Cake, EPP Stars, Pumpkin Mat, Blackbird Designs Book, Grand Plan

Well, it's November, a harder month it seems and more than a few steps closer to winter here in Ontario. We had a week of heavy rain which I think the earth needed but there were driving winds with it and so cold. It's freezing overnight regularly now here in the Ottawa valley. 

But I'm very thankful those rains have restored our little pond. It is very muddy looking from all the downpours. It will be interesting next spring if I hear the sound of peepers and frogs, etc. because we keep wondering where did they go and what did they do when the water all dried up. 

We had a celebration for Robbie's birthday which brought together family and was just wonderful. Here he is sitting on their laneway ten years ago when I would babysit him a couple days each week. I still feel it was a gift to very lucky me to be able to spend those hours with him. He was sweet then and I'm  happy he is still kind and caring today. Kindness matters more in this world than ever before it seems. 

Beth made him a remarkable chocolate and cream cake that the restaurant staff -and us, made a fuss over. It was a replica of the hat he was wearing. Isn't it neat!

Tony and I gave him a Sidney Crosby hockey jersey which he loved. Something that will be a keepsake forever. 

I have made a start on sewing together my RSC  EPP Starry Hexagons. It is enjoyable stitching while catching up with my favourite Flosstubers. 

Below here they are still in their cardboards/papers so bumpy but I'm happy with how colourful it is looking. The 80+ stars will definitely make a rainbow.

The small 4 pumpkin mat is at this stage. I added a couple of leaves and tendrils as they looked kind of bare.  I'd thought of embroidering crows here and there. And I then I decided to applique one for the center, also to add a little more interest. Still have to finish the feet. Do you think it will look okay here in the middle? This is layered with frankenbatting-very old batting pieces I stitched together. 

Grand Plan

I have a plan to sew something from each of the books I've gathered over the years. Yes, a plan that will outlive me, I have no doubt. But I've made a start with this marvelous book, Tending the Garden, from the wonderful Blackbird Designs.

 There is a Christmas project in it that I've been ogling for a decade, certainly long enough! I've copied the stencils and will make a small start this week. I'm hoping that sharing this project idea with you all will keep me motivated. So stay tuned to see if it worked!

Thank you all who shared your morning routine with us in your comments on the last Post. I loved reading them and was struck by how similar we all are. 

I hope you are enjoying these November days with American Thanksgiving on the horizon for our American friends and Christmas beckoning for all of us. 

Happily sharing with Quilting Patchwork Applique, Quilt Schmilt, Alycia Quilts, Days Filled With Joy, The Inquiring Quilter, Kathy's Quilts, Sew Can Do and Creations Art Quilts.