Churn dash is such a simple pattern . . .

I always wonder why I don't make more of them.

According to my blog post, this quilt was begun in 2012.

You can find the directions for the pattern here.

 The original color idea came from an old Country Living Magazine ad showing a kitchen.

And the quilt was folded over the back of a rocker in the far corner.

Sometimes it's the smallest spark that lights the imagination.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Quilted carrots, a new listing on the menu.

 Be sure to notice the background, in which the entire West 40 was burned in one day.  It runs the length of the side road.  More twigs and branches came down last winter than Carter has liver pills.  A big job.  I'm still working on the North 40 and will soon start the South 40.

Actually 5 carrots were made, 1 was delivered in time for the Easter picnic.

The rest will arrive in time for next year.  I hope to post some tricks and tips for you soon to assist in quicker, easier carrot assembly.  The pattern is free you know.

Thinking outside the box, this would be a great idea for a greenhouse nursery in the seed section, a whole sale food grocer, or perhaps a nursery school bulletin board.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Machines, arrrgh garummph!

This weekend's task involved paperwork.

Files were emptied and shredded, filling 4 trash bags, which were then transported to the kitchen garden.  (Garden worms love shredded paper.)  With only one more tray full of paper to go, the shredder stopped working.  The light comes on, it is not stuck in any way.  Perhaps it's worn out.

And . . . as I was cleaning up the fallen pieces, the vacuum stopped working.  I switched the plug to a different outlet, but still no go.

The hose coupling was removed to clean out the paper compacted there in.   It seems the hose has cross pieces inside and anything fine and clumped together like paper won't be able to pass through en mass.  This in turn causes the motor to overheat and it shuts down.

Thankfully, I was able to get my brand new vacuum to work sufficiently.  However, future paper shredding may have to take place on the porch so all extra pieces can be swept off for the birds.

Since it's time to start clearing leaves, at least the remaining paper can be used to start the fire.  No machines needed.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

This week's fabric prep is all about . . .

Orange!

yellow orange, red orange, pink orange, and orange orange.

I always say when choosing fabric colors, "Go for the gusto!"

Is gusto even a word?

Here's the project Dolly and I will be working on.  Carrott Table Topper Pattern

You can make one too, 'cause it's FREE.

Woo hooo, free patterns.  Just in time for Easter.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Dolly looks tired doesn't she?

We've been staying up late . . .

 Finishing.

 I chose a dark green binding for my advanced 9-patch.

 This top was begun in 2008.

It's a great pattern to use up odd pieces, prints, patterns, and colors.

I'm so glad to have a quilt that actually fits my bed.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

We had sleeting snow today,

so I put more peanut butter out.

The dish sits right outside the window and Dolly enjoys watching company fly in.

The birds show up in droves for PB fuel and fly off excitedly when they discover a peanut.  Generic brand super chunky makes for happy tweets.

Me, I'm happy when a big quilt finally comes together.  Whew.

Now for the borders, hmmmm.  It's always a conundrum deciding on width. Thankfully, I know which feather template to use.

Until then keep stitchin' . . .

A bright spot in winter.

I've been trying to get a shot of this guy for a few weeks now.

Amazingly, he sat there for several minutes today while I switched to my 300 mm lens, started adjusting the ISO, while balancing the camera on the back of the chair to decrease vibration.

Admittedly, it's not a very good picture, but I keep trying.

As with all things related to color, patience is the key.

 And diligence, let's not forget diligence.

30 years of gathering fabrics and playing with color does pay off  . . . eventually.

The goal is to have it together by Sunday, with borders and everything.

Now that's something to sing about.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .