Civil War Quilt!

I decided I needed to start my summer quilt since it is summer and I need one.
I wanted to keep it simple, so I used the technique found at Jennifer's Blog.
I was gifted a layer cake and a jelly roll from Barbara Brackman, for her 1862 Battle Hymn Fabric. I used some as the dresses in my Davis girls and the rest is going into this quilt.

Here is some of the blocks, I was playing with them and nothing was coming to me, it just wasn't working in a way I liked.


The colors are reds, blues and browns, with shirtings as the contrasting color.

So, I gave up and then went back later and started playing again. I wanted to get an idea of what I was going to do, so I can decide what other fabrics I might need for a full design. And this is what I came up with, I love how this looks. This gave me another idea from an antique quilt I saw and liked, so I will incorporate some of that quilt into this one, so this is the start and will be the middle section.

Here is the base of my quilt, I will be working around this piece and adding a few surprises;)

Sailing Punch Needle Eyeglass Case Freebie!

I decided to make another case, this time for my sunglasses and make my own drawing. I just doodled a simple boat and some fun waves and this is what it looks like. You can reduce the size to fit a small camera or your cell phone, or make it into a pillow or wall hanging, whatever you would like. I used DMC linen, 4145, for the sails. The waves were done with a light blue floss, that was over dyed with a dark blue green.

To make the sunglass case, I sew a cotton lining to punch needle piece, front sides facing and leave the bottom open. When I sew it on the machine, I line my inner left side of the foot with the edge of the punching, so the needle sews along the side. Sometimes you catch the row, but it won't hurt anything.

Turn your piece, right side out and sew up the bottom edge by hand. Then cut a piece of wool a tiny bit larger than the front and using a blanket stitch, sew it to the edge of your front, leaving the top open.

Here is the pattern, not an exact, but  you can fix or change what you would like. It is also a bit crooked, so draw your lines first, then shift the boat to fit into your area. The drawing is done in reverse, so you can use it as it for punching. If you want to hook it or do something in appliqué, you will need to reverse it.

And, I had to show you this, nature is at it again. I found these two on my porch this morning, they stayed until noon, quite the long mating ritual;) It is a Giant Leopard Moth and I have never seen one around here. If you and your kids want to identify bugs this summer, visit Insect Identification. You can identify bugs and see photos of all types of insects.

Sunday Paddle!

Another Sunday paddle, even though I was out of energy before I started. It was a beautiful day but a bit warm for me, so I stayed at the end of the cove and enjoyed the cool breezes. I also used my waterproof camera, it is easier to carry in my pocket and I can use it while I am moving, but  I can't get zoom on it.

 There were a lot of different birds out today, sea and land varieties.

 When we got to the beach, I found a couple of these guys. I had no idea that we had squid in RI and found out that we are famous for them, I learned something new today, lol.

I thought about going out onto the bay, but that is as far as I got, the thought;)

We decided to go back into the coves since it was high tide, we could enjoy going into the inlets that are usually mud flats. This cove is home to a condominium community, beautiful place with wonderful views and a variety of song birds.

Bill finally noticed that I was not behind him.

Mini Kitty Wall Hanging!

I have been working on my civil war quilt, one more lady and the details and I can start piecing them together. Today I wanted something I could finish quick and I just happened to have a stitchery that I made and never finished. I found the design at Red Brolly's. She did a series with Brutus the cat and I made a few of them into small pieces. Be sure to visit her site, she has some wonderful freebies and tutorials and lots of wonderful patterns.

The piece is about 7 1/2" x 6". I love the green with the blue stripe, but I could not seem to get the cut straight, the material was a bit off, it wasn't me;)

Punch Needle Eye Glass Case!

I finished my eyeglass case today. I use another Laurel Burch design and reduced it to fit the size I needed. I had fun using some of my hand dyed threads. I use DMC and over dye it and see what colors I get, and these were too bright for my prims, but perfect for this. I used three strands of floss to outline the design and 6 strands to fill. The problem is, the needle for 3 strand is slightly longer, and some of the lines are so close together, that the colors got lost.

I sewed a piece of fabric to the punched piece, front sides facing. Then I turned it right side out and tucked in the open edge, that I left on the bottom and hand stitched that. Then I cut a piece of wool, in the same size and attached it with a blanket stitch. It is a fun way to make something practical with punch and custom design to fit your likes.

Now I have something to put my reading glasses in.

We had to go to Sears for a tractor belt, so I thought it was a good time to stop at Savers and see if they had any goodies. I found this prim candle shelf that I can use for display or a candle. I put it on a wall to take a photo and stuck one of my kitty collectibles on it. This is a vintage music box I found on ebay, years ago. One of those things, no one was bidding on, so I got it for a steal;)

Would you love to own a piece of folk art? Visit Babycakes and enter her new giveaway featuring artist Kim Owens.

X-Rated Walk!

Today we went for a walk at Trustom Pond. It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze.

The first trail goes around a field and into the woods, then it comes out on a point with water on both sides, it is the perfect place to exercise and relax.

The views from this point, stretch out to the ocean and Block Island. The ferry was making it's way to the island.

This area is a bird sanctuary, so the trees were filled with the sounds of birds. There are a lot of varieties, but they tend to fly out and away, before you can get a shot. This guy sat still just long enough for me to get a shot.

After we finish enjoying the view here, we walk down the path and down a long side path to another point. At this point we noticed an osprey flying by with a long stick in his mouth. He was building a nest.

He was quite proud of himself and was showing off for his wife.

Then his wife decided to get some materials for the nest and this is what she came back with. Well, kid you not, she dropped it in and he started squawking at her and I would swear he was saying, "That is all you got". LOL

This is a view of the area that they are nesting, they own their own little island. Most of it in in the water, the heavy rains have raised the water levels.

After we enjoyed watching the Opreys, we headed back down the trail towards the cars. There is a small pond on the way and I was hoping I would get to see the old snapping turtle. I was thrilled to see he was there and before I knew what happened, he was jumping on another turtle. I guess he isn't as old as I thought;) At first I thought he was hurting her, lol. He smacked down on top of her, dug his claws in and pushed her underwater. He had her down for a long time and finally he started rolling around and she pushed up to get some air. We watched them until they quit, I'd say it was at least 15 minutes, lol. What I will do for entertainment;)

I kept this photo large so you can see the details of their skin and shells. 

And what would a pond be without frogs.

It was a wonderful walk today, we saw a lot of different birds, chipmunks, and snakes. I hope you had a wonderful weekend, as well.

Prizes and Surprises!

This week I was the lucky winner of Cheryl Lynch's giveaway. I won a package of goodies that she got from market and it was filled to the brim. I got three bags, beautiful rick rack and ribbon, a pattern to make a bike bag, a ruler and as you can see, so many things that I will have a fun time using them and making some fun pieces with them. I can't wait to try the Trans web fusible for my art pieces. Be sure to visit Cheryl's blog, she has wonderful inspiration and a wonderful new book for embellishing your quilts.

This weekend my husband got me a screen house for the porch, but I think it is a giant bug catcher. I saw this guy flying around, he was interesting and weird with the long tail in back, have seen anything like it. I have never seen a bug this big.

Then I saw this one, later one. I think I found it's mama, lol. It is a Giant wasp, something I have never seen before.

And Moki is being Moki, it was humid again, today.