Last call to June

It's turned out a beautiful day with temperatures holding in the mid 20's C and a light breeze.

So here's a recap of what's been going on  here.

The stitching on this piece was completed early in 2015.  It was the last piece I was able to share with my Mom  and Dad for that matter.  Mom held up the piece and read it through taking time to study the stitching.    Now finally completed it hangs (for now) on the side of a metal bakers rack.  So as I type this blog message it is a pleasure to glance over and see it on display.

Hand stitches seem to be twisting and turning.   I'm still liking the slow stitches.

that's all folks!

all the days in between

June 30th ....really....the month has flown by.   The days in between have been productive with some finishes, some wip's  in a rotation of sorts and something new to jump in and try.

I recently discovered Row by Row Experience 2017.   It's definitely worth a look.  Check out shops in your area and go in for the free pattern row.  The row can be made up   solo and would make a great table runner or ?  Many rows joined make a beautiful quilt.   Thus far I've visited two local shops and have come away with patterns ( and of course some fabric purchases too).  There is nothing better than seeing and touching fabric...or yarn (but that's another story).

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!  Have a great weekend and enjoy!

June has arrived..

and our weather continues grey and cool.  Apparently there is hope on the horizon of warmer weather.

Meanwhile I had promised some photo updates, so here goes... the patio garden is showing a bit of color and promise...

In a previous post I mentioned the Spring mailart that I had joined.  Here is the lovely mailart I received from Joke in Holland.  It was mailed mid March and arrived in my mailbox last week.  It's had the most scenic journey!  Joke's stitching is beautiful.

A gift for my daughter for Mother's Day.

The applique parts on the tiny pieces were a challenge but it all came together. There is something special about hand work.  Slow stitches are simple pleasures.

I've waited a few years to see this iris bloom.  So nice.



On the needle, just a small piece.  The silk floss is lovely to work with.

June brings promise of more sunny days, garden plantings that might grow and summer days ahead.

.........from my garden...  fairy wishes.....

till next time

well it is still May

My best attempts of keeping up with blogging seemed to have fallen off the rail, again.
To sum up April ..... wet, cold, Happy Easter  and sad moments.   In the big picture, it's all good here.

May 7th we headed north to Alaska for a week cruise.   We had hoped to share one more cruise with my parents and maybe in some way we did.  We were blessed with sunshine and warm days.  Our time visiting Hubbard Glacier was sunny and warm.  So all the heavy clothes packed were not needed at all.

In this case a picture doesn't truly show the beauty.  The water was a beautiful turquoise blue.  The snow capped mountains amazing and the quiet ....priceless.

And we raised a glass.....

To Mom and Dad

thanks for your love and support

thanks for a lifetime of  memories 

Happy sailing in the heavens.

We will remember you

Always.

next post soon with travel shots, garden progress, sock knitting and hand stitching updates.

April showers

In recent weeks my blogging seems to have missed the mark.

Daylight savings again, spring arrived and thankfully winter has ended.  Even on the last day of winter we had morning hail/rain and snow showers.  Enough already of the white stuff!   And yes, it's back to rain for us, at least we seen green and signs of spring.

Here's a bit of what has kept me busy.....

stitched gifts sent

 


Mail art stitched and sent.  Inside pocket and outside back of the envelope.


Next up, something new for me, an embroidery SAL.   In my effort to use from stash, the redwork became blue.   The crochet edging is vintage.  My grandmother made this edging years ago.  I've a few more pieces tucked away.  It's taken all this time to find the right home to place it.  Nan would be pleased with my choice.

Socks, who would have thought that it could be done.....March 21st I cast on stitches and embarked on a journey of dropped stitches, picked them up, lots of muttering and more or less figured out the heel and gusset stuff.

 

And then things went awry  heading down to the toes......

a tad short but a finish just the same (March 31st).    I'm already thinking about knitting a pair.  This one will be my "where did I go wrong".

With my slow stitches, anything goes.    Thus far there are eight fabric blocks with applique shells and flowers.

Behind the sink....the mango seed sprouted

 

It doesn't take long to grow up and out.   There is almost daily growth.  

Out the patio door, a bit of spring.  Simple pots purchased, well worth the wait.

 

And last but not least, snow garland.  For all the snow that fell since December this was the only time we saw this garland effect.

All for now. 

finishing up

Somewhere along the way I realized that I hadn't posted what I made for the Santa Swap....

a small reversible bag  .......chocolat  inside and out.

 

hand applique/hand quilted, my efforts are are humble and heartfelt.  There is something so nice about slow stitches.  I'll never be a quilter but I'd love trying this.

Eco dyeing project.  Fabric panel sewn and carry bag made.  There were other made/bought goodies but I missed a photo.  It was a fun swap.

We're back to rain and milder temperatures on the west coast...hopefully the worst of winter is done and we can look forward to spring.

Have a good week!