Improved Burlap Pumpkin?

Today I went to the craft stores. We are lucky, in that they are all in the same area. I go armed with coupons and stock up on supplies I use the most. One of my favorite items is quilt batting, I wait for a 40% sale and use the 20% coupon on that and get a great deal. I have a lot of tops to quilt and I want to make charity quilts, so getting batting this way, will build a stash for me;)

I was able to get moss for my pumpkins and I also found a pack of fall leaves to add to the display.
My husband but some stems that I had from an old wreath and I used those in place of the sticks.

I decided not to glue it down, so I can just throw the moss away and remove the stems for easy storage.
Hopefully the kitties won't try to eat it.

I tried different angles, but none showed off how nice they look in person. They are about 7" in diameter. You can find the tutorial to make your own at Country Quilts Blog.

Burlap Pumpkins!

If any of your follow Cheryl's blog, Country Quilts, you might have seen the wonderful tutorial that she created on her blog. It is a burlap pumpkin and it has easy instructions with photos. Of course, I cannot follow instructions, my brain isn't wired that way, lol.

I used white burlap, which seemed like a good idea, but too white, so I stained them with walnut. I have sticks that I collect and dry, and used pieces of those to make the stems. I don't have any status or toppings that I could add to mine, so for now, I just added the tie. I guess I need to hit the craft store. I didn't glue mine in yet, will wait till I get status and do it all at once. It is a fun and quick project and you can use different colored burlaps or fabrics.

Of course my camera decided to act up and the flash wouldn't work. I used an old wool yarn to tie the sides with.

Locker Hooked Rug Finished!

I finally finished my rug, last night. It seemed the closer I got to the edge, the longer it took, definitely not a quick project. I used excess scrap homespuns on this one, some thicker than others, which gives it a more prim look.

I would say, if you have arthritis, this is not an easy rug to make, especially if you work every day for two weeks, lol. These rugs are made with latch hook canvas and cotton fabrics, so it is great for areas that get used a lot, since you can wash it.

The finished size of my rug is 50" x 33". I folded it while I was working on it, so it needs to settle down, a bit. It is a great project to do if you want a rug, since you can use scraps or ugly fabrics. It does use up a lot of yardage, so buying new fabrics wouldn't be worth the cost.

I got a box of supplies from Chris of We Love Quilting. She sent me a nice book and some nicer hooks to use in my projects. Chris has a monthly giveaway, be sure to sign up, she gives away great boxes of goodies.

I tried outdoor photos and several indoor photos, and this is the best I could get.

Sunday Paddle!

Today was a bit warmer, but windy, so we got a late start on our plans. We decided to go to the town launch which is close to home and just paddle in the cove. We know how well that works for me, lol. It took me five minutes to say, heck with it, lets go out on the bay.

It was windy, but not too wavy and the paddle was easy since the wind was at our back. There were a lot of boats out today and we got to see a tug pushing a barge, out to the ocean.

We paddled down to the town beach. There was a festival going on, mini boat races and live music, so we sat and watched and enjoyed some music from the boats.

Of course I had to keep going and we started paddling down the coast, but I decided to give up at the last point. It was way too easy to paddle, we were flying in the waves with the wind pushing us and that meant, fighting it, coming back.

It took twice as long coming back, but it was a nice paddle in the waves and I just rested during the heavy gusts. The lighthouse means we are back to the breakers, wouldn't this be a fun place to live. 

It was still high tide, so I paddled close to the breakers, till we found a place in the rocks to slip through, a short cut which didn't please these guys too much, they all flew away. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Saturday Stroll!

Nothing exciting today, just a ride to the south end to check out some stores and a walk around the beach areas. I got a few fat quarters, been too long without new fabric, so had to get a quick fabric fix;)

We went to Galilee and I was curious, how it got it's name. Yes, I have lived here forever and never thought about it, lol. So, here is what I found.


The town received its name "n 1902, the story goes, Thomas Mann a fisherman from Nova Scotia who had settled here, felt the village that had sprung up with its fishing shacks should be called Galilee, after the fishing village of biblical times. One day, an old timer sat on the docks repairing his nets when a stranger called out to him, "Where am I". The answer was "Galilee". "And what is that?" the stranger asked pointing to the other side of the channel. The old timer thought for a minute, nodded his head and replied, "must be Jerusalem". And so the name of Galilee and Jerusalem have been used since to denote a most picturesque part of Rhode Island.

So, it got it's name, just because someone decided that would be it's name, lol.

It is a major fishing port, lots of boats coming and going, during the day.

And since there is a restaurant in the parking lot, the seagulls like to hang out in the area, waiting for scraps.

Coming in for a landing.

And this rock seems to be the favorite spot, the toughest gull gets to be king of the mountain.

Still Hooking!

