Beauty Product, Summer Primrose Blocks, Leaders and Enders Too

Thank you all who identified this border below as Prairie Points...what a sweet name and, of course, I had to look that up. Turns out there are tons of video tutorials showing how to make this. How did I not know about it till now?? It looks really intricate but makes such a unique border. Here is what I'm talking about in case you missed it. 

 Does planning a set schedule for what to stitch and when work for you?  I've tried that many times over the years and I've never been able to stick to it. During Covid, I seemed to be more regulated about my stitching and I remember well getting a lot of slow stitching accomplished before noon when my eyes are the most rested. That time is spent these days reading, writing and walking dogs. Nothing wrong with that but it is slowing my slow stitching progress. But of course, this is just all in my head- there are no rules or stitching deadlines for me. Generally, it is my mood that dictates what I pick up in the moment to lay stitches on but I do wish sometimes I could stick to a schedule of sorts.

 However, there is one plan that I'm happy to say I've been doing fairly well with since Christmas and that is to do machine stitching a few days of each week at some point even for just a couple of minutes. Yes, I know that doesn't really qualify as much of a plan. But that is how I've made progress on this FPP quilt project I'm calling my Summer Primrose project. HERE is the link to the Thimbles and Needles AU Etsy shop where I purchased the pattern. And here are my blocks so far in summery looking fabrics. I'm thinking of making a table topper. 

FPP helps with accuracy. And my Leaders and Enders project has benefitted from the added machine time too. I can't remember if I gave these a name. Here is my latest batch.

Speaking of table toppers, I've pulled out my daffodils tablecloth, the one that combines applique and embroidery. 

                                      

Mom sewed a lot of what she called lunch cloths back in those days in Newfoundland. These were smaller sized tablecloths featuring embroidery and usually had crocheted edgings that were used for tea and bikkies when you had company. I think this is Mom's work but I honestly can't remember about this one. She was fond of using simple blanket stitch edging, seen below, and I realized I am too. 

The Daffodils and Tulips I was given at Easter have faded. I will replant these in the garden. Meanwhile, a most welcome sight in the back garden this week is these lovely spring flowers.

I promised to share the latest face moisterizer I am enjoying. Amelia found this one and now Beth and I are giving it a go too. It is the priciest I've tried in recent years and I really like it. L'Oreal Duo Serum.

 It is not watery, goes on smoothly and absorbs into the skin nicely.  I bought mine on Amazon and I agree with the negative reviews about the packaging...you can't see how much is in the container and there's too much of it, something I don't like too. I'm still using castor oil too. 

My mood has been all over the place recently. Perhaps it's the change of season and the new chores that come with it that's on my mind. But we had Robbie here for a weekend so that kept me busy and definitely perked me and the dogs up. He's a busy guy and has started baseball now; while here he had indoor baseball practice and outdoor pitching practice.One day we all went down to the pond where he practised his golf swing putting balls into the pond. So much energy. As Tony says, it makes him tired just watching him. Ned, a true water dog, has been retrieving those balls ever since. 

I hope you are all staying calm; our supportive stitching world is a wonderful respite from all the turmoil out there. 

 

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.

Beauty Product, Embroidering Pumpkins, Amish Hexagons, Shows to Watch

 It's the flight of the geese season now, a natural cycle here in Canada. I've never been able to get a good photo of them with their marvelous vees marking the sky. But I am getting photos of the bright colours beginning to mark the landscape these days too. We both noticed it's getting darker earlier too or "closing in" as the old people called it.

I was dropping something off at Beth's yesterday and couldn't resist taking a photo of her pretty front veranda view.

I like how in these newer subdivions they don't mow down all the trees. On their two acres, she has many squirrels and birds. 

My Ligularia was affected by the drought though I watered from time to time. 

I noticed the flowers were not quite as large as usual and they bloomed later. Because of the size of the leaves, mine are sometimes called the Tractor Seat version. And while one of the last perennials to bloom these are fading faster. 

