Christmas in April Photos, 4 at a Time HST's, Floralies Thinking and Embroidering
Spring has been put on pause while we had a day and half snowstorm starting Tuesday and actually have had light snow falling every day since. Lots of the fresh stuff on the ground and trees; it makes for pretty photos. So Christmassy....big sigh.
We've had snow much later than this here so I'm not that upset. Though still below freezing overnight, it's getting to be more pleasant by noon so this snow won't last. And in spite of this or to spite it, my mind has turned to gardening thoughts. I'm interested in exploring a new to us perennial, Hellebores or Lenten/Christmas Rose, for this year's addition. Supposedly very hardy which it will need to be here with the swing from freezing to extreme heat we can experience heading into summer. Aren't they pretty.
I've added many flowering bushes over the years so I thought maybe a new blooming flower for the garden is in order. Of course, Amazon offers lots of choice for seeds but it will be a while before I'll be digging the ground. I'm going to explore another way to start them, not the toilet paper rolls this year. More later about that.
A pile of "stuff" always accumulates where my chair is in the living area. I'm still very much into paper and not using the various aps on my computer for note taking. I have to write things down with my black ink pens still. I keep a (mostly) daily journal of my food, vitamins, exercise, mail orders, etc. I have another little journal where I note things I read around the net or free patterns, etc. so mostly internet stuff to do with books or my stitching hobbies. I also record what we watch on tv.
Yes, I'm beginning another Louise Penney book I got at the library...I've not been able to get "into" her writing but so many folks have, I believe I'm missing out so keep trying.
We have finished Wolf Hall and enjoyed it very much.
While I sorted our winter bedding to stow away and pulled out the summer sheets-yes I did that! etc., I watched/listened to several YouTube videos about that era and learned more about Thomas Cromwell.
And I have a confession to make...I also keep up with all the Royal Family news. I enjoy hearing the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gossip too. I like Palace Confidential in particular.
In the sewing room...yes I actually got in there and practised stitching HST's. I've mentioned before I'm at the kindergarten level when it comes to quilt measuring and cutting. I noticed that Jennifer, The Inquiring Quilter, offers a number of wonderful YouTube videos about the various methods of sewing these. I decided to sew along to this particular video which shows how to make four at a time.
And sewed a few for practice.
Now Jennifer doesn't prefer this method because of issues with bias stretching. In another of her videos I saw how Thangles could be used to make very accurate HST's. Sounds like a good thing for me to use. HERE is their website if you'd like to check them out too.
This week I was embroidering...and with thoughts of pretty garden flowers, the Floralies project got some attention. Translated from the French, that means FlowerShow.
This is a welcome break from the thread counting my cross stitched project requires. I prefer a small needle for all my hand stitching. Someone asked which size and I'll have to take note the next time I get one from the packet.
I'm going to end this post as I don't like letting them get too long and chance boring you. Apparently I'm gabby on paper...not so much in real life.
Hope you are all well, that it is beautiful seasonal weather where you are and you are enjoying your present stitchy projects, too.
Floralies is truly beautiful, and no doubt easier than counting fine thread lines. Down here, mornings are pitch black for ages, and the nights " Draw in", what a phrase, a lot earlier, and we have lit the fire several times.However, I do keep a close eye on Vancouver weather where Grandson is, and see the days are getting warmer, even enough to go camping, tent for sleeping, open fire for cooking, a huge area at Golden Ears camping site. Google is such a bonus, I can see the whole area, see his tent and wagon, and then explore all along the water's edge.Then return and find a bag pattern !!!!
The snow is so pretty! I've never seen a Lenten/Christmas Rose but goodness, it is gorgeous. I hope you are successfuly with growing one. I'd love to see a photo. I usually make my HSTs a bit larger and trim them down to size. I've also used Thangles when I've needed really small ones.
Sorry about your return to winter. We've also had snow and cold temps, but not as much snow as you. If yo're thinking about growing Hellebores from seed, I do a little more research. I think it would be years before you got flowers. Most people buy them potted, although you might find bare-root ones online. They can be quite pricey, as well. And finally, I absolutely love Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series. You really need to read the series from the beginning. Quirky characters, dry humor and good story lines. Pat
I agree with you about writing things down. I recall taking notes in college; I would frequently take copious notes and never look at them - I think it was "encoded" into my brain after the writing.
