Sunday, May 31, 2020

So.....that was Autumn


A lovely welcome to you on this Sunday morning♥ The calender reveals to me it is the last day of autumn. It is a rather chilly morning reminding me that the imminent arrival of Old Man Winter is nigh. This autumn was a rather memorable season in many ways. First and foremost because we have been locked down in our homes for most of it, and it is only now that the restrictions are beginning to slowly ease. Day after day has melded seamlessly into the other and though each day has silently recorded the  change of the season, there has been no gadding about the countryside to drink in the beauty of the landscape's changes as would normally be enjoyed. On a smaller scale I have watched the beautiful but subtle changes in the garden, slowly preparing for a long winter; but it has been strange not to experience the delights the autumnal Tassie countryside offers on a grand scale.

Autumn was witness to Easter, Mother's Day and for us a birthday of great note; which were all celebrated within the confines of my humble abode. Again, 'twas rather strange because for these occasions we would normally venture out to celebrate, making the most of these special days, and for the BIG birthday there were many plans to celebrate in grand style but alas.....it was not to be.

In the garden March and April showcased the dahlias, though now, in one fell swoop Jack Frost has burnt them, leaving behind a mass of lifeless, organic matter. The cosmos were wonderful, but they too, have succumbed to Jack Frost. Their seeds have dispersed from the pods, settling down into the brown earth until next spring, when once again nature will miraculously germinate the seeds and begin the cycle yet again. The hydrangeas are past their best but before Jack Frost's icy fingers touched these as well, I picked bunches to bring inside to dry, and in the process changing into fabulous autumnal hues as only hydrangeas can do. 'Tis no secret I  think there is no more long lasting and beautiful flower than  these mop-head beauties.

 As I am not a social butterfly I have rather relished all the time that has been spent in my home this autumn.  I have been stitching my Sweet Sunday quilt dancing with Liberty fabrics.  Day after day has been enjoyed, pleasantly hand stitching this quilt. Notwithstanding the human drama and tragedy  unfolding all over the world, I have sought beauty in the little things. Enjoying those everyday occurrences. The quiet times with my Heavenly Father, a pretty flower in the garden, sweet bunnies hiding in teacups, a little book reading, a tree changing it's green frock to a concoction zinging with gorgeous burnished tones, the paper-like falling leaves dancing on the wind; delighting in the gift of pyjamas overspilling with  hydrangeas (who would've thought that down here at the bottom of the world there could be pjs with such a delicious print)........so, so many wonders that I delighted in, day after day after day. So much of this autumn was enjoyed looking at, touching and stitching scrumptious Liberty prints. Day after day the enjoyment of gazing upon and stitching these gorgeous Liberty fabrics, caused me to be thankful that the slow hand stitching of something pretty helps me to reflect upon the positive, the lovely, the beautiful.....thankful for all those small blessings that come my way.

Let us retrace my days of the gloriously hued season that is called autumn......shall we.





I have enjoyed hand quilting my Sweet Sunday quilt this week. Simple hand quilting around the perimeter of each hexie is what I decided upon. Elementary I know, but I am loving the simplicity of this as some of the hexies are quite busy. I am rather loving the back as well. The plain blue shows the simple hexie shape perfectly......oh....and I am happy with the quilting. I must say I am even smiling at those disobedient stitches that will not march behind the others in a straight line. I am happy-ish that they wander off. Try as I might to corral them and cajole them to march  one, two, one, two, in sync with the others, I know they won't. Oh wait........is that the dulcet tones of Doris Day singing Que Sera Sera I can faintly hear wafting in the distance???? There you go......what will be, will be. =)




So.....that was my autumn. A season that flew by quicker than quick. Let us hope that winter flies by with an even greater velocity of speed. I have an inkling, though, that it won't. So not a fan of Old Man Winter and his trusty sidekick, Jack Frost. Let's just say I won't be putting out the welcome mat for the pair of them at my bright pink door. Thank you so much for popping by and catching a 'few' glimpses of autumn here at my little place. It is my wish that in some small way I have sprinkled a little beauty to your day, even perhaps quieten  the noise and chaos of this world in which we live......if only for a little while. Thank you for the gift of your visit, you always make me smile This afternoon I am going to join that little band of lovelies all around the world, pick up my needle and thread and delight in a little Slow Sunday Stitching, a little hand quilting on my Sweet Sunday pretty.


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


Linking up to Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching


66 comments:

  1. Hi,my friend!Gorgeous flowers,adorable bunnies and fabulous teacups!Your posts always make me happy!That darling card is so sweet...Your fabulous quilt is feast to the eyes!Hugs and blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'Tis always a joy when you visit my little place, Maristella....thank you so much❣ Kim Xx

      Delete
  2. Your autumn flowers look bright and pretty. The oranges, golden leaves with greenery reflecting on your pond is a gorgeous fall view. A few starter cosmo plants have found their way into my small garden as they do each year if I get to the nursery in time. At the end of our summer they draw migrating Monarch butterflies. Hexies are made for outline quilting. It does double duty as it highlights the fabric and its 6-sided shape. The change to cozy season may allow for more quilting time!

    ReplyDelete
  3. So many pretty images - I so love visiting you here as it is always so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jayne for popping by and gifting me with your lovely comment. I hope you are enjoying your wintry Sunday. No doubt you will be spending some moments enjoying some knitting. Kim Xx

      Delete
  4. Hi Kim
    How wonderful to get up Sunday morning and read your blog. Thank you for the lovely cheerful photos. Love your hand quilting how do you manage to get the back looking so good.
    Hope you have a wonderful week.
    Best wishes Kay cXX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your beautiful comments, Kay. I have surprised myself with the quilting on the back of my quilt. The stitches are looking presentable enough. =) It is always a joy to beam cheerful photos up to you on a Sunday morning. Have a beautiful week, lovely Kay. Kim Xx

      Delete
  5. As always Kim your photo's are a feast for the eyes beautiful flowers, your garden is lovely mine is just waking, the first rose opened yesterday with lots more buds ready to burst open probably today, I too am not a social butterfly and quite enjoy pottering about in my own little world, we crafty people are so lucky as we can always find something to fill our time. Have a lovely day.xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. A beautiful autumn full of flowers and quilts, Kim. The pictures are gorgeous and I'm jealous of your cosmos ( I try many time to have some...).
    Here, it's Spring and Summer is coming...I hope with more liberty and less covid-19...
    Have a shinny week !
    Hug
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your photos are absolutely stunning as is your hand quilting; so neat and tidy :) I imagined your autumn and winter would be very mild being so close to Australia. I have a penfriend of almost 40 years in NZ. We've had a very hot and sunny spring going into our summer; to hot really. We've had no rain for weeks now. Restrictions are slowly easing here too, but the sunny days are bringing the 'out of towners' flocking to our town, beaches and promenade; so us locals stay home. Take care and enjoy your Slow Sunday Stitching. Best, Jane x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tassie is a state of Australia but as we are a small island and lower than mainland Australia we have a mild to cold (I think very cold) climate; though in summer the temperatures can reach 30 degreesC. We are just a hop, skip and jump away from Antartica. =) I am sad that you are not able to enjoy getting out and enjoy your beaches and promenade because of the 'out of towners'. I suppose people have been in lockdown for months that all they want to do is to escape and head for the beaches. Thank you for your lovely visit to my little place, Jane, and for your kind comments. You take care, too. May you enjoy a safe and pleasant week. Kim Xx

      Delete
  8. I'm like you and not fond of winter but unfortunately while you are hoping for your winter to speed along, it's my summer and I'm hoping to enjoy it. Winter does overstay it's welcome no matter where you live. I've made several hexie projects and that is how I quilted them, inside the seam lines. Have a lovely week of stitching!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beautiful post as always Kim. Like you, but unlike you if you get my drift I have been enjoying more time to appreciate spring unfolding in our garden, watching everything green up and appreciateing each flowr as it unfolds. Your quilting looks great - nothing nicer than hand quilting. xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love your pictures - they brighten my day. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Judy. I am delighted I have brightened your day. Kim Xx

      Delete
  11. A beautiful autumn in your corner of the world! The gardens, the quilt, those pjs (!). It certainly has been different, to say the least. A couple of big birthdays have also slipped by within my own family, and 3 new births are expected by September. Right now I'm just moving along, trying to enjoy simple things like good meals, good reads, and good company with my husband and a few close family members. Savor your last days of autumn!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aren't the pjs fabulous! For a gal who loves hydrangeas such as I, the perfect gift. Why, I may never get dressed again!! I think everyone in the world has had many special occasions slip by and so many have had tragedies touch them, changing their lives forever....so, so sad. Yes, quite right to move along each day and enjoy the simple things that each day gifts us. Thank you for your beautiful visit, Rita. I hope your week is filled with many pleasant moments. Kim Xx

