Oh Spring......How Beautiful You Are ❣

The loveliest of welcomes to you❣ A lovely welcome to my little spring place where the sun is smiling upon me, and my flower-filled garden. It is early morning and I am sitting here in the stillness of my garden with pretty teacup in hand, drinking in the beauty before me that God has gifted me.  For it is He who paints the garden before me with his impressionistic brush strokes. Sweet Maisie is here too, as she is my shadow. It is quiet. A beautiful hushed quietness interrupted occasionally by the  birdsong and the whispers of the flowers and trees. Every now and then ripples of water are heard where fish pop up their heads to see if there might be a morsel or two to feed upon. My little spring world is rejoicing in blues and purples and pinks. The lilacs, irises, rhododendrons, foxgloves and granny bonnets swaying in the gentle breeze are as pretty as a picture. Why, the foxgloves are reaching ever so tall up to the blue, blue sky. Would you believe some are over 6ft.....they truly, truly are. There were only a few foxgloves last spring but oh my goodness, this year there has been an explosion of these gorgeous flowers. I can only imagine that last season's seeds danced and floated on the breath of the wind, finding a place in which to settle deep in the earth in readiness for this year's show. They truly are magical. Why, I almost expect to see little fairies peeking from inside the bell-shaped flowers, smiling at me.

Though a lot of time has been spent in the garden this week (the weeds are taller than the foxgloves) I have started a new quilt. A simple quilt using clamshell patterned papers; once again using fabrics from my stash and smidgens of scraps. Yet again, I want to use only the fabrics that are sitting in my armoire. Yet again, a completely hand stitched pretty which will be the size of a throw. Clamshells are a lovely pattern; one which I have always wanted to make. There are some gorgeous ones out there but mine is going to be one where scrappy delight is evidenced everywhere. No plan really, just playing with little clamshells and placing them here, there, everywhere, in a fashion which is pleasing to my eyes. Such fun! But then, scrappy quilts where playing is the only prerequisite, with an explosion of patterns and colour, are always the best fun for me. 

 

As I sit here I think of you and send lovely thoughts and prayers your way. Some of you are ploughing through difficult days. Some of you are battling health issues; COVID is raging worse than ever in some countries; and America....well what can I say?? I admit I look at the TV in complete disbelief at the theatre that is called American politics. Quite bizarre really. I am fascinated by it all....and deeply saddened, too. A new narrative is  beginning (thank goodness). The page has  turned over and a new page is being written, a new chapter being drafted and then recorded; 'tis time to move on. 'Tis such a pity that this most  un-presidential president will not realise this and accept it. I suppose for the most part, the history books will not look favourably upon these last four years of the outgoing administration.

I am thinking of you my lovely friends. Wish oh wish I could tap on your front door (I know I say this all the time....but I do) give you a hug and the biggest bouquet of sweet-smelling lilacs, rhododendrons, foxgloves, orange blossoms....all bunched together, cinched with a pretty ribbon; to bring a smile to your day. Why we could chat about tea and cake, our families, flowers and gardens, fabrics and quilts, friendship, faith, why....perhaps even politics (just a little, I promise....and if you and I don't agree, then we would be kind and listen to each other in a respectful way even if we have different points of view, wouldn't we....because that is what grown ups do); oh, there is a gazillion things you and I could natter about. I often think I cannot change the world but I can make a difference in my little world each day, for the better; showing kindness, respect, unselfishness and love, to those I might meet. I suppose it's not much really, but for the other person who is hurting,  perhaps my smile, my kindness; a pretty flower or two will be that one little thing that might bless their day. You just never know, do you??

So, as this world spins around on its axis and history is being played out, I suppose I will just keep on chatting about stuff and nonsense, and keep on sending you much too many happy snaps of my peaceful little place where flowers and fabrics and all things pretty, abound. Take care my lovely friends and please, keep well. Make time for the whispers of loveliness this fine day. As for me I am going to enjoy some lovely clamshell hand stitching, because today is Sunday, and I always try to delight in a little slow stitching on Sunday, of only for a little while.

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

Linking up to Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching

Sweet Lucy's Quilt.......A Finish ❣

Hello lovely lovelies❣ Sunday has rolled around again, quicker than quick and I must say it was a glorious one. The sun was a-smiling, the birds were a-singing, and the flowers a-blooming, and, gloriously blooming at that. And....I might add, a little bear visited....just for a little photo shoot. He is a sweet fellow. He is a vintage fellow; one that hasn't been out and about since he and my youngest daughter used to hang out together. He and me, and Maisie, frolicked and danced, and gambolled among the granny bonnets, the foxgloves, the irises; and the forget-me-nots. Today was a very pleasant day, indeed. Why am I besides myself with great joy???? Because Sweet Lucy's Quilt is finished❣

Sweet Lucy's Quilt was fashioned as a sweet gift for my life-long friend's, two year old granddaughter, Lucy. For no particular reason really, other than I desired to make a child's quilt using up some of my 1930's prints....and other fabrics, too. For the past two months I have been skipping along my oft-travelled hexie-shaped, cobblestone EPP path, where once again I played with triangles and diamonds, and other shapes stitching them together to form larger hexies. This is a simple quilt, with simple quilting around each hexie and the hexie border, dancing around the outside. Each hexie has oodles of whimsical prints. Once again, I used my 'Sweet Sunday' templates and papers. The backing is a gorgeous vintage print called 'Little Women' which is a Sarah Kay design. Love, love, love the backing. To bind the quilt I used a fabric which was in my stash which I think is the perfect touch. A soft muted print with whispers of flowers all-over.

