turkey feathers

Polka Dot Paisley & Plaid

Some fun stitching on my work table today!  (I needed a little reprieve from the storage room clean-out.)

This "radiant star" hot pad is an old pattern that has been passed around by quilters and stitchers for years; my pattern came in the form of  a hand-out from a quilt class in 1989.  Of course I saved it all these years, like a squirrel with a good nut.  It has since become one of my favorite rainy day projects.  However, my decades old pattern was getting a little rough around the edges, as these things do, so I decided to make a new and improved version.  And not just for myself, but for you too!  The link for the PDF is below if you want to squirrel-away a pattern for yourself.  (My Felt Needle Case Cottage pattern can be found here along with a few other freebies.)

These make sweet presents and I like to keep a few on hand for that purpose.  Restocking the gift cupboard.

Basically, this is a fold-and-stack operation using three different sized circles.   At first glance it looks complicated, but actually very little sewing is involved. I only use a sewing machine to secure the layers around the edges with a zigzag stitch before sewing on the binding.  Yep. That's all there is to it.

You can use fabric scraps or color-coordinated Fat Quarters, but be sure and combine contrasting colors so the star stands out.  I've just used random pieces for these with homemade bias binding.  The minty green plaid is a buttery soft cotton flannel.  Awesome to work with.

What is it about polka dots that look so happy? 

Download STAR TRIVET PATTERN

 

Tulip Time!

I thought spring had finally arrived, but after last week, I wasn't quite convinced.  Following that short burst of warmth and sunshine, there was driving rain, wind and hail.  More hail than I've ever seen before.  Ever. Everything was covered in white.  It was an incredible scene.

Signs of spring abound though.  I see daffodils, crocus, grape hyacynth and tulips and am reassured.  Canadian geese are making their journey north as they pass over our house in formation with loud honking and flapping--music to my ears, along with the delicate song of the western bluebirds flitting from tree to tree.  I try and stay focused on the the beauty of nature, but sometimes it's hard. 

Because, we've been battling carpenter ants for weeks now.  Another harbinger of spring here.  They've found a place they like under the foundation of the house, directly under the kitchen sink area.  We've put out bait and called the exterminator, but they still find their way inside and wander all over the place.  On Sunday, as I stood at the stove stirring gravy, calmly chatting with Grace at the sink, one of these enormous black creatures crawled right up my pant leg and took a bite out of me!  I was a bit shocked to say the least.  And if that wasn't bad enough, earlier last week I encountered a snake in my sewing room.   It was stretched out across the threshold of the doorway.  I couldn't believe what I was seeing!  I think this crazy weather is confusing not only me, but all living things as they crawl and slither into my home to find shelter. No telling what I will come across next.  (My husband, my hero, wrangled the snake and took him back outside; way beyond the house...he assured me.  But I'm keeping my eyes peeled just in case he comes back.)  Here's the picture he managed to get (from his cell phone) as it slid away. 

Can you believe this?  I'm still reeling. 

But I don't want to leave you ladies all squirmy and squeemish, heavens no!  (giggle)  So here's a quick little sewing project to get our minds off this big, bad, cruel world for a while...

 Last week, as I was digging through my stash of vintage transfers hoping to find a particular flower pattern for a stitching friend, I found this cute motif for an apron pocket.  Thought it would make a sweet dishtowel, so enlarged it and got busy. 

Here's the result--and the pattern.   (Click pattern to open in Flickr.)  Enjoy! 

Time to go back on "watch duty".  Take care, until next time!

House In the Country Sampler

Welcome to my 'House in the Country' sampler--with some of my favorite things.  Think:  Sound of Music, Julie Andrews singing,

"Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens.  Bright copper kettles, and warm woolen mittens.  Brown paper packages tied up with strings--these are a few of my favorite things.  Cream colored ponies, and crisp apple streudels.  Doorbells and sleigh bells, and schnitzel with noodles.  Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings--these are a few of my favorite things.  Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes.  Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes.  Silver white winters that melt into spring--these are a few of my favorite things.  When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad. . . I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad." 

