Oh My Garland, Christmastime

Okay, I know this is mean.  You can sing the title of the post to the tune of Clementine.  See, now it's going to be stuck in your head all day.  

I have been busy working on goodies for the one and only show I am doing this year.  A little hometown bazaar in Athena, Oregon, December 8th.

  

I have been making several types of garland.  The raggedy one looks so comforting on the tree or in greenery.  

The pine cones add a bit of a rustic or natural look. 

 And then there is the rose hip garland.  I just love it.  I have considered keeping it (so selfish I know.)  I probably won't, but it is my favorite.  Rose hips dry up so neat that next year, even though they will have a little different look, they will still be beautiful.

I am taking the week between Thanksgiving and December first as a week of peace.  I mean in the house.  I have all the autumn decor back in the totes and put away, and I'm not bringing out the Christmas decor until next weekend.  I have moved furniture and cleaned in preparation for a tree and all the fixins, but I am just enjoying the clean.

Don't worry, I will have three trees in the house by Christmas.  I will show you those in due time. 

More to come,

Until next time

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

PS. In case you were wondering, I have 256 of the 396 Cathedral Window blocks ironed and secured with a little bead which will embellish the corners where each of those 396 blocks meet. 

Happy Thanksgiving

As we gather with loved ones and stuff ourselves with delicious food, let us be truly thankful for all of our blessings.

Just to share with you - a poem from my great grandmother's scrapbook.

To you and yours, I wish every warmth, joy, and happiness.

God Bless,

LadyLocust

Please do not copy these images without permission.  This postcard dates prior to 1952 as the postage rate listed is still 1 cent.

We've Come A Long Way Baby!

As I have been preparing for the upcoming show, I have also been trying to edit my stash.  I think that's just the fancy word for cleaning, but it doesn't sound so laborious.  I came across a stack of blocks that I cut in 1989.  I can't believe I am admitting that online.

  

That was in the olden days - before rotary cutters, rulers and mats.  I just have to say, "I love my rotary cutter!"

I was able to piece it surprisingly well for as odd as the blocks seemed to be.  They were closer than I thought they would be.  Most of my corners even match.

  

I did all of this before I even really knew anything about fabric.  Some of the pieces still had the selvage.  It was 'sew' weird.  I am getting ready to sandwich it and quilt it, but so far it has turned out kinda pretty.  

This little nostalgic trip back in quilting time has made me realize just how far quilting has come and how far I have come as a quilter.  Whew.  See, reading all those books and magazines, visiting all those shops and shows, and "practicing" really pays off.  I think I just came up with my new excuse reason to stitch rather than do housework.  I am practicing my quilting so I can get really good at it.  Oh no, I am not very good yet.  Need to keep practicing.  I just can't get it quite right.  Let me try for another hour or so.  I think then I'll 'get it.'  I might need to practice some more tomorrow.  Okay, I'll stop. Quilting really has come a long way though, and I am glad to be in the company of like minded stitchers.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

  

Unstitched!

I really do love stitching.  However, unstitching? Not so much.  Yesterday, I was as much of an unstitcher as I was a stitcher.  My poor abused seam-ripper probably had sore muscles this morning.

I have been trying to get a few things made for a holiday show I will be attending.  I did everything from sewing the brim of the bonnet backwards to sewing the trim on the inside of the skirt rather than the outside.  After all was said and done, I got them done, and I think they are pretty cute. I still need to add the bonnet ribbons to finish them off.

I just love their profile.  I think I will make her a little book to hold.

I also got a boarder on a child's quilt and the back pieced and ready to go.  Even something this simple I can flub up on.  I was sewing the boarder strips together and sewed one going across the wrong diagonal. 

I just have to say, "I am now one very talented unstitcher."  Do you ever have those days - Naaa, (don't admit it, and I won't tell:)

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches (and no seam-ripping)

Settlin' In

Our somewhat abbreviated autumn is coming to a close.  Today, we are supposed to have a high of 75 degrees - Yes, I am fully aware it is November.  Mother Nature must have woke up on the wrong side of the bed.  Have no fear however, Old Man Winter is chasing her.  By Friday, we are supposed to have a chance of snow.  I didn't get on here to talk about the weather, but wanted to share with you a feeling. 

 

You know the feeling when you have been gone for a few days (or even longer,) and you walk in the door and something just flows through you.  You're home. No more getting to or from, no more clocks to measure your time, no more anything.  You set your bags down - the ones you are carrying on the inside as well. 

Go into the kitchen and put the water on, then light the fire while the water is heating - even if it is a candle.  It will warm you.  You hear the soft beginnings of a whistle beckoning you.  Watch the steam as you poor the hot water over your favorite tea in that cup that just makes all tea taste better.  Holding it cradled in two hands, you make your way to the couch.  Now pull the old quilt over you, the one with thread bare edges and faded patches - that's the one.  It somehow knows how to fold around you.  It remembers you.  It comforts you. 
 

Close your eyes and soak up every bit of that peace and calm and quiet.

This is my wish for each of you as we edge our way into what can be a very busy time of year.  There seems to be less time between those busy times any more.  As we settle into the winter months, take your peace, your calm, and your quite, just enjoy it and be well.
Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches