Slow Stitching Projects, June Busting Out All Over

 Can you see him?

I feel a little sorry for the critters whose only defence is to stay stock still. 

So far I've been enjoying June very much. And I've been sticking to my plan to pare down computer time during the summer months. I've discovered how much extra time in the mornings that frees up. One way I'm using that time is undertaking a huge clear out in the sewing room which overwhelmed me at first. But I remembered that old saying How do you eat an elephant?  Bite by bite. So that's what I've been doing- one drawer at a time and after a sad overwhelming episode the first day, it's been going well. The major issue is not me; it's that the space is way too small for all I have stuffed in there. I guess that is my fault for being such an avid collector over the last 20 years, but I don't want to part with any of it just yet. Tony stopped and watched me there with the piles around me and just shook his head. He wouldn't say anything as he knows he is guilty himself of hanging onto things...on this property, he has a small garage, a very large barn/garage and a room in the basement holding all his collected paraphernalia. 

Meanwhile, I'm continuing my calm stitching which is hand stitching of any sort for me. First up is cross stitching. Here is where I am on Feels Like Summer. My eyes are adjusted to using my #4 readers with this 32 count fabric and I'm enjoying stitching one over two with the vibrant colours. I should also mention I am using my own thread stash for this one and choosing as close to the called for colour as possible. I like the way these tomatoes were charted. 

Also with slow stitching, I've finished three panels of the EPP Hexagon project. I need six in all for the size quilt I want to make. I'm staying with using up scraps for these and enjoying the whole process from cutting the templates from old flyers, choosing fabrics and colours, making the hexagons and finally sewing them together.

I've added to my appliqued quarter Dresden project too. I've sewed 34 of these blocks so far and would like to make 50. 

 Being outside taking in all the sights underfoot is certainly making June a beautiful month and time of year for me. Every time I'm out on one of the paths and something sweet and beautiful catches my eye, I remind myself how lucky to be here still. Such a diversion from worries and cares. 

I'm surprised by all the bloom as it's been a very wet start to the summer. I had planted more of these Bridalwreath Spirea bushes when I found out what wonderful and easy bloomers they are.

So lovely.

And this one below is actually a form of Lilac tree. I'll have to do more checking to confirm which one. I had wanted a Lilac tree as the one that was already here is so elderly though still sending out a few blooms each spring. This one continues to bloom abundantly. I put old coffee grinds around the roots of my flowering bushes each fall and I really don't know if that helps, but it certainly isn't hurting. 

Tony is out in the big garage working on fixing something on the big mower. I've given him a pillow because I know he has to lie down when taking breaks. I have so much admiration for his determination to keep going. At this point, I think it is pure willpower that is fueling his body. He has decided to sell his Spyder as he really shouldn't ride anymore which is a most sensible decision and relief to me. 

I've been swimming between the rain showers we've been experiencing every single day. Someone said the rain is why the trees are so green and leafed out this year after the drought last summer. Or maybe our eyes are just so astounded to see so much green after a very long, very white winter. 

I hope you are enjoying the season where you are. " The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper."  W. B. Yeats