tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29928496432688177502024-03-18T13:25:02.372-07:00Canadian Needle NanaNeedlework and Nature Nut;
Book, Bird and Dog LoverJocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.comBlogger1456125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-13485505054893660932024-03-15T07:23:00.000-07:002024-03-17T08:03:14.398-07:00Shopping, Books, Slow Stitching<p>Our trails have dried up and there is no ice on the pond. The geese have been floating around on it. MUCH earlier than usual and such a welcome sign of spring. LeeAnna at <a href="https://lapaylor.blogspot.com/">Not Afraid of Color</a>'s prompt this week is if we have a favourite flower of spring. Truthfully any of the early blooming flowers are a welcome sight for me, I really can't pick just one. But I do especially love to see the Lilac tree bloom which is brief but showy. What about you?</p><p>Robbie spent part of his March break here with us and it was fun to have a 10 year old in the house. Children really have their own unique energy, so different from us old folks. I noticed how fast he talks with such enthusiasm, for instance, compared to us. His hockey season is winding down and he has started football lessons just for fun and loves it. I don't think I've shown you something I bought for his Christmas present this year...one of those human dog beds. It was a gigantic hit! Everyone agreed we'd all like one. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYprQqG7uWBjcqwDOiuZJsoZQZddD4jafShE7l44PLM8-IGrWQFBEbFZxIoUykMEci_srjH6iIFRGcOXQrhrJCOwR33TT1ihqnbzdsgD9PVvp99g7s2FRA4sAdazB7_xEfAIBJgSDrjyLfqtvFHGue7Iis5_XKs3BaObVfiGPMG-1M9cMTRo9RT0zlOaM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYprQqG7uWBjcqwDOiuZJsoZQZddD4jafShE7l44PLM8-IGrWQFBEbFZxIoUykMEci_srjH6iIFRGcOXQrhrJCOwR33TT1ihqnbzdsgD9PVvp99g7s2FRA4sAdazB7_xEfAIBJgSDrjyLfqtvFHGue7Iis5_XKs3BaObVfiGPMG-1M9cMTRo9RT0zlOaM" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I'm doing okay with the full coverage on my HRH Block #7. I swapped the called for blue of the sea for a slightly brighter one. Folks had an rare issue with this pattern when it came out in that the colours in the picture didn't match the called for colours. The called for colours were much more subdued, even dull.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKw7lMnJ7G4ZNATQzah-Z-_o3ir23po7kYLAZe3UFdruQMmxJb6WYEx1A30DfVycu1E1XPdn34LvHUUWMQZu-23sSXCNtGdx6dssBoiIamRDShPu8ZjZ_n8oAojq1ZAGfJSKbGHWcMAteW218VwQ9b_ByUEM8BTWXJBfurbHFPu8pPSXLALorwsdUTZEQ/s4160/20240308_084024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKw7lMnJ7G4ZNATQzah-Z-_o3ir23po7kYLAZe3UFdruQMmxJb6WYEx1A30DfVycu1E1XPdn34LvHUUWMQZu-23sSXCNtGdx6dssBoiIamRDShPu8ZjZ_n8oAojq1ZAGfJSKbGHWcMAteW218VwQ9b_ByUEM8BTWXJBfurbHFPu8pPSXLALorwsdUTZEQ/w480-h640/20240308_084024.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Did I tell you already I ordered The Woodpecker, #9 in the <b>Year in the Woods</b> series by <i>Cottage</i> <i>Garden Samplings?</i> Ned and I have watched a juvenile Pileated Woodpecker at the top of the lane going about from tree to tree. It stays far enough low on the tree trunks, which right now are leafless, that Ned can see it. One morning we trailed it for quite some distance till it finally moved to the tree tops. Ned surprises me with this because he often misses a rabbit darting to the side of us. Anyway, I think it appropriate that I stitch a bird now to join the Jackrabbit. Summer stitching maybe. <a href="https://www.123stitch.com/item/Cottage-Garden-Samplings-Year-In-The-Woods-9-The-Woodpecker-Cross-Stitch-Patte">Here at 123Stitch</a>.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FhtUH3xVW_9g-OmI7w4cGaRqOlSs6mNzd9tNTj0GSCWHOKKxP7dtpKywRrGPoB9CV90495Y7Ptr_9cIqEVDegf2Z0B2jBjqyL-syvKWpSd8MpLPOb0Jf4ayin9pkGkODTGuxc0MxBWssxr_l-27iIkFqWp7XUxsJ8yRG7kPApLsJj7DGYC9udTF6ljA/s526/cgs-thewoodpeckercover.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FhtUH3xVW_9g-OmI7w4cGaRqOlSs6mNzd9tNTj0GSCWHOKKxP7dtpKywRrGPoB9CV90495Y7Ptr_9cIqEVDegf2Z0B2jBjqyL-syvKWpSd8MpLPOb0Jf4ayin9pkGkODTGuxc0MxBWssxr_l-27iIkFqWp7XUxsJ8yRG7kPApLsJj7DGYC9udTF6ljA/w400-h400/cgs-thewoodpeckercover.webp" width="400" /></a></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> I'm reading(rereading) this book of short stories by Canadian author, Alice Munro.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6IZbTsx5MbcgC-h8e4mcqyX_fbhQSQr20BHPYYTXsh8iABw2nFrOtHPDiby70e-5JavKuoo7aTcUUJmBXioFA57BsIjJJV6tHftcIHQp0h1K-6v0QmXE-S2HfMnLc3gmYicie20tw3cULxJctKynnpUrN4iABE8MlcTyNDsQSlchyFsUgIZOBum-rZo/s4160/20240311_093803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6IZbTsx5MbcgC-h8e4mcqyX_fbhQSQr20BHPYYTXsh8iABw2nFrOtHPDiby70e-5JavKuoo7aTcUUJmBXioFA57BsIjJJV6tHftcIHQp0h1K-6v0QmXE-S2HfMnLc3gmYicie20tw3cULxJctKynnpUrN4iABE8MlcTyNDsQSlchyFsUgIZOBum-rZo/w300-h400/20240311_093803.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Alice won the Nobel Prize for Literature which was remarkable. Often Nobel Prize winning authors are novelists writing about major events, wars, unrest, injustices, etc. so it was rare to have it awarded to a short story author who wrote about ordinary people dealing with the ups and downs of domestic life. For example, some of you may have seen a movie called </span><i style="text-align: left;">Away From Her</i><span style="text-align: left;"> starring Julie Christie and Gordon Pinsent about a husband coping with a wife whose memory is fading. The movie got two Oscar nominations. It was based on Alice's story called </span><i style="text-align: left;">The Bear Came Over the Mountain</i><span style="text-align: left;">. </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKagZgCoA2-czLqUZMvzv9C5FvYXiYIGDdGZ57LhMMBm4CJPnBC0NyF8Zv6DVrqMlrRuEztl6AcFJEVdggNoDEKVM0BlObqHHUCxTwyuvYlbzppfJ4oXOM0i3FLHtlN0n_7XeDujquIbaAlNfX9n7JXz4w6_3CC7PxIq3wUZBmVil3MfKxpV_nwEYvbGU/s323/Away_From_Her.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKagZgCoA2-czLqUZMvzv9C5FvYXiYIGDdGZ57LhMMBm4CJPnBC0NyF8Zv6DVrqMlrRuEztl6AcFJEVdggNoDEKVM0BlObqHHUCxTwyuvYlbzppfJ4oXOM0i3FLHtlN0n_7XeDujquIbaAlNfX9n7JXz4w6_3CC7PxIq3wUZBmVil3MfKxpV_nwEYvbGU/s320/Away_From_Her.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Alice had dementia herself when she was given the prize and could not attend the ceremony. Her daughter went in her place and did say that her mom understood and knew she'd gotten the award. I really hope so.</span></div></div><p>I promised I'd show the tops I bought at the <a href="https://realwoolshop.ca/">Real Wool Shop</a>. Here they are. The colour of this one was what caught my eye. It is a deep violet/mulberry colour and will look good with white hair. It was a winter item so on sale. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYL-dijCv2x39YUu0ciMNv0GtV6i-9n7EXWbulgTMM6ioyV4Rwg_j_mVytvI34jkvx3ESGGfdGK4tuWlIABlRG7AN3GzndeIIuFQzg_q9NTNuRpp5hIhE0Vw3lHhMbEiHudCxamLq9Ol6yHTkq7iIMN0XemM40YXVcDCZJQmdKNibzZGFbZQHXy6JI5w/s3788/20240313_172346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3788" data-original-width="2775" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYL-dijCv2x39YUu0ciMNv0GtV6i-9n7EXWbulgTMM6ioyV4Rwg_j_mVytvI34jkvx3ESGGfdGK4tuWlIABlRG7AN3GzndeIIuFQzg_q9NTNuRpp5hIhE0Vw3lHhMbEiHudCxamLq9Ol6yHTkq7iIMN0XemM40YXVcDCZJQmdKNibzZGFbZQHXy6JI5w/s320/20240313_172346.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>This second one is a summer top, 3/4 sleeves, very light rayon like material and a pretty design on it. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlSOKCiBOQ9Z7MzG5t7Ub_WBceCkVM8d-tQNHnoX81mZ_3G2IfQtru7u-GvQ0L5kZrChu8Eei1HbsPFhyphenhyphenzkHg3EnUcnkPNbFr2urhUxOF2stjRH5eNsN5sOb7eQdmNOaai77mvuYRNFfosMu0wGJs18T7Ray9UBr8x6kTaDjXAbhlDaU_46nKP_QLLpw/s3568/20240313_172312.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3568" data-original-width="2793" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlSOKCiBOQ9Z7MzG5t7Ub_WBceCkVM8d-tQNHnoX81mZ_3G2IfQtru7u-GvQ0L5kZrChu8Eei1HbsPFhyphenhyphenzkHg3EnUcnkPNbFr2urhUxOF2stjRH5eNsN5sOb7eQdmNOaai77mvuYRNFfosMu0wGJs18T7Ray9UBr8x6kTaDjXAbhlDaU_46nKP_QLLpw/s320/20240313_172312.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Would these suit you?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We are off to the vet's with Ned to get his spring time vaccinations and tick meds. Afterwards, we might go through the McDonald's drive through and get egg and sausage mcmuffins and seniors' coffees. Do you ever do that?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Hope your weekend is fabulous and you get a chance to do something you love.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sharing this post with <a href="https://www.daysfilledwithjoy.com/2024/03/11/monday-this-and-that-11th-march-2024/">Days Filled With Joy</a> and <a href="https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/2024/03/slow-sunday-stitching_021451573.html">Kathy's Quilts</a>.</span></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-29379387036431261852024-03-12T06:49:00.000-07:002024-03-18T13:24:29.786-07:00Stitching and Shopping <p>We are kind of holding our breaths re the weather. Still no snow. Is it possible we could slip into April without another snowfall. Here is the backyard view this morning; not a flake in sight, and sunshine streaming in. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPJEU6ymb5j2MQq0oqMzqEpppOZx3B-Fz8WmTtjADhTyKpair9G56u3KW2AxO_NreQob-UGdJ3h0IVHiTGUawsqrjgqIU2O1UzJkCqtwsS3QUPbfySAlR-161cY89Gl-WvCaKDEsyBvboBfE6C0rVfdNEUvbzW8bG4CMStrSSgM2ub2OaVa_pwogqD74/s4160/20240311_134401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPJEU6ymb5j2MQq0oqMzqEpppOZx3B-Fz8WmTtjADhTyKpair9G56u3KW2AxO_NreQob-UGdJ3h0IVHiTGUawsqrjgqIU2O1UzJkCqtwsS3QUPbfySAlR-161cY89Gl-WvCaKDEsyBvboBfE6C0rVfdNEUvbzW8bG4CMStrSSgM2ub2OaVa_pwogqD74/w480-h640/20240311_134401.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I'm playing again with the Bramble Blooms Improv project...more to be found here at <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2024/03/2nd-border-prompt-for-bramble-blooms.html">Quilty Folk</a>. I need to nail down what I am doing with this next border. With that in mind, I began embellishing petals. Fun stitching of an evening.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeygeykWnC7-5bYpcx9kT-s_mRSuHRyjAkl7UkelqbrqM93GbWIPrGkx2JBzSrpS2cH8nLgMLeywsqHZCCnZml38a2EB-34qNsrW3DjCHGJBgxNKgQnBjCASWGLVJkqb_-zvj0EoGqguXVU2QPr7Mgd8ZHhJg5_6OBAr4DyTU1O9hj0KIBdseLG5r5uPA/s4160/20240311_105634.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeygeykWnC7-5bYpcx9kT-s_mRSuHRyjAkl7UkelqbrqM93GbWIPrGkx2JBzSrpS2cH8nLgMLeywsqHZCCnZml38a2EB-34qNsrW3DjCHGJBgxNKgQnBjCASWGLVJkqb_-zvj0EoGqguXVU2QPr7Mgd8ZHhJg5_6OBAr4DyTU1O9hj0KIBdseLG5r5uPA/w400-h300/20240311_105634.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Weekend machine stitching and the Blue Courthouse Steps blocks are together. Much larger than I thought it would be. I really should pay more attention to numbers! Working on borders this week.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk-T5-N88U6ft6MvLJ0VfgQZzcnng5BcPYcegx1iHoHG4J8yThnSPgEvzn5rm55K-mxSugUkgvXQ-jPodHh1H9sa4AEP4GZDUtvIO-3E2skUkbo8HgZj35-sZ2EZCzZz5h425TrMg7-MuGrQQZ2lmW99pUPkoDQaNxy-Kb5X0bhmlfoX9n7Z0c_ThEVw/s3965/20240312_084757.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2974" data-original-width="3965" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk-T5-N88U6ft6MvLJ0VfgQZzcnng5BcPYcegx1iHoHG4J8yThnSPgEvzn5rm55K-mxSugUkgvXQ-jPodHh1H9sa4AEP4GZDUtvIO-3E2skUkbo8HgZj35-sZ2EZCzZz5h425TrMg7-MuGrQQZ2lmW99pUPkoDQaNxy-Kb5X0bhmlfoX9n7Z0c_ThEVw/w400-h300/20240312_084757.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Ned turned 3 on March 3. Those three years have been a flash. Here are the browns in the litter with Ned in the middle. </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrZ8sYGFrChvoiodGvIj-uihsmxkzumq5F3dMaaABlgeAVszI8H3Doadrc8mkIGmS4t5eha6yZZjV1cvRJytFF2vXpF2vjA4Cu3FkBLT45kcs1PCaCBMfq-dC8EcP3APz8gJiEepc1S9i8M6pwiMNoAj2CIGNU4YAD7DWBzHgSwQrwSTe_tLfrcXoEjQU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrZ8sYGFrChvoiodGvIj-uihsmxkzumq5F3dMaaABlgeAVszI8H3Doadrc8mkIGmS4t5eha6yZZjV1cvRJytFF2vXpF2vjA4Cu3FkBLT45kcs1PCaCBMfq-dC8EcP3APz8gJiEepc1S9i8M6pwiMNoAj2CIGNU4YAD7DWBzHgSwQrwSTe_tLfrcXoEjQU=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div>I sat down with the doctor for my consultation on Thursday past. I am happy to tell you that all the tests showed no indication of anything wrong with my heart; my aorta valve is normal. I was given the green light to exercise as hard as I want. His last words to me-<i> Exercise is good for you</i>. He doesn't know me. I'd been nervous; my voice sounded weak so I didn't bother saying to him<i> you don't have to tell me that</i>. I got back in the car and thought I should celebrate but I couldn't think of anything in particular to do. I decided to go to the lovely Wool Store in the town, the one where we bought our Auckland wool winter duvet. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97zy7SsNjIoX2qkgxpXCvTKvNynnnbomjqSH_RSMycyqRRoxwDS7HeVem3XixZpaQ91H3Ykp-XrRFnff1YO2u94VehdnsS4Ob4zDL4I-gYb3DFQGLCyrpWI6S8kFfO8qE-yUDw8G8fV3kriba_yMdrr1p5KO9ubJ7p1_i4lwHp_w6H45RLuqcqX1HVIc/s2535/20240306_122019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1461" data-original-width="2535" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97zy7SsNjIoX2qkgxpXCvTKvNynnnbomjqSH_RSMycyqRRoxwDS7HeVem3XixZpaQ91H3Ykp-XrRFnff1YO2u94VehdnsS4Ob4zDL4I-gYb3DFQGLCyrpWI6S8kFfO8qE-yUDw8G8fV3kriba_yMdrr1p5KO9ubJ7p1_i4lwHp_w6H45RLuqcqX1HVIc/w640-h368/20240306_122019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I had a great look about and wound up buying two tunic type blouses (I'll get photos for the next post) which seem to suit my shape these days. The room with all the wool floor to ceiling is so wonderful, I said to the lady I could live in there. She said everyone who comes says the same thing. I'll have to remember to take photos next time and hopefully that will be soon as I'd like Tony to take a look in the men's room which had lots of warm wool shirts. I bought three balls of wool, all variegated. I will have to share the project I have in mind- I keep forgetting as there is always lots else to talk about it seems. And I don't want the posts to be too long.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp9BcAZaZaPIL7td2YAh2wNdBoxJFYDfocK-k4hsBZKYX8w5ne6YjcOm9b3rhMlqVvCKNqBY_utNdGCckIa_KENPnWYfFgrRkFteCT8yX9UMDsAY-LUMv4GaGdNNYC2YAGCgbJ0xqcQwQ-HXKzF3qCgu8jg3_OvkTSEsjVAg64dsbpum2olUVFE8djgQ/s4160/20240311_093518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp9BcAZaZaPIL7td2YAh2wNdBoxJFYDfocK-k4hsBZKYX8w5ne6YjcOm9b3rhMlqVvCKNqBY_utNdGCckIa_KENPnWYfFgrRkFteCT8yX9UMDsAY-LUMv4GaGdNNYC2YAGCgbJ0xqcQwQ-HXKzF3qCgu8jg3_OvkTSEsjVAg64dsbpum2olUVFE8djgQ/w480-h640/20240311_093518.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><p> Rumi</p><p><b><i>Humble living does not diminish. It fills.</i></b></p><p><b><i>Going back to a simpler self gives wisdom.</i></b></p><p>Don't know about myself and wisdom but my life and enjoyments are definitely simpler these days. What about you? </p><p>Linking this post with <a href="https://alyciaquilts.blogspot.com/2024/03/green-lightening-2-and-finished-or-not.html">Alycia Quilts</a>, <a href="https://itsasmalltownlife.blogspot.com/2024/03/thankful-thursday_14.html">It's a Small Town Life</a>, <a href="https://ninamariesayre.blogspot.com/2024/03/learning-to-fail-on-off-wall-friday.html">Creations Quilts Art</a>, <a href="https://melvalovesscraps.blogspot.com/2024/03/sew-tell-march-11-2024.html">Melva Loves Scraps</a>, <a href="https://quiltingpatch.blogspot.com/2024/03/patchwork-quilts-197.html">Quilting and Patchwor</a>k, <a href="https://smallquiltsanddollquilts.blogspot.com/2024/03/design-wall-monday-march-18-2023.html">Small Quilts and Doll Quilts</a> and <a href="https://quiltery.com/">A Quiltery</a>.</p></div>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-20866102888645817432024-03-08T06:10:00.000-08:002024-03-11T06:54:09.642-07:00Patchwork Projects, Lucy Bird Art, It's Spring-Maybe<p>You know you're living in the country when a heading in the local forum reads..." Do Not Approach: Bobcat Sighted". It was noted to look healthy and was not aggressive. One time people did not have to to be told to stay away from such a wild animal. Once Tony showed me a clip of a man and woman being chased by a buffalo...they thought they could pet it or some such nonsense. But perhaps it is not new. Just that with our impressive social networks we are hearing about it. I read the phrase "common sense is not so common anymore" dates back to the 18th century. So folks must have been getting up to ridiculous hijinks even then.</p><p>I contacted Lucy to see if I could share one of her neat prints found at <a href="https://www.lucyalmeybird.com/">Lucy Bird Art</a>. I ran across her work when I was looking for unique jigsaw puzzles which she offers as well as the prints. I had a hard time choosing one to share with you as they all seem to represent aspects of my life these days down to those woolly slipper socks and Geraniums in a pot in one of the prints. This one with the birds is more spring like. I just refilled my feeders and I would certainly enjoy two orange cats very much.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidVC0Pdly0Bt7o-GBNQPErOWnGBtXLl1BPyjz55A_3_YHJd00-BBIZzxoiBHu7bcb_YWpwClTIGrel1NEWfO6LErpKgdNf12oGrnMHM_83AQQ7dJ7KOB0d8ZYzDbVfv1yv7RWJS4QAbQYBBHtIUwJR-W9r7i1_F4Sn2ecpRocxjRr-Se4OUDJdb0nMwM4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="869" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidVC0Pdly0Bt7o-GBNQPErOWnGBtXLl1BPyjz55A_3_YHJd00-BBIZzxoiBHu7bcb_YWpwClTIGrel1NEWfO6LErpKgdNf12oGrnMHM_83AQQ7dJ7KOB0d8ZYzDbVfv1yv7RWJS4QAbQYBBHtIUwJR-W9r7i1_F4Sn2ecpRocxjRr-Se4OUDJdb0nMwM4=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://dreamworthyquilts.blogspot.com/2023/12/chookshed-stitchers-2024-challenge.html">For the Chookshed Stitcher's Challenge</a><div> Deanna pulled #4 this month so my<b> Diamond Patchwork </b>quilt is back in play. I love it so it will be a treat to move this project along this month. Luckily I finally smartened up and have these larger projects with their fabrics and thread in their own containers; no wasted time searching. Six of the 12 blocks have been made; wish me luck in getting this one to the flimsy stage.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvl9b47pAacbS_aV9_-WgB_wVwhb6ANThI_C7V-poPpaW8DcptV_2oeWKlAkpuPD4hZx3EDJqjP9uJQGPWztsTIPdrULscbr3Kw2PNYxjxMMrHvh9Q7FaGaZANr_vTubatjC_IAUDicJzla3QMDR3b_smq_dPStie4B1VwEJzHH_a8V26aeCrl9Snfax0/s640/20231219_085426.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="520" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvl9b47pAacbS_aV9_-WgB_wVwhb6ANThI_C7V-poPpaW8DcptV_2oeWKlAkpuPD4hZx3EDJqjP9uJQGPWztsTIPdrULscbr3Kw2PNYxjxMMrHvh9Q7FaGaZANr_vTubatjC_IAUDicJzla3QMDR3b_smq_dPStie4B1VwEJzHH_a8V26aeCrl9Snfax0/w520-h640/20231219_085426.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">And here are six more of the Crossroads Quilt blocks. I need to put them altogether on a wall now to take a look at where I am with them. They remind me of presents and it is wonderful to paw through the scrap basket to find those strings. I think the pattern calls for 56 of these and I have 30 now. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cjJ0M1zoN3ABUAqp-oM7s_BvGYGLBDTG5JSLp8B5oVqc1VOcUgI1TM0N9O3s1eCTsckKf4CvSPol7kyJg9ybX4XE4EgT_LvCDiPHNE5aFwVUnXO9EH4nES8VkKFi9LCLcb3wFNhuYrcNuE5Mv3kvllqn7-t_u07w7_8QWRYlwiv7WPwXiGtKGI33KlU/s3027/20240304_143512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3027" data-original-width="2605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cjJ0M1zoN3ABUAqp-oM7s_BvGYGLBDTG5JSLp8B5oVqc1VOcUgI1TM0N9O3s1eCTsckKf4CvSPol7kyJg9ybX4XE4EgT_LvCDiPHNE5aFwVUnXO9EH4nES8VkKFi9LCLcb3wFNhuYrcNuE5Mv3kvllqn7-t_u07w7_8QWRYlwiv7WPwXiGtKGI33KlU/w550-h640/20240304_143512.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> LeeAnna at <a href="https://lapaylor.blogspot.com/2024/03/i-like-thursday-392-sensing-spring-some.html">Not Afraid of Color</a>'s prompt this week is to describe spring through our senses...here is my list but with the caveat that spring, though giving the appearance of having sprung here, is not to be trusted. March is when we traditionally get the most snowfall of the season. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Hearing...the bird song I already mentioned in a post recently. Always a thrill to hear the first birds of spring twittering. Sight...geese overhead and their honking too; grass and new shoots showing through underfoot.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Smell...I'm going to say something on the wind..it is always windy here in early spring, a warmer wind and it has a different smell, maybe of earth.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Touch...handle seed packets. And it always feels good to be able to go outside in lighter clothing. It will be great to put away my weighty parka, the heavy boots, neck warmers, tuques, etc. What about you if spring is heading your way? I know our friends in the southern hemisphere are getting winter nudges these days. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I use several senses to enjoy this special thing about spring- following along with the<b> Indiana</b> <b>Barred Owl live cam</b> now turned on for the 2024 breeding season. This year, the female has settled in and laid three eggs. The male has been busily bringing her food so things are on track to be a successful season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kle0bCAsGqs" width="320" youtube-src-id="Kle0bCAsGqs"></iframe></div>It's been raining and then sunshine, neither of which I have to shovel so it's all good here at the Wooden House. Hope your week has been productive in and out of the sewing room!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sharing this post with <a href="https://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/2024/03/oh-scrap-from-leftovers.html">Quilting is More Fun Than Housework</a>, <a href="https://songbirddesigns.blog/monday-musings-3-4-24-2/">Songbird Designs</a>, <a href="https://smallquiltsanddollquilts.blogspot.com/2024/03/design-wall-monday-march-11-2024.html">Small Quilts and Doll Quilts</a> and <a href="https://quiltingpatch.blogspot.com/2024/03/patchwork-quilts-196.html">Quilting Patchwork Applique</a>.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-30704951608676714462024-03-05T06:26:00.000-08:002024-03-10T08:06:28.739-07:00Two You Tube Quilty Stars, Stitching Tiny Blocks<p>I park at the edge of parking lots and one day I went behind the little mini mall to park. Look what was there waiting for me. Usually here on the property, to see 3 deer together is a big deal. I counted 9 spread out amongst the trees. It was early morning so they may have overnighted there. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQUdiwvXTUPTfUVycr6mz6_8sx7X0iA8EGQHddrZfsOW2b5vlSLyb5-w3ATu6lFaEEOe_44_xyZfWrwEs7pF5JyVu-Rm9yw-L8wR8uayqc4UJh8BgVChoGsWOL5pttJacoQ6t6qsrnqxQssiwvHthjpUkuPku8iZ6x7gcPQsk0Ulijm2YeXRbOvTmvj4/s1930/20240213_080813.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1930" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQUdiwvXTUPTfUVycr6mz6_8sx7X0iA8EGQHddrZfsOW2b5vlSLyb5-w3ATu6lFaEEOe_44_xyZfWrwEs7pF5JyVu-Rm9yw-L8wR8uayqc4UJh8BgVChoGsWOL5pttJacoQ6t6qsrnqxQssiwvHthjpUkuPku8iZ6x7gcPQsk0Ulijm2YeXRbOvTmvj4/w640-h296/20240213_080813.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">I roasted a large chicken (I now buy the largest one I can find these days) that I stuffed with a bread stuffing. It made meals most of last week, well, for three days anyway.