Saturday, May 4, 2019

A little bit of everything and not much at all, really

A lovely welcome to my little autumnal place♥


What have I been up to this last little while?? I suppose a little bit of everything.....and not much at all, really. Oh, I have been busier than a bee, but it's just that I don't have a lot to show for all my busy-ness.

Autumn is casting it's beauty all around the place. The countryside is decorated with trees showing off their autumnal hues. Everywhere is cloaked in the gorgeousness that only Autumn can conjure up. It is as if almost overnight the trees have decided to put on their show. Before too long gust force winds that visit often these days, will strip the branches of the leaves causing them to rain down upon the ground forming a mosaic carpet underfoot. The scrunching of the leaves under one's feet is truly a magical sensation.


The Cosmos and Dahlias too, have been delighting us with more pretty colour. I suppose they must disappear sometime soon, but for now I will eke out every last bit of enjoyment, whilst I can. How pretty the flowers look with french ribbons coquettishly dancing around them whilst resting upon a bed of crisp autumnal leaves. Truly, my heart smiles....yet again♥

There has been a little building happening here, too. My husband has desired a fernery for those plants that need a little warmth and nurturing in the cooler months. For years now he has been squirrelling away windows and wood for such a project as this. He tells me he has been having the best fun.....making it up as he goes along. I call it 'Pete's Folly'.  As a gal who has always hankered after one of those conservatories that grace  Victorian and Edwardian buildings of old, this will be my own little glass sun catcher. A humble one, yes, but nevertheless a little greenhouse showcasing mismatched windows and whimsy. I am loving the progress of this little building. I am loving the mismatched windows, the peeling and cracked paint; the higgledy piggledy nature of this folly. Me thinks it might not only be used for warming up plants' toes and protecting them from Jack Frost, but it would be an excellent place in which to enjoy many an afternoon tea party.  A small afternoon tea gathering mind you, as let me make it clear this folly is a simple one. It is going to have windows all the way around so as to catch the views; the veggie patch, the garden and the paddocks and mountains in the distance.  'Tis very early days yet.....so watch this space!! I cannot wait to see it finished. In my mind's eye I am styling it already. I have mentioned to my Pete that his folly is going to be the most excellent of props. =) Of course he just did what he always does when the subject of props and styling is chatted about......he just smiled.


The Hydrangeas have been fading to shades of blue green, crimson, magenta....all in different stages of fading for their autumnal display. I love how Hydrangeas fade for months on end during the Autumn and Winter seasons.


Yes indeedy, Pete's Folly is an excellent location for a photo shoot or two. What say you??

I have been enjoying a little applique this last little while, as well. I have appliqued most of the baskets of my Buds in the Basket quilt. So I suppose with small moments of daily stitching there has been an accumulation of a lot of stitching, really.  I fashioned oodles of leaves and circle buds to be appliqued onto the baskets.





There are only three baskets to applique now and then I can join them all together. As it is Sunday tomorrow I will enjoy a little happy hand stitching, perhaps in the afternoon. I am still dithering how to border the baskets. I suppose a border of puddles of scrappy fabrics would be the way to go, but I am thinking I might just use one fabric with flowers blooming all over. Cutting  oodles and oodles of scrappy fabrics and then stitching them together is not something I really want to do, as the last couple of weeks I have been cutting and stitching tiny scraps of fabrics together on a project for one of my stitching girls. Besides, I have used a border of scrappy fabrics previously for two of my quilts and this time I might mix it up a bit.......decisions, decisions?

Anyway........'tis delightful to have you visit my little autumnal place. I hope you are all enjoying a most beautiful weekend. Sending all you lovelies a little love, swirling around and around on the wings of those blustery, autumnal winds.♥

Until the next time...............

Linking up to Kathy's, Slow Sunday Stitching.

49 comments:

  1. a little of this and a lot of that and a whole lot of nothing, i so often feel that way....but i am always having fun!!

    i have named pete's place, pete's palace and kim's "katour", i rather like that!! i wonder if he know's what he has started, that place is fabulous for displaying beautiful things, he must have known??

    your hydrangeas are gorgeous, soon ours will be filled with vibrant and colorful flowers but i do like your display!!!

    fall is my favorite time of year but right now, we are entering spring, so spring is my favorite time of year. ya feel me!! have a joy filled weekend!!!

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  2. I love the building and have been wanting one myself. Maybe at our next home.
    We have two more years here. Your baskets are so cute.

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  3. You live in a beautiful place!Your pictures have brighten up my soul although it is a sunny day here...Thoses hydrangeas are inspiring!Hugs,dear Kim,have a lovely weekend too!

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    1. I do live in a beautiful place. We are surrounded by gorgeous country views. Hydrangeas always inspire, don't they. I don't believe there is another flower that looks as beautiful in all seasons. Thank you so much for your beautiful comments, lovely Maristella. Kim Xx

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  4. Your dear Pete actually does what he wants.
    Nice that he makes something like that, it will be nice to have a cup of tea there, that is enjoyment !!
    The quilt baskets are beautiful and so many !! All your photos are really amazing, love them!♥

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    1. Hehe.....yes, sometimes my Pete gets to do something he wants. =) When he said he was going to build a fernery I was a bit ho hum...BUT....when he started pulling out all the windows and started to build I became a wee bit excited. I imagined another tin shed for the plants. How wrong I was. Believe it or not Pete rather loves the idea of taking afternoon tea in the 'conservatory'. Thank you for your sweet visit and beautiful comments, lovely Loes. Kim Xx

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    2. How wonderful, I realize that you and my love have the same name, Pete and Piet pronounce you the same.

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    3. I have a feeling, Loes, there are a lot of boys/men with the name Pete/Piet in so many different interpretations...and what a popular name it is. Kim Xx

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  5. A beautiful post Kim! I love the folly! Of course it is ideal for your photo shoots!
    Can’t wait to see how you finish your flower baskets, they look so cute in Pete’s Folly!
    Hugs,
    Barbara xx

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  6. Usually, I find it easy to visualize that our seasons are just opposite but then, like today, it was tough to realize you'er into fall/autumn when our spring is finally into swing. I so enjoyed the flowers especially the Cosmos. Can't wait to see Pete's Folly fully finished. Yes, the photographic opportunities are going to be endless as I can already see the potential with these few photos. :)

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  7. You are lucky to be getting such a fine fernery! You are correct in believing that you now have another wonderful place to take some pictures. I love the flowers arranged in bottles all around the windows. You have been busy stitching on those quilt flower basket blocks. You have a special way of making every month of the year as beautiful as can be.

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  8. I think you are having a blast of everything! It is so inspiring to see the change in scenery in your pictures and you always show that subtle change magnificently!

    Your husband's folly is a brilliant thing and just before I read further, I thought to myself - is Kim going to have a section turned as a tea parlour inside it? Which now I understand, you are - and it is the most delightful thing! I can imagine how beautiful it would be to sit there, surrounded by beautiful flowers, looking at the world around you through the windows (which is also another brilliant idea)sipping at your cup of tea, savouring the day!
    I cannot wait to see it finished!

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  9. I'm loving the idea of your mismatched fernery! And it is a great back drop for your wonderfully colour filled blocks! We have a hydrangea plant in the front garden and I agree with you how great they look even when they fade. I even love them when they are brown and crispy! Enjoy your day.

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  10. What a beautiful place and beautiful season! Pete's Folly, indeed, makes a lovely prop place and tea for two or one, however the case may be. What fun! Your quilting progress looks delightful. It makes me smile to see your handwork.

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    1. It is beautiful here and Autumn is a glorious season on the eyes. So very excited I will be able to drink in the views through the windows of the Folly, whilst I take tea. =) Thank you for your beautiful visit, lovely Rita♥ I hope you enjoy a beautiful week. Kim Xx

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  11. What a lovely post this morning (for me). My eyes thank you. Where do you live and are those apples I see on the tree?

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  12. Dear Kim, autumn is slowly but beautifully coming to your world. Your photos capture it so well! Spring is equally slowly coming into mine. It’s already May and we still have cool mornings and LOTS of rain. Too much for many of our neighbors. My gardens are slowly awaking, too. Love this time of year. Your hubby’s new “folly” will be such a fun and useful place-for you both!! My hubby is having a machine shed/woodworking shop built (too big of a project for just him). He’s including a little potting addition for me on the end. It has lot of windows, so I’m hoping to overwinter some of my hardier potted plants there instead of our garage. I’m hoping to start some seedling in early spring, too. We’ll see. The views aren’t as lovely as yours but I’m happy to have my own little outside place. Your new quilting project is so pretty, and I do believe you have LOTS to show for your all of your busy-ness, Ha! I’m looking forward to seeing how you finish it up! Happy week, dear friend! Zenda

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  13. Hello from Waco Texas!
    Your quilts are gorgeous! Enjoy your cooler weather!
    hughugs

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  14. I love love love your photography... your skills are amazing with this ... finding a way to frame nature at it's best! I look forward to seeing more on your baskets as I have been pondering a basket quilt of late and I like how yours look at the moment... such fun prints you are utilizing for your flowers... I love the dahlia's hydrangeas and cosmos... autumn to your region and your husbands skills showing themselves off too. Thanks for blogging of all your progress :D Kathi

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  15. Having just planted my cosmos seeds, I loved seeing yours. The hydrangea are so beautiful too. I love watching them drying out. I can hardly wait to see Pete’s place finished. That is something my husband has always wanted too. Enjoy your autumn.

