Spring Distractions

It has been some time since I post so yes that means our weather has turned nice and I am trying to get the yard under control. So by the time I get my laptop out to type a post, I am sidetracked by email, photos, Facebook to name a few computer distractions.

So what I have I been up to??? No cross stitching which is quite sad as I was on a good role. So no cross stitch updates for my Turtle Trot and TUSAL. Good thing since these are both stitch-a-longs with no pressure. I find quite a few patterns and a whole bag of DMC floss at the quilt guilds silent auction. I even found two large Q-snaps frames. I did find one partial stitched Lavender & Lace project. Sorry I cannot remember the name and I'm afraid if I go digging for it I will be pulled into my sewing room.

Sewing and quilting have been my pleasure lately. I bound several quilts that I had quilted. I normally hand bind quilts but I decided I needed to practice machine binding quilts. Each quilt I get better and better. My last quilt that I bound only had a couple bobbles so I was quite pleased with my work. 

This quilt was the second quilt that I machine quilted on my longarm quilt machine. I used a pantograph as the fabrics were scrappy and had various themes. At first look you would think patriotic but the scrappy fabrics called for something to tie the patriotic, flowers and paisley together. This is why I used Anne Bright's Ocean Froth. I think this will be my "go to" pantograph.

Nice weather means time outside and not in. The spring flowers bloomed and wilted so fast but the lilacs made up for it.

This year all three varieties of lilacs bloomed one after another. The white lilac was first to bloom and it is hidden so I almost missed it. It has so many new shoots this year that I will be able to transplant them so they will be front and center. The lavender lilacs were next. They are the most fragrant and stepping outside was a joy. The last lilac starts very dark purple and the blooms fade to lavender. Their scent is not as strong but still distinct. I was given the starts from a friend's parents (Buddy & Ellie May) place so I refer to this lilac as Ellie May. Since the lilacs were in abundance I was able to make a bouquet hope you enjoy it.

A book cake for the retired librarian

Grandma's shirt says, "At This Age, I Need Glasses"

Last weekend my mom and I drove to our home town to celebrate my Grandma's 80^th birthday. What a party it was. We had great food, drink and entertainment, local singer/songwriter Lindy Gravelle.

What a hoot it was to see my Grandma, Mom and Aunt dancing to José Cuervo.  Oh my! Besides partying, my Mom and I visited a place, Petersen Rock Garden, that is or was a staple to many that grew up in the Redmond and Terrebonne, Oregon areas. More to come on this in a later post.





Have a great week and enjoy the first week of May,