Friday Finish!

 

With the holiday, I was too busy on the weekend to do any crafting and then cleaning up and catching up, after the holiday. I cannot stand just sitting and watching tv at night, I have to have something to keep my. hands busy, so I worked up a simple project.

The design is from Kelley Belfast's sunflower and cat design, that I did before, but I separated and made two small pieces for lavender pillows. I have to store a lot of things, so I can always use them in my stash to keep it fresh smelling.

The holiday also means, 4 birthdays. The kids took Bill out for his night and then we took them all to Newport, to enjoy a day at the park. The boys flew kites and explored the ruins from an old mansion, as well as some time on the small beach area.

Afterwards we headed to Fort Adams and walked along the path by the water, to the forts.

For Memorial Day, they had Boots on the Ground and free admission to the fort. 

This is the main area, with each surrounding state, represented. 

Another area was just for Rhode Island and we visited Bill's Second Cousin who died during a flood. It was a wonderful day with the family and a wonderful way to honor those who gave up their lives to protect us.

I hope you all had a nice week and fun plans for the weekend. 

Working on!

 

This week went by, way too quick. Lots of plans and as usual, only a few things got done. I have several projects I am working on and a quilt I got ready to hand quilt. We will be leaving our RV at a camp next month, so we will be able to spend days there and overnights when we feel like it. It will be easier since Bill doesn't have to drive around and he can relax, and I can get out and bike and paddle, right from our site.

One of the projects I started is a new painting. I wanted something simple and a change to try a pattern from a painting site. It will be a nice summer piece, but the instructions are written with a small photo of the finished piece. I am just looking at the photo and trying to copy it and some of my old skills are coming back to me. The pattern was smaller than my canvas, so I added more water and I will paint in some whale parts.

We got a chance to enjoy some time at the beach. My happy place.

And a few beach finds. This week the tide was high in the afternoon, but the waves threw up a few nice pieces.

And on another beach at the southern coast, I went for some photos of birds, but no luck. As I walked back to the truck, an Osprey flew overhead, carrying a fish. We followed it to the area that I had seen a nest and found him in the nearby marsh. It was a beautiful area with a lot of birds, and across from the fishing fleet, so we will definitely go back for the day.

I hope everyone had a nice week and can enjoy getting out this weekend.

Friday Finish and Fun!

 

It seems this week flew by, but we did have an extra day off, so it meant we were out and about. I am working on a new stitchery and I was able to make a few new masks. My son is using the store bought type that have no protection so I made him some box masks to try. When I went to the store to get more flag fabric, I couldn't resist getting a little for the boys. Nick loves bright colors and glitter and the dots you see are bit of glitter. I also used ribbon with glitter in it. I also tried one With a Christmas print, that I have,  I will have to fussy cut to show off more of the fun designs.

On Sunday we took the boys to Fort Getty. It is the perfect place to spend the day with them. We park in the campground area so the boys have plenty of space to play and water views on both sides.

And the beach is there, so they spent time playing and Nick has become quite the glass hunter. Not sure what he will do with it, but he told me he needs a lot to make something. Alex is just happy playing and running around.

On Sunday we went back to Machimoodus park, I wanted to hike the trail we missed. It was a beautiful place to hike and the views from the top of the hill were stunning, but too many trees in the way to get a clear shot of the river and the foliage along the banks from the upper hill.

We also went back to Fort Getty when Bill got home, a little glass collecting and stunning sunsets. 

With another day off, we decided to head to Devil's Hopyard to see the falls. They weren't running as heavy as they usually do, but still beautiful. It was also sprinkling on and off all day so between that and the crowds, we only stayed for a quick walk along the path.

From there we headed to Eagle Landing. There is a coffee shop on the other side of the river and a nice place to sit and relax.

We didn't see any eagles, but this Northern Mockingbird stopped by to say hi and get his photo taken. It as drizzling again and the main storm was getting closer, so we headed home before it hit. It was definitely a busy week of exploring and it is time to do it all over again. I definitely need more time in the day, or I will never get anything done at home. I hope this finds you all well.

Friday Finishes!

This week I worked on Three pieces, two I finished. I made another snowman pillow, but I will add the borders and finish them, and show them next week. Today I was too lazy to sit at the machine or think too much.

On the Facebook group, Quilts by Cheri, they are having a challenge contest with two designs, that we could do. I decided to go with the bee piece, I like the look and I was able to reduce it, to make a little lavender, sachet pillow.

I added some touches of color, but I got impatient and added the black marker before the yellow dried, so it ran a bit on the bee.

Another design is by Kathy Schmitz for her One Stitch Club. I enjoy getting one each month, something to look forward to. This one was reduced, as well and I colored this one with colored pencil. It is not as permanent as the markers, but I don't plan on washing it.

Tomorrow we have a warm weekend, so I plan on getting out and trying some new places in the hunt for eagles. Someday I will find them, lol. The fun is in exploring and trying new places. This area  is at a fish hatchery with walks along the river. I was hoping to take the boys, but they are still fighting off the flu. For me, getting out and getting fresh air is the best medicine.

Last weekend we never found any eagles, but enjoyed exploring and I finally stopped at a cemetery, that we pass all the time. From the road I didn't see much, but so glad I went in and found some wonderful old stones. Most of the stones were worn and broken, which is a shame, they did have some nice angel carvings, so I was able to find a few new ideas for future designs.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Weekend Wanderings Giveaway!

We had a beautiful weekend and even though I am still dragging, I had to get out and enjoy it. For saturday we went to Bluff Point Connecticut. It was warm but cooler near the ocean with the breezes so  hiking to the bluff was the perfect place to go.

I love walks where the paths are wide and you have views of the water, most of the way. It is so calming and a great way to boost my spirit. At the end of the trail, there are the bluffs where you can look out at the ocean and see all the way to the islands off of New York.

The afternoon got warmer and there are no trees at the point, so we headed back and sat at the picnic area under the trees. A great place to cool down and enjoy people watching.

Sunday was even hotter, so I decided it was a good day for the bay. We started in the cove but went straight out to the bay and headed down the coast. I left the house tired, but once I got out on the water, I wanted to keep going, I love being on the water.

Since the tide was still high, we went to a cove and paddled around the perimeter. It was calmer in the cove and a good way to relax after paddling in the waves and against the wind. I always love seeing the old mill, they are condominiums now but they still have their historic charm.

In the middle of that area, there is a group of patriotic birds.

Another cove comes to the sanctuary where we go for walks, so no homes past this point. A touch of fall is just beginning in the areas closest to the sea.

We ended out trip at the outer cove. I went in to the waist, too cold to jump in;) It is a nice place to walk around and see what interesting things are hidden in the sea.

And now for the giveaway! I tried taking a photo when we were at Bluff Point and this guy ducked under, just as I hit the shutter. What do you think it is? You don't have to be right, all comments will be entered. The winner will receive any one of my epatterns, of their choice. I will pick a winner on Friday night and announce it, that night.

The Boatman Punch Needle!

I finally finished my new piece and I hope you like it, as much as I do.  I adapted this new design from an antique quilt. I love the designs on the quilt and am hoping to do more in the same line. I used a variety of flosses and techniques which are in the pattern. The new pattern is in a pdf file, so you will get the colors if you would like to do yours in the same way.

This piece is 6" x 5 1/2" and I finished it off with a larger piece of jute rope to keep with the nautical theme. This weekend I need to get busy making a ring pillow for my DIL, I finally decided what to do and that is hand stitch it, since I have no idea how to use my embroidery machine and size things, so I will be very busy stitching since it needs to be done by next weekend.

The pattern includes the design and a photo of my finished piece, the border is not included in the design. I think it would look wonderful with a quilted style border, maybe flying geese.

Happy Fourth of July!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe fourth tomorrow. I have been working on my projects, a bit slow this week. I hand stitched my table topper, but my hands were too sore to finish the binding tonight. My husband finally finished the front of the house, all we have left is to stain the porch front. I treated myself to a new decoration this week. I saw this ladder and loved it, and I received a coupon from the store for 30% off one item, so I had to go back and get it;) Now we need to make a prim bench to put on the side.

The flag is aged, but the photo lightened everything up.

Davis's Girls Progress!

Today I pieced the middle three blocks together and then I was able to add the butterflies and birds.
On the original, they are left plain, but I might do some simple stitching in them, later, we shall see.

The original has orange butterflies, so I used some of my hand dyed wool that is more of an orange red.
The tree pattern was done by folding the fabric in half and then cutting them out, I think mine came out a bit too thick. Three more ladies to go, then I can start adding the sashing.

The pattern is from the book, "Civil War Woman", by Barbara Brackman.

Yesterday we were able to get out for a walk, before the rains came. The swans were out, but no babies yet.

Fabric choices and Giveaway Prizes!

Last week I went to the quilt stores to find something that matched the blue and white that would match what is in the Jefferson Davis's Daughter quilt, by Barbara Brackman, that I am working on. Of course there was nothing like it or in the shades I wanted, so this is what I found. The darker blue will be the sashing, it seems a lot brighter in the photo. The reproduction border fabric is from the abe lincoln collection, that is all I remember.