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  16. Lovely pictures as always, and beautiful stitching projects!

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  17. I do love autumn! Such gorgeous colours and after the heat of the summer I look forward to cosy evenings by the fire (not so keen on the freezing mornings in the bathroom but hey ho!) and warming casseroles. Anyway, for the moment spring is sprung here although we had a frost this morning and had to light a fire at lunchtime but by the end of the week we should be basking in warmth! I love the folly! it is going to be superb for photo shoots and afternoon tea on those sunny but windy days. I adore hydrangeas, the colours are just amazing. Your baskets are looking beautiful. Enjoy your week. xx

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  18. Oh my word Kim, you darling Pete is as creative and clever as you are!!! The greenhouse is going to be ever so wonderful for plants, flowers, and yes, a backdrop for your fabulous projects. Your baskets are growing and filling out so nicely. What a happy place you dwell...full of LOVE!

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  19. Kim, what a beautiful display of flowers. Your husband is quite handy. The greenhouse looks like it is going to be a lot of fun for you. Having a tea party sounds perfect. Enjoy the Autumn weather and all of its beauty. Autumn is my favorite season. God Bless you and yours.
    Marilyn

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    1. Hello lovely Marilyn,The glorious hues of Autumn down here and I would imagine, way up there Spring is beginning to put on quite the show. Yes, my husband is very handy, always tinkering away in his rather large shed. =) It is another glorious sunny Autumn down here today. I imagine I will spend a bit of time in the garden and drink in those views......oh, and inspect what progress is happening on the greenhouse. Thank you for your sweet visit, lovely lady. Enjoy a fabulous Sunday. Kim Xx

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  20. Such beautiful photographs! I love the baskets hanging on the ricrac line!

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  21. So much prettiness in this post dear Kim. Love your hubbys fernery using up the old windows. How gorgeous your hydrangeas look in the window. Love all your blocks hanging up on their ric rac line !! Trust you to think of that my friend - just like a bunting. So pretty in your neck of the world no matter which season it is. Just catching up on my favourite blogs - have been absent for a few days as some internet issues (again!!) xx

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  22. Oh wow Pete's folly is going to be amazing I can't wait to see it all finished. Your creativity is inspiring I love all your work it's so pretty and those hydrangeas are lovely. Have a great week. xx

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  23. Beautiful scenery!!!! And I love your baskets! I think I have this pattern - if I would quit buying so many I would not forget where they all are! LOL.
    Flowers are beautiful and the fabric you chose for the basket flowers are just as bright and beautiful!

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  24. Hello precious Kim! Pete's Folly is WONDERFUL! Oh my goodness! Your applique is gorgeous. I love your color sense.
    Happy Fall to you! xoxoxo

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  25. Oh Kim, I do love fall when all the leaves start turning and there is a bit of a cool down after a HOT summer. Fresh apples straight from the tree, YUM! Your greenhouse looks fantastic and to have built it yourselves out of found goodies is terrific, makes it that much more special for sure. Your blocks hanging in the windows are so pretty and colorful, just love the fabrics you used and look forward to seeing how you decide how to put them all together. Hope you enjoyed a lovely day stitching away!

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  26. Kim, don't we live in an upside down world where it is spring here and autumn there?! I am looking forward to seeing more of Pete's Folly! He has done a wonderful job so far and I agree that higgledy piggledy is the ONLY way to go! Your handiwork is always a joy to my eyes. Thank you, dear friend, for sharing it all with us!

