Two Slow Stitch Projects, Plant Booster Juice, Free Patterns

I enjoy spying the white birch trees.

Last night we fell asleep to the faint drone of snowmobiles over on the the trails. It was a great calm night for it but would have been cold. I imagine they would know to be well covered. And snowmobiles these days offer heated handles and seats, all sorts of stuff, not like when I drove one in the late seventies. 

How did your last week and weekend go? We had a very long doctor's visit for Tony with much discussion about the failing strength in his legs. He has taken two falls in a week but so thankful only his ego was bruised...snow makes for a soft landing. More tests are in his future as we do need to get to the bottom of this. Here is a kitchen window photo of him and Ned returning from their daily walk. Like the doctor said, on the surface an 85 year old man to be walking his dog daily, riding his Spyder weekly last summer, meeting his friends for coffee once a week, etc. sounds like he's doing very well, on the surface at least.  

BTW, he doesn't at all mind me talking about him here on the blog. In fact, enjoys reading your comments and suggestions.

In stitchy news, I took out Year at Hawk Run Hallow. The blocks for each month are 6 inches and include full coverage areas- a lot of tiny stitches. But I love how you can otherwise choose a small motif and with just a few minutes of stitching, the design gets moved along.

I did lay more stitches on the Dog Days of August block. These full coverage parts are slow going but easy stitching without colour changes. I'm pleased with my progress this week...another photo to follow as August has been stitched now. 

 Btw,  Stitching Daily offers an article with links to 7 Free Full Coverage Cross Stitch Pattern Websites for those of you who are interested. And the DMC site offers almost 700 free cross stitch patterns. Fun browsing!

More stars in pinks have been sewn. I'm planning to applique these to background white fabric...maybe.  

About the triangles used in this EPP project. I'm reusing the triangles I'd cut for the Panama Pyramids piece. Just trimming them to be smaller. Pattern Universe and My Teaching Station are just two sites that provide free shapes that you can download for projects. There are a lot of online teaching sites that offer all kinds of simple shapes that could be used in quilting; quite often they are free.

 What do you suppose this noxious looking brew below is?  It's my usual winter booster food for the indoor plants...banana skins and eggshells in water. I let it sit a couple of days and then each plant gets a healthy drink. 

And for us, I have a large cabbage to use up and am planning a slow cooker meal with it and rice and pork sausages. I'm going to make a red sauce with canned tomatoes, beef broth and splashes of balsamic vinegar. That's as fancy as I get these days. 

I drink one cup of coffee a day but it is a big one. And I like Banana Chips for a snack. 

And a Pine Seed Bug photobombed my picture. They are considered a wintertime benign home invader here in Ontario. I just put them outside which Tony thinks is cruel but they are supposed to be able to survive our winters so...

I hope this week is full of good things for each of you. 

Sharing this post with So Scrappy, Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, Life in Pieces, Melva Loves Scraps and Songbird Designs.

Quilt Trend #2, Beauty Products, Colour Love

How are you all? My day is going well. I've brought in wood for the day long fire, vacuumed the main area here, tidied my kindling I keep out on the veranda too and put away a couple more Christmas small odds and ends. Time to have a sit, sip a coffee, and talk to you. 

I was just looking at the Pantone colour of the year for 2025.  It's a shade they call Mocha Mousse which I think would be an easy on the eyes background colour in quilts. What do you think?

I especially like what they are saying it symbolizes- Connection, Comfort and Harmony. The world is in need of all of that. And I love mousse. 

I checked out what are the quilting trends for this year. This list had a couple of things I like. Quilting Trend #2 found Here at Like Sew is Sustainability.  I don't know much about the actual pollution fabric is causing but this article says fabric dying is responsible for 20% of water pollution world wide. Whenever I'm in a thrift store and see the aisles upon aisles of fabric items like clothes, sheets, etc., and know this is the same in thousands of thrift stores around North America, I definitely feel we need to recycle more.

And I was happy to see that Quilt Trend # 3 is Vintage Inspired Quilts with the older blocks that we love providing inspiration still.  

 I have the cross stitched Redwork Noel finished. I changed a couple of the motifs, added more hearts, etc. What an enjoyable little project it was! Such a nice change from the larger designs I usually tackle. 

My next cross stitch is another small one, Cozy Into Winter, by Jeannette Douglas Designs which is exactly what is happening in my neck of the woods right now-staying cozy I mean. I've made a small start there on the bottom and on this linen, it is going to be small. I'm having more of a think about that. Maybe it could be a pin cushion or one of those little items in a display bowl. 

 

I've also pieced more of the Everglade blocks and began joining them in this formation. This is hand sewing as well. 

I don't think I've shared these before. Just pinning them. The fabrics are pretty and some of the colours together are pleasing. Most of these are from the same line so should match.

Below are some products I like including the salon purchase Fast Food conditioner. 

I do like the Bert's Bees lip conditioner with peppermint oil. I also tried this tinted one; the shade is Rhubarb, a colour I like. What I don't like is it doesn't last that long and leaves a line around the lips like you've outlined them- really don't like that look- so you have to keep applying it.

 I've watched videos on Instagram of folks using the Elf Satin foundation so gave it a try...Walmart carries it. I use a bit under my eyes and on my cheeks only and it is very light textured, yes, satiny even. With my skin basically ashen these days, I have to use the lightest shade of any of these products so this one is Fair Neutral.  

 I made a ground beef with macaroni casserole on Monday. I always add a can of tomatoes to this, do you? That lasted two nights with a salad one night and bread the next. I've taken out a large piece of salmon for tonight which cost about the same as my first paycheck back in 1970. Sometimes I'll do a roasted potato with this and I have broccoli to use too. I wish my rice maker hadn't died and I should look for a new one. It was so convenient but then how lazy am I not to want to boil rice. Yikes

Happy to share this post with Jennifer's linky party at Inquiring Quilter, Alycia's party at  Alycia Quilts and Judy's at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts.

Old Folk Issues, Me These Days, Happy Hand Stitching

The male and female Red Cardinals have been visiting the big feeders late afternoon just at almost dusk. Maybe they load up on a little nutrition to get them through the cold night. It's hard to get a photo of them together and this was taken from a great distance. I wonder if they are the same pair I see all the time as it's believed Red Cardinals mate for life. 

You've probably figured out by now that my favourite stitching is hand stitching. With that in mind, I've started another EPP project, this one stars. I've wanted to stitch stars again for a while and I like that scraps can be put to use too. And I'd kept all the cardboard triangles I'd used in Panama Pyramids and just have to trim them down as I want these stars to finish at a smaller size. This is another project that perfectly suits the monthly colour changes at So Scrappy though January's colour, pink, is scarce in my stash. I can trim the triangles in front of the tv while taking a break from Redwork Noel which is almost done. 

I also got out my winter embroidery project, Snow Days, from Crabapple Hill Studio. 

 I have five of the winter scenes finished. 

The very big light box inherited from first wife had to be used to trace two more of the larger patterns. I use a micro pen for this so the line can be easily hidden with two strands of embroidery floss. I'm using a dark brown, DMC 498, and very easy enjoyable running stitches with a few French knots and back stitches thrown in.

Now for a hair update...white hair issues are definitely an old folks problem so skip this part if you aren't interested. 

I don't know what it is about hair salons that make me want to stay out of them. I've never had a bad experience or anyone be mean to me or anything really that would account for why I don't enjoy the experience.  It takes a lot to get me in one but I finally did recently. I was pleased with the professional trim, mostly on the sides, not an overall cut. The stylist listened to me about keeping hair on the top of my head that I can fluff up a bit...I look awful with flat hair. (If I thought it would suit me, I'd be happy to have one of those buzz cuts all over. ) Here is my post salon bathroom portrait where the lighting has erased all my wrinkles and turned back time. A miracle! And back to a time when Cat eye reading glasses were in style too. I think this length of hair suits me the best these days so if only I could keep it exactly like this. 

Wow, my cozy sweater stripes are really not slimming. 