      Delete
  12. I hope your winter in your part of the land down under the equator is as fun as autumn has been... I will be here when you post my friend <3
    I love that quilt you are stitching now... you made it so interesting I could view it in person for hours and not see every stitch... the bird with lazy daisy flowers is breathtaking and the vintage parts of fabric and hankies... amazing! You are sew talented... maybe that special birthday should get celebrated when things open up too... along with other things... one big celebration of living :) Kathi

    ReplyDelete
  13. I agree with you about not liking Old Man Winter and Jack Frost! Our spring has been very cool, which makes for beautiful days to work in the yard. Your autumn garden photos are beautiful. Your quilt continues to amaze me. Your vintage stitched pieces added in with the gorgeous Liberty pieces... oh my!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Beautiful pictures. I wish you a mild Winter.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh your hexie quilt with every kind of hand work imaginable is so so spectacular! So sorry you are heading into winter, but that just means spring will follow and you can enjoy all it's miracles once again. Happy stitching!

    ReplyDelete
  16. SO much beauty here on your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  17. You have such a gift with photography and words...truly a pleasure to visit

    ReplyDelete
  18. Such beautiful photos of your flowers and area around your home. Oh, and the beautiful quilt as well. I love the little tea cup bunnies, also. I enjoyed this post so VERY much, and I thank you for sharing your life with us all. Stay well and stay safe. Hugs from Wisconsin.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Bonnie, for visiting my little place and causing me to smile at your lovely comments. It's lovely to have you visit all the way from Wisconsin. =) Hoping you are keeping well and safe. Kim Xx

      Delete
  19. The first few pics look way better than the hydrangea plant I bought on clearance yesterday. Hope it turns out like those!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yes, thank you, your beautiful photos of dahlias and other posies, and more glimpses of your liberty hexies do bring a breath of peace and calm to my sorrowful thoughts about the unrest and chaos taking place here in the US. I am happy to report that the majority of my dahlia tubers survived their haphazard storage and are now potted up and sprouting new growth. They only await the passing of another cold front that has plunged our temps from the 90's to the 40's (F).
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  21. Gorgeous flowers, and love your hexie quilt. Visiting your beauty on Sundays makes my day!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Your Autumn was beautiful. I hope you have a lovely Winter too with bright skies. I love your Sweet Sunday Quilt. I especially like the way you have interspersed all the embroideries :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. I have so enjoyed the last glimpses of fall before Jack Frost was able to come and take it all away. You have such a lovely area there to enjoy, and it is so reassuring that Spring will come back!
    I do love how you decided to quilt it, that is my go too also, I like how the pattern i the front is reflected on the back of the quilt that way :)Beautifully done and with this quilt around it will never be winter inside :) You have found some lovely PJ's to cuddle up in, that's always nice to have a new pair :)
    Enjoy your Sunday and the rest of the week!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh my, Kim, what a lovely post of gorgeous dahlias, cosmos, hydrangeas and trees of many colors. Your pj’s sprinkled with hydrangeas must make you feel delicious!! I hope that your unwelcome guests behave themselves this winter. However, no matter, you’ll be stitching glorious hexie flowers indoors to keep you warm and happy. Happy Stitching! šŸ˜˜šŸ¤—

    ReplyDelete
  25. El acolchado te ha quedado muy bien y el desorden de las puntads rebeldes tambiĆ©n tiene su encanto en tu tranquilo otoƱo liberty; aquĆ­ estamos en primavera y ya tenemos 32Āŗ hace bastante calor.....
    Me encantan tus flores y Ć©se precioso pijama de hortensias..........
    Muchas gracias por tus visitas, cuĆ­date mucho y BESICOS.

