Christmas Signs, Stitching and a Look Forward To List

I've got the garbage put out. With the composting and the fires, I usually only have garbage to put out every three weeks but there is always lots of recycling. Realized my Gorilla cart does not do well in snow. It gave my arms quite the workout on the small hills from the basement back door around the house to our driveway.  And I wished at one point we did not live down such a long winding laneway either. But the air was so beautiful, cold and crisp, and I know a little workout is good for me. Then I went back out and used the old fire ashes to scatter along the tire marks where ice had formed overnight in the laneway, a very old use of ashes here in wintry Ontario. Two chores done. 

 I've set up a small table in this main area of the house and decided to use it for a hand quilting table. Don't know why I never thought of this before. I'm using my very large and old Ott Floor Lamp.

 I'm already noting that having it there in sight and very handy has encouraged me to continue the hand stitching. Apparently, I need all the encouragement I can get. First up is to finish this scrappy quilt with Prim Stars outlined in the black squares. 

I think I showed you before this bag of threads below I bought at a thrift store. Imagine 10 cents a ball and from KMart! Most of it is the thinner threads used to crochet doilies but I'm using the thicker in this quilt. It feels fine, not too nish...now that is a good old Newfoundland word for you, one I grew up with my mother using. We pronounced it "neesh". It means tender or delicate. Mom used it to describe fabric or skin. Being partly Irish, it was a given that our skin would be considered nish. 

I'm happy with how far along I've gotten the Autumn Quakers piece. Next time it comes out I should get it finished. Meanwhile, I've decided to indulge myself by stitching something completely in season, a Christmas piece, Redwork Noel, by Joan Elliott. I do love redwork of any kind and using the very cheery DMC 321, which we all agree is a Christmas red, is such a happy thing to be doing.

I'm using a white 24 count Evenweave fabric of unknown origin that I found in my drawer. 2 over 2 Very enjoyable stitching especially with no colour changes, which is wonderful after the Autumn Quakers which in my hands wound up with 20 different shades/colours! 

You can take a look at the pattern on the great 123Stitch site. Here is a close up of my scant beginning. With cross stitching, simple stitches can make a pretty edging.

Thanks to Brad, we have some signs of Christmas here. This is a real evergreen wreath, very well constructed and heavy. 

And this beautiful large poinsettia that I'm admiring so much. Every year I have to relearn how to spell that word...I want to call it Point-settia for some reason.

Things I'm looking forward to...getting out my wool, wrapping Christmas presents, cooking a turkey, a last minute shop in the local small town. What are you looking forward to just now with the big event getting so close? Hope your list is long!

Simple Comforts...Stitching, Fashion and Food

 I have the bird feeders filled and the wood brought in for the day long fire.

And I'm in my cosy clothes. Found these fleece pants at Walmart and just love them for around the house. I noticed how warm they were when I picked up the wood from the veranda.

Just the right blend of weight and softness and not too bulky. There was a time I would not wear these except for exercising, not dressy enough, but now I'm the dress police here and, apparently, I no longer give a hoot. Comfort is trumping fashion. Same at yours?

We have a fresh five inch blanket of snow on the ground this morning, definitely comfort food season. I cooked a ham and scalloped potatoes to go with it last night. 

Leftovers for tonight which is always a good thing and then I'll make a pea soup from any ham left over. It is definitely hot soup season too. Delish published this article 75 Most Comforting Foods Ever so I just had to take a look. Yes, so many favourites, including Grits. The only time I've eaten grits was once in a Cracker Barrel Restaurant on the drive to Florida; I just had to try them because I'd read about them in novels. And I liked them. Then I came across this site, The Food Republic, and an article on how to fancy up tinned soups which I can't believe I've never thought of doing. So many simple ways to hike both the nutrition and flavours. Like using those frozen wontons and vegetables in canned beef broth to make a kind of sweet and sour soup, something I love. Now if only I can remember this.

Down at the pond one day last week, I watched a number of tadpoles swimming under a thin skim of ice. Definitely did not seem comfortable this late in the season. I wondered if they will survive. *Just had to look that up and sure enough, yes, they can hibernate as tadpoles and continue their growth next spring. Amazing!

I don't need to say a word about the comfort and enjoyment our stitching and hobbies give us. You folks know all about that. I especially enjoyed slow stitching this little quaker wreath this week.