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uomknDYAY0alvPjAgQBvbVsGI3SG1V-ND_wo7XRmdkvs3eQzUisB2FlmhgnbagrMQ93Z00nfr6oFFG4iJWAo4s-dXv6UDxn-x8TlmGFA3nlIJxcCC87SSqngWiNAivnK39LC9DfpV4V3AN97D6nrxqqBxmQiGdyMGA_fb9xSrLxtdaLdjsT_ejpxyTA/s4160/20240224_174316.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uomknDYAY0alvPjAgQBvbVsGI3SG1V-ND_wo7XRmdkvs3eQzUisB2FlmhgnbagrMQ93Z00nfr6oFFG4iJWAo4s-dXv6UDxn-x8TlmGFA3nlIJxcCC87SSqngWiNAivnK39LC9DfpV4V3AN97D6nrxqqBxmQiGdyMGA_fb9xSrLxtdaLdjsT_ejpxyTA/s320/20240224_174316.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Finished it with cooking the carcass and making chicken soup as usual. This one got a tin of tomatoes added to it. We tried these Ritz cracker chips and liked them. Quite crispy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkT4M7YOQR9wSu_Qe07-BAXOOAEswk9sewTZeSgyV9uO705RWgL9KYRAQ68FtS_o7F5upP8D94E086b43uihTdTY80x1M0SuNdjXJKVZgy_Rf7TIzvxy7HMmmjZMSAmSJSMEDZauRS665NyeedmzHe6GXo4fMKCRzJQ_zsY50kB16GhfVHcrmSZnPz0c0/s3739/20240229_175248.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="3739" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkT4M7YOQR9wSu_Qe07-BAXOOAEswk9sewTZeSgyV9uO705RWgL9KYRAQ68FtS_o7F5upP8D94E086b43uihTdTY80x1M0SuNdjXJKVZgy_Rf7TIzvxy7HMmmjZMSAmSJSMEDZauRS665NyeedmzHe6GXo4fMKCRzJQ_zsY50kB16GhfVHcrmSZnPz0c0/w400-h334/20240229_175248.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like reading Jackie's <a href="https://inthelandofthelivingskiesii.blogspot.com/2024/03/menu-monday.html">In the Land of the Living Skies</a> <i>Monday Menu</i> posts as they always give me ideas for meal plans. And I borrowed Ree's 2019 book from the library. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-Ph9GfH1Y4PyIEHO8wqxhvErOa-mVtMjsO9i0HlDGFNJAJjp_qV0pGRPf3Y3V8fOjIXu8kB3u8Q0OQoKMiZcxY1uitAIQi85_LhxBuVdcHTd_xDZ1PAwTd_IVkG3s5Q5IAc8biqhiu4KhZtBtobCYSroRkZtCbFe4GxMVQGLbK9-65tHpByGL42_IYI/s3089/20240305_085512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3089" data-original-width="2562" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-Ph9GfH1Y4PyIEHO8wqxhvErOa-mVtMjsO9i0HlDGFNJAJjp_qV0pGRPf3Y3V8fOjIXu8kB3u8Q0OQoKMiZcxY1uitAIQi85_LhxBuVdcHTd_xDZ1PAwTd_IVkG3s5Q5IAc8biqhiu4KhZtBtobCYSroRkZtCbFe4GxMVQGLbK9-65tHpByGL42_IYI/w331-h400/20240305_085512.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pasta section is quite good. We both really like pasta and I'd love to learn how to cook more dishes...I'm so basic in that department. What about you? But I don't want anything else just drying out and taking up space in the cupboards either. You know what I mean? </div><b style="text-align: left;">Two Youtube Stars</b></div><p>I'm slowly stitching the 3 inch Tiny EPP 9 patch blocks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFwncXu08zSN8h_GRFywUc0TdfaQ40Dh7SC138wKTJKlzqq4ji9SzRWf8p_gdeAQfB3Ark48jJ1C2h3_x6i0b6ItWrbzDkKwd1lw3tXF71JpSEsXSOvV27dYnlzWrMgcYq1JAa0H-eKqNzrVWSABbYqfWrm9bORojwLutPV6Si5UGs5OY6mIVyJ6Z9Hw/s3258/20240304_150116.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3258" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFwncXu08zSN8h_GRFywUc0TdfaQ40Dh7SC138wKTJKlzqq4ji9SzRWf8p_gdeAQfB3Ark48jJ1C2h3_x6i0b6ItWrbzDkKwd1lw3tXF71JpSEsXSOvV27dYnlzWrMgcYq1JAa0H-eKqNzrVWSABbYqfWrm9bORojwLutPV6Si5UGs5OY6mIVyJ6Z9Hw/s320/20240304_150116.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Kind of feeling like I need to speed up the process so I did a little research and found a video by </span><b style="text-align: left;"><i>Teresa Down Under</i></b><span style="text-align: left;"> sharing how she stitches 9 patch blocks using FPP.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HCz18GZ_xYg" width="320" youtube-src-id="HCz18GZ_xYg"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> It led me to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/SewnUpPatterns">her Etsy Shop, Sewn Up Patterns,</a> where she has the PDF downloads to make this quilt, a tiny quilt made up of 9 tiny blocks. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnbaFS2HlafH4OOI_wk0d2vlMBKqD-u_duoVuqY8z8xN6Knl12_6I54Aq0UNtftn_csr2q6kDqrRXfKyu2nNNz1lN0kCASujAkiS1rBlSx_Bcjm7GGV7xEk8suDYJHDv9YD-kX_BKyyvB-6_sQvZx091d6hYttZIxVcz6uN5lGmMlyY-6k2AtrmWQnHag" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1588" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnbaFS2HlafH4OOI_wk0d2vlMBKqD-u_duoVuqY8z8xN6Knl12_6I54Aq0UNtftn_csr2q6kDqrRXfKyu2nNNz1lN0kCASujAkiS1rBlSx_Bcjm7GGV7xEk8suDYJHDv9YD-kX_BKyyvB-6_sQvZx091d6hYttZIxVcz6uN5lGmMlyY-6k2AtrmWQnHag" width="300" /></a></div></span><span style="text-align: left;">Amongst them was the pattern for the 3 inch 9 patch so I bought them. I love all the tiny blocks and it would be a neat quilt to make. I've downloaded the pattern and we'll see how it goes. Fingers crossed...faster. </span></div><p>For years now Teresa has generously maintained an amazing bank of free quilt patterns...<a href="https://teresadownunder.com/">HERE</a>.</p><p> I don't know how many of you may have caught Karen's -<i>Just Get It Done Quilts</i>- amusing post where she counts her fabric stash...yes, digging deep into boxes, drawers, closets and cupboards and pulling it all out. And measuring every piece. It reminded me of some of the places I have cloth put away that I forgot about. The final figure is astounding to me but she stitches a lot of quilts. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U4zhaWyW6IM" width="320" youtube-src-id="U4zhaWyW6IM"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Our weather smashed all the records with +15C on Monday so we took Ned to the nearby Shady Branch trail and had a wonderful walk in mild sunshine. Heard two woodpeckers but no camera. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">And now I'm off like a herd of turtles, as Spinster Stitcher says. Hope your day is equally calm and there is time in it to do what you love.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sharing this post with <a href="https://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/category/Wednesday+Wait+Loss">The Inquiring Quilter</a>, <a href="https://quiltery.com/">A Quiltery</a>, <a href="https://melvalovesscraps.blogspot.com/2024/03/pieces-of-my-life-bow.html">Melva Loves Scraps</a>, <a href="https://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/2024/03/can-i-get-whoop-whoop-unusual-week.html">Confessions of a Fabric Addict</a>, <a href="https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/2024/03/slow-sunday-stitching_0494723281.html">Kathy's Quilts</a> and <a href="https://alyciaquilts.blogspot.com/2024/03/log-cabins-and-finished-or-not-friday.html">Alycia Quilts</a>.</span></div>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-64689542070252634132024-03-01T05:53:00.000-08:002024-03-03T06:20:44.181-08:00Chookshed Stitchers Challenge,Hawk Run Hallow Cross Stitching, Favourite Meal <p> 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. </p><p><b>Chookshed Stitchers Challenge</b></p><p>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.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0CYjCykI9nuGBGRK_IjossUkx0u6QpWZ9ax5yVdPfaFeROIsRzYGxRidR51vdgP4WdHts02W_URiRqp1sYnNaJ8tjBYVZ_WkVEgPJaUg1wI7RSPr-7aCDBcQEgWIJCVuB4s8wTc82FL5e6SGEch1mlGTQxj9mYTI6_aOs4aUJVgdPzU6F-VmO8EY8E8/s3625/20240228_130905.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3625" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0CYjCykI9nuGBGRK_IjossUkx0u6QpWZ9ax5yVdPfaFeROIsRzYGxRidR51vdgP4WdHts02W_URiRqp1sYnNaJ8tjBYVZ_WkVEgPJaUg1wI7RSPr-7aCDBcQEgWIJCVuB4s8wTc82FL5e6SGEch1mlGTQxj9mYTI6_aOs4aUJVgdPzU6F-VmO8EY8E8/w550-h640/20240228_130905.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">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. </td></tr></tbody></table>I now have to pull out the papers and sew it all together. <p> I had just <b>three things in mind for this quilt</b>...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.</p><p> 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.</p><p>As on track as that project is, in other areas....</p><p> I've gone off the rails with my current winter Cross Stitch project, J<i>our de Neige</i>. 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 <b><i>A Year at Hawk Run Hallow </i></b>and just felt the impulse to pick up the needle and lay a few stitches. I was ready to stitch Block 7, July.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJqVsVg-tGkbqdJcTcpOEa3uuHGdDpANXmsqTYMltjWDrLt9lHGUYDMcARpxyzCTqQf0FpfebFmUmRzFhTpYWeZMiTy8B3tnDbW4W38VAwhoWAtYxcWCy5eISq0R6nwN1GdtOdhsNTHOPF-1H1tobDRXeRQRY4rMZf0_m3I3-_wyiOKKxsodc1g1uKiJ4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2017" data-original-width="1588" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJqVsVg-tGkbqdJcTcpOEa3uuHGdDpANXmsqTYMltjWDrLt9lHGUYDMcARpxyzCTqQf0FpfebFmUmRzFhTpYWeZMiTy8B3tnDbW4W38VAwhoWAtYxcWCy5eISq0R6nwN1GdtOdhsNTHOPF-1H1tobDRXeRQRY4rMZf0_m3I3-_wyiOKKxsodc1g1uKiJ4=w504-h640" width="504" /></a></div>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 <i>will be</i> underwater whale myself and for a reason. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiho9amL6pOEk3-jOgBYFeVdoiGMCY4QahnIIl1GTKAcGZ7Z6fJm5dau9Tj02z9WH1jbb4UJ5gr1SI2ondBJ2aFfKUurS6Z7_bkDJS7IGNIcR_hp695xvEBZ8XyLvqCU5bT6e-04Kiv2lyKZ6WLs2fZNPovdDoST8slnrwZ0Th_8YGyZ4GAUWVMbaUcKoU/s3464/20240228_134405.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiho9amL6pOEk3-jOgBYFeVdoiGMCY4QahnIIl1GTKAcGZ7Z6fJm5dau9Tj02z9WH1jbb4UJ5gr1SI2ondBJ2aFfKUurS6Z7_bkDJS7IGNIcR_hp695xvEBZ8XyLvqCU5bT6e-04Kiv2lyKZ6WLs2fZNPovdDoST8slnrwZ0Th_8YGyZ4GAUWVMbaUcKoU/s320/20240228_134405.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">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 <a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Sampler-Motif-Book/dp/0715302523">Amazon</a> if you'd like to take a look.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0XxfPUVvqGpxcez64ZlH5PJTCXh29ZD929II0VlLBNm5CG7fG203c9Qy_42ZO5SUeMf-GN94hUoVw6xmDULx7iq219-JWGjj1p13DakCu8Zf-iV8iAzgwaBHj2My4DGa7qI1EWHfqaPwlt_iy2CJag2SWnHvGB3fzpnkm5dUBlphlLdqmZfkwIT6C44/s4057/20240222_090656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4057" data-original-width="3043" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0XxfPUVvqGpxcez64ZlH5PJTCXh29ZD929II0VlLBNm5CG7fG203c9Qy_42ZO5SUeMf-GN94hUoVw6xmDULx7iq219-JWGjj1p13DakCu8Zf-iV8iAzgwaBHj2My4DGa7qI1EWHfqaPwlt_iy2CJag2SWnHvGB3fzpnkm5dUBlphlLdqmZfkwIT6C44/w300-h400/20240222_090656.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">LeeAnna at <a href="https://lapaylor.blogspot.com/">Not Afraid of Color</a>'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. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> But anyway, for me, my favourite food tastes are all over the place. I used to say my favourite meal was <u>anything I didn't have to cook myself.</u> 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. </span></div><p>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!</p><p> And I also loved how many of you commented about that special amazing thrift store find I shared <a href="https://canadianneedlenana.blogspot.com/2024/02/best-thrift-store-quilty-find-ever.html">HERE</a>. 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.</p><p>Hope your weekend has no unpleasant weather surprises and time for you to work on what you love.</p><p>Happily sharing with <a href="https://alyciaquilts.blogspot.com/">Alycia Quilts</a>, <a href="https://itsasmalltownlife.blogspot.com/2024/02/thankful-thursday_29.html">It's a Small Town Life</a>, <a href="https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/2024/03/slow-sunday-stitching.html">Kathy's Quilts</a>, <a href="https://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/2024/03/oh-scrap-just-add-pansies.html">Quilting is More Fun Than Housework</a> and <a href="https://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/">Confessions of a Fabric Addict</a>.</p>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-49143930553310532462024-02-27T07:34:00.000-08:002024-03-03T06:15:10.294-08:00Best Thrift Store Quilty Find Ever!<p>Last Monday was Family Day here in Ontario, a day off work to get out with the family and enjoy winter activities. It was very sunny and we could hear the snowmobiles out on the trails. Beckwith County turns one of their forest walking trails into a skateway in winter and it was in top form. This is one of the four we walk with Ned sometimes. It winds for over a kilometer through thick woods so it would be a unique and fun skating experience. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX4t-x5XmS2gQCFg4gHKqLwYE7n76o_U-kTNDrn9ZhRMmIE51ae6vLaVRKVujgfs-X3TtjpdEAGdQIAE9XxbV9IKPo0R92aD6XwTT-nxCJmWiwN6qYnDUW3C86miWYyTio_gQaS-Ptxn49Wp7HHer4L4I9zUGx4uIjUoelfj1lQRTXmV5Zc7Zm15gBXds" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="780" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX4t-x5XmS2gQCFg4gHKqLwYE7n76o_U-kTNDrn9ZhRMmIE51ae6vLaVRKVujgfs-X3TtjpdEAGdQIAE9XxbV9IKPo0R92aD6XwTT-nxCJmWiwN6qYnDUW3C86miWYyTio_gQaS-Ptxn49Wp7HHer4L4I9zUGx4uIjUoelfj1lQRTXmV5Zc7Zm15gBXds=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>I heard my first morning bird song of the season on Saturday morning. It was a cardinal singing so the season is turning or at least the birds think so.<p></p><p>I must get right to the <b>mystery item</b> that gave me such a surprise and thrill to find at a local thrift store on my very first visit to it. </p><p>It is this beautiful quilt below, of Baltimore Album genre, which I have been admiring and examining ever since it came into my hands. I photographed it in my bedroom which is darkened so sorry about the lighting. Here on my queen sized bed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsoWIihKQG2vxrJmIBOb3fcrcLj6ZMFQkY-t-dJ3TerHrSpW8eyD5cwLQsftk_GCvBAeAp8GpLE4arwcDxyasfVoPl_BvCStzTLNSvXXLIZ31ZHfyf8fGkFBTYfo1gn0PFbheBN5Ws23hVKHuJq_66c8ce8iyWdqtYpUKwz0rXF_RS_bPmY3RPpU7tb4/s4608/DSCN6004.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsoWIihKQG2vxrJmIBOb3fcrcLj6ZMFQkY-t-dJ3TerHrSpW8eyD5cwLQsftk_GCvBAeAp8GpLE4arwcDxyasfVoPl_BvCStzTLNSvXXLIZ31ZHfyf8fGkFBTYfo1gn0PFbheBN5Ws23hVKHuJq_66c8ce8iyWdqtYpUKwz0rXF_RS_bPmY3RPpU7tb4/w640-h480/DSCN6004.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">No label or name anywhere. The applique is all hand stitched, as is the quilting. The sashing is machine stitched on the back, folded to the front and hand stitched. It is beautifully sewn with gorgeous batiks used throughout.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUzBzmc8fOT4_YqVZLtnukncG6dmhqfzolyTiQDWdh7sBiA8N6eWM5NGxIEEXSy3dvLOxg9GSgR7R_9O2rUip4aN8K3kwuTUGkj1KGDPSGZGVzQq4oGNn4o18kfN9xNlkETbNR2d-3BaLpMfNC6gx5DGCEtpqhyphenhyphenD9jqDNxpP0W21rPGM1Bz_nIm6k-sg/s4608/DSCN6003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUzBzmc8fOT4_YqVZLtnukncG6dmhqfzolyTiQDWdh7sBiA8N6eWM5NGxIEEXSy3dvLOxg9GSgR7R_9O2rUip4aN8K3kwuTUGkj1KGDPSGZGVzQq4oGNn4o18kfN9xNlkETbNR2d-3BaLpMfNC6gx5DGCEtpqhyphenhyphenD9jqDNxpP0W21rPGM1Bz_nIm6k-sg/s320/DSCN6003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">When I first put it in the cart, I assumed it was a machine sewn mass produced type item- you know the kind, but lovely and large enough for the spare bedroom double bed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAENFraj0qdZqwUnUx_wk8XvWjS8nKUKHFcf3g-qa8waJNz59cWz-ZfuDfsconPxPol4Kxn7la57deY967DBIYdCpCPMUgFXCU2lHLEgHwF3TosMZKN1byaAvapHiyRYuaYgQuqexSauemdAIQ0R6vKgB6761X712PjoiY36UNgNDi3VbLlguw3CT4lY/s4608/DSCN6011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAENFraj0qdZqwUnUx_wk8XvWjS8nKUKHFcf3g-qa8waJNz59cWz-ZfuDfsconPxPol4Kxn7la57deY967DBIYdCpCPMUgFXCU2lHLEgHwF3TosMZKN1byaAvapHiyRYuaYgQuqexSauemdAIQ0R6vKgB6761X712PjoiY36UNgNDi3VbLlguw3CT4lY/w640-h480/DSCN6011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">But no, it is genuinely hand stitched with a number of those beautifully ruched and specially folded flowers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfbLWmtWyX6VkuGzDRLRHqIj94h0kBrmHZaio6jQezaAkWcWaxeabbZeJlGxHPemjX4WVAdOguR5Vn94VmnrdvgpRiIXCcnxL4kZm1fVlg8UZRkDRi1sn3pwhi6HdsnkeMHEftJkFK0HP8BIoiSkbV9M0KC5Q34bJtmijjBz6cq_jMWaHUZQiQeo3L3w/s4406/DSCN6010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3304" data-original-width="4406" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfbLWmtWyX6VkuGzDRLRHqIj94h0kBrmHZaio6jQezaAkWcWaxeabbZeJlGxHPemjX4WVAdOguR5Vn94VmnrdvgpRiIXCcnxL4kZm1fVlg8UZRkDRi1sn3pwhi6HdsnkeMHEftJkFK0HP8BIoiSkbV9M0KC5Q34bJtmijjBz6cq_jMWaHUZQiQeo3L3w/w400-h300/DSCN6010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">You can't see it but the tail feathers of this bird has gold threads sewn between them. Could that be a clue as to where it was made? Was that a pattern suggestion for embellishing it maybe?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitigrWRJdREJhyo1uBEED122Mo3trGzofe7jWELnSUTRtjLIFCMit3V0_umMxnyNy-P9C1V4bnwVDffAK-J0eW-AL91ghbNG-kEWTZIIxLCqUF1crz6ojZQ-gxq7ZJhyXyqRnXz6pqCEh5TsLG8k_0yYfa-rkJ2hyE3FddkHQ8DbmSkwK-feUltIgXRWo/s3983/DSCN6013.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3983" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitigrWRJdREJhyo1uBEED122Mo3trGzofe7jWELnSUTRtjLIFCMit3V0_umMxnyNy-P9C1V4bnwVDffAK-J0eW-AL91ghbNG-kEWTZIIxLCqUF1crz6ojZQ-gxq7ZJhyXyqRnXz6pqCEh5TsLG8k_0yYfa-rkJ2hyE3FddkHQ8DbmSkwK-feUltIgXRWo/w400-h348/DSCN6013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEE6lUxWsIddU7CXJ_-HEdrtkbbEauA1GxK3r-Fqh_2t-C7lutV5e7fozh7AXJIKoh00CagbMiYpHI8qOBZZYCYP5EEdT5QEYk0-LKcGsOsSiL3pQXq4QMwg_5ANfhTSQXwmnhISIjbSF0XdXIeNcdSQaSUz0FOqTXrbkkEEZV7gBgfrBKI3Th1HUkdk/s4490/DSCN6012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3367" data-original-width="4490" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEE6lUxWsIddU7CXJ_-HEdrtkbbEauA1GxK3r-Fqh_2t-C7lutV5e7fozh7AXJIKoh00CagbMiYpHI8qOBZZYCYP5EEdT5QEYk0-LKcGsOsSiL3pQXq4QMwg_5ANfhTSQXwmnhISIjbSF0XdXIeNcdSQaSUz0FOqTXrbkkEEZV7gBgfrBKI3Th1HUkdk/w640-h480/DSCN6012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">And this interesting block with two headstones.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpIocDzee5OuxmWOGGvMHqOmXdMnboZQUnA3hF6TWZVPfbcx4Mfoy5HY0g13mk22-cJTeszHm_lDnnckZjenKHNRsrDq5J6qY_eKpYqJ_F_I0wJLV0vRnL_kWjOToIAJeH3O7uYawSAtO5nuBzFROQGG6D8SPdj_RRTbRBms7MCg6ObrwDEMPhRrozbU/s4410/DSCN6008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3126" data-original-width="4410" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpIocDzee5OuxmWOGGvMHqOmXdMnboZQUnA3hF6TWZVPfbcx4Mfoy5HY0g13mk22-cJTeszHm_lDnnckZjenKHNRsrDq5J6qY_eKpYqJ_F_I0wJLV0vRnL_kWjOToIAJeH3O7uYawSAtO5nuBzFROQGG6D8SPdj_RRTbRBms7MCg6ObrwDEMPhRrozbU/w400-h284/DSCN6008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">The quilt has that overall crinkly kind of feel and look hand quilting gets when washed too. </span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQrs-KJMpC8aGjhS_H3Ik8xRt0OlgcPwurfG5eYITAIm6tHbpPIcHfX95tlX2oMM60ctPrkXLuoOt50Du_M5KcxNxOApuYGXDjthBlNurAzN3NCsyJ2gMiyxsdyG4WXPocDCfbQ1yax8mcX9UK_i1pmMPw3pQa4HNeKuk-lmXPf5pWR2U6QRxlIm6YMk/s3456/DSCN6015.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQrs-KJMpC8aGjhS_H3Ik8xRt0OlgcPwurfG5eYITAIm6tHbpPIcHfX95tlX2oMM60ctPrkXLuoOt50Du_M5KcxNxOApuYGXDjthBlNurAzN3NCsyJ2gMiyxsdyG4WXPocDCfbQ1yax8mcX9UK_i1pmMPw3pQa4HNeKuk-lmXPf5pWR2U6QRxlIm6YMk/s320/DSCN6015.JPG" width="289" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">And it has been washed a number of times and has some give way in a few seams but overall is in immaculate condition. It feels old to me. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here was the price.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhtG5LDwXLthgYXaUnlS5JD8F70vXuPsulW8OcS3BrAKqbONnLw2MD7PBZoHn7dQKqhQ5j1XkeGJldq7IcENFr0CEYgZ2oi9tgj5vbg8p7evUe9UtsXh7xyW7WEDIXCmFs5fRv5POH5CQ0kxZzS6bDWxMAFX-xXwp5OxEzcWXhpdNcQL29vfKYkuTBL0/s4608/DSCN6014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhtG5LDwXLthgYXaUnlS5JD8F70vXuPsulW8OcS3BrAKqbONnLw2MD7PBZoHn7dQKqhQ5j1XkeGJldq7IcENFr0CEYgZ2oi9tgj5vbg8p7evUe9UtsXh7xyW7WEDIXCmFs5fRv5POH5CQ0kxZzS6bDWxMAFX-xXwp5OxEzcWXhpdNcQL29vfKYkuTBL0/w320-h240/DSCN6014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How are you feeling about this? At home, seeing what it was with a less than $20 price tag, my heart sank at first. But then in my reading I found out these kinds of quilts are being mass produced with hand stitching too, kind of like knock offs. So maybe this could be that but I don't think so. And especially as it was sitting in a nearby small town, the one where I go just to visit the quilt shop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would be so happy to hear your opinions, all of them, not forgetting to please mention which particular pattern is this too. I've looked for that unique block and can't find it anywhere. Thank you in advance! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you believe in fate? Could it be fate that I was meant to find this quilt somehow. Doesn't matter... as you all know, I love it and am delighted to give this beauty a good home. </div>Sharing this post with <a href="http://www.myquiltinfatuation.com/2024/02/churning-and-ntt.html">My Quilt Infatuation</a>, <a href="https://quiltery.com/">A Quiltery</a>, <a href="https://ninamariesayre.blogspot.com/2024/03/its-been-week-on-off-wall-friday.html">Quilts, Art, Whatever</a>, <a href="https://quiltingpatch.blogspot.com/2024/03/patchwork-quilts-195.html">Patchwork and Quilts</a> and <a href="https://www.quiltfabrication.com/">Quilt Fabrication</a>.<br /><br /><p></p>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-20204383198194450332024-02-23T06:57:00.000-08:002024-02-28T06:25:10.449-08:00Quilting in Blues and Reds, Favourite Fictional Couple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can hear the sound of water dripping from the eaves outside...a late March/early April sound in February. And no snow in the foreseeable forecast either... 2024 is dealing out a different winter that's for sure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another week with more appointments...medical checkup for Tony and a hair cut for me. I think it was my second professional haircut in the last five years. Anyway, sadly I'm not impressed; in fact, have been doing a little trimming here and there to even things out. I gave the lady, a single working mom of two little kids, a large tip to make up for all the tips I've not given out for hair cuts in the meantime. And probably won't be for some time to come either. Any thoughts about tipping?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We finished the latest season of <i>All Creatures Great and Small</i>. Enjoyed it very much especially the respect and affection shown for all the animals in their care.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9_fJqzuUoYJVXWbhaOIIsdvjONYuVH8YB6LKXPyDofHHIa_yq1ixBMEyTAqdDvaZVNxa5CCLULakFN-VRIz_ZPvEWCa5l4dxQcLZhuT4LAliHhH5hs6kD8yOSOcmpQeMTAUDd9QD8FGP6jF_s85GppEAxEePVDo8Z4HPiiVyJafbvZmEtDTxQUlnE73U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9_fJqzuUoYJVXWbhaOIIsdvjONYuVH8YB6LKXPyDofHHIa_yq1ixBMEyTAqdDvaZVNxa5CCLULakFN-VRIz_ZPvEWCa5l4dxQcLZhuT4LAliHhH5hs6kD8yOSOcmpQeMTAUDd9QD8FGP6jF_s85GppEAxEePVDo8Z4HPiiVyJafbvZmEtDTxQUlnE73U=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div>Moving along my <a href="https://dreamworthyquilts.blogspot.com/2023/12/chookshed-stitchers-2024-challenge.html">Chookshed Stitchers Challenge</a> project for February. #2 The Blue Courthouse steps. I've stitched 8 more of these blocks so far this month and am at a point of checking how many more I will need for a lap quilt. These are being machine stitched using Foundation Paper Piecing. I stitch two or three at a time which is my limit for an afternoon. I sincerely wish I enjoyed machine stitching more. How I admire you folks who are wizards on your machines. I do like blues and I've read it's the most calming of colours.