Well Into Spring!

So things are a little different everywhere these days and certainly have been for weeks now. I trust this finds each of you healthy and sane. I have been able to finish several crafting projects and have read a few books, which is always gratifying. My days begin with a walk around our neighbourhood, which is a habit that had ebbed a bit this Winter. I have rediscovered how truly wonderfully invigorating and mind clearing it is, a great way to begin any day. Take care of yourself and loved ones, remember the importance of being kind and generous. Be well and enjoy this continually changing journey we are all on. ox

Images:
Our Tiberius several days ago enjoying the morning sun.
A shawl I knit as a gift for a friend who generously sent me the yarn as a surprise.
A completed quilt front, part of a quilt that is a gift for my sweetheart (a long overdue project).

Late Summer

My dear sister and her sweetie came to visit earlier this month. We had such a wonderful time catching up. She and I went out early Sunday morning for a hike and the top image was taken from the lookout. We have been very fortunate that the kale, swiss chard and herbs have grown quite well this season and provided us with a bounty of greens. The plants have thrived under Scott's attention this summer. An ongoing knitting project I set myself this year was to use up leftover yarn from previous sock projects. The result has been a growing collection of mismatched socks, so very satisfying. I am certain everyone has a favourite pair of jeans they would wear until absolutely threadbare and full of holes. Inspired by the visible mending movement I finally repaired a hole in the knee and reinforced the surrounding area of a well loved and worn pair of jeans. Take care of each other and enjoy the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. ox

Recent Projects

Summer projects:
Toadstool dolls and leaf set, pattern by Susan B. Anderson found in Taproot Magazine Issue 32
Tote bag, modified pattern found on The Purl Bee
Pillow covers, a commission, pattern found here
Enjoy the beauty and adventure. ox

So Much Snow!

Happy 2019! What a Winter we are experiencing. This week saw a huge storm move across the province, dumping a considerable amount of snow in most areas. Thankful for the ability to clear snow, a home, the support of loved ones, our kitty and my darling. Find more photos at my Flickr account, link on the left side of the screen.
Links of interest:
A good read
Loving these images
Interesting podcast
A favourite episode
Take care of each other.
Enjoy the journey.

The Sun Has Been Shining!

The sunrises and sunsets have been wonderfully colourful the past few weeks, when it hasn't been cloudy. Making some progress on a knitting project, really enjoying the meditative nature of the simple knitting and loving the colours of the yarn. Had a handwritten letter from my pen friend this month, always such a treat. Captured a couple of images of snowflakes on glass recently, find them here. Take care of each other. Enjoy the journey. ox

Hello Lovelies!

Recently completed a king sized quilt commission for dear friends.
Tiberius enjoys all the quilts I create.
An earflap hat for a wee mite celebrating his first birthday.
The Turkey Tail fungi is amazingly pretty.
Enjoy the journey.

March Snow

 March came in like a lion, a windy and snowy storm last week. This week things are warming up and the snow is beginning to slowly melt. We removed a good portion of the snow off the back roof this past Saturday. Finally making progress on a quilt commission that I have been struggling with. This second quilt front above is complete and I will be renting time on a long arm quilting machine in two weeks time to quilt the three layers together. Feels good to be making headway with both projects. I have a couple of knitting projects on the needles that I am enjoying, a wee vest and a shawl. Hiking and skiing this Winter have been thoroughly entertaining.
I like this quilt pattern and would like to make my own version at some point.
Paula's work never ceases to amaze and inspire.
This photographer is amazing!
Enjoy the journey. ox

Snow

Although it was a very warm December, we now have snow and it will be well below freezing tonight and tomorrow. Snow has a way of making everything look so pretty and the way it muffles sound is beautiful.
The following are worth reading:
Moments of Grace in a Grim Year - The New York Times.
My Five New Year's Revolutions By Parker J. Palmer
Enjoy the journey.

Happy 2016!!!

Wishing each of you a wonderful New Year, full of love, health and inner peace. ox
Both of these projects were standouts for 2015.
I was able to complete my first hand knit shawl and my first hand knit colourwork piece.
Lola Shawl by Carrie Bostick Hoge
Laurus Hat by Dianna Walla
Enjoy the journey.

Completed Projects

Finished knitting up Auntie Evelyn's yarn, 16 hats in total.
A dear friend is taking up knitting and I thought a new tote would make a useful gift.
The Forty Minute Tote is a great pattern found on The Purl Bee website.
More soon.
Enjoy the journey.

March - Snow, Sunshine, Sewing

Finally put together a quilt front, after more than a year.
Did up several zippered pouches (noodlehead tutorial), trying to gain more confidence using the zippered foot on my sewing machine, so I can tackle circular meditation pillows.
Made up another Monk's Bag today, same fabrics as this one.
Loving this flickr photostream.
Otchipotchi creations never cease to amaze.
I always enjoy 3191 Miles Apart projects.
Hope all is well where you are.
We still have lots of snow, cold temperatures, but lots of sunshine this week!
Enjoy this amazing journey.

Hello February!!!

 Well, January certainly seemed to fly by. There were cold days and nights, along with beautiful sun filled mornings and afternoons. A lovely gift bloomed beautifully mid month, providing a much needed burst of colour.  I have been enjoying wonderful blog posts by a dear friend of her travels in warmer climes. Paula of otchipotchi has released several gorgeous new ceramic pieces, well done and congratulations on the new work!
Enjoy the journey.

Tiberius

Have I mentioned lately how very much I love our Tiberius, he brings us so much joy. Especially now that the weather has cooled, he has become a snuggle monster, something neither of us mind.

A few things of interest:
This knit pattern is great - have made several hats with yarn inherited from a dear Auntie.
A cup of cocoa, I usually keep my simple but they suggest a few interesting additions. Found via this lovely blog, the art of seeing things.
Sounds like an intriguing book - Unconventional & Unexpected by Roderick Kiracofe.
Try making a carrot soup but substitute unsweetened coconut milk for the dairy, delicious. 
Paula always creates such beauty.

Enjoy the journey.

Thought Full

Enjoying these summer months, hope you are too. Recently had a couple of visitors. Mom and Karen made the trek out to see us and the new place, so wonderful to spend some time with them both.
Loved the latest book, Delancy by Molly Wizenberg. The shortbread cookies she mentions in the book are super easy to make and wonderfully delicious!
Wanted to share an image taken along the river near here (top snap) and of course there are never enough images of our Tiberius - I love him so.
Enjoy the journey.

Hello...

A Winter Morning By Ted Kooser

A farmhouse window far back from the highway
speaks to the darkness in a small, sure voice.
Against this stillness, only a kettle's whisper,
and against the starry cold, one small blue ring of flame. 

From Delights and Shadows (Found at Eat This Poem)

Looking forward to:
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton
Made By Hand by Lena Corwin

Loving the new work by a dear friend - otchipotchi

More soon.
Enjoy the journey.

She Loved It!

Our niece loved her quilt, as did Tiberius!!!
Enjoy the journey.

A Quilt For Someone Special

A quilt for ABA - Spring 2013

Happy weekend to each of you! The quilt is now complete. I finished hand stitching the binding on Friday and it has been laundered. Now all I have to do is package it up and get it sent in the post. Here is an image of the back, which gives a nice close up of the quilting done in orange thread. I rented time on a local long arm quilting machine, Glenna, my teacher and friend is always such a tremendous help and so supportive.
Hope all is well wherever you are.
Enjoy the journey.

Goings On

Tiberius at nine months  - May 2013

This kitten keeps on growing and boy does he have personality! Finished a quilt front yesterday, the finished piece will be a gift for someone special who will be graduating from high school next month. We have had some rain this week so everything is growing like crazy. I have found my next quilt project, can't wait to get started on it. One of my dearest friends celebrated a birthday this week, I am so grateful for the friendship we share, love you J! Happy weekend to each of you and enjoy the journey.

Sewing Bits

 Did a bit of sewing over the past couple of weeks which means I am slowly working through some of my fabric stash. I made a throw for the house, a quick project and super cuddly. Made up seven totes, always useful, using this pattern (minus the lining).  Also put together another infinity scarf using a wonderfully soft fabric.  Finally put together a new duvet cover and am quite pleased with it, I have posted an image on flickr. Also finished up a few quilt blocks, using up some leftover fabric from previous projects and am still trying to decide how they will come together in a quilt front or two (see flickr for images).
Everything is very green after the rain we have had. It has been a great spring for wildflowers and the roses are blooming up a storm.  The vegetables are progressing slowly but surely.  The hummingbirds have made an appearance so the feeders are out and frequently attended by the winged wonders.  Hope all is well wherever you are.  Enjoy the journey.

DIY Alabama Chanin Swing Skirt

DIY Alabama Chanin Swing Skirt - 7 March 2013

Finished hand stitching this skirt today. It was a DIY skirt kit purchased during a sale from Alabama Chanin. I really enjoyed the hand stitching, it becomes almost a form of meditation.  What have you been creating lately?  We had a fantastic visit with family and dear friends over the past couple of weekends.  It always feels good to spend time with loved ones.  Enjoy the journey.