Change of Pace

". . . summer is folded away, like a rose pressed in a book."

from Stillmeadow Sampler by Gladys Taber

 
After a wonderful whirlwind summer, I'm finding balance in the slower pace.  Gone is the happy chatter and pitter patter of little feet around here.  Oh, how we miss that.  We had all fallen into a comfortable routine with our two young granddaughters as they spent their days with us.  Then, the oldest went back to school a couple of weeks ago, and we've just had the one three year-old keeping us entertained and on our toes since then.  But our time together went by too fast.  Soon she will be joining her little friends and heading off to pre-school and new adventures.  I've started a book project to chronicle our summertime together; the places we went, the things we did.  I plan to make gifts of them at some point in time.  Memories to be cherished always.

 
In their absence, the house seems remarkably quiet just now.  But I have these gorgeous dahlias keeping me company for the time being.

 
And another bunch. . . sweet gifts of appreciation from tiny loving hands and open hearts. 

 

Ushering in a new season, we now have a change of scenery on the hall table.  Beeswax candles and pinecones!  The watercolor was painted by Ginger; it's a portrait of her pet hampster "Marshy" (that's short for Marshmallow).  He's munching a pumpkin seed.   Love that little guy!

Thank you so much for the comments about the State Flower Quilt.  It feels great to have that project finished and folded away like a pressed flower  too.  I couldn't be happier with how it all turned out and I'm pleased so many of you have enjoyed this project in one form or another.  I look forward to seeing more of your finished quilts in the future.  (Don't forget to send me links to your blog posts or pictures if you can manage it.) 

What's next?  Well ladies, I need to literally unplug all of my machinery for a while and tackle some house projects and try and visit some festivals.  Please take note: the PatternBee website will be closed from the 18th through the 30th of this month.  After that, autumnal activities will be in full swing and I'll be back with bells on and a new bonus stitchery for October!  Here's a sneak peek:

 
Until then . . . Happy Stitching!!        

Comments

[Bridgette]

Unwind, switch gears, we'll be waiting :)

[Vee]

Just purchased my unbleached muslin at Joann's today. Three yards. I know it won't take that much, but wanted to have some extra on hand. $7.99 a yard...doable. Also, we found two abandoned glass topped end tables on the side of the road. Light box! Cheap. John is taking from one to create one good one. Then all I'll have to do is paint it and use it to trace out my patterns. I'm going to follow your layout, but place the flowers in order of the state's entrance to the union. I can't wait to get going. I know this is going to take me a good long while.

[Teresa Kasner]

I am feeling the same slow down.. my 2 granddaughters moved to Ohio and I'm having to let go.. breathe.. grieve. See you when you get back.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

[Velma]

I know you are deserving your much needed wind down time. You will be missed. I hope you have a very Hapy Birthday! I look forward to your return.

[Barbara]

Oh, I'm going to have to plant some "snowball" like dahlias next spring!
Barbara

[Mary]

Ooooooh ... I am in love with that wall paper.

And the stitching.

And Fall.

Mary

[Miss Paula]

Hi Vicki! I have been without my laptop for so long and I hardly get on the family computer because of the way I have to sit on it! Hurts back... But I want you to know that I am still a fan!! You are still on my sidebar and you are still an inspiration!!

I am thrilled about your book!! Are the Fall patterns in your book? I am a little confused about this little tidbit!! Enjoy your time away and I can't wait to hear from you!! (I usually visit on my ITouch! Think I NEED a laptop!)

[June]

That painting of the hamster is so beautiful and sweet, I thought you bought it and was going to ask where! :) Apparently artistic talent runs in the family!

[vicki haninger]

What a great idea for making a light table! And free at that. Have fun with the state blocks--they are small and stitch up quicker than you might think.