New Year's Eve At The Farmhouse...

You know where I'll be!

I'll be back tomorrow with my Word of the Year!

Happy New Year's Eve, friends. 

What I'm Working On...

Feather Ornaments

I'm making feather ornaments right now. I have a few more to do before they fly off to new homes. They can have cording attached to make ornaments, they can hang from hooks on the wall, sit on small easels, or whatever the recipient decides.

Once these are finished and mailed, I'm going to create a few new Something Blue Wedding Brooches, and then update my Etsy shop. I think it's time for a sale, don't you? I'm going to plan a big one for Valentine's Day. My goal is to sell out the current inventory, and then add a lot of new things after that. I'll be a little busy with that for a while, but you know I have to continue with my needlework! 

Oh, and I need a new word for the new year. I'll be contemplating something I can put into action right away. I'll debut my new word on New Years' Day. 

For now, I'm off to work, so I'll be back tomorrow with another update. 

This Date Forty One Years Ago...

Our Wedding Day

Forty one years ago today, I married my Handsome. Twenty eight of our family and closest friends gathered in the living room of our first home (another farmhouse) to witness our vows. Afterward, we went to a local venue for dinner, and then opened our reception to two hundred fifty of our friends. It was the best day ever!

In 1984, the snow melted and the temperature reached 60º F. We had a jazz band perform and we danced until closing time. We were the last two to leave our reception, thanking every single guest before they departed. Two days later, we boarded an airplane for a two week honeymoon in Grand Cayman, BWI. 

Handsome and Me 41 Years Later

This year, we're expecting 2-6" of snow with winds up to 45 mph. Quite different from our wedding day. We'll stay safely home together with the girls this time. 

I've called Handsome "My Heartbeat" many times before, and it will always be so for me. I'm never happier than when we're together, and so I'll make a nice dinner for us, and I'll spend this day grateful for the life we've built. Looking forward to many more celebrations.

Happy Anniversary, Love.

A.B.& A., AML BW

Sunday Scripture...

Luke 2:11 via ScriptureSaves

My Restful Weekend Project...

One gathering complete, and the other (with Son #2's family) won't be until mid-January. It's hard to wrangle everyone's schedule, but we'll figure it out!

So this weekend, I'm going to do a wee bit of stitching. I have something special in mind, because I have a few gifts left to make. This will be the perfect time to do that. Nothing like a little restful needlework to round out the holiday weekend. 

Monday is special for Handsome and me. It's our wedding anniversary, so I want to have this project finished well before then in case he has plans for us. I'm confident it will be done in plenty of time.

I hope you're all planning a relaxing weekend, too. I'm sure we're not the only ones who slept in a little later this morning. I'll see you again Monday.

It's Bella's Now...

"Bella's Retriever Quilt"

Yesterday after family left to go home, Handsome took his new quilt upstairs and placed it on the bed. He grabbed the old retriever quilt and placed it on the sectional in our living room. Bella noticed right away, and slowly got up onto the quilt and fell asleep. It's her quilt now and forever.

I will add that when Handsome went upstairs with the new quilt, Carly followed him. He called me into the room and wanted me to "see something". Carly - who has never really paid attention to the bed coverings - had slowly put herself squarely in the middle of the new quilt. She's claimed this one.

Handsome and I both smiled. The next quilt...the next generation. As it should be, I guess. (Sorry. I didn't get a photograph, but I'm sure I'll have plenty of chances going forward.)

I'll be back tomorrow. 

Merry Christmas...

Merry Christmas from our home to yours.

Happy Christmas Eve...

I'll be spending today and tomorrow with Handsome, family, and our pets. I hope you have a blessed and Merry Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I'll see you again on Friday.

From our home to yours,

Bluebird Stickers...

Bluebird Sticker Order

I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this package, and it finally landed in our mailbox yesterday! I couldn't wait to open the envelope. 

Bluebird Sticker Closeup

Sadly, I find myself disappointed. The other stickers arrived sharp and detailed. These are blurry. (I doctored this image so they looked more sharp for you.) 

I've already contacted the company and have asked for guidance. I've ordered at least ten stickers from them (corgis, labradors, and my embroideries), so I'm hoping they offer to make this right for me.

I'm working today, but I've got a pair of pj pants to make for Grandson yet. I'll be busy once I get home. This elf will roll into Christmas one tired bear. I'll reveal more tomorrow.

If you're traveling this week, please accept Christmas greetings and wishes for a safe and happy holiday from our home to yours.

Completed Retriever Quilt II...

Retriever Quilt II Front

No sunshine today for my photographs of the completed quilt. We managed to get a couple taken before it began to sprinkle. Nevertheless, it's done now, and Handsome is so cute. He actually thinks I'll let him use it before Christmas Day! lol

Retriever Quilt II Back

Surprise! In order to make a backing large enough for this quilt top, I had to really get creative. I had fat 1/8ths of some fabric, fat 1/4s of others, three yards of the black "tossed" retrievers, and this gorgeous black labrador panel. It became the centerpiece for the back and the rest came together around it. 

I guess Handsome could actually use it as the front if he so desired, except that there will be a label on this side before Christmas. The completed quilt finished at 83" long by 68" wide. That's a lot of warmth to cover my sweetheart. 

Retriever Quilt Notes

These are the pages of graph paper and note cards I used to get the measurements right. That last card is my calculation for how many 2-1/4" strips of fabric I'd need for the binding. I wrote down the names of all the dogs so I wouldn't miss anyone, and they're all stitched into the gold squares. You may be able to read them if you enlarge the photo.

Retriever Quilt I Front

Finally, here's the first retriever quilt - actually the first quilt - I ever made. I used fancy stitches to go around all the motifs, and mostly used the panel as it came with all the bordered retriever images. I made this when Handsome and I were first married. That was forty one years ago.

Retriever Quilt I Back

Over all these years, this quilt has covered many snuggles, laughs, tears, people and dogs. We've always joked that once you sat under it, it was impossible to stay awake. It was patched many times, and got a new binding a few years ago because the old one was so tattered. In memory of this quilt, I incorporated two strips of the same fabric into a border in the new quilt. 

I didn't put a label on this quilt when I made it, but I'm going to add one after Christmas, officially gifting it to our beautiful Bella who will practically do anything to lie on it. It's hers now, and Handsome will enjoy the new one - which I'm sure he'll be happy to share with her, too.

Thanks for following this process with me. It sure is fun knowing that you all care about the things I make, and our life here at Hickory Hill Farm. 

Merry Christmas Week to one and all!!!

Today's Post Will Be Delayed...

Retriever Quilt II

Only for a little while. I completed this quilt yesterday, but by the time I finished stitching the binding on, it was dark outside. I want to take a photo in daylight...outdoors...with Handsome holding it up, so you can see the whole quilt - front and back.

As soon as I can get him outside and we wrangle it around for a few photos, I'll be back and update today with a second post. Keep your eyes peeled. I'll be back again soon!

Sunday Scripture...

Zechariah 9:9

 

The Peace of Wild Things...

Rest Now, in the peace of wild things...

No rest for me (yet). as I'm continuing work on Handsome's quilt. I assembled the backing yesterday (which I think might surprise you).

I came across this piece, which I really loved, so I thought I'd share it with you while I head back to the studio. Have a great weekend, friends. I'll see you again on Monday (hopefully with a finished quilt)!

Quilt Top Reveal...

Completed Quilt Top

I completed my quilt top for Handsome last night. It's so large that it's difficult to see the entire top - even with him holding it up. Once it's quilted and bound, you'll be able to see the entire quilt on a bed, but I wanted you to get a glimpse today.

All the borders are on the quilt, and they're the same all the way around. I know it's hard to see that at the bottom and top, but the are the same. You can also see some darker or lighter areas because the quilt is backlit. Those anomalies don't show in daylight.

Each yellow block now bears the names of all of our dogs for the past forty four years. Yellow labradors' names are stitched in a buttery-colored thread. The Golden retrievers are in a rusty color (except one that I forgot to change out). The black labs have black thread, and he even said I should put Fezzik and Tag's names on so they're in a darker gold with one letter in white (like their fur colors). 

Finally, I added a heart with a paw print in the center of each of the name blocks...just because. I'll share closeups of those blocks once I get this big boy quilted, which I'll at least start today. 

I work again tonight. Yes. It's the weekend again! My plan is to finish this by the time the Sunday rolls around, if not before. Of course, I'll hand bind it once I've assembled the top, back and batting. I'm going to do my best to show you a completed quilt on Monday.

Stay Warm and Safe! 

December Classmate Dinner...

L-r: Front: Brad, Deb N., Bruce, and Lisa. Back: Deb B., Donna, Cal, and John.

We had another lovely classmate dinner last night. Lisa is celebrating her birthday this month, too, so she brought homemade cookies that we all enjoyed for dessert. 

The restaurant we always go to is Schmitty's on the lake, and they've got great food. While we eat, we catch up on what's been going on in our lives since the last time we were together. Our group has become dear friends, so it's important to make sure everyone is okay (health, home, spouses, etc.). 

As usual, we set our date for next month, hugged each other goodbye and were on our way home by 5 pm. I went home with half of my meal, which Handsome was happy to take off my hands when I got back. A cup of tea and I was back in the studio working on my quilt top.

The top is nearly finished now. I've decided to add the names of all our retrievers to the open blocks in the center of the quilt. I'll be doing that today, and then I'll be ready to assemble the front and back. I may add Tag and Fezzik's names in a small corner. They both fetched pretty darn well, too! If I decide not to do that, I'm sure I'll do something special for my lowrider boys another time. (Maybe an embroidery!)

I'll make sure the feeders are full, and then I'm heading back up to the studio to work toward finishing Handsome's quilt. I can't wait to show you what it looks like!

Napa Salad Recipe...

Napa Salad Recipe

Work went really well yesterday, but I was wiped by the time I finished. Came home, changed into sweats, and thought I'd just take a quick nap. Handsome woke me up for dinner two hours later!

I didn't do any work on his quilt. I didn't really do anything else after we ate. So, I thought I'd share the recipe for the salad I took to the cookie exchange. It's a favorite around here, and although there are a few steps, it's really easy to make.

I use the chicken-flavored ramen noodles, and add the green onions, which are optional in the recipe. If you try it, let me know what you think!

I'll be in the studio today, so I'll be able to share the finished quilt top tomorrow. This afternoon is our classmate dinner, too. Last one for the year. Hard to believe. sigh

Working On A Special Project...

Brynwood Needleworks - Jerry Gadamus Labrador Fabric Panels

This project is long overdue, but I'm going to do it now. If you've followed me for a while, I've sung this song before, but I really am doing it this time.

Handsome had asked me to make a new quilt for him to replace one that I made for him forty years ago. He loved the last one so much that I'm still patching it so he can keep using it.

It's not one of the highly embellished quilts like those I've done more recently. He wants fiberfill batting and minimal finish quilting just like that first one I made from a single, repeating, long panel from all those years ago. 

So I went looking for retriever fabric to stay with the same theme. When I saw the fabric that used the paintings we recognized and loved from years ago, I bought what I could find from the line. Unfortunately, a long repeated panel wasn't available. That means I'm going to have to piece it with other fabrics to create the size I want. He asked for a larger one this time. 

The last retriever quilt was about 76" long by 48" wide. This one will finish closer to 85" long by 60" wide. I began with a drawing of how I want it to look, and worked out measurements from my drawing. From there I started cutting and piecing. 

I'll be working today, so I won't likely won't complete the top tonight, but I'll get it done soon so I can share it with you. I'm really happy with what I've got so far. I think Handsome will like it, too. More soon!

2025 Cookie Exchange...

l-r (Adults Only) Stephanie, Diana, Alexandria, Cassie and Donna

Another successful Cookie Exchange in the record book. Our group was small this year, but that didn't keep us from having a grand time. Stephanie is our annual hostess, and she goes out of her way to have a lovely snack spread, games (and prizes!), and fine company. 

We suspect the weather (-20º F wind chill) may have had something to do with the turnout, but we didn't mind. We're all related! Of course, you will recognize Diana's name (my sister). Steph is her daughter, Alex is Di's daughter-in-law, Cassie is Alex's sister, and those two sweet girls in front are Alex's twin daughters. When it's family, there is always conversation, and we spent some of our visit catching up.

Top Left - Clockwise: Diana's chocolate offerings, Alex's Molasses Cookies, Steph's Pizelles, Cassie's Date Cookies, Twins' Cutout Cookies, and my Koulourakia Cookies.

Diana was the overachiever this year. She brought hot cocoa mix, chocolate marshmallow cookies, chocolate truffles and chocolate no-bake cookies. Alexandria made delicious molasses cookies. Stephanie had time to make cookies, even though she made bbq cocktail sausages and a fabulous charcuterie tray. Cassie made a date cookie recipe that came from her fiancee's mom, carrying on the family tradition. The twins contributed two trays of decorated cutout cookies, and I made our favorite Koulourakia twists, which became a holiday tradition when we lived in Florida. My Panera's group friend, Kathy made them every year, and graciously shared the recipe with me when we moved.

Snacks for the attendees

Everyone brought a dish to share, so we had offerings on the charcuterie tray, shrimp, smoked fish, ham roll-ups, and a non-alcoholic beverage (with the option to add champagne). I stayed n/a. I took a salad that's a family favorite that has a sauteed mixture of water chestnuts, ramen noodles, green onions, mushrooms, slivered almonds, and sesame seeds over Romaine lettuce. The dressing is a sweet and sour sauce.

The Giving Plate

Diana brought The Giving Plates in two patterns, and gave one to each of us. She mentioned that we weren't required to give them away, so I'll probably keep mine at least for this season. Next year I'll load it with cookies to share.

So, that was my Sunday. Cold outside, but happy and warm inside with people I love. Handsome is out from under his nasty cold, so that's a blessing, too. I'll be busy in the studio again this week. I'll tell you tomorrow about the jammies.

Sunday Scripture...

II Corinthians 1:3-4 from Sweet To The Soul

 

Baby, It's Cold Outside...

This Year's Christmas Trees

It's going to be darned cold today, but I'll be cozy inside, baking cookies for the exchange party tomorrow. The wind picked up late last night, and it was even snowing a bit. Neither dogs nor cats wanted anything to do with going out. 

I ran to the store yesterday and got eighty pounds of bird seed, so I know I'll be able to keep our flying friends nourished so they can stay warm. I'd love to think they're all sheltered in the rafters of the Compass Barn, but I suspect most have sought shelter in the woods above the farmhouse when they're not eating.

Once the cookies are done, I'll be stitching. Anything to stay busy - and indoors. As I write this, it's 11º, but with the 17 mph wind, it feels like -7º. Warm socks and sweaters are definitely in order around here.

Stay safe, my friends. 

Brooches...

Materials for Goldwork Brooches

I chose the materials to make a few goldwork brooches for my Christmas list. This is just one colorway. I'll have two different colors when I'm finished.

I'm going to be working on them today, and hope to complete them over the weekend. I'm planning to make at least three. This will be fun. You know how I love working on bright, shiny things! 

We're supposed to get a deep freeze this weekend, so I'll make sure I have plenty of food out for the birds and critters. I'm hoping the opossums find their way back to the barn for some protection this winter. The cabinet I created for the "barn" cats a couple years ago has a warming lamp inside that I think they'd enjoy. I'll have food and fresh water out there, just in case.

I work tonight, but I'll be inside with Handsome and the girls most of the weekend. There's supposed to be a cookie exchange at my niece's on Sunday, so I'll be baking tomorrow. Handsome still has a rotten cold, but I'm taking good care of him. Chicken soup was on last night's menu, and I'll make something warm and hearty again for him tonight. If you're in the "ice belt", I hope you stay safe and warm. 

Completely Done...

"Summer Serenade - Bluebirds" Label

The label is now affixed, and the smaller sleeve has been replaced with a four inch sleeve featuring the selvage from the bluebird fabric.

"As long as there are bluebirds, there will be miracles."

I sewed the selvage to the sleeve before I assembled it. Then I hand sewed it to the back of the wall hanging.

Now that I've done those things, my bluebird wall hanging is completely done. The three seasonal bird pieces will hang together until a fourth season - American goldfinches for autumn - joins them. 

I may do a pair of black-capped chickadees before the goldfinches. There are a number of these sweet birds who wait for me to fill the feeders every winter. They're usually about a foot over my head when I trudge through the snow to bring their food. I'll say, "Chicka dee dee dee", and those little birds chirp right back at me! I'll really have fun doing them!

Well, it's time to begin my gift sewing now. Best get back to the studio! See you tomorrow.