  

She said I shouldn't be afraid of using more product on my hair, to experiment and find out which may cause yellowing. I guess a lot of folks complain to her about their white hair and it's different for different folks. I did buy a product from her; she looked for the volumizing mousse but they were all out so I'll check that out online. I'll share what I bought next time- a leave on conditioner, which was $30- a splurge for me. I hope she got a commission because she was so patient with me even if she did say I shouldn't cut my own hair ever again. 😊

We enjoyed this series very much, The Essex Serpent. It's billed as a moody romance which it is. It stars Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes, both actors we enjoy. Claire, who we enjoyed in Homeland, does harrowing facial expressions so well. 

Well, I've rambled on long enough. Time for a bit of lunch. I made this for myself yesterday. Sourdough bread with peanut butter and banana. And those are Mini Medjouls there...dates with a little cacao and coconut. We both like dates.  Is that something you would like? Which reminds me, thank you for all the comments on the food I share. I love reading them.

Take care of yourself out there. The times, they are a changin' and not for the better or at least that's what many of us old folks think. But then when did old folks ever think changes were for the better? 

Linking up with Cynthia's Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, Brenda's Song Bird Designs party, Kelly's My Quilt Infatuation party and Kathy's Quilts too.

Why I Don't Mind Extreme Cold and Other Thoughts

How are you...snowed in or sweltering in the summer heat?  The new year has started with wild and horrible weather around the globe. Heartbreaking to see devastation on such a scale in California. It makes us appreciate what is a normal winter so far here in the Ottawa valley. Wind chills of over -20 many days but you can have all the gear to layer up and keep warm on walks while out and about. I notice some folks have very fashionable, and what I would call, even beautiful winter outer wear. Mine tends to be more utilitarian and I'm still enjoying the cozy hand and neck warmers generous Jean at All Points of the Compass kindly sent me a few years back. 

 I personally find it invigorating and enjoyable to walk in colder temperatures. I really don't know if it boosts my mental sharpness as it is supposed to and I could certainly use more of that, but it certainly revs up the blood. And there is no better feeling than coming inside to the warmth and comfort of our home. That bit always makes me feel grateful. Another thing I like about days with extreme cold, and this would be reaching for the silver lining, is the roads are all clear- no snow, freezing rain or slush or ice. The roads are perfect for driving which is much appreciated by someone like me who isn't a confident driver. If it has to stay very cold during our winter months to achieve that, then I'm fine with it.

Meanwhile, inside where it definitely is warm and toasty, I did make a small start on an EPP project- one that's been in my file for a long time. I'll share that next time. I'm using scraps and including some of my thrifted fabric. I had two men's shirts that I'd bought at Value Village and cut them apart. At that outing, I'd been on the hunt for unusual solid colours but found these two below and couldn't resist them. Neat to see the colours and prints that men are wearing these days and I know I'm old fashioned to even notice it. These are pretty coral kind of pinks. I buy only 100% cotton shirts to reuse in quilts and it is surprising how many are just that. 

I came across a really neat pattern, Candy Cane Lane, one of those that presents a complicated look but is so easy when decoded and as in this case, just two easy blocks. Here it is in two colours for Christmas. Found in Karen's Laugh Yourself Into Stitches Freebie section which is well worth checking out. 

My slow stitching reveals a tiny town on the Redwork Noel project. So cute. But I don't like how the red is showing with a slight orange tinge in photos. Absolutely no orange in DMC 321 and I'm on my 7th skein for this project, all from stash. At some point, I must have been expecting lots of Christmas stitching and stocked up.

We'd been given a Quebec sugar cured ham for Christmas. I cooked it with cheesy scalloped potatoes and oven baked parsnips and carrots. Those are beets there...is that something you would like?

 It was the best ham I've ever eaten. We enjoyed it in sandwiches and the last was used to make a slow cooker pea soup, which would come as no surprise to you. It added such beautiful flavour and was the perfect wintry meal. 

It's making my mouth water just looking at that picture. Yes, I love my food!

I haven't shared a book in a while. I reread two of Margaret Laurence's recently....Jest of God ( I totally identified with the awkward young teacher protagonist, Rachel) and The Diviners. Then I started this one by Margaret Atwood. I like everything both the Margarets have written. 

