We are are enjoying a break between storms this week and have been filling flower vases with cuttings of daffodils and flowering branches of various types and placing them throughout the house. The scent of fresh flowers is always uplifting and appreciated, especially at winter's end. But even more so after our "skunk encounter" last week. It happens every spring as female skunks seek shelters to nest in and burrow under the backyard deck. I did some research and found this is a common problem, then nearly fainted when I read the average litter size is like nine pups who are prone to frighten easily and are as potent as a full-grown skunk! Time for action.
Discouraging the skunk from returning was relatively easy though, with electronic sonar devices and ammonia dribbled near entry points, but it took a week to rid the house of the stink. We burned incense mostly, and when the weather warmed a bit this week, it was nice to throw open the windows and let in a more appealing scent of spring.
As the garden wakes up, I am also quite happy to note, that the snow and cold temperatures have not adversely affected any of the trees and shrubs. Unfortunately, the same can be said about this insidious lichen, which grows on almost everything here. Useful perhaps, but certainly NOT attractive.
We keep adding more flowering bulbs to the front bed. The deer don't eat these (or the lavender that blooms in the summer). If you don't have daffy-down-dillies in bloom yet, you can enjoy mine.
Or stitch some! Click HERE for my FREE "Spring Flowers" PDF. This is just one of the projects, with a spring theme, that I've been working on.
Another one, Animal Flower Pots, from 1946, is now available as a new iron-on reprint too.
In order to accommodate the various levels of stitching know-how, I modified each of the six designs so they can now be worked entirely in embroidery or done with the included applique patches. Your choice!
I have always loved these old fashioned animal planters and had to show you one of my favorites: Miss Yellow Kitty, who is probably about as old as that pattern! Found her at a swap meet down in California many many years ago. I do believe that Miss Yellow Kitty needs a little garden of African Violets or Fairy Fern, but no time to do that just now with spring cleaning in full swing. Hope to get to that after the dust settles.
One more mention before I go...
Just added TINY TOYS to the Vintage Stitch Shop.
An updated vintage pattern for miniature stuffies, featuring a little duckling, turtle, donkey, elephant and a wiener dog! I think that doggie is my favorite.
These are cloth and felt creations, small enough to make from your fabric scraps and Fat Quarters. And a nice size for Easter Baskets and Christmas stockings, but also fun in general for birthdays and other gift-giving occasions when a tidbit of handmade goodness is called for.
Love that daffodil pattern--thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Wendy | March 13, 2014 at 08:44 PM
Beautiful spring flowers! Darling kitty planter! Have a lovely weekend! xo Heather
Posted by: vintage grey | March 14, 2014 at 05:14 PM
Thank you so much for the spring embroidery... I need some perking up. Glad, too, that you have found a way to dispatch the skunks. Hope that the aroma is long gone.
Posted by: Vee | March 15, 2014 at 11:29 AM
Wonderful free pattern says the woman with snow on the ground and the temperature hovering in the 20s! The sight of the daffodils warms me. I know spring will come to us on the east coast BUT WHEN?? At least the cold has kept out skunks away. Glad you are able to open your windows.
Also love (and just ordered) the animal flower pots-a duck AND a chicken-need I say more? Annie
Posted by: annie | March 17, 2014 at 10:23 AM
Thank you for sharing the spring flowers. They are so pretty.
Posted by: Karen B | March 18, 2014 at 06:26 PM
It is still winter here...cold, gray & windy. My daffodils have not even poked through the ground yet, so thanks for sharing yours!
Posted by: Debbie | March 19, 2014 at 05:02 PM