Friday Finish!

 

Another week zipped by and I didn't get enough done, that seems to be the norm for me, these days. But, I just go with the flow and work on things for fun and eventually I will get to organizing and redoing my room so I can get back to my quilting.

This week I started a few projects and finished one. The design is a freebie offered, by the Old Tattered Flag. I thought it would be fun to try and wish I had added something to the bottom, but it does look nicer in person than in the photo. I will be starting gifts for next year and I also have so many things, that I think I may do some online selling this year.

And I practiced some ideas I had with the masks. I was trying to shorten the sewing time and amount by putting two steps together, but it shortened the masks, so they don't fit me right. They would fit nicely with woman, that have small noses, but mine is definitely too big. 

I took Nick to the fabric store a few weeks ago. I wanted to let him pick some fabric out and he wasn't interested in any of the fun prints, he kept going for the geometrics and strange prints, so I made him some with the squares that I had in my stash.

We got out a bit, last weekend. On Saturday I wanted to take a ride around a reservoir in Connecticut. We drive by all the time, but never around the backside. My instincts were right, no place to park or stop for a shot. But, we did find a nice park on the backside that had open water views, so maybe next time we can go again and catch the eagles.

We did get a nice walk in, nice paths through woods and along the water.

And fun things on the path, as well as an old graveyard nearby.

One thing we saw on the way down was lots of farms and lots of cows. Sometimes just a ride somewhere new and seeing new sights is all I need to lift my spirits.

On Sunday we spent some time at the beach. It was cold and the tide was just going out, but we enjoyed the fresh air and found a few treasures.

And on the home front, the birds are visiting every day. I finally caught a decent shot of the Blue Jay. 

And one of the female Cardinal. The Cardinals are shy, they feed from the side feeder, so hopefully they will come to the porch someday.

Anniversary vacation!

It seems the week flies by and I didn't get to do the things I really wanted to do, but we found ways to get out and have some fun. Most of the ocean beaches are over crowded since they closed the inland lakes and ponds to swimmers, and with the heat, we tried to be on the coast when we could.

We had one day with the boys, taking them to New London Connecticut to visit Fort Trumbull. The fort was closed, but we got to explore around the grounds.

From there, we headed to Harkness park and were pleased to find it was free and we had a spot in a grassy field, facing the bird sanctuary. The boys had fun walking around the grounds and visiting the mansion's gardens.

I took a day off to visit my lyme doctor and to get a refill on my sinus medicine. Well, he said I had a sinus infection, could be why I have been feeling cruddy and put me on antibiotics and other meds I won't take. Then he said, you need a family doctor and it isn't me, so I guess I won't be going back and no idea what to do, just that I am tired of doctors who do not get, I do not like medicines and the one I need the most, they won't give me.

So I am taking the antibiotics and decided to stay away from the boys just in case and went out the next day for some exploring. We visited several parks along the back roads of Connecticut and ended up at Gay City Park.

We hiked around the trails and had some lunch in the picnic area. It is nice to have our food with us and a bathroom. Lots of old ruins from the old homestead along the trails. We will definitely go back for more hiking when it cools down.

And today we went back to Harkness and enjoyed a few walks around the bird sanctuary and sat at our camper, to enjoy the views. The main park was crowded so it was nice to have a more quiet spot to ourselves.

Here are some Ospreys that I got from the bird shelter. The bright sun makes it hard to get good shots, but it was fun to see the new ones testing their wings.

Lots of shore birds in the marshes.

And a variety of birds in the bush, as well.

And to top off our week, we came home to this. It seems Bill didn't notice the amount he paid for a case of flour. He wanted 6 bags and we got 6 cases and it is non returnable. I cannot use that much flour and I cannot afford to spend that much for flour, so I was not happy about that and thinking we will have to donate the rest to the food bank and take the loss.

I hope you all have a nice weekend, we have rain coming in, so we will stay at home and go out for short trips if it stops.

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: Part two

On Sunday we went for another Drive in Connecticut and into Massachusetts. There are so many scenic roads and old towns, you never tire of exploring. This time we went on a familiar route to revisit some places we had been to before. I was hoping to catch the foliage before it was gone, but most areas in the upper areas, was already fading away.

We started with a stop at a North Grosvenordale Pond to enjoy the views and go for a walk. The foliage was turning nicely here and watching the kayakers, makes me want to come back next year to paddle on the pond, which continues on into rivers.

We walked along the pathway and enjoyed a good hike, views of a hidden pond and found this old fireplace from a home, long forgotten.

Our destination was Southbridge, a town just below Sturbridge Village. The town was fun to explore and we enjoyed views of the dams and waterfalls around the old mills.

You can't help but see Spires from all the old churches in the area. You can't walk a block without running into one. I wish we could have gone in this Catholic church, I can imagine how beautiful it is inside.

This one was across the street, as well as a Dunkin Donuts and we were due for a coffee refill. So while Bill was getting coffee I was able to get a shot of this church. Just love the architecture of the old churches.

And while I was waiting I spotted a fun house across the street. Talk about bright colors and the birds seemed to enjoy making it their home.