 It might be my favourite motif of this project. You are meant to choose an initial to work in the center of it. 

I did a test block for a little Christmas quilt I want to machine stitch. It was very simple and went together quickly. 

 I'll use the Rifle Paper Co leftover fabrics and a few coordinating fancy fabrics I have. There are many tutorials and instructions for the Christmas Present block. Here is the one I followed... Center Street Quilts

I had no excuse not to sew more blocks while I was at it. So busy looking though and gold accents and glitter are definitely not my thing. So like me to immediately doubt my fabric decisions. But I guess glitter and Christmas can go together. 

I'm off to do some shopping...right here in my easy chair. Don't have to change my cosy pants for something less comfortable and face the snowy roads, traffic and people. Yes, so many Christmas presents are bought on Amazon/online these days and who can resist the next day service. I wonder what my grandparents would think of the concept of shopping on your phone. Really something, isn't it!  Hope you are all off to a great week!

Dark and Damp December Dawns

 When walking Ned one day, we spotted a Barred Owl. I say "we" because it was on the fence and Ned stopped and watched it too. I took Ned back home, grabbed my large camera and headed out to where I'd last seen it. It had moved across the driveway and then as I watched, it flew much further into thick bush and I could get only so far. I couldn't find it but there was a very large shape in a tree I assumed to be my owl. I knew it was unlikely any photos would be good but just tried a few shots anyway. Seeing them on my computer I was so happy I had bothered. 

What I'd captured was definitely not my Barred Owl. I think it is a Great Horned Owl, my first ever sighting of one, even though they are common in Ontario. If you are able to confirm this for me, I'd be grateful. Definitely wish I had more photo enhancing capabilities than what this old Acer can do. The feathers look amazing. And those eyes!

Below is the very last of the summer '24 outdoor Geranium flowers in one of my smaller thrifted vases/jugs. This is an English James Kent Ltd. jug. They produced many during the 1930-1950's period, all of them featuring flowers. I keep an eye out for them but I've only found one other and that one I gave away. Wish I'd gotten a photo of it as it was an interesting mauve colour. 

I'd almost finished the last of the embroidery on the wool project, Cardinal Rule, as well as the backing and put it away. Found again so here are a couple of photos of it. When finished, I'm going to put this one on the wall for Christmas maybe. I used this Aurifil thread for the embellishments like the vein lines on the leaves which are just stem stitches. I think it looks okay. 

I did not use white for the snow flakes...tried it and it looked too stark against all these dark colours. So I used a light grey instead. It's a tricky thing to photograph...still not getting the nice soft texture of the wool or the deep colours. I'd thought of adding more decorative stitches like a fern stitch or couching stitching around all the seams but I don't think that's necessary any more so just two more leaf lines to add and then I'll call it done. 

I stitched four more of the Everglade blocks. 

And I'm testing a couple of blocks to sew a seasonal quilt. More next time about that.

We are all vaccinated now. And did get out for a breakfast. Here is mine...the usual Egg Benedicts...

and Tony's- eggs with French toast. He is losing his appetite somewhat so it's getting a little more challenging to feed him. 

Here he is with Petey. Sleeping with two loving Labradors was awesome-challenging to align all our bodies, mind you, but wonderful all the same. 

Petey is gone home and Ned is having a quiet, restful day. He loves his brother but finds house guests so tiring he told me.  

Hope all my American friends had a joyful Thanksgiving! I'm off to look at Black Friday sales. Take care all. 

 

 

Quakers Cross Stitch, Everglade, Season of Bronze

This week's view of the faded Hydrangeas reminded me that some call autumn the season of bronze. 

In the back yard too, more of the bronze where a couple of weeks ago were all the pinks.

Though down by the pond, there are still golds to be found amongst the rusts. 

It is consistently freezing or flirting with freezing overnight. I've begun feeding the birds and red squirrels, just the small feeder so far. There was a warning that a black bear was around and to hold off on the bird seeds which I did till now.  

Inside I'm continuing slow stitching these appliqued Everglade blocks. I'm especially enjoying choosing the fabrics for each block.

The bowl has a few pine cones and feathers I've picked up around the garden. I haven't picked up any more feathers after reading that it is illegal to do so. 

 

 This project below came to light when I moved the sewing room. I stitched it years ago to celebrate our wedding back in 2011. I personalized it with lots of initials and numbers that had meaning for us. Rex and Murphy, our dogs at the time are included as well as Mitzi, the cat. That's the beauty of quaker designs. Terrible photo...this is 25 count snow white lugana. 

I'm still stitching Autumn Quakers. I have Brenda Keyes' book and thought I'd switch out one of the motifs. 

I'd enjoyed stitching this cute little basket still needing a couple of stitches that was an original motif.

So I picked a basket from the book that is similar to this one. Look how differences in light change the colour of the background fabric.

So many of you ask how I am doing. Yes, I'm still hearing from some of you in response to my post about feeling so out of sorts I didn't know what to do with myself. I want to thank you-yet again for sharing your stories of feeling tired, sad or fearful. Besides making me feel less alone, I learned a lot from what some of you do to see your way through. And I guess many of us have our "moments". One of you mentioned to me this line- a burden shared is a burden halved and in one of those strange life coincidences that happen now and then, it was a line in a Margaret Laurence book I reread recently and how true that can be in some circumstances. In my life, I never practise this...I always kept/keep burdens to myself. Sometimes it makes for a heavy load for sure.

 My mood- it is still fluctuating but I think I'm doing better overall. Perhaps this is the way it will be moving forward so I do need a strategy. I'm still trying to stay in the moment, keep big thoughts at bay, keep busy, and also treat myself too. 

And speaking of distractions...we have this fellow with us this week and Ned is in heaven to have his brother here. Petey is the most loving dog and wonderful houseguest.

I've been roving about with my big camera and caught photos of a bird that is a lifer for me. That was fun! I'll share next time. We are off to get our flu shots and speaking of treats, we are going for a cafe breakfast afterwards. 

Hope you and yours are all doing well!

November Nattering

View out my sewing room window. The deer and the turkeys take turns dropping by.

The exceptional warmth into the fall added extra life to the blooming things in the garden. Here I've captured the very last rose on our front walkway bushes. Not a bee in sight anymore. 

I had lunch out at a little diner recently. Lovely Chai Tea (which made me think why don't I make this at home) and poached eggs on sourdough toast with my favourite...smoked salmon. They didn't skimp on it either. I could have had a green salad instead of the home fries but I eat so many salads at home...

Fitness wise I'm doing well. Our firewood has been delivered and stacking it has kept me busy. Definitely a workout for my arms. I'm still using my Cubii for 15-20 minutes while watching tv. most nights and keep weights by my stitching chair.  I've been mostly keeping up my little jogging efforts too while walking Ned. My stamina has improved a little which was not a goal as I'm not entering marathons or anything. But it's good to have fewer stops and with cooler temperatures, I can add another loop now to the lane way run, I've noticed. Mind you I never overdo, 😏

Here is the finished flimsie EPP Tiny 9 Patches quilt top caught in a slight breeze. It still has most of its papers. The same red fabric was used throughout so how strange to see different shades here.

Though I've not added to my quilting stash, I did purchase a cross stitch pattern recently from 123stitch. They kindly offer a $4.99 flat fee for delivery to Canada. I included the 28 count Antique White Cashel linen in the order too as, except for a few odds and ends, I don't have anything the size required for this one. Another Rosewood Manor seasonal design, this one is Summer Quakers. I've been eyeing it for years. I'll use DMC threads for this. With an alphabet on this one, I might personalize it too. This photo is really not doing the design justice...it is very pretty.

 Our days follow much the same pattern, being the creatures of habit that we are. I like to think Tony is more entrenched than me but probably not. I've never liked surprises. We are both very content with staying home, tending to our little pastimes and eating on a schedule. Our combined total years on earth equal 158 now! We both loved Lord of the Rings and this just about sums up our needs these days.

I enjoyed reading your thoughts on whether you were goal or details oriented. It is interesting isn't it. Hope all is calm and going well for you!

Process or Goal Oriented?, Slow Stitching Always

The late October warmth meant still more flashy blooms into early November. Like the Hardy Rose Mallow. 

The center structures are so interesting too. I was surprised to see stamens and pistils here. What would you label this stunning colour? 

I've been visiting the pond at dusk to see if I can catch sight of my mystery animal that might be a muskrat. The skies are always interesting at those times of day. I was hoping the pink tinges would show stronger. But it nicely captured the trees' reflections in the water. 

