Sunset - June 2, 2020

Sunset - June 2, 2020

Monday, March 26, 2012

Whispering Weeping Willows...







This morning there is a nip in the air and the fireplace holds a warming fire...but after the record setting temperatures the last few weeks, our Spring has definitely arrived earlier than normal. The ice has completely vanished from our pond. 
Geese, ducks and even a naughty muskrat have returned to make their seasonal home. 

The house has made it through another Wisconsin northwoods winter and our snow weary eyes greet budding weeping willows with much pleasure.
Donning a cozy fleece jacket and a pair of garden clippers, I headed out to the little garden under our sunroom windows...with a warm, southern exposure, the daffodils have all ready started to bloom and a small bunch begged to be gathered for an inside bouquet.

Tucked in next to the thyme plants, a little yellow pansy turns its face to the sun..I was also pleased to see that the Siberian Wallflowers made it and the Lupine plants which were started from seeds brought back from Alaska in 2010 look very strong.Like old friends returning, it does a gardener's heart good...



Since the chilly day had gotten to me, heading to the sunny sewing room seemed a natural place to warm up...while hunting for something, look what I found - a long ago started project that echoes our own weeping willow trees that line the pond...I need to work on this!!

And this cute border pattern needs to go onto some special dishtowels.

On to the table of "Good Intentions." 

Progress has been made - the first Cherry Tree quilt border is done and the 2nd one is in the works...
And another beautiful book has been received - a gift from one of our stitching Buds - thank you, Jean! I want to try every recipe!!!

Though things appear to be on the quiet side at Taylorsoutback, there is much afoot and as the weeks unfold, I will be sharing more stories...

In the meantime...wishing you a daffodil-filled week 


 

Monday, March 12, 2012

Quilting in the Garden...

With the arrival of March, we have entered that misty zone between lingering winter and Spring's first soft notes...our weekend was glorious with temperatures in the 60's and a breeze that floated gently across the face. A perfect day for a walk with a friend who came up to visit us...
This Monday morning brings a dense fog advisory and a chill to the air - a warming fire in the great room beckons. Laundry spins in the washer and dryer down the hall and I find a moment or two to gaze at a newly arrived seed order from Renee's. Is there a bit of warm California sun inside that envelope? One can dream... 

With travel plans in the works for the approaching summer months, the garden will be somewhat limited this year. But, we couldn't go without our plantings of lettuce, carrots, peas and perhaps a cucumber or two if timed right...

Even though on the road, a gardener can still play with flowers, especially if she likes to quilt...and just when I thought it was safe to go browsing at the Crabapple Hill site again (after a self-imposed lock-out!)...well...look what those designers have come up with to tempt us. (And thanks to one of my stitching buddies, Kathy L. for getting me into trouble in the first place and who led me kicking and screaming all the way to the check out counter!)

A Gardener's Alphabet...

12 luscious patterns in this set that will work into a 64 X 73 quilt...with fabric prepped, crayons in hand and some of that lovely Cosmos embroidery floss, this will be a fun,  portable, project to take along. Coloring, stitching and gardening - all in one!

And, my first Cherry Tree border is sprouting leaves and cherries...
Let's see - what else is new? A book has arrived at Taylorsoutback...

Take a peak inside...Civil War quilt fabric history and pattern blocks to drool over...

And one last book recommendation before I sign off for now...
Mr. Outback presented me with a new Kindle for my birthday...yes, I know, I was one of those people who loudly said - Not For Me...love the feel of a book in my hands, even the fragrance of the paper pages. But then, discovered you could ENLARGE the text for eyes that are aging. What's not too love about that? So now, I love the Kindle and the second book downloaded - right after Jane Eyre, of course (my all time favorite) was The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. A magical story based on the Russian fairy tale - The Snow Maiden. This new take is a first novel and I did not want it to end. An easy read with descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness that will have you feeling every snowflake. 

Still having problems with that annoying "Word verification" on Blogger? Visit Sharon's blog for very clear instructions on how to get rid of this pesky feature. Thank you, Sharon for providing this!

All for now...have your own magical week...

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Beyond the Cherry Tree Quilt...

Drum roll, please...


So excited - all the blocks are finished...and all the rows are together and getting along quite nicely with each other - I hope! It is such a relief to be at this stage of a long-term project. Checking back, my first block was completed on November 15, 2010  (Beyond the Cherry Tree Blog for everyone's photos!) 
This is a going to be a big quilt - I had to lay the top out on the great room floor and go up to the loft, aiming over the railing with the camera...

Onto the 4 borders...that is where all the yards of vines are going and I am still adding to my bowl of cherries needing to be made. 

In between other things, I wanted to put together a quilt for a friend in Ohio who is going through some rough days with chemo. The basket blocks had been pieced a long time ago following an online tutorial by Jackie Robinson of Animas Quilts. She said we would know how to sew inset or "Y" seams at the end of 12 months and she was right! Since the baskets were in pinks and greens, I thought they would work well for a lap quilt. 

It is a good feeling to bring some comfort to someone who needs their days brightened.

And I am dreaming of green grass and Springtime and walking outside in the fresh air...just had to update the appearance of my blog and banish thoughts of snow...

Isn't Miss Henrietta a dear...a sweet birthday gift from one of my treasured stitching friends. Love the '30's green fabric - it says Spring too! The companion bag held holds little chocolate eggs...
Have a good week everyone and join me in thinking positive thoughts of Spring...

Back soon...