Friday Finish!

 

As usual I am working on several projects and started a new one. Most are taking time, so I always like to have a smaller project to finish for the week. I found this design from Dearie Dolls, who seems to have disappeared from the web, but still has her blog with freebies.

I made this for the kids, so I wanted it to be fun. I am still trying to get the blue pen out, but once that is set, I will use glitter in the snowballs. It is still wet, so it looks discolored.

Last week we went for a ride and stumbled onto a ceremony at the Westerly cemetery. It was for an area that only had one grave and later it was found out that there were 172 people buried there. They had veterans from each era represented and this group did the 3 gun salute.

On the weekend we drove into Connecticut so I could get some fabric and then stopped at a park for a walk. Lots of birds along the river, most were far away or constantly moving, but I got a few decent shots.

After we drove to Eagle landing on the Connecticut river and I was surprised when I saw the nesting eagles, hanging out in the trees nearby.

The next day we went into Connecticut again to visit the fish hatchery. They have paths along the river and into fields, so a good place to walk and enjoy the birds. 

Today we went to Jamestown, a nice place for a walk and enjoy some beach time, Beans favorite. I caught this bird, hanging out on a rock. I hope everyone had a nice week and nice weather for this weekend. 

Friday Finishes and Feathered Friends!

 

Even though I do not need more decorations but I cannot resist making new things during the holidays. It is fun and a good way to fill myself with the holiday spirit. This week I finished a stitchery with a design by Kathy Schmitz. It is in her book, Stitches from the Yuletide. I was able to get a copy from our library and I copied the designs that I wanted to do.

This was a fun one, but a lot of stitching. I like making pillows since I can place them on my chest or the couch.

I also made an ornament for the kids. It came out bigger than I wanted, but Nick loved it and I do enjoy seeing the joy on his face when I give them a gift. They also got their boots tonight. Snow came early and they needed them, so they got an early present.

I also enjoyed watching the birds this week. I have been getting more birds since they have discovered the good feed is at the porch.

And with the snow, came more birds.  It was blowing so hard that I kept the porch feeder full and had visitors all day. It is nice to be able to enjoy nature in my own backyard, it is a way to relax and find joy amidst all the turmoil in the world.

Noah's Ark Banner!

After I got all of the chaos out of the way, I have been resting. I am so sore from the paddle, didn't realize I had paddled that far and when you start out tired, it is not smart to over do it, lol.

I think I got everything covered and taken care of, still need a new window for my car and I have to get another license and of course a purse to put it in. I want to thank all of you for your comments and encouragement, friends are a blessing when we have a bad day.

Yesterday I finished my ark piece, and hung it on the wall. I made it to fit above the back double doors, so it is long and narrow. I tried getting a good shot, but with it on the wall, I had the fan light in the way, and reducing it, made it hard to see the details. I used a lot of fun fabrics, some homespuns and patterns that worked well with the animals, I used them on. The design was made from patterns by Jan patek and some from Janet Bolten and a bit of my own. I also added some 3D elements to some areas, just had fun and made it up, as I went along.

Of course, you know who had to jump up on his tree to get in on the action. The quilt measures 68" x 10".

Here is a closer look at the center designs. I used jute for hay and some tools in noah's box. I had to lighten and sharpen the photos, so they look bright and cutesy, I wish I could have taken a photo outside before I hung it up. I used double backed rug tape to put it on the wall.

Cats in the Garden Quilt

I finally finished my Cats in the Garden. The original quilt is called "Six cats in the garden," by Linda Brannock. As you can see, I have four. Each one is done to represent my furry babies that have passed on and the top one is Dora. I use the brown paisley to represent my Tortie, then my big white guy and black for my beloved Black. I used a darker thread on Dora so that her face shows more than the others. I think this quilt pattern makes a great piece to memorialize your kitties.

I added a few of my own items, that kitties love to chase. I also added grass, because I placed my kitties in the wrong place, so that was an idea for a good fix it;) The quilt is hand appliqued and then I used free motion to quilt the top. The background pieces are done with meandering stitches and free form designs, and the border was done in a vine with leaves pattern.

I found a great way to draw designs onto your quilt before quilting. This is great for those of you who like to do their own designs and have a guide as you stitch. It is called a chaco liner pen by Clover. It is a chalk pen that comes out as you move the tiny wheel across the fabric. It is refillable and affordable, my new best friend for quilting.



I love how Dora's face came out. I use free motion quilting and draw the faces on with the thread. I even made a few little designs while I was doing the meandering. You can't see it, but there is a duck and a mouse hidden in the quilt;) When I get a chance, I will add tabs and hang it from a stick that I found and hang it over my entryway.