As we headed down the road, I spotted this church. It was massive and this is just the front, and it had signs for no trespassing, so I couldn't walk around to the back.

Our final destination was the graveyard. I had gotten some beautiful shots last year with the foliage and I wanted to try it with my new camera. Unfortunately, the foliage had faded but it was fun walking around and looking at the gravestones.

On the way home I had planned a different route but we took so long in town, that it started to rain on the way back, so that was the end of our exploring. It was getting late and we were getting tired and hungry;)

Yesterday I went to our old town, Wickford, to take photos of the church. There was a little color, but we have not gotten full foliage here and it is spotty, so not sure if we will get a full array before it is gone. No matter what, the church grounds are always beautiful and peaceful.

Today I tried my video on the camera. Bean likes to do flips and funny things when I throw the balls, but of course he would not cooperate and it is hard to throw well, while holding a camera. I put them in the computer to view them and guess who decided to hop up and watch them, lol. Izzy heard the birds in the background, she still doesn't get that they are not in the computer. I hope you enjoyed my photos and maybe you can explore your own areas, and always fun to get lost in the backroads of america.

Friday Finishes!

This week I got an idea that I had to try. One of the things I love to do is, stop at old graveyards and photograph unique stones. For some reason this one caught my attention and I always like the designs on the stones. I was going through my files and thought, wouldn't it be fun to reproduce it in stitchery and make it a gravestone shape, so I did.

I was going to make it thinner and hang on a wall, but once I turned it inside out, I thought it made a fun pillow and I could stand it up, that way. I did the design exactly like the original stone, mistakes and all, thought that made it more fun. I was thinking I might do a booklet with gravestone designs and this would be a fun way to finish them and have grave pillows to decorate with, what do you think?

I used a darker stain on this piece, I wanted it to look like an aged stone, but my stain had a mind of it's own and kept pulling into the center when I dried it. I loved making this and will try some more and redo some designs to make them more fun for decorations and add my own touches. It will be something I can work on for next year.

Another piece I made was a mini pillow with a design by Cheri Saffiote. She was part of the Buttermilk Basin's blog hop and this piece was fun to do. I used coffee stained muslin by Moda for the background.

I also took my camera back, decided it was not smart to buy the floor model, too many dings that I hadn't noticed. They ordered me a new one and I got it in two days, so fast service. The photos today are with the new camera, taken outside since I have to buy an external flash, but I think the quality is much improved over my other camera and since it is lighter, I don't shake so much and the photos are clearer. I took it out yesterday for a practice run and this is one of the shots I took.

I Took a full photo of the boats in the harbor and cropped out these two boats. Another thing I like about this camera is it has a much higher resolution so you can take regular photos without zoom and crop out the section you want and it still looks close up. I got a Sony mirrorless camera, they come in different models so not sure which ones are good in the lower price range, this is one of their newest ones, but not the newest since that is double in price and this is just right for me. It is an early Bday present from Bill;) I am hoping we can find some nice foliage and new places to take photos tomorrow.

Happy Fourth of July Weekend!

I hope everyone had a nice weekend, though it isn't over, a lot of you are probably at the fireworks as I am writing this.

This weekend we worked around the yard and relaxed a bit. I have been wanting a fire pit, so we finally have one in the yard. I am debating on another row of stone, just enough to balance it out and then I will get some green adirondack chairs to go around it. Now all we need is some guests and a nice fire, but not it is a bit hot and a high fire hazard, so will wait till next weekend.

I also wanted to check Dani's gravesite. With all the heat and no rain, I realized her flowers would be wilting. Luckily the two main plants were ok, just needed some watering and we bought some new yellow ones to brighten it up.

It made me think of when we went to pick out sites, we got one on each side for us and I wanted to be buried in the older section. Well, when we got here, he took us to the other side and said that it was the Catholic side and I said, what? That is the silliest think I have ever heard, in this day and age, people are still religiously prejudiced, and I guess they are. So, I told him I didn't like that side, too new and no shade, so he found a spot right at the beginning of the old section, so we are right in the middle of both religions, just the way I like it;) All behind her are old stones and it is just such a serene spot.

Today was family day, we went to my SIL's home which is on the island, so we got to enjoy spending time with Bill's side of the family and all of my BIL's family, who are open and fun to be around.

She also lives on a small road by the bay, so we can walk down to the beach. Bill and Bean are enjoying the beach. But Bean is giving me the look, "Put down the camera and come play in the water with me". I did go for a nice swim and we played in the water, and Bean was also good at the party, he behaved better and sat quieter, most of the time.

Some of the guests found out that they could find clams in the mud, so they got a bag full to take home. The kids were helping them out. It was a beautiful day to be out and I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, as well.

And last but not least, my son is in Malaysia and sent me photos of Nick. It is so good to see him, but I do miss him so much.

Monday Finishes!

This weekend Bill had to work so I used the time to get caught up on my blocks from Buttermilk Basin. One block was a pumpkin and I decided to change mine to a turkey and pumpkin for Thanksgiving.