Those wonderful lyrics are sweet and simple, yet beautiful; they do tend to linger with you long after hearing them and I suppose they also had a bit of influence here. 

This little project actually began last year.  I only stitched on it from time to time, in between the state flower quilt blocks.  It was so much fun to design (I just looked around me for inspiration, and of course, that song kept lingering), and just as much fun to stitch.  I finished this awhile ago, but then got really, really busy with jam and pickles and all that summer harvest goodness, so the project was set aside for a bit.  Now, with the bulk of the bounty fairly well managed, and with autumn settling in and offering up quiet moments of bliss now and then, stitchery is back on my mind.  And in my hands.  And on my computer screen, as it turns out, as most of this past week was spent putting the finishing touches on the pattern.  I'm hugging myself for getting it all done now.   More pictures here.

If you happen to be twiddling your thumbs and in need of a fun, simple weekend stitching project, here it is!

You also might like this....I've got three patterns to give away.  If you are up to some fun stitching leave me a comment.   I'll announce the winners Monday--October 24, 2011 before noon PST so check back then.  You'll have a choice between a tracable PDF or an iron-on transfer.  Please note:  This give-away is open to all, but due to the increasing hassle and cost of international shipping, any winners outside the U.S. will receive a PDF only.   Good Luck! 

Splashing & Dashing

 
I think summer has finally arrived in the northwest.  Weather-wise, that is.  How utterly wonderful it is to dive into the pool and not turn into a mass of shivering, shaking ice-cubes--with teeth chattering and goosebumps the size of golf balls.  I've had a house full of girls all summer, from ages 3 to 20, and it's been wild, but fun.  We've been busy!  And it's not over yet.  So, time is of the essence here as I scramble to update my blog before they arrive this morning. 

 
I thought some of you might like a peek at the progress that has been made on the flower quilt.  I have this draped across my kitchen countertop at the moment---it's the perfect height for basting.  And since I am in my kitchen (it seems) more than any other room in the house right now, I can pick up where I (frequently) leave off, without missing a beat.  Gotta watch those little peanut butter and jammy hands though!

Snowball Scarf

 

I have to say, I am pretty pleased with how this "snowball" scarf turned out.  For awhile now, I've been dreaming about making this.  And it was pretty simple.  Which is just the very best kind of sewing sometimes.   I started with two strips of cotton flannel 46"x 9".  Yes, you could cut one long strip 92" if you so desire, but I was experimenting and used fabric scraps left-over from another project.  Next I embellished both ends with a little embroidery--these particular motifs are from my 2011 January Bonus Collection.  

Both pieces were joined with an overcast stitch to eliminate fraying.  The sides were doubled over about 1/4-inch and stitched with a wide zigzag.  The effect of using a looser stitch leaves a nice soft edge--perfect for this type of scarf.  The bottom edge was turned under twice about 1/2"; ball fringe was stitched across the top edge.   I wanted to see the texture of the band--but you could hide it underneath if you like.  A nice thing about adding this type of trim, besides the cute factor, is that it adds weight to a scarf that would otherwise have little "drape".  The flannel is very cozy, yet light as a feather.  A sweet ice-skating accessory, perhaps.  

 
The ball-fringe trim was salvaged from an old cotton bedspread I picked up from a yard sale for a couple dollars.  The bedspread wasn't in great condition, but parts of it were usable and in the bargain were yards and yards of this fantastic cotton ball-fringe.  (Individually they make cute cotton-tails on stuffed bunnies too!) 

Unrelated embroidery news: The Sample Surprise patterns are ready again and up for grabs.  These are packed with all kinds of different motifs for a variety of uses.  Supply is limited, so don't wait too long to pick one up as I won't be offering this again for at least a year.

Up next week, more State Flower Quilt blocks!

