Progress Report

Last week I set several goals, but suspected that since we would be out of town for a few days,  they might not be accomplished.  I am delighted to say that each one was completed!  FOCUS!!!  Really, I believe that blogging about my goals does make me more accountable for some mysterious reason.

Finally, I've started back on Primitive Garden.  It was  originally started back in 2009, just before our house flooded.  At that point it was packed away and I just never got back to it.  Recently a friend from one of my online groups suggested that we work on this as a BOM together.  Having seen the original at the Lisa Bongean class recently, I was inspired to get started on it again.  It really is a great quilt, full of my favorite things.

Next was the buttonhole applique around Block 5 of Oakleaf & Pomegranates.  There is nothing about these blocks that I don't like.

I worked on Redware Crow while we were on our trip last week, then backed and bound it over the weekend.  The wools in this piece are just gorgeous.......the photo doesn't do them justice.

And the scroll rug got two clusters of leaves and some background added.

One thing that has really helped me with this big rug was the purchase of this frame.  I had seen it used by two friends at rug camp......gals who work on really large rugs.........and I was impressed.  Rightfully so, as it is wonderful.  It provides a lot of hooking room on the work surface and is quite stable, a real asset when working with a large rug.  I was able to purchase it from Sherri at From Crook to Hook Wool Studio in Chattanooga.  The other thing that has made progress easier is to not look at the entire rug and become overwhelmed, but instead, choose small segments to finish.......one motif at a time, and sometimes, as in the scrolls, one small part of a motif.

This week's plan is to continue to work on the Scroll Rug.......slow and steady wins the race.  I would like to get another Oakleaf & Pomegranate block stitched down, and to choose a pattern for a quilt that will be a Christmas gift.  I will also try to get the hand buttonhole stitching finished on the Patiently Waiting wool runner.  Sounds like enough, don't you think?

Yesterday I picked this pretty bouquet of zinnias, knowing that the cold temperatures would take the last of them out overnight.  And, this cake was baked and ready to take to the church tonight......it is a Butter Pecan Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze......easy and pretty good, too.

Finally, my niece added these great hen and rooster wall pockets to my growing collection.  Not only are they cute and appropriate, but there is a sentimental attachment......they came from her cousin, an elderly friend of mine, who recently went into assisted living.  They had spent many years in her kitchen with wandering jew growing in them.  I will always think of her when I see them.

GRATITUDES:

The little things in life that mean so very much.

Seeing the young people in my life really growing in their faith.

The opportunity to do things for others.

Take care,

Jennie

Fall afternoon........

Last week Blake and I took a spin on the Gator.  Down to pick up the mail, chat with our neighbor along the driveway and deliver the trash.  Then to take a Fall journey around the property.  It is amazing how quickly the scenery changed.......almost as if overnight.  Lovely Fall.  Some people view it as death........I see it as shedding the old skin in preparation for something new.  It is captivating to see the vibrant color that is a prelude to the bareness of winter,  the earth's moment to rest.  And now, this week, it seems that Winter is already blowing in, unmindful of my need for a few more quiet days of Fall.

Fortunately, before the windy, colder weather set in, Blake and I were able to spend a few days in the North Georgia mountains.  There is something about the mountains..........an almost primal feeling for me......as if in some other time I was at home there, sitting on the front porch of a cabin, stitching a quilt and taking in the wondrous views that nature offered.  I have felt that way since I was a girl. 

We stayed one night with dear friends at their cabin, took in lots of beautiful scenery, and of course antiqued, shopped and ate.  We stopped at our favorite grist meal, Nora Mill Granary, and picked up some cornmeal.

We bought a few collectibles at various antique shops:

And Blake patiently searched out several quilt and yarn shops for my pleasure.......bless him.  My favorite was The Quilt Shop on Main in Jasper, GA......where, of course, I did a little retail therapy.  I thought that this nice stack of fabrics would make a great starting point for Comfort & Joy, a pattern I bought a few weeks ago and hope to start after Christmas.......so that it will be ready for next year, right?