That said, I do make notes on Word files about projects. It's easier to find them. I'm always surprised when I find my drawings and notes on various tablets (on PAPER). That's how disorganized I am in general. I sympathize with your travails. I'll hope the moving and selling is smoother than you imagine!
I do like your just started Flower Show embroidery, so pretty. I've read Wolf Hall too, they were dangerous times back then. Read another one too about Thomas Cromwell, but sadly the name escapes me.
Lovely stitching happening. I understand perfectly about the snow. I am hoping that we don't get more, but we have been known to get a bit as late as June.
Look at all that snow! It is pretty, but I bet you're ready for green leaves and growing things. The hellebores look like a pretty flower! The Floralies design is a beauty - looks very enjoyable to stitch.
Your snowfall is beautiful! I live in middle Georgia in the US, so snow is extremely infrequent here. Upper 90s with 200% humidity is much more common here! I’m so over the heat which seems to arrive earlier each year, especially for those of us with hot flashes. I fell in love with hellebores a few years ago. I have 6 clumps scattered throughout my shady areas. They seem to be pretty slow growing. I haven’t tried planting seeds, but I bought several from nurseries before picking up more (cheaper) from people on Facebook marketplace. I hope you can get lots going, because they are beautiful. Enjoy your weekend. Andrea Hickman
I love my Lenten Rose plant. Every year it ceases to amaze me when it blooms -- like just out of nowhere! And every year it grows, yet not out of control or anything, just bushier and prettier. You will love this plant. My daughter planted one and reported that hers is blooming beautifully this year too!
Your snow is beautiful, but the pull of spring flowers is strong, right? I've always thought Hellebores look beautiful in the photos, never tried growing them. The summer heat here just kills my favorite plants, no matter how much water I put on them. Your talk of writing and reading without the computer makes me long for the days when I kept written lists, and the feeling of satisfaction when I got them all checked off and started a new page. And I read on the Kindle app on my iPad instead of holding books (which I miss), but the app is brighter and I can make the print larger. Sigh. I thought I was an oddball, because I can't get into Louise Penny (I've tried!), but you made me feel better - lol! Have a lovely weekend Jocelyn!
That snowfall . . . WOW! It's pretty impressive! I keep a wide variety of notebooks for journaling, listing, poetry and story writing, etc. I have one daily journal that's a five-line daily journal, five years of the same day on a page. It's really neat/nostalgic to be able to see what you were doing or thinking or feeling on the same day through the years. Your Canevas Folies is gorgeous!! :)
we aren't getting snow but it sure is cold for mid april...no doubt once warm comes then it'll get uber hot...yes wolf hall is good and stick with louise...not sure if you started at the beginning of her three pines saga or not...i didn't think tho that her newest was quite as good as some of the others...lovely stitchery
Love reading your blog. My hubby was a note taker and he was good at using the tiniest of Post it Notes. They were everywhere and I had to clean around them. Ha ha. Me? not so much but I am learning as I get old(er).
Your embroidery project is lovely; certainly one to put you in a springtime mood. I'm sure you're eager for a change of seasons! I have two different Hellebores in my perennial garden and they remain among of my favorite plants. I, too, have trouble with Louise Penney; not sure why. Just finished "All The Light You Cannot See" by Doerr, it was really good, but one of those epic dramas that left me exhausted; I'm ready for some lighter reading!
Your snowy photos are really beautiful. We grow hellebores here in Australia and call them Winter Roses. They like our cold winters, although ours are no comparison to yours. They have such beautiful colours during a dull time of the year.
I hope the snow has cleared up by now, Jocelyn. Those Lenten/Christmas Roses are beautiful! I, too, have tried and not been able to get into Louise Penny's books. But because your interested in the royal family, I can recommend, "The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe" which I listened to recently, about the woman who was the head charge of dressing the queen. There were 10 people working under her as well! Your embroidery is absolutely beautiful!!!