Inside, I've turned to my Year at Hawk Run Hallow to add more stitches. I'm working on the Dog Days of August block and have made considerable progress since showing it last in April. That tree is massive!

And I've appliqued four more of the Everglade blocks. Staying with the original fabric choices of autumn kind of colours and fabrics.

I often stitch to Flosstube on YouTube. My favourites are folks who share both cross stitching and quilting. I grabbed this screenshot of Olivia and one of her autumn quilts that combines piecing and applique. 

Her channel is called Pumpkin Hollow Quilts and I've shared it before. Here is her Quilty show where she shares her beautiful autumn quilts.

 Process or Goal Oriented?

I was lamenting to my phone friend that I seem to just want to do all the fiddly bits with my projects, that I don't take the pleasure I should in finishing, in having a completely finished item, which is the goal of course. Truthfully there is a small part of me that doesn't want to finish any stitchy thing...I'd love to be handing it off to someone else to fully finish.

 I began to think this was a kind of laziness or being slack which defied the fact that I'm undaunted by who knows how many hours of slow stitching I put into some of these EPP and cross stitch projects. And love every minute of it.  My friend said there's no conundrum here.. that's easy to explain, you're a process person. The fun for you is in the details, not the overall outcome. That gave me pause- I'd never heard of this and of course, I had to check it out. Read Quin's article here that gave me more idea of what being a process person means and it definitely applies to me. I could think of several things that I engage in that are process rather than goal oriented. The slow stitching for one, loving the details of macro photographs, the love of sorting syllables when writing a bit of poetry. I used to joke I'm a person who sees the trees, definitely not the forest. And sometimes I will miss something big because I'm focusing on the tiny details.  It might even apply to how I always thought I was strange because I love baking...mixing the ingredients, etc. but when it's put in the oven, I'll forget about it and need a timer reminding me. 

I guess the ideal is to land right in the middle of that process/ goal scale where finishings would be just as enjoyable as the starts. I wish! 

Funny how you think you're unique or the only one with some affliction of whatever sort-medical, mental, physical, emotional, etc. and then find out it is an actual documented thing shared by many. We are never as alone as we may think. So do I have fellow travelers like myself whose journey is all about the stops and the smelling of the roses and that tiny little leaf you spy too?

Autumn's Beauty, Tasty Treats, Susie's Scrappy Basket Block

The beautiful mother tree to the left side of the house...taken at dusk when the leaves had a brilliant orange glow and the blue sky turned an interesting turquoise colour. It reminded me of the strange colours old polaroid photos sometimes had. 

An angle taken from the laneway, a sunny one, of this tree when the leaves have yellowed and started to fall.

It is a surprise how many people say Autumn is their favourite time of year. Living here where humidity is part of summer, I can understand it now. We'll also be happy to have the panicky feeling of violent thunder and lightening storms behind us. There were a few too many of those this last summer. And the ticks- our count was 7 between the two of us, mostly on me, luckily none attached.

Our last vegetable box had the cutest little pumpkin in it.

Going through my saved feed, I came across a neat scrappy block and surprised myself by giving it a try right away. A variation on a 9 patch block. Susie calls it Little Beauty Scrappy Baskets. You'll have to pop over to Susie's Scraps post and see her cute quilt. It's got a dainty look to it especially with using the whites. Will I make more? Yes especially because this doesn't have to be precise to keep true the look.

Beth dropped off a box of Halloween gingerbread cookies she had made with Robbie's help. They were delicious with a cup of tea. Recipe for My Favorite Gingerbread Cookies found here at Sally's Baking Recipes.

Speaking of Robbie, his hockey league is sorted and the games have begun. We have enjoyed attending two so far. Here he spots us in the crowd and gives a quick wave.

This week I kept very busy. Besides time in the sewing room, I spent time in the library, roaming a thrift store and, while parked in front of my favourite Flosstubers, slow stitching too. It is Halloween here in Canada. We don't get trick or treaters down our long laneway so other than making a loot bag for Robbie, this occasion will pass us by. 

I hope you are all feeling satisfied with how your days are going, whether moving into winter or summer where you are. I especially hope for steadiness and calm south of our border for my wonderful American friends as they face their presidential election.