It's All Good!

I've been catching up on the two block-of-the-month programs that I signed up for at the LQS. Being gone for just a little over two weeks seems more like two months when it comes to catching up on what I missed while we were away! The Cream and Sugar class (left) required two more identical blocks for November and the Aspiring Stars class offered another block this month which I was able to explore making up in varying sizes.

I'm still not sure what I'll do with the extra blocks when I actually settle on a size for the quilt! Oh, well, I'm having fun experimenting in the meantime. My "orphan blocks" box is currently full-to-overflowing. I'm going to have to get creative with its contents before I feed it any more! 

We needed to catch up with this birthday boy who turned 12 while we were traveling; yes, twelve!! 😲 We asked him to choose where he's like to go for his birthday dinner. That was easy! 

My sister in law belongs to a farm cooperative sharing program; we went with her to the barn while we were visiting her home, she shared with us some of the root vegetables that were part of her take this month. Carrots, potatoes, onions and beets that were all perfect. I cooked the beets in the Instant Pot when I returned home and made the most delicious salad. I'm linking here to the recipe that I used if you love beets the way I do and you'd like to try it. Mr. G doesn't share my affection for this vegetable, I didn't even need to share even a bite! 😉

I've been spending the evenings in front of the TV working on this Vintage Christmas Sampler. It's so cute. A few more weeks and it will be ready for a finish, just in time!

Sew, that's what's been going on around here; and, at long last, the weather has taken a decided turn toward winter.

What's going on where you are?

It's all good!

Life is Good!

Return To Handwork

Like so many other quilters, this year has seen me returning to the soothing rhythm of handwork, specifically cross stitch. I never saw this coming, in all seriousness. Quiltkeemosabe gave me a small "kit" for Christmas and invited me to join her down the rabbit hole. With a bit of trepidation, (did I have time for ONE MORE THING?) and simply to be polite, I accepted her invitation and  stepped, cautiously, down into the abyss. There was no turning back, the rest is history! What's new to me this time around is stitching over two, on linen. I love it! This piece is actually done from four of Lori Holt's stitch cards (set F) with called-for DMC colors. 

Mr. Goodneedle added a double hanging rod for my thread drops into the newly-cleaned-out and appropriated cross stitch cabinet; it's the perfect addition as I strive to become more organized. 

So far, so good. A place for everything and room to expand if necessary 

(who knows how long this X-stitch bug will last!?!!). 🤣

Although the return to cross stitch was as easy as falling down a hole; finishing up my little projects is something else entirely, there's so much to learn! I finished this small antique sampler into a little pillow with a self-piped edge. It’s filled with crushed walnut shells and could be a pincushion or simply decorative, as shown. I've seen these itty-bitties called "bowl fillers" but I'm unsure what else to throw into the bowl! As one thing leads to another, I'm currently  in the process of learning (via YouTube) some alternate finishing techniques for the edges; the Halloween piece (top) is next in line for some sort of cute edge embellishment; but, it won't make a completed appearance until next year. This is all a work in progress; and, I'm thoroughly enjoying this unexpected diversion, every step stitch along the way! 

Life is Good!

Welcome Fall; We've Been Waiting!

At long last some cooler temperatures have arrived and it's feeling fall-like; the wait has been well worth it-- brisk mornings and pleasant afternoons under sapphire-blue skies. Quiltkeemosabe and I got together this week to work and compare notes on our progress with making, and writing up directions for, every one of the 202 six inch blocks from Rosemary Youngs' Quilt Block Bible. We have one more session scheduled and we'll be done! Hip, hip, hooray! I have three BIG binders full of blocks and notes.
           
This arrangement, above, contains 121 blocks; I will have a second, smaller, quilt with 81 blocks. After our final session we will set our quilts together and have a grand finale reveal party-- likely with lunch! 😉 We began this joint project five years ago. It will be a HUGE sense of accomplishment to finish this one up. After that we'll probably find another one; it's been a wonderful experience.

We celebrated my birthday and she gifted me this beautiful sampler kit as well as a pair of the teeny, tiny scissors (the package claims that they're the world's smallest functional scissors), they're 2.5"!

Speaking of that recent birthday. Both our daughter and our son gave me subscriptions to Sipsby; a tea gift box that arrives monthly. Neither one knew that the other was giving the gift, that's perfectly fine, my subscription is now twice as long! I filled out a form indicating my taste preferences and Sipsby takes it from there, putting together my own unique collection! The first box arrived yesterday. Such fun to discover what's included and try new (to me) and different teas. 

When the weather changes that's usually an indication that it's Fair time! This year was no exception. We spent yesterday afternoon walking around our local fairgrounds enjoying the exhibits and the grandchildren. Lynnleigh was surprised and thrilled to find that her "Hot Air Balloons" artwork from school was awarded a blue ribbon! 

 As always, a stroll through the quilt exhibition area is in order. I loved this colorful Kaleidoscope. 

But, this one truly drew me in; I love the graphic appeal of the spokes. I want to make one of these.

No trip to the fair would be complete without a walk to the midway. Lynnleigh broke a balloon and won a stuffed turquoise sloth. 

Gregory and Nana took a turn racing down the giant slide; 

you can see who won! A great time was had by all! 

Life is Good!