    ReplyDelete
  26. HAPPY SUNDAY KIM Thank You for once again sharing your beautiful flower garden and glorious quilting with your readers. The flowers are a welcome sight. Kim have a wonderful week-end and hope old man winter delivers a mild season for you.
    Marion

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, lovely Marion. It was a happy Sunday, a good part of it spent quilting my pretty. Wouldn't it be lovely if Old Man Winter's bag of frigid tricks were less harsh this year. I can always hope, can't I. Hoping you are enjoying a wonderful weekend way up there. Kim Xx

      Delete
  27. Hi Kim, Once again you have a lovely post with gorgeous flowers and a beautiful quilt to admire. I am looking forward to Autumn in the states. It is my favorite season. I am always sad to see it leave. It seems to fly by. I love the cool,crisp air and the gorgeous colors of the leaves. I am not a fan of warm weather. Have a blessed week.
    Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I suppose there where you live the summers are insufferably hot. Here in Tassie summers are rather pleasant and are never overly hot....they are just right. In about four months time autumn will turn up at your front door and spring at mine. Then you and I will be doing a happy dance. =) Thank you for popping by, lovely Marilyn. May your week be a beautiful one. KIm Xx

      Delete
  28. Lovely words, lovely flowers and photos, it's always so nice to read your gentle words. Yes, I know, it's hard to believe that Winter is tapping on our doors down here in this part of the world. Time to replace my Autumn wallhanfing with Welcome Winter.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Just beautiful Kim. Your hexie quilt makes me swoon! Yes old man winter has arrived here too - tho we did have the most mild autumn here. We have had some ripper frosts this past week & my dahlias look rather sad - I will cut them back soon. Have a lovely week my friend xx

    ReplyDelete
  30. That was a very lovely autumn full of lovely flowers and stitching. Dahlias are my all time favourite. The bunny with the butterfly is so sweet. It must make you smile every time you look at it.

    -Soma

    ReplyDelete
  31. Autumn is beautiful in your part of the world and so is your hexie quilt! Enjoy your quilting stitches!

    ReplyDelete
  32. When I first read your post last evening I was met with so many emotions. I had to put it on hold before I could make a comment. First I was surprised that your calendar said that 'autumn' was over and you were into 'winter'. Really? Our seasons change at the solstice and the equinox. According to the dictionary winter and summer begin either of the two points on the ecliptic at which its distance from the celestial equator is greatest and which is reached by the sun each year about June 21 and December 21. Spring begins at the March equinox to the June solstice and fall from the September equinox to the December solstice. They also stated this is in the Northern Hemisphere. Honestly, I never gave it a thought that your seasons were anything but just the opposite of ours. So when do your seasons begin and end? Now to the real heart of my emotions...your pictures of all the lovelies (flowers) and that gorgeous quilt, completely over-came me. What beauty you caught in pictures. I have no idea why the pictures affected me so much right then...this a.m. I could just enjoy... Ohhhh, those 'pyjamas overspilling with hydrangeas' are perfectly wonderful. Were they a Mother's Day gift? I did notice the sweet card sitting nearby. It appears that you are making great progress on your slow-stitching. Having that an up-close and personal experience, makes a quilt even more special. Put on another jumper and enjoy...you deserve your lovely life after sharing such glory with us all.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Always, always love the amount of color you stuff into your posts. Ahh... And the tea and sewing is so soothing. Thanks for sharing your little corner of the world.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Beautiful flower and garden shots! We are just planting our Dahlias now! I love all the details in you hexie quilt and the colors are wonderful. That's a great way to use some of your embroidered patches and all the fussy cut patches too! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Kim, usually June fins me with my spirits up, but today was a bit of a "blah.." day until I saw your pictures! Thank you so much for cheering me up! May winter be soft to you!

    ReplyDelete
  36. It is a delight to see the beautiful hexagon quilt. So many little lovely details. I see embroidery, lace and flowers. Beautiful!!
    All the flower pictures are also incredibly beautiful to see. Imagine having your first fall day today. In Norway we have our first summer day, and we were blessed with a beautiful and sunny Pentecost weekend. In addition, we will soon be back to normal after the corona epidemic. We still have to keep our distance, but more and more are going as normal.

    ReplyDelete
  37. i enjoyed recalling these days with you. i must say, it was cool for us last night too, in the 40's which is so unexpected for june 1st, but it was such a nice sleeping night, without having to use the a/c!! the hexie quilt is lovely, like all the quilts you have made. your legacy will live on!!

    the the purple and white dahlia is stunning, the cosmos too!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love the embroidered parts of that quilt. Whenever you look at it you will discover something new that will make you smile. Oh and lovelove the flowers in the bird bath! What wonderful colours! Anna x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alas, just water in the bird bath now, Anna as all the flowers have disappeared. Yes, this quilt is one where you can look at it for a very long time and discover some new pretty. Kim Xx

      Delete
  39. I feel the same way you do about winter. Your hand quilting will be a good project for when your weather turns cold. I am jealous of all the beautiful flowers you still have.