This is a sweet quilt where little boys and girls play in meadows, frolicking with sweet kitties and puppy dogs, bunnies hoppity hopping through flowers, lady bugs, chickens, butterflies, school houses....so, so much whimsy to smile and bring much delight to little Lucy's day.

The stitching of Lucy's quilt was the most delightful way to spend these last few months. I love that it is a smaller quilt, with measurements of 46" x 60". I am delighted that it only took two months to completely hand stitch and hand quilt. Why, I think I will fashion more smaller quilts. Wanting to use up more of my fabric stash, I can see in my crystal ball, more happy scrappy quilts as I skip along my quilting path. I want to stitch a quilt for each of my friends......just because. Next year, I want to punctuate the fashioning of quilts for friends with other pretties for moi. There doesn't need to be a reason, does there, to gift a handmade quilt to a friend.

As ever, thank you so much for visiting my little place. May your day be one blessed with sprinkles of beauty and love, and much joy.

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

Linking up to Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching. and Frederique's Quilting, Patchwork, Applique

Christmas is A-Coming.....and a Giveaway

Hello lovely lovelies❣ 'Tis early Sunday morning here. One of those sunshine-dripping, spring kinda mornings. One of those mornings where one just wants to slowly sip a cup of tea, in a pretty teacup, looking out to the garden beyond and be thankful that this day has been given to enjoy. The calender has nudged me that it is the 25th day of October. Goodness me, in two months time you and I will be waking to the sounds of Christmas Day. I wonder what Christmas Day will be like this year?? I suppose a Christmas Day like no other. With all that thas happened this year, one cannot really plan for such events, as COVID is a day by day proposition, isn't it. I wonder if families will be able to gather together this year as has always be done; or will Christmas Day celebrations be one where family members are limited and social distancing has to be adhered to??

I know 'tis a bit early to chat about the festive season, but I wanted to have a little Christmas giveaway to sprinkle a little cheer into the day of one of you lovelies. I wanted to sprinkle a little Christmas joy in these uncertain times. Nine years ago I penned a tale about the fashioning of a a Christmas stocking in the aesthetic of a rather elegant Parisian boot evoking the times of King Louis XIV; and a court jester boot for my husband. I wanted to add a little 'joie de vivre' to our festive mantlescape; and to be honest, nine years of skipping down the flower-lined path of this thing that is called life, I still love them as much as I did when I first fashioned them. If you are in the mood of a little light reading or a humorous little tale (well.....at the time.....I thought it was) then you can skip along the twinkling Christmas path, lit with festive sparkle and be amused (or bored) and read my tale of  'Twas The Night Before Christmas........HERE.

Why oh why did I divert you to my Christmas tale of old???? Why, I am desiring to gift a Parisian boot somewhat similar to the pretty I fashioned for my mantlepiece all those years ago.

I fashioned this pretty (along with others in every hue) for a craft fair I was participating in about ten years ago. As with my Louis XIV style Parisian boot, it is a pretty with a jumble of lace, vintage fabrics, jewellery, ribbons, buckles, ruched ribbons......and all that bedazzles.  It has been hanging about in one of my armoires all these years and is wanting to escape, to add a little joie de vivre to some other lovely's Christmas mantelscape. There is another Parisian boot as well to choose from. For those of you who prefer a more traditional christmassy aesthetic, this one is a boot singing a Christmas carol in reds and golds, with sweet little cherubs and lovely laces, gold tassles and beading. Mmm....a Parisian boot smothered in creams and antique laces; or the more classic red and green pretty.......I wonder which one you will choose????

My deepest apologies for broaching the subject of Christmas with you a wee bit early, but, with the postal service as it is all over the world, I thought I had better throw caution to the wind and attend to this little matter sooner rather than later. Why, I have heard rumours and scuttlebutt about the mail  in the USofA, (if perchance my little pretty should wing it's way there) of the longest delays with the delivery of packages and letters, so I had better post this little pretty, early. Who knows, perhaps it will arrive at someone's doorstep before (fingers crossed) Christmas Day......or Christmas Day 2021.......if at all. =) One never knows these days. I will just have to send it on a wing and a prayer. I have sent cards to my daughter and son-in-law in San Fransisco and they have taken an age to arrive at their doorstep. It's just the way it is these days. There is not a lot we can do about it. The new normal I'm afraid that we all have to get used to. Oh.....I just had a thought. A ridiculous thought, but you know;  there is always the possibility of bringing out the retired stagecoaches of yesteryear, and four trusty steeds to deliver my pretty........well....it could work. Why, is that the honeyed voice of Doris Day singing whip crack-away, whip crack-away, whip crack-away, enroute to Deadwood..........off in the distance?????? Why......I do believe it is . =) Sorry, much too many viewings of Calamity Jane!!

All humour aside, if you hanker after a little Parisian Christmas boot hanging somewhere in your home this Christmastime; adding a little sparkle, a little shimmering glimmer to your days, then please say so in your comment.....and don't forget to mention which pretty you prefer (if indeed, you feel inclined to say hi). I fully understand that a Christmas stocking dripping with  lace and other such fripperies is not to everyone's taste.....I won't hold it against you. =) Thank you for visiting my little place. I will let you know next Sunday where my little Parisian boot will live forevermore. Have a beautiful day, lovely lovelies❣ Thank you for gifting me with your sweet visit❣

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

Linking up this week to Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching...........as these pretties were entirely stitched by my needle pricked fingers and and I seem to recall that they were hand stitched on a Sunday, well, not in their entirety, as they did take an age to fashion. Why, with my hand on my heart, I speak not with forked tongue. =)