I had traced one of Pinker n Punkin Quilting & Stitching's Saltbox House patterns and decided to finish it this October. I used a chain stitch to make the pumpkin stand out a little. You can check out the latest very cute autumn cross stitch freebie, Pumpkin Crow, HERE. Thank you, Melisa, as always, for your generosity!

I came across Ginnie's video of how to make hexagons without paper templates and that caught my attention. I was so intrigued with this method I had to give it a try. 

The finished product is quite accurate and it is definitely liberating to make these without having to trace and cut many paper/cardboard templates. And they whip up very quickly. I used this men's shirt with pretty dark pink striped fabric; maybe these could fit in a Christmas project if I make enough for a border. 

I think these are also called Amish Hexagons. Perhaps you would know.

A beauty product I've been enjoying is this one called Fat Cheeks. Older daughter, Amelia, showed it to me. My skin is getting paler I notice. I never did have much colour...someone once said to me you look like you've seen a ghost...no, just my normal pallor I said. I don't even seem to redden up a bit when exercising any more. This one adds a little pink colour with just a light application. I bought mine at Walmart. 

We rewatched the American version of Getting On (it is originally a British show) and enjoyed it so much. The cast is awesome including the wonderful Laurie Metcalfe. Also there are guest starring roles by many famous actors. The setting is a hospital ward for elderly post op patients. It is all outrageous and funny with lots of antics by the patients and the staff. 

!There are lots of fecal jokes so it might not be for everyone. But I thought the final sentences of the series were worth noting... first Dr. Jenna-Laurie- says something like this...There is no justice in this world; we just have to show mercy to each other. And Nurse Didi replies, because that's what we can give to each other. 

So I hope you all are giving and receiving a little mercy these late September days. I have, first up, dogs to be walked, then floors to be cleaned. Then I'll be free to stitch!

So happy to link up with Alycia Quilts, Days Filled With Joy, Kathy's Quilts, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts and Creations Art Quilts.

 

Scrappy Pumpkins, Cross Stitching Crows, Homemade Bread Stuffing, Talking Temu

This is the Smoke Tree in September. I like the mulberry and lavender colours the leaves have this time of year.

And of course, the wild New England Asters are also purples and so pretty.

Thank you for lamenting with me about the loss of our little pond. It is sad, especially for all the critters and birds that lived, drank and bathed there. And though its been raining off and on the last two days, most of September continued the rainless streak. We've had frost warnings and I covered my pots on the veranda twice now but didn't need to. They're on my to do list to move indoors.

I've finished Autumn Quakers and am very pleased with it. I'm a bit stumped as to which project to cross stitch next. I decided to order The Blue Flowers' "In Praise of Pollinators", one I'd been eyeing for quite some time. And perhaps you would agree with me, this certainly reflects my interests and life here at the wooden house. You can see it here at 123 Stitch.

Or I could begin the Peace on Earth design which I showed you Here. While I wrestle with that lovely dilemma, I pulled out the mammoth Year at Hawk Run Hollow. I finished the August block and began September. I've had to set it up on the big hoop as it's so large to manage and I feel like it's getting mauled with all the handling. But I've finished nine months now so getting there. The  stitch count for each block is 92 x 92 and the total stitch count on the whole design is 271 x 371 and that is a lot of stitches. 

Here it is finished and a start made on crows for the September block.

While I had in mind to sew a couple of turkeys...one in applique and one pieced, I decided to wait. More about those later. In the meantime I began a few appliqued scrappy pumpkins for a table topper. These are small and since they are so simple, I drew the shapes myself. 

I liked that Karen at Just Get It Done Quilts made a video about the sewing supplies you can buy at Temu. They are so much cheaper there than anywhere else which raises questions.  I value Karen's opinions. 

Have you bought anything from Temu? They have this neat apron there that I like and it's $6.25C. HERE if you'd like to check it out again because I think I shared this before.