The chickens seem to be enjoying the cooler weather, though the winds of the past couple of days have sent them to roost in their coop more frequently.  They are definitely enjoying the Fall crop of turnip greens.  When I throw a handful out to them, there is a feeding frenzy.  Almost as much so as when they get their pasta for breakfast.  Are they spoiled?.......well, maybe.

  

Surely, as much as they are maturing,  there will be more layers soon......though, from what I read, the shorter days may stymie that.  There is quite a bit of interest when I go into the run with my camera.  They are especially intrigued by the clicking noise that is made when I snap a photograph.

Lilly

 Ginger

 Puff & Lilly

 Macy...of the beautiful plumage.

Ronnie....who just might be a rooster, too.

Let me preface the next part of this post by saying that I really hate the idea of hunting animals.  I mean, I can't even go fishing.  That being said, it is a reality, and as long as the animal is used for consumption I kind sort of live with it.  All to get to the point here........Sara Ashley, at age 11, killed her first deer a week ago.  In one weekend she bagged a doe and an eight pointer.  To say that her dad was thrilled is an understatement.  I will spare you the photo of the dead deer, but will share one of SA with her gun, which is as big as she is.

That's it for tonight.

GRATITUDES:

Hot chili and cornbread on a cold evening.

Warm, fuzzy slippers.

Porch time with old friends.

Take care,

Jennie

You've got to be kidding.........

Blake swore he heard it.  I refused to listen.  He doesn't hear well.  I was sure it was a mistake.  I was wrong.

Remember Stella of the bad hair day?  Well, you guessed it.  Stella is crowing.....sort of....a prepubescent crow.  Another rooster.  Macy is not pleased, as she claimed Stella as hers.  She will need a new name.......a "he" name.  And he just might end up needing a new home.  No wonder the girls are steering clear!  Great................

The gold and black overshot runner is finally hemmed, pressed and on to the buffet.  It isn't perfect, but I am pleased with it.  Finished is better than perfect, right?

More progress on the Scroll runner.  If you put all of the hooking together, I think it is about half finished.  And it is a whopping 39" x 77" in size......what was I thinking???  I am trying to put in at least a few loops everyday, and it is paying off.  Another dreaded scroll is done and I can go onto some flowers and leaves for a little while.  Sure would like to see this one finished!

The goals I set on the 11th have been met.  I finished the fourth scroll on the big rug,  wove a breadcloth and runner that are awaiting their finishing touches, and Robert's Scout patches have been sewn on.  This week we are going to the North Georgia mountains for a couple of days, so I might not get much done.  I would like to make more progress on the Scroll rug, finish Block 1 of Primitive Garden, complete the Redware Crow wool applique that I started in the Lisa Bongean class and stitch Block 5 of Oaks and Pomegranates (which is already prepped).  Sounds pretty ambitious, huh?  But they are all WIP......nothing new.

Remember when I mentioned in a previous post that God always seems to be reaching out to you with scripture or other spiritual messages when you really need Him and are listening for his voice.  This post is just another example of how I know He wants to care for me while I am mourning the loss of my dear friend.

Sometimes I see a rug or quilt that just "speaks to me".  The minute I saw this antique rug,  The Bride,  I felt that tug at my heartstrings.  The sweetness...... naive and innocent.  What I wouldn't give to know its history.  This one just may be in my future.

Back to my stitching.

GRATITUDES:

Imagination.

Spiritual music.

The warm, liquid eyes of my little man dog.

Take care,

Jennie

Fall Projects

One of my Yahoo groups is having a Parade of Fall Projects.  Thinking it was a great idea, I've  been trying to get all of mine together to share.  Every few days I think of another one that is packed away somewhere.  Maybe this was a sign that storing everything together would make decorating easier!!
At any rate, it seemed to be a great idea for a blog post, so here goes........

This one is a self portrait, hung every year for about 15 years now.  I have no idea who the designer is, but it remains one of my favorite fall wallhangings.

Sweet Pickins' from the Fall issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects.......still awaiting quilting.

Wool applique pumpkin designed by Woolen Willow.  Perfect frame from TJ Maxx.

Cupboard Pumpkin mat designed by Anita White.

Scarecrow hooked mat, designer unknown.

Bedspring Hooked Sunflower.

Jan Patek Pumpkin Quilted Wallhanging.

Wool applique pumpkin candle mat, designer unknown.

Mighty Oak Hooked table runner, designer Sally Kallin of Pine Island Primitives.

Hope you have enjoyed!

GRATITUDES:

All things Fall.

Take care,

Jennie

Isaiah 40:31

Last night my dear friend went to be with her Lord.  Death, though the ultimate fate of us all, is not usually easy for those of us left behind.  Today I have struggled, but I am so glad I was blessed to be her friend.

She was a woman of integrity, sensibility and honesty.  She was frugal, true to her German upbringing, and really didn't need to feed upon the material things of life.  Not that she didn't enjoy them sometimes.  She had this incredible tender heart beneath all of that.  I would have trusted her with my life.  We shared so much and understood each other so well.  My fondest memories are of us sitting in a booth sharing lunch and life.  She never judged and gave the soundest of advice.  Our friendship was different.....no history, no personal agenda, just honest, true friendship for the sake of friendship.  She taught me so much.  To make it even better, we shared an insatiable love of handiwork.

One year for Christmas she surprised me with this beautiful quilt, which I cherish.  Today I sought it out, touching the blocks she so carefully pieced.........

Smiling at her trademark Yo-Yo that, she admitted, cleverly covered a hole she inadvertently snipped into the fabric as she was quilting............

And the label, beautifully embroidered, as was her way.

Life had not been easy for her, especially health wise, but she always seemed to pull it off one more time.  She was fragile and strong all at the same time.

I am so grateful that she had the blessing of this last year.  A lovely new home in a place she loved, family trips, stitching once again.  It was good and she was deserving.

Today, in my grief, I opened my Bible to a passage in my Bible study text.  God has a way of reaching out to comfort us in these times.

Isaiah 40:31 - But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles.  They shall run and not be weary.  They shall walk and not faint.

Just one thing, God........could she please have a dog in Heaven?

I love you dear friend and I will see you again someday.

GRATITUDES:

Faith, friendship and memories.

Take care,

Jennie

Hooking update

We had our Dogwood ATHA Guild Fall Hook In on October 6th.  It was a great day.....nice facility, good food, great speaker and vendors and wonderful fellowship.  We were fortunate to have such a hard working committee to put it together.  I took the Polly Minnick "Semper Fi"mat to work on as it is a sort of brainless hooking.  It is showing a little progress.  That white star looks mighty bright to me, but that is what came in the kit.  I won't rip it out yet, but.................

The Hook In was followed by classes here at the house with Eric.  We have missed him so much since he moved to VA, and it was a joy to have him here with us for two days.  I worked on my big scroll rug and then color planned another rug that is in my future.  Sticking with the scroll rug before starting another major project is my committment........it has been in the works way too long now.  Slow and steady, the goal is to pull up at least a few loops everyday.

The sewing room, which was so neat and tidy a few weeks ago, looks like a bomb ripped through it now. 

I can't work like that, so I have been tidying up a bit tonight.  It is a little better.

Today our church celebrated Homecoming and its 177th birthday.  The inspiring service was followed by dinner on the grounds as only the Baptists can do..........GOOD FOOD!!  Tonight we had singing, and the next three nights we will have services.  I will have to get my stitching time in during the day most of this week if it is going to happen.  The calendar is pretty full.

Almost bedtime now.

GRATITUDES

Voices lifted up to the Lord.

An afternoon nap on the porch swing.

A belly full of good food.

Blake's hand reaching out to hold mine.