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpDF8NJRmcpvOT_Om-8OuKlBr2PsRIguWqZFwL-lTCKD6yLsKhqcQwj44Y5B9aCDHgEoFi9ZH8OwvIxP1LGo1MymaoDOSN6jvtgVgHv0jJ7CuruUCBNUtD5Ye9JUPgRevJ5_Yli29F0-4Ppgxn1XXFClknLUVgrbEW8Ac7OEByPEMCSO6NI0PRiZPPZE/s2894/20240222_090438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="2894" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpDF8NJRmcpvOT_Om-8OuKlBr2PsRIguWqZFwL-lTCKD6yLsKhqcQwj44Y5B9aCDHgEoFi9ZH8OwvIxP1LGo1MymaoDOSN6jvtgVgHv0jJ7CuruUCBNUtD5Ye9JUPgRevJ5_Yli29F0-4Ppgxn1XXFClknLUVgrbEW8Ac7OEByPEMCSO6NI0PRiZPPZE/w400-h391/20240222_090438.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I've four more Crossroads blocks also stitched. I've enough now using/featuring reds. And brown is definitely a grounding colour...do you think? I might work more with that colour here and there.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-TbQX9S3VvS2bmHSXFu86_8mFHUYPlsS0hy57RLzMXWM7VQyMg9TL76ZVWIcv5W4YJ3N-Zv1jS4DRGYAfGVIAGyaSNz8N6k3KT4xVl1alhf7e8l_mgNAi59b4ijMiD5rVb05NP_FXD7FyZAE75nj82T0mFaN4ZiEoo4hDhlNwUN0EytXGh5fb_-fEB4/s3595/20240222_090600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2906" data-original-width="3595" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-TbQX9S3VvS2bmHSXFu86_8mFHUYPlsS0hy57RLzMXWM7VQyMg9TL76ZVWIcv5W4YJ3N-Zv1jS4DRGYAfGVIAGyaSNz8N6k3KT4xVl1alhf7e8l_mgNAi59b4ijMiD5rVb05NP_FXD7FyZAE75nj82T0mFaN4ZiEoo4hDhlNwUN0EytXGh5fb_-fEB4/w400-h324/20240222_090600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Here is my latest jigsaw puzzle. I couldn't resist ordering another Peter Pauper Press one as they really are great puzzles. I like the pretty dog and the sweet cats in this one. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaMA126ytwhRnAnYMwUI4vhYiuz9_HAQrYgyhNJvgWz6zSGILMLFkRA58gyYCvduI_AWHCAYYlsGx_SNK2EjaqeB7np8it1rXrknqeeo4t54K3UQuM32-GULGwB-n5OP_KIOyswB5ktIBzpkwjpnO7WO5ufpqjVk-RuDYJp12ws4XZnaplhN81LCQtr8/s3159/20240217_095325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3159" data-original-width="2931" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaMA126ytwhRnAnYMwUI4vhYiuz9_HAQrYgyhNJvgWz6zSGILMLFkRA58gyYCvduI_AWHCAYYlsGx_SNK2EjaqeB7np8it1rXrknqeeo4t54K3UQuM32-GULGwB-n5OP_KIOyswB5ktIBzpkwjpnO7WO5ufpqjVk-RuDYJp12ws4XZnaplhN81LCQtr8/w594-h640/20240217_095325.jpg" width="594" /></a></div>LeeAnna at <a href="https://lapaylor.blogspot.com/2024/02/i-like-thursday-390-favorite-couples.html">Not Afraid of Color</a>'s prompt this week is if we have a favourite fictional/tv couple. I do not romanticize real life coupledom that's for sure. But in fiction, I was thrilled when Elizabeth Bennet and her Mr. Darcy finally got together in Jane's <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>. And whenever I watch a movie version, still feel relief and happiness for them. What about you? I would love to hear who you might pick. <div><p>I have two more thrift store buys to share, one that astounded me and I think you will understand why when you see it. So ending this post with a little mystery. I just have to figure out how to photograph it, especially to do it justice. Have a wonderful weekend where ever you are in this wide world. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happily sharing this post with <a href="https://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/2024/02/can-i-get-whoop-whoop-lots-of-finishing.html">Confessions of a Fabric Addict</a>, <a href="https://smallquiltsanddollquilts.blogspot.com/2024/02/design-wall-monday-february-26-2024.html">Small Quilts and Doll Quilts</a>, <a href="https://melvalovesscraps.blogspot.com/2024/02/sew-tell-february-26-2024.html">Melva Loves Scraps</a> and <a href="https://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/2024/02/oh-scrap-turquoise.html">Quilting is More Fun Than Housework</a>.</div><br /></div>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-82800791206950940002024-02-20T05:26:00.000-08:002024-02-25T06:59:11.235-08:00Cakes, Tiny 9 Patch, Snow Days Embroidery, Free Patterns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVngOxz2WZfDivMgjvQBtlJAmatdn_QPXDAbhRwMFclTvHGZUQvagR-DG9ZCwUNhnBoKCACqn5xxxgxBzB97hjESoTyLoIf6wJoWA8W-51V5mP3a-T03JiTTo05jrlacPNOf2Rhyphenhyphen1cqNuzAQusomiKD-uZSaQmI96_KhmRX1FozYQeSALJVs7-cNqCKyE/s4608/DSCN5938.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVngOxz2WZfDivMgjvQBtlJAmatdn_QPXDAbhRwMFclTvHGZUQvagR-DG9ZCwUNhnBoKCACqn5xxxgxBzB97hjESoTyLoIf6wJoWA8W-51V5mP3a-T03JiTTo05jrlacPNOf2Rhyphenhyphen1cqNuzAQusomiKD-uZSaQmI96_KhmRX1FozYQeSALJVs7-cNqCKyE/w640-h480/DSCN5938.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I have a male and female cardinal visiting the feeder. They arrive very late, almost dark, getting a little last minute nourishment before the long night begins. The male is not nearly as bright as he will become very soon. Did you know they mate for life?<p></p><p>I've not shown a lovely cake from Beth in a while...here is the latest. Dark chocolate for Tony and Marshmallow icing for me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkADvpHg5vr7DxJ7U1EezYtbmGOpIKTBGXrnrZeBzSvbVzcqHyg8hRvzirSZVrAE4EkeKQFWpzCjF3gh6G4KvxtoXqwBW684w410qphNxUp8TNbAdni0gq6yMwprQz60g4Emgq9u22MgpVS-S2U_LzDVqRZy7NHT9i4LSLu-g5GMJWBt2KMdbHdMPYCM/s3120/20240217_183521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3120" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkADvpHg5vr7DxJ7U1EezYtbmGOpIKTBGXrnrZeBzSvbVzcqHyg8hRvzirSZVrAE4EkeKQFWpzCjF3gh6G4KvxtoXqwBW684w410qphNxUp8TNbAdni0gq6yMwprQz60g4Emgq9u22MgpVS-S2U_LzDVqRZy7NHT9i4LSLu-g5GMJWBt2KMdbHdMPYCM/s320/20240217_183521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> It is delicious and I've been eating a small piece after supper with a cup of Chamomile. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBdBOvdslEyq03XHYFyDomeRq8bCNeOgB2ALSWs-0KuP32eAGGrpmwdBuJ_ox2FpnVlXUGM6dILjt2z_g76zNraUMorC-WwADSnzuRVjHO788k1gqHfzqtbwrigukD5BHBhKl4cV4vk-OLxSt1Oyt7JlNVkElf699aBm959zyjyOehzen4qPgqySLx2k/s4160/20240217_183646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBdBOvdslEyq03XHYFyDomeRq8bCNeOgB2ALSWs-0KuP32eAGGrpmwdBuJ_ox2FpnVlXUGM6dILjt2z_g76zNraUMorC-WwADSnzuRVjHO788k1gqHfzqtbwrigukD5BHBhKl4cV4vk-OLxSt1Oyt7JlNVkElf699aBm959zyjyOehzen4qPgqySLx2k/s320/20240217_183646.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I've been working steadily on my EPP Tiny 9 Patch blocks...the 3 inch size. What a great stitch along! Here are more of the reds and pinks so far. Still in their cardboard/paper templates.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDgd3DMgnqWBk4kftc_m9X1Cg4R3b6ApYKyFngcekKrM152d5SPgSx6n89TLcdcka53MnkBSjCYC8E4f3rYVz7ZyMT4LBOnd7mFzIO_k6Zuzn-y1Yt_DFhYRnvWDRJlKD5v3yKIjxRP78FQAevFKGq5CkYDgqO8CQScjXtzclzHP7_qrteB31BwgL_90/s4160/20240219_134331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2830" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDgd3DMgnqWBk4kftc_m9X1Cg4R3b6ApYKyFngcekKrM152d5SPgSx6n89TLcdcka53MnkBSjCYC8E4f3rYVz7ZyMT4LBOnd7mFzIO_k6Zuzn-y1Yt_DFhYRnvWDRJlKD5v3yKIjxRP78FQAevFKGq5CkYDgqO8CQScjXtzclzHP7_qrteB31BwgL_90/w436-h640/20240219_134331.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">And as I was stitching one of the <a href="https://www.crabapplehillstudio.com/snow-days">Crabapple Hill Snow Days</a> blocks it occurred to me, I have the real snowy fir trees right outside my stitching chair. Yes, lightly snowing as I write this. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtMZTCwqAbI129FXhOuL2UVWWb1BObgMywc1EIYbRLKfF5afm7oPRU2uCcR1zhWMgLzk1IRM_dNISjzkRyWVhgp_OEUZgNd_DZ7ueBbQKwjM8G9GRRmpfeJVB9STa8-XRNzT38GcWks3ekf0tlTTxMx3-lBfa_k4BX4yo7oeH0kqNX7W7T6fK3F5cKjw/s4160/20240218_104619.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtMZTCwqAbI129FXhOuL2UVWWb1BObgMywc1EIYbRLKfF5afm7oPRU2uCcR1zhWMgLzk1IRM_dNISjzkRyWVhgp_OEUZgNd_DZ7ueBbQKwjM8G9GRRmpfeJVB9STa8-XRNzT38GcWks3ekf0tlTTxMx3-lBfa_k4BX4yo7oeH0kqNX7W7T6fK3F5cKjw/w300-h400/20240218_104619.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>A couple of free projects running just now...<br /><p>Debbie is hosting another free BOW, this one called <i>Summer Picnic</i>. Details here... <a href="https://www.piecingthepastquilts.com/summer-picnic-signup">Piecing the Past</a>. I like all those special blocks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwwfLyinamRGFd90oLJR4DkVv3dUfDtZkWzhSq5cxEaNjVAIrPhGUnvrLGZLumW1kmBV9WdpwS05J4Fwe1B7Id6Srcyk5VmCqWq54EdAXQs2u7JBFmD5nCOBtNSW4BBMAJVF2rsUh1abPIy-w_ZcD-5uDGT-36PXNWg4YxAmIGqLzCTlvFPxp4Q0308c/s1000/Summer+Picnic+BOW+Program.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwwfLyinamRGFd90oLJR4DkVv3dUfDtZkWzhSq5cxEaNjVAIrPhGUnvrLGZLumW1kmBV9WdpwS05J4Fwe1B7Id6Srcyk5VmCqWq54EdAXQs2u7JBFmD5nCOBtNSW4BBMAJVF2rsUh1abPIy-w_ZcD-5uDGT-36PXNWg4YxAmIGqLzCTlvFPxp4Q0308c/s320/Summer+Picnic+BOW+Program.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Another wonderful QAL with a beautiful quilt to stitch...</span><i style="text-align: left;">Puducah in Bloom</i><span style="text-align: left;"> by Emily Cross is being offered by the folks at </span><a href="https://dev.americanquilter.com/paducah-in-bloom-quilt-along/" style="text-align: left;">American Quilter</a><span style="text-align: left;">. All the patterns are there at that link to download now. Shown in different colourways including this pretty one...</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizPX7_D8RjwYMTF0DmkmvoYTBax-YtJFEgthKCxbl_9q2DMnhngbjhmQvGcc7hlAWvNgEk1CvClBTXqQDdoaihJRpDOcugG_hyE-Y-t_VjHPgxoSjnQWzagIB6Yg_0Xsvo_A7rZg0CMa3BR62pdkbvIcm6eAaPR9fw-0pxJjxQ6JCckXb_Lmt2TQIDiIU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizPX7_D8RjwYMTF0DmkmvoYTBax-YtJFEgthKCxbl_9q2DMnhngbjhmQvGcc7hlAWvNgEk1CvClBTXqQDdoaihJRpDOcugG_hyE-Y-t_VjHPgxoSjnQWzagIB6Yg_0Xsvo_A7rZg0CMa3BR62pdkbvIcm6eAaPR9fw-0pxJjxQ6JCckXb_Lmt2TQIDiIU" width="240" /></a></div>Update...<br />So I handed in my monitor and had my Stress Test on Saturday. The 86 year old woman who went ahead of me passed and those of us in the waiting area applauded her when she announced it to us all. She was a small, wiry kind of person, full of energy. Oh to be that vibrant at that age! Anyway, I did okay too...everything fine though it was a lot shorter than I had prepared myself for....and that made me wonder... how our minds default to the darker so easily. What was interesting was the technician was from the Ukraine, here 3 years. We had a good chat and I learned a little more about the crisis there. She is hoping to move to Spain as she finds it expensive here and the weather cold like home. I don't blame her as housing especially is through the roof ( no pun intended) here and of course, winter in Ontario, nothing more to be said about that. And Spain...I had a mental image of oranges growing on trees in February. Ahh... Anyway, my testing is done and next up is to sit down with the cardiologist on the 7th. <p></p><p>*Several have asked why I put a u in the word colour. Simply put, we use the British way of spelling words in Canada -especially use "ou" in words like colour, neighbourhood, habour, etc. Whenever I write,<i> Not Afraid of Color</i>, LeeAnna's blog title, I still have to make an effort to write color like that because it feels wrong. </p><p>Hope you all have a wonderful week!</p><p>Linking this post with <a href="https://www.quiltfabrication.com/2024/02/midweek-makers-423.html">Quilt Fabrication</a>, <a href="https://alyciaquilts.blogspot.com/2024/02/stars-like-spaghetti-my-version-and.html">Alycia Quilts</a>, <a href="https://superscrappy.blogspot.com/2024/02/scraphappy-saturday-red-roundup.html">So Scrappy</a>, <a href="https://quiltingpatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/patchwork-quilts-194.html">Quilting Patchwork Applique</a>, <a href="https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/2024/02/slow-sunday-stitching_02101902145.html">Kathy's Quilts</a> and <a href="https://quiltery.com/">A Quiltery</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-54640566028885631912024-02-16T05:08:00.000-08:002024-02-19T06:13:02.099-08:00February Flowers, Quilting Books, More Crossroads Blocks<p> You must be tired of me talking about how much I admire Geraniums. Here, deep in winter, is mine giving out pretty blooms. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXlKjpXODyIQxcrIjECoFEsPCipnWT4tkaF9aYU-p1hmd2l0fUHpjv07czr87wOgyPe0_k-YHD6jrhYTzgokW8Og_qxnhpnsfiF8p-O55pX-aTBwxs-M3xyb-CcLJI3SkeW5276SPSaGORcDogyzRnjHZ_GHIhuERTzydH2pH8RGAIjNDhI5KDPrHHTQ/s3888/20240211_103724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="3061" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXlKjpXODyIQxcrIjECoFEsPCipnWT4tkaF9aYU-p1hmd2l0fUHpjv07czr87wOgyPe0_k-YHD6jrhYTzgokW8Og_qxnhpnsfiF8p-O55pX-aTBwxs-M3xyb-CcLJI3SkeW5276SPSaGORcDogyzRnjHZ_GHIhuERTzydH2pH8RGAIjNDhI5KDPrHHTQ/w504-h640/20240211_103724.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>Of course, I try my best to be good to them. I read that Geraniums and most plants enjoy Banana water...just the skins soaked for a day or two in water. I had to try that and now all my plants are getting a drink or two of the egg shell / banana water. I also spritz the leaves regularly and I never overwater. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26pWOHq7S7V0X7bz1QNtXXjUt8jGwIAO5M22sa_bp1-pthVKEpYHQ4qLjORJlPAglm3kibjRT8Y0nkfxvtL-7t597334zQCmhapQfRXKMEZx9A8R8JQaZl3mt8_YW-pl9Yz9J6YclaGSS0gUsZsF1wM_Ei_8HUpzpDaGQ-kMqiI8C1Z2LMIWvSBjDYcg/s4160/20240130_095554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26pWOHq7S7V0X7bz1QNtXXjUt8jGwIAO5M22sa_bp1-pthVKEpYHQ4qLjORJlPAglm3kibjRT8Y0nkfxvtL-7t597334zQCmhapQfRXKMEZx9A8R8JQaZl3mt8_YW-pl9Yz9J6YclaGSS0gUsZsF1wM_Ei_8HUpzpDaGQ-kMqiI8C1Z2LMIWvSBjDYcg/s320/20240130_095554.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>After enjoying these books from the library, I wound up buying a copy of them. They are both wonderful additions to a quilting library. Jennifer's book, <i>Everyday Quilting-The Complete Beginners Guide </i>is one of the best quilting books I've read...so clearly written and includes lots of photos as a guide. And I would love to sew every single project of the 20+ she chose to include. Jennifer is <a href="https://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2024/02/14/wednesday-wait-loss-367">The Inquiring Quilter</a> blogger and hosts the popular Wednesday Wait Loss weekly link party. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Quilting-Complete-Beginners-Projects/dp/0744076048">Amazon</a> link is here if you'd like to check her book out.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wTpS0RmrM_zGU8BkGJl-t1gtNa7CTf0RiwzhUiVoL_pazi-7E5uG86Zu8HSrsrPLXlynCMDBIlJDYXNlDziSKOQqF6GV-WgIYyQPzdfmRNMtRfiHUZckc4OQ89m-fuL8Z-9Iyq17J6r2eyLQ9TGLyWmPwa3UbDC14YROk1f9lwvEkWddndcY32hWc-4/s4160/20230710_161942.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wTpS0RmrM_zGU8BkGJl-t1gtNa7CTf0RiwzhUiVoL_pazi-7E5uG86Zu8HSrsrPLXlynCMDBIlJDYXNlDziSKOQqF6GV-WgIYyQPzdfmRNMtRfiHUZckc4OQ89m-fuL8Z-9Iyq17J6r2eyLQ9TGLyWmPwa3UbDC14YROk1f9lwvEkWddndcY32hWc-4/w640-h480/20230710_161942.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And Riane Elise's book <i>Quilting By Hand</i> is just so lovely. Pretty pictures and lots of information about hand quilting. I like how she keeps the directions simple and makes hand work like this look so doable. Seeing her sweet projects made me think about the size of blocks I usually work with and the use of solids in projects too. <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Quilting-Hand-Hand-Crafted-Modern-Accessories">Amazon</a> link to read more if you'd like to.<br /><div><p>Four more of the <b>Crossroads </b>quilt blocks have been sewn. I'm using just scraps for the crosses and you wouldn't believe how many times a scrap will be big enough for three of those crosses but not the fourth. Ugh! My only rule with these is no florals, well, maybe tiny florals though. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVJCLIw5aWdJTjWWvHHAun8-O2VVnAZ9-50PHu3N-rBkiNfYwvYSVXJIgjwT4lVT3wRwaft0uCsFTd7XPKBlBPo_4YgAGc5XNb1Mp-6dmyYyDjWDAgR1v0t0wI1cKYtPZIkdrjssP64gR2U6vwrqQhE9_xbBwmGZ82pJxt1mACENVVAq3MdaMmRzaCTM/s3645/20240209_094126.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3645" data-original-width="2945" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVJCLIw5aWdJTjWWvHHAun8-O2VVnAZ9-50PHu3N-rBkiNfYwvYSVXJIgjwT4lVT3wRwaft0uCsFTd7XPKBlBPo_4YgAGc5XNb1Mp-6dmyYyDjWDAgR1v0t0wI1cKYtPZIkdrjssP64gR2U6vwrqQhE9_xbBwmGZ82pJxt1mACENVVAq3MdaMmRzaCTM/w324-h400/20240209_094126.jpg" width="324" /></a></div>LeeAnna at <a href="https://lapaylor.blogspot.com/2024/02/i-like-thursday-389-good-food-good-art.html">Not Afraid of Color's</a> prompt this week is did you have a crush on someone and when. I remember in junior high liking a boy. Didn't really understand much about it all because we were kept very innocent about boys, etc. in those days. But this boy...there was something about him and his straight black hair; I could spot him in a crowd a mile away. And it seemed to make my day when I did catch sight of him. I never ever spoke to him, just admired him from afar. What about you?? Crush on a star maybe??<br /><p>I don't want to bore you or upset anyone by including medical bits in my posts so <b>skip the following</b> if you'd rather not read such.</p><p> I had my echocardiogram...took a long time to do- almost an hour and it is an ultrasound so not at all invasive or painful or anything. I heard my heartbeat for the first time in my life and learned that the sound of your heartbeat is unique to you. I never knew that. Did you? Right away the technician said my aortic valve sounded fine. But that was it; I'll have to wait till the cardiologist gets to see the results to learn more. Then I got fitted for the halter monitor and am wearing it till Saturday. The device has a little weight to it and I found the strap annoying around my neck so rigged up a way to pin it on my shoulder. I am feeling surprisingly calm so far (maybe because I'm finally getting something seen to that's nagged me for ages). Thank you all warmly/sincerely/ always for the good wishes. </p><p>Here it must have snowed all night as it's looking like a beautiful winter postcard out there. Goodbye ice!! Have a good weekend!</p><p>Sharing this post with <a href="https://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/2024/02/oh-scrap-orphan-blocks.html">Quilting is More Fun Than Housework</a>, <a href="https://superscrappy.blogspot.com/2024/02/scraphappy-saturday-red-week-3.html">So Scrappy</a>, <a href="https://smallquiltsanddollquilts.blogspot.com/2024/02/design-wall-monday-february-19-2024.html">Small Quilts and Doll Quilts</a>, <a href="https://songbirddesigns.blog/monday-musings-2-19-24/">Songbird Designs</a> and <a href="https://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2024/02/14/wednesday-wait-loss-367">Inquiring Quilter</a>.</p></div>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-35120579341344575562024-02-13T10:39:00.000-08:002024-02-16T06:14:13.553-08:00Bramble Blooms, Answering Reader's Questions<p>It was a record breaking 10C here on Thursday and the temps have remained above zero, unheard of mid February weather, for a couple of days. The foggy air felt almost balmy and the squirrels and birds seemed to be going mad out there. The melting had uncovered lots of tidbits for them. But back to regular winter days now. </p><p>This is another of Robert Bateman's birds in winter<i>...Varied Thrush. </i>Just lovely colours.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeoLNoOe4REVcKSVsnNP3zxQxzpdCn01K8CSGn8hXIorYaxY723H1F1WEF2T3rqIJCGw-2t0o0i-iW-dPHUQr_S8OmoK5tYxXmK4Js1-5dsyjN4FFi0venfJXWFHypTlmHtxeWZ0U0zslcSbE0OBLeWppSIpiugem_1s_9l5qQtHKhcrmMzQrarEUhIic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="800" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeoLNoOe4REVcKSVsnNP3zxQxzpdCn01K8CSGn8hXIorYaxY723H1F1WEF2T3rqIJCGw-2t0o0i-iW-dPHUQr_S8OmoK5tYxXmK4Js1-5dsyjN4FFi0venfJXWFHypTlmHtxeWZ0U0zslcSbE0OBLeWppSIpiugem_1s_9l5qQtHKhcrmMzQrarEUhIic=w640-h284" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">I have these two books from the library and started <i>The Snow Child </i>and realized I'd read it before. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwImrBFZbSo2MGq7iBdEUSaQG8Mp7YW1POfVI1MFPX1QeceezzU_aaMIbmrvFaQQn6gyc0Gjk_b2g_VgPMVQD6p9U2LgTsOaMajWv54kCG_UHye0Ss2uFclXh0yhXraFiz4a5jL5EmamQJiTMGRpD9nnGoWYAwG-EfTkZIVDf-Ng4Ub5gIp5WDf_1mdk/s4160/20240118_093006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwImrBFZbSo2MGq7iBdEUSaQG8Mp7YW1POfVI1MFPX1QeceezzU_aaMIbmrvFaQQn6gyc0Gjk_b2g_VgPMVQD6p9U2LgTsOaMajWv54kCG_UHye0Ss2uFclXh0yhXraFiz4a5jL5EmamQJiTMGRpD9nnGoWYAwG-EfTkZIVDf-Ng4Ub5gIp5WDf_1mdk/s320/20240118_093006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I went on to <i>Snow Road Station</i> and am really enjoying it. I was surprised to see it is set in Lanark County, Ontario which is where I am living. All the names and sights Elizabeth is describing are very familiar to me. It is interesting to read about it through another person's eyes. </span></div><p>It hadn't been freezing in the sewing room those warmer winter days. I had no excuse not to hang out in there. I played with <b>Bramble Blooms</b> borders and stitched a plain one to steady everything. Then I stitched a few new rows of flying geese to add to a row I'd found in scraps. Now I'm not so sure as I should have used brighter colours or some of the same fabrics to match the center blooms. Also they seem rather large. They are overwhelming and perhaps might work well for a very outer border. I think I should do the appliqued border first before stitching these on. Any thoughts? All appreciated.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4J7FgTT6dHVOQkOKWn1qxrDRmIgyrBJlH79TQXmJtXJ4gQ-iUXeIXVwI338EHBxSbiXDBgPkrpi9iznGEMRce_fX0XI_3KlcgE3pCDr-GaexZ9d5SDd7V6HzMn5iCGgnuLCNy9v8Nnha1sR-GSraIgiUvjS1YEKQnG1Jcy3A4RK4Y2iL3wS_o3w7lzX0/s4160/20240211_090023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4J7FgTT6dHVOQkOKWn1qxrDRmIgyrBJlH79TQXmJtXJ4gQ-iUXeIXVwI338EHBxSbiXDBgPkrpi9iznGEMRce_fX0XI_3KlcgE3pCDr-GaexZ9d5SDd7V6HzMn5iCGgnuLCNy9v8Nnha1sR-GSraIgiUvjS1YEKQnG1Jcy3A4RK4Y2iL3wS_o3w7lzX0/w480-h640/20240211_090023.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> I am trying for an overall look that my pot of flowers is in a window, kind of recessed. As with many of my ventures, I have ideas but don't have the skill to execute them. However, it is a good feeling to have total freedom with this and especially no time limit. Thank you Audrey, </span><a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2024/02/all-2023-quilty-finishes-finally-little.html" style="text-align: left;">Quilty Folk</a><span style="text-align: left;">, for such a great little QAL.</span></div><p>I found a new to me wonderful stitching channel on Youtube called <i>Sew Tattered</i>. Lots of great quilting and cross stitch. This episode features the annual quilt WIP Parade. Watch it at your risk as you will see something you will want to stitch. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_QdcH4ccgbc" width="320" youtube-src-id="_QdcH4ccgbc"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Daughter gave me local fresh mushrooms and an acorn squash which I'd put in the cold room,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG97KCq3WIn52HQ_DekmGNhwdLHzGFK5FvTnoRiB0Qrak7gIOsuTruJb0CZ8e4MfrPrDmqTYAQf7roPD_gntB0SvWcreqDR3-66-pG70zObSpI6mKZDYj9pt9Ni8qx_hA09-MSiml2vVdJkusONDPNhX8pFHkuDRr77xhBiZ2sGm9aIv8o1huHRCEjTw/s4160/20240210_114850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG97KCq3WIn52HQ_DekmGNhwdLHzGFK5FvTnoRiB0Qrak7gIOsuTruJb0CZ8e4MfrPrDmqTYAQf7roPD_gntB0SvWcreqDR3-66-pG70zObSpI6mKZDYj9pt9Ni8qx_hA09-MSiml2vVdJkusONDPNhX8pFHkuDRr77xhBiZ2sGm9aIv8o1huHRCEjTw/s320/20240210_114850.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"> Pleased with myself this morning that I remembered them. I've been simmering a chicken carcass and the mushrooms with it should make a good soup. But I have a plan to keep some of the mushrooms to fry out with bacon and maybe an egg and have on toast sometime for a quick supper. I must be hungry as everything is sounding delicious to me. BTW, I never tire of reading about <b>your</b> food and recipes. It is a bonus when one of your posts includes something foody.</span></div><p><b>Questions from readers...</b></p><p>About the wood we burn for heat...it is a mixture of hardwoods...maple, oak, etc. We use as much as we can from old/fallen trees on our own property. And our stove insert in the fireplace is an excellent Jotul. </p><p>I was asked why my rabbit I showed was not white now in winter. Ontario rabbits are smallish cotton tails and only small bits of them turn whiter in winter, like tail and paws. That being said, I've taken winter photos of a few with far more white on them than the one under our veranda this year. </p><p>Also there've been queries about the <b>General's Sketch and Wash</b> pencils shown in <a href="https://canadianneedlenana.blogspot.com/2024/02/crabapple-hill-snow-days-crossroads.html">this post</a>... <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Generals-2-Pack-Sketch-Pencils-Count/dp/B08BXKC888">Here is a link</a> on Amazon where you can take a look and read more about them.</p><p>What is my diet? I don't follow a diet as such, just try to eat meals where I know all the ingredients that went into them. The only real constant is just about every day I eat an apple and an orange shared with Tony; blueberries often too. Yes, I'm still practising intermittent fasting so I basically eat two meals a day...all the more reason to make them as nutritious as I can. </p><p> I just watched a movie, I think it was <i>The Killer</i> with Tilda Swinton being faced by her killer and he asks her what is she thinking right now. She answers...right now I'm wishing I'd eaten more Hagen D'az (or words to that effect). So I'm thinking there should be more treats; yes to more treats. </p><p>The day in ER was for me <b>not</b> Tony. Though nothing untoward was found during the testing, they booked me for more tests this week under a cardiologist's care. They want to rule out a heart problem for sure and I'm in agreement with that of course. Yesterday was an annual hour long appointment with my gp reviewing everything history wise, etc. Later today is the first test, an echocardiogram. I will keep you posted. Wish me luck! </p><p> Sometimes I think what I really need right now is a day on a sunny beach. Anybody else feeling like this just about now, this far through a northern winter? </p><p>Sharing this post with <a href="A Quiltery">A Quiltery</a>, <a href="https://itsasmalltownlife.blogspot.com/2024/02/thankful-thursday_15.html">It's A Small Town Life</a> and <a href="https://alyciaquilts.blogspot.com/">Alycia Quilts</a>.</p><p><br /></p>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-42796620463416875052024-02-09T10:22:00.000-08:002024-02-11T06:17:12.244-08:00Ten Tiny Terrific Things This Week<p><b><i>Ten Tiny Things I enjoyed This Week</i></b></p><p>1.Finished my 1000 piece jigsaw. Worked on while supper cooked.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqGe7cXOYhPwNyo0CGj2I7eQR-_p1aNKFJXSR20e3M8kIlUtcPRMD-osum6OwxAgtmq7pT9j1OVL7qAwmYEiu04KQSsySzhuQPEJKzVseoEXgxv9g-lfCaU1Wnd4mduiBzOrVGr3TmMw2WKB8F5veQuBefjJ04Zj6Cj6vC7iPC6P3xMEA0vbqYSF2UzY/s4160/20240204_134236.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqGe7cXOYhPwNyo0CGj2I7eQR-_p1aNKFJXSR20e3M8kIlUtcPRMD-osum6OwxAgtmq7pT9j1OVL7qAwmYEiu04KQSsySzhuQPEJKzVseoEXgxv9g-lfCaU1Wnd4mduiBzOrVGr3TmMw2WKB8F5veQuBefjJ04Zj6Cj6vC7iPC6P3xMEA0vbqYSF2UzY/w480-h640/20240204_134236.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>A certain someone chewed one piece and I wonder is he responsible for the one piece suspiciously missing near the same spot...!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqsO-HaYlNfqCsaQNywPpdjyKk1ZJajIZT-F1gkb-R_KMrBhXtF33dlpKvoXGCTwfMG2oBbqRxcOUWKfHMmRRWAHhbv33zABmzhMzA6hyphenhyphenXPE5tKi0KLQwx8QiZbecxgf2oUIx_PdS914DHEB0oRh_6y_QsrboCSJLwyvMXM2GaQyXvHHPk_scmbcpyd8/s4160/20240204_134252.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqsO-HaYlNfqCsaQNywPpdjyKk1ZJajIZT-F1gkb-R_KMrBhXtF33dlpKvoXGCTwfMG2oBbqRxcOUWKfHMmRRWAHhbv33zABmzhMzA6hyphenhyphenXPE5tKi0KLQwx8QiZbecxgf2oUIx_PdS914DHEB0oRh_6y_QsrboCSJLwyvMXM2GaQyXvHHPk_scmbcpyd8/s320/20240204_134252.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><p>2..Got myself a new ironing board cover and wondered why did I wait so long to do that.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbGTYWR07jtKnlLP52ugKQO5l9ajuafvl5Yh_gptwn4EO3TnBTKwtV0iCvXn-gzJGNCoZaoMODTEX9v_C-rp0sxU__1SKF0965P-MwwncSt3fgFUiVaeArrsPjWniDnQOEh6fCOi61LN6Yug8Y11JJY9cdAu2IZ6HzprOWSGuvB8hbS9U8BPX9yYp_f0/s4160/20240129_153014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbGTYWR07jtKnlLP52ugKQO5l9ajuafvl5Yh_gptwn4EO3TnBTKwtV0iCvXn-gzJGNCoZaoMODTEX9v_C-rp0sxU__1SKF0965P-MwwncSt3fgFUiVaeArrsPjWniDnQOEh6fCOi61LN6Yug8Y11JJY9cdAu2IZ6HzprOWSGuvB8hbS9U8BPX9yYp_f0/s320/20240129_153014.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>3.I'm reading this lady's book, a compilation of her work...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTgYynRmbjqf446Sl27wNea7sFwKTcefTqFfZoJORDRllBPvlVVD9N-f4QX8tak_s9r6IewCHc86X5S1e06hq-8c7VYfUn1hdAEBzHfFGF5yEJwtU4u0lrZKhgrGGQns253EU0IayPGnLiclGaj2-gy0BW3FEsJa0timT8XrW1Pgi21KR8AhyphenhyphenZzoITwI/s4160/20240130_095738.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTgYynRmbjqf446Sl27wNea7sFwKTcefTqFfZoJORDRllBPvlVVD9N-f4QX8tak_s9r6IewCHc86X5S1e06hq-8c7VYfUn1hdAEBzHfFGF5yEJwtU4u0lrZKhgrGGQns253EU0IayPGnLiclGaj2-gy0BW3FEsJa0timT8XrW1Pgi21KR8AhyphenhyphenZzoITwI/s320/20240130_095738.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p> and enjoying certain lines of hers like this one-</p><p><i>"The fridge light is known to have a detrimental effect on the male retina..."</i></p><p>4.Recently, we went out for lunch at an Indian Food Restaurant, Sagar, in the nearest little town. I admired this very large work of art on the wall beside us, </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmIsBv31BkupkHP_IOJRy6mh1K7tFx1qvjSmRijooZSB9hcXt_3NehIISfSvzPSzpd-_-UmhgHVpeM7G09HmMIiInYQr98IIU5LYOF1Zk7t2AP3ip57wL15rUonJgX2e1Tx-hswya3fbH_PrdopKRuzRL0Lu00jz1CsIx8a1hge9oxWzQ0k4GHD14PmI/s4160/20240202_144054.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmIsBv31BkupkHP_IOJRy6mh1K7tFx1qvjSmRijooZSB9hcXt_3NehIISfSvzPSzpd-_-UmhgHVpeM7G09HmMIiInYQr98IIU5LYOF1Zk7t2AP3ip57wL15rUonJgX2e1Tx-hswya3fbH_PrdopKRuzRL0Lu00jz1CsIx8a1hge9oxWzQ0k4GHD14PmI/w480-h640/20240202_144054.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> and enjoyed a wonderful Butter Chicken meal complete with mango lassies. Is this something that you would like?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQD-UpWaIIgyPd6oWkQ8Cs_-CjLBa8-feepQy-heA6hdtp89zIXgi9u-qOy3tNpcu8DpCIsSAoa8l0aODQu1zXkCY73X75OsJuascplaXGl_fK7n7SspzvgVH8YAFGjapCehUg1Zmmz2LQa5EbevWh377Gg1gT5__kwaD5zfxg8wdt3pn2n11LzUewqM/s4160/20240202_140935.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQD-UpWaIIgyPd6oWkQ8Cs_-CjLBa8-feepQy-heA6hdtp89zIXgi9u-qOy3tNpcu8DpCIsSAoa8l0aODQu1zXkCY73X75OsJuascplaXGl_fK7n7SspzvgVH8YAFGjapCehUg1Zmmz2LQa5EbevWh377Gg1gT5__kwaD5zfxg8wdt3pn2n11LzUewqM/w400-h300/20240202_140935.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">We couldn't remember the last time we did this and vow to do it more often. I brought home most of the order of Naan bread to have with a macaroni and cheese casserole I made the next day. </span></div><p>5.Still very much winter here and needing cozy clothes like these slipper socks which are otherwise known as <i>Sewing Room Thread Catchers</i>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdUJ_S4M0LRHG2B1fo4MzaOzs0w80vBdnkf4us_aS5wZJGFfeZ5IHcMCKpnkJ6uZfjhEP1I9FH2JyaBxFoASKPEbdMyUawFkm8HRbMVknbqtW1bdKPdp0-yjNoEBGVonTqlUQX5rBUrAKmIX7A2f-egihMls-wR8x5_cPPZL5EYHV6nBuGZs7E0snH6g/s4160/20240113_115848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdUJ_S4M0LRHG2B1fo4MzaOzs0w80vBdnkf4us_aS5wZJGFfeZ5IHcMCKpnkJ6uZfjhEP1I9FH2JyaBxFoASKPEbdMyUawFkm8HRbMVknbqtW1bdKPdp0-yjNoEBGVonTqlUQX5rBUrAKmIX7A2f-egihMls-wR8x5_cPPZL5EYHV6nBuGZs7E0snH6g/s320/20240113_115848.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>6.Enjoying progress on my two slow stitching embroidery and cross stitch winter projects. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUxcX172BWPNYlq-9g3c-bHu2H3wzGmMbbnEKE3aGpzLj_K63K6j85OgpQzCCbkWZUE_XIAniZtipVwlOP-icVDGzkm5LMre7xPQhNZv_f60GI8pmnUMRJazq7XaJLhAEJOUwZRPuGghY9md3ETWaTcbcTj2PqlVbx7dtpZkMdUkAJCZoeTAEoVUWhQ0/s3150/20240206_141942.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3150" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUxcX172BWPNYlq-9g3c-bHu2H3wzGmMbbnEKE3aGpzLj_K63K6j85OgpQzCCbkWZUE_XIAniZtipVwlOP-icVDGzkm5LMre7xPQhNZv_f60GI8pmnUMRJazq7XaJLhAEJOUwZRPuGghY9md3ETWaTcbcTj2PqlVbx7dtpZkMdUkAJCZoeTAEoVUWhQ0/s320/20240206_141942.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeCugW4plkq7tPOStiRETWncPgLUKkC7ZuUqms-G9EIGj4sIIVE5b-ZEqEVRyDGq3-g58QlVGlMbMw1oirVUUiabl5B8SONa_wPH4xi5t8JOpeauzmfopsdwp7Nz9Std_gJrZ0Xg8p-BtDeYVztEh_FmbXJ5AiyEiDTW5mSVvqV6b-bTnK9Db9lkfCe4/s4160/20240206_142501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="4160" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeCugW4plkq7tPOStiRETWncPgLUKkC7ZuUqms-G9EIGj4sIIVE5b-ZEqEVRyDGq3-g58QlVGlMbMw1oirVUUiabl5B8SONa_wPH4xi5t8JOpeauzmfopsdwp7Nz9Std_gJrZ0Xg8p-BtDeYVztEh_FmbXJ5AiyEiDTW5mSVvqV6b-bTnK9Db9lkfCe4/w640-h304/20240206_142501.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">7.Researched and ordered this yarn for my next wooly project. Can't wait to share more about that. </span><span style="text-align: left;">West Yorkshire Spinners Signature- my first fancier yarn!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic_Mq_hyGSjYa79NLBKDyrtEHG4HB2DhGbufCTXZaWeqJulxBqEiBAlCgMGo8QpFCQOUGCL5Gm90AROoa8COnnlim4I1-2PYaCajj-KQTTYu0gSg3UBP22hbSvCzDGkiioh0AgR05wS5p-KfV2xiV2BnKYLDdraXxNOgaaTbHkUY0CuWpwUyDS9F47RZk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic_Mq_hyGSjYa79NLBKDyrtEHG4HB2DhGbufCTXZaWeqJulxBqEiBAlCgMGo8QpFCQOUGCL5Gm90AROoa8COnnlim4I1-2PYaCajj-KQTTYu0gSg3UBP22hbSvCzDGkiioh0AgR05wS5p-KfV2xiV2BnKYLDdraXxNOgaaTbHkUY0CuWpwUyDS9F47RZk" width="240" /></a></div><br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">8. I received this sweet gift of local honey. Love honey and so happy there are many local aviaries here in Ontario. We've noticed all the honeys taste a little differently.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5j5O7NjEiZJcMcvnTvt9N8WfqDcUbolUowZe2ELNPjmpybnwqyR-aODZ6xQI_INKLpW3HNlvdALfbxHaDu42D-Ku91nlMQVwltuKgQlhKavTnScT3Xubg0fMXu10mSp1Pvl3eY0VY1zL0Oa92NGouw8ZK8M-JgNUgmCzu62AAXBYcMPVDiyvM0e-jd0/s4160/20240121_112654.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5j5O7NjEiZJcMcvnTvt9N8WfqDcUbolUowZe2ELNPjmpybnwqyR-aODZ6xQI_INKLpW3HNlvdALfbxHaDu42D-Ku91nlMQVwltuKgQlhKavTnScT3Xubg0fMXu10mSp1Pvl3eY0VY1zL0Oa92NGouw8ZK8M-JgNUgmCzu62AAXBYcMPVDiyvM0e-jd0/s320/20240121_112654.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>9. A Canadian winter moment... Robbie came over and showed us his hockey skills on our frozen pond. He enjoyed comparing the pond ice to arena ice and wondering about the difference having a zamboni could make. :D He is working hard to improve his skating.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg4FqbNqTpL_uIxu2RQ_ayGh-JTOaZb_IdeHPAQfBrZAF3oCmsQXl1Ep4OuNtvWtONi6E936lVAcmxTGBOfoHTnNPxAh8XPsjb3kfStI6aihXV2sXlfKgkGCwpy8ib6jDmvIvkKXXW-hXDSmKSSHUD4UaNhFNTXKvX1dEKB_Z6PC86fz-RyQz2E7vI7c/s2583/20240206_163537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="2583" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg4FqbNqTpL_uIxu2RQ_ayGh-JTOaZb_IdeHPAQfBrZAF3oCmsQXl1Ep4OuNtvWtONi6E936lVAcmxTGBOfoHTnNPxAh8XPsjb3kfStI6aihXV2sXlfKgkGCwpy8ib6jDmvIvkKXXW-hXDSmKSSHUD4UaNhFNTXKvX1dEKB_Z6PC86fz-RyQz2E7vI7c/w640-h388/20240206_163537.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">10. Ahh Neddy, so love this guy...he's wondering here why is this old woman always trying to accost me!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWuTWkWU_Icb_AYKMIMcQ8zE3PtmlOndLMQXw7uEqrQr34YDFnQ7JbH6ddoRZKW4APCFrutay1CgV9_v2YJ-bhw6AWdR08T7aaXxVoyHfd3PkVNYiRDgrLq1ujovEg7FO4jPigS7ATDCkQbX-YIPN90PHO4d3TaMmpEIJfLKqs-J-AZGUKX2LdxY6or0/s2592/20240124_094039.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWuTWkWU_Icb_AYKMIMcQ8zE3PtmlOndLMQXw7uEqrQr34YDFnQ7JbH6ddoRZKW4APCFrutay1CgV9_v2YJ-bhw6AWdR08T7aaXxVoyHfd3PkVNYiRDgrLq1ujovEg7FO4jPigS7ATDCkQbX-YIPN90PHO4d3TaMmpEIJfLKqs-J-AZGUKX2LdxY6or0/s320/20240124_094039.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">LeeAnna at <a href="https://lapaylor.blogspot.com/">Not Afraid of Color's</a> prompt this week was about Valentines gifts. As for flowers, I would like miniature carnations but would love any kind of plant instead. And I'm not a huge chocolate alone fan so maybe chocolate with caramel or nuts or marshmallow or some such combination for a treat. What about you? Do you celebrate Valentine''s Day? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ending this week feeling especially thankful. Hope you all have a great weekend!</div><p>Also terrific to share this post with <a href="https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/2024/02/slow-sunday-stitching.html">Kathy's Quilts</a> and <a href="https://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/2024/02/oh-scrap-string-blocks.html">Quilting is More Fun Than Housework</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-73074128945258996562024-02-07T07:00:00.000-08:002024-02-12T09:35:34.121-08:00Chookshed Stitchers, Tiny 9 Patch Challenge, Blue Courthouse Steps, Ups and Downs<p>We had a rabbit living in the front yard, hiding under the veranda but it has moved on. I think Ned may have caused that because he happened to catch him on the veranda one day and chased him underneath. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnXIu5rV9fxTv7YilNNdi_RN5Yl68NnH7PbXjhPrF6mfOSfsvP7ujxyyFob4m6hihN4OWVuoe-h8_9kV6ojGvnU341jkBTA1gjBRyV1Oxs2HNrpTr26gmLQneLlEQM2xoNendNrLshvHqyuUj4-npagIjObtDo6lR3QC0Rk-zuB1jwM281O0QNbSj1DU/s4608/DSCN5945.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnXIu5rV9fxTv7YilNNdi_RN5Yl68NnH7PbXjhPrF6mfOSfsvP7ujxyyFob4m6hihN4OWVuoe-h8_9kV6ojGvnU341jkBTA1gjBRyV1Oxs2HNrpTr26gmLQneLlEQM2xoNendNrLshvHqyuUj4-npagIjObtDo6lR3QC0Rk-zuB1jwM281O0QNbSj1DU/w400-h300/DSCN5945.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Deana pulled #2 for us to work on this month for the <a href="https://dreamworthyquilts.blogspot.com/2023/12/chookshed-stitchers-2024-challenge.html">Chookshed Stitchers Challenge</a> .</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9L7FdA1tYcRaSnUOieu4vTsea2FMf0Ksp_XnN7BY3O13j-tF0vlYVhn--5zmrUyFcvPVc8PfE6bBUlr4l8ziwU5S6wY-VPlYxCs_QvBa7tfRKFiZohlYy6YxRLg93k_dIKHVk0WgxQHvLwCqJ8EZBAf4U_Bg8DAbuY3bADvenSmCUwHvd1cpTI48UMs0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9L7FdA1tYcRaSnUOieu4vTsea2FMf0Ksp_XnN7BY3O13j-tF0vlYVhn--5zmrUyFcvPVc8PfE6bBUlr4l8ziwU5S6wY-VPlYxCs_QvBa7tfRKFiZohlYy6YxRLg93k_dIKHVk0WgxQHvLwCqJ8EZBAf4U_Bg8DAbuY3bADvenSmCUwHvd1cpTI48UMs0" width="240" /></a></div>I had to look back at my original post to see what that would mean for me. It is the <b>Blue Courthouse Steps</b> project and I am thrilled to be working on this one for February. Here is a photo of all the blocks I've sewn to date. It was good to get them out of their box and give them an airing, :D.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqYGwwFbu3SywuEPUvFuzKOqTzleuxgJnTU8dwK0tcmVOsTydNP4b04dgH7gi03_8Cz1g73iBuN8FBzXObFeUhjWt2j6gnjmzop8EolDfayRR_XS3tJZNclSHGfiYjpNpBx_2rpVvMSFw6yUo5t0lSeDkhd4UzwvgH0dU7tq-7n5WNLGrZzXWTioxEnI/s4160/20240204_134038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqYGwwFbu3SywuEPUvFuzKOqTzleuxgJnTU8dwK0tcmVOsTydNP4b04dgH7gi03_8Cz1g73iBuN8FBzXObFeUhjWt2j6gnjmzop8EolDfayRR_XS3tJZNclSHGfiYjpNpBx_2rpVvMSFw6yUo5t0lSeDkhd4UzwvgH0dU7tq-7n5WNLGrZzXWTioxEnI/w480-h640/20240204_134038.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">My special freezer paper that can be put through the copier machine arrived.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4NqjygwJTXtMDwWU37ufXe5eN1_dfPh4fvajfO04Tia_d_782LSgmSWi9Vzhh6JYg-dem1b9RjJazzbyzxsbSt75rP-YTwFe3dCHmMqjpn6HBiBHPnhyphenhyphenVJ6XOzYFXLz4bUL9Q60MVR87svck-XDKbk02bb5eQcafCKqWE6gSebkNCaJIZIObmSVCb0M/s4160/20240204_150106.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4NqjygwJTXtMDwWU37ufXe5eN1_dfPh4fvajfO04Tia_d_782LSgmSWi9Vzhh6JYg-dem1b9RjJazzbyzxsbSt75rP-YTwFe3dCHmMqjpn6HBiBHPnhyphenhyphenVJ6XOzYFXLz4bUL9Q60MVR87svck-XDKbk02bb5eQcafCKqWE6gSebkNCaJIZIObmSVCb0M/s320/20240204_150106.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"> I've tried it out. I like the way the freezer paper is thinner than the cardboard especially for the Tiny 9 Patch one inch blocks. It will definitely help with eliminating some bulk and thereby -hopefully- aid the accuracy. Taryn suggests stitching 10 a week but that would be on the machine I think. Of course, I'm sewing at my own pace and enjoying the process very much.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc8rXlZe9nMyH9N7DEGXdzapGLFEpLkJc04kM-xD0IOh8mUgOJdT3SXyJMQDLkr-nFScUDrrZGyWE1MIGobI4LTCCk07rjtbLRRGVv0g3Nz6ecUX2nflq4hCutcK18-ckC5sci966xLwYkG2w5CjhDWBu4Rptc15Fjl5Du9m-APWboY0W3Ii14LQnPEo/s3120/20240206_141907.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="3120" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc8rXlZe9nMyH9N7DEGXdzapGLFEpLkJc04kM-xD0IOh8mUgOJdT3SXyJMQDLkr-nFScUDrrZGyWE1MIGobI4LTCCk07rjtbLRRGVv0g3Nz6ecUX2nflq4hCutcK18-ckC5sci966xLwYkG2w5CjhDWBu4Rptc15Fjl5Du9m-APWboY0W3Ii14LQnPEo/w400-h374/20240206_141907.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Our landscape continues to be an icy one these days. Of course, the cleats are on the boots when walking but I'm not venturing too far about. Yesterday the sun shone beautifully and we walked - very carefully- along the snow banks skirting the pond. Snow is now firm ice...it was pretty and so nice to have sun on my face. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2z29KI8l32ReRwbaXa9klwMr0XHpti8uGLh1ypTlNTkiQAe3LDlK1BpCUYfFcsHVVomnHqj16LfXhIyzFENlXsixvcVaS4dJYMbuoeyYQMJWP0IGahofol5IiwRxwGxDOFQ6BbXzkBp6EkuWbfx7ERKFwRGEQUY4YOlzH2oqkPdfDAJzc-R7mX2v0N7s/s4160/20240206_093531.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2z29KI8l32ReRwbaXa9klwMr0XHpti8uGLh1ypTlNTkiQAe3LDlK1BpCUYfFcsHVVomnHqj16LfXhIyzFENlXsixvcVaS4dJYMbuoeyYQMJWP0IGahofol5IiwRxwGxDOFQ6BbXzkBp6EkuWbfx7ERKFwRGEQUY4YOlzH2oqkPdfDAJzc-R7mX2v0N7s/w480-h640/20240206_093531.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span>I read a distressing article about the rivers of cloth in Asian countries. Our textile production is far exceeding our proper usage and so much of it is ending up in landfills and clogging landscapes. I shy away from cloth items at the thrift store...except if an exceptional blouse is spied or something new with tags. I thought more about this when I remembered how I'd bought Tony a bag of car washing cloths at Winners and realized I could/should have bought the equivalent thing at the thrift store, just never thought of it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>Oh my, always something to think about. And there are always ups and downs here at home too. I'm late posting this week...we lost a whole day in the local ER which was distressing but ended well...multiple tests throughout the day all negative and the overall treatment was wonderful. We came home exhausted but feeling so thankful for all that.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>I hope <b>your</b> week is going well! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>Sharing this post with <a href="https://itsasmalltownlife.blogspot.com/2024/02/blog-post.html">It's A Small Town Life</a>, <a href="https://alyciaquilts.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-valentines-quilts-are-coming-out.html">Alycia Quilts</a>, <a href="https://ninamariesayre.blogspot.com/2024/02/improv-quilts-at-john-c-campbell-on-off.html">Art Quilts Whatever</a>, <a href="https://superscrappy.blogspot.com/2024/02/scraphappy-saturday-red-week-2.html">So Scrappy</a>, <a href="https://quiltingpatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/patchwork-quilts-192.html">Quilting Patchwork Applique</a>, <a href="https://smallquiltsanddollquilts.blogspot.com/2024/02/design-wall-monday-february-12-2024.html">Small Quilts and Doll Quilts</a>, <a href="https://songbirddesigns.blog/monday-musings-5-12-24/">Songbird Designs</a> and <a href="https://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/">Confessions of a Fabric Addict</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div><p><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></p></div>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-85553118844439104842024-02-02T06:32:00.000-08:002024-02-07T07:05:34.525-08:00Crabapple Hill Snow Days, Crossroads Quilt, Goals and Prompt Chat<p> I have my other winter slow stitching project to share in this post<i>. Snow Days </i>by <a href="https://www.crabapplehillstudio.com/">Crabapple Hill Studio Designs</a>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwQLYXKwLzniCP9JtJNOOF4PG4lyE8rKuZC4Sb30L59nf_jlLYNfnLOsuSM9CvsHbGrklcEX6XSJ-7tKs-yOF3Be2nvE-NsJvceeFNmg_u3rF_WctbCZpSljXDD3wEvc0LLIU0nV14HRaNRDA5Zr59W-fOYIjQK7OxLejv7kle0IlGd5HwL4BQ-6PH0M/s4160/20240201_095629.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwQLYXKwLzniCP9JtJNOOF4PG4lyE8rKuZC4Sb30L59nf_jlLYNfnLOsuSM9CvsHbGrklcEX6XSJ-7tKs-yOF3Be2nvE-NsJvceeFNmg_u3rF_WctbCZpSljXDD3wEvc0LLIU0nV14HRaNRDA5Zr59W-fOYIjQK7OxLejv7kle0IlGd5HwL4BQ-6PH0M/w480-h640/20240201_095629.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Vintage Seeds Packets jigsaw is moving along...loving all the little details in this one-a superior puzzle.</td></tr></tbody></table><p> I finished three of these large Snow Days embroideries last winter and have prepped three more for this new month and would like to see them finished when the snow outside is done too. Photographed here in the back hallway design wall where the lighting is terrible.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJJyXmerE5zJWNmCuCZoBQertXS36uwQQ9byyGtzdHFRQ6Gtap1Kvqav1AF-nb_gKiSGg_JI1lXJrb0vU30XdLO_YFdp2HGGgJjMlhbJceYmE5uZ5kzutdRHjTzx2EWD8IkqkOOP6TglkYzBpGXIzdFdEJPEKGOkDtV-lyOSAJAEB_4w701gEVlFwPu4/s4160/20240130_091704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJJyXmerE5zJWNmCuCZoBQertXS36uwQQ9byyGtzdHFRQ6Gtap1Kvqav1AF-nb_gKiSGg_JI1lXJrb0vU30XdLO_YFdp2HGGgJjMlhbJceYmE5uZ5kzutdRHjTzx2EWD8IkqkOOP6TglkYzBpGXIzdFdEJPEKGOkDtV-lyOSAJAEB_4w701gEVlFwPu4/w640-h480/20240130_091704.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">I use<i><b> General's</b></i> water soluble marking pencils to trace the design. It was the wonderful stitcher, Hilda, at <a href="https://everystitchblog.blogspot.com/2017/09/brendas-bounty-update.html">Every Stitch</a> that suggested these years back and I have used them ever since. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhQXoXT_pWqV3ZWndr75aUDMudJhfkWhPqopkSAyU8dIe_T8G59yU_2aW_5d3rJmua6LJUzkjhzY-j9GI8ytXEm0MD977CJZzY50YgSBqzlUE4tVkK1rjM8EAad0S7gRXDzRh0Li8E6E-cseqox7thpwTTy4xz2un8GexpXaXbo31URU_qTjOPmq7Z2c/s4160/20240130_094934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhQXoXT_pWqV3ZWndr75aUDMudJhfkWhPqopkSAyU8dIe_T8G59yU_2aW_5d3rJmua6LJUzkjhzY-j9GI8ytXEm0MD977CJZzY50YgSBqzlUE4tVkK1rjM8EAad0S7gRXDzRh0Li8E6E-cseqox7thpwTTy4xz2un8GexpXaXbo31URU_qTjOPmq7Z2c/w480-h640/20240130_094934.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">It was sad when Hilda stopped blogging in 2017 but I now follow her on instagram where she shares her marvelous quilts all the time. I trace the designs with the help of the very large light box I inherited from first wife. She used it for her amazing stained glass creations.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The embroidery is easy running stitch in dark brown DMC 610 on Kona Eggshell fabric. </span></div><p>And in the sewing room, I've stitched four more of the Crossroads Quilt blocks with a nod to red, the <a href="https://superscrappy.blogspot.com/2024/02/scraphappy-saturday-number-4-first-red.html">So Scrappy's</a> <b>RSC</b> colour for February. I had to check and was relieved to find that yellow square is <b>not</b> crooked like it is showing. Phew! I hope to be able to keep up my goal of four of these each week in February. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluSWtazA-UmzO0PfFuCLnOl1djAn6BX1CSZrA2ft0y8GHRDhEnwMdUqbPyQ-WLTry3u35_AUlKB8iuPxQXj_DS0SyBNXPG6qxoAyI2V7mKnkrtyuDpZjlQc88znB0wnKfFOZECLXRMH-OIdZUyvbhDzz5vA7u-2nnpGn_qBkwert8CukhuX1hv4abSWw/s3601/20240129_151303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3601" data-original-width="2806" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluSWtazA-UmzO0PfFuCLnOl1djAn6BX1CSZrA2ft0y8GHRDhEnwMdUqbPyQ-WLTry3u35_AUlKB8iuPxQXj_DS0SyBNXPG6qxoAyI2V7mKnkrtyuDpZjlQc88znB0wnKfFOZECLXRMH-OIdZUyvbhDzz5vA7u-2nnpGn_qBkwert8CukhuX1hv4abSWw/w311-h400/20240129_151303.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>LeeAnna at <a href="https://lapaylor.blogspot.com/2024/02/i-like-thursday-387-friendship.html">Not Afraid of Color's</a> prompt this week is about friends... that is a tricky topic for me as I have to fight my own innate notion that people disappoint. I prefer to stay to myself generally and if I've been an acquaintance/ friend at some point in the past and then drifted off, that absolutely is all about me, not you. And her other question was what attracts you in a man/partner. I always liked bespeckled, smart guys. My present hubby is one of the smartest people I've known personally. It's a given they would have to be nice...kind, animal lovers, etc. I've read women often answer that question by saying he's got to be able to make them laugh. What about you? Is that what you love about your partner? <br /><p>And this is what we are contending with regarding the snow and warming up. Our metal roof is quite slanted and any milder temperatures mean the snow starts sliding down. This is at the back door. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHwUgqzoGHX-fruT74snobdKvcjE8eNPLTmYELlbzioucwE7tYWaMO9S6N2RM6uwbg5EhWgrS4nhznkOP_AJY95NiuJEReoG6WRKzm5POU_SxE_IEvUy8-19iAtZ1eqQKlw3VrHuIcrBS9WegqPojSwgcZI48x_GKzIu8x-asEBI2b0LiN8mtOa1djGo/s3120/20240127_081211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2692" data-original-width="3120" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHwUgqzoGHX-fruT74snobdKvcjE8eNPLTmYELlbzioucwE7tYWaMO9S6N2RM6uwbg5EhWgrS4nhznkOP_AJY95NiuJEReoG6WRKzm5POU_SxE_IEvUy8-19iAtZ1eqQKlw3VrHuIcrBS9WegqPojSwgcZI48x_GKzIu8x-asEBI2b0LiN8mtOa1djGo/w400-h345/20240127_081211.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>However, on the plus side- wonderful, almost above zero temperature to walk in today. We were serenaded by the distant whine of snowmobiles on the public trails...super weather for that. What a great Canadian mid winter sound!<br /><p>Sharing this post with <a href="https://www.storiesfromthesewingroom.com/2024/02/february-one-monthly-goal.html">Stories from the Sewing Room</a>, <a href="https://www.quiltfabrication.com/">Quilt Fabrication</a> and <a href="https://melvalovesscraps.blogspot.com/2024/01/sew-tell-january-29-2024.html">Sew and Tell</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-30187813454404846282024-01-30T07:37:00.000-08:002024-02-04T07:46:04.482-08:00Bramble Blooms, Chookshed Stitchers Challenge, Free Patterns<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If the sun is making it higher in the sky each day, we will never know here in our corner of Ontario. Even our weather guy said our usually gloomy winter weather has been unnaturally greyer this year. It is interesting that this seems to be happening in other countries as well. And it makes me wonder if greater weather change is afoot- or not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm reading an ebook version of this book below and must say how much I'm enjoying it. It's about a young couple working hard to successfully homestead, work at marriage and create a family in Alaska in the fifties. If you think you'd enjoy an updated take on pioneering, this story is for you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyRAHxRfI652r7wf0YChK4bhVEkafff-PtTRa-ygFY831CD23UNi5IneMnejsoVlXlBE-fCWZmtjoiHdAvUHiYMosz7JJPtz-LYqIXfCl9ZyRt8nge5_rJZjLmDnI1g30YiBMyu4x1NtUkpOwVI7qCsTOcQykTHImGyw-7Db4XH5ii4FtYTbuMdZSHvTg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="230" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyRAHxRfI652r7wf0YChK4bhVEkafff-PtTRa-ygFY831CD23UNi5IneMnejsoVlXlBE-fCWZmtjoiHdAvUHiYMosz7JJPtz-LYqIXfCl9ZyRt8nge5_rJZjLmDnI1g30YiBMyu4x1NtUkpOwVI7qCsTOcQykTHImGyw-7Db4XH5ii4FtYTbuMdZSHvTg=w263-h400" width="263" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">As I mentioned a couple of posts back, I've played some more with my</span><b style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/">Bramble Blooms QAL</a></b><span style="text-align: left;"> project. Since I'm digging out scraps for this, I used a pile of squares cut long long ago that were pastel colours. It made a sort of a piano keys kind of border. My thinking was this first border should not fight for attention with the bright colours of the center block flowers. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMoQ7evMQtacvw-yc2PcTl_GcDC37S_uxjxnNXKmf-QGOaBofr-xa7Vw6wIZ-HW-sFhXBJuD-ei2462Qhb8i1EmBDqdsCnlPeTBJq__05rPOwR_-Wl9REhv74OtrxzhdASGynW0VFJxNtpTTOY4CcTisBaWAQeHEx_Q7KPI6JOwip-ut1WrcuPRcBbFY/s4160/20240121_111424.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMoQ7evMQtacvw-yc2PcTl_GcDC37S_uxjxnNXKmf-QGOaBofr-xa7Vw6wIZ-HW-sFhXBJuD-ei2462Qhb8i1EmBDqdsCnlPeTBJq__05rPOwR_-Wl9REhv74OtrxzhdASGynW0VFJxNtpTTOY4CcTisBaWAQeHEx_Q7KPI6JOwip-ut1WrcuPRcBbFY/w480-h640/20240121_111424.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I've moved along my #6 in the <a href="Chookshed Stitchers 2024 Challenge">Chookshed Stitchers 2024 Challenge</a>. <i><b>Lonestar Medallion</b></i> is gradually getting its white corner pieces. I left the templates in the diamonds on the edges so I could hand sew these large white corners easily to it. So I thought...it's been a bit fiddly to keep it smooth and tight while stitching. But I've got just the last one to go and then I'll have a flimsie. I'd had to wait till I got a chance to buy large enough white material as I usually buy fat quarters which are too narrow for this purpose. Anyway, pleased now it is moving along.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CdapjVN4ShC7XfatpLyLwBiXtC0EO3UPGheD0OzZVBt16wGKBNPWdzvWqmF-I7aXt7z1fBvqH0XdZv6IJI0vuk1Uh2YuVRmoCYcnqwFTVOSEEIAnGikK0k8pSKAK7v7cIxbKhDiaeDtjYx8DBhui0uFUce53qVV-i6b2DRNZgjzHHqy-KDhQExK83mY/s4160/20240130_093010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CdapjVN4ShC7XfatpLyLwBiXtC0EO3UPGheD0OzZVBt16wGKBNPWdzvWqmF-I7aXt7z1fBvqH0XdZv6IJI0vuk1Uh2YuVRmoCYcnqwFTVOSEEIAnGikK0k8pSKAK7v7cIxbKhDiaeDtjYx8DBhui0uFUce53qVV-i6b2DRNZgjzHHqy-KDhQExK83mY/w640-h480/20240130_093010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>A few sites offering lovely free patterns ...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At <a href="https://www.allpeoplequilt.com/bags-pillows-gifts/pincushions/darling-duo">All People Quilt</a>, the bluework embroidered pin cushions called <i>Darling Duo from Birdbrain Designs</i> really appealed to me. Blue and white so go together well for winter. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Here is one I've had in my files for a couple of years. Love orange peel designs and this one in cool wintry colours is so pretty. From <a href="https://thecraftyquilter.com/">The Crafty Quilter</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGv5HUSb0dMI6pS5rw898YmFt-tTYNcBMt6ycvCg21k5I0xTGi4CNkqTgOCKIct9zBozmvfpZNw2CBYIdR338c0T9z3NQGozi60CVZfNpKoc0-qRb3ryk2XIvyOKdO9ZVIlshfnDQizWLi5vRLF6CmW-aPEAWEr9DFbMyZezMjSskdepBtv1myLwDpd5s/s661/Screen-Shot-2021-01-05-at-10.08.59-PM.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="661" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGv5HUSb0dMI6pS5rw898YmFt-tTYNcBMt6ycvCg21k5I0xTGi4CNkqTgOCKIct9zBozmvfpZNw2CBYIdR338c0T9z3NQGozi60CVZfNpKoc0-qRb3ryk2XIvyOKdO9ZVIlshfnDQizWLi5vRLF6CmW-aPEAWEr9DFbMyZezMjSskdepBtv1myLwDpd5s/s320/Screen-Shot-2021-01-05-at-10.08.59-PM.webp" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://lewisandirene.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Celtic-Dreams-Runners-v1.pdf">Lewis & Irene</a>, the British fabric folks, have a bank of lovely free quilty projects to look through. This one caught my eye. This heart motif design is called <i>Hannah's Flowers</i>. <div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyl3pa6cxz1r0eh3BAd4q4_mTSdB0iqtpqoePf2EYPCCBfCWGOf1L8dpYTLqN3NESUWGsGFNWxCRvkaO-5C6p4H4oGzL7mhT37sfe-qQJPXA_TIcztJrLfySTtTADeIY1ZkVipZUhZNSCEVNY_CkFhGCSCv1QlYQAKJLd7ly8EQBGbJBLZWAf3NO64Z8Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyl3pa6cxz1r0eh3BAd4q4_mTSdB0iqtpqoePf2EYPCCBfCWGOf1L8dpYTLqN3NESUWGsGFNWxCRvkaO-5C6p4H4oGzL7mhT37sfe-qQJPXA_TIcztJrLfySTtTADeIY1ZkVipZUhZNSCEVNY_CkFhGCSCv1QlYQAKJLd7ly8EQBGbJBLZWAf3NO64Z8Q" width="240" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This morning, though not bright, all is calm. I'm going to get back to listening to these soothing instrumentals of classical greats...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/leKAVGHVIYc" width="320" youtube-src-id="leKAVGHVIYc"></iframe></div><br /> while stitching ...wonderful! <p></p></div></div><div>Sharing with <a href="https://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/">Confessions of a Fabric Addict</a>, <a href="https://ninamariesayre.blogspot.com/2024/02/designing-calendar-cow-on-off-wall.html">Creations Art Quilts</a>, <a href="https://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/2024/02/oh-scrap-few-pinks.html">Quilting is More Fun Than Housework</a> and <a href="https://alyciaquilts.blogspot.com/2024/02/pastel-plaids-and-finished-or-not-friday.html">Alycia Quilts</a>.</div></div>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-37122891818217472902024-01-26T06:59:00.000-08:002024-01-29T08:50:02.090-08:00Crossroads Quilt, Flosstube Stars, Cabbage Soup, Games<p>This is a wonderful time of year for Youtube<b> Flosstube</b> viewers. Most stitchers give a year end review of their finished projects and WIP's and also patterns that they want to buy, etc. Some are true pattern collectors with even into triple digits in their collection. I always learn of new companies or patterns to note. Flosstube has exploded even since I started watching a few years ago. I especially enjoy the stitchers who also quilt or knit or crochet. Like this young woman who does it all so beautifully... <i>Elizabeth Ann Can Stitch</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sr8HyWJvGCo" width="320" youtube-src-id="Sr8HyWJvGCo"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I saw the <i><b>Resident Chef's Cabbage Soup</b></i> recipe while visiting </span><a href="https://magpiesmumblings.blogspot.com/2024/01/soup-for-you.html" style="text-align: left;">Magpie's Mumblings</a>. It<span style="text-align: left;"> sounded delicious and I remembered a large cabbage in the cold room that hadn't made it into New Year's day dinner. It was easy to put together and we both loved the flavours of this very hearty and versatile recipe. The only change I made was less garlic (I'm a little sensitive) and no green beans because I didn't have any in the house. I added a cup of chick peas instead. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2xGYkcPdn7YGAU68TDdaZzsUUUfzEpvvLdbNhIDjEuArGih4zyZQQ45mbL-3pl2iX_e17w0vvCULX6F9ja4r7Gv5ZR4E1apJjd53q2SS4mxbZwcpIfpWUyzR5SovuSh-ljGclVW4FGI8dUjE67QU-GG56cpPwkZYqbNkLLd5HaZcEp9WFThafNFrcP8/s4160/20240124_112130.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2xGYkcPdn7YGAU68TDdaZzsUUUfzEpvvLdbNhIDjEuArGih4zyZQQ45mbL-3pl2iX_e17w0vvCULX6F9ja4r7Gv5ZR4E1apJjd53q2SS4mxbZwcpIfpWUyzR5SovuSh-ljGclVW4FGI8dUjE67QU-GG56cpPwkZYqbNkLLd5HaZcEp9WFThafNFrcP8/s320/20240124_112130.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I always make enough for a crowd so I wound up freezing some. Yes, I've purchased Dollar Store freezer containers and am now labeling like a normal person....as so many of you suggested. My year of being better organized is off to a good start- but it is still only January. </span></div><p>I've continued stitching more <b>Crossroads Quilt </b>Blocks. These are easy...I cut out four at a time and have ready to go beside the machine. I should mention I've opted to use the same colour for the centers; I think the red gives a bright consistent pop esp. for the darker colour combinations. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLmGNUXDQdUrOsGYnkTciYi8Dvq72rknOwZCILqmk5KTyHlkAzYMU4QblA7ESywSH8r7zm0fnnMNZAWX4Y3pN1RbJqbqURQP2rdONNq83dAciGzgmOciClFOE-d_8KAcmOF7sWEibTRJdb3MI62M2a8hhr_pF0AhpwLqKfjrR5OCvq6xoTLyiP8iYmak/s3380/20240124_133116.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3380" data-original-width="2588" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLmGNUXDQdUrOsGYnkTciYi8Dvq72rknOwZCILqmk5KTyHlkAzYMU4QblA7ESywSH8r7zm0fnnMNZAWX4Y3pN1RbJqbqURQP2rdONNq83dAciGzgmOciClFOE-d_8KAcmOF7sWEibTRJdb3MI62M2a8hhr_pF0AhpwLqKfjrR5OCvq6xoTLyiP8iYmak/w490-h640/20240124_133116.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">On my winter cross stitching project...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg__5psA3jRSGzH0ic5HHtVFIX5y7aY0vBHNVxfLPmk6UVMI6iWy9q5rilLkCRzBHwbBic-fp8U24bl8_qCtNZFQI-wZ2zZL4LnFASLiNL5ngQymzqke3-5BG02eFASbzKnO8G3XX36WS6M07RFI2Ch7AqIpx_teOKgEt9uTG4U1O2lVoThgyYYVQojLM/s420/jour-de-neige-madame-la-fee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg__5psA3jRSGzH0ic5HHtVFIX5y7aY0vBHNVxfLPmk6UVMI6iWy9q5rilLkCRzBHwbBic-fp8U24bl8_qCtNZFQI-wZ2zZL4LnFASLiNL5ngQymzqke3-5BG02eFASbzKnO8G3XX36WS6M07RFI2Ch7AqIpx_teOKgEt9uTG4U1O2lVoThgyYYVQojLM/s320/jour-de-neige-madame-la-fee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">.... the words </span><i style="text-align: left;">Jour de Neige</i><span style="text-align: left;">, snow and all, are finished and I'm working on the branches and berries at the top. </span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiAP66P9ZLtMwu84DoTB-spv4mO166buZH-EdegmuZWuxBZJ9q9BkPNHK0ijp_PEDHgw_LI1jMPzGnUdX6QfQgt2dgSwQk9viKl2IubWDuleJBqiDhEL0trRK837du-Y3rnfS6ZG54Daf_vEAcRP4Gnn_7vOStRZt1lJuzEAjZudT7h1v33XlBUpqpRs/s3120/20240124_102259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3032" data-original-width="3120" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiAP66P9ZLtMwu84DoTB-spv4mO166buZH-EdegmuZWuxBZJ9q9BkPNHK0ijp_PEDHgw_LI1jMPzGnUdX6QfQgt2dgSwQk9viKl2IubWDuleJBqiDhEL0trRK837du-Y3rnfS6ZG54Daf_vEAcRP4Gnn_7vOStRZt1lJuzEAjZudT7h1v33XlBUpqpRs/w400-h389/20240124_102259.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>LeeAnna at <a href="https://lapaylor.blogspot.com/2024/01/i-like-thursday-386-games-bread-little.html">Not Afraid of Color</a>'s prompt this week is what games we played as children. Growing up I got to play street games with the kids on Charles Street in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, and have wonderful memories of that. Inside, we had all the usual games including always a jigsaw puzzle on the go. Later, with my own family, we played lots of games and I'll share this one that was always fun. Huckle Buckle Beanstalk. Whenever we had another family over we would play it as all the kids can take part. The premise is simple...hide something in plain sight, and it is totally amazing how often the adults will not spy the item. The simple rules are here... <a href="https://www.playworks.org/game-library/huckle-buckle-beanstalk/">Huckle Buckle Beanstalk</a>.</p><p>My list of free patterns is piling up. I'll include a few in a post soon. It is our third day of freezing rain; a rime of ice over everything including the trees which I hate to see. It will mean more broken branches and a clean up on the trails again. I really want to get out in the fresh air but haven't ventured outside...too afraid of slipping about even with the cleats. And my hip is still twinging now and then so can't take the risk.</p><p>Hope the weather is wonderful wherever you are and your fingers are flying! Happy Weekend all!</p><p>Joining these linky parties....<a href="https://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/2024/01/oh-scrap-pink-scraps.html">Quilting is More Fun Than Housework</a>, <a href="https://smallquiltsanddollquilts.blogspot.com/2024/01/design-wall-monday-january-29-2024.html">Small Quilts and Doll Quilts</a>, <a href="https://songbirddesigns.blog/monday-musing-1-29-24/">Songbird Designs</a> and <a href="https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/2024/01/slow-sunday-stitching_02005148314.html">Kathy's Quilts</a>.</p><p><br /></p>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-81436579878599838892024-01-23T06:21:00.000-08:002024-01-28T07:31:16.186-08:00Thrift Store Finds, Taryn's Tiny 9 Patch Challenge Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwFgz_q-XwwDVgX8ri4VRqgNZRvhY9o7YpcQ9I8cAxZKDTqebYSNlVs6FkCrcAJF7EnmpxQx4pJOp4Swi5wLHUhEk-Z-ZpFgiakChlc_Bj1W-CecmgSmD25gSfcNQtGXEhQMwUBX-I3S8P5d9h2Zjrgqr6ouoHleo_eETlqZy8bwA7BGx3yFzkCkT1y0/s4160/20231202_112822%20-%20Copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwFgz_q-XwwDVgX8ri4VRqgNZRvhY9o7YpcQ9I8cAxZKDTqebYSNlVs6FkCrcAJF7EnmpxQx4pJOp4Swi5wLHUhEk-Z-ZpFgiakChlc_Bj1W-CecmgSmD25gSfcNQtGXEhQMwUBX-I3S8P5d9h2Zjrgqr6ouoHleo_eETlqZy8bwA7BGx3yFzkCkT1y0/s320/20231202_112822%20-%20Copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We've been taking our Vitamin D regularly. The lack of sunshine had been appalling most of the fall and it is continuing into winter it seems. Though today a weak sun is trying to peak through the cloud cover. I just read an online report that a multivitamin a day might help slow down dementia. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it did!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Here is a trio of thrift store finds to share with you as promised... I watched as a lady ahead of me picked up this mug and thought-oh no, she's going to want it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwzIcsnbDEL8LsIiqfOQHsRMH8dWinmFByX3tbqVTCduBcHxjaeyHja27GbQSY75PZDn__Aw0-dchdOnFyQBLADbszSgG6lwTJo0GEl-v9MFVAc1J3dRGwYflQbeJT1k62zvjiIQdqMjSIUKysodmX8PZ5VqSKon5I7Srl0UgFOMlG1JFPk2yIWoZbl8/s4160/20240121_111904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwzIcsnbDEL8LsIiqfOQHsRMH8dWinmFByX3tbqVTCduBcHxjaeyHja27GbQSY75PZDn__Aw0-dchdOnFyQBLADbszSgG6lwTJo0GEl-v9MFVAc1J3dRGwYflQbeJT1k62zvjiIQdqMjSIUKysodmX8PZ5VqSKon5I7Srl0UgFOMlG1JFPk2yIWoZbl8/s320/20240121_111904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"> But she looked at the price tag, $4.99, and put it back (most mugs were $2.99 with a $1 bin too). I had spied it and knew it was a Rifle Paper Co. mug. Online price with gold trim averages $22 US. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPj0zzpLP6ViqZwFeZteZvc77WMNcNT_mn-hJW3I_mNgh6Qe8v2VZtNjvOgPSEITMsmI7xlxN0JiJYKzM6E4lypcBMeA-qjcyHmsTV7AAUG6a-QN_V86ePsVvLPBF8Gl6t6N6odvsrJI4JE2nZ7PfWrJr8mgXY58SX265CHWttcrxDqVWmOPDlEj8DePc/s4160/20240121_111923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPj0zzpLP6ViqZwFeZteZvc77WMNcNT_mn-hJW3I_mNgh6Qe8v2VZtNjvOgPSEITMsmI7xlxN0JiJYKzM6E4lypcBMeA-qjcyHmsTV7AAUG6a-QN_V86ePsVvLPBF8Gl6t6N6odvsrJI4JE2nZ7PfWrJr8mgXY58SX265CHWttcrxDqVWmOPDlEj8DePc/s320/20240121_111923.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>It has a big M on it and even though my initial is not M, I figured I'm forever a Mom and that counts too. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3M9MXYM6RscITLy_fQ3MZ0DNNTEkNmryrFkZzmhlkX7kiGDIyVrhFdpS323Bb1vqI8Hpc-V174A4kpDChq55cRrfM17FnFT9AzekUGdy6mBXvzd-HBfxPHld7ZXzcTPb6iQUJdsOox0lI9fPqXMN35hDDPSYCfUFs5SLV5YnJqZ3Vd3B49YH1O1aiLiI/s4160/20240121_111847.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3M9MXYM6RscITLy_fQ3MZ0DNNTEkNmryrFkZzmhlkX7kiGDIyVrhFdpS323Bb1vqI8Hpc-V174A4kpDChq55cRrfM17FnFT9AzekUGdy6mBXvzd-HBfxPHld7ZXzcTPb6iQUJdsOox0lI9fPqXMN35hDDPSYCfUFs5SLV5YnJqZ3Vd3B49YH1O1aiLiI/s320/20240121_111847.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I also found this brand new, never cracked open book by the wonderful Gwen Marston. I had the thought this might be inspiration for the Bramble Blooms QAL. (I've since had the thought I may own a copy of this-it looked so familiar...haven't checked that out yet. But then again I may have gotten it from the library at some point.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2ovaoYdUvSsb2oiZDEAI2B8x2AfA5mxcjjVJPAMfizp7R6wFdr3bZe6u2gXSA2MrlWsel0b6KPTjteEN4VtbuIt-O-JlanTgahpmKJ97Bd7BQuhJAS6tkr0Sk1T4QyEcvC5HlsKwzMdqhUW01srjy1TD5aROqnGG-4T3SDO5cbl5qDHBqIrwovBv3xo/s4160/20240121_112509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2ovaoYdUvSsb2oiZDEAI2B8x2AfA5mxcjjVJPAMfizp7R6wFdr3bZe6u2gXSA2MrlWsel0b6KPTjteEN4VtbuIt-O-JlanTgahpmKJ97Bd7BQuhJAS6tkr0Sk1T4QyEcvC5HlsKwzMdqhUW01srjy1TD5aROqnGG-4T3SDO5cbl5qDHBqIrwovBv3xo/s320/20240121_112509.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I was also able to buy this beautiful stain free reversable table cloth with a pretty plaid trim...a thickish kind of material that doesn't need ironing. My thought was the lighter mustard yellow would look good in our wooden house and it is big enough to fit the table with the inserts. And I only have a Christmas and a summer cloth at that size. It's already been through the washing machine and came out great. Our brown Johnson Brothers Winter Village dishes look pretty against it too. So I had a great shop looking about and kept well within my $25 limit per visit. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zOgTprCDBrZs4hwyv1vmwVVpO1ckgC6XZoqy7eSJkFKg8QpU5lP3e4WJXlY5IwFAFPukJIjpfSFa1SQ4wO0J6my3rfXLygrAr8wf_2m4xVo-J4QA-cwpdaVlMGVbCG-W5d__9ZzljzWGT9M5D4-D5hBuxT-AV-hr9fYozOaQov6mxFPeeDJAfdfVy8g/s4160/20240122_090900.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zOgTprCDBrZs4hwyv1vmwVVpO1ckgC6XZoqy7eSJkFKg8QpU5lP3e4WJXlY5IwFAFPukJIjpfSFa1SQ4wO0J6my3rfXLygrAr8wf_2m4xVo-J4QA-cwpdaVlMGVbCG-W5d__9ZzljzWGT9M5D4-D5hBuxT-AV-hr9fYozOaQov6mxFPeeDJAfdfVy8g/s320/20240122_090900.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"> I've been following </span><b style="text-align: left;">Taryn</b><span style="text-align: left;">, the </span><a href="https://reproquiltlover.com/tiny-nine-patch-quilt-blocks/" style="text-align: left;">Repro Quilter</a><span style="text-align: left;">, for years. Recently she has been making teeny tiny <b>Nine</b> <b>Patch Quilt Blocks</b> and I became quite enamored with them. Her completed blocks are some ridiculous size like 2 inches! Really? That can't be true. I want to make these little squares too but my fingers cannot mange that small. I experimented on the machine first. I think these were 1.5 in patches.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_KzLiFmH-qfyAY51IjN-Xqh6dOnRPErPehTV0dn-rwMvhqNbA8ybR18yyuNn8sc19xGBU1_xMmZ0Ra0GZVPtyARxN01CSJfIZbT5ofxDYFah9Td_L15Ri3tZzcAAXgDaPEtuOZT7JNCnroNRZGf8lLTcyRM-CQza7nAHSawdQR5Yx9QH-YO-ofOiSQg/s2674/20240121_111522.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2674" data-original-width="2284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_KzLiFmH-qfyAY51IjN-Xqh6dOnRPErPehTV0dn-rwMvhqNbA8ybR18yyuNn8sc19xGBU1_xMmZ0Ra0GZVPtyARxN01CSJfIZbT5ofxDYFah9Td_L15Ri3tZzcAAXgDaPEtuOZT7JNCnroNRZGf8lLTcyRM-CQza7nAHSawdQR5Yx9QH-YO-ofOiSQg/s320/20240121_111522.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">And then decided to try EPP with a one inch patch which would give a 3 inch block finish, the largest in Taryn's challenge. I can stitch this size fine. My first blocks have been hand stitched EPP but I'm going to try it out at this size on the machine today to see if I can get it to work. These tiny blocks in various colours will work out for another RSC project too. They still have their thin cardboard templates in them so appear bumpier. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxqHqW017RO1dEKDbF6J_z_uMZ-KiLNaAZOWqXuyGNJTZfm2F54JSTbBGWFU8eRakCtmvtWLvwZ6WL2Y8J9WH1GOMvGe2vBM4wvjXg7S57bTfufVOplzWVMuP_uNnw6Ty53aKP8ipJb6XQww0XscU7HdQL_rkh7OqwQWlQkqTuOmEJuRaW3LeDnLfJs4/s4160/20240121_111644.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxqHqW017RO1dEKDbF6J_z_uMZ-KiLNaAZOWqXuyGNJTZfm2F54JSTbBGWFU8eRakCtmvtWLvwZ6WL2Y8J9WH1GOMvGe2vBM4wvjXg7S57bTfufVOplzWVMuP_uNnw6Ty53aKP8ipJb6XQww0XscU7HdQL_rkh7OqwQWlQkqTuOmEJuRaW3LeDnLfJs4/w480-h640/20240121_111644.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Improved a bit as I went along.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: left;">Anyway, Taryn is running a QAL called </span><i style="text-align: left;"><b>The Tiny Nine Patch Challenge Project</b></i><span style="text-align: left;"> and I signed on. She is basing this project on a beautiful late 19th century quilt in her collection that is made up of 480 of these hand sewn tiny blocks. </span></div><p>I've played some more with my<b> Bramble Blooms</b> project. Update next time. </p><p>I work on most of my projects in front of the tv watching/listening to a variety of programs. I prefer this as I feel it is more productive...I'm actually doing two things at once which makes me sound very productive, :D. And in the sewing room, I usually listen to audio books there. Do you feel like you have to be listening/watching something while stitching too?</p><p>I'm really loving the projects I'm working on for the start of 2024. Hope it is similar at your house!<br /></p><p>Joining linky parties at <a href="https://www.quiltfabrication.com/2024/01/midweek-makers-419.html">Quilt Fabrication</a>, <a href="https://alyciaquilts.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-ohio-star-for-qov-and-finished-or.html">Alycia Quilts</a>, <a href="https://quiltery.com/put-your-foot-down-222-linky-party/">A Quiltery</a>, <a href="https://ninamariesayre.blogspot.com/2024/01/a-return-of-calendar-cows-on-off-wall.html">Creations Art Quilts</a>, <a href="https://quiltingpatch.blogspot.com/2024/01/patchwork-quilts-190.html">Quilting Patchwork Applique</a> and <a href="https://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/">Confessions of a Fabric Addict</a>.</p></div><br />Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-65370084929325866262024-01-19T10:08:00.000-08:002024-01-24T07:35:39.189-08:00Xmas By Quiltmania, Granny Stripe Crochet, Feelings<p>Hello again, all quiet here at the wooden house. No blowing snow, just dropping temperatures. -22 C on my morning walk and my cheeks felt cold. The warmest clothes, of which there is no shortage here, are being worn inside and out. I love coming in from the cold...it must be one of the best feelings there is. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The scrappy Granny Stripe Afghan was finished and then I decided to add more to it. Not for size but for strength. With all those colour changes, I thought a scalloped trim around it all would help it with possible fraying or loosening on the sides. So that took a few nights to crochet. Used Stylecraft Special DK yarn.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-p8DymluoV0IqtuumrdlZQL5JCqgzFVyTdC5LNAv9JeibHA22tL3H7lg10zaXn6TIMx0MNrrwU44Fv3NKAzcn6rOIahKHcrBS9mRC0lnhSF5oM0RkyBHZo7ggj0nCnZOJyYzDNctmPSAGl361FVCU6yJfbNa8WfWZV-fcRJJf_mOGFvQqk4KB9FKex8/s4160/20240118_091321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-p8DymluoV0IqtuumrdlZQL5JCqgzFVyTdC5LNAv9JeibHA22tL3H7lg10zaXn6TIMx0MNrrwU44Fv3NKAzcn6rOIahKHcrBS9mRC0lnhSF5oM0RkyBHZo7ggj0nCnZOJyYzDNctmPSAGl361FVCU6yJfbNa8WfWZV-fcRJJf_mOGFvQqk4KB9FKex8/w300-h400/20240118_091321.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> The finished size will cover a double bed and has a weight to it too for warmth. Happy to have it finished and it has gone to a good home, LOL. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4LXZFwS7EErt52DCLtLZNrG5x7k7r_4_RoqbH1vKnOFirZHMqe2mpQWgpwHs-bL1As9GrFMHNwUUOcQCByPvX3J5_UxC8YTIzvI-zQp0olpfoUy4_Z9AwlfmLNofo8H6CJ4ZzuaYbNzPf-0xGvjOZ0h-a24mIm9YDgvckC7KhcSlOpOFyzq0Ohk7fnA/s4160/20240119_090253.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2691" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4LXZFwS7EErt52DCLtLZNrG5x7k7r_4_RoqbH1vKnOFirZHMqe2mpQWgpwHs-bL1As9GrFMHNwUUOcQCByPvX3J5_UxC8YTIzvI-zQp0olpfoUy4_Z9AwlfmLNofo8H6CJ4ZzuaYbNzPf-0xGvjOZ0h-a24mIm9YDgvckC7KhcSlOpOFyzq0Ohk7fnA/w414-h640/20240119_090253.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">I have finished appliqueing all the <b>Quiltmania Xmas</b> blocks that I want to do. Here they are on my ironing board. Can't decide if I want to finish this now but really the Christmas stitching mood is kind of gone. I want to embroider a word or two in that star/flower block lower left.. sometime. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgfvdMYDgoX19JblEx1qVsLfy6f7uV0QFJ9sZyb2zQfCIwYdy38uz_JTjooTXIHWwEwu1i0e0on-yrnPG7SSCAc-bnXNUTi7JtmQ6oeZDv4UABAEddjJbPW2WQIofGYSyYQIwyy_gINkgloHP3vShHE_lpyLyMWaTXCwTTijzJ3r3ARQhayn36HXDx58/s3042/20231130_165613%20-%20Copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3042" data-original-width="2895" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgfvdMYDgoX19JblEx1qVsLfy6f7uV0QFJ9sZyb2zQfCIwYdy38uz_JTjooTXIHWwEwu1i0e0on-yrnPG7SSCAc-bnXNUTi7JtmQ6oeZDv4UABAEddjJbPW2WQIofGYSyYQIwyy_gINkgloHP3vShHE_lpyLyMWaTXCwTTijzJ3r3ARQhayn36HXDx58/w610-h640/20231130_165613%20-%20Copy.jpg" width="610" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">LeeAnna at <a href="https://lapaylor.blogspot.com/2024/01/i-like-thursday-385-prompt-about-events.html">Not Afraid of Color</a>'s <b>prompt </b>this week has to do with whether or not we had an impactful event in 2023 and how we dealt with it. Yes, I had a crisis event that involved close family and I don't mind saying it was stressful and challenging for me. One thing I learned is there is a lot of help to be had if you advocate for it ...which I'm not shy at all about doing for someone else. Kudos to our healthcare system and the wonderful people who showed only care and kindness to us as we moved through the many appointments and meetings. It is a comfort to know the "system" works and is there for us all if needed. The resolution of this event took time- many months, but I'm relieved to say there is a happy ending (for now) to this story.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Like most folks my age, we have faced down any number of crisis events of varying degrees so we know how strong we can be when we need to be. We know how to put one foot in front of the other and just keep going. And for family especially, we try our best to help. </span></div><p>Now to the mundane...I have a couple of<b> thrift finds</b> to share next post. </p><p>And a word about <b>comments</b>. First, thanks so much for taking the time to leave me comments whether it be encouragement about the stitching or suggestions/sharing or echoing my thoughts on topics, etc. It is also always a thrill to hear from someone who has been reading me for awhile and just now decides to introduce themselves. Because I do not know who reads this blog unless you comment. And your comments go straight to my gmail account for moderation so are completely private. It is up to me to publish them or not. So please don't hesitate to say hello if you have dropped by. </p><p>Hope your weekend is wonderful!</p><p>Sharing this post with <a href="https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/2024/01/slow-sunday-stitching_01608846556.html">Kathy's Quilts</a>, <a href="https://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2024/01/24/wednesday-wait-loss-36">The Inquiring Quilter</a> and <a href="https://smallquiltsanddollquilts.blogspot.com/2024/01/design-wall-monday-january-22-2024.html">Small Quilts and Doll Quilts</a>.</p>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-36474390848328222712024-01-17T06:04:00.000-08:002024-01-23T06:30:51.408-08:00Crossroads Quilt, Cross Stitching, Injury Update<p> We got a ton of snow from that last windy snowstorm but by the time I was up in the morning, all was calm. Just lots of billowy drifts all over. Two Blue Jays are regular visitors at my feeders. I love <b>Robert</b> <b>Bateman's</b> <i>Snowy Morning Blue Jay</i> and our snow reminded me of it. It must be tricky painting snow. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKLWeur1P44nGvGPM8x_43eXh4ej8xAx3q51i9UvVz4xZwpHpOLDNya4q7_SeA_PdwD4ghOMTiz4xqsaAcKk9dZk7f0-CIwlzyrsGPgvTz1oDq3yjcn938ODkH-KL2gyi6s48HqRTiSR-5ZAV1j2896MTjzTurPSnNz1KDrIZARXv14JX6zTjs1CnB18/s1588/il_1588xN.3088482685_sw9n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1588" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKLWeur1P44nGvGPM8x_43eXh4ej8xAx3q51i9UvVz4xZwpHpOLDNya4q7_SeA_PdwD4ghOMTiz4xqsaAcKk9dZk7f0-CIwlzyrsGPgvTz1oDq3yjcn938ODkH-KL2gyi6s48HqRTiSR-5ZAV1j2896MTjzTurPSnNz1KDrIZARXv14JX6zTjs1CnB18/w400-h303/il_1588xN.3088482685_sw9n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I got out a snow day activity, a jigsaw puzzle...this one is the 1000 piece Vintage American Seed Packets I've shown you before. Very interesting little pieces of art in each square. I've been thinking each little square would make a great cross stitch design. And I like how it is stirring thoughts of the garden just now in the dead of winter.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYcTBG6akYGoXdS_G-1_eIvRRuBXWWTUEd6-rx3S1tRF-fXHwk1H0uLmh1r1nRhs5bsluXleoFNeH_7h-MxmjLX731KIFEcYKgnFs2m7sKi8mlU7TvAc3ljaVmRWyguR9GkRCzf_tq5XHfRIx3kiUyZ9a7vIN9Jjr1cL4S4U7Veo9AXLzhPBTOEzXsU8/s4160/20240111_101930.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYcTBG6akYGoXdS_G-1_eIvRRuBXWWTUEd6-rx3S1tRF-fXHwk1H0uLmh1r1nRhs5bsluXleoFNeH_7h-MxmjLX731KIFEcYKgnFs2m7sKi8mlU7TvAc3ljaVmRWyguR9GkRCzf_tq5XHfRIx3kiUyZ9a7vIN9Jjr1cL4S4U7Veo9AXLzhPBTOEzXsU8/w480-h640/20240111_101930.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div>That made me think of <b>Kaffe Fassett's Seed Packet</b> quilt that Kate at the <i>Last Lonely House</i> made. She is stitching a sweet patchwork sewing kit in her latest video.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bJ_oBpZ3gXA" width="320" youtube-src-id="bJ_oBpZ3gXA"></iframe></div><div>Ned is sticking closer to Tony these days as he's the one taking him for big walks. Ned is practicing his disappearing act here blending in with our brown furniture. </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIRNZOJXp5KqLJxoFwDabnqQ-8KWtyTw49iRMIjf443FjvANNeEkmowiVRZOxFlHGFV_dwGEV0z54pdx4L_sTK0nGtD9WCl6oePVI-6TinlJ4chBwjW9IrDmAzYL4eu-y147c__KO1FAbvGYHgHgUR3yCFaTgf1RJ3FrAh-h8EXKgGmedJP8J4Y8z8TY/s4160/20231230_151736.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIRNZOJXp5KqLJxoFwDabnqQ-8KWtyTw49iRMIjf443FjvANNeEkmowiVRZOxFlHGFV_dwGEV0z54pdx4L_sTK0nGtD9WCl6oePVI-6TinlJ4chBwjW9IrDmAzYL4eu-y147c__KO1FAbvGYHgHgUR3yCFaTgf1RJ3FrAh-h8EXKgGmedJP8J4Y8z8TY/w480-h640/20231230_151736.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>A little slow stitching and Jour is almost completed...needs a little more snow. This photo shows how nice and flat and even evenweave fabric is. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAVkbWXeGViiQcPt7CuGvENsnX9zE0BekQCp9YkoNhR-0bQJXQ7Zn8PbziJ9yzBiQtI_DgDJtjBuhAeo2DTwjIOoKZS1_tj1RD7F6QoCB9BsGtYxXnFpqPkHmx9gLO4hVhAkmQ7AnZtXK88MHCSkYKqgV6mo_nhOSmHv1Iuk37EPPi6AgdYm-j2SSHBE/s3736/20240107_105811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2302" data-original-width="3736" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAVkbWXeGViiQcPt7CuGvENsnX9zE0BekQCp9YkoNhR-0bQJXQ7Zn8PbziJ9yzBiQtI_DgDJtjBuhAeo2DTwjIOoKZS1_tj1RD7F6QoCB9BsGtYxXnFpqPkHmx9gLO4hVhAkmQ7AnZtXK88MHCSkYKqgV6mo_nhOSmHv1Iuk37EPPi6AgdYm-j2SSHBE/w400-h246/20240107_105811.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>I've been testing a new quilt block pattern in the sewing room. This one is completely machine stitched and very easy. I purchased the pattern, <i>Crossroads</i>, from <a href="https://treehousetextiles.com.au/products/crossroads-pdf-quilt-pattern">Treehouse Textiles</a> last summer. I think this could work as an RSC project too....linking with the <a href="https://superscrappy.blogspot.com/2024/01/scraphappy-saturday-3-2024.html">So Scrappy Saturday Party</a>. Scraping the bottom of the barrel to find greens here but I'm not purchasing any new fabric. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBGUwfMvFRu8twOJSEQACL9W8GNbxLPSyP4qjVa4aGW1XaIpFhO3kbU6gIugY5idHMJdZX_QzI54l8F38o-Pq2NskIaQqu2iwBCRgniBHE-5y4MURbTaYLbGW2zjlT8eEtCPI3rlaAFs40For7yRY2bW6tj9XtxE8Ld2COyzJ-NkzFDYQTudJXP1k5Ek/s3672/20240116_150714.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2848" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBGUwfMvFRu8twOJSEQACL9W8GNbxLPSyP4qjVa4aGW1XaIpFhO3kbU6gIugY5idHMJdZX_QzI54l8F38o-Pq2NskIaQqu2iwBCRgniBHE-5y4MURbTaYLbGW2zjlT8eEtCPI3rlaAFs40For7yRY2bW6tj9XtxE8Ld2COyzJ-NkzFDYQTudJXP1k5Ek/w496-h640/20240116_150714.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div>The <b>mystery package from the freezer</b> revealed several salmon fillets that I immediately baked in the oven along with roasted smashed potatoes. I don't think freezing fish is good for it (for unknown lengths of time!) but this still tasted fine. It's the most Tony has eaten for awhile as it seems his appetite is fading. But he still loves his dessert, mind you. Thank you for sharing your mystery packages too!</div><div><b>Injury Update</b></div><div><div> My injury or whatever it was is doing so well I'm very pleased and so relieved. Down to just a twinge now and then but it may be because I'm still babying myself. And I am still staying off the trails. Tony ran the ski doo over them yesterday late afternoon so they are passable now. I'm missing a great opportunity to try out the snow shoes but will wait a while. I've just been walking up and down the laneway for fresh air and hope to try out a trail tomorrow. Thank you for the concern and suggestions...so many good ideas to help healing!</div><div><br /></div><div>We have to go to the library today and grocery store for eggs and bacon. I want to make a breakfast for supper meal with waffles tonight. Been a while since I did that. What's on your menu these days?</div><div> I should mention three men died due to cardiac arrest shoveling snow during the latest weather incident. It is no joke that shovelling can be dangerous!</div><div>Hope you are keeping cool or keeping warm and well wherever you are in this wide world of ours!</div><div><div>Linking this post with <a href="https://quiltingpatch.blogspot.com/2024/01/patchwork-quilts-189.html">Quilting Patchwork Applique</a>, <a href="https://canadianneedlenana.blogspot.com/2024/01/crossroads-quilt-cross-stitching-injury.html">Quilting is More Fun Than Housework</a> and <a href="https://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/2024/01/can-i-get-whoop-whoop-making-headway.html">Confessions of a Fabric Addict</a>.</div></div></div>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-78912165575027392092024-01-12T10:14:00.000-08:002024-01-17T07:21:17.309-08:00 2024 Plans, Chookshed Stitcher's Challenge, Minor Injury<p>Don't you hate it when you lose the power? Ours was out Wednesday for half the day and I moaned so much (in my head) I got annoyed with myself. We had a mini snowstorm that turned to rain and a bit of freezing rain in the middle of it all put out the power. We got out our gear -emergency lamps, radio, and now keep the generator inside the house from way down in the big barn because we lose the power every winter. (It is placed <b>outside</b> on the deck when in actual use). Everything is all ready for the next snowstorm...already announced for this weekend. All the usual wildlife trailed through to get a nibble of bird seed and suet. You can see the ice hanging from the veranda there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxD7vy91_4MBXb0-YlQNH6jtqpffu7K3dqnDpilZmBZa6LILFMNAiDsAYRzSxETwdSoGwMs18Ugy8PCSEH5lp16kEL6P_0RIClt2bsIR1DNv_7R3sUTkdbP4qTZ5huMrDnpy9vy0j7dCab4lex4TGVVBkrxbWeiBFiQ9u-AOmeWV70bfIXoEq0zIYYmc/s1440/20231209_125935.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxD7vy91_4MBXb0-YlQNH6jtqpffu7K3dqnDpilZmBZa6LILFMNAiDsAYRzSxETwdSoGwMs18Ugy8PCSEH5lp16kEL6P_0RIClt2bsIR1DNv_7R3sUTkdbP4qTZ5huMrDnpy9vy0j7dCab4lex4TGVVBkrxbWeiBFiQ9u-AOmeWV70bfIXoEq0zIYYmc/w640-h640/20231209_125935.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Leeanna at <a href="https://lapaylor.blogspot.com/2024/01/i-like-thursday-384-in-new-year-art.html">Not Afraid of Color</a>'s prompt this week is what you might want to learn, do, change, etc. for 2024. </p><p>Here is my list...</p><p> I've been getting back to reading more books (instead of using audio) which I want to continue.</p><p> Snowshoeing is on my list to try...since I got those shiny new ones for Christmas...I've never done that before.</p><p> I feel like my cooking/baking is in a bit of rut and could use a boost so try new recipes is on my list.</p><p> I'm determined to keep up the latest organization in the sewing room. Further to that, I received these plastic packets and rings to organize my floss for each cross stitch project. This present one requires 22 colours and by the end of the stitching, this would wind up being quite the mess with my old non system. I'm going to further divide these by colour shades onto two rings.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrKJ9HeUIQJAXRtx7zf0I2-qcQt2teIJZHvtbBdx7MPwrF-Ec8E7nq4hWi9-ONEz2b8m4OkPWPL5GS-T6lfhR5eDeAXLY_4FZlloXn0iVcQPE_83IJJT9wNKLomIU-6pUBeaEeCPgQeuq7WRQzkJY_TDIRnFIaCqsGyGCrrkYU5f2Z7XZlSGNNIK0ZVk/s3344/20240112_114241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3344" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrKJ9HeUIQJAXRtx7zf0I2-qcQt2teIJZHvtbBdx7MPwrF-Ec8E7nq4hWi9-ONEz2b8m4OkPWPL5GS-T6lfhR5eDeAXLY_4FZlloXn0iVcQPE_83IJJT9wNKLomIU-6pUBeaEeCPgQeuq7WRQzkJY_TDIRnFIaCqsGyGCrrkYU5f2Z7XZlSGNNIK0ZVk/s320/20240112_114241.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I'm going to pick a project to sew from one of my </span><b style="text-align: left;">quilting books</b><span style="text-align: left;">. Like so many of you, I too have a lovely stack of them and while I do look through them fairly often, I seldom stitch from them. </span></div><p></p><p>I'm also wanting to maintain tidiness in the cupboards and freezers. Should get a system for labeling items there too. I always think I'll remember. Speaking of which...here below is a<b> mystery package</b>. Thawing will reveal what it is. Doesn't look like meat. Please tell me I'm not the only one with frozen mysteries in the freezer. Or share how you organize to avoid the suspense. :D</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cnk3T0b5ZivYHz6LrD3-W5pNo3k1AdyjbUzZ-UY4ZMpBX56NDTy1kTIr6fs-Jk4lFAoylQYK-aBPf3i0nKoFJK6IyCRI28Qmv5tcP9qdOgQKhYRquREvzJRsde6AubZcomaRSDNTjf6uNuDTMDsqRaJqhuHETv9yQTiP1LnG0paJR98ucPGrDECo4Ho/s4160/20240111_101807.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cnk3T0b5ZivYHz6LrD3-W5pNo3k1AdyjbUzZ-UY4ZMpBX56NDTy1kTIr6fs-Jk4lFAoylQYK-aBPf3i0nKoFJK6IyCRI28Qmv5tcP9qdOgQKhYRquREvzJRsde6AubZcomaRSDNTjf6uNuDTMDsqRaJqhuHETv9yQTiP1LnG0paJR98ucPGrDECo4Ho/s320/20240111_101807.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The </span><a href="https://dreamworthyquilts.blogspot.com/2023/12/chookshed-stitchers-2024-challenge.html" style="text-align: left;">Chookshed Stitchers Challenge</a></div><p></p><p>Deana chose #6 to work on this month and I'm ever so pleased that my #6 is the EPP Lonestar Medallion red, white and blue project. using pretty <a href="https://www.minickandsimpson.com/">Minick and Simpson</a> fabrics. It is so close to a finish and I like it so much. Here it is being quilted last spring which all had to be removed later but it's okay. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRuHyIhW34zYExPXJE2YRzVwG2i8F0IkuO_ZqI0B9CIIcnEeLW_ZqUbHjgqdCdZOZujV-Amz9JdX1QPiu0S3FFmRyqwi1VoyUJvihLuUcOk2KYZSkrbpswIlLPObRsKAcpKGq2_RZ6PWYYlZocp_m3z7iZ0_UFIuBiEwirZGxHYM_eAK8AKV3qyBk/s4608/DSCN4550%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRuHyIhW34zYExPXJE2YRzVwG2i8F0IkuO_ZqI0B9CIIcnEeLW_ZqUbHjgqdCdZOZujV-Amz9JdX1QPiu0S3FFmRyqwi1VoyUJvihLuUcOk2KYZSkrbpswIlLPObRsKAcpKGq2_RZ6PWYYlZocp_m3z7iZ0_UFIuBiEwirZGxHYM_eAK8AKV3qyBk/w640-h480/DSCN4550%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>Before I forget, several folks asked about the fabric <i>Jour de Neige is being stitched on</i>..the Lugana 28 count. It is an evenweave cloth which means the threads are mostly the exact same width unlike linen which has some fibres larger than others and also has tiny lumps called slubs. That can make the counting a little more challenging and the stitches may not lay quite as neatly. Aida, Evenweave and Linen fabrics all have their positives for stitching. </p><p> I'm having to coddle something. That made me think of the things I've coddled like babies and children, my pets, of course too. Not sure I could say coddle but definitely spoil my hubby. Have I coddled eggs? Can't remember. But I don't remember having to coddle myself as much before except maybe after childbirth. I've got a small injury. I've pulled a muscle in a very odd place somewhere in my back and it is affecting my hip and walking. It came completely out of the blue; one minute fine, next minute buckled over in pain. Wow, and I have a high threshold of pain too so it's taken me by complete surprise. This happened after my walk Tuesday when a light dusting of snow hid the bumps on the trails and I complained I found it hard to walk on and worried about turning an ankle. But could something so slight cause this? Anyway, I'm completely pain free till I walk on it and even then if I walk hunched over, I am pain free. So weird. It's only when upright, putting full weight on that leg that it hurts. Odd, heh. So I've taken an Aspirin to combat any inflammation, have the heating pad on it and am hoping for the best.</p><p><b>UPDATE</b>...wrote that last bit on Wednesday. This is Friday and it, whatever <b>it</b> is, is much improved. I'm able to walk upright without pain spasms but moving slowly; overall it is far less painful. I am so relieved and thankful! I'm going to try a tiny walk on the laneway with Tony and Ned this afternoon before the snow starts. I will definitely pace myself but I'm so missing fresh air. </p><p>Well, hope you and your bits are all working well. Be safe and enjoy your weekend stitching or whatever else is on the agenda. </p><p>Besides sharing with the Chookshed party which is now in full swing, I'm also sharing this post with <a href="https://kate-life-in-pieces.blogspot.com/2024/01/stitching-stuff-week-2-of-2024.html">Life in Pieces</a> and <a href="https://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2024/01/17/wednesday-wait-loss-363">The Inquiring Quilter</a>.