Middle of the Night Thoughts

Woke up at 3:15 this morning...mind a whirl with thoughts.  Just couldn't seem to shut if off. Here's how the thoughts went...

wonder if I can fix the tension on my good sewing machine
Donald Trump doesn't believe in climate change
hope daughter's furnace will be okay
hope the new fabric I bought will work
should we buy bunk beds for the spare room
Rex is barking too much-is he getting dementia
forgot to tell Hubby the tire pressure light came on in the car yesterday
why is my mastercard company changing over to visa
can't use visa in Walmart
wonder when my wool will come
wonder if the rumours about Prince Philip and other women are true
 is there going to be another season of River
should I set up a second bird feeder
I should check where else I can't use Visa
time to cut down the hydrangeas
 so sorry Kaaren at Painted Quilt is ending her blog
must check in with Spinster Stitcher to see how Stewey is doing
we just don't know what's around the next corner
what will the doctor say about that vertigo episode
Michael J. Fox is doing well
don't forget to eat those fresh beets in the fridge

Oh my gosh, around and around, so many words, so many thoughts.    Haven't a clue why every now and then my brain decides this is the night for middle-of-the-night blathering on and on.
 Today 'said brain's' in a bit of a fog and I'm sitting around way too long. I'm thinking about going for a walk.

Hope you know absolutely nothing about this kind of thing.

Tulips Wall Hanging and Other Points

I've been grabbing a couple hours each day to work strictly on quilting the pieces I've begun.  And  the move uncovered a couple of UFO's I'd forgotten about.  Yikes.
Truthfully I am glad they were left unquilted as my skills  have improved so I will be doing a much better job of them now. So I tell myself.

  But here is one very much on my mind begun just prior to packing, my appliqued Tulips hanging. This is the latest I have worked steadily to have finished and on the bedroom wall.

Here it is on my lap; stitching in all the little ends and removing stray threads.

On the kitchen island, getting its' three layers evened out.

And lastly, on the bedroom wall.

My applique skills are improving mostly because I'm making myself slow down and take the time for small, even stitches.  In the work world I wanted everything done yesterday, and it is hard to shrug off that feeling even well into retirement.  But so many of you bloggers with your wonderful stitching are modelling for me the correct way to do things.  And tiny stitches are ones easily hidden which is what you must achieve for good applique stitching.

I  am reading this book, My Name is Resolute by Nancy E. Turner.  It is the story of a girl named Resolute who is captured and taken to America to become an indentured servant to a Pilgrim family. I have enjoyed the first 100 pages; just 500 more to go.
 I am struck again and again by how hard so many women have had it and for so many generations, completely at the mercy of the men in their lives.  It's a puzzle to me how this came about because of my belief pure and simple in the magnificence of women.

I wanted to show you I am still wearing my Sketchers.  Probably the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. Comfortable, supportive and cushiony; very quiet on wooden floors.  I am so pleased with them.
And I am sitting in my Pet Chair, Murphy lying by the fireplace, Rex guarding the patio door.  Sunny periods all day lending bright light, so cross stitching it is.

Being the passionate homebody I am, I couldn't agree more with this sentiment.  How do you feel?

                           

Poppies On Parade

This is Remembrance Day here in Canada.  On the eleventh month, the eleventh day and at the eleventh hour, we observe a minute of silence to remember all those who fought in the wars.  Respecting their effort and sacrifice is important to us and I hope that never changes.  We also wear red poppies this time of year as a symbol of that respect.

This year the Legion presented a virtual Poppy Drop on the Peace Tower and Center Block of our  Parliament Building.  117000 poppies are in the display each representing one of Canada's fallen.





I love poppies.  They are a colourful hardy perennial in any garden.  A couple years ago I bought a poppy scarf and the poppy drop earrings at the War Museum gift shop.  Here's a photo of them.

I've enjoyed wearing both lately.


And here is what I think are poppies, the way only William Morris would render them anyway, among floating leaves and tendrils.    






And a bit of truth in layers in poetry.  This is so true especially of some of the delicate wild flowers. I have tried to include them in a bouquet but they will droop almost immediately upon picking.  


But pleasures are like poppies spread,
You seize the flower, its bloom is shed.

• Robert Burns, Tam o' Shanter (1790).

Hope your weekend is full of pleasing things.

My Pet Chair, Yarn and Fabric Snobs, Rave, Knitty Site Free Patterns

Funny how so many of us stitchers have a favourite chair.
  I read a lot of blogs where people talk about their happy chair, stitching chair, happy place, etc.  It seems I've found my place in this house too.  In the corner, near the window, my vantage point-the whole room, to my left out the window a view of evergreens, on my right is the fireplace for toasty warmth in winter.  Yes it is darn near perfect and since I'm the only one who sits there, I guess it is my pet chair.
This chair has a bit of history.  It was part of the cottage furniture from many decades ago, is very comfortable, hasn't a mark on it, and says Made in Denmark.  I think they make good stuff and we are lucky to have a dozen or so of these to scatter about.  With their combination of wood and leather, they fit in well here.

Thank goodness you can't really see my hair; you can see I have hair which is good but not the strange cut I gave myself.

