Catching up, small tasks and projects.

We've been busy as usual around here, sorting and cleaning out.  Have you missed us?

 Today I was unexpectedly off from work so the thrift store shelf, spray painted a matching blue last summer, finally went up.  The empty candle jars took a while to prepare.  First the last of the wax was simmered over warm water then emptied, cleaned with newspaper, soap and water.  Finally, I divided and sorted 2 containers of buttons, the age and styles of which go back almost 100 years.

Yesterday's task included emptying some of the 18-gallon string bin by making over 50 6-1/2" square blocks.  The total count is now just over 100 and I need 212 for a twin size top.  The project will go back in the box, as I move on to other things.

A very dear friend hand-crocheted this cotton sachet bag for me years ago when I lived in a very old, musty house.  Today I filled it with fresh lavender and it will go back in my closet.

 Even though the cold is slowly abating, as we're hitting 60+ degree days, the birds are still stopping by for peanut butter.

 This wee fella cracks me up.  He has the most amazing feet that manage to hold on to the tree no matter where he lands.

Does anyone know his name?

Do you realize that Easter is early this year, on March 27th?  Heavens to Betsy, I need to get hoppin' with spring cleaning and start work on a new project or two.  In between we'll be raking leaves and catching up on yard work.  Life in the country, the excitement never ends!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . .

Oh wait, wrong month.

 Just a light dusting so far,

 But it's still coming down

So we'll see how much accumulates. 

 Dolly has asked me to remind you to check on all of your furry ones if they're outside in wintry weather.  Hypothermia happens.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Do you remember when a carton of milk cost 2 cents?

and lunch was carried to school in a metal lunch box.

 It must have been after 4th grade that I turned mine into a sewing kit.

and tried to learn cross stitch on a little bo peep pattern.

Embroider thread, iron-on patterns, and this project have remained in the box since 1969.

It's a good thing I switched over to quilting a few years later.  LOL

 Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Cloudy day, but still . . .

Washed,

Dried,

Crinkled!

Cranston backing, maybe?  But old.  So old, it's back in style.

Have a restful weekend everyone.

Until then keep stitchin' . . .

Right place. Right Time.

Solid oak, you remember what that's like don't you?  Furniture made of real wood?  I know, it's almost extinct nowadays.  But I digress.

My current desk is made of pressed paper.  A yard sale find, but it's worked . . . sort of, for 5 years.

Stopping in at my local thrift shop, just 16 minutes before closing, I spied my new desk.  The previous owner propped up the side leaves with 6 pieces of wood and screws.  Sigh.  After a bit of wash and polish, (and removal of excess wood/screws) it's ready for a better life.

The bottom label states, "Constitution Oak".  Can anyone tell me about that brand?

It's nice to know bargains can still be found in the age of internet everything.   And some furniture is actually made from real trees with dovetail joints no less.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Wordless Wednesday

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Something I look forward to every winter is

quiet time to sew uninterrupted, while generating ideas for new projects.

I loved my last 25-patch so much, I'm planning one in a slightly different style.

Sometimes we have to disconnect, unplug, turn off the ring tone, and focus on color therapy.  It regenerates the spirit.

I even had company come visit, keeping me entertained while they fluttered at the feeders.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

My little local LQS was having a sale.

Sadly, a going out of business sale.

But at $1.00 per yard for high quality, albeit slightly aged yardage, it was a great chance to stock up on backing fabric.

It seems the colors brown, cream and black always reach out and reel me in?

Gee, I wonder why.  LOL

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .