Sunday, August 29, 2021

Octagons + Squares = Cobblestones



Hello lovely lovelies♡ A beautiful welcome to you♡ I am sitting here in the fernery gazing out the windows. My little place is beginning to awaken from the deep slumber of Old Man Winter, and Lady Spring (as I think spring must be a lady) is beginning to stir everything with her  magic. Day by day Lady Spring is sprinkling here and there a delightful preview of what is to come when she comes to stay in a little while. The daffodils are beginning to flower, and very soon they will be everywhere, causing me to smile.

Sitting here inside the fernery, even as I look at the peaceful vignettes which surround me, which embrace me, I cannot help but think upon this raging world in which we live. With every new day it seems another catastrophe rages on  some horizon, somewhere in the world. If only  'the world' would wake up one morning, and decide it was going to be better. To be kinder. To be gracious. To walk a mile in another's shoes. To be compassionate. To respect others, even though beliefs held tightly are poles apart. To treat others as one would love to be treated. A simple ethos really; but somehow, seemingly impossible. It's been one helluva week, hasn't it?? Is there a country in this world where all is well?? Thankfully, there are a crush of beautiful people, selfless souls who are graciousness personified, who with their everyday acts of  beneficence show kindness and humanity; show love to others as they go about their day♡ Thank you, all you beautiful people♡

But, as this little place's ethos is a cheery one, let us chat about other things. Pleasant things, such as hydrangeas, cobblestone patterns and mindful slow hand stitching, shall we?? As after all, it is Sunday where I and other lovely ladies from all over the globe enjoy a chat and a show and tell about what we are hand stitching

Besides sitting here pondering the state of this rather sad world with a sorrowful heart, I am stitching. My fingers are stitching along octagons and little squares in the form of cobblestones. A hydrangea-filled cobblestone path on which to skip along, if you like. When last you visited I was tossing up whether I would fashion a simple cobblestone pattern quilt, or a more complex one mixing the octagon shapes with eight-sided stars. Simple, won out. Just a simple quilt with hydrangea-filled octagons and little squares of another patterned fabric. The fabric I have chosen for the squares is leftover from another quilt I stitched ages ago. Both these fabrics evoke a vintage aesthetic. To me, these patterns remind me of a tablecloth that might have graced the kitchen table of my childhood....way back in the 1960's. I am not being finicky with the placement of the  hydrangea-filled octagons; just placing each one wherever they fall; perhaps with just a little tweaking. Some octagons are filled with full blown hydrangea flowers; others are just a wisp of a flower with leaves, or a butterfly or two, as the main focus. I am enjoying stitching these cobblestones. I am loving stitching the pretty blue hydrangeas. Blue is my favourite colour, and hydrangeas my favourite flowers. I haven't made up my mind as to the size of this quilt. I will just play and see what happens.

Alas, another photo shoot in the fernery. The fernery is my little cocoon from the big, wide, nasty world, these days♡


Another Sunday afternoon drifts by. Just sitting here, thinking, praying; stitching happy cobblestones. And....drinking tea, because somehow tea helps when pondering the world and its unholy messes. Tea, and stitching pretty pretties♡ Lovely friend, may you.....and I, this week, be a little kinder than is necessary♡ 



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







50 comments:

  1. Such a lovely post to brighten our day in a sad world. Your hydrangeas are looking so beautiful - simple is good, less is more as they say! Such a pretty space to sit and stitch. Have a kindly week. xx

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  2. Beautiful post, Kim !
    Love the yellow butterflies in the middle of your blue hydrangeas !!!!
    Wise words yours....about kindness...
    Have a lovely week waiting for Lady Spring !
    Hug
    Anna

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  3. Nice to see the odd butterfly fluttering across your hydrangea quilt top! The world is in a sorry state…one can only hope that things will improve on all fronts. A little kindness goes a long way, spring is my favourite season…your daffodils are gorgeous!

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  4. Another beautiful quilt underway, so lovely! Thank you for your words of wisdom, if only people would be more kinder. Happy stitching!

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  5. Thank you, Svetlana. A little kindness mixed together with tolerance, compassion....and then walking a mile in another's shoes goes a way to righting some of the wrongs in this sad world♡ Kim Xx

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  6. It is a sad world we are living in and I totally agree with all your sentiments dear Kim, thank goodness we are lucky enough to be able to shut out the world and totally immerse ourselves in our crafting whatever that may be. I have fallen in love with your quilt and I can't believe how much you have done already. Every time I see you starting another beautiful piece of Art I feel I want to make one the same. If only there were more hours in the day! Have a peaceful Sunday.xx

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  7. Just lovely fabrics for your Octogans and squares quilt. enjoy your fernery...
    hugs, Julierose

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  8. As I now have to go and make myself a cup of tea, I must say that I love that cobblestone hydrangea quilt. The fabric that you chose for the squares is a perfect foil for those pretty octagons. Your post is a bright spot in this crazy world. Enjoy the emergence of the Spring flowers. Summer has abruptly ended here with cool, cloudy, rainy days leading up to the first day of school. Enjoy your stitching.

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  9. The world is a mess, isn't it? In the US we have wild fires devouring one coast, a deadly hurricane threatening another, and war and pestilence raging world-wide. It's very easy to feel helpless against these powerful forces. And then, you drop into our lives with a breath of spring, a beautiful quilt in the making, and some words of wisdom. Thank you Kim, for brightening my day as you always do.
    Pat

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  10. Yes I agree with your sentiment, it would be good if we were more tolerant and yes kinder to each other. Love your quilt and seeing your daffodils makes me happy!

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  11. Oh, so pretty! We are blessed to lose ourselves in stitching. Even if it only a brief reprieve from this crazy world.

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  12. The thoughts you have shared resonate in my heart, Kim. People often engage in all sorts of cruel and senseless nonsense, alas. We can only hope that there is some deep creative meaning in this eternal struggle of opposites :)
    That's why I like to get acquainted with the ordinary life of ordinary people in different parts of the world. It is calming and inspiring.
    Lovely daffodils, fabric and everything

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    1. So, so many cruel people out there, Alina, but as you say you and I can visit lovely people at their happy blogs and be inspired and calmed as we visit them, each time. My fellow bloggers always put a smile into my day. Thank you for your beautiful visit, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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  13. Kim, I’m glad you have a special place to spend during these trying times. You are being productive by creating beauty and yes, we ALL would be better off if we all strived to do good things for each other. My mother-in-law always says each of us should do at least one “act of mercy” each day and I believe that is a good tenant to live by.

    Your blue hydrangea quilt is coming along so beautifully! It is so cheery and bright! Isn’t it lovely to find the fabric from another project is perfect for a new one? The blues work so well together!

    I’ve been busy with garden harvest and some cleaning and purging in our basement. I have to admit I’m a little sore from all of my efforts! Ha!

    Wishing you lovely week working on your pretty project and watching your gardens awaken!
    Zenda

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  14. My heart is sad, too, about our crazy world, Kim. The view in your fernery of beautiful flowers and fabrics is lovely. Your octagons and squares are going to make a beautiful design. What size are the octagons, and are you EPPing them? I love the look of them with that pretty blue and yellow fabric!

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  15. you cannot sit in that gorgeous fernery and think about the troubles of our world. the fernery is for happy thoughts, peaceful thoughts only. you must think about the flowers, the beauty that surrounds you and the many kind people of our world only!!

    your pictures are so pretty. the quilt is spectacular, i agree with you about the vintage aesthetic, and i really enjoyed seeing the daffodils!! have a wonderful sunday!!

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  16. I can't even watch the news anymore because it makes me so sad. Thanks for showing us your beautiful quilts and flowers!

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  17. Hydrangeas, hydrangeas, here, there and everywhere are lovely! Yay for simple. The sweet blossoms speak for themselves. Bright & cheery daffs help in lifting one’s spirits if even for a moment.

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  18. Such lovely words of wisdom, such lovely pictures of your special, safe and cozy hideaway. A real bright spot and much needed. Blessings always. Thank you for brightening my morning.

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    1. Thank you so much, Tricia, for your beautiful visit and sprinkling many a smile into my day with your lovely words. Beautiful blessings to you, too, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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  19. Ah....such a lovely post. that quilt will be magnificent...as far as the world goes, I think I'll just pull my head into my shell for the moment and enjoy the silence! Projects are always a great retreat! Sandi

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    1. Is there enough room in that shell of yours for me, Sandi???? =) Kim Xx

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  20. Love the blues and hydrangeas Kim! Love seeing your lovely flowers and pictures also. I think this is going to be my favorite quilt of yours. I too think of the same sad state of the world that you do. Meanwhile we in Northern California are suffering oppressive smoke. I did try to pull a few weeds this morning but the bad air just got to me. Thanks for always making me smile through everything!

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  21. I totally agree, the world (people?) is crazy. The sewing room is the perfect place to calm the mind, and I love your current project. Love the button garland too ;)
    Your dafoldils make me smile too, thank you for sharing your beauties!

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  22. Beautiful Sunday conversation and handwork, Kim. A nice distraction from this twilight zone kind of world we are in.

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  23. Please imagine I am stopping by with a package of Hob Nobs. We will sip our tea and share some companionable silence

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    1. Do you know, Annette, I have never tasted Hob Nobs cookies....or are they biscuits? But they sound like the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. I most certainly can imagine in my mind's eye, you and I sharing companionable silence.....or indeed a friendly chat. Why, I believe it would be the best fun. Thank you so much for stopping by. Kim Xx

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  24. Just love reading your blog, enjoying your space and all the beautiful projects that surrounds you. Have a wonderful week.

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  25. So sad the last days were. I will have a cup of tea and will think of you and all the beauties your hands made, and how blessed we are. Let's pray and be a little kinder than necessary. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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  26. Beautiful vignettes and words. Humans can be awful to each other for inexplicable reasons.

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  27. Hola Kim, siempre espero que sea domingo para leer tus publicaciones, tus reflexiones y ver tus preciosas fotos y costuras.
    Sí que el mundo está realmente mal...... con lo bonito que sería tener PAZ tomar té y coser.
    Este nuevo diseño queda muy bien, un mundo azul....como tú.
    BESICOS.

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  28. LOVELY blue hydrangeas bursting with beauty, another gorgeous creation in the making. Yes, parts of the world are in a real mess with Covid, and the troubles in Afganastan, but we can make sure our homes are peaceful and full of love, as you do.

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  29. If only……. It’s always nice to come and see such beautiful work. I especially love the pops of yellow butterflies in there. Enjoy your spring awakening.

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  30. What a lovely post Kim, there are so many worries in the world thank goodness you have a place to sit, sew, sip tea and be at peace. Your hydrangea quilt is looking beautiful. Love the orchid that is flowering in your fernery.

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  31. Oh,my dear! How enchanting your fernery is! Such beauty...Always a pleasure stopping by!Love your adorable flowers,gorgeous teacup and unique artwork. God bless you.

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    1. Lovely Maristella, the fernery is filled with enchantment. There is nothing quite as enchanting than a little place where flowers smile in glorious colours and fragrances. May God bless you, too, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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  32. Oh your quilting is looking fantastic, I just love the pretty touch those yellow butterflies peeking out here and there give to it, so pretty against the lovely blues!
    I so agree at these times we need to go that extra mile to show others we care, we are thankful for the work they do and bring about peace, even if you don't agree on the same way things should go to give everyone a chance and try to understand it from their point of view. Have a wonderful week ahead!