I cooked a small beef roast on Sunday. Instead of mashed potatoes I decided to make oven fries for a change. I cut the fries large and parboiled them before putting in the oven. Since Tony loves stuffing so much, I made this recipe From Valerie's Kitchen for a stovetop version. You need chicken broth to give it some flavour. This was really good and I think his favourite part of the meal. There was enough food leftover for another meal which is always a bonus.

Daughter gave me these beautiful home grown apples she got in Quebec. I'm thinking of making an apple crisp today.  

LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt this week is how we started class each day in school. Growing up and in all the Newfoundland schools I later worked in...all of them Protestant, every morning we'd stand to sing God Save the Queen and then O Canada and the Ode to Newfoundland would be sung on alternate mornings, all to the recordings on the PA. This was followed by an in class Bible reading and the children took turns reading those. I was nervous when my turn would come around and I learned later that the Bible is not easy to read. Mom told me they did the same thing in her school days but the children could choose a verse to read. Teachers would ban the verse " Jesus wept.", the shortest in the Bible, because the boys especially would pick it. How about you? I'm thinking your experiences were probably very similar and, of course, our American friends would have to do the awe inspiring Pledge of Allegiance too.

I hope your week is going well. I'm keeping very busy while these September days sure are flying by. 

Loving having linky parties to share this post with like The Inquiring Quilter, Quilt Schmilt, Quilting and Learning, Quilting is More Fun Than Housework and Melva Loves Scraps.

 

Goals, Lists, Messiest Sewing Room

 I used to be the queen of list making. Put my hand in any pocket of any dress, skirt or coat and I could most likely pull out a list. Sometimes it was groceries to buy, but often book titles, fitness ideas, phrases or words I liked, too.  Having goals, especially deliberate, defined ones is a great thing and I'm never short on ideas of what I want to do, explore, achieve, etc. Here is a list of what I'm thinking right now this minute...

1. look into isometrics- can I really tighten my stomach muscles by breathing in and holding it???

 2. stop being concerned with stitching output/finishes or the lack thereof - don't let WIP's be a source of sadness not gladness. Accept you are a process stitcher!

3. write down more memories of both grandmothers 

 4. feel less panic stricken about what might (or indeed, might not) be in the future;

 5. re #4, stop trying to predict the future, you have never had that capability and time is running out for you to acquire it 

6. try to keep up with friends/acquaintances...at this rate, in very short order, outside of the tiny family, nobody will even know your name.

The wording of that last one was influenced by what we are still watching to end our night's tv viewing these days. But you know we can still laugh at the Coach's lines. 

 What about you? Are you a list maker? I know Jackie at In the Land of the Living Skies blog likes to do it and I enjoy reading her lists. Do you share any of my thoughts there on my list?

What was on my garden to do list was transplant the Coleus which had quickly outgrown its' planter. Got that done. It is getting ginormous and if only I could give all you gardeners a slip of it to grow your own. I think it is the composted soil that is helping this along but it also loves heat.

And the pretty pink veins are appearing from all the sunshine.

Yes, several asked... I planted all the Day Lilies that are here now. Here's what happened. That year when we moved in in summer time, I immediately noticed empty spots in the garden bed areas and realized the owner before us had dug up the flowers that were bulbs and taken them. I don't blame her...it had taken a long time to sell this house and they'd had to reduce the price so I think were disappointed. But don't feel too badly, they'd already built a wonderful lake house to move into. 

Should I or shouldn't I ...show you this photo below I wonder...

Diann at Little Penguin Quilts recently shared a view of her very neat and tidy sewing room. That day I couldn't resist taking a photo of mine to share. Some of you might want to look away...just looking at this might give some of you the heebie- jeebies. Am I right? I'm sharing this so you can feel so good about how you tend your own space...you're welcome, :)

My excuse...I'd emptied out the messy scrap bins onto the tables to paw through...On the up side, just looking at this photo prompted me to do a big cleanup and sort out. I do tidy a little at the end of most sessions and sweep up so I'm not wading through scraps on the floor at least. 

