Scrappy Appliqued Needle Book, Monday Music, Recipe Plans

I've had to crack a window in the living area this morning. This at the risk of letting in the below freezing air outside that put frost on my pumpkin this morning. 

But the air inside seemed a little smokey when I came in from my walk certainly in contrast to all the brisk freshness outside. I enjoy everything about my morning ritual of starting the fire in the fireplace stove.

 I also enjoy picking up sticks on my walks, ones just right for stage two of layering up the perfect fire. This is about the only thing I know I could do well if I were a contestant on that show Alone. Tony thinks my biggest challenge would be not getting lost in the woods; he thinks I could make the perfect camp with shelter and fire, etc. But in wandering in the woods, never find my way back to it. I told him one of the contestants had prepared for this issue and as part of her allowed gear, she wore a huge hand knit sweater which she unravelled and used the wool to mark her paths through the woods. So, see, there are ways around everything. And a plus for hand knitting too which will be a necessary post apocalyptic skill, imo.

This morning's music...I like Paul Simon's singing voice though I always think it is tinged with sadness. His words often are.

 "Like a memory, it falls"...Kathy's Song

My mind is all over the place today. I just wrote down that I want to buy puff pastry and use it for meat rolls using ground beef. I used to use this a lot back in the days of dinner parties especially when I made a Beef Wellington type roast. I also used puff pastry in desserts. Somehow it has fallen by the wayside and I haven't even thought of it in ages.  Do you have something like this that you used to cook and have forgotten about?

Anyway here is the recipe, Meat and Veggie Wellington Roll, I plan on using...Taste Great Foodie. I'll let you know how that works out.

Meanwhile, I've been stitching of course. I've been finishing the final side of binding on the Christmas Coins quilt. Going to get that November OMG done!

And I enjoyed finishing the little Winter Needle book that was an aside project as it were. I got a Kick out of sewing the White Snowman and it will be a great place to Keep all my needles for a project in one place. That is instead of stabbed into the cloth like I've been Known to do.

It was fun to get out my button tin, the one inherited from the talented first wife. And to make a button enclosure for this one since it has "pages". 

I added a bigger pocket to the back flap. 

To match the smaller one at the front.

Also Fun to go through my small supply of embroidery wool and edge the "pages" in blanket stitch. I added a heart to the center to symbolize my love of stitching.  Not an original idea. From the talented Ann Wood who makes amazing needle books. Here is the link to Ann's Sweetest Needle book Free Pattern.

But I'm happy to say this whole project was made from scraps and all hand sewn except for these strips on the back. Note about the colours...the reds are showing more orange which they definitely are not. Happy to join Joy's November Tablescraps Party.

 I like keeping a needle book with each of the slow stitching projects...I've accumulated the gear, nothing fancy mind you, now to be able to kit out each one. 

I've a bunch of things to get done, paperwork-ugh, change the bed...Tony has requested flannel sheets now and play with this guy. Another way he keeps me moving...Giving me the eye here just staring at me, signaling let's go. 

So another week begins!

Also pleased to join linky parties at Songbird Designs, Confessions of a Fabric Addict, It's a Small Town Life, Wendy's Quilts and More and Quilt Fabrication.

 

Redwork Embroidery, Summer Bouquet, Swallowtail, Loving K.D.

Late Summer Indoor Bouquet at the Farm 

I don't usually make bouquets anymore as I leave it all for the bees and insects to enjoy. After a banner year for butterflies last year, not many to be seen this summer. Though I did catch this Black Swallowtail enjoying the hydrangea blooms. 

It is always time for tea here. We make a giant pot and I drink a mug while it is fresh and leave the rest for Hubby. He can drink it warmed up in the microwave which is something I don't care for. 

Love my slow stitching projects.

 This one has a connection to Mom. She had these blocks that someone drew the patterns on in pencil for her. The simple little designs, which have a Newfoundland and Labrador theme, were passed around in her circle of friends so I can't give credit to the artist. When she could no longer embroider and turned more to crocheting, she handed these on to me. I finally made a start...  

After stitching the map, I realized I don't like how Labrador is not whole here. 

I'm going to stitch all the wildlife pictures first. If anyone knows who the artist is, please let me know.

The Newfoundland Dog, known for its sweetness, devotion and gentleness. Also known for their love of and affinity to children. 

I thought of stitching all in browns or black or just reds but I love variegated threads so landed on DMC 115. This offers a range of red to deep burgundy. I just had the one skein on hand so put in an order to 123 Stitch.  I'm using back stitching and trying my best to keep the stitches small and even. 

Great hand work in front of the t.v. in the evenings.

And how true this is. I was thinking first how appropriate the words are for this aging part of my life but really it suits all phases of life. 

As many of you know besides working at trying to keep fit, I also work at maintaining my positive mind set. Laughter is good and so is music. Besides listening to music early morning, I've been making a point of listening to music just before I turn in for the night. Here is one I love so much. Adore K.D.'s voice and the piano accompaniment too is wonderful. 

After I finish my coffee, I have to change the water in the hummingbird feeder so my day is about to really start. Yes, the life of the retired!

Also happy to join the link party at Kathy's Quilts and Small Quilts and Doll Quilts.