I've watched several YouTube videos of Margaret Atwood on the set of The Handmaid's Tale and with Elizabeth Moss. Amazing how that all came together. BTW, quilts were a central theme in her book, Alias Grace. Quilting Daily published this neat little article The Quilts of Alias Grace which is worth a look. 

Did you choose a word of the year?  A couple folks I follow have chosen Simplify. I'm not choosing a word, but I am going to work hard at keeping deep, dark thoughts at bay. Maybe I should have a phrase... Lighten Up would cover it. What about you? Do you think you need to lighten up?

It's I Like Thursdays over at LeeAnna's Not Afraid of Color. Also sharing with Alycia Quilts and Arts, Quilts, Whatever.

 

2025 Trends, White Hair Issues, Pillsbury Treats

 I'm feeling pretty good today as I successfully navigated the online Patient Portal at our doctor's website to renew a prescription, a cream I use infrequently but like to have on hand. The Portal has become notorious with having so many glitches it has increased calls to the reception desk, not lessened them as hoped. Now if only I could figure out Blogger.

I keep the binoculars on my kitchen window shelf and my camera handy there too. I took this photo of a small fluffy looking bird that turned out to be a very young Blue Jay. Love those distinctive markings.

I wondered what the big quilting trend will be for 2025 as there seems to be one each new year and sure enough there is one...it is "finding your zen". The overall movement to promote strong mental health and well being translates in the quilting world to choosing  designs and patterns that are soothing, relaxing and promote mindfulness. We all knew that already I think. I was thinking last weekend that every time I work in the sewing room, it is a big mess in there. I can barely look when I dart in there for something. That is definitely not zen...ish at all. 

Lone Star Medallion is on the quilty table and I've begun stitching it down. As always I enjoy seeing the fabrics up close. Most of these were Minick and Simpson who seem to specialize in red, white and blue and their fabrics are very good quality. I'm sewing with a neutral light grey. 

Some decluttering has been going on here these first weeks of the New Year. Putting away the Christmas things allowed me to see what else was stowed in the many boxes and tubs downstairs. Tony's auction winnings most of it and too good to just toss but need to not be here. 

And while I remember,  have you heard of the latest 365 Day Declutter program? You discard one thing each day of the year, just one. I've started and have 11 items in my basket so I'm off to a good start. And I'm continuing my 2024 plan to shop my stash for fabric. You would not believe what I've found tucked away. How could I forget a fabric line that I coveted enough to order a fat quarter bundle online. Apparently, I could.  Anyway, more about the one a day declutter program here at The Simplicity Habit.

I did pick up the Pillsbury Grands and made the cinnamon rolls for Tony. He really liked them and has been enjoying one after supper each night. I had one the first night with a big cup of ginger tea. There are my blueberries which I eat almost every day.

 I don't know what to do with my hair. In later years, Mom complained that her hair was unmanageable, felt like fluff she said, bird's feathers, which we had a laugh about. But lo and behold, my hair is feeling exactly the same way. My hair always was fine with a little curl and took to curling really well. No problems with it mostly and I don't mind at all the white it has turned. I can use a curling iron but the heat turns my white hair a bit yellow, not nice. I guess I could dig out the curlers and use and see how those work. If you remember, I cut my hair into a pixie style which has grown out a bit and it's only the top that is so flyaway and needs managing. Any tips, ideas, products you find work well with fine white hair, please let me know. 

Happy to join Brenda's linky party at Songbird Designs and Judy's at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts.

More Presents, Cakes and Stitching Notes

A crisp -23 C wind chill out there this morning. I'll bundle up for the morning walk, maybe even break out my balaclava. I'm now filling two bird feeders with black sunflower seeds. These little guys are getting snacks from the ground. 

I have my little 2025 planner ready to go. I looked at many fancy and even beautiful ones and in the end opted for this $5 one at the Dollar Store. It ticked all the boxes for what I need. Beside it is the new address book I bought from Amazon. It has a special section to record passwords which is handy as we seem to have a slew of those these days. I spent more money on that because I hope to have it a long time. And on the other side is the very old (10 + years) address book that has fallen apart. Tony keeps all his info on the computer and wonders why I don't too. What do you do?

Another of my presents to share with you...

This lovely sampler quilt book below that was on my wish list. Alice's Wonderland Sampler Quilt by Alice Caroline which promises to improve my sewing skills. 

 I first heard of Alice when I followed Rachel who used EPP to sew Alice's Flower Garden of the Month project using Liberty of London fabrics. So pretty!

And I must share with you Beth's Christmas Day Cheesecake. It is Rock Recipes Turtle Cheesecake and was, as they say, to die for. Tony was so happy we hosted as we got to keep the leftovers. 

During Christmas holidays, Robbie played in a weekend hockey tournament and we got to go to the last game. The arena was on the opposite side of Ottawa, far from us. We hadn't driven the major city motorway, the Queensway, in years and it was quite crowded and a bit scary but we made it. We got to see awards presented and were so happy Robbie won one- for the hardest working player. I think that is a wonderful thing to get recognition for. He is loving playing so much which is what it's all about.

That is his little 3 year old self up in the left corner. Oh my, those years are just a blink in time it seems.

 

Slow stitching this weekend was spent with Redwork Noel still. Here I've finished a couple of cross stitched versions of trees.  It is narrowing to form the bottom of the heart design. 

Huge thanks to Frederique who is again collating all the BOM"s and QAL's now for 2025. The link is 2025 Quilt Challenges if you'd like to check them out.

I am so happy to have Jenny back blogging! I always loved her blog- Jenny of Elegantz, and she is offering a lovely BOM called The Free Sewing Room BOM. Her embroidery designs are sweet and uplifting too. 

I have much more to talk about like my hair, for instance, of all things, and a decluttering plan but I don't want the posts to be too long. Next time then... 

Stay warm or cool depending on what part of this wonderful world you are living in!

Happily sharing this post with Small Quilts and Doll Quilts.

Presents-Old and New and Quilty Too

I had to give up my quilty table for a couple of days. It sported the thrifted vintage Santa table cloth and displayed my second hand store Petit Point dish set. Both big bargains and well loved by me

I received the annual Christmas planter from Tony's kind former inlaws. They specify it be a plant or two I can grow and it never fails to make me happy. More about the plants later. There is Ned snoozing away in the background.

My retired librarian sister always sends me a book and it is always completely appropriate. It is a treat to receive. Isn't that owl gorgeous!

Below...A present to myself. I clearly have a thing for anything vintage. I adore these pictures so just had to buy this jigsaw puzzle found at Value Village. I'm loving putting together the little scenes. I always listen to podcasts while doing this. 

*Someone asked isn't it frustrating if there are pieces missing. My answer is I've been very lucky so far...the most pieces missing from one was 3 and I had Petey here at the time- a piece or two may have flown off with two big dogs running about. One had one piece missing but most still have all the pieces which is surprising. Often the bag hasn't been opened or if opened, you can tell the puzzle has never been put together...the pieces have that brand new stiff feel. Jigsaws seem like a good gift but maybe not for everyone which is why there is always a good selection at thrift stores. This one definitely has been put together before; if I had to guess, many times. 

 And now to my quilty Christmas Presents project- my blocks are finished and I've started to add white sashings. Here they are on my design wall in the back hall while I consider final placement. I just realized counting them, I think I have four more in the sewing room somewhere...maybe. 

The fabrics are pretty...I wish you could see them close up.

Now that most of the Christmas treats have been eaten...

I've watched a number of Instagram videos with folks using those Pillsbury frozen biscuits in the most creative ways. I think I'll buy a tube of the Grands and make them as a treat for Tony. He loves Cinnamon Rolls and we haven't had them for a very long time. Have you tried them?

And here he is relaxing by the fire on this the second day of the new year.  

2025 has a nice ring to it, doesn't it. We wish you all the happiest of New Years! And a huge thank you to you who stayed with me throughout my ups and downs of last year. Your words meant the world to me. 

Sharing with Small Quilts and Doll Quilts and Song Bird Designs.