And further to that I had made a goal to spend more time machine stitching and I'm happy to say I've been accomplishing that this summer.

And I've begun joining Propeller blocks I've sewn so far. More to come. I think I'll need about 60 of these for a small quilt. I'm really loving how this is using up some of those sort of mid sized scraps.

Have you heard the hype about this cream?  

The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regeneration Cream that's supposed to take 7 years off your face. I think they've dropped that claim and I don't believe such but I figure it's probably a good cream especially for the price. I got mine on Amazon.

I hope your week is off to a great start. Tony is still slumbering and I have the garbage put out and the dogs walked so all is tickety boo here at the Wooden House. Last goal in this post...I'm going to work on my photos for what's left of this morning, something I enjoy but don't do as often as I should. Take care all!

 Happily sharing this post with Songbird Designs, The Inquiring Quilter, Creatively Beth, The Quiltery, Alycia Quilts and Small Quilts and Doll Quilts.

Summer Machine Stitching Plan, Pretty Blooms, EPP Starry Hexagons, Fine Hair Help

Well, it's June and someone should tell the weather that. We had an overnight frost warning one night last week and someone told me there were snowflakes in the air one afternoon. I didn't see that, perhaps because of all the rain pouring down in spits and starts around us here at the wooden house. And it's been cold, single digits most of last week climbing into double by day's end. This week it's been climbing higher and yesterday we had a hint of humidity- so maybe the sputtering start is about to end. 

But the blooming doesn't seem to mind the cooler temps. I have about ten of these flower bunches on my old Lilac tree. Such a striking colour and a shame the tree is so elderly. This pretty bicolour is called Sensation or English Lilac. 

The Bridal Wreath Spirea is starting to put on a show too and crowding the other bushes. It's a very hardy, low maintenance bush that I highly recommend.

And though sadly only briefly in bloom, the Primrose flowers added bright colour to the back yard beds. 

The colour for this month's RSC is also a bright one- orange, not a colour I use much. I like it for pumpkins, fall leaves and oranges (the fruit), but not so much in my quilting. As a result, I have very little orange in my stash but I did turn up a couple old pieces, enough to make these two starry EPP hexagons. Still loving this project...easy night time hand stitching. If you want to see lovely hand stitching check out Kathy's Slow Stitching Party HERE.

Summer Machine Stitching Plan

Most of you folks do not need an actual plan to get in the sewing room and stitch but apparently I do. But since moving my sewing room back to the original little one and making it so comfortable and cozy in there, I'm determined to use it more. I thought I'd further encourage myself by choosing a quilt pattern totally suited to easy machine stitching. Of course, a string quilt probably qualifies best for just that and it happens I have lots of strings in the scrap bin. To that end, I'm sorting to begin a string quilt. Think I'll start with blues as there are far more of those for some reason ?? Wish me luck! 

It's so easy to find inspiration on YouTube too and turns out, there are many variations of String blocks.  But I also enjoyed this post by Emily at Quilty Love and followed her advice for a couple of things. One, to use a foundation piece of fabric to help with stability and accuracy. 

And two, to choose one colour for the center string of each block to add a little oomph to the final overall look. 

So I'm stitching my traditional string blocks using 9 inch squares and because they're blues, a pretty middle yellow stripe will brighten the overall look.  

I'd thought of using the red for the center string to make it a patriotic project. 

So Block #1 went together quickly... I just have to get in that room and keep the blocks coming! Hopefully I'll have several to show you soon.

I've found a new texturizing hair product that I like, the Kenra Platinum Whipped Taffy. I was careful to use a tiny amount the first time but have worked up to the recommended bit. Though pricier than my usual products, it definitely makes my fine hair look thicker. I first saw it recommended by a Youtuber and ordered it from good old Amazon.

Well, it's off to pick up Tony's meds and treats for the dogs. Here is beautiful music if you are in need of something soothing to listen to today... Anne of Green Gables: Joy of Spring but equally lovely if you are moving into winter where you are. 

