Snowmen, Panama Pyramids, EPP Plus Quilt Pattern Link, Indoor Gardening

We did get lots of snow on Saturday.  

Hubby always gets busy plowing as soon as the wind and snow stops.

And Sunday, just like that, the sun shone and things began to melt. It shows that we really are moving towards spring. The snow was just right for snowman making, an elderly one that needed a stick to help him apparently. Robbie is 9 now; time is definitely moving faster for me. Just look how the snow is reflecting that gorgeous shade of blue.

My indoor garden is doing well considering how little sunlight we get in the house. We don't get to see sunrise or sunset with the positioning of this house. So never direct sunshine in a window, just sometimes on a slant. It's good though that all the windows are quite large.

I also haven't given them any fertilizer. However, I do add a few secret ingredients to their water. To water them (which I never overdo), I've used ash water from the fires, left over coffee water, and leftover water that veggies have been boiled in. These are things I read about using years ago and do seem to benefit a winter garden. I also spritz them regularly with one of those spray bottles. 

Bet you can't guess what that lighter vine in the middle is. It's a pumpkin vine. I tried growing pumpkins back at the farm and all I ever achieved was a pretty vine. Last fall I put a few seeds in a jar to grow over the winter knowing I would enjoy the pretty leaves. And here they are and I do. Such a pretty shade of green. While my outside garden is under mounds of snow, it's enjoyable to coax these contrasting greens  to grow. A small thing, I know. 

 Another small but enjoyable thing is seeing these Panama Pyramids-finally- all in their rows. I had in mind this would be a good RSC project several years ago when it got started. I'm not great at keeping up with it but since there are many green blocks here, I'll share this at the  So Scrappy March Green RSC Linky Party. EPP triangle stitching and now machine stitching the rows together.

My to do list this week includes getting these rows sewn together and hopefully have a flimsy on my hands. Joining the To Do party at Quilt Schmilt this week.

Something I'm eyeing that would be my next EPP project. I watch Kate at The Last Lonely House on YouTube and she started a Plus quilt. Of course I loved it. 

She links to Wild Olive and Mollie's offer of a free template to make the little beach house like pattern that fit together to form a plus. Wild Olive So I just wanted you to know I'm exploring this one to continue my small o obsession with EPP. :D

Another thing I came across that I liked and wanted to share with you. Just in from Japan and available here at Stitched Modern. 100 Ladies Printed Fabric to embroider or colour.  What a neat idea!

Well, I've rambled long enough. Hope your week is off to a good start. 

Happy to link with Quilt Fabrication, Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Creations, Quilts, Art, Floral Friday Foto, Quilting Patchwork Applique and Alycia Quilts.

Free Patterns, Ned's Birthday, Thrifted Fabric, YouTube Channel to Watch And Learn From

This fellow, Our Ned, is two years old! 

He is a quiet dog, rarely barks or makes a sound. His favourite thing in the world is playing ball with Petey and Abby; a close second is taking up most of the bed at night for his long winter naps. 

LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt this week is to talk about our dedicated sewing spaces if we have one. I have a bedroom converted to a sewing room and love the way I can close the door on the mess as it were. It is small and oddly proportioned and there isn't room for a cutting table which is a drawback. What I like best about it is the window and its view of a portion of the back yard. That changes with the seasons. Here I am in my room with said window engaging in my least favourite part of the quilting experience...using the machine- in this case  to join those pumpkin blocks. There comes a point in almost every project where I have to use the machine.

I had good luck at the Thrift Store when I went through the men's shirts section there in early February. I was looking for the largest size and they had to be 100% cotton which these four are. I'm always surprised by how much fabric can be retrieved from a shirt. I'll just show you that black print up close. Now you can see that green circle. Neat modern design and I thought this would make a good binding fabric. And it makes me feel good to possibly be saving fabric from the landfill.

I have almost all of one block embroidered for the Snow Days quilt. This is the most enjoyable embroidery one can do. Simple running stitch with no colour changes. 

We are watching Noraly's, Itchy Boots, motorcycle adventures on Youtube. We followed her all the way up North America to Alaska last year.  Now in Season 7 she is in Morocco and the Sahara Desert. Just sand but encountering small groups of people living there. I'm totally captivated as such an environment is so foreign to me. How they manage water and food is fascinating. 

It's funny now that when I first thought of making it a Thursday "feature" to offer three free patterns each week,  I thought I would run out of free pattern sites to share with you. Silly me. There are thousands of quilting sites; no end it would seem to the free patterns they are offering either. Lucky us!

 Thursday's Three Free

From The Fabric Hut Blog comes this pattern called Neon Bow Ties.Adaptable for all sizes including a table cloth.

At The Vintage Sewing Box site, Emma offers a bank of free patterns and tutorials for stitching items using English Paper Piecing like this- Butterflies in different sizes. SO pretty.

