Sunday, January 26, 2014

Flowers

FLOWERS,  is what is on my design wall.    Flowers is a Linda Brannock pattern I am doing with a couple friends. I'm ready to have flowers in the garden but that is still many months away.  I have a bit more stitching and some pieced baskets to make.   The choice of the half-square triangle sashing has me occupied.  I keep waffling on what I really want, so I will have to sew a few extra, to see how they look before I make a decision.   Thats ok I guess because there is always a few pieces left after each quilt I make.....and how those extras can talk to you.  Staying focused and getting a quilt finished has always been a challenge, I am to easily distracted.   I'm going to have Courage and just stay focused, I will get to those distractions later.

Here are my blocks without any sashing triangles, next time I will have made a choice and will get them sewed on!!!

One distraction this last week was the latest issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects.  LOVE IT!   Major distraction! 
Missy Carpenter's punch needle project is wonderful and she is giving away a years subscription, go to her blog, Traditional Primitives.
I really like it both ways, punchneedle or wool mat.  

We have been having some very spsring-like weather here in Central Oregon.  I know I shouldn't enjoy it so much but we did have snow last June.  If it can snow in June it can be 60 degrees in January.   Feels so good.  I'm sure it will change this week.

Talk with you soon, Happy Stitching!

Carrie

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Courageous in 2014

Happy New Year!   This year has started off with some unseasonally warm weather.  I have enjoyed the opportunity by visiting my mother in the valley with clear driving conditions.   My mother stayed home this winter from her usual trip to Arizona.  It has been so nice to spend time with her over the holidays and in January.

We went to a favorite quilt shop "Something To Crow About", in Springfield.  They are a small shop but full of my favorite things, and they had some finished quilts that are on my "list".     
This first quilt is from Primitive Gatherings,  I have this kit, but it is the first version which was a smaller scale.  


This next quilt is a summer freebie from Primitive Gatherings,  so cute!

Live Simply from Buttermilk Basin,  I can say I did not buy this pattern set but Love it!!

Primitive Gathering Block of the week for 2013!   I love this one, also on my "List".    I love the theme of this Quilt, and will not start it until many other  quilts get finished....


But this block:  "Courage" I may do because this is my word for 2014!     My oldest grandson, Tylor, enlisted in the Marine Corp and graduated from Boot Camp in December.  We were honored to attend the graduation and share  in his success and hard work.  I am so proud of Tylor,  he is a wonderful person and the most kind-hearted young man.  He was absolutely committed to achieving the highest position possible in his unit.  He was successful and received a meritorious promotion, and was chosen to carry the Marine Corp flag during the ceremony.     I am so very proud of him!  These times are very scary for me and I have been very worried about his decision.   Listening to all the Drill Sargents and Officers at graduation ceremonies I heard them sa, "Courage does not mean you are fearless!  It is what you do in spite of  fear etc."  So I embrace Tylor's life choice and will be on my own path to "Courage"  this year!


Oh how we enjoyed the 70 degree weather,  it was below zero when we left Oregon for San Diego!
  
Watching your grandchildren grow up is a wonderful experience and I am so glad I had so much time to spend with Tylor in his  youth.   I miss him everyday but my heart is full!  I am looking forward to growing in Courage in 2014!

Baskets of Courage!

Carrie