Tuesday 22 November 2022

Embroidered Journals, Quilty 365, Tiny Tree Trains, Aging Thoughts


The Snow has arrived!

 Here is my Tuesday deep thought...
Now in my seventies (you have no idea how weird it is to write that), I realize my face is changing. My nose appears larger probably because my cheeks are sinking. My teeth look and feel bigger while my hair is thinning. It goes without saying but I'll say it anyway, how grateful I am to be here and still have my wits about me to be able to even note these changes. I also thank goodness I've never been overly vain, just the normal amount of vanity, enough to make me want my hair done and be nicely dressed for work. This natural aging process has given me to understand better why the beautiful actors indulge in cosmetic surgery...it must be quite the blow when they realize there is no cream known to humans that can halt these changes. And these changes happen to us all if we do the thing we dearly want to do, and that is to live longer. 
Having a laugh is good...

Pinterest
I notice lots of folks are making temperature quilts or temperature cross stitch projects. They are such a fun stitchy memento of a particular year.  My interest in such a thing led me to join Audrey's QAL- Quilty 365, A Year Long Journey back in 2015. I loved the idea of stitching a circle a day to mark the time. 
I enjoyed keeping them in a tin
A happy Russell Stover Santa tin (small things amuse me)
And the resulting rainbow like quilt is on the hall wall leading to our bedroom so I see it every day. Hubby can't get beyond the wrong sized birds that would be the size of helicopters, he says. :D

 Also I've always been intrigued by the idea of making an Embroidery Journal...this is a link to an article detailing how to make one... An Embroidery Journal is the Prettiest Way to Remember Your Year. Many such journals and ideas can be explored here at this Pinterest Link
Before I forget and while still on the topic of embroidery, I wanted to share this sweet design of Meg's from Crabapple Hill Design Studio. It's called the Polka Dot Mitten. You would learn how to do the Fly Stitch to achieve the knitted look of the mitten. Really neat!

Meanwhile, I spent a couple of hours in the sewing room finally joining the Tiny Trees blocks which are finishing at 5 and 1/2 inches. Hope to finish all that I've made so far this week.  I realized something while I was working with them.  I like this easy foundation paper piecing enough to turn them into a fun bed quilt, if I make enough of them of course.  It is such a great way to use up scraps too. So I think I will keep this going for now and see where it takes me. 
A Tree Rainbow

I have some veggies- carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and red peppers simmering on  the stove with a little chopped onion. I added a container of Campbell's Vegetable broth instead of my usual chicken broth. I had a sip of the vegetable broth and it doesn't seem to have much flavour. I don't like to have to add lots of stuff just to get a flavour but bland is not good for a soup either. I wonder what else I could add. Any suggestions?

Thank you all for the ideas of how to finish the Old Fashioned Redwork Santa.  

I'm off to do some shopping, online that is. I'm going to check out the Black Friday sales that seem to start earlier each year. Going to start my Christmas list. Be sure to drop by on Thursday to see another set of great Christmas patterns. So many generous creators!

Linking this post with Linda, the Texas Quilt Gal's party, To Do Tuesday. Also linking with Quilt FabricationWendy's Quilts and MoreQuilting Patchwork AppliqueSo Scrappy and Alycia Quilts.


24 comments :

Libby in TN said...

Throw in some thyme. And, if that doesn't help, add a bouillon cube.

Deb A said...

Add a tablespoon of a dried herb you enjoy. I know when I tried a new to me veggie minestrone recipe it called for a tablespoon of Italian seasoning and it really had a great flavor. Maybe an herb de provence or other favorite seasoning would help? I like your circle year quilt. It always intrigues me with the yearly projects that pop up each year. I wonder what will be popular in 2023? Have a good rest of your week.

Gretchen Weaver said...

Try adding a squirt of ketchup and some worcestershire sauce to the soup. Add a little to begin with, taste and add more if needed. All those little trees will make a cute quilt, happy stitching!

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

what a pretty tree quilt you are making and love all those circles too. The deer look so pretty at the bird feeder and snow too! it looks like a winter wonderland.
I hear you on the changes to our faces - here too!! wrinkles, saggy by the mouth, darker circles at the eyes - no face cream can help this

Jenny said...

Your thoughts about aging certainly struck a cord with me. And what about legs? In my young days I can remember wearing short white shorts in summer holidays, with my long tanned legs! But I still have a lot to be thankful for, my legs still work, I dont have any arthritis in hips, knees or hands, and I've survived two bouts of cancer!
Plus, I can spend as much time as I want on my stitching, reading lovely quilt blogs, and have lots of bloggy friends from all over the world!

Bonnie said...

Aging -- such a fun thing to do -- NOT! But it is far superior to the alternative. As a kid I remember thinking 40 was ancient. I've decided I'll plan my life to last until about 86. I read something about the average 70 year old women should live to that age. That's ok by me. It means I have a chance to sew down my stash so my daughter doesn't pull her hair out when I'm gone! I love your little trees. And, yep they look like a fabulous way to use up scraps. Enjoy your week.