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  33. Such sunny daffodils to chase away the gloom. Your hydrangea quilt is a real beauty.

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  34. Hi Kim
    Yes what a sad sad world it is at the moment.
    Visiting your blog and seeing your lovely hydrangea quilt is a real treat. Blue is also my favourite colour and daffodils are one of my favourite flowers.
    Have a great week.
    Best wishes Kay c xx

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    1. Blue is your favourite colour, too; then I am in excellent company. Blue is such a soothing and calming hue. The colour blue and sunny daffodils, just for you, lovely Kay. So happy you visited my little place today...thank you. May your week be a lovely one. Kim Xx

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  35. Hey Kim.. I always love coming to your blog and feeling so flowery and lovely after a nice visit with you over the big ponds.... I am glad you are starting to see stirrings of Spring your way... we are still waiting for Autumn to arrive here ... our weather is crazy it seems in the US as is the covid surge continuing... your glassed enclosure looks so welcoming I wish I could visit and enjoy tea as we build our friendship... ah but that is for another time or when we meet in heaven one day maybe... take good care dear friend :) Kathi

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  36. I love coming here for a little bit of calm. Love your blocks - so much pretty blue.

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  37. What beautiful colours, such pretty hydrangeas and daffodils and those elusive butterflies.

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  38. Thank you for sharing the beauty in this crazy, mixed up world we live in. The little squares of vintage blue blend perfectly with your hydrangeas. The fluttering of butterflies here and there made me smile. It’s such a happy quilt! 🦋

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  39. It has been emotionally exhausting, and I also needed to spend some time working with paper and paint. They yellow butterflies are beautiful in the blue flowers. It is always wonderful visiting you, Kim!

    -Soma

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  40. Wow, wow, I am just loving all those blues and yellows, and butterflies!
    Seeing and reading all those news over the last week or so, has been just so mentally draining, and that is from the comfort of my sofa, all those children...it brought back some personal memories from '68 (reasons why I am here) - nothing on the same scale, but leaving a home country behind and hopes for better life....it is a long journey.
    Now, in my sewing room, my sanctuary, my place of calm, surrounded by threads, fabrics and books - I am safe....and old enough to know that the world will not change to what we want it to be, there always will be those who refuse to see the other's point of view.
    I hope you will enjoy a fabulous spring, with all those colours it can magic, you seem to have such a great connection with it, lovely Kim. xx

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  41. Kim - unfortunately, it seems that most of what is published these days is all bad news. I am sure there are good news stories out there, but they do not get much attention ... I thought it laughable that you used the word "alas" to begin the sentence about your photo shoot. There is no "alas" about your photos! That's quite a pile of squares and octagons! Lovely.

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  42. Dearest Kim
    your greenhouse is such a wonderful frame for your masterpieces, enjoy your days with Love!
    Xx Daniela at ~ My little old world ~

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  43. Reading this post was much needed in my life right now. Kindness...just what I was looking for. Prayfullness...well I do need that, too. I have an email to respond to and kindness and praying will help.
    Love the hexies and square quilt - so sweet - I'm so glad that it brings you joy and memories of the 1960s.
    Miss Spring is a lovely, don't you think. Almost as lovely as Fall/Autumn. :) We've had such high temps around here but with the advent of September our temps have changed dramatically to cooler days AND we're getting lovely rain - the all-day kind that's so needed. When is rain most prevalent in your corner of the world?
    Hope your week has been sweet and enduring.

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  44. Never say 'alas' about photos from your beautiful fernery!! Of course it's made even more perfect with the addition of the marvelous blue in your hydrangeas.
    The world is going to...well, I won't say it.....and it's so hard to see people who were once kind and considerate towards others suddenly becoming so cynical and filled with hate. All we can do is pray for the world and, in our own little part of it do what we can to spread happiness and joy. You, my friend, spread joy.

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