Friday Finishes!

Another slow week, I spent more time thinking about what to do, so I didn't start until later in the week.  One project I started was an old topper that my friend Kelley sent me. She made the top and I added the green edge for the border and binding. I thought the piece had a Christmas look so I can use it for the holidays.

I was going to practice my machine stitching with it, but decided I needed a simple hand project to work on while I do other things. I am using pearl cotton on this one and a simple stitch in the ditch with an X in the middle for the smaller blocks. They are 1 1/2" in size. The larger block is 4 1/2" and I am doing a stitch in the ditch around the edges, then an X and in-between that I am doing a diamond shape pattern. I thought that it would be simple enough and give it a bit of a snowflake look.

The red is a darker red and the materials are a mix of cotton and brushed cotton so it has a nice look on it's own, which means I won't be antiquing it. But you never know with me;)

 Another project I started is a Christmas piece called "Hand the Stockings", by Joann Mullay. My friend Karen has gifted me with her older patterns and I love using them, fun and quick to do. I have all the pieces ready to place and sew.

The best things in life are free!

Well almost free, seeds only cost .99 cents and it is one of the things I enjoy every day. I planted a couple of pots with Cosmos seeds and one pot is blooming with beautiful orange and yellow flowers. I love the look of the flower and you can get them in different shades and they attract butterflies. I seem to be attracting more bees, though.

The first two flowers that bloomed, came out with a yellow-orange variation. The rich colors are stunning and they are an easy flower to grow.

Yesterday, more flowers bloomed but they are more yellow and light orange shades. No variations like the first flowers, but still beautiful. The flower is real, but I made the background into an art paper on this one. I am thinking of making a border on this one and printing it out for my daughter. She likes bright and happy things for her walls.

Every day and night I have visitors hopping around my yard. Today was an older guy, sunning on the side of the yard, two older youngsters playing leap frog and a new baby bunny who is getting used to me now, so he let me take a photo of him.

And for something quilty, here is a sneak preview of the project I am working on. It is my version of an antique quilt and just the center portion. I am hand stitching it now, so hopefully I can finish it, this weekend. I also got a wood burner and plan on making my own quilt stencils, so I will try and get photos and let you know how it works out. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

And yes, there is a boo boo on it, I accidentally cut in too far on the cross appliqué, but I used it anyways;) I am using some leftover fabric from Barbara Brackman and the rest of the log strips that my friend Kelley sent me.