Take care,

Jennie

Fall days

I do love Fall days.  It is my favorite time of the year.  The gorgeous weather, with flowers still lingering.  The rustle of leaves falling gently in the soft breezes.  That special crispness in the air.
Mornings spent with Blake in the front porch rockers feeling the gentle sun on my face.  Fall garden crops and fresh apples.  Lovely.  Thank you Lord.

Fall means moulting to Miss Stella, who is having a very bad hair day and an attitude to go along with it.

Snowflake and Chloe, the Cochins are an interesting contrast in black and white.  They are steering clear of Stella.

On the way home from the GA National Fair, we stopped at a couple of cute antique shops.  Being a sucker for vintage dogs, this cute piece found its way home with me.

A high school friend posted this photo on Facebook of a group of us girls back in 1964......I think we were Juniors in HS.  So fresh faced we were.......and thinking we were so worldly.  At first I had to laugh, but then the memories flooded back and I mused over how fortunate we were to live where we did and to go to such a great HS.  They were wonderful years.

GRATITUDES

Fresh greens simmering on the stove.

Memories of days gone by, but so close to my heart.

Chicken antics.

Friends, old and new.

Take care,

Jennie

Overdrive

Just when I think I cannot possibly be any busier, it happens!!  I will give you a taste of what has been happening tonight, but not all.  My camera battery went dead and I can't transfer anymore photos till I charge it, which is probably just as well.  I will go backwards from today, but not in any particular order.

We have never been to the Georgia National Fair in Perry, GA, and it was on the list last year, but didn't happen.  Today was the day.  The weather was gorgeous and Blake and I enjoyed the ride down.
We had fun going through the exhibits and looking at the animals.  There were lots of gorgeous quilts and other handiwork and art, antiques and such.  And horses, bunnies, cows, goats and sheep.  But only baby chicks.  They didn't have a chicken exhibit.  Bummer.  We, of course, had the requisite fair food........corn dogs, fries and funnel cakes.  Yum!  It was a nice day and now I can cross that one off my list.  Once was plenty, but I would be sorry if I had never gone.

One of my favorite online stores is Primitive Gatherings, owned by the talented Lisa Bongean.  I was fortunate to be able to take two days of workshops with her when she visited the Quilt Guild of the Southern Crescent in Fayetteville recently.  Even though I have done plenty of wool applique, there is always something new to learn.  And talk about inspiration.........her trunk show was to die for. The only bad thing is that now I have two more projects waiting to be finished.  Go figure.

My projects

Some of Lisa's lovely projects.

Lisa giving a demo.

The buttonhole stitching got finished on Oakleaf & Pomegranates Block #4.......with 5 - 7 sitting on the sewing machine awaiting my attention.  Am really loving these blocks.

We had our quarterly ER lunch.  Attendance was down, but that didn't stop the fun.  I don't know what was so funny, but we all look tickled pink.

Still have some zinnias and morning glories blooming at the garden fence.  Also still getting some okra, tomatoes, and maybe one more mess of peas before frost.  The collards and greens are ready to pick for the first time, too.  The chickens are producing about 2-3 eggs a day.......I think I have another layer, but am not sure which one it might be.  And I believe the mystery layer is moulting and not giving us any eggs right now.......two of the girls are moulting (they don't lay when they are making new feathers) and the particular looking egg that the mystery layer produced hasn't showed up in a couple of weeks.  It is all very intriguing, don't you think?  I am pretty certain Blake thinks I am losing my mind......but that is okay, I am having fun doing it.

As for my goals.........the Meadow Cosmos blocks are still awaiting setting.  I did, however get a lot done on the big rug, including the scroll that I wanted to finish.  That photo will be on the next post.

Goals for this week........to finish at least half of my new weaving project, sew Robert's new patches on and work on another scroll on the big rug.  Sounds pretty ambitious........we'll see how it goes.  If I could only quit jumping around from one project to the next!  FOCUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GRATITUDES

The Word of the Lord.

Days in which I can do exactly as I please.

The soft rustle of falling leaves.

Take care,

Jennie