    ReplyDelete
  40. are you a professional set designer? your photography is amazing but what really is impressive is when you assemble disparate items-they just love each other. I think your sweet sunday quilt is probably a trip down memory lane-each hexie is personal and seems as tho it is meaningful to you.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Kim, your autumnal gardens were stunning and I know you must be sorry to see them go. They had such beautiful and varied colors! I’m glad you have been staying healthy. I admit, too, that I had no trouble staying at home doing some stitching, organizing and genealogy. Oh, and LOTS of gardening! We are both so blessed to have lovely homes and gardens to keep us busy. I’ll be posting some of my late spring blooms soon and thinking about you getting settled in for winter. I hope it will be a mild one! Take care, dear Kim! Zenda

    ReplyDelete
  42. What a joy to see your beautiful garden flowers and quilt.
    Here is summer coming, yesterday it was very hot but today is fine.
    Wish you a nice and creative week, hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello lovely Loes, how are you?? I hope your arm is healing with each day. Enjoy your lovely summer days. I will be thinking of you as I shiver down here. =) Take care, lovely lady. KimXx

      Delete
  43. It always so good to read you and see all these beautiful flowers from your garden, thank you for sharing the beauty around you!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Kim - I don't know where to start with my comments - you know I can't leave this post without complimenting you and your Gardener on the beauty that surrounds you. You have no need to be a social butterfly - you have all the butterflies you need right in your garden! And of course your stitching is glorious and an inspiration to us all. I will be posting flowers from my garden to give you a little break from the grip of Old Man Winter!

    ReplyDelete
  45. ah Kim - I save your posts until I have time to sit and revel in them. You, my friend, are an artist, both from the standpoint of what you create, but also the photos you take and your ability to weave word pictures that delight me. You never disappoint....ever. And now I'm thinking about the delight of pjs with hydrangeas....one more word picture that makes me want some too!

    ReplyDelete
  46. You could make some lovely calendars with all these pretty images. I like the gardens in autumn and we actually had a few weeks of it this year. Winter has well and truly planted herself now.

    ReplyDelete
  47. All the little details on your quilt are amazing, Kim, and your garden is... well, your garden. I've run out of adjectives. Looks like your are keeping well in these strange days. I feel as if I've been yanked back into life and must admit I'm not sure I like the abrupt nature of it. Most of our restrictions have been lifted and I've been 'recalled to life' just as I was getting into the slow, quiet pace of the lockdown.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  48. Oh, this is the loveliest of lovely posts in both words and pictures! I am one who delights in autumn so... "gorgeous burnished tones and paper-like falling leaves dancing in the wind" is music to my ears. I will be looking forward to your first wintertime post for, of course, it is bound to be filled with the "positive, the lovely, and the beautiful" despite the cold winds that blow and the frost that bites the nose. I love Sarah Lizzies!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. " cold winds that blow and the frost that bites the nose"....I love that, Mary. Alas, Jack Frost is biting more than my nose. =) Thank you for your sweet comments and beautiful visit, lovely lady. Kim Xx

      Delete
  49. Looks like a glorious autumn, Kim.
    The beautiful faces of your flowers are a sight to behold!
    Your quilt has so much beauty woven into it. You are a wonderful fiber artist!
    Those tall bunnies are simply the sweetest. And I love your PJs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Autumn was glorious, Dixie. I miss the beautiful faces of my flowers. How long until spring?? =) Thank you for your beautiful visit. Kim Xx

      Delete
  50. Oh I just adore all your photos and project. I have been thinking about using bits and pieces of fun things for hexies. I could just look at your post forever. Thanks for so much prettiness.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Linda, for your beautiful comments. You must fashion a hexie pretty from all your fun bits and pieces....you will have the best fun. Kim Xx

      Delete
  51. Kim - just a quick note from me today. I am visiting my Mom and working through a hotspot, so the photos are taking AGES to load. I am sure they are spectacular, and I will take the time to look at them when I return to Montana. Enjoy your weekend, despite the return of Father Winter!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi Kim oh I love visiting your beautiful blog ,it's always looks so pretty with your garden and beautiful decorating and stunning sewing, I am also your newest follower hope you will visit me as well. Hope you have a wonderful weekend xx

    ReplyDelete