It's time to play in the dirt.

'Taint these purdy?

The pansies were on sale for half price.  Love the orange / yellow combo.

Some of my apple trees are blooming.  I've been re-potting small  fruit trees for 5 years, 1 or 2 at a time.  My goal this spring is to get them planted in the yard." It's been very difficult determining where they're going to reside permanently.  Do I plant them in a straight line, curved line, or group.  So many decisions.

So far, I've managed to get the lilacs, hostas,  peonies, and lilies divided and re-potted.  Some time this summer, I'd like to attempt dividing the hydrangea leaves and start new plants.

Have you had any luck with that method?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

The next quilt will be warmer . . .

In tone, shade, hue . . . take your pick.

Browns, greens, blues, golds, etc.  Nice comfy shades for a couch quilt.  I pulled this project out when I found myself with 2 days off unexpectedly during the week.   About 20 blocks have been added, with 40 more to go.

Then I began pulling colors for a small table topper.  You can see the stacks on the floor, guarded by Dolly.  She takes her job as "stash protector" very seriously.

Despite the slightly colder days we've had this weekend with temps going down into the 30's at night, spring is definitely coming.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

I can see clearly now, the rain has gone.

 Well not rain exactly, but honeysuckle vines and blackberry bushes . . .

that were climbing along and invading the front fence and causing it to bend over.

Saturday's task was to cut down the BIG briar patch and remove the briar stems and honeysuckle from the fence.  Even the dead stuff, as I've discovered that honeysuckle loves nothing more than to climb and intertwine with old growth.  Glory beee what a project.

But it's done now and once it rains, I can start burning the stacks of briars and leaves on the west South 40.  Right now it's just too dry and windy.

Don't be confused when I refer to my one acre as South 40, etc. . . .by the time I get done all the raking, burning, trimming, mowing and manure hauling, it "feels" like 40 acres, in every muscle of my being.  Thank goodness for Tylenol.

 The dogwoods are blooming.

The remaining trees are really starting to pop open with buds.

This wall hanging was recently quilted, now awaiting binding.  With the advent of warmer temps, quilting season is coming to a close.  However, I am looking forward to piecing on the porch this summer.  It's my goal for May, to move the 1948 Kenmore outside and sew away.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

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' . . .