 - - - - Happy Stitching - - - -

Look Who's Lurking

There's so much bounty from the garden right now.  My dining room table is taken over with canning jars ready to be filled.  More pickles, some tomatoes, and soon, applesauce.  I love this time of year.  Sweet September, with autumn beckoning and sumac turning red along the creek, always one of the first signs of fall.  And it's my birthday month!  But Indian Summer, where did you go?  The skies are gray and there's a nip in the air.  I'm not quite ready to slip back into socks and sweaters and close my bedroom windows at night.  Though, around two o'clock this morning I wished I'd had, as I was abruptly shocked from sleep by a wild pack of yapping coyotes that went racing through the back field.  I bolted up half-awake; still dreaming, and thought I was at the beach house, and for a few seconds I feared for my life thinking those varmints were coming in after me through the open windows.  That is the first time in my life I've ever had a waking dream.  I was looking around my bedroom, but I was seeing a completely different place.  Quite, strange.

 

I love this little vintage cutting tool.  The serrated edge makes perfect pickle chips...

 

...and another yummy addition to the pantry.

Sometimes I find this time a year a bit overwhelming with all that needs to get done before the weather lowers the boom on us, and I'm definitely feeling that urgency right now.  Like a crazed squirrel gathering nuts.  Making lists and checking them twice.  I'm often working on so many things at once around here.  However, I do remind myself to appreciate what I have accomplished this summer, and I'm so hugging myself right now for finally sewing up some new curtains for the kitchen.  Sixteen panels in all.  Yes, I did have a bit of a production line going.  But I spent one afternoon cutting, and a couple of weeks sewing in my spare time.  I'm thrilled they're done because it was a project that's been on hold for such a long time...mainly because I just couldn't find the right fabric.  Then last month, just by chance, I ran across a whopping big bolt of lovely off-white cotton lawn (at a thrift shop of all places), and I couldn't believe my luck.  Plus—it was "on sale" for half-price that one day.  So double-woot! Not bad for covering eight large windows for $15.

 

 

Turkey Talk:: Thought some of you might like to hear an update on Turkey Lurkey and her flock of chicks, that I blogged about a few weeks ago.  They have been making frequent visits to our house, although sadly mother turkey is hopping on one leg, apparently the victim of a predatory attack. I've been sitting here watching her hop along with her crumpled leg drawn up, still diligently herding her chicks, and standing guard over the remaining five left (out of a dozen). They often nap in my flower bed.  It makes me a little sad to witness their struggle to survive, but how I admire their fortitude.  I know that wild turkeys can create problems when left unchecked, and we often hear such stories about that from a nearby town that is over-run with them.   But I like watching them pass through, and do appreciate their foraging and feasting on those pesky summer bugs.  They do seem to enjoy the cracked corn and raisins I (ahem) "accidently" toss out on occasion too.

Sticks & Stones

After a fantastic weekend of Mother's Day indulgences and perfect gardening weather, a lovely spring storm passed through yesterday and gave me a chance to rest up and recuperate.  Oh boy.  Did I need it.  Always, and without exception, the first few days getting re-acquainted with my yard after a long season of neglect, and the physical toiling required to whip it back into shape is sheer torture.  Along with whipping myself back into shape.  I think it rains weeds here in Oregon.  Yes, I'm convinced of that.  We maintain a lush organic environment and using harsh chemicals is not an option; the same weeds re-emerge  year after year without fail and need to be dealt with face to face.  A territorial battle ensues.  I put up a good fight, but the weeds always take-over.  Eventually, it pays off (for a season or two), but getting there requires honest-to-goodness back-breaking work.  And it just seems never-ending at times.

  

Hauling in over 700 lbs. of river rocks for borders didn't help my back situation either, but it brings us closer to creating smaller low maintenance solutions.  This little corner is shaping up nicely now.  You may recall, it started out like this.  I love the look of natural stone for borders and ground cover.  The trees that we had trimmed and chipped earlier in the year made a nice dressing to cover the soil inside the beds.  The deer no longer bother the azaleas, rhodies, or the 'Harlequin Glory Bower' (peanut butter tree).  But everything else that's tempting, has been sprayed with the *magic concoction* .  For those who have been asking about it again, you can download my DEER REPELLENT RECIPE and print it out for safe-keeping.

 

Last year, we added another section to the herb garden the length of our fenced-in veggie garden.  This is so much bigger than it looks here, at least it felt bigger when I was weeding it; it got the rock and chipped bark treatment as well.  I'm so tickled with how it all turned out.  I threw myself into a 2-hour salts bath after this project though.  And, I'm still hobbling...

 

Which is why I picked up some fresh new fabrics yesterday to tackle some tame inside sewing while my muscles knit themselves back together.  Besides, I can always use a few more gardening smocks.  It's actually quite possible that this may end up being my summer wardrobe at this point.  And I actually couldn't be happier about it.

BTW thank you all for the baby doll dress LOVE.  I'm already thinking about the next one, for big sister this time, who turns 5 this summer. 

And, on another note...if you're looking for a little vegan romance--get out your embroidery needle and floss and check out sweet surprises.   Those veggie heads are rocking.

Lovely in Lavender

I'm so happy and pleased to report back, that I finished the dress just in time for the birthday girl's party yesterday.  I was practically stitching up until the very last minute.  Many of you requested a peek at the finished babydoll dress; so here it is...almost done, pinned up and awaiting the hem.  (above)

Looking quite dainty with a tiny (removable) ribbon corsage.

 

Ahhh...finished, wrapped up, and ready to take a ride to Portland.

   

And a perfect fit!  More pix here.

*Happy Mother's Day* to all you Mom's out there too!

Animals In Aprons

Hello!  Thank you for stopping in for a visit today.  I'm excited because I actually have a cute quilt to show for a change.  With the winter days being so short here in the northern hemisphere, it often seems like I'm not getting much accomplished in the way of creative stitching.  Before I know it the day is over.

 

So, I've been pulling out my unfinished projects and -- instant gratification!   I just put the finishing touches on this vintage baby quilt for my grand-daughter Olivia, which was started last summer.  I'd tucked it away as the days got busy toward year's end. Actually, it's not vintage, but the designs are.  They're from this old pattern with the sweetest little animals -- all wearing aprons.  17 motifs in all, but I only used 7 here.  Very easy and fun.  Above, Miss Bear attempting to raid the honey hive.   

   

Miss Kitty washing up. 

 

Mr. Rooster cock-a-doodling. 

 

The quilt.  It's dark on this cold January day and impossible to get a good picture.  I should've taken some yesterday when the sun made a lovely showing, but as I was out of the house all day I missed the opportunity.   Anyway, before I putter off to dig up more UFO's that need finishing, I'd love to give away a free Animals in Aprons PDF, which I can send anywhere via email.  You will have to print out the pattern and trace the design in reverse to use it.  Visit my website for tracing tips.  If you want to be entered into the drawing, just leave a comment and include the word 'apron'.  I'll announce a winner sometime in the next few days.

Hearty Greetings!

It's been awhile since I made anything.  So one quick project--to wish you all the best for the new year.  Let's hope 2009 treats everyone kindly.  I was actually hoping to offer this little goth-torian heart greeting as a free pattern today, but alas dear friends, I ran out of time. We are just so busy.  The good news is, the embroidered design is included with the free-with-purchase bonus transfers this month which will magically appear on the website tomorrow. So if you are so inclined, you too can make yourself a little greeting.  As for my pillow project here, a little fancy Blackwork was called into action. Used three strands of floss throughout, in case you're wondering. How I *LoVe* these vintage buttons.  Mostly, the mother-of-pearl. The older the better.  Particularly if they've been hand-carved from abalone shells. I rather like that they're not so perfect.  I've been collecting them for years, but never seem to have more than one or two that match, so this is a nice way to use and display them. 

So, mostly housekeeping today.  Company coming tomorrow; two crock-pots simmering, and cakes in the oven for our January birthday boy. A four-layer, vanilla/chocolate cake to be exact.  Grace is in charge of that -- making marzipan snowflakes to decorate the top as we speak.  Oh, it's so good.