Spring has sprung.

Can you see the trees bursting forth in bud and bloom?  It's a good thing we've had rain for 5 of the last 7 days.  It's washing the pollen out of the air.

 Slowly, the sewing room is being re-assembled.  Bins of strips are now on the shelf.

I've worked my way through ironing/folding 2 bins of florals.  Now it's time to finish up 2 bins of browns.  Many of which are getting washed to freshen.  The cabinets are getting full.

While the ironing/folding process continues, I'm cutting the 14", 16" or 18" long fabric pieces in half along the fold line.  One half goes back in the stack, one half is starched and hung on the design wall to dry.

Jo Morton recommends cutting strips vertically, parallel to the selvage, for piecing small blocks in her books.  I've been waiting a long time to make some of Jo's patterns and this will help me get a jump start.  

If you happen to save your strings for stuffing dog shelter dog beds, the big W-M store carries these "ice bucket" containers in several colors.  I think mine was $5.00.

The opening is nice and wide to catch pieces coming off the cutting table.  I'm working on my second big bag of strings, which I'll hand off to a friend involved in the project.

If you're not familiar with the dog bed for dog shelter project going on, just look it up.  Some bloggers even have tutorials for assembling beds.  It's a great way to use up batting bits also.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Yard news

 On Sunday it was cool enough to burn the briar patch.

 I've been fighting this patch for 5 years now, both mowing and burning.  Yet it grows bigger every year.  So this time the tractor tiller guy will churn it up.  When I plant my corn there, hoeing will help break up those roots.  That's the current plan anyway.

 This is what 9 truck loads of alpaca manure looks like, 3 to 6 inches deep.  The garden book says 40% compost, 60% dirt required.  It should make for happy pumpkins.

Plants from the Mennonite Market.  Tomatoes already have blossoms.

Herbs from Lowes, on sale last weekend, 5 pots for $10.00.  These will go on the porch in big pots, easily accessible from the kitchen.

If you're just starting this year's garden, do try to get some alpaca manure.  It really is terrific stuff!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Mini Road Trip

Sadly it rained the whole way over during Friday's excursion to the Mennonite Market.

The roads were full of water, so I took my time and made it safely.  Can you see they've added some new greenhouses.  Of course, limited produce was available.  I picked up some spring lettuce and a few cucumbers.  Yum, delicious.

But mainly I went over to pick up my tomato and pepper plants.  They grow a nice variety.

Yes indeed I checked on the strawberry crop.  The word is they will be ready the first week of May.  Ummm, I'm thinking shortcake like my mom used to make.  Or perhaps a whipped cream strawberry sponge roll, chilled frosty cold in the fridge.  Then again, how 'bout a . . . .

hmmmm, decisions, decisions.  Spring got here just in time.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Wishing you all a happy Easter.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

What alpacas discuss when no one is around.

"Of course I told him to take just a little off the top and tidy up the sides."

 "Do you think he was listening?" "He told me I was beyond hope and needed a $40.00 conditioning treatment."

"Honey, I don't think a conditioning treatment will work at this point."

"Stuff and nonsense.  Inner beauty is what you must strive for.  Remember serene, calm, poised.  It's all in how you hold your head dears."

"Girls, girls, come check this out."

"Here comes that crazy broad, filling up her truck again."  "I wonder where she gets her hair done, it looks worse than yours Elsy."

Conclusion:  Shoveling 6 truck loads of manure in windy weather is not for the faint of heart and bound to create a bad hair day, but isn't that why they invented hats?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .