Do you believe in miracles?

Approximately 14 years ago this quilt was assembled.

 Then taken apart and reassembled.

 Then taken apart, reassembled and partially quilted.

 Then un-quilted and re-done with some quilting being un-done/re-done yet again before finishing.

Are you confused yet?  Me too.

The main culprit was a vaguely remembered gray-black fabric by Springmaid which came out around 1990.  It deteriorated after the first washing.

Since I mix my black fabrics on purpose in Amish quilts, there was no telling which fabric it was.  Thus the re-doing.  And doing . . .

But it's finished now and thank goodness for it.  I still love it after all these years.

Until then, keep stitchin'  . . .  

The garden project, part 1.

This year's focus will be on the kitchen garden, the small plot

 My thoughtful neighbor donates his mulched leaves, which were moved away from the dirt yesterday so it can be tilled up this weekend.  In some places the leaves were over a foot high.

 I'm researching how to build a compost box that heats up enough to kill weed seeds.  Do you have any suggestions on the best method?

 Volunteer potato plants will be moved to a wire tower.

 Last year's pie pumpkins have produced this year's seedlings.

 Left in the bucket through the winter, they've decomposed down to the seeds.

 Formerly a bunny hutch made from oak pallet wood, doors were replaced with a tin panel.  Now a compost bin.

 We're going green!  Of course the pollen has arrived in droves also.

I filled the big plastic bin with water on Sunday so somebody got a porch bath this week!  It takes at least 20 gallons of sun-warmed water to get this wee pup clean.  Of course she then went out and sat in the dirt!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

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' . . .