What I thought was going to be a quick project, turned into a two week marathon. I am on the last ten rows though and hoping I can get it done tomorrow, my hands are killing me, lol.  I bought 2 yards of cheap homespun to add to the rug, and all I got was 4 rows out of it, you use a lot more fabric when you get out the outside.

As you can see, Izzy doesn't mind if it isn't finished, it is still a nice place to sleep. That is the backside, my locker hooking skills are a bit lacking, but I like the look and it will look nice in the entryway.

Prizes and Picking and Giveaway!

A few weeks ago, I won two stitcheries from This-N-That Fabrics. They also have a new giveaway going on this week, as well as a contest for autumn. All you have to do is submit an autumn quilt and you will be entered, so be sure to visit and follow their blog, they always have something new and exciting going on for their subscribers.

Here are the stitcheries I won, they are so fun and great for gift giving to quilting friends.

The patterns are from Chickadee Hollow Designs, it comes in a series that can be made as single pieces or into a larger quilt.

This one is the my favorite of the two.

The weather is changing and getting cooler, which means apple season. I love apples and eat a couple a day. We took a large bag and filled it to the brim. My son and DIL came to visit for a cookout, so I sent them home with a bag of their own.

I am on the outer edge of my locker hooked rug, so hopefully I can have it finished soon.

This photo was taken with my iPhone. I told Bill to relax and look natural, lol.

Saturday Beach Walk!

Today started out with rain, but it turned into a beautiful sunny day with a cool breeze coming off of the ocean. What better place to walk then along a long stretch of beach on our southern coastline.

There were a lot of people and no parking, but today was my lucky day and someone left a spot, as we came around the parking lot.

We had to walk through the private lots to get to the main beach area, this is the view looking down the beach.

It is a mile long stretch, and ends at a rocky point. The views are spectacular, open waters and lots of boats out today. This is a view, looking towards the Watch Hill lighthouse.

Of course I didn't stop there. We trudged further, across rocks and really smelly piles of muscles left by the seagulls. We decided to stop at this point, a perfect spot to take in the views and have a rest.

We had to turn around and go back to the beach, a long way back. I was getting tired, so we decided it would be fun to take off our shoes and walk through the water, this time. It was a lot of fun to splash in the water and cool down. I hope you had a wonderful saturday, as well.

New Creations from Freebies!

I made a stitchery and never finished it, so this was the year. I had some old fabric, that I used for the border, so something new from old stash. The design is a free pattern from Robin of Bird in the Hand Primitives. She makes wonderful prim designs and offers freebies, a new one is up this week.

On the stitchery, I used fabric markers to color in a few areas, to give it a touch of color.

I wanted to make some pumpkins to match, so I used the same fabric in a Free pattern at Crafty Avenue. They have a few nice free patterns and stitcherys, as well as, epatterns for sale. 

My pumpkins came out differently of course, my brain was all out of whack today, therefore the pumpkins are whacky;)

For the stem, I used my boucle yarn that is green and golden brown, and with two strands I twisted it into a nice stem. It is a fun pattern to play with and make up your own faces.

What was it giveaway winner!

I admit, I knew what it was, but not what type. So I looked it up and found out it is just a juvenile seagull, simple as that, lol. He had beautiful markings though and a nice wing span.

This is what he will grow up to look like. Though this guy looks a bit rough around the edges.

I used the number generator and number 9 is the winner, Carol of Firecracker Kid Primitives!
Carol, email me with your choice of an epattern or booklet. I also noticed I am close to 400 followers, guess it is almost time for a follower giveaway, so once I hit 400, I will be hosting a giveaway.

Have you made anything new for fall or Halloween? Check out This-n-That's fabric blog, they are having a contest, so check it out and get your entry in.

On Sunday it was so nice, we decide to keep driving and go to the breakers and lighthouse at Judith Point. It was a lot more crowded, and the road is narrower with all the storms, but with a jeep we were able to find a spot in the back lot.

We climbed up a hill that has beautiful views of the area and an area with benches to sit and enjoy the views.

We sat for awhile and I noticed that there was some room opening up at the lighthouse, so we headed over and was thrilled to find out that the gates were open for the coast guard house and we could go out onto the lawn and walk around.

Did you know that the Coast Guard Coordinated the evacuation from Manhattan and that it is known as one of the largest evacuations in the world's history. Here they guard the coast and rescue people who have no sense and stand on slippery rocks;)

This was such a beautiful place to just sit and watch the surfers. We won't mention that the area is surrounded by rocks, but I guess they know where they are.

                                     

And this guy was catching a nice wave. Perfect place to spend the rest of the day.

Sunday Stroll and Giveaway!

Today it was cool so we decided to go on another drive. The weather was beautiful and it was a perfect day to stroll the beaches and enjoy the larger waves.

Today I will show you a few photos and then a few more on Tuesday, when I announce a winner.

I took a lot of photos, but birds and people do not stay still for long, so I get a lot of fuzzy shots and just use the ones that come out the best and the ones, that I hope you will enjoy.

