Teddy our bear...

Teddy had a stroke this morning.  When we got him to the vet, we learned he was very anemic and although we aren't sure if that was from the bleed in his head or some other place, we ended his suffering.  He had pain his whole life, being born with a bad hip and was always anxious but when he loved you, he REALLY loved you.  I'm still reeling from all this and just am going to take some time to be with Seamus, and garden, and sew.  Hugs, Mickie

Trying new things...

I thought I would take a break from the Civil War research/sewing and try something new.  I assembled a bunch of blocks using the Missouri Star Quilt Company's tutorial for the double slice layer cake quilt.  It looked easy enough to be relaxing and since my daughter-in-law wants to learn to quilt, it might be a good beginning project.  I wanted to try it before I encouraged her to tackle it.

 I didn't use a layer cake, I wanted to use up some fabric I already had.  The photos don't really do the colors justice.  It is very VERY grey here, we've had a lot of rain and flooding (which of course is the perfect time to sew).   

These are the blocks.  I haven't pieced it together yet.  I'm trying to decide if I want to make a bed quilt or two throws out of the blocks.  Jessica had expressed some interest in this (for herself) so I'll ask her first what she wants and then go from there.

This is one of those quilts that becomes dependent on the quilting.  I would like to have something paisley-ish to cover it.  

I did like this and thought it was a lot of fun to make plus super easy.  Two thumbs up for a great tutorial!

Puppy Love....

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

seed gifts...

Years ago, my friend Molly gave me a packet of seeds for rudbeckia.  I've been amazed at the variations that have emerged through the years:

The traditional single:

The Irish eyes with a green center:

 The single with chocolate in the center:

 And the multiple petaled version: 

Somehow, these variations developed through time on their own.  I would love to say the birds brought the seeds to our garden, but the truth is, many of these variations aren't anywhere in the neighborhood (yes, I've checked while walking the dog).  Isn't it wonderful how gardening can reaffirm our sense of wonder?

June Greetings!

I've been really busy the last few months.  I'm taking July and August off.   I'm hoping to get more sewing done!!  In the meantime, I am so enjoying my garden this year.

 The weather has been astonishing and the dogs and I have been living outside.  After a long hard winter, we really appreciate the garden!  

Below is a new vintage piece I just purchased.  It was a kit from the Clark's company and I think it is adorable.  It will be part of my Storytime Stitches program:

 Close up: 

\Hope you will frolic a bit this summer too!

Flag Day, 2014

Happy Flag Day!!!

June Report...

The last of the planting of this year's garden was completed on Sunday.  Just in time for a nice rainy week to help everything settle...

I've also been busy this month with programs at local guilds.  Things won't slow down until July but it's so gratifying that the business is picking up.  I'm hoping to get some sewing completed in July and August before I have to hit the road again but for now, I'm just enjoying the garden and taking time to smell the roses...Hope you are enjoying the Spring too! 

Bubble boys...

Seamus and Miles on Memorial Day: