Bright Flowers

Oh My Goodness 2024 is half over. Time to get out the list of stithing resolutions and pick up where I left off (wink).  An UFO has come out of the closet and is being revitatlized.  A floral design is being appliqued to the borders.  

For placement purposes, I'm using applique pins. Later today when I begin hand stitching, I'll try glue baste to hold the pieces in place. The centers of the large flowers have already been appliqued. It's been a good while since I've been able to join Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching so I'm happy to do so.

In May I put together a planter instead of buying a pre-made one from the nursery. I like the bright pink blossoms on this newer variety of geraniums (at least in my area) called Calliope Large Lavender Mega Splash. At the front and center is an annual which sells out quickly, Fiber Optics. I think it adds great interest to the planter without overpowering the other flowers.

Happy Canada Day and Happy 4th of July!

Jill

Binding and Rekindled UFO

Today I'm starting out with continuation of hand sewing quilt binding on the blue and white winding ways quilt. This photo shows the backing fabric. I try to find a coordinating fabric which gives more interest to the back.  The lighting was not ideal for this photo, yet you can see the nautical print and the walking foot stitches.

Can you spot the circular design created with square blocks. Photo is prior to quilting.

It's an old block pattern most commonly called 'Winding Ways'. Another name is 'Wheel of Mystery'. These blocks were created with the Chic Country ruler developed by Sew Kind of Wonderful. Trust me the points are far from perfect. It's the overall design that creates the circular motion.

While decluttering and downsizing this winter, I decided to rekindle a UFO. Admittedly, it's been put away too long. How long? Shall we say pre-Covid. Most likely I became stuck on what to do for a border (or none) as this is not my normal quilt style.  There are nine blocks made with the foundation paper method. What drew me to Kaffe Fassett's fabric was the vibrant colors.

When my eyes get tired of stitching the dark navy binding, I can take a break and remove the foundation papers from the back. A messy project.

While rekindling the UFO, a decision was made to add a 

floral applique border using the same Kaffe fabrics. Next decision is to machine or hand applique. The look of hand applique is the best.  Due to time limitations, machine applique may be quicker. 

Below is a beginner attempt at prepared-edge applique. Many videos were viewed as each 'pro' demonstrates their favorite method with a tweak here and there. What is working best for me is the freezer-paper starch method by Jill Finley on Fat Quarter's youtube channel. I'm using three sheets of freezer paper. She uses four. The difference is my tweak (wink).

Due to a lost hour of sleep (daylight savings time - spring forward clocks) I'll be extra Slow Sunday Stitching (and paper removing) with Kathy and her loyal friends.  

Happy Sewing!

Jill

Final Stretch

Finally, the completion of the blue and white (B&W) quilt is getting near. All walking foot stitching is done. Today, I am attaching the binding.

The perfect blue fabric to complement the scappy look was found at a brick and mortar store where I take the sewing machine for its annual maintanence. Well, actually this year it was biannual (wink).  

In the past couple of weeks there was an interruption in finishing the B&W due to the need (desire) to make a toddler quilt. 

No piecing was required.  It is a long-ago retired I Spy panel in other words a 'cheater.'  I found the most perfect backing fabric which can double as I Spy as well. 

Although it will be gifted to a newborn, the toddler quilt will work as a baby gift when I meet the new little guy.  More walking foot practice was accomplished as all shapes were outlined quilted. 

Two different color threads were used as red worked well on the front and white on the back. Same brand and weight of thread used which was Gutterman 30 weight all cotton.

In order to join along with talented hand stitchers at Kathy's Quilts, I'll be hand sewing the binding down on the back of quilt.

Have a good day!

Jill

P.S. Technical glitch:  I have no idea how the different size fonts and misaligned text happened. It's best to get this posted and back to sewing!

A few stitching projects are in the works this last week of January. One of this year's goal was to quilt more and sew far sew good. 

The blue and white quilt is in the quilting stages. The decision was made to do straight line quilt with the rows one-half inch apart. First one-inch rows were stitched with a walking foot while following the walking foot guide. When all one-inch rows were completed, I went back and filled in another line in between. It is easy peasy as the walking foot fits in smack dab in the middle of the previously stitched one-inch  lines.

A few posts ago, I mentioned our flourishing winterberry bushes. When Christmas arrived and time for decorating, I was tempted to pick a few branches.

 However, I knew cold winter weather was soon approaching and the berries would be needed for bird nourishment. During a recent snow storm, a large flock of robins (at least 75)  landed in our trees and neighbors' as well. They were there for the berries. Within 90 minutes all branches were stripped bare. The berries were put to better use than for decorating purposes.

Perhaps there will be time for straight line quilting today, but not much as I'll be watching and rooting for the Detroit Lions play against the San Francisco 49ers. During the many annoying commercials, I'll be doing a simple crochet edge on charity fleece blankets. Hopefully, it will be a relaxing project while joining other stitchers at Kathy’s Quilts.

Happy Sewing!
Jill

Quilt Basting

On this cold blustery Michigan winter day, I continue hand basting a quilt top in preparation for machine quilting.  There are high hopes to finish basting today.

I use the board basting method of which there are several youtube videos on how to should you be interested.

The most recent project, a crocheted scarf, was finished in the nick of time for the way below freezing temperatures. Due to the sniffles 🤧, I haven't been out and the scarf has yet to be used. Next time when I'm bundled up, I'll take a photo.

For all those living in the northern hemisphere, please stay warm on today's Slow Sunday Stitching with Kathy! May the southern hemisphere stitchers, enjoy the warm weather!

Jill

P.S. Go Detroit Lions 🦁

Happy 2024!

 Happy 2024!  While waiting for the new year, I'll continue crocheting a scarf to coordinate with a previous knitted hat.  

With the help of a local yarn shop (LYS) a lovely coordinating merino wool was found. There was not enough hat yarn remaining to make a match. Despite having a mild December, I would like to be prepared for when the cold winds blow. The cold sharp wind doesn't feel as bitter when the neck is warm. Pattern was found on etsy and is coming along nicely once the foundation single crochet (147 stitches) was accomplished.

The recent handstitched project was completed and given in time for Christmas.  Since we are not entertaining tonight or tomorrow, it's the perfect relaxed day to join Kathy and her Slow Sunday Stitchers.  May you all have a blessed New Year!

Jill

The Sequined Skater

Today I am finishing up a handmade Christmas ornament from a vintage Bucilla kit. White sequins will be added to her muff and coat trim. Next the wool/rayon felt pieces will be stitched together then stuffed for a 3-D effect and a hanging loop added. Yeap, it's a last-minute gift which should have been finished earlier. It feels good to be back joining other Slow Stitchers at Kathy's Quilts!

May you have a Blessed Christmas!

Jill

Our Winterberry Bushes

Although I would love to pick them for Christmas decorations,

the berries will be saved for the birdies

when Michigan weather turns harsh.

Slow Sunday Stitching

The cross stitch coronation keepsake is stitched. Next is the fun part (not) on how to finish it. A beautiful purple tone-on-tone cotton (I shall call it royal purple) was purchased from my local quilt store.  I may add a second border of faux red velvet which was fortunately in my stash.  

Pattern by Helen Phillips on etsy

For Slow Sunday Stitching with Kathy, I hope to finish stitching Augusta which is where the Masters golf tournament is held. I would like to finish the azalea with silk ribbon. A few practice petals are in upper left corner.

I wish the silk ribbon was bit pinker and less rose color, yet, it'll do.  For example, the bright pink azalea that are in full bloom.  

This past week I spotted through the window and blinds the first hummingbird of the season.  A treat!  The best part is this hummer was sipping its natural food.

To all Mom's, may you have a good day!

Jill

Coronation Cross Stitch Part 2

Watching the Coronation was wonderful! I was up before the chickens to watch the ceremony and the royal procession.  

In the evening, I attended a local ice show which was awesome as well. The neon colors were almost as bright as the royal carriage.

Today, I shall be finishing up the Coronation cross stitch while joining others at Kathy’s Slow Sunday stitching link. 

The project was started last week and although not finished for my self-imposed deadline, it’s coming along. The crown will be the finale (-;

Jill

Coronation Cross Stitch

A few weeks ago I came across a wonderful quick and easy cross stitch project commemorating King Charles' coronation. Admittedly, I'm an anglophile (England admirer). After purchasing the supplies and preparing the aida cloth (prewash & press), I've finally begun this project while joining others at Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching. Oh my, less than a week to go!

Pattern by Helen Phillips, purchased on Etsy at HelenPhilippsDesigns

May this blog and friends keep me accountable on finishing it by or on May 6th!

Jill

Fall Quilt

It's time for another season change as we officially approach fall this week in North America. With that being said, I better hurry to have this quilt top made into a quilt (throw size).  The top has been done awhile, yet as with most summers, September arrived quickly. Today, while linking with other slow stitchers at Kathy's Quilts, I'll continue hand basting the three layers using the board basting method which seems to work best personally.  