Oh my goodness - all of that snow! HST are my favorite thing to stitch when I don’t have the attention for a project. I also just finished watching the second season of Wolf Hall. I have not been able to get into Louise Penny either.
The Lenton Rose has been on my radar since my Ohio "bloggy neighbor" posted about them on her blog,https://pattythequiltlady.blogspot.com/2025/03/ I need to decide where I'm going to put them and see if any of my friends have any to split. Our plant swaps happen close to Mother's Day weekend here in Ohio. Seems like the winter there is long. But it's still beautiful in its own way.
I love seeing picture perfect snowy photos like those. We have been having rainy cold weather. Freezing temps overnight. I would rather snow. Those flowers are pretty. Your embroidery is beautiful.
Snow? AGAIN???? It is pretty; but, darn. . .let's get into Spring!!!!! I like your Floralies project. It is a flower show!! I have used Thangles and like the accuracy. Now, I use Bonnie Hunter's method of making half square triangles using her Essential Triangle tool. Although, I do measure and trim each and every one!
Yes, I'm beginning another Louise Penney book I got at the library...I've not been able to get "into" her writing but so many folks have, I believe I'm missing out so keep trying. .jpeg)
26 comments :
Floralies is truly beautiful, and no doubt easier than counting fine thread lines. Down here, mornings are pitch black for ages, and the nights " Draw in", what a phrase, a lot earlier, and we have lit the fire several times.However, I do keep a close eye on Vancouver weather where Grandson is, and see the days are getting warmer, even enough to go camping, tent for sleeping, open fire for cooking, a huge area at Golden Ears camping site. Google is such a bonus, I can see the whole area, see his tent and wagon, and then explore all along the water's edge.Then return and find a bag pattern !!!!
The snow is so pretty! I've never seen a Lenten/Christmas Rose but goodness, it is gorgeous. I hope you are successfuly with growing one. I'd love to see a photo. I usually make my HSTs a bit larger and trim them down to size. I've also used Thangles when I've needed really small ones.
Yes, Lenton Rose is quite hardy, but the flowers don't provide much show since they bloom below the leaves.
Sorry about your return to winter. We've also had snow and cold temps, but not as much snow as you. If yo're thinking about growing Hellebores from seed, I do a little more research. I think it would be years before you got flowers. Most people buy them potted, although you might find bare-root ones online. They can be quite pricey, as well. And finally, I absolutely love Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series. You really need to read the series from the beginning. Quirky characters, dry humor and good story lines.
Pat
I agree with you about writing things down. I recall taking notes in college; I would frequently take copious notes and never look at them - I think it was "encoded" into my brain after the writing.
That said, I do make notes on Word files about projects. It's easier to find them. I'm always surprised when I find my drawings and notes on various tablets (on PAPER). That's how disorganized I am in general.
I sympathize with your travails. I'll hope the moving and selling is smoother than you imagine!
I do like your just started Flower Show embroidery, so pretty. I've read Wolf Hall too, they were dangerous times back then. Read another one too about Thomas Cromwell, but sadly the name escapes me.
Lovely stitching happening. I understand perfectly about the snow. I am hoping that we don't get more, but we have been known to get a bit as late as June.
God bless.
Look at all that snow! It is pretty, but I bet you're ready for green leaves and growing things. The hellebores look like a pretty flower! The Floralies design is a beauty - looks very enjoyable to stitch.
Pretty snow - we got a dusting. You definitely got more! I'm hoping for some warmer weather, soon. I really like Floralies. That will look amazing.
Your snowfall is beautiful! I live in middle Georgia in the US, so snow is extremely infrequent here. Upper 90s with 200% humidity is much more common here! I’m so over the heat which seems to arrive earlier each year, especially for those of us with hot flashes. I fell in love with hellebores a few years ago. I have 6 clumps scattered throughout my shady areas. They seem to be pretty slow growing. I haven’t tried planting seeds, but I bought several from nurseries before picking up more (cheaper) from people on Facebook marketplace. I hope you can get lots going, because they are beautiful. Enjoy your weekend. Andrea Hickman
I love my Lenten Rose plant. Every year it ceases to amaze me when it blooms -- like just out of nowhere! And every year it grows, yet not out of control or anything, just bushier and prettier. You will love this plant. My daughter planted one and reported that hers is blooming beautifully this year too!