I saw this block and thought it neat.  Especially as we all get so good at sewing flying geese.  From Quilting Daily comes the PDF download for this block called the Gosling-Go -Round block. At that site you can see Marcie Patch's pretty lap quilt made with this block. I love this colourful scrappy block.

At Days Filled With Joy you can find the first download for Joy's SAL called Teacup Critters. Embroidery blocks combined with quilt blocks, very cute. 

I'll show how my indoor garden is doing in the next post. It's hanging in there.It was -15C on my morning walk but sunny and pleasant. However, another weather event is imminent. Snowfall warning for overnight into Saturday with high winds. 

But it being March, it won't last too long, fingers crossed. 

So happy to join these linky parties...Kathy's Quilts, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts and Quilting is More Fun Than Housework.

Carrot Cake Cheesecake, Projects Updates, A Show to Watch

 Picture me that cloudy end of February morning gathering sticks on land that most of the year is a foot under water. A cardinal was singing its song in the background. This is usually the only time of year I can walk through there and the pickings are good. I  could see where some animal had clawed bark off quite a few of the trees. Porcupine perhaps. Ned trotted from tree to tree with me then patiently sat and waited while I filled the bag. So full I had a hard slog getting him and it back to the house. But yet invigorating too with the fresh air and exercise. 

 I usually have my small camera with me and took this photo in a little forest I came across. An interesting glowing colour, quite striking in the midst of greys and white. What colour would you call this?  Reminds me of autumn which my friends in the southern hemisphere are experiencing. I just looked it up... Eastern Redcedar which tends to "bronze", as the writer termed it, in winter. 

We've eaten an extraordinary cake from Daughter, a Carrot Cake Cheesecake, since I last wrote you.

Sounds like too much of a good thing and yes it was and so delicious.

 Recipe here at Rock Recipes where Barry calls it a genius combination.

We are thoroughly enjoying this show, 1883, found on Paramount +. Always enjoy Sam Elliot but it is Isobel May that is stealing the show with her performance as a coming of age young woman. I'm enjoying her "voice over" remarks very much. These pioneer wagon train series remind us of how treacherous the journey was for those brave souls making it and also for those equally brave souls already inhabiting the land. 

 I don't usually set stitching goals because I have a firm track record of not keeping them. However, I am happy with how Wheels is moving forward these days with a little attention. Perhaps I'll keep that momentum going this week. 

That and stitching one more diamond for the Lone Star Medallion. Linking up with Carol at Quilt Schmilt for the To Do Tuesday party helps keep me mindful.

Corey Yoder at Coriander Quilts is launching her Sunny Patches BOM 2023 on March 18. I wonder if this would work out to be a good way to use up scraps. 

I also want to share with those of you who embroider the work of Alice Makabe. Pretty kits of her designs are available from The French Needle and also other sites. This brief video gives you an idea of Alice's work.

So much to enjoy and dream about. Hope that is how you are feeling this first day of a brand new month. 

Wonderful to join linky parties like these....Quilt Fabrication, Alycia Quilts, Quilting Patchwork Applique, Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Creations, Quilts, Art and Wendy's Quilts and More.

Free Patterns, Lone Star Medallion, Edna's The Little Chairs

 Snowing outside with another snowfall warning in place but cozy inside.  I had a special coffee this morning from the Nespresso machine, a Melozio, with cinnamon and frothed milk. I'm not at all one for fancy coffees but once in a while it is a treat. I bought a loaf of sourdough bread which toasts well and I like marmalade too. 

I've just begun listening to this book, The Little Red Chairs by Edna O'Brien; I do enjoy her writing and use of phrases, etc. It is sounding a little familiar to me. I wonder if I've read this before actually. hmmm

Just now, while listening, I decided to sort through my needle tin. As you can see my organization is nil really. How do you corral your needle packets?

 I do seem to have a lot of John James needles but I inherited quite a few of them from Mom. John James, a British product, was always popular in Newfoundland. 

I've managed to stitch one more of the diamonds for the Lone Star Medallion. I do like how this is now looking. Yes for those asking, this is EPP style with me making templates out of the light cardboard that flyers often use. No, I won't be removing them till this is all sewn together.

LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt this week is do we have a special someone in our lives who does kind things for us. While Hubby is our on the spot Mr. Fix It and Computer Guy and helps me everyday,  I'm going to give a shout out to my SIL, Brad. He is the person in my day to day life that I know I can call on day or night for anything. He's one of those positive, Can Do kind of fellows who is full of solutions no matter what the problem. While keeping me supplied with salt for my icy steps, just yesterday he delivered a Costco chicken to me because he knows I like them. He was also the one that I called first when Tony had his health crisis four years ago. He was here in ten minutes with an ambulance already called and on its way. I wish that everyone could have such a dependable person in their lives. 

Thursday's Three Free

As always lots to share with you.  Hope there is something here that twigs with you.

First up is lovely Sandra at her lovely blog Cherry Heart where she shares a detailed with photos tutorial for making pretty Dresden placemats. Sandra is fond of Liberty prints which are costly but there's lots of pretty prints to be found in the many fabric lines available these days as we all know.

At the Tilda's World site, they update their new free patterns section three times a year. Here is a new one in keeping with the dresden theme that would look stunning in all kinds of colourways. The Fan Bird quilt block.

Quilt For Lovers has an impressive index of free quilt patterns/ links including this one for a Double Disappearing Nine Patch block that I thought looked neat. 

New Quilters also has a cache of tutorials such as this one by Christine Mann which is one of 19 pages worth! I love wreaths. I know we here in the north are far from autumn, but I couldn't resist noting this one. Isn't this pretty? I really like the background sewn of neutral blocks too. 

And for slow stitching friends, Lovecrafts has an extensive bank of over 200 free downloadable patterns to hand embroider. They are sorted by category and seasons and range from the simple to more complex designs. Something for everyone in other words. 

I've spent most of my morning with you and as soon as I hit publish, I'm getting out my Snow Days embroidery to lay a few stitches. With this weather, we won't be leaving the property. Think of me then, snow falling outside and me cozy and calm doing something we all love. 

 Also love linking with Kathy's Quilts, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, Songbird Designs and Quilting is More Fun Than Housework. 

Turkey Up A Tree, A Me Day, Wheel Within A Wheel Quilt, Starting Snow Days

 This time of year I take comfort in the lengthening of light that suddenly becomes noticeable. Not that I dislike winter; in fact, I enjoy it. I even like the snow especially piling up and the shadows all in blues and purples.  But yet, thoughts of spring and garden flowers are uplifting thoughts, filled with light thoughts.  I always feel grateful for living where there are the seasons, the wonder of it all continually moving and changing around us.

 I was thrilled to hear birds singing Monday morning. I distinguished the Cardinal and the Phoebe, the latter surprising to hear this early in the season. (But then I'm always surprised by how early they arrive back here from the south). They survive on insects and surely it must be slim pickings still in that regard. 

I was so excited when I spied this bird high, high up in the tall deciduous forest. I thought, with some excitement, it's an eagle, my first here on this property. 

No not an eagle; yes a turkey. However a little exciting because I'd always heard they roosted in treetops overnight. Always fun when you get to witness it. Such a heavy, ungainly bird so high up. 

Saturday I had a me day. Stayed in flannel and cozy fleece all day. Drank a second cup of coffee.I had made a pasta casserole the night before to keep me out of the kitchen. I used lots of cheese and actually put a package of Stove Top Dressing on top too. To compensate/ramp up the nutritional value, I chopped carrots and spinach to mix in with the dressing. It all was tasty. Btw, I have switched from using a sort of fancy marinara sauce bought at Costco to good old Prego which does surprisingly well in taste test competitions. Walmart doesn't carry it so I get mine at Giant Tiger.

 I took an extra long walk in the morning, collected sticks for my fires along the way. Ikea bags come in handy for so many things.

I worked on adding more bits and bobs to those Wheel Within a Wheel blocks. My eyes are adjusting to their extreme scrappiness. :) They remind me of old time quilts where whatever material was to be found would be used to make quilts.

I need to sew more of the fans and figure out how many of these blocks I need all together. To continue doing this week.

Astrid in  this post at Red Needle Quilts showed her progress on her Crabapple Hill Design, Over the River. It reminded me that I have a similar pattern called Snow Days. I dug it out, cut the blocks to size and put my giant light box to work tracing the designs. That was very relaxing. 

What had stopped me from starting this project (which I've had for almost 10 years!!) was stitching the accompanying quilt blocks. Now that I'm this far into quilting and more experienced with a machine, I think I can manage to sew them. 

I also read my eyes out visiting your blogs. So much beautiful stitching going on; I'm in awe of all your talent and generosity, my kind blogging friends.  Also as always, thanks for sharing your stories with me and sending me words of empathy and encouragement. 2023 has gotten off to a rocky start for my little family but we are in it together, supporting each other which is what family does. 💕

Do drop back on Thursday...I'm especially happy with the new finds I'll be sharing with you.

Happy to be sharing this post with linky parties at Quilt Schmilt, Creations, Quilts, Art, Wendy's Quilts and More, For the Love of Geese, Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Quilting Patchwork Applique and Alycia Quilts.

Free Patterns, Valentine's Gift, Prairie Schooler Slow Stitching

Heavy downpours of rain last night. Everything strange outside this morning with slush, ice and also bits of grass showing through. Our walk under a dark and gloomy sky but the air pleasant at 5C. 

Hubby did present me with a Valentine's Day gift, a surprise.  This card comparing me to his favourite food, pizza... 