What do you think of these fabrics? I am finishing up the second tree and then I can sew the middle section together and add the rest of the appliqués.

I also won a few wonderful giveaways this month. Deborah O'Hare has a wonderful blog, actually two and I have been following her for over a year, her pieces inspire me to create my own art pieces. I won the book, Seaside Home, and I love it. It has a lot of patterns to make things for the home, or summer cottage.

This is Deborah's pattern, I plan on making it and changing it a little by adding inspirational words to the stones. Deborah has done that in one of her patterns and she said it was ok, if I used her idea in my piece.

I also participated in the 100 blocks, blog hop and I did win a copy from Nancy at One Stitch at a Time, I also won a free pattern from Cyndi of Carter Creek Quilts. It is a wonderful pattern and will look beautiful in a lot of different colors and fabrics. 

I was finally able to get out for a paddle, a nice way to spend Mother's Day. It was a beautify day and there were so many wonderful birds out, and I didn't have my good camera with the zoom. I had to use my waterproof camera, so this is the best I could get from the photos I took. I need to find a larger, waterproof case for my  new camera.

This is my bow, as usual, it got windy and I had to paddle against the wind, most of the day. I also had a tetanus shot friday, so you could say, it wasn't an easy paddle, but well worth it;)

Davis' Daughter Block Two!

I finished another block, only 4 more lady blocks and one for the middle section, guess I better work faster;) I am staying with the red and blue, mixed with tans and creams, so the dresses will be red, blue and brown shades. The next one will be in the brown family and I am using Barbara Brackman's 1862 Battle Hymn for the dresses and plan on using it for the border, if i can find some in the stores. I do like the look of the original pattern with blue and tans for the sashing and border prints.

I gave this lady, lighter hair and the green is a lighter shade. I am trying to keep them similar with a little bit of change, to mix it  up. I added an eye to this one, which I will do with all of them and I am thinking of adding laces to the boots.

Davis' Daughter Block!

I finally finished my first block. This is for a quilt called Jeff Davis's Daughter by Barbara Brackman, from her Civil War Woman Book. I think it will be perfect to hang for the summer and makes a nice americana theme. As usual my pieces are a bit cock eyed, but it lends to the prim charm, lol. I am also using wools for some pieces, makes it easier than all needle turn. The dress is made with Barbara's new fabric line, 1862 Battle Hymn. I plan on doing all the dresses with her fabric, using the blues and browns, along with the  red.

Tomorrow I plan on going to our local quilt show, if nothing goes wrong, so I will try and get lots of photos of the quilts.

Want a fun free pattern to make, especially the cat lovers? Go to Create and Decorate and check out their newest free project, Blue Skies Ahead.

I lightened it up so you could see some of the texture in the wools I used.

Patriotic Flag!

I finally finished my flag today and not real thrilled with it.
I had an idea and changed it and now I think I will make another with the original idea.

I hung it on the wall with rug tape, for now, but I plan on making a hanger for it.
It does look nice and prim on the wall, of course I cannot get a photo that shows the prim look it really has.
I like how it looks on the wall, but not how it looks in the photo.
I can't wait to get my new camera, hopefully I can get better shots then.

Tonight i played with watercolor pencils. I colored in a pattern with the pencils, then used light amounts of water to spread the paint. I am not sure now, whether I should practice some machine stitching with it, or hand stitch around it, we shall see what I decide;)

This is my own design, I am practicing making patterns for sewing, that can also be used to punch or rug hook.



Here is another view, the kitchen has better light, but tends to make the colors pop.
It might be easier to see some of the details on this one. It is all hand stitched and I did some stars on the upper half.

Fourth of July Special!

I am still working on my flag, might actually get it done tomorrow, lol.
Today I found a dead bird in my trailer and the mess it left all over the place.
So, it is going to cost to restore it, from that and the mouse damage, but at least it is cheaper than buying a new one.
No camping this year, we will have to clean it out, throw some stuff away and then fix it back up for next year.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday weekend and for a special, I am offering........
Buy one pattern and get two of equal or lesser value, great way to get patterns for the upcoming holidays at a fraction of the cost! The special runs until midnight tomorrow, July 4th. Buy one pattern and let me know what two patterns you would like for free, in the comment section. You can see all my epatterns at my ECRATER SITE.

Mini Pieces!

Since we were so busy having fun outside, I didn't get a lot of sewing done.
So, I made some mini pieces to work on, while we watched tv.

This mini quilt is 6 1/2" x 5". I made it from one of my cat designs, with a saying on this one.
I love to make the mini ones, they work up quick and fun to do. I have a mini hanger to put it on, now i need to find some mini clothespins. I also need to pull out the corner binding and redo that, it is a bit off and an easy fix.



This pillow is made with a Free Primitive Blessings design. I colored it in with art markers and then stitched around the designs.
Something fun and quick for the holidays. I also have a new flag piece with an eagle that I am working on, so hopefully I will finish that this week.

Fabric Stars and Kitty Stars!

Today I worked on my braided quilt, but got tired of sitting on the machine and decided to make some stars.
I made up a little display with my pillows and stars and added my patriotic mouse that I won from Joyce at RagPatch. The pillows and Patriotic punch needle doll, are made from Primitive Blessing's Designs. I think I need a patriotic mat for underneath.



And the star of the day is Moki, he is just too cute and sweet;)

New Welcome Quilt!

I finished my quilt yesterday and today I antiqued it, so all done.
I made this one to go at my entryway, to replace my bird piece.
I cropped the quilt, since I stuck it up quick for a photo, it looks distorted;)

This quilt is a design by Cheri Saffiote for the new magazine, Primitive Quilts and Projects Magazine. I decided to do this one first since it was perfect to put on the wall for the spring and summer season. This is one magazine that I didn't say, I will make this one day, I want to make a few now, lots of wonderful projects. Cheri does a lot of wonderful primitive patterns, so if you have never seen her patterns, visit Quilts by Cheri and you won't be disappointed.

Today I started a new quilt, a new one for my bed. I did not make my last one, large enough, so hoping this will fit better.
I am attempting a braided design, so once I get a few rows done, I will show you my progress.

As for my last posting.... I was a writer for a while, I wrote a weekly column for kid's science and medicine. I also wrote trivia questions for an educational site, a game site and a review for a Mac gaming site. I haven't written in ages, except for my blog, so I have gotten lazy with my writing;) There is always beach glass, but mostly from kids and people who don't care about our environment, not enough wave action on the bay to get smooth glass, unless it has been laying there for years.

Liberty Punch Needle

I guess the saying, better late than never, applies to this piece, lol.
I planned on finishing it before July, but I got distracted with other things.
Today I finally finished it off. It is a design from Primitive Blessings.
I did the hair in a higher height, to make it more funky.



I made this piece, because I needed something to match my other two pieces. The wall hanging and angel are both made from designs I got from Primitive Blessings. The wooden angel is something I carved and painted, years ago.

My husband is finally getting the wainscoting into the dining and living area. Once he is done, the wall things come down so we can patch up holes and repaint the upper halfs. Then I will redo my walls again;)

Prizes and New Stitchery

I entered a contest a week ago and was surprised when I actually won.
The contest was sponsored by Baby Cakes ... Merry Whatever and consisted of five prizes, I got two today. The really neat folk art ornament is done by Kim Owens of Folk Art From The Heart. She does the most wonderful folk art pieces. The second prize is from Lisa of Skunk Hollow Country Store, a pair of wonderful stitched pillows for Halloween. As you can see the theme was holidays, so I will be getting gifts from different holidays, what fun.



Today I finished another stitchery. This is another design by Twigs n Sprigs, so if you like the pieces I have been making, be sure to visit Tiffany's site and check out all of the wonderful designs that you can make. I decided to try a little of my own hand stitchery on the border, what do you think? I also learned something new on this piece. I ran out of the cheap acrylic batting, which is what I was using on my pieces and started using the nice cotton one. What I learned is, when you use walnut spray, it comes out differently with cotton batting. On acrylic it soaks in and stays, so I have to spray heavier. But on the cotton, as it dried it left really dark spots, so I had to wash it down and do a lighter spray so you could see the design. Something to consider when using walnut spray, different battings will react differently to the stain.

Americana Stitcheries

Summer isn't too far away, so I thought it would be fun to do some patriotic pieces.
Both pieces are designs by Tiffany of Twigs N Sprigs. I decided to reduce them and make smaller pieces.
I think they will be great for gifts, though I do love them myself;)

This one was fun and I think it would be fun to do in colors too.
The blue marks are from my chalk pencil, that comes off when I wet them.
I also used a darker tea stain, more like a coffee color, so it gives it an aged look without using walnut spray.



I love the primitive angels, they make wonderful pieces and are so fun to work in any medium.
I used fabrics that my friend Kelley sent me, so I cannot tell you what maker they are from. They were perfect for these pieces.