Wooden House Still Winter Roundup

 Here is one of the Mother trees near our laneway featuring in a photo taken Wednesday. 

It's still mostly winter here and that's all I'll say about that. I suppose it's appropriate that I'm still knitting my very warm afghan. Here's how long it is now.

The male Cardinal is even more beautiful this far into what should be spring. He may be the showiest bird we have in Canada especially against a winter landscape.

And I'm so happy the Barred Owls have returned to Jim's nesting box in Indianna. They were a little late which made us worry it would be the first time in 13 years that no owl would choose the box. Here is the video after egg #2 was laid and Here is the link to the live cams run by the wonderful Cornell Lab folks.

Tony forwarded this to me. 😊 Fair enough, I am a little obsessed with them. 

Here are a few more of my little appliqued snowmen in progress. I decided I needed a teacup snowman, a sailor, and a ghost in the house snowman. It's fun to stitch these. I also machine stitched a couple 9 patch blocks to see if I liked the white better than the dark colour of the original pattern and I think I do. 

It's been a busy week with appointments every day including the vet. Tick season is almost here and we needed the special medication for the dogs that helps repel insects.

Here's a photo of the happy freeloaders. Petey would never join Ned on his couch but does so now, a sign of his comfort with us all. Ned disappears on this couch as his coat matches the colour exactly.

 I'm finding there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. I fight the feeling that I am falling behind. Behind what exactly? Ridiculous, I know.

I hope you are not feeling behind on things and finding something to soothe you from the news out there that is all miserable. Even the Oscars, which I normally enjoy, upset me to see and hear about this new thing that some women feel they have to take to be thin. Madness!

Take care of yourselves!

Happy to share this post with great linky parties- Alycia Quilts, The Inquiring Quilter, Songbird Designs and Creations Art Quilts.

Stitchy Gifts, Kits, Links, Quarter Dresdens

 I'm feeling a little drowsy this morning sitting here by the fire. I've just mopped the whole upstairs because we've had a lot of activity here. It's been a trying week because our furnace quit working and what a time to choose to do that during these very cold days in February. I'm thankful to have Brad who helped me with getting wood up from the back basement door for our fireplace...that is quite a trek. The little heaters we also used were okay but it was really nice to be able to keep a fire burning.

 We've had to go in and out for appointments too which has all kept the dogs and me off kilter. But thankfully, in the end, we just went four days without a furnace. I didn't realize putting in a new furnace would take so long. The two guys were here for five hours which drove the dogs mad- they wanted to be with them! Of course, they had to remove the old 21 year old furnace first which took up some of the time. Thankfully the new system is working fine so far, and, fingers crossed this episode is now history.  

I'd found this book below and want to read it. It's a book where writers who knit or try to share their stories about knitting. I always knew Barbara Kingsolver did but I didn't know Sue Grafton did. Turns out there are a lot of writers who knit and more that would love to. Here is the Amazon link if you'd like to read more about it. It would make a great gift. 

Kate at the Last Homely House still interests me and it's the perfect kind of show to have on while knitting. I don't have to follow any instructions or such and the tv room was also the perfect spot this week as I could keep it warm in there with a small heater. Isn't the winter sun on these colours pretty.  

I've also been working on my Quarter Dresdens project. Now I have more of the working parts kitted up all ready to stitch together so I feel better about it. I'm still using mail flyers, the flimsy ones, for template material and an old cookie tin to keep them in. 

I've decided to use more colour in the scrappy EPP blades; I know white is the colour of the year and all but so many in white got boring to me.

I'm using dark greens, the RSC February colour, for these backgrounds and one is looking lighter here than it really is and other darker. Sigh

Beth gave me three embroidery kits for Christmas. The Puffin is Newfoundland's provincial bird so it makes sense I finally embroider one. It's from Hook, Line and Tinker whose link is HERE if you'd like to check out their other cute designs.

I get so many Chickadees at my feeders and love them. I wanted it to be Canada's national bird but it lost out to the Canada Jay, formerly the Gray Jay. This is a sweet little kit from Nest Embirdery. Their link is HERE where there is a gorgeous bumblebee I'd also like to stitch.

And as well, this kit by Wendy Williams that I'd mentioned to her quite a while ago that I liked. Now I don't have to order it. I've admired this one for a long time and you can check it and others equally beautiful at Flying Fish Kits.

Stitchy gifts are the best, aren't they!

I'm feeling a bit tired but a good tired, if you know what I mean. The kind you feel when you've moved your body. We've decided to treat ourselves to a lunch out at one of the very old restaurants in a nearby town. They make good pork souvlaki there and that's what I always have. They make their own dressing for the Greek salad, something else I'm fond of. Would this appeal to you? 

Happy Valentine's Day to you all too!