Rosemary Dickinson said...

I'm a little younger than you but I've noticed the changes that aging has brought me. I know it's only going to get worse. However, I think I'm going to let myself age gracefully. I've earned all those wrinkles and sags. That's okay. I'll just keep sewing and doing my own thing! I love your tree blocks. Great to use up that stash!!

Quilting Babcia said...

We should treasure those gray or white hairs, except maybe the ones growing on our chins, lol. I've had a gray streak since age 29, never bothered me one whit. I love your Quilty 365 finish! Finally got mine done earlier this year. Age 86 sounds like a good goal to shoot for, sewing down the stash would be so lovely. I love those little trees you're doing, so many ways they can be used effectively for small projects.

Joy from Days Filled With Joy said...

oooh snow!!! I wish I was there! I love the idea of an embroidery journal, but fear I would start with great gusto and then not quite finish it... maybe a monthly journal would suit me better than a daily one... now there's a thought! Love your trees! They're so cute! xx

Home Sewn By Us said...

Hi Jocelyn! I've always heard that as one ages, the nose and ears do grow bigger. Maybe it's because of a thinner face - I don't know but I don't give it any thought. I just turned 64 so I'm not far behind you. It's just a number - waking up every morning is the true gift! I love those polka dot mittens, and your Tiny Trees look like a fabulous forest to me. {{Hugs}} a bunch for you. ~smile~ Roseanne

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

You write the greatest posts I just turned 78 and now beginning to see a possible slow down and I do not like it. I am working hard now to increase my walk back to 1.5 miles. I can do it in 22 minutes but my goal is to get back to 20 minute mile. I know that the Fibro gets worse in the winter and I have two discs probably gone BUT I was always told by a great Nurse after my first back surgery that when I hurt get up and walk. That advice has allowed me to stay healthy in spite of my inherited genes! Our planned getaway was cancelled and that bothered me since we have not gone anywhere in a year! I am hoping 2023 is better

I love those Christmas Trees and Circles and the little sign. Too Funny Have a great week

Lin said...

I am going to start a nature journal in January, I think it will be a combination of sketching and stitch but no definite plans. I have Daydream Journals by Tilly Rose on my bookshelf which is my inspiration.
Your daily circles quilt is lovely, the temperature quilts are such a lovely idea. xx

gladiquilts said...

Thanks Jocelyn once again for a lovely post to start my day. For many years now, one of my goals has been to age gracefully - it gets harder as each year passes!😊. Wisdom, however, is accepting those changes and cherishing each day. I, too, am making little trees - love them! - though for holiday table runner gifts, not a bed quilt. FPPing them is easy and fun! Have a great week!

Michele McLaughlin said...

Not sure what to add to the broth you are making. I'm just not that good of a cook :( But it sounds warm and comforting! I love your trees. I'm hoping to tackle one quilt like that (lap size) in the new year. I also love paper piecing. I find it very comforting! You always looks lovely to me when you post photos. I figure as long as I can walk the dog, sew, and do some cleaning, it's all good. Have a wonderful day! Hugs!

MissPat said...

I'm in my mid-70's (oh my, that sounds so old) and I've noticed all the changes you mentioned, but also the loss of muscle and strength. I'm taking a Tai Chi class in the hopes of fortifying my balance and getting some gentle exercise, but I also need to step up my walking. I'm thinking your little trees might make a cute banner and may give that a try for next year.
Pat

Laura said...

Your circle quilt is great! It reminds me of folk art...large birds included! :)

Jackie said...

Worcestershire would give it more of a kick.

Love that embroidered mitten.

God bless.

Annelein said...

You have such a lovely view on the garden... and those deer... it must be maggical to watch them.

Did enjoy to visit the links you're shared. Love to see the "forest" grow.

Nice greetings, Willeke

Jocelyn said...

I love the little Polka dot mitten. Very cute

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Thank you for the great links - must admit the temperature stitcheries are intriguing.
As for increasing the flavour of your soup - I know Resident Chef would be adding garlic for sure and our favourite Club House LaGrille Vegetable seasoning. We put that seasoning in a LOT of things!

jude's page said...

Those trees are so cute and I think (know) that I have a lot of scraps that I could use. Well done with the circle quilt and just keep adding herbs to your soup until the taste is good.

Linda said...

I have the same thoughts as you about aging, especially I've noticed my nose seems bigger - lol! I just had a pang of homesickness when I saw the Russell Stover tin. Mom used to use those for many things. I love your Tiny Trees, and I love your quilt idea. I literally laughed out loud when I read what your hubby said about the birds on your quilt. :D Thank you for sharing with us at To Do Tuesday!

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Your temperature quilt is lovely, I like the birds too ;) Fun little trees, they are going to make a cute quilt. I like the white one with the light blue background, very winter time ;)
Thank you for sharing your projects and thoughts, and linking up!

dq said...

THose trees are so so cute in all their wonderful fabrics!