</p>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-86408938353241271832024-01-08T08:18:00.000-08:002024-01-14T07:05:06.459-08:00Bramble Blooms QAL, Quiltmania Xmas, Sweet Gifts<p> We dog sat during the holidays while Beth and family spent New Years Eve at a hotel which is their tradition. This is Petey and Ned after the ball playing... panting at me, right in my face. Just don't care at all. :D You can see the difference in height between the two brothers in this one.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHSg6GKOO-vmDm5YnWAWkQ_svxrSXoeYyEPJup5J4heh2As2wOSTU84-F_Ryua5l4W6Rs2jcSrmstWYxFCzRK_c1CD7OuFoSqSzgF5R3D-oJfYXvekobqDAzYM1juQpQQpV2gb1cJ3giFbtslRXuB9c0v8K2hkYgpD2smqe0YKhtX3fxt3HDEkWeuxZ8/s3582/20240101_101104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2970" data-original-width="3582" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHSg6GKOO-vmDm5YnWAWkQ_svxrSXoeYyEPJup5J4heh2As2wOSTU84-F_Ryua5l4W6Rs2jcSrmstWYxFCzRK_c1CD7OuFoSqSzgF5R3D-oJfYXvekobqDAzYM1juQpQQpV2gb1cJ3giFbtslRXuB9c0v8K2hkYgpD2smqe0YKhtX3fxt3HDEkWeuxZ8/w400-h331/20240101_101104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We finished <i>Billions</i>...loved all the many references to sports, books, history, philosophers, politicians, pop culture, etc.; their research team must have had a field day. I also loved the music that was chosen for each show. We are now watching something much gentler -Season 10 of Doc Martin. As they call it- 10 Surly Seasons now, :D. Those who watch "the Doc" will know what that means.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYcn8NkqxIeAhBo6zxLuMZWDTbp4Wy36kcTfvWh65XhlPZF60_ziatSsZSN30GiOBGNh11A7M0WZqbjLhLBg16kaqzh6qY9l3SutLs0g5veaX6dgdNadq1pRVYZpZ4lYVyN6_KfsKDQG74Z9Euw_1cR8hycPVpQLdNj7FasZiUzaYr8scwv3RBdV8Sro/s300/download.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYcn8NkqxIeAhBo6zxLuMZWDTbp4Wy36kcTfvWh65XhlPZF60_ziatSsZSN30GiOBGNh11A7M0WZqbjLhLBg16kaqzh6qY9l3SutLs0g5veaX6dgdNadq1pRVYZpZ4lYVyN6_KfsKDQG74Z9Euw_1cR8hycPVpQLdNj7FasZiUzaYr8scwv3RBdV8Sro/s1600/download.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div>We really ate well during the holidays and are actually still eating Christmas treats that I froze. Amongst them was this large tray of homemade cookies and squares from family...the snowflake tray is unique and of course, the sweets were delicious. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyncggIew80LzdrF02LFpPPFlep0m4v3uhFDrCD4KOCtOgCMwqyjWtw5CsZM8r7knb0zxdWS75RytssN3AvGbgaGTOCU6szz8k-KJJK0ykHww2mGHHADonFEJzygvh559eEP_dkNhg_jCHhNcu4IAFxQNFJDDBxN1dyVEo8lkvAhtP6EaATvSyjc6_Fc/s3290/20240108_104201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3290" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyncggIew80LzdrF02LFpPPFlep0m4v3uhFDrCD4KOCtOgCMwqyjWtw5CsZM8r7knb0zxdWS75RytssN3AvGbgaGTOCU6szz8k-KJJK0ykHww2mGHHADonFEJzygvh559eEP_dkNhg_jCHhNcu4IAFxQNFJDDBxN1dyVEo8lkvAhtP6EaATvSyjc6_Fc/w379-h400/20240108_104201.jpg" width="379" /></a></div><div>How did you fare with the temptation of treats, etc. during the holidays? Do you have a sweet tooth? Tony certainly does!</div><div><br /></div><div>I stitched another of the Quiltmania Xmas blocks. Poor tiny mittens are almost thumbless. I still have a little embroidery to do on the trim. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_Y_bPlMMt1qXTMkOFKODt4OGF-Sm_HaZelB41k7xW3Ca9X-7qnuuQtwqwM2_hmqLbyDYy9m6USU8hITPXNhXzVDzsnWw3ckKzG7ohZZqQyuESEyZzehycyLDY4PRRdKuRbVNTbPJNaQ5mgBbyo-nICixTzOUUeMGIAejIH9hNksIf_d7n-AH8tRPxr0/s3120/20240104_120706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2882" data-original-width="3120" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_Y_bPlMMt1qXTMkOFKODt4OGF-Sm_HaZelB41k7xW3Ca9X-7qnuuQtwqwM2_hmqLbyDYy9m6USU8hITPXNhXzVDzsnWw3ckKzG7ohZZqQyuESEyZzehycyLDY4PRRdKuRbVNTbPJNaQ5mgBbyo-nICixTzOUUeMGIAejIH9hNksIf_d7n-AH8tRPxr0/s320/20240104_120706.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><p>My <b>Bramble Blooms QAL</b> project is moving along. I really took my time making a decision about this one. It is meant to be improv and I just kept wanting to make the blooms small and neat and to look like actual flowers that I could name. But improv invites you to think differently and throw caution to the wind as it were. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMc4Sf4aUlilEga05kJ6YDS3_piXcjahgcMWTwqyIMDdMsvbol7iThmSM6WjPh4WsDJ-N9N7R0SRcbfjdeD5sD2ZdX2AfMyMZdh_axlPKpMJftlrxVi24Q6FBcd_cEyAyaaQ601JG5KZwpaa9IwZgWaVqjg4kuEY9eFzNS6lfgg45FYpoqXdmAdjsAXI/s3840/20240107_103349.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMc4Sf4aUlilEga05kJ6YDS3_piXcjahgcMWTwqyIMDdMsvbol7iThmSM6WjPh4WsDJ-N9N7R0SRcbfjdeD5sD2ZdX2AfMyMZdh_axlPKpMJftlrxVi24Q6FBcd_cEyAyaaQ601JG5KZwpaa9IwZgWaVqjg4kuEY9eFzNS6lfgg45FYpoqXdmAdjsAXI/w520-h640/20240107_103349.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The very gloomy weather must have been an influence as I gravitated to bold colours. Or it may have been the beautiful Poinsetta we got for Christmas from Tony's former inlaws influencing me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqu2phN9-Sg1JfOfgRfVAq0Fz8LywYewSCX-NcVNIuYXxbmetw0Qr8VNE9pdkjDDVwl2ZDnyVI2FXle8BXu4VSU__Zi65GFc_98KOWZDlxD6HaCRfVDl2m09NUN4eXMrs64BIpRPmQfjwE8Adlm4a3QhU3cQcc7M-j9PJfWUVZ8jjOz6m5Hl98ozDjplU/s2971/20231230_101132.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2868" data-original-width="2971" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqu2phN9-Sg1JfOfgRfVAq0Fz8LywYewSCX-NcVNIuYXxbmetw0Qr8VNE9pdkjDDVwl2ZDnyVI2FXle8BXu4VSU__Zi65GFc_98KOWZDlxD6HaCRfVDl2m09NUN4eXMrs64BIpRPmQfjwE8Adlm4a3QhU3cQcc7M-j9PJfWUVZ8jjOz6m5Hl98ozDjplU/w640-h618/20231230_101132.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More later about that lovely Ardisia plant that came with it.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: left;"> They are such beauties and I'm determined to keep them alive. I managed to keep a Poinsettia alive for a few years once since moving to this house. Any tips?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Anyway, back to stitching- I made my cloth blooms really blooming big with overblown sized petals. I didn't draw a thing on paper first either, just went at with scissors on cloth. All from the scrap bags too. </span><span style="text-align: left;">I used embroidery and matching perle cotton to stitch them down so they won't blow away and to tame the tattered edges. We are ready for the first borders. My mind is all over the place with that mainly because using up my scraps is my number one aim just now. What fun and a big thank you to <b>Audrey</b> at <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2024/01/next-prompt-for-bramble-blooms-qal.html">Quilty Folk</a> for this entertaining QAL.</span></div><p>Speaking of which, our friend,<b> Frederique</b>, has updated her page of current 2024 QAL's here.... <a href="https://quiltingpatch.blogspot.com/p/2024-challenges-for-quilters.html">Quilting Patchwork Applique</a>. So many wonderful projects! Thank you for sharing!<br /></p><p>January can mean fresh starts which certainly feed into the sense of newness that belongs to a brand new year. What are your fresh or new/old reimagined starts?</p><p>Have a great week all!</p><p>Linking up with <a href="https://quiltinglearningcombo.blogspot.com/2024/01/working-on-project-quilting-151-at-free.html">Quilting and Learning</a>, <a href="https://ninamariesayre.blogspot.com/2024/01/a-return-to-off-wall-friday.html">Creations, Art, Quilts, Whatever</a>, <a href="https://alyciaquilts.blogspot.com/2024/01/hawaii-gingham-giveaway-3-and-finished.html">Alycia Quilts</a>, <a href="https://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/">Confessions of a Fabric Addict</a>, <a href="https://quiltingpatch.blogspot.com/2024/01/patchwork-quilts-188-fmq.html">Quilting Patchwork Applique</a> and <a href="https://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2024/01/10/wednesday-wait-loss-362">The Inquiring Quilter</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-89519556327147432472024-01-05T06:46:00.000-08:002024-01-08T06:15:29.299-08:00Quilting and Stitching Updates, Shopping and Reading<p>A Healthy and Happy New Year to you all! I hope 2024 will be good to us all.</p><p>Do you believe in angels? I've read more people believe in angels than God these days. And I've also read over 80% of us believe there are things which science or nature can't explain. Interesting. This was one my ex found in the house we shared and gave it to me this Christmas. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbVxZlwWxCVau2rDCoPgAW6mz0nC64tHk9KUoY9vJmDrQPkYlgavclSkBdrbxVcy6d2hTuWG1HIl56SU5KvMIqsjSHzULCWdrIsnYaWqGXBgvFobSC_iHModPYjxYlzfFq8V2oJ3pObGoH5aWtK6EpAovUYdqSkhwf6r9dBUg9cu-qVTcyqaBcsKFmZ4/s3091/20231227_133449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3091" data-original-width="1792" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbVxZlwWxCVau2rDCoPgAW6mz0nC64tHk9KUoY9vJmDrQPkYlgavclSkBdrbxVcy6d2hTuWG1HIl56SU5KvMIqsjSHzULCWdrIsnYaWqGXBgvFobSC_iHModPYjxYlzfFq8V2oJ3pObGoH5aWtK6EpAovUYdqSkhwf6r9dBUg9cu-qVTcyqaBcsKFmZ4/w233-h400/20231227_133449.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">During the holidays I read Prince Harry's book <i>Spare</i>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBlRyErYYqrqJhfec6ewg1KF7DCSDNBYl81zkd2wkRiVyB9EbwbQQxS04T_ZJHcEDwHdAjqy3Oi_YEJRJWVlPJlE6G2qepkYp-guGFRNH-or8LcDPqL0s88toS_ipwUtk8BBuDbDgchvToJ-bTih8t-LvcSPLVH7nEOZG9d3T_lMNEc-A0F_SDNwvZ6o/s4160/20240104_125149.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBlRyErYYqrqJhfec6ewg1KF7DCSDNBYl81zkd2wkRiVyB9EbwbQQxS04T_ZJHcEDwHdAjqy3Oi_YEJRJWVlPJlE6G2qepkYp-guGFRNH-or8LcDPqL0s88toS_ipwUtk8BBuDbDgchvToJ-bTih8t-LvcSPLVH7nEOZG9d3T_lMNEc-A0F_SDNwvZ6o/s320/20240104_125149.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"> Since I love the Royals, I thought I owed it to him to read his story. I finished it feeling an enormous sadness for him and his wife. And how sad for Prince William also, to not have the comfort of his only sibling by his side when he eventually must manage the monarchy himself. Regardless of means, relationships in families can get so messed up; I hate to hear of it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">A little shopping...Online in this case. I've received this 12 pack of these zippered mesh project bags from </span><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Speedbyte-organizing-Supplies-Organizing-" style="text-align: left;">Amazon</a><span style="text-align: left;"> to organize embroidery floss, applique scraps, pattern pieces, etc. I've spent many hours in the sewing room taming all the bits and bobs and am looking forward to putting these to good use. They're a good size at 16 x 12.5 too. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnglA1zvnQeamTx14GixJEohSO9gFEP33tXrvbwcVXoypWBKAZGNbnWTz9zjQQcPAfZMPO1DwYlngkW3onDSgs7SI31oXg3Q_naPLxFf7k2l9xHuEKW0T1S_Z9ZDzEBi6Qh-VIAteN-wQCiy1QUIq4bbRNQIYBpcrYkhKBI_C3ygXGqe3Wk8f4jcrE3yU/s3120/20240105_085406.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2933" data-original-width="3120" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnglA1zvnQeamTx14GixJEohSO9gFEP33tXrvbwcVXoypWBKAZGNbnWTz9zjQQcPAfZMPO1DwYlngkW3onDSgs7SI31oXg3Q_naPLxFf7k2l9xHuEKW0T1S_Z9ZDzEBi6Qh-VIAteN-wQCiy1QUIq4bbRNQIYBpcrYkhKBI_C3ygXGqe3Wk8f4jcrE3yU/s320/20240105_085406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Here is where I finished cross stitching on my<i><b> Autumn Quakers</b></i>. This is on the left side and the motif started at the bottom is the last one. What remains to be done should be manageable the next time this one makes an appearance. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZPnsaVVtdI3HM8xwX5noOmO0wPH0z1WvOuc_ku3cCmKlzbL9Et56Il4p1T1ZsdnTWAD_es7AWy1dxQHJ1aU2Icwbvo9OhFwwsp-oC2ud8DlllDHqjpBy9nW5SSuheeVxTFgOnZX5dCsVAwftKgm-nTATsepxacfFhi4u1dpyrtfKcGbwC1fEGfVwnj8/s4160/20231227_132754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2855" data-original-width="4160" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZPnsaVVtdI3HM8xwX5noOmO0wPH0z1WvOuc_ku3cCmKlzbL9Et56Il4p1T1ZsdnTWAD_es7AWy1dxQHJ1aU2Icwbvo9OhFwwsp-oC2ud8DlllDHqjpBy9nW5SSuheeVxTFgOnZX5dCsVAwftKgm-nTATsepxacfFhi4u1dpyrtfKcGbwC1fEGfVwnj8/w400-h275/20231227_132754.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I've chosen <b><i>Madame La Fee's Jour De Neige -Snowy Day</i></b> project for my 2024 winter slow stitching. A snow day was such a treat back in my teaching life. You can take a peek at Madame's other beautiful projects here at <a href="https://www.123stitch.com/search">123Stitch.Com</a>. I have my eye on Winter's Tale.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9IpH_3QVWxdmUS4VbMNz8rdyLCo5L1mvqET4PlZj5cVq8lCF8wLs4-3KOE0yVpcZvC-sVhzihQ5qkETDdxxu7rzdCc6eNezk2QOajqEWUJ8BMICEDdDh271lyPkYwR7ykQOpGMxJIXA3-LegWWJxj-rSBvUWWt1DORZlRS89smKRRiRXEzOUanBuwDo/s4160/20231227_132922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2812" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9IpH_3QVWxdmUS4VbMNz8rdyLCo5L1mvqET4PlZj5cVq8lCF8wLs4-3KOE0yVpcZvC-sVhzihQ5qkETDdxxu7rzdCc6eNezk2QOajqEWUJ8BMICEDdDh271lyPkYwR7ykQOpGMxJIXA3-LegWWJxj-rSBvUWWt1DORZlRS89smKRRiRXEzOUanBuwDo/w432-h640/20231227_132922.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Here is my start. This is being stitched on 28 count Ice Blue Lugana fabric which is kind of a greyish pale blue but is bluer than how it shows here. I'm using all DMC threads.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCZ4AqpVTcLpbuCau5N5cBuVLqwB2Qc154eUBNsb-8CrvEfsq6cSnUU4I0HZFW_g8yJ8vJ6Iozqx4-8okxcNwEa8fO7oTzs838VBs_JiChhHyqLS_2O2zXPW5lJX9dFe9eLBFdt0n0_7i8QLKDIYgwLTtdoB3KJVrQI2uGS4xhw6qZtnmLSYFmyHfEBU/s3151/20231227_133021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="3151" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCZ4AqpVTcLpbuCau5N5cBuVLqwB2Qc154eUBNsb-8CrvEfsq6cSnUU4I0HZFW_g8yJ8vJ6Iozqx4-8okxcNwEa8fO7oTzs838VBs_JiChhHyqLS_2O2zXPW5lJX9dFe9eLBFdt0n0_7i8QLKDIYgwLTtdoB3KJVrQI2uGS4xhw6qZtnmLSYFmyHfEBU/s320/20231227_133021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">And in sewing I finished a little cabin in the woods for my<i><b> Quiltmania Xmas </b></i>project. Stitching houses is fun. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9mP9BrhcVYjcQqgt5gokrAYYbSpUSY5oUp7b1DXUH07bxLYhtvxZ_piZu0aUfbgB_3lV_CSjG5P7mkZPeWyzYSFwMvfndAHA32l05Y6POIJr_ZsAD52vIwPQ3H69lubrO-EU8SN2MGOjeOavVwNV8yJKAArgDkGKw9Mh0FZrNTXnpHJRom1uVOOuWDY/s3186/20240104_120635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3186" data-original-width="2766" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9mP9BrhcVYjcQqgt5gokrAYYbSpUSY5oUp7b1DXUH07bxLYhtvxZ_piZu0aUfbgB_3lV_CSjG5P7mkZPeWyzYSFwMvfndAHA32l05Y6POIJr_ZsAD52vIwPQ3H69lubrO-EU8SN2MGOjeOavVwNV8yJKAArgDkGKw9Mh0FZrNTXnpHJRom1uVOOuWDY/w348-h400/20240104_120635.jpg" width="348" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">And my crocheted blanket is all done as well. I'll share a photo next time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">LeeAnna at <a href="https://lapaylor.blogspot.com/2024/01/i-like-thursday-383-new-year-new-recipe.html">Not Afraid of Color's</a> prompt this week has to do with which appetizers you enjoy. At our Christmas Eve gathering, we enjoyed a number of Presiden'ts Choice appetizers that were from the frozen food section of the grocery store. They included wings, cheese tarts, shrimp, and sausage rolls. They were all very tasty. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>Not sure about the masterpiece, but the work in progress bit definitely applies.</span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEb_OYOQlZkCZqhP4yma9IJpkcHBgmSuslftcOqQPsoM6788uLj0W-1-FTlSEKWJg1Hi0mWC0dHOW_ppN3G4Z-J6t1mXJrvD2TdClqf4yNXhwhPdU8ywmnPm-x3XQ7r8OanDCwUKrMsypkYFArNhiI4tgLh-tb01YdtyJ2vrUGg7qT3k9zxfgigiq-XCs/s225/download.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEb_OYOQlZkCZqhP4yma9IJpkcHBgmSuslftcOqQPsoM6788uLj0W-1-FTlSEKWJg1Hi0mWC0dHOW_ppN3G4Z-J6t1mXJrvD2TdClqf4yNXhwhPdU8ywmnPm-x3XQ7r8OanDCwUKrMsypkYFArNhiI4tgLh-tb01YdtyJ2vrUGg7qT3k9zxfgigiq-XCs/w400-h400/download.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> So I'm starting another new year in this new place that, while not home, is beautiful and peaceful. Also so happy to have my little family near and in my daily life. Thankful and grateful always!</span></div><p>Also grateful for the wonderful folks offering these link up parties like <a href="https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/2024/01/first-slow-sunday-stitching-party-for.html">Kathy's Quilts</a>, <a href="https://scrapatches.blogspot.com/2024/01/free-pattern-friday-cross-stitch-version.html">Life in the Scrapatch</a>, <a href="https://smallquiltsanddollquilts.blogspot.com/2024/01/design-wall-monday-january-8-2024.html">Small Quilts and Doll Quilts</a> and <a href="https://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/2024/01/oh-scrap-something-new.html">Quilting is More Fun Than Housework</a>.</p>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-14989300527893021162023-12-30T08:00:00.000-08:002023-12-30T08:00:10.264-08:00Two Great Recipes, ChookShed Stitchers Challenge<p>Hello again...I'm back from an unintentional little break from my blogging which happened for a good reasons. I got caught up with Christmas/family events. I'm toying with the idea of changing things up this new year. In looking back, my bigger picture circumstances have changed just about every ten years or so. It's always invigorating for me to have new beginnings. We'll see. </p><p>Meanwhile since speaking to you last, I cooked two recipes that I want to share with you. Have you heard of <b><i>Funeral Potatoes</i></b>? A dish that has an interesting church beginning and the recipe is so simple. It's basically a bag of thawed hashbrowns, a can of cream of chicken soup, and a container of sour cream well mixed then crushed corn flakes and loads of grated cheese layered on top and popped in the oven. It was a hit! Recipe here at <a href="https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/funeral-potatoes/">Tastes Better From Scratch</a>.</p><p> The other new recipe I made recently is another casserole called <i><b>Macaroni Lasagna</b></i>. I substituted rotini for the macaroni cause it seems a little fancier and I used the chicken broth that includes red wine. It was tasty and I hope I can remember to make that again sometime as well. <a href="https://thesaltymarshmallow.com/one-pan-macaroni-lasagna/">Recipe found at The Salty Marshmallow</a>.</p><p>Two of my Christmas presents this year were for my feet.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5W-TGS7VgZmVHVYaZDRIkP6ihg7XQ1vsCSChLDrMUa8NZvwuqTzVUC55JVTlSsuuaPnAoJ4fPY30dnNjS3BWWPkWM847c7CSaaITF_O2orksJHmXimOMaLyJ4w2o-TWsUSO0hnORWyF9XWLdVkyeyP6AfUI0OuOPLiM6Dgo5vbXxwrdNy-c9Gq8fno4/s4160/20231228_113607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5W-TGS7VgZmVHVYaZDRIkP6ihg7XQ1vsCSChLDrMUa8NZvwuqTzVUC55JVTlSsuuaPnAoJ4fPY30dnNjS3BWWPkWM847c7CSaaITF_O2orksJHmXimOMaLyJ4w2o-TWsUSO0hnORWyF9XWLdVkyeyP6AfUI0OuOPLiM6Dgo5vbXxwrdNy-c9Gq8fno4/w400-h300/20231228_113607.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I've wanted snow shoes for a long time. Certain trails become impassable when we have a big snowfall. However, it would be impossible to use them just now as repeated rainfall has completely wiped out all the snow. It looks like April out there though a sad, drenched one. </span></div><p>The weather has been foggy and cloudy day after day. Tony calls it gloomy. I don't mind it actually. Here is a shot from the weather channel showing how much cloud cover we have had in December.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgFLhgDtU7OKVWLQCvlvDlACu7sqKUvqR_-_11lIDkpsggT9BLKyc_ZyLkFNXkyzg7gpgWnZX00WOh_WL4eOF8njjhjZA_wpeN-QuYLgwBaqeaX3PcIxsTv8scShJFuPT2lyD6hKglPxnnrYGpprrMPOozwU6kM7WRaDRys5BJYToKk3HRBjWwKo6opA/s4160/20231228_232356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgFLhgDtU7OKVWLQCvlvDlACu7sqKUvqR_-_11lIDkpsggT9BLKyc_ZyLkFNXkyzg7gpgWnZX00WOh_WL4eOF8njjhjZA_wpeN-QuYLgwBaqeaX3PcIxsTv8scShJFuPT2lyD6hKglPxnnrYGpprrMPOozwU6kM7WRaDRys5BJYToKk3HRBjWwKo6opA/s320/20231228_232356.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> This was for Toronto area but we seem to have worse weather than they do- something to do with our Ottawa valley and the Great Lakes.</span></div><p>There was one nice sunny day but the rest have been overcast. This is the 29th and Ned and I just came in from another drizzly wet walk so it looks like 2023 will end with record breaking gloom. </p><p>In brighter news...2024 promises to be a great year for sewists. Flosstube stitchers are taking on a challenge called <i><b>24 in 24</b></i> meaning 24 projects in 2024. First I was thinking wowzers, then realized there are 352 days in a year so who knows, maybe 24 could be manageable especially if some patterns are quite small. I'm not sure it means actual finishes either so to start that many would not be a problem. As we all know, starting is never the issue!</p><p> It worked well for me to choose a WIP a month to finish last year and I'm going to continue that plan this new year. Since I'm so good at following orders, I've also decided to follow along with the <b><i>ChookShed Stitchers 2024 Challenge</i></b>. You can read all about it here at <a href="https://dreamworthyquilts.blogspot.com/2023/12/chookshed-stitchers-2024-challenge.html">Daughters of Dorinda</a> where Deana describes the plan. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL7DuPybvA8sTYJ4SYuQC1SpAXewnSo8plUyXNIQhSroDVTBSAySXgLqy-W8-sGIHjwhI_vD3Fn_JNjge9HjTNVzQYEMD5V237v167o6qRvMC8csk3eTnoc5rgaw50lxAMAc_mLU9gg39DxZynp0au7mlRIldFCFXm3by3G45BC_kEDDlfKUpTqFfAlY/s320/Chookshed%20stitchers%20badge%20final.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL7DuPybvA8sTYJ4SYuQC1SpAXewnSo8plUyXNIQhSroDVTBSAySXgLqy-W8-sGIHjwhI_vD3Fn_JNjge9HjTNVzQYEMD5V237v167o6qRvMC8csk3eTnoc5rgaw50lxAMAc_mLU9gg39DxZynp0au7mlRIldFCFXm3by3G45BC_kEDDlfKUpTqFfAlY/s1600/Chookshed%20stitchers%20badge%20final.png" width="320" /></a></div>I enjoyed choosing a variety of stitching projects to work on for this challenge. Included in my list is cross stitching, embroidery for quilting projects, working with wool- that Bonnie Sullivan kit I've had for a few years, as well as machine and hand quilting. Yes, I'm a jack of all trades, master of exactly none! <p></p><p><b>1. My Crabapple Hill Designs Snow Days 2. Blue Courthouse Steps Quilt 3. Madame La Fee Jour de Neige 4.Patchwork Diamond Quilt 5. Quiltmania Xmas Applique project 6. EPP Lone Star Medallion 7. Scrappy Trees Quilt 8. Tumbling Blocks Quilt 9. Panama Pyramids Quilt </b><b>10. Cardinal Rule</b></p><p>I've a soup on the go in the slow cooker...pea using up leftover holiday ham. Perfect for a rainy but turning colder day. Hope your week is going well and you too are dreaming of all the lovely stitching hours stretching ahead in the new year! </p><p><br /></p>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-56990949733261038832023-12-19T06:37:00.000-08:002023-12-20T06:26:58.863-08:00Three Free Star Ornament Patterns, Applique and Quilting Progress<p>On my second cup of coffee this morning and a big one at that. Yes, I use a straw to help keep my front teeth white. Weird I know. Anyone else do that?