Delighted to share this post with Kathy's Quilts, Quilting Patchwork Applique, Good and Random Fun, Melva Loves Scraps and Quilting is More Fun Than Housework.

Deep in Winter Wonderings

I was up early and out the door to refill the bird feeders. I've added a third this winter as it's turning into an especially cold one. Wind chill then was -35C ( up from the -39C low overnight) and wind in strong gusts made it most uncomfortable. That cold makes it such a relief to be out of it and back into the warmth of the house. But there are drifts over the front steps so I'll be back out there soon to shovel which will warm me up. 

I always feel lucky to get a glimpse of an owl and to get a photo even more so. But my odds are a little higher this winter as I've sighted one around the feeders twice now. However, these photos were taken from quite a distance down by our pond where I play ball with the dogs. I was so fortunate this distant "blob" turned out to be a bird rather than a clump of leaves which has happened sometimes. I'm thinking it's the same one that is sometimes nearer the house.

I'm cautious with owls because they always show they see me and I know what their talons look like. They watch me with those big eyes and move their head when I move. Though I must say this drowsy one seemed more intent on soaking up the sun's warmth than caring about me. This is a Barred Owl as identified by the bars on his feathers.

What a beautifully feathered fellow!

No winter lasts forever and thoughts of warmer days ahead are in my mind as I look through the Veseys Seeds online catalogue. In particular, since I've had good luck with Geraniums, I'm checking out a couple different varieties to plant this spring. Some of you mentioned Zinnias to me so I'm going to give those a go too. I also want to plant more Japanese Anemone bushes around the property. It's a huge favourite with the bees, blooms well into the fall and is so pretty too.

 I'm still appliquing more of the tiny baskets in blues and did finish one in February's dark green RSC colour. They are not exactly a quick stitch but I'm enjoying working on them, nonetheless.

In this photo below I'm ready to go shopping with Beth and was attempting to show you the scarf I knit years ago in 2014 and still love to wear every winter. I didn't realize that between the phone and the wooden bar in the mirror you wouldn't really see it, duh. I also wish I'd closed that closet door. And when I call our house the wooden house- it really is. The floors, walls and ceilings are all beautiful wood. 

 The scarf has jewel tones in reds/pinks and having colour up around my face is a good thing these days. It is a one line pattern and you can check it out at my post there. It was passed on by Stephanie on her Yarn Harlot blog years ago. 

My hair is so white and as I've said, I don't mind it at all. Both daughters have been urging me to stop cutting my hair so short and grow it out a little, so I'm doing that despite how wispy it is. The Moroccanoil Texture Spray is helping with that. HERE is the Amazon link if you'd like to check it out for your locks. 

Tony's ear syringing didn't work so we are back to the ear clinic tomorrow for a second try and he's also unhappy with his new glasses so we are going back to Costco to see what they can do about that too. Poor fellow. 

We've been enjoying the Olympics Figure Skating very much. Are you watching? 

Hope your February is going well and your stitching fingers are flying. 

I'm happy to join these linky parties...Alycia Quilts, Creations Quilts Art and Quilting Patchwork Applique.

Six or So Stitchy Projects

 Here is my kitchen window very peaceful winter view as it will look pretty much now until April. The light is from the big garage and you can see the snow curtain we have from the snow sliding down the roof. 

My bigger bunny is still here. Though he spends time under the feeders, he also munches on the left over garden growth which I purposely leave till spring to clean out. What exactly he is finding to eat there, I'm not sure. 

 He'd better be careful though as a Barred Owl flew low over my head one morning as I walked to the garage. He'd been eyeing the feeders. I was disappointed I hadn't spotted him from the window to get a photo. 

Lately I've been knitting in the evenings in front of the tv. My afghan is this long now. 

Using this stitch combo means it looks the same on the back as the front and it's good for an afghan to be reversable. I'm planning to crochet an edging around it when I get it to a certain length. The wool is from a special project by the Yorkshire Spinners. One pound is donated to the Breast Cancer Society for each ball sold. I'm alarmed by the numbers of young women being diagnosed with this awful disease. 

I've stitched more quarter Dresden blocks using blues for backgrounds. These are so enjoyable to hand stitch and work up very quickly. 

And there are several possible ways to join them. I have plenty of time to give that a good think.

Today I'm devoting my sewing room time to finishing the Christmas Tablecloth. I'm very close and I'd love to have it off the plate for now. Here is a photo of the right side still being organized. As usual I have a couple orphan blocks that I used in it too. 

  I have plans to try another patchwork block that could work with the RSC, one that doesn't involve hand stitching. My scraps are alarming me again and I need a project that could use just them. I have one in mind that I'll share next time. 

 I wound up enjoying the hand quilting on the Christmas Presents quilt in the end. I laid it out on the kitchen island to check if I'd missed a spot. 