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    1. Yes, there is something rather lovely about higgledy piggledy. I love the imperfection of it. I love, love, love crackling paint and oodles of rust. Hope you are enjoying a beautiful day in your spring-filled place. It is a lovely sunny Autumn day, here today. Thank you for your beautiful visit, lovely Gina. Kim Xx

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  27. Hi Kim such beautiful pics you have taken ,your garden is amazing ,love your flowers. Wow your blocks are so pretty ,you always do such beautiful work ,well done my friend xx

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  28. hello dear Kim
    I really can't imagine why every time I visit your beautiful blog that I don't come back every week. Every time I promise myself I will,but always something or other gets in my way of visiting.
    Your pics are just gorgeous of your pretty flowers and quilts and ohhhhhh the thought of that delightful folly. I'm in love with it already Lucky kim
    until next week happy stitching
    xx jeanette ann

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    1. Hello lovely Jeannette, How delightful to have you visit. I hope all is well with you over there in Adelaide. Re the "Folly"....I know, lucky me. =) May you have a beautiful week stitching those exquisite smocking pretties. Kim Xx

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  29. Oh, I am so envious of you glass house of windows! I have been wanting one of those forever! They sell very small ones around here, but you can't go INSIDE of it like yours. I love how you are already using it for photo shoots. Just lovely with the hydrangeas. Your baskets are lovely too and look great as a banner. I just love Autumn and your pictures show just how crisp it is with the sun shining on the leaves and pretty flowers. A wonderful post, as always!

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  30. What an awesome glass house this is already - photoshoots like no other. Loving your hydrangeas.

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  31. You were busy, both of you! Lovely flowers displayed, automn is a beautiful season for colors. I'm enjoying spring here in France, flowers are blooming, love this season too!

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  32. As your hydrangeas are winding down, I've been watching the new growth and buds on mine. A wet winter means we will have lots of blooms this year! This is the season of columbine, irises, and azaleas here. We are waiting for daylilies, daisies, and butterfly weed.

    Love your rick rack clothesline!

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  33. Kim - it seems you have already made "Pete's Folly" into quite the photo studio, and it's not even finished! You have a talented and tolerant husband that would let you take over his greenhouse for extended photo shoots … A gorgeous collection of shots, as always … And I'll be waiting for my invitation to the tea party!

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  34. Oh what a lovely post! The fernery/glasshouse already looks amazing! What a beautiful place to house your tender plants (and tea-parties of course). I love your flower baskets. It is like painting with fabrics. Enjoy your day! Anna x

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  35. Hi Kim, what a great post. Pete's Folly is already making a lovely back drop. Enjoy the fall. Your basket are wonderful!

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  36. I hope you had a lovely day!Blessings!

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  37. Pete's Folly is a wonderful idea and I am so glad that he is building one. It will have the most fabulous views inside and outside. You have such a lovely collection of bottle/vases. Your baskets are growing wonderfully! Wishing a beautiful day full of flowers and stitchery!

    -Soma

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  38. Your little bit of everything is pretty darned sweet! How I envy you that wonderful Pete's Folly - and yes, it's absolutely perfect for photo ops. How lovely to have a Cherished Hubby that 'gets' you! And yes, I would love to have tea there and oh, those hydrangeas!!

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  39. Lovely post Kim, full of colour and beautiful work. Pretty hydrangeas and lots of interesting flower baskets. Pete´s Folly will be a great place to work or just enjoy, what a clever man - do you loan him out? :-))

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  40. I just discovered your blog today and have read backwards to this point - I would dearly love to see Pete's Folly when it's finished. I hope it is by this time. I don't know how to express what I feel - all I can think of is that I'm smitten by the flowery beauty that you're smitten by!! This is heaven on earth, to see your colorful fabrics and what you do with them, your beautiful photography, and to read all that you have to say. Greetings from central Pennsylvania in the USA!!!! I've never met a Tasmanian, and I'm thrilled to do so!

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    1. Hello lovely Ruth♥ To wake up this morning and read your beautiful comment has put many a smile in my day. How lovely you visited my flowery little place.....a lovely welcome to you. I am equally thrilled to meet you! Isn't it funny that you way up there in beautiful Pennsylvania should find your way to me, way down here in Tasmania. The 'smallness' of this world is sometimes fascinating. I am delighted that you too are smitten with my pretty world filled with gorgeous fabrics, flowers and so, so many other pretties. I confess I overdose on all things pretty. =) It is a joy to find a kindred spirit in you. As for Pete's Folly, he has been working on it slowly. It has been terribly cold and windy down here so it has been difficult to get to it. Fingers crossed he and me will be sipping tea in pretty teacups, surrounded by the colours of Spring in the not too distant future. I hope you are enjoying a beautiful day in your beautiful central Pennsylvania. It is a sunny day here today....so all is well with my little world. Again, thank you for your beautiful visit and kindness♥ Kim Xx

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