Chookshed Stitchers Challenge,Hawk Run Hallow Cross Stitching, Favourite Meal

 We had an amazing temperature shift in the weather this week...+15 C high one day back down to -15C low the next. Definitely surreal to have another higher temperature like that in February. There was a tremendous amount of melt that took place in a very short time. The change over period brought on early darkness amidst a heavy wind, thunder and lightening storm that seemed to be crashing right above our roof. Ned was scared- not the bravest fellow, and we were so relieved we only lost the power for a couple of minutes. I wonder what did the critters think of it. 

Chookshed Stitchers Challenge

I'm pleased with how far I moved this project along in February...the FFP Blue Courthouse Steps. I've stitched 35 of the 9 inch squares and sewed the border made up of 6 inch squares.

See the block on the right...not the real colours at all...no teal or aqua at all in this quilt. That's how badly my camera phone represents certain shades. 

I now have to pull out the papers and sew it all together. 

 I had just three things in mind for this quilt...that it be kind of manly since it's a gift for a man, it be large enough for a lap quilt and that some of the men's thrifted shirts would be used in it.  I'll have to do some dreaded quilt math to make sure it will be a good lap size but the other two goals have been met.

 I've also sewn together a number of orphaned blocks to use on the back. Definitely another plus to use scraps and stash for this project.

As on track as that project is, in other areas....

 I've gone off the rails with my current winter Cross Stitch project, Jour de Neige. Here's what happened. I was taking stock of my cross stitch WIP's ...there are 4 of them and most are large projects. I pulled out A Year at Hawk Run Hallow and just felt the impulse to pick up the needle and lay a few stitches. I was ready to stitch Block 7, July.

And I've just kept working on it this week-as the stitching spirit moved me if you will.  July's block now has a spouting whale and a waving, though sadly headless couple. I've added that will be underwater whale myself and for a reason. 

My stitches are just not good enough anymore for full coverage areas which is what that whole area required. ( I was relieved when I heard I'm not alone in this...full coverage is not a favourite thing for many cross stitchers.) I may add a couple smaller fish than the pattern has just to break up the space even more. I used Brenda's book to help me chart that little fellow. Here at  Amazon if you'd like to take a look.

LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt this week is if we could come home to a favourite meal cooked by our partners what would it be...assuming they can cook. I had a chuckle at the very thought of Tony in the kitchen preparing a meal. While good at so many things, he's the first to admit having to cook for anyone would be his worse nightmare.  When he was alone, he lived on President's Choice blue menu frozen items, prepared salads, Delissio Frozen pizzas and toast for years. However, if Tony did cook, there would be much precision involved both in the cutting/dicing- he likes things to look uniform, and the cooking time as he reheats his tea at exactly 66 seconds in the microwave. He would literally have it down to a science. I think he is a little surprised at my rather slap dash approach to teaspoons, tablespoons, quarter measures, etc. 

 But anyway, for me, my favourite food tastes are all over the place. I used to say my favourite meal was anything I didn't have to cook myself. I love a good steak, any kind of pasta dish, souvlaki, Indian food, Chinese, a good burger and good fries, etc. But if I had to name one thing, I would make a nostalgic choice... my mother's big cooked dinner (as we called it) she made every Sunday...usually a roast with Yorkshire puddings, mashed potatoes, cabbage, turnip, carrots, peas pudding, etc. and her good gravy which she was known for.  What about you? Do you have an absolutely all time favourite meal? Do tell, as I love reading about food. 

Speaking of which, thank you all so much for taking the time to comment! I really enjoyed reading about your favourite romantic couples. I loved hearing that for some of you, you and your present partner is your favourite couple. Romance lives on!

 And I also loved how many of you commented about that special amazing thrift store find I shared HERE. But no one has suggested which of the Baltimore Album type patterns this one is. So keep an eye out as I would love to know more about this quilt. Surely that special block would be a good clue.

Hope your weekend has no unpleasant weather surprises and time for you to work on what you love.

Happily sharing with Alycia Quilts, It's a Small Town Life, Kathy's Quilts, Quilting is More Fun Than Housework and Confessions of a Fabric Addict.