 I haven't bound it yet but I'm pleased to have the quilting on it all done. I have a number of very old projects that I'd love to get to the finish line so I'm going to layer up another flimsie to have all ready in my rotation to hand quilt. 

I like the idea of the Daily Devotional Stitching project. Choosing a small item to stitch by hand certainly is right up my alley. The point is to use the stitching process as an intentional meditation or a prayer. Being such a loner and living with a partner who is not talkative- never was, not even in the best of times, I spend a lot of time in my own head as it were. But I can always be more intentional about those ramblings, that's for sure. You can read more here at  Sibyl's Journal.

I'm just in from my morning walkabout with the dogs. It is invigorating and being able to use more of the trails with them being flattened by the snowmobile is wonderful. It's all good here at the Wooden House these first few weeks of the brand new year. I hope you all are finding it the same.

 P.S. I will speak to LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt about calendar usage in the next post. 

So very happy to have linky parties to join...The Inquiring Quilter, Kathy's Quilts, Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, So Scrappy, Songbird Designs, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts and Days Filled With Joy.

 

Christmas Embroideries, 3 Ingredient Fruit Cake, Knitting Too

Hello all and thank you for stopping by so close to Christmas Day. 

It's been busy. I've set up things that light up...the wreath, two small trees, several candles. I've been shopping and wrapping gifts with the usual seasonal feelings of panic about getting it all right. 

I've been keeping the feeders full and watched this little tableau one morning.

The three of them were calmly eating together after one of the squirrels had climbed up and jumped on the pan feeder, conveniently tipping the seeds down for them. 

I baked a fruit cake. I've been seeing so many videos of folks making the 3 ingredient fruit cake, I had to give it a try. Tony is a fruit cake lover so I figured it would have to be pretty bad for him not to eat it. Luckily, it is tasty despite my using the barest of ingredients. Mine included the dried fruit on hand which was mostly raisins, currants, cranberries and dates. You soak your fruit overnight in a chosen liquid. I chose black tea. Then you mix it with self rising flour and bake it. I should have baked it longer but I was eager to try it. I thought it was fine and the fruit cake lover loved it.

Yes, this is truly just the three ingredients of fruit, flour and liquid unlike some recipes that claim that but actually require more when you read the fine print.

I will be making this again and using real fruit cake fruit like the glace cherries and also a different liquid maybe Baileys or juice to heighten the flavour. HERE is the link to just one of the sites that features this recipe. 

I finished my little Merry Moose embroidery. Such a fun little stitch.

And I took four of the little orphan Christmas embroideries and sewed a little mat. I have lots of this pretty Christmas fabric left over from a past project. 

And I had a matching fabric in the darker green that worked out well for the trim and back.

I've been thinking lots about possible RSC projects for the new year. There are two patterns I keep going back to and I'll share those soon. Perhaps I'll work on both just to have some variety with this particular challenge. Meanwhile this year's quilt is still at the flimsy stage. I have to take out all the papers/cardboards but just before that decide on the edging pieces if I want it to be straight on the sides.

So it requires a little decision making which I'm not in the mindset for just now.  

I've also been knitting on my afghan to be and enjoying that for a change.

Perhaps you've seen this....the wonderful Barbara Brackman shared a quilt pattern for those who may be thinking of sewing an authentic period quilt to celebrate the 250 anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. You can check out the information here... a beautiful Anniversary Quilt Pattern.

I think I have everything ready. Our gift exchange is tonight and then everyone back here again for the dinner tomorrow. It's so nice to still have a younger boy in the family who is still so excited about Christmas. 

If celebrating, I hope your Christmas is wonderful and you all get to enjoy some holiday time. 

So wonderful too to share with Kathy's Quilts, Melva Loves Scraps, Creations Quilts Art, Anja Quilts and Quilting Patchwork Applique. Thank you ladies for hosting!

Free Patterns, Special Video, Appliqued House and Knitting Again

I've been thinking about all the turkey dinners this week and put in an order to Farm Boy for our Christmas one. We've done this twice before and enjoyed it very much. Their turkeys are amazing and they even include dessert. Of course, I'll make a couple of our traditional side dishes too and a trifle. 

  I was switching out the mugs to start using the Christmas/winter ones and thought I'd show this one below again. I'd used Rifle Paper Co fabrics in the Christmas Present quilt I shared last post and here is one of my winter mugs from them as well in the same design. They produce a wide range of  high quality items from mugs to rugs and you can check them out HERE. When I was in Winners a couple of weeks ago, I saw a teapot in this design as well.

 The house on my Christmas table runner is taking up a large chunk of my stitching time lately. This one block is the largest appliqued piece I've ever stitched. Here is the photo from the book.

And here is my version. It's not quite finished but almost there. I found the leaf bits fiddly just like the windows and needed a lot of reoganizing. I had them all placed perfectly and a dog jumped up and they flew everywhere. That taught me to use a little glue to hold them in place. 

I've used blanket stitch around these leaves.

We've been watching The Americans and enjoying it. They feature their bedroom quite a lot in the show and you can't miss this quilt hanging behind the bed. It is a Lone Star design in what appears to be white with greys and black. And there are interesting little pieces in deep reds here and there. I tried to find the maker but couldn't. 

I like the idea that supposedly the Russians would think a quilt should be a part of American decor. 

I went down a rabbit hole this morning while visiting Magpies Mumblings and I had been warned by Mary Anne too. She had included a link to the Smart Knit Crocheting site and at that link was a list of 30 sites, yes, 30 of them!, offering free knitting and crocheting patterns. I just got out of there to write this post...so many glorious wonderful patterns! 

Meanwhile, I have knitted a couple of rounds on my own afghan. The pinks in this are brilliant and it feels great to be working with wool. 

I'm up early most mornings and lately that means getting up in total darkness. One morning, not wanting to disturb hubby, I got dressed and felt my way out of the bedroom, down the hall to the main area without turning on a light. (I've since put a flashlight by my bed).That made me remember the line below. It's been written in many of my journals over the years right from the very young me years when I was definitely trying to figure out myself. Like so many young people, I was smart enough in school but clueless in life.

But I was lucky. The people I found myself surrounded by were all good people. I'm so sorry for any of the young women out there who do not have such luck when first venturing away from home.

You know by now that I love whimsy and I adore these creatures below and their woodland world all fashioned by the enormously talented Victoria Beata. This little video is called A Fairy Tale From the Glen/For Those Who've Forgotten How Gentle the World Can be.

Yes, we must hold fast to that knowledge too. In this world, there are many soft, safe places to fall too. I hope my family will always know I'm one of them. 

Giving thanks here always! And now all the goodness that is Christmas awaits!

So happy to share this post with Quilting Patchwork Applique, Songbird Designs, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, Sew Can Do, The Inquiring Quilter, Creations Quilts Art, Melva Loves Scraps, Life in Pieces and Quilting Art Whatever.

 

October Wednesday at the Wooden House

 Early morning dance party non participants...but they want to be near me anyway. Ned is bored but Petey is trying to understand what is it I'm doing. 

Nothing beats music for waking up and lifting the mood on a dark October morning. If you're going to San Francisco 🎶

Then it was time for a coffee and writing to you.

We had a very nice Thanksgiving dinner. Didn't take a picture of the turkey dinner (too busy yakking)  but I did capture Tony tackling a very tough turnip. "This requires power tools" he declared. 

It all got well washed. But that's got to be a first!

This guy was here. There's a whole different vibe in the house when an almost 12 year old is here. 

Robbie qualified for a competitive hockey team this year, the Perth Blue Wings. I was surprised that now he has to wear a shirt and tie to games just like they do in the big leagues. 

Lucy at Attic24 has a website now and I'm so happy for her. I've knitted and crocheted so many of her wonderful patterns over the years. HERE is the link where you can now see her works in progress, tutorials, etc.  And HERE is the link to her patterns, all of them are free. Her latest afghan is called the Storyteller Blanket. 

That reminds me of my own knitting. It's been sitting there patiently waiting for me to get my knitting bug back. Still love the colours and feel of this West Yorkshire wool and I'd enjoyed knitting a couple of rounds for an afghan- was even quite excited about it at the time.  I have no explanation as to why it fell off my plate. It's time to pick up the needles again. 

Meanwhile I did finish the little Kantha kind of table topper. I decided on sunny yellow for the border.

And I found the little pumpkin mug mat that I embroidered several years ago. 

It's time to get it all out, use it up, and stop saving things for some future time. 

Below is a fall view of the little city I grew up in, Corner Brook, on the western side of Newfoundland. It's hilly and heavily forested there. Gathering special leaves was a favourite fall activity of mine. I always did it even though I knew what I glued in a scrap book in October would be nothing but tiny dried up bits by spring. Beautiful trails meander through and there's lots of great berry picking and fishing too. It's still a calm and very safe big town. I'm thankful for my youth spent there which  certainly nurtured my love of seasons and the wonderful outdoors. 

I already have my cozy clothing out and sorted. LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's conversation starter last week was do we have favourites for our winters here in the northern hemisphere. You betcha we do. I love cozy fleece and wool and have lots of clothing in both. Here is a photo of me in one item I love so much I got Tony to take a picture. Head to almost toe in fleece.

It's time to get up and get moving again. We are getting a new stove delivered today. The one we have was here when we bought the house and was already kind of old then. We think it's at least 15 years old. 

Take care all of you, whichever season you are embracing in your part of this wonderful world of ours. 

Happily sharing this post with Quilting & Learning, Off the Wall, From Bolt to Beauty, Songbird Designs, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, Quilting is More Fun Than Housework and Alycia Quilts.