I kept the candy cane simple, but I did add some jingle bells, not sure if that is a good idea for a quilt and not sure how big the quilt will be, but I think it will be more for display than use or maybe I may end up gifting it, if I don't make a mess of it. I had fun with the mitten, added a few embellishments for fun. I am thinking about the sashings and border, maybe blue?

Here are all the blocks with the layout. I think I have some out of order, but I think this looks good, do you? The blocks are a bit larger than the original, so I will be cutting them down to size.

On the home front, I have been trying to get ready for Christmas, and with only two days left, I come down with a stomach flu, such is life. We are going to go with turkey again, that way Bill can do the cooking and I will do a few dishes, so I can get the house done and not over do it.

Ever since I was young, I have had a believe in Christmas wishes and miracles. Today I was granted two of my wishes, one was for a friend of my daughters who was coming home for Christmas and missed her flight, but today she made it home, so that made me happy. She was one of my daughter's best friends so it will be good to see her again.

The second wish was for my daughter's gravestone to be in by Christmas. Well, two days left and no word from the company. Bill called and they said it was there and ready to go in and when we got to the cemetery, the caretaker was just pulling up to pour the foundation. He told us that it will be ready to go on, Christmas Eve. What a wonderful Christmas present for us, yes Christmas wishes do happen.

I want to wish everyone A Merry Christmas and blessings to all who have followed me this past year, been there for me, during the good and bad times and lifted me up when I was low. May all your Christmas wishes come true!

A walk through the woods!

Today was another beautiful day, so we went for another walk.
This one was a good hike, through Arcadia State Forest, The trail we took was really beautiful, rolling hills, giant rocks and stone walls, in an area that was once inhabited by the early settlers.

We took a trail that led us to a fishing pond. The pond was so beautiful with the fall colors coming in.



We took the trail around the pond, which was a nice easy trail and then we crossed a little bridge where the river runs in.



On the way back we took the trail that ran along the river coming out of the pond. It was wet and rocky and hilly, so I got my workout on that path.



On the way to the pond, we passed an old graveyard. I didn't think to take a picture, so I got one on the way back. It was late afternoon and the woods were a bit darker, perfect time to catch visitors;)

Rug and Stitcheries

I was asked for a closeup and I hope this helps. The wools I am using are a mix of coat weights and some lighter weights, so it doesn't have the solid bulk of a regular braided rug which would be done in coat weights. I would love to make on just in coat weight for my living room. The wools are denser and hold up a lot better to wear and tear. Using lighter weights tend to be too soft and you get crinkles, as you can see in the photo.

As to how I learned, I didn't. LOL
I looked at books and then I just wing it. I do use the new braid aids. I had an old pair and they were clunky and a pain, so I bought a new set and love how light they are and easy to use. My original ones I did by hand, I just folded the wool as I went, something you practice until you get the hang of it, but the braid aids are easier and easier on the hands. The outer edge is a golden brown, but the camera picked up more red, so it looks a lot brighter in the picture.




I also finished a piece that I made from an old grave stone design. I will put a border on it and maybe a date, will decide after I add a border. This piece will look a lot nicer when I antique it.

Fraktur Bird Stitchery

I wanted to try this one in a stitchery.
This is another gravestone image. Not all images are scary or creepy;)
I made this one for a bird lover, so I hope she doesn't mind a crooked piece.
I have another I put onto backing, but I plan on saving it for my trip. It has two birds and lots of lines.
I also noticed there are some old graveyards in our vacation area. When I mentioned it, I got "the look" from my husband, lol.

More Stitchery Pillows

I think I am getting carried away with these stitcheries, lol.
It is helping my hand though, it still hurts, but less than before.
I may do some pennies and wool pieces next, need a break soon.

These pillows are both from Tiffany of Twigs n Sprigs.
I decided to add a border on these to make them into quilted pillows.
The one of the left is one of Tiffany's designs.



Then I decided to try another gravestone. This time I used two layers of batting, but still not the look I wanted.
I might have to try a different thread, maybe something thicker. I still have pieces to finish and two new ones I drew up, so I might take a break and do some finishing on my other quilting.

One thing I am doing differently with the designs, is that I am using my black ink pen to put the design onto the fabric.
I am using my faber castell artist pen, an older one, so it goes on black but not as heavy as the new ink does. I also ironed on a piece of freezer paper, so that I could draw the lines more smoothly. This way I just sew over the thin line and you cannot see it. Much easier than trying to get the blue chalk off and it will be great for making up pieces to take on my trip.

Grave Angels Stitchery

I was in my usual lazy mood and needed something different to stitch.
So, I looked through my files and decided to try a stitchery from an old gravestone.
I used the angels and added here and there, since the stone was worn and chipped.
Then I decided to add a date and some grave type motifs.

My idea was to give it the look of carving with depth, by using batting as I stitched.
I think it would work better if I used two layers of batting and machine stitched to get a deeper outline.
I also used my lana wool thread, it is a greenish brown shade, so nice for this piece.
I used walnut, but decided to spot a bit of the java on, to give it the greenish black aging.
Not sure if I like the extra motifs and whether it would look better with just the angels and an outline stitch?