He was impressed with the technology included whereby pressing the button activates a voice that tells me I am hot and there's not mush-room for improvement, amongst other "cheesy" phrases. LOL But he also gave me a certificate to the local spa which I will look forward to using soon. 

Slow stitching this week is a catchup with my winter cross stitch project. Vintage looking Button Up patterns from The Prairie Schooler. 

I'm stitching these on 28 count Lambs Wool Jobelan Evenweave as decorations for a tree. The colour is a little darker as I wanted the snow to show up.  Pattern and fabric are from one of my favourite online shops for cross stitch supplies, 123Stitch.com. They provide very reasonable shipping rates and speedy service.

Just finishing the snow on this one.

My needle minder says Dogs leave paw prints on your heart.  They certainly do! And LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt this week is to honour a mate, be it human or animal, that was special and there for us.  Here is a dog that never left my side- Rex, the German Shepherd. I was definitely his person. 

Still love him and miss him! I labelled this photo below Rex at my feet and orts on my dress. Both constants in my life!

Thursday's Three Free

This is the link to Purl Soho's Free Patterns section. There you will find categories to check out including knitting, crochet, embroidery, sewing, weaving, etc. All their patterns are basic and beginner style so easy to follow instructions. Below is Broken Dishes Baby Quilt.

I'm so happy I found this site, Pink Simplicity, and their Free Patterns and Tutorials section. Lovely items to stitch like this and lots more.

Not free but so pretty..Lovingly Lissa has this pattern for sale. Really neat seeing how to turn a log cabin block into an apple. She has made a hanging with four of these blocks and it is stunning. 

For my fellow slow stitchers...from Hodgepodge Crafts, comes this lovely spring like design called Floral Meadow that is a free download along with the instructions on stitches used, etc.

Thanks as always to these clever folks who share their talents with us.

Hope your weekend will be fabulous!

Also fabulous to link up with Kathy's Quilts and Songbird Designs.

Two Thrift Store Finds, EPP Lone Star, HST Blocks Galore

 We've been enjoying much warmer temperatures and sunshine during the days with freezing overnight; the sunshine makes me think of spring and that brightens my mood. Underfoot the paths continue to be tricky early morning. The deeper foot prints are frozen and you can catch your foot in one. My walk has been reduced to more of a creep around.

On last week's list of what to get done was sew another diamond for the EPP Lone Star Medallion.  I got that done and now hope to finish up another one this week. Yes Susie, these are Minick and Simpson fabrics I'm using.  Loving the sunny day when that photo was taken.

This week I've got to do another YouTube crash course about my good camera, the Nikon P900. The settings have gotten shifted so much with a year's usage, the photos are not as sharp as they used to be. Thankfully, there are lots of knowledgeable folks who can lead me through it. 

I've been rewatching this show in advance of the next season being released finally. It's challenging to remember and hard to believe all the wheelings, dealings and general skulduggery that went on in one family. Good acting too.

Two Thrift Store Finds

Up first is Edyta Sitar's book Scrappy Firework Quilts available on Amazon for $34; mine cost $3.99 but could have been cheaper if I found other books to purchase as a bundle. That would have been easily done but I'm limiting myself with what I bring into the house for 2023. In fact I'm aiming to keep trimming our "stuff" and trying hard not to add to it. 

I've not purchased new fabric in many months. But speaking of just that, have you seen Edyta's latest fabric line called Primrose? You can see all the patterns worked with this line Here at her Laundry Basket Quilts site. They make me think of Mom as these are exactly the colours and prints she would have loved. In fact she had a dusty rose sofa set for a decade or so way back when that seemed to be popular. 

The second thrift item was a bag of vintage threads on pretty wooden spools. The thread was useless, breaking easily when I tried to use it. I've wondered what to do with them. The spools are wooden and look very old. My search turned up this Go Go Kim post with links to 9 ways to use spools. All lovely of course in the hands of the talented.

Here is another link that I think you may find very useful. All the kinds of blocks to be made with mainly HST's.  The Plover Index  I think there are over a hundred different ways to fashion blocks there. Certainly would provide ideas for borders too which I struggle with. 

This week is going well; I'm feeling stronger in spirit than I started this month. I am more optimistic and I hope it continues. I think most of you know that I sometimes (thankfully rarely) have to take time one day at a time as it were and one day recently, I had to take an especially anxious day one hour at a time. Though I was proud of myself for pulling it off, it might not have happened as successfully without wonderful words of support from family. Offered in the moment when I needed them most. If you know someone going through a rough patch, think about reaching out with a kind word or two. It could mean the world to them.

Hope everything is rosy in your garden, whether it is winter or summer outside your window.

Linnking up with parties at Quilt Schmilt, Wendy's Quilts and More, Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts and Quilting Patchwork Applique.