Your snow is beautiful, but the pull of spring flowers is strong, right? I've always thought Hellebores look beautiful in the photos, never tried growing them. The summer heat here just kills my favorite plants, no matter how much water I put on them. Your talk of writing and reading without the computer makes me long for the days when I kept written lists, and the feeling of satisfaction when I got them all checked off and started a new page. And I read on the Kindle app on my iPad instead of holding books (which I miss), but the app is brighter and I can make the print larger. Sigh. I thought I was an oddball, because I can't get into Louise Penny (I've tried!), but you made me feel better - lol! Have a lovely weekend Jocelyn!
That snowfall . . . WOW! It's pretty impressive! I keep a wide variety of notebooks for journaling, listing, poetry and story writing, etc. I have one daily journal that's a five-line daily journal, five years of the same day on a page. It's really neat/nostalgic to be able to see what you were doing or thinking or feeling on the same day through the years. Your Canevas Folies is gorgeous!! :)
we aren't getting snow but it sure is cold for mid april...no doubt once warm comes then it'll get uber hot...yes wolf hall is good and stick with louise...not sure if you started at the beginning of her three pines saga or not...i didn't think tho that her newest was quite as good as some of the others...lovely stitchery
Love reading your blog. My hubby was a note taker and he was good at using the tiniest of Post it Notes. They were everywhere and I had to clean around them. Ha ha. Me? not so much but I am learning as I get old(er).
Love reading your blog. Note taking was my hubby's forte. Me? I am lucky to get a grocery list made. I do make notes when it is very important
Your embroidery project is lovely; certainly one to put you in a springtime mood. I'm sure you're eager for a change of seasons! I have two different Hellebores in my perennial garden and they remain among of my favorite plants. I, too, have trouble with Louise Penney; not sure why. Just finished "All The Light You Cannot See" by Doerr, it was really good, but one of those epic dramas that left me exhausted; I'm ready for some lighter reading!
Your snowy photos are really beautiful. We grow hellebores here in Australia and call them Winter Roses. They like our cold winters, although ours are no comparison to yours. They have such beautiful colours during a dull time of the year.
I hope the snow has cleared up by now, Jocelyn. Those Lenten/Christmas Roses are beautiful! I, too, have tried and not been able to get into Louise Penny's books. But because your interested in the royal family, I can recommend, "The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe" which I listened to recently, about the woman who was the head charge of dressing the queen. There were 10 people working under her as well! Your embroidery is absolutely beautiful!!!
Oh my goodness - all of that snow! HST are my favorite thing to stitch when I don’t have the attention for a project. I also just finished watching the second season of Wolf Hall. I have not been able to get into Louise Penny either.
The Lenton Rose has been on my radar since my Ohio "bloggy neighbor" posted about them on her blog,https://pattythequiltlady.blogspot.com/2025/03/
I need to decide where I'm going to put them and see if any of my friends have any to split. Our plant swaps happen close to Mother's Day weekend here in Ohio.
Seems like the winter there is long. But it's still beautiful in its own way.
I love seeing picture perfect snowy photos like those. We have been having rainy cold weather. Freezing temps overnight. I would rather snow. Those flowers are pretty. Your embroidery is beautiful.
Lovely stitching. My chair sits next to John's desk and is about as piled up as yours. I keep notes on what I want to accomplish each week.
Beautiful Winter scenes. I have a few hellebore in my garden, I do love to see them in the colder months.Your embroidery is lovely.
Beautiful photos and stitching and your blog header is lovely and heartwarming 💕
Snow? AGAIN???? It is pretty; but, darn. . .let's get into Spring!!!!! I like your Floralies project. It is a flower show!! I have used Thangles and like the accuracy. Now, I use Bonnie Hunter's method of making half square triangles using her Essential Triangle tool. Although, I do measure and trim each and every one!
Post a Comment