Have a great weekend!

  Do drop over to Not Afraid of Color where folks are sharing their likes for this week. Also wonderful to have linky parties to share with like these...The Inquiring Quilter, Alycia Quilts and Creations Quilts Art.

Dress Shopping, Spring Delights, Stitchy Projects, That Weather Incident

My sole lilac tree is starting to sprout. It's very old and getting slower to bud every year. In fact I had thought it was done, and am delighted to see these few sprigs.

The Trout lilies have opened.

And just like that, I spy a Dandelion too. 

Though cold and rainy so far, spring is moving along in our neck of the woods. 

Yesterday I put all my Basket Love bits up on the back hall wall to take stock. I made note of what I need to finish the baskets and how to keep brightening the overall look...yellows seem to help. This definitely has a primitive vibe and I'm enjoying using men's shirts fabrics too. 

I've sewn more of the Broken Dishes blocks to practice accuracy. 

It is pleasant, stress free work in the sewing room while listening to a podcast. Sometimes I listen to Mel Robbins depending on the topic.

Anna on Quilt Roadies thanked her viewers as they were able to tell her she stored the sisters...  Kathy Schmidt and Bonnie Sullivan's patterns together in one of her Yazzii Bags. And said bag was hanging  in plain sight. Yazzii Bags are really neat, btw; they are so pretty and there is a carryall bag for just about every stitching need. You can check them out at that link. 

Weather events have to be the worst as there is really nothing we can do about them. We had a crazy weather report last week...wild temperature swing, possibility of hail, winds at 110 mph and a severe thunder storm. Oh and a possibility of a tornado was thrown into the mix, a surprisingly common thing here during summer. The day was lovely though with a bit of sun peeking through clouds and the warmest day so far and where we were going was far from where this forecast was predicted. According to the radar we were going to miss this band of weather completely. So we headed off. Sure enough we had a splendid day out but on our way back when still in Ottawa, it suddenly all changed. And when I say sudden I mean in a matter of minutes. While in a long line of five o'clock traffic, the sky darkened, the wind whipped up and rain started to fall. In seconds, it was falling in sheets...at times looking like a white sheet completely obliterating the landscape and pounding on the roof. Just able to glimpse the red brake lights of the car in front of us now and then. We knew we needed to get off the road. As we were desperately looking to see how we could manage that, a sign of a church came visible, St. Stephens Anglican Church. We were able to make a quick turn into their parking lot and get out of the traffic. My heart was beating so fast. 

And within minutes, it was all over. The sun came out! Feeling so thankful we resumed our journey, now seeing trees down but none across the road thankfully, one car accident...how there weren't more is a miracle, and an ambulance blared past us. Later I read the weather incident was caused by the cold weather we've been having so far this spring meeting the warmth of a sudden heat wave. There were many accidents and damage to property reported. On the news they said Ottawa has very high home insurance rates due to the increased frequency of extreme weather events. It sure seems like there are more "events" these days. 

Okay something fun after that! I mentioned I'm checking out older lady summer dresses online. Amazon has an amazing stock of such. But I have requirements like it must have a sleeve and a higher neckline. I wonder could the strings here pull up the neckline a bit more. I would wear summer 3/4 length leggings under this I think.

I like how comfy this one looks. And like the one above, got great reviews. Do you go by the reviews?

I should mention I have a strict price point with summer clothes. Our season is not long enough to warrant paying a lot of money for an item-unless there is a special occasion of course. The dresses I'm showing here are less than $25C.

And I like this one...so easy wearing I think. A cotton linen blend-a bit baggy looking but comfy too...this would be great around the house and I like the blue. 

I have my summer clothes out and hanging in the closet. It really doesn't look like I need anything new...it never does, does it! But it's nice to get something so I'll keep you posted.

Our local cardiologist's office called Tony for an appointment. I'll talk more about that next time. 

Hope your week is going great!