Here is a full view of the top. The pattern is Hocus Pocus designed by Margot Languedoc Designs. Fabrics used are from Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree Quilts. This Moda line has been out for two-to-three years.  This pattern was the most well written and easiest that I have used. Sewing with these fabrics was delightful.  

Close up view:

At a later date I'll share photos from our fleeting summer which include a mini-stay on Lake Huron and attending the AQS Quilt Show in Grand Rapids, MI.  To those living within the British Commonwealth and my nearby Canadian neighbors, heartfelt condolences on the loss of Queen Elizabeth.

Jill

July Summer Day

Enjoyable weather to sit outside and slow stitch.  Progress is being made on Augusta and hope to finish this week. Admittedly, I'm ready to be done and begin something new. Have you every felt that the same?

American patriotic pillow is completed. Due to its narrow shape, the blue star is not as visible as it wraps around the form it loses some effect. I should not be surprised as the star is only 6 x 6 inches.  Finishing the back was quick and easy - it's called the envelope style. Opps! I did not allow enough fabric for it to wrap around properly. For a seasonal pillow, it's good enough.

After I return from a local lavender farm (last year's photo), I shall be stitching along with talented stitchers at Kathy's! Have a good week, Jill

Red White and Blue

When summer comes to Michigan, things happen fast! My lavender bloomed a bit early of which I quickly picked for drying.

🍓Local strawberries were in season. If one blinks, they ripen and are gone. They are the sweetest and juiciest berries. So much so they are not available in a grocery store as they are too delicate for shipping. For a few short couple of weeks, they can be found at farmer’s stands - if they haven’t sold out for the day. Lucky for me there is an orchard nearby that has a strawberry patch for U-Pick which is what we did. Eat while you pick is perfectly acceptable ~ in fact almost required.

Before I knew it, here in the US, Independence Day also came up fast. A patriotic pillow is in process. The front is made from scraps. Since it’s a custom size, no pillow forms were available. Thus I’m making my own. It better get finished today since the 4th of July is tomorrow.

While proceeding at my normal slow stitching pace a few stitches get added to the Augusta needlepoint round. 

For today’s Slow Sunday Stitching by Kathy, I’ll be hand stitching a homemade pillow form closed.  Take care!

Jill

Summer Stitching & Travel

Now that summer is officially getting closer, the weather is turning warm to hot.  Personally, that means working on smaller projects that are portable and light to hold in the lap.  Another needlepoint round / ornament is in the works. Since it's golf season I've chosen a golf-theme canvas.  It represents Augusta National where the Masters Tournament is held each spring. It's a beautiful course blooming with azaleas.  The green background done.  Truth be told, I was going to start this in the spring when the Masters Tournament was television, however, it was quilt retreat weekend.  Therefore, I'm switching to a different tournament to watch.

This is the week of the Canadian open which is being held in Ontario outside of Toronto. Most likely the Canadian bloggers are aware of the event. The course at St. Georges Golf and Country Club is beautiful!

Photo taken from internet

Recently we've traveled out of state and the opportunity was much appreciated after sticking close to home for almost three years.  Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC are two cities that we've never been to and  heard they are beautiful.  We found it to be true.  Savannah has lovely large homes situated on tree-lined streets.  So many parks as one walks through the City. Despite it being hot, there was always a pleasant breeze.  

Fountain in Forsyth Park

Charleston also has large OLD homes in their historic district. The streets are narrow and the houses close together. Below are two that were easy to photograph. The narrowest house that I've ever seen was easy to snap a quick pic. Note it's too narrow for a parked car.

One could peak down lanes/garden paths which are magazine worthy.

An hour from Savannah and two hours from Charleston and sort of in between the two is Hilton Head Island. We've never been and soon learned why it is a popular destination.  Miles of sandy beach. The water was warm on one's feet. Since I'm a Great Lakes kind of gal (fresh water), I couldn't bring myself to go swimming due to possible sea creatures lurking (jellyfish, stingrays).  It was enjoyable walking up & down the beach.  Other times we gazed at the Atlantic Ocean from the balcony.

These oval-shaped pools are from the sea turtles
who swim ashore in the night to lay their eggs. 
The beach is closely monitored for their protection.

Sunrise at approx 6:15 a.m.

Thank you for visiting the sites seen on vacation.

While watching the Canadian Open on Sunday and sewing with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitchers, I'll continue filling in the letters of Augusta.

Jill

If you are able to travel this year, be careful as we returned home with the sniffles despite taking precautions.