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUQU_ZvBtx0cQ4mpjitagwVW8smMXieQ0PkjF1ZiM79_ynxbgYEYCWUkXOgkYfudlwZsIcUwj369CTCv5aeOad7icJhyfj7E4PfuFtyRGnL-ADtIk4BtBzei9qLMYO_xHuzQBAKZMMx5_EcDLDhrfZKFDZJHUevvmgsUFdEgSkVmIuA5Ohg_hN5DJQls/s4160/20231127_092654.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUQU_ZvBtx0cQ4mpjitagwVW8smMXieQ0PkjF1ZiM79_ynxbgYEYCWUkXOgkYfudlwZsIcUwj369CTCv5aeOad7icJhyfj7E4PfuFtyRGnL-ADtIk4BtBzei9qLMYO_xHuzQBAKZMMx5_EcDLDhrfZKFDZJHUevvmgsUFdEgSkVmIuA5Ohg_hN5DJQls/s320/20231127_092654.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We had a busy day recently with financial meetings in a nearby town, getting a chest x ray for Tony, library books returned, etc. etc. I needed bird seed which I usually buy in the largest bag I can find...this one at Walmart was on special. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouvQqiTtyBqBCC1H4xSLcTW9_nNeaHzfmVzHLGeIwmdZ_rp5XwPGrxdR6xI0pVb-0FyD6gmFKruhNu3pwP_-ZjP5Gl2SjB4QryP1mKptrTlksyMQDcergmxegE_msXc6MluGuf2vIAxwHn_sqkI7QjLe5QqttJA8Yh8D02sUKWFV7y0nGaGHN8N8ZabA/s4160/20231008_085308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouvQqiTtyBqBCC1H4xSLcTW9_nNeaHzfmVzHLGeIwmdZ_rp5XwPGrxdR6xI0pVb-0FyD6gmFKruhNu3pwP_-ZjP5Gl2SjB4QryP1mKptrTlksyMQDcergmxegE_msXc6MluGuf2vIAxwHn_sqkI7QjLe5QqttJA8Yh8D02sUKWFV7y0nGaGHN8N8ZabA/s320/20231008_085308.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p> Tony went to bed for a nap when we finally made it home and I tried to calm myself with Floss tube and stitching. No, too wound up to concentrate. So I took Ned out for a long walk even out onto the cul de sac and up the road which we never do. (I also don't go into our woods in the dark). He loved all the new smells and in the calm and quiet of early dusk, the Christmas lights were shimmering so prettily, I could feel myself breathing deeper and relaxing. </p><p>My head was kind of spinning because I know there is a bunch of things I need to do for Christmas and I was also kicking myself for forgetting my list at home. In certain circumstances I still put pressure on myself; don't know why, maybe because it's in my stars- I'm Virgo...:D My days of full on Christmas decorating/entertaining are behind me so I've far less to do which is ironic because now I have the time to actually do that. Just don't have the will anymore.</p><p>Enough of blabbing on...</p><p>I stitched two more of the Quiltmania blocks...truthfully, I'd cut these shapes out sometime in the past so they just needed sewing down and embellishing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHh-HWaxBhHiIAd25zpiHQ_hWUgKDoWT0y3XeojKolDJ2hFbKJbfowcEdBiAYPqHEQjikrcJ2FtE8EB5Qo_UvEgKItJ3Pq_rMcMCfTFNsDGfyZTqpCQcMAw72BmC59lavO1tOyg8gmeTm81Pgq1uf4BY0l5lQKSia1Js1NC1ZbD5tfySvXzKF7MlBpYY/s3773/20231203_084327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3773" data-original-width="1887" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHh-HWaxBhHiIAd25zpiHQ_hWUgKDoWT0y3XeojKolDJ2hFbKJbfowcEdBiAYPqHEQjikrcJ2FtE8EB5Qo_UvEgKItJ3Pq_rMcMCfTFNsDGfyZTqpCQcMAw72BmC59lavO1tOyg8gmeTm81Pgq1uf4BY0l5lQKSia1Js1NC1ZbD5tfySvXzKF7MlBpYY/w320-h640/20231203_084327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">And I've now sewn the four corner blocks for the Diamond Patchwork Quilt. I get to play with more whites from now on. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsWluRCfMSE0LY4XjPkZX-vtrLhJ6Hqvcv9jT3e4gtfAAgCRn6YUHGchLihbOK389BLmdcbmCTG5FEQ83fb8hkDwo7tZhr54ZaqTqs-Q55BomVLDQ1oDD9PNkacAUdsembZnQYb7bYU8LY3G5DCnRTAEcg5igdT8GAupru0mkNRx5X-Lwq2UM18PjbWs/s3837/20231219_085426.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3837" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsWluRCfMSE0LY4XjPkZX-vtrLhJ6Hqvcv9jT3e4gtfAAgCRn6YUHGchLihbOK389BLmdcbmCTG5FEQ83fb8hkDwo7tZhr54ZaqTqs-Q55BomVLDQ1oDD9PNkacAUdsembZnQYb7bYU8LY3G5DCnRTAEcg5igdT8GAupru0mkNRx5X-Lwq2UM18PjbWs/w520-h640/20231219_085426.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">Here are</span><b style="text-align: left;"> three free Christmas Star ornament patterns</b><span style="text-align: left;"> that are fairly quick to make and I thought too good to miss...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The first are the directions to make a Moravian Star which is special as well as pretty. It made me think of the Moravian missionaries who in 1771 were the first Europeans to settle on the Labrador Coast and proceeded to have a huge impact on the Labrador Inuit. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The <b>Moravian Star</b> is multisided and has been associated with the faith for centuries. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.mypatchworld.com/2020/09/moravian-star-ornament-with-free-pattern.html">Here is the link</a> to <b>Hatun Conak's</b> free pattern at <b>My PatchWorld</b> site. Really neat.<br /></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkow2gsky7_rkWzZNoH_c-WZejzAKS-S-QZcKGhkpZtHfQafvtHvdGkIaAwKtaqLMi3JBrEKZwn9T9hl3EqfoII94uS_s8CqZ7DUjzga9HcqfnECkFmuXVOSTU3W8XaNuJfLcm0h3qlWiEubhWkL_iS2CCOg3ZcNbCTbe6BW38u2gp70cxuI7_YK_pXEY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="250" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkow2gsky7_rkWzZNoH_c-WZejzAKS-S-QZcKGhkpZtHfQafvtHvdGkIaAwKtaqLMi3JBrEKZwn9T9hl3EqfoII94uS_s8CqZ7DUjzga9HcqfnECkFmuXVOSTU3W8XaNuJfLcm0h3qlWiEubhWkL_iS2CCOg3ZcNbCTbe6BW38u2gp70cxuI7_YK_pXEY" width="300" /></a></div>The Second one is from one of my favourite sites, <a href="https://wildolive.blogspot.com/2013/12/25-crafts-of-christmas-english-paper.html">Wild Olive</a>, where <b>Mollie</b> shares so many sweet patterns. This little ornament is so pretty. Sometimes simple is better and with this one you can embroider a name or year on the back to make it meaningful, which is a touch I love. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZD89NEhuzk7xt6_WT1VWrnNmBXN_NgbaUFGysa0aM8riWhC3Srq3V4zSnZhojyMFGM5LhxqjRviQRS6UMxauo2pxle11z8BkHscqLpaFkUaQPoUmlJ_oHmuAU1rSn249hzel30vwt6y5MGEASSQwSPYLFspNOfAoqF8B6Jw1NoyZV4b39nFizLWef9OQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZD89NEhuzk7xt6_WT1VWrnNmBXN_NgbaUFGysa0aM8riWhC3Srq3V4zSnZhojyMFGM5LhxqjRviQRS6UMxauo2pxle11z8BkHscqLpaFkUaQPoUmlJ_oHmuAU1rSn249hzel30vwt6y5MGEASSQwSPYLFspNOfAoqF8B6Jw1NoyZV4b39nFizLWef9OQ" width="320" /></a></div>The Third star ornament is from <a href="https://www.craftystaci.com/blog/pentagon-star-ornaments">Crafty Staci</a> where she shares the free pdf template for her<b> Pentagon Star</b> ornament. Also sweet and a great way to fussy cut special Christmas fabrics. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhx2-o-GuGPA7efisySA1EurglY4c4GRcK1DDIm5M9HmyqaJIq4J-ZG4vwyn8fI19Gr1f7rrgZRucV7Xg-b1IfJ_6JwmSOxc996AxNoF-Jlx-cYAvhFBIdDdraTjEU5UEm5eGqMUPJnSMtV7CjZb6hHS1iV3v5uFn3_gn1Pv4OjQrG31HKhhit3NWKC2u4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhx2-o-GuGPA7efisySA1EurglY4c4GRcK1DDIm5M9HmyqaJIq4J-ZG4vwyn8fI19Gr1f7rrgZRucV7Xg-b1IfJ_6JwmSOxc996AxNoF-Jlx-cYAvhFBIdDdraTjEU5UEm5eGqMUPJnSMtV7CjZb6hHS1iV3v5uFn3_gn1Pv4OjQrG31HKhhit3NWKC2u4=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div>Btw, all three of these sites have wonderful banks of free patterns and instructions. Happy Exploring!<br /><br /><p></p><p> I must also share news of a fellow blogger and dog lover, Pat, a retired teacher, whose blog is <a href="https://weaverofgrass.blogspot.com/">The Weaver of Grass</a> and she lives in the Yorkshire Dales, England. I've been reading her wonderful and newsy blog for ten years and always felt a strong sense of connectiveness with her. I've followed her from being married to the farmer, his passing, her move from the farm into the local village, her breaking a hip (something, like me, she so dreaded doing), needing a carer and now being diagnosed with cancer. She is in her 90's and is opting for palliative care at home. Her mind is clear as a bell and she is in charge of these decisions. I'm awed by her words, her wonderful attitude and want to remember and learn from her experiences. </p><p>The big day is getting closer! Hope you are happy with how <b>you</b> are coping and getting things ticked off your lists. </p><p>Sharing this post with <a href="https://www.quiltfabrication.com/2023/12/midweek-makers-414.html">Quilt Fabrication</a>.</p>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-26464510241228846092023-12-14T08:54:00.000-08:002023-12-18T09:43:08.411-08:00Patchwork Quilting, Autumn Quakers, Simple Pleasures Continued<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIaegFOaY_vjifeDcj1L0kShmXyHtO374lM541CAe-hO2U3VNrYI_InXldVJSr3ZERP6qLKBwRsg8NuYgSIoeN7YbnVSd1VIV7tfTk11u5DnVDjNwdUN5aiw76NAG7ay_aaHKU8OS6Cf-qciHvYOYjXU-6ujjUhoXU3BmQmyHbbwZCZ07AGbCgyWwg3U/s3812/DSCN4369%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2277" data-original-width="3812" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIaegFOaY_vjifeDcj1L0kShmXyHtO374lM541CAe-hO2U3VNrYI_InXldVJSr3ZERP6qLKBwRsg8NuYgSIoeN7YbnVSd1VIV7tfTk11u5DnVDjNwdUN5aiw76NAG7ay_aaHKU8OS6Cf-qciHvYOYjXU-6ujjUhoXU3BmQmyHbbwZCZ07AGbCgyWwg3U/w400-h239/DSCN4369%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Pretty colours against the snow. From my kitchen window, I enjoy spying Blue Jays in amongst the snowy branches.<div>LeeAnna at <a href="https://lapaylor.blogspot.com/2023/12/i-like-thursday-380-trees-questions.html">Not Afraid of Color's</a> promt this week is real or fake Christmas trees? I am not putting up a tree this year, real or fake, even though we are hosting the Christmas Day dinner. I've never liked the tree and would like to get a new one. Meanwhile I have my little ceramic tree in the living area. I was happy to see these trees become popular again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-iej2KbtQIpXUeJEm0ZoU_h0lZEKhWHX9I8mvkGD9OpkLpweFhClan-K9H7Q6COP_yQevvqQaM7f5FToDplm0kGO_yJXRQWvmNTCW2U3ioV9C52ISqAfBNfpjqwvjWW2mkbewLH4uvfzyb4DNN_DDzJnnPz2PK5bSOrMrd41IY98TGxKJv8jngbtsBw/s4160/20231203_085941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-iej2KbtQIpXUeJEm0ZoU_h0lZEKhWHX9I8mvkGD9OpkLpweFhClan-K9H7Q6COP_yQevvqQaM7f5FToDplm0kGO_yJXRQWvmNTCW2U3ioV9C52ISqAfBNfpjqwvjWW2mkbewLH4uvfzyb4DNN_DDzJnnPz2PK5bSOrMrd41IY98TGxKJv8jngbtsBw/w480-h640/20231203_085941.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I went out shopping and to lunch on Wednesday. It was a perfect weather day with sun which has been scarce this month. It felt good to get a few presents crossed off my list and I enjoyed the fish and chip lunch at the popular restaurant, the Scottish Glen. It is especially popular with seniors and they were there in droves that sunny day. <div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I've machine stitched two of the large corner blocks for the</span><b style="text-align: left;"> Christmas Patchwork Diamond</b><span style="text-align: left;"> quilt. The third is on the machine and I have the fourth laid out ready to go. The fabric is Andover's Laundry Basket </span><i style="text-align: left;">Noel</i><span style="text-align: left;"> and is very beautiful to work with. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ukmK7exmYtrjR8warVqhxQKTKLXg8D69qnNbi2Z-P-ZBS1aKIZBYFvdPbXhu1xeZ0upV6PEQ9lae5X5MA5pl2RIE8XrDxYnRQbjjsvg5FGbYP2V-sqjtu3usUndUxHOR5rHrhVsCQJ_KN2aeA6d43I7rGWXz7FzgSWKqc4dC5g9STTrjqvmoWLtOu3A/s4062/20231214_094627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2495" data-original-width="4062" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ukmK7exmYtrjR8warVqhxQKTKLXg8D69qnNbi2Z-P-ZBS1aKIZBYFvdPbXhu1xeZ0upV6PEQ9lae5X5MA5pl2RIE8XrDxYnRQbjjsvg5FGbYP2V-sqjtu3usUndUxHOR5rHrhVsCQJ_KN2aeA6d43I7rGWXz7FzgSWKqc4dC5g9STTrjqvmoWLtOu3A/w640-h394/20231214_094627.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I'm eager to start including the snow white colours of these fat quarters I bought ages ago for another project and were never used. Back then, I thought white would be used in every quilt. These have faint designs on them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Iqi0gVXYKpbfpgLp65N53fST7jLhjA-ZMuExfngYr_YEHtYAjv1ZDHvy1kgSTsVhRQAYHr97Xhbf_zXvYm2dcyfdcmGMTKeZLOUeX007vqal_GiiweftGMf5IhW9ND9abfhbEmXVdiTpJ9J41aTcEH056rxUQpnLpdkiAfgJt9Kdz1Zu1Wmodkj5eZU/s3935/20231214_110757.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3935" data-original-width="2764" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Iqi0gVXYKpbfpgLp65N53fST7jLhjA-ZMuExfngYr_YEHtYAjv1ZDHvy1kgSTsVhRQAYHr97Xhbf_zXvYm2dcyfdcmGMTKeZLOUeX007vqal_GiiweftGMf5IhW9ND9abfhbEmXVdiTpJ9J41aTcEH056rxUQpnLpdkiAfgJt9Kdz1Zu1Wmodkj5eZU/s320/20231214_110757.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"> I found these whites too white for whatever that old project was but will maybe now provide the perfect contrast for this Christmas-y stitching. Who knew there were "shades" of white!</span></div><p>And in slow stitching, I mentioned continuing to work on my <b>Rosewood Manor's</b> cross stitched <i>Autumn Quakers</i> piece. I've decided to keep the momentum going on this project till Christmas. Almost at the bottom now on the left side. The beauty of stitching Quaker samplers is that each motif finishes fairly quickly and you get a feeling of satisfaction about that. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwYQ2vBK8bzZsEiPyFPhUbzP80OQ7Ni37p7xaa6Oo8RqhfPWHXk1AvaOIPqY5criab9mUeUhsQiAW0OmDyH-1xnkRRfEU7bVCIqC4liJ3cey54O-JVs1ewAAnT9M7McdMITmjaFmW813z_-LkQ_5fCb9I-QTvJzA_eC_Ueqp8sBqnB8e13AOMqXSDh9g/s3368/20231214_102630.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3368" data-original-width="1725" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwYQ2vBK8bzZsEiPyFPhUbzP80OQ7Ni37p7xaa6Oo8RqhfPWHXk1AvaOIPqY5criab9mUeUhsQiAW0OmDyH-1xnkRRfEU7bVCIqC4liJ3cey54O-JVs1ewAAnT9M7McdMITmjaFmW813z_-LkQ_5fCb9I-QTvJzA_eC_Ueqp8sBqnB8e13AOMqXSDh9g/w328-h640/20231214_102630.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stitching on 28 ct Vintage Country Mocha Cashel Linen</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I was going to include this in the <a href="https://canadianneedlenana.blogspot.com/2023/12/simple-pleasures-applique-pattern.html">last post</a> about simple things to look forward to. I have switched our summer duvet for our real Auckland Wool duvet that I use for winter. It is so cosy and warm and importantly not too heavy. I've also made the switch to toasty flannel sheets. On cold, snowy and blowy winter nights, is there anything more wonderful than a warm, comfortable bed to sleep in. Something everyone deserves for sure. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bjBIPseMDyw-Tj8Z__1EUdVCNNEau3jfdODjLprJSexCei_UIiVFd2aEhecN2GtpF-YT2FPyfyfJBypV2NWOrdseZuEXtJPbVRCdy3mMT7Q_HfhU-pml9N5Y8IhqXpHJCPvDcpD7G4SCSBADBBo3m658DECL_qYaeR06mZhCouFBSgNC3sbpky08zio/s4160/20231211_095739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bjBIPseMDyw-Tj8Z__1EUdVCNNEau3jfdODjLprJSexCei_UIiVFd2aEhecN2GtpF-YT2FPyfyfJBypV2NWOrdseZuEXtJPbVRCdy3mMT7Q_HfhU-pml9N5Y8IhqXpHJCPvDcpD7G4SCSBADBBo3m658DECL_qYaeR06mZhCouFBSgNC3sbpky08zio/s320/20231211_095739.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>And on that sleepy note, I promised to tell you if the medication I got from the doc is helping me sleep. So far, I've been cutting each pill into quarters. Most nights I take a quarter and it definitely makes me drowsy no matter how "alive" my brain feels. I sleep soundly till about 4:30 or 5 then I'm awake. but it gets me past the dreaded 3 am. This is still a tad too early so I read for some time, and occasionally fall back to sleep but more often I stay in bed till 6 ish and get up and start my day. </div><div><br /><div>All is rosy in our December garden here at the Wooden House! Hope your Thursday is also going well!<br /><p>Feeling thankful too for these great linky parties...<a href="https://quiltingpatch.blogspot.com/">Quilting Patchwork Applique</a>, <a href="https://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/2023/12/oh-scrap-time-savers.html">Quilting is More Fun Than Housework</a>, <a href="https://smallquiltsanddollquilts.blogspot.com/2023/12/design-wall-monday-december-18-2023.html">Small Quilts and Doll Quilts</a>, <a href="https://songbirddesigns.blog/monday-musings-12-18-23/">Songbird Designs</a> and <a href="https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/2023/12/slow-sunday-stitching_01672481833.html">Kathy's Quilts</a>.</p></div></div></div>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992849643268817750.post-69442742893349332252023-12-11T09:07:00.000-08:002023-12-16T09:04:11.407-08:00Simple Pleasures, Applique, Pattern Testing<p>I've begun my winter goal of spending an hour each day outside in the fresh air no matter the weather. It is easily done as two long walks with Ned will take up the time. And then there is collecting sticks for the fire and shoveling the front steps too which I've done twice so far. It is slow going in the woods with the snow we've had already. And I take time to look about, take a photo, try to find birds, etc. Ned upset me one morning by eating a lone rabbit's paw we came across. He gobbled it up before I knew what he was doing. I reminded him that we are feeding him organic food for his itchy skin and then he goes and eats something wild like that. He was completely indifferent, if anything a little proud of himself. Here he looks so much older to me...going to be 3 in March.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnmLvg6DGgbR57mXgsy6uVtGBQIlnilJdX314nQZ9TDpvy7dTnfvC4Lhgfh2yawBecH56Da-nm046MnC9xU0KRuZeVVVkUgBfSuJwUKZ7ubwseuI3VG-8f2MQjXwT4kZXK84iB56xNE-tAGO9LCEE_gfiflh8ynnlGO_YsUcYUy3KjEYS9CUH-jIiTT0/s4608/DSCN4267%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnmLvg6DGgbR57mXgsy6uVtGBQIlnilJdX314nQZ9TDpvy7dTnfvC4Lhgfh2yawBecH56Da-nm046MnC9xU0KRuZeVVVkUgBfSuJwUKZ7ubwseuI3VG-8f2MQjXwT4kZXK84iB56xNE-tAGO9LCEE_gfiflh8ynnlGO_YsUcYUy3KjEYS9CUH-jIiTT0/s320/DSCN4267%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p> I wasted, no I shouldn't say wasted, I spent an entire evening playing with a new pattern. My latest Quiltmania magazine featured a beautiful vintage quilt with the pattern to make it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32hz1eL9CMVVuBkLc8uX9_RHmHokUY87moD4iJl25zobo_AvPN8xbpOYPaUScARvhfulTiyVMbyJF1GvCoDCuiQHavRUfXdIEqm3uKAYkMvvGJMwLLDpHhflOYrR8UuN8-i7jeJDe6pRzE3LCVYheZLa79_aWEsgxv7jGsZtUL9O2_m3KyP3XqQV5agQ/s3466/20231211_095625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3466" data-original-width="2607" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32hz1eL9CMVVuBkLc8uX9_RHmHokUY87moD4iJl25zobo_AvPN8xbpOYPaUScARvhfulTiyVMbyJF1GvCoDCuiQHavRUfXdIEqm3uKAYkMvvGJMwLLDpHhflOYrR8UuN8-i7jeJDe6pRzE3LCVYheZLa79_aWEsgxv7jGsZtUL9O2_m3KyP3XqQV5agQ/s320/20231211_095625.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><p>No, not the cover quilt; that one is incredible wool applique. This one below...The <i>Scrappy Stars</i> quilt made by Poulien Wolfswinkel (what a neat surname!). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3V-V-ZCrqHG6zxIbPzTs7ll6jEd5KrvNl_MBEagNs8ZidB9MgptZD5_o47dAsyANJRr2pjyzLcW0X2bgI6SjOU4QYhs3gUYI1Bwun-SL0K3_B9MxVrCTKolyIrIKnOsONSKyg65yCnp8emzGFc_MooWhHwgbZ2yH2J0uBUeU4VyeOT4IC81F2XZ7wti4/s4160/20231211_095719.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3V-V-ZCrqHG6zxIbPzTs7ll6jEd5KrvNl_MBEagNs8ZidB9MgptZD5_o47dAsyANJRr2pjyzLcW0X2bgI6SjOU4QYhs3gUYI1Bwun-SL0K3_B9MxVrCTKolyIrIKnOsONSKyg65yCnp8emzGFc_MooWhHwgbZ2yH2J0uBUeU4VyeOT4IC81F2XZ7wti4/w640-h480/20231211_095719.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">And we are all in love with stars. It would work well as another scrappy project to use up some of those sorted scraps I've been up to my knees in lately. So I set about copying the pattern, tracing and cutting the card stock pieces-made loads of the triangles and corner pieces to stitch them EPP. Then tried out a few of the fans with my blue scraps which are plentiful. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNUcHAsSP05KrzCarxv-RE0VM4h5DXJGL6IngFuWEMexqEIldyLlPyLFxR8hdEccVVseObbV1DvApfDWMVMrFpZlrDKI1DH2_oZOgG0joWl7HbCQDkqjI_OaboHAEpwZBFhq_hRKsWYlh2HqyqiX8mb5chqL51nYk0WPHE1oQQgMOar5EdEILsqscThc/s4160/20231211_101924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNUcHAsSP05KrzCarxv-RE0VM4h5DXJGL6IngFuWEMexqEIldyLlPyLFxR8hdEccVVseObbV1DvApfDWMVMrFpZlrDKI1DH2_oZOgG0joWl7HbCQDkqjI_OaboHAEpwZBFhq_hRKsWYlh2HqyqiX8mb5chqL51nYk0WPHE1oQQgMOar5EdEILsqscThc/s320/20231211_101924.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">Overnight I had the thought that the pattern at this size-2 1/2 inches, was far too small and fiddly for my fingers, plus it would take a million of them to make a lap quilt even. I need the pattern enlarged. So today I'm going to resize the pattern to make it bigger, maybe to a finished 6 inch square size at least. </span></div><p>Since last writing, I also finished another Quiltmania Xmas square, the little potted hearts. These are small as well but not too small. I'm including a little blue fabric here and there from now on. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmbTxloUzwQi2TEWXGVhCLD5dT34q1cWYlyTrTbOM1WyZkhEpBYF8AY9Q-8Orru3b2x1PVKLSChbIz583eWC73Dif4NORndYi0Pm5By4m5IeqvVB0Sj4XlUCKinlI4B5P2Yz2LHMvKXi97aPwLh2NTeVsVp8mplFab-7cACJOKxTEkQ3Fqljrt6plJDY/s4051/20231203_084513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4051" data-original-width="2477" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmbTxloUzwQi2TEWXGVhCLD5dT34q1cWYlyTrTbOM1WyZkhEpBYF8AY9Q-8Orru3b2x1PVKLSChbIz583eWC73Dif4NORndYi0Pm5By4m5IeqvVB0Sj4XlUCKinlI4B5P2Yz2LHMvKXi97aPwLh2NTeVsVp8mplFab-7cACJOKxTEkQ3Fqljrt6plJDY/w245-h400/20231203_084513.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">So what are you looking forward to this week? It's important to have something to look forward to- even a very small thing like for me right now I'm looking forward to putting the kettle on for tea and know I will have a muffin with it. Our wood guy came with a load of wood for us and we were pleased to find out it had been stored inside so dry...that will catch easier and burn cleaner. I look forward to making a cheery fire with it each winter morning. We've also been enjoying the little thing of opening up our advent calendars from Beth each day. Mine is really neat, a 50 piece puzzle of puppies, each day. Tony's is all chocolates and Ned, the rabbit eater, also gets an edible treat. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuAVaRQM4Fw9hLjvH4wokq3NkIDUnXiJ9Y4HKoHMdppmBW-Sko-ImwRlmeTFH9RXyMoNZH1KQ9o3rqGJrVQVy-5lSbdHlARib4q9og87yo1w89XYGJNHlOYsOw1XlEMqYymivLdLRPXfJklUAOrEtlHU44WZRxfLplT_r_eN0vW4cE6paqTKrS1WCAVg/s4160/20231211_113954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2433" data-original-width="4160" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuAVaRQM4Fw9hLjvH4wokq3NkIDUnXiJ9Y4HKoHMdppmBW-Sko-ImwRlmeTFH9RXyMoNZH1KQ9o3rqGJrVQVy-5lSbdHlARib4q9og87yo1w89XYGJNHlOYsOw1XlEMqYymivLdLRPXfJklUAOrEtlHU44WZRxfLplT_r_eN0vW4cE6paqTKrS1WCAVg/w640-h374/20231211_113954.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">So what are <b><i>your </i></b>tiny but enjoyable somethings to look forward to this week? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Also enjoyable to link up with great parties around the net such as <a href="https://kate-life-in-pieces.blogspot.com/2023/12/stitching-stuff-week-48-of-2023.html">Life in Pieces </a>, <a href="https://itsasmalltownlife.blogspot.com/2023/12/thankful-thursday_14.html">It's a Small Town Life</a>, <a href="https://melvalovesscraps.blogspot.com/2023/12/sew-tell-december-11-2023.html">Melva Loves Scraps</a>, <a href="https://superscrappy.blogspot.com/2023/12/scraphappy-saturday-month-of-hexies.html">So Scrappy</a> and <a href="https://www.quiltfabrication.com/2023/12/midweek-makers-413.html">Quilt Fabrications</a>.</span></div><p><br /></p>Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11770193529950365462noreply@blogger.com19