And like any pet chair I've had, things seem to grow around it...a pile of books, a couple of projects, a reading glasses collection, a box of tissues, a mug, a glass, my special lamps.

 Someone else likes this chair too.  I'm not the only occupant I've discovered.

Yes, Miss Murphy who loves her comforts and, being the diva that she is, tries to demand them too.

This is where I finished off with the crocheted hexagons back in May.  No, actually, I did a little more with them; I'd crocheted a row of single crochet in white around each before it got stashed for the move or when I'd run out of yarn.

This time of year with the slightly frosty mornings makes me think of yarn. And on that wooly front I have placed my order with Biggan Design, Australia for more of their wool to finish up my hexagon afghan- to- be, shown above.  I'd used up my first order and subsequently visited a number of local shops to see if I could match the wool, which was 100% soft merino, to finish this project.

  No luck and so I figured if I was going to spend the time on this, I may as well do it right and order the proper wool that would match perfectly.  I'm nearing the finish line with it; now hopefully I can remember how to crochet that hexagon!

On that wool question...I've been reading a little about how some people are snobbish about the wool they use. I guess Yarn Snobs are not only snobs but judgemental too about the yarns other people use for their projects.  I read an excellent article called On Being A Yarn Snob on the Knitlove site if you want to hear a little more on that subject.  Of course, the snob aspect crops up in lots of things, food ingredients, fabrics we use, wine we drink, etc., etc.

 I have special issues with the snobbery around which fabric to use for cross stitching. It seems so many take issue with folks using Aida cloth for their projects. I'm a little sensitive about this having lived in places where that would have been the only cloth  available and affordable; also with getting older and eyesight being an issue...the Aida cloth is so much easier on the eyes to stitch. How odd to not be able to celebrate all stitching in all its forms as true stitching lovers.  

Thank goodness I have no such notions; and why on earth would I, being such a novice in the wool /quilt world as it were.  Though novice or not, I don't agree with being judgemental of others' choices, period!

 In fact, I've been eyeing a wool called Caron Simply Soft for my next project (of course, I have one!); it's gotten rave reviews.  This wool is readily available and actually a little more costly than the UK Stylecraft Special Dk which I tend to favour.

But back to Biggan Design- look at all the yummy colours. Doesn't it just make you want to get out those needles or hook.  Kind of like looking at a brand new box of Crayola crayons when I was a girl, and Mom always knew to get me the largest box each Christmas.  Gosh, what simple times!

In other yarny news, I came across this lovely little site called Knitty that is loaded with free patterns for both knitting and crochet.  I was struck by this little easy to crochet shawl or scarf.  Basically it is the granny square stitch stretched into lengths- you crochet into the chains which I'm sure makes this work up very quickly.  Already bookmarked.

                                

I'm incorrigible.

Strawberry Fields Cross Stitch, Quilty Braille "I Love You", Outings

At the supermarket on Thursday made me wonder how people with big families can afford to eat.  I didn't have that much, three bags, but it was just under $200.  Not one piece of meat in the lot, mostly fresh vegetables and fruits.  Which is kind of sad; we are told over and over to eat vegetables and fruits and yet, they are so expensive.
When I told Hubby what I'd spent, he said, what have you got in there, gold?
  I asked at the butcher dept. for turkey necks.  I had the yearning to make homemade soup and turkey necks always add so much flavour to any soup mixture.  The young lad kept saying you mean legs, turkey legs.  I guess no one else has ever asked for necks before.  Anyway, carrots were on for a wonderful price, a five pound bag for $3.99 so carrot soup it would be.

A quick catch you up with my Strawberry Fields piece.  Advancing nicely thanks to several quiet hours stitching on the weekend.  It is much easier to stitch than the last, Floral Bouquet, despite the difference in thread count.  There are far fewer colour changes and this makes stitching very straight forward.

Our clocks went back on Saturday night. It will mean brighter mornings but darkness will fall much earlier in the afternoon which people seem to universally dislike. Everyone wonders why we still have this Daylight Saving Time.  

I have several of these quilting magazines from the library, the Fons and Porter Quilty. I like how they have the full patterns for 10 or so quilting projects in each issue.

This one project caught my eye.  The triangles spell out "I love you" in braille.  Isn't that neat and the use of a dotted material so appropriate.

I enjoyed a day out with younger daughter on Saturday.  We took in a local church fall sale and tea, served by the international students at the local high school earning volunteering points.
  There we had a great chat with a lady who not only hooks rugs, but dyes the material she uses.  It sounds like it could be a very economical craft because all kinds of materials can be pressed into service from old tee shirts and sheets to bits of yarn.  I was very interested as both my grandmothers hooked rugs in their day and this is still a popular past time at home.  Here is a little kit you can buy to hook your own rug, or in this case, wall hanging.  It's available from Tides Point, a company specializing in Newfoundland traditional crafts.
                         
  Then we went to see the movie, Dr. Strange starring Benedict Cumberbatch.  He was wonderful, of course. Are you a fan?  The movie special effects were spectacular; breath-taking really.  This is where the big screen is at its best.  The basic premise of mind over matter is a fascinating concept to me.  I also got a kick out of hearing the wise Ancient One played by the equally wonderful Tilda Swinton, sound like Eckhart Tolle when talking about how everything in life changes when you take your own ego out of the situation.  I wonder what would psychiatrists say about all those ego subtraction ideas.

All good fun.

Something to Look Forward To...Always

We stitchers have so much to live for.  Besides the obvious-family, loved ones, friends, we have that lovely stash of fabrics, yarn, patterns, kits, etc. that no way are we giving up on.  I'm thinking stitchers are the most contented people on the planet.  We always have something to look forward to...the next quilt pattern, knit or crochet project, the next design from a favourite designer, the next fabric/yarn/cross stitch shop to check out. And the internet, whew! how that has enhanced our searching pleasure and enjoyment.  Our favourite blogs to check out; Pinterest to troll.
 That 'having something to look forward to' in this life is a very important gift we share.
  Our stitching world is like our secret weapon against the hurdles life puts in our path, I think.

And in my stitching world this week, my little autumn hanging is finished and hanging in the hallway.

It's hard to get a shot around here without a dog's front or back in the frame.  Rex is still my constant companion.  If I move, he moves with me.

Here I was working on the border piece.  It is all set up and doesn't it give the look of efficiency like this person knows what she is doing.

The best part about making this hanging was learning to use another part of the sewing machine-the walking foot.  It proved to be a wonderful little tool once I'd figured out how to attach it ( with Hubby's help).  I hope to use it often and soon.

I also used these little clips Daughter had given me.  They were extremely useful for holding the edges without the bother of pins.  I highly recommend them.

I have already pulled out my next UFO that I am determined to finish completely this year. It is a Christmas wreath I embroidered last fall in the days leading up to December 25, a design from Crabapple Hill Studio called Shiny and Brite.  I hope to complete the border for it with patchwork blocks in Christmas fabrics.  To that end, here is my choice of materials...I don't have much but this will do.  More about this project later.

Meanwhile my Strawberry Fields is steadily advancing.  I am so pleased that my 2.75 reading glasses and my OttLite are working in my favour.  All the advance whining was really for nothing it seems.

Below, the view from my kitchen window one day two weeks ago.  Of course the snow has completely disappeared.  It was 20 degrees C today and raining tonight.  But it's out there.

Hope all is calm and contented in your stitchy world this weekend.

What's In My Makeup Case (and Yes I Do Have One)

There was a time that spanned many decades when I had no need of a makeup case because all I had in the line of makeup could fit into my pocket.  That would have been a tube of lip conditioner of one kind or another.  In fact, I was one of those people who thought I was addicted to the stuff.  I still have them stowed around the house, in the car, or in my purse.
When I was diagnosed with vitiligo and mild rosacea, I got a little more interested in my skin and taking care of it.  Now I always wear a skin moisturizer with at least 30 spf all year round.  Also, living with Hubby, who has had two bouts of skin cancer, has definitely made me pay more attention to skin protection.

This is the annual Best Beauty Buys InStyle magazine offers every year.  Though I don't take any of the claims seriously, I always have a little look especially at the skin care products.  Now with Sephora here in Canada, we can buy a wider range of products.

I mentioned always wearing a moisturizer.  My skin feels dry without it but it is hard to find one that does not make my rosacea symptoms worse.  This L'Oreal Age Perfect daily moisturizer works well for me.  It does not make my skin break out though I am careful about not putting it all over my nose.

I also have dark circles under my eyes which I didn't notice as much when I wore glasses all the time.  Nowadays I use something to lighten dark circles and this is one of the best I've found, and I have tried quite a few.  Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer available at Sephora goes on smoothly and does a good job of lightening.
It's the priciest concealer I've ever bought but I think it's worth it.

I've only just started using this particular pore concealer.  I don't use this daily but for special occasions.  It feels silky going on your face and makes your skin feel wonderfully smooth.

As I've mentioned, finding products that don't make my rosacea flare up is not easy to do.  This one by CoverGirl is called Clean Sensitive Skin liquid foundation.  I'm not big on using foundation but this one is very light and I can vouch that it does not irritate, at least not my skin.

This is my favourite blush,  When not inordinately rosy, my face is very pale.  I've learned to use a little blush to help it look alive.  This powder blush by Clarins is just the right tint for me... called Raspberry Genuine.  I used to try saving it and only used some now and then.  Now I figure what the heck, use it up.  I love the red and silver container and look forward to reusing it later on.  

I've learned that my face also looks brighter with a little lipstick.  I now wear it on most outings.  I have a couple that I rotate. I have found I can't wear the ones that are matte or too orange red.  Daughter says it is Taylor Swift we women can thank for bringing back very red lipsticks.
I don't know about that, but I do like a colour that is noticeable.  

The silver tube is Clinique Raspberry Glace and the L'Oreal tube is Rambling Rose.  This is my second tube of the Clinique colour and this one is almost done so I must like it a lot.

I am a late bloomer in many things even to beauty products.  I have surprised myself by how much I enjoy a few of these items to brighten my public face.

What about you?  Anything super interesting in your makeup case?