I love your scrappy patchwork squares piece - so much fun color! Karnak looks like it turned out beautifully, too. I'm spending a little time with Tom H. each day this week, listening to him read The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. Very enjoyable!

cityquilter grace said...

love ina's recipes but they make far too much for one, though do indulge now and then....another good movie is 'wild mountain thyme' a very cute romance set in ireland...

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

was the last hurricane anywhere near you? A nice chilly bracing walk can be so invigorating. All the quilts you show are really nice

PaintedThread said...

Ned looks so proud with that stick. Love your little scrappy squares. OMG, I'd be devastated if Ryan Reynolds isn't a nice guy (I think he's so cool!).

Gads - I still haven't done my August OMG. Maybe I'll shoot for an OMG for November. :-)

Jackie said...

Oh my, I haven't done needlepoint in years. Perhaps like you when I can no longer cross stitch.

Your wall hanging is lovely. I do like the idea of using up the scraps from scraps.

God bless.

Out To Pasture said...

Such pretty things, Jocelyn! I especially like your wild aster bouquet and also hesitate to cut them, thinking of our bees. Loved the snap of Ned with his oversized trophy.

Susie H said...

Wow! Jocelyn, I love the needlepoint you picked out and I also liked Zinnia. Anna Marie's designs are gorgeous! If you can get your hands on Kaffe Fassett's book "Bold Blooms", I think you'd love to browse some of the photos in it. It's available at my library and I have made a note that one day I'd check it out, take it to the needlepoint store for the base and yarns and then make some of his designs. The only thing is is it would be counted needlepoint but oh my goodness, they're beautiful!

The banana muffins sound good and, yes, I like Ina also. Ned with his big stick cracked me up. We had a labbie that also loved toting a stick around. Good memories. Have a wonderful day! I love your posts.

Lorraine said...

What a beautiful bouquet. Love the asters this time of year. I'm enthralled with those little squares. Beautiful little gems put to good use.

Sandy Panagos said...

Just love that wall hanging!

Angie said...

Jocelyn - I think my garden, after 4 years, is getting to the point that I can collect flowers for indoor bouquets and not feel guilty. Especially as we get close to frost ... I kept the link for Horner patterns - so pretty. Right now, I am working on cross-stitch Christmas ornaments for the kids! I love these short projects and the satisfaction of completion!

Carol in Texas said...

I am not getting your emails for some reason. I just subscribed again and was told I am receiving them. I will just continue to type your blog name into Safari and get you that way. I love your blog too much to miss it! And I love Ina! I watched the video you included and jotted down the recipe. I’ll give it a try when I get unprocessed bran. The muffins look delicious. I was a needlepointed before I began to crossstitch in the 80s. I think I really prefer the latter, because needlepoint always seems so heavy and stiff. It is very expensive too, though the new fad of crossstitch is certainly not cheap!!!!! I’m curious as to why you would be unable to do crossstitch but could still do needlepoint. The actor I hope is nice, and I understand he is, is the star of Doc Martin. We have just loved that series.

Sandee said...

Love your flowers. They are most beautiful.

Ned is a handsome one. They do love their sticks.

You're so talented. I wish I had the craft gene.

Have a fabulous Thankful Thursday. Scritches to Ned. ♥

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I'm wondering if needlepoint is making a resurgence at the moment because I know I'm seeing more of it around the internet - crewel embroidery too.
As a little side note to you mentioning Tom Hanks - did you know he's written a book? I just got a copy from the library but haven't started reading it yet. It's a collection of short stories.

Andree said...

I used to love to do crewel, but the hands and I don't allow it anymore. So I love your photos.

Brian's Home Blog said...

THose flowers and your quilt are so pretty. Poor Ned though, he does need a bigger stick! Thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

Susan said...

So much to absorb.
My school books were covered in brown paper - with cut out pictures pasted on ... (School years 1956-1962)

Your picture of the dog reminds me of the videos you see where a dog is trying to get thru two posts with a large branch in its mouth - maade me chuckle!.

Love the Anna Maria's needlepoint - but I am not looking . . .

Linda said...

I love your asters and goldenrod, purple and yellow is always good together. Nothing tickles my funny bone more than seeing a dog trying to carry a big stick. I'm so impressed you cut those little squares "the old-fashioned way" - they look so pretty together. Karnak is stunning! I love to watch Ina, she is everyone's best friend. :) Thank you for sharing with us at To Do Tuesday!

Vicki in MN said...

That is a great looking modern quilt for your daughters office wall. I always get a kick out of animals carrying long sticks trying to get around things. Such pretty flowers for your vase.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Pretty bouquet, these flowers are lovely together. I love the Karnak hanging too!
Thank you for sharing, and linking up ;)

Andi said...

I have several cross stich projects partly finished, and a needlepoint work-in-progress inherited from grandmother. For now, I am busy quilting and knitting!
Thanks for joining the Put Your Foot Down linky party.

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

Oh Ned.... Ned you are too cute!!!! and you steal the show!!!
Your flowers are so pretty too!

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

What a beautiful bouquet! I think your scrappy 1 1/2 inch pieces flimsy is wonderful. I'm impressed with you cutting the squares mostly with scissors! I always hoped that Sean Connery was a nice guy in person. I had a friend who met Danny Glover and said that he was down to earth and personable.

Nancy said...

Ned looks like quite the branch manager carrying that long stick/branch. Dogs are so funny.
Your quilt is beautiful. I like the red in the center with the oranges down the sides.