Sunday, May 30, 2021

Ahh...Sweet Autumn; Farewell ❣

 



A lovely welcome to my little place❣ Here we are once more. I keep returning like a bad penny, don't I. =) Sunday morning has awoken again. And, I must say it has risen with beaming sunshine to warm the rather chilly air. The ice-sheathed land outside my window is glistening in the sunshine; slowly melting as Old Man Sun sprinkles his warmth everywhere. Tomorrow is the last day of May. Goodness gracious me, how quickly the last month of autumn has flown by. Goodness gracious me, how quickly the season of autumn hurtled by. Down here, we have experienced a continual theatre of glorious hues. Trees dressed in shades that only autumn can create. Hues of burnished golds, russets, yellows, orangey browns; a most spectacular sight. The trees have taken on a bare, sculptural quality. Naked, exposed; but nevertheless beautiful. The silhouettes of the balletic limbs of autumnal/winter trees are statuesque. The flowers in the garden are all but gone. Though the sweet peas are still gifting me with the smallest of posies, they will soon be pulled out and the soil prepared for spring. The hydrangeas which I cut in late summer have dried rather wonderfully. Petals of crisp, taffeta-like petals are scattered here and there throughout my home causing me to smile. Hydrangeas, either the summery, fresh bunches of blue, mauves, pinks, or the dried, mellow tones in autumn and winter, are always a welcome sight to me. The only fresh flowers for the next couple of months will be blooms  from the greengrocer....and occasionally, the florist. During winter, alstroemerias sprinkle a little fresh, flowery prettiness here and there. Thank the Good Lord for alstroemerias.....and greengrocers❣

Late autumn of course, means the enjoyment of cosy fires to warm the nip in the air. Here in my little abode I am blessed to have a slow combustion fire in the kitchen and an open fire in the 'parlour'. Wintry winds outside may try to uproot our little home from it's foundations, but inside one snuggles down under a quilt, stitching away, forgetting for a little while the one-upmanship goings-on, of Old Man Winter and Jack Frost raging outside, trying to outdo each other.

In Australia, Easter and Mother's Day are celebrated in autumn. Autumn found me many, many times enjoying hand quilting. As each autumnal day floated by on a breeze into another, I sat and stitched quilting stitches onto my flower quilt. Quilting to the sound of my sweet Maisie's snores as she snoozed nearby; or sometimes, quilting meditatively with just my thoughts for company. Oftentimes, as I quilted I lost track of time, my mind wandering elsewhere, thinking upon those whom I know are finding life tough, my whispered prayers finding their way to the intended hearts. As I stitched, skies were painted in a Monet fashion with variegated threads skipping across the fabric. Leaves too, grew here, there, everywhere, jostling for space among the applique garden; peeking from behind the foxgloves, daffodils, tulips, cosmos, and all the other flowers sashaying on the quilt. These last couple of weeks I quilted the pond. Ripples softly blown by the gentle breeze giving the sense of water moving. Ripples skimming the surface, while the lily pads float gently upon the water. Again, free-hand lines sketched here and there. Again, variegated threads of shades of blue. As the fabric on which the hydrangeas are stitched is quite expansive,  I quilted invisibly (under each hydrangea leaf) to cause the leaves to pop, giving lovely texture and definition. I also  quilted around the flowers which kiss the water at the pond's edge. Again, the expanse of the fabric was too great not to do this.




The colours of autumn have faded for another year, but they will return. Carpets of  leaves strewn everywhere, a  reminder of the autumn that was. There is something comforting about the seasons returning year in, year out. Winter! The very word makes me shiver. I will snuggle down inside my humble abode and quilt the winter away with the fires belching out warmth keeping the frigid temperatures at bay. I am comforted by the thought of the promise of spring in about three months time. The happy faces of daffodils will pop up and begin the dance of the flower kingdom yet again. Why, some of the bulbs are already pushing their way up in the garden. This sight does cheer my day.  For now, the garden needs to rest, to recuperate, allowing Old Man Winter, and yes, Jack Frost, to do their thing. As much as it pains me to say, I have to admit  the daffodils, tulips, snowdrops, bluebells...so many other bulbs flower all the better  because of the frigid darts Jack Frost flings everywhere.

May this week see you finding joy in the ordinary. May this week find you collecting moments of beauty and holding them close, in these troubled times. May snippets of loveliness bless your day❣ As for me, sometime this beautiful Sunday, as autumn begins to wave me farewell, I am going to enjoy a little quilting by the fire. Some more quilting under the hydrangea leaves, me thinks❣ 

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


PS.......Do you remember Sweet Lucy's quilt which I fashioned  'just because', for my friend's granddaughter, which I waxed lyrical about here?? Well.....my friend sent me this photo of sweet Lucy snuggled in her quilt....isn't she sweet?? 

51 comments:

  1. Your quilting is coming along beautifully! What a sweet photo of the quilt recipient snuggled in her quilt.

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

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  2. Hi Svetlana, I don't think I could exist without a fireplace, or two. It makes my little home very cosy. There is something about an open fire that puts a smile in my day. Isn't Lucy sweet?? She is an adorable two year old. Thank you for your sweet visit and lovely comments. I hope you are enjoy a beautiful spring day. Kim Xx

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  3. Your vignettes of life in Tasmania, capturing the seasons, the joys of a bountiful garden and wonderful projects are a special treat. Miss Lucy looks well-chuffed snuggled up warm and toasty in the pretty quilt you made her.

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  4. I love your teapots, cups and pretty pots collection! Your fireplace is very welcoming, as your home is. We are still running the fireplace too here in France, as the weather is not so sweet on the morning.
    Lucy is just adorable inside her pretty quilt!
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful world.

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  5. Autumn is indeed a beautiful season ! And your pictures show those beauties perfectly...
    Hemispheres have different season and celebrations dates...quite interesting...
    Lovely girl in your quilt :)
    Have a cozy week with Miss Lucy!
    Hug
    Anna

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  6. Kim, me siento afortunada por visitar tu blog, es una delicia leer tus experiencias sobre el Otoño, la Naturaleza, el calor de hogar, y admirar tus preciosas labores.
    Que tengas una feliz semana, saludos.

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  7. I love all of your photos. Your fireside photos warmed me as we are experiencing quite cold, rainy days that have required a change from air conditioning back to heat. We've not hat weather this cold in late May in many years.

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  8. Late autumn and the winter season are good reasons to cosy up to the fireplace and hand stitch. Happy stitching!

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  9. I love your wonderful pictures and sweet Lucy looks so cute and comfy wrapped up in her quilt. We are in Spring here in the US, but in our State we are having a bit of Winter back. Next week we will be back in the warm temps. I really don't care about the cold weather, but I do love Autumn and Spring.

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  10. Coming to your blog on Sundays is like entering a painting.....your work in progress. So lovely. Lucy looks like a princes in her quilt. ♥

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  11. Your world outside has been so colorful and your beautiful home inside looks so cozy and comfortable, the perfect place to stay during the winter months. Yes, it will only be three months but you will be happily employed quilting your lovely quilt! Lucy looks like she is enjoying her quilt indeed!! Happy week, dear Kim! Zenda

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  12. oh Kim... what a wonderful visit I had to your blog today... such beauty and you got such a good view of the supermoon that was last week too! Your quilting is sublime..tell me do you mark it or just do it naturally so beautiful??? Like the back and forth in the water lines???? I love the pic of Lucy with the quilt you make for your friend... how lucky she is!!! I love all the photos you shared today ... husband filling the fire for you.... your pretty floral boots... stay warm down there and enjoy winter coming... as spring will be after!!! Kathi

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  13. Lucy is as cute as can be sitting there with your beautiful quilt snuggling around her. Your home looks so lovely and welcoming with a fire to keep you warm. Yes you have Spring to look forward to and time goes so quickly it will be here before you know it. Your quilt is becoming more beautiful with each stitch, the colours are amazing. Enjoy your Sunday warm and snug by the fire. xx

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  14. Oh my, what beauty - each picture showing how you look at the world - rose-colored glasses?? :) You are truly an artist when it comes to photography...I am so impressed by all the loveliness you capture in pictures. I could lapse into lingering words over every one of them. Ahhhh, Lucy...isn't she a beauty. Children are such gifts even as your quilt is a gift. I noticed the rag rug (That's what we always called them.) that is under Maisie's bed. I have several of those and they wear like iron. When I grew up, that was about the only rug we had in the house but they were like manna from heaven when ole' man winter showed up. Now I use them more as utility rugs but some are 50 years old and will be working onward after I'm gone. Please tell me more about "I quilted invisibly (under each hydrangea leaf) to cause the leaves to pop,". I think photo #24 is the one that shows what you did; is that right? Doesn't the quilting really bring quilts to life? What a joyful aspect to all the work. Our weather has been upppp and downnnnn. Right now the furnace is back on though we've also had the air going...Seems as though the changes are more pronounced this year. My oldest grandbaby turns 21 today; rather awe-inspiring as I look back over all those years. Have fun stitching, Kim.

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  15. It's always a pleasure to watch the progress on your garden quilt and admire your beautiful stitching. As others of noted, much of the US took a step back to November-like weather, although the skies are bright blue and clear today. As much as I don't like cold weather, it is nice to have a respite from outdoor chores for a while, snuggling up while reading or stitching. Your springtime blooms will be back before you know and we will enjoy our rambles through your garden while we shiver.
    Pat

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  16. Loving your beautiful photos of your autumn views, Kim! You have a way of making each season look and sound wonderful. And your quilting is just lovely! That must be very enjoyable to work on.

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  17. A cozy fire is about the only thing I miss as we enjoy our slide into summer, but I know our fire days days will be here soon enough as you slip into your summer. Enjoy your cozy quilting times. Lucy looks like she loves her quilt.

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  18. What is not to love about this blog post! I am trying to not be envious of your talent with words. Your quilts are stunning. I love your shoes and tea cups! Oh my!

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  19. Thank you for treating us to the beautiful fall photos! And that photo of Lucy is beyond adorable!!

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  20. Such beautiful photography and especially ovely picture of Lucy. Your quilting is just gorgeous - all that lovely water is perfect. Have a wonderful week snuggling under your hydrangeas. xx

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  21. Lovely autumn colours but I must admit it's nice to have some warm weather here on the other side of the world. Sweet lucy is indeed very sweet!

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  22. Love seeing your gorgeous photos of flowers and your quilt is beautiful. Love those shoes! I have some rubber boots that look sort of similar! It seems so different for you to be experiencing autumn and colder weather. We are supposed to be 105 for the next couple of days. I went out early to give my gardens a little hydration before that happens. Thanks again for taking me away to your lovely part of the world!

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  23. Love how you've been quilting. Your friend's granddaughter is adorable in that quilt. Ah - such beautiful photos.

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  24. Qué guapa esta Lucy envuelta en tan preciosa colcha. Leo tus palabras y te veo cosiendo en tu maravillosa colcha calentita en cas y disfrutando de la nueva estación otoñal; por aquí vamos a la inversa, el 21 de Junio comenzará el verano y aunque ya estamos a 30º todavía se puede pasear por la ciudad en las mañanas y disfrutar del olor de los árboles en flor. BESICOS.

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  25. Your garden is gorgeous in all seasons! I love the hydrangeas on your quilt and in your garden. Stay warm and have a wonderful week. Lucy obviously loves her quilt.

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  26. As always, I enjoyed reading your blog and seeing your beautiful pictures. So glad to see you post!

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  27. Wow! I'm just speechless, so much beauty in one story :)
    Your quilt is just awesome, Kim! Do you design the quilts yourself?
    Little Lucy is adorable.
    And your home is so cozy!

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    1. Thank you so much, Alina, for the gift of your beautiful comment❣ Yes, I do design most of the quilts I fashion. Each quilt always starts from my wild imaginings and then I begin to play, going with the flow, seeing what eventuates. I never really know how each quilt will turn out. I rather love to jump off the safe quilting cliff down, down, down into the valley of unexpectedness. =) As for Lucy, isn't she adorable? It was such a delight to fashion her wee quilt. As for my cosy home. I do rather love it. Each room hugs me every day. Kim Xx

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  28. Beautiful photos, inspiring words, and wonderful stitching, it's always such a delight to read your blog Kim. Did you say ice? Goodness me, just as well you have the cozy fire to keep you warm.

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  29. Another beautiful post to read, I can see your garden and the frost in my kinds eye. That is a gorgeous photo of Lucy and her quilt. Your quilting and quilt is stunning as are your autumnal garden photos. Enjoy your days sitting by the fire quilting away.

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  30. SOOOO cute! I love all your pics... what a beautiful moment I had visiting with you! Your quilts are well, astounding! I'd love to see them in person... and here you are a globe away going into winter.
    Thank you for supporting my comments about vaccines. Living in America, isn't as easy as one might hope, and lots of people believe in conspiracy theories put out by their one "news" channel they watch. Cuckoo. scary. they refuse to believe covid is real.
    LeeAnna at not afraid of color

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  31. Minds not kinds....woops finger fumble!!

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  32. Hi Kim, your quilting is stunning.
    Lovely post and beautiful pictures. The moon was wonderful this week and you got all its splendor.
    Happy new week

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  33. Beautiful pictures,my dear...I also saw that super moon here last days. Superb. Best wishes.

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    1. Wasn't the super moon gorgeous. We were fortunate we had a cloudless night sky. So happy you were witness to the beauty, in your little corner of the world, as well. Hoping you enjoy a pleasant week, Maristella. Thank you for your sweet visit. Kim Xx

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  34. Oh Lucy is delightful Kim ... what a sweet photo - how special. Your two fires look like such cosy places to curl up beside or to quilt beside. How wonderful - yes autumn is such a magical time. We are still getting lots of leaves falling here. What is that round blue thing hanging in your tree I wonder? I cannot tell what it is but when I enlarge it, it looks like it is beaded??

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  35. Hi Kim
    Always a pleasure to receive your blog. Great photos as always. Love the quilting on you beautiful quilt. Your fires look so cosy. It is a bank holiday here in the UK and the sun is shining, this does not happen often.
    Sweet Lucy looks delighted with her quilt.
    Have a wonderful week
    Best wishes Kay xx

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    1. Kay, I don't think I realised you lived in the UK. How nice you were able to enjoy your bank holiday and that it was a lovely sunny day. I am told Lucy is delighted with her quilt. She is adorable, isn't she? Thank you for your beautiful visit. Hoping you enjoy a lovely sunny week. I am thinking I will be spending many moments cosying down in front of the fire...it's freezing down here. Kim Xx

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  36. Your garden looks ever so beautiful and the chair by the fireplace is so cosy and inviting. A perfect place for hand stitching or reading the day away. Lucy looks extremely content snuggled in her quilt! Picture perfect!

    -Soma

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  37. I always think his opposite we are with our seasons, when I visit you. Seeing your cozy fires, and your dear hubby, Maisie, and your floral shoes made me smile. Your hydrangea leaves are looking quite lovely, and Lucy in your beautiful creation, is just adorable!! Happy stitching to you in your wonderful home.

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  38. Oh my your Autumn pictures are just beautiful, I love that time of year, but knowing what comes next, mainly the cold is sad but you have some wonderful fireplaces to keep you warm :)
    Your quilt is coming along so beautifully, I think winter time is the best for hand quilting, you can just snuggle up with the quilt as you stitch away.
    Oh my what a wonderful sight that must have been for you to see someone who received your quilt all snuggled up and enjoying it so much, so wonderful!!

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  39. Once again, your photos are so beautiful. Fall is not my favorite season because it means winter is next. I do like your thoughts, though, on how things need to rest. I'll try to remember that when I'm shivering from the winter cold. Seeing your gorgeous quilting is always wonderful!

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  40. Oh, my! Your photos are beautiful.
    Your place by the fire looks warm and inviting.
    Fall looks very pretty down that-a-way.
    Lucy looks so pleased with her lovely snuggle buddy quilt, Kim.
    Did I mention I love your shoes.

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  41. Aaah, what a sweetheart Lucy is, so sweet with her beautiful quilt.
    It's super cozy with you, with the fireplace all your beautiful quilts, all the floral opulence that surrounds you everywhere and always.
    It's finally warm weather with us, I even got a bit burnt on my arms cycling in the suddenly hot sun.
    Have a nice and warm week!!!

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    1. Loes, Lucy is a sweetheart....an adorable 2 year old. Flowers, flowers, flowers everywhere, even in the depths of winter. =) Flowers are the filter in which I see my world. Burnt arms???? How wonderful you are cycling again in the warm sunshine. So happy for you. Now.... don't forget the sunscreen. =) Have a beautiful day, lovely Lies. Kim Xx

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  42. Such a lovely post, Kim. It is always a delight to visit you. Your fall photos are so pretty and love seeing which area of your quilt that you worked on this week. It is amazing to see the details in both the applique and the quilting. Have a very blessed week. Stay warm and cozy.

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  43. Kim - first, how adorable and rewarding to see Lucy snuggled in her quilt! Second, it was wonderful to see some new views of the inside of your house, especially with the home fires burning! It appears you have your own fire-keeper! Lovely stitching on your quilt, of course!

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  44. I have so enjoyed your pictures! And your quilt, so lovely, I should imagine it is a joy to quilt it. I miss our old stove (in the old house), it was a big part of winter; it is not quite the same without it.
    xx

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  45. So much eye candy! Everything is just beautiful Kim. Looks like Lucy certainly loves her new quilt.

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  46. I still think you should consider publishing a book of your photos along with some of your picturesque words...I know I'd love a copy. Lucky you to have nice warm fires and a quilt to stitch - however I don't wish winter on anyone (as you know!). ....and.....that photo of Lucy all snuggled in her quilt....just makes my heart smile!

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