Today we went to a beach called East Matunuck Beach. The area is surrounded by salt marshes and opens to the ocean. It ends at the breach way at Galilee where the fishermen and ferries port.

We started in the middle of the beach, they have a nice new beach house and platforms to stand on, if you want to just relax and take in the view.

As we walked up the beach, the waves were crashing against the shore and the sand pipers were running back and forth to get food. They are so funny and so quick, but I got one shot that came out nicely.

We hit the breakers just as a fishing boat was coming out.

It wasn't long before another came by, I guess they start late in the afternoon.

A few minutes later, the old ferry came by. We also have a high speed ferry, but I think the ride to Block Island is part of the fun.

I saw this guy on the beach and walk towards him to get a shot, love his coloring. What do you think it is? Give me a guess and I will enter all guesses and one winner will win a free epattern or booklet. I will draw a winner at 10pm on Tuesday, so you can enter until then and I will announce it that night. 

                                       

Saturday Drive!

It was a nice day, and with a storm going by in the atlantic, it was the perfect day to go to the lighthouse and watch the waves.

These first two things are what I call, dumb things to do during a storm.

Does this look like a good way to fish?

There were lots of people sailing, perfect winds for that, but ski doing in the waves around the rocks, not my idea of smart.

But it did look fun and great way to catch some air.

Speaking of catching some air, the seagulls were loving it. 

We decided to drive to the other side of the island. The cove here is a bit quieter and a lot of divers come to explore the coves.

We walked up a path to the top of the old forts and got a beautiful view of Newport Harbor.

Then it was home for a cookout with my son. My DIL had to work, but Billy bought over photos and a CD for us, of the wedding.

Here is one of the professional photos, beautiful shot of them both.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Winners and Gourdy's Gang!

Today I finished my Gourdy's Gang. I won the pattern from Brenda of Pumpkin Patch Primitives. I won it a few years ago and I finally made it and so glad I did. It was fun and it made me smile as I worked on it.

Of course I made a few changes, such as the top pumpkin was a one eyed pumpkin and I gave it two. I also used yarn for his stem, by making a twisted cord with Boucle yarn and then stitching it onto the piece. I used a loose weave wool for the background and that enabled me to use pearl cotton for the webs and yarn for the spiders legs. When I finished the piece, I used a heavy weight fusible, then put the backing on and fused it all together, then cut both peices at once to get even edges. The fusible made it easier to cut the back with the front and held the pieces together while I did the blanket stitch on the edge. The edge was done with an over dyed pearl cotton.

I lightened the photo, so you could see the details better, so the colors are a bit brighter than they actually are.

And now onto the winners! The first right answer came from Fiona, who said it was Bill and she was right. We both laughed at your answers, some were funny when you think about it, calling Bill a whale, especially, lol. For the second winner, #20 who was Dawn. Congratulations ladies, pick any epattern that you would like and email me with your choice. For those who asked and wondered about my mermaid dog, I did not make that, it was sitting like that on the beach, well maybe not with glasses;)

Magic and Mermaids Giveaway!

Today I decided to go to the town beach to start our paddle. It is close, for residents only, in the summer, no thieves and it saves a mile of paddling to get out of the cove. It was sunny, but cooler, so perfect for paddling. 

Once out of the beach cove, we pass the island, wouldn't it be fun to live here.

I wanted to go down the bay today, so we headed straight for the bridge and this is what I was met with. Lots of roiling waves, try taking a photo in this and not hit a piling, lol.

The beach on the other side of the bridge is where we made landing. The perfect place to rest and enjoy the scenery. It was way too windy and rough to go any further, so we sat here for awhile and enjoyed a swim and a snack.

There was magic in the waters today, we even caught a glimpse of a mermaid.

And a special treat, her puppy came out and rested on the beach. The sun hurt his eyes, so I lent him my glasses.

On the way back, we came  upon some Cormorants, who as usual didn't want use too close.

The last of the flock taking off.

 And now for the giveaway. On the fourth photo, what do you think is in the water? The first right guess will win a free epattern of their choice and I will draw one name from all the entries to receive an epattern, as well. I will take guesses until 10 pm, this Wednesday night. 

Holiday Paddling!

I have been hesitant about going paddling after we got robbed, but this weekend is the perfect weather for paddling and Bill has all three days off, who knows how much longer we can get out. I decided to try our town beach. It was not crowded when we got there and we just parked in the back lot and took the boats out, at the end of the beach. It was the perfect place to go out, right on the bay and we didn't have to paddle out of the cove to get there.

We went up the bay to Rome Point, I was being good today, no long paddles. Open waters, nice breeze and rolling waves, perfect to just take our time and enjoy the day. We sat at the beach for awhile and just enjoyed the breezes. By the time we got back to the beach, the tide was so low, I would have had to walk a mile to get wet, lol.

Coming back was easier, the waves pushed us along, so we could relax and enjoy watching the sailboats. I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.