Another Surprise, Another Block...

A Friendship Block from Karen of Karen's Needlework

I don't know what it is about going to the mailbox. I've always been "such a kid" about the walk down the drive to open the box and see the contents. Lately, it's been more fun than the usual bills, catalogs and political placards. I've been surprised almost daily by puffy envelopes addressed to me.

Yesterday, an envelope arrived from sweet Karen of Karen's Needlework in Missouri. She's also making Farmer's Wife blocks to create a quilt. If you'd been here, you could have heard the "awww" I uttered when I opened it. Aren't those sweet Labrador puppies?

In addition to the Friendship block, Karen also created two iron-on acorn transfers for me. She really knows me, doesn't she? Now, all I have to do is decide how I'm going to use those pretty acorns. I know I'll think of something...and I'll be sure to show you where they end up.

Thank you so much, Karen. I love the fabrics you chose, and the acorns were really a wonderful touch. I so appreciate your friendship, and the gifts from your hands. xoxo

Please be sure to click on the link (above) for Karen's blog. She's now making doll clothes and accessories for American Girl dolls. (I know that some of her creations are going to end up with our granddaughters!) She has all kinds of interesting things going on at her "place". Please visit and leave a note to tell her how fabulous she is.

#62 Old Windmill

Of course, I managed to make one new block today. I chose #62 from the Farmer's Wife book. I used a paper foundation for this one, too. The foundations make my blocks so much more precise than piecing. Another one for the stack.

I'm off to Sandy's Quilt Shop to deliver my October mini quilt for display. There will be coffee, conversations and friendship...and we always sprinkle laughter into our visits. I really like starting my weekend with my quilting friends.

Busy Bee...

I spent yesterday in Sarasota, knitting with my friends. I finished this doll coat and beret last winter, but I'm working on a second one in purple (it's one of my UFOs) and want to finish it, too.

The blue one is called "Snowflower" and it, along with the purple set, is for sale in the Boutique. I'm not neglecting the creamy, bamboo sweater I've been working on either, and hope to have that finished as my "evening knitting" permits.

You know me...Busy Bee!

Which, by the way, is something else I want to share with you today. Remember those beautiful magnolias? Well, I grabbed my camera when I saw this little bee practically drunk with pollen from one of the huge blossoms.

I laughed out loud to see him so intent on his collecting
mission that he was actually rolling in the flower goodness.

...Mother Nature going about her daily duties...

...and by the end of the day, all those little bits
sitting in the petal of this blossom were gone.

When a new blossom opens tomorrow, this
busy bee and his buzzing friends
will return and start all over again.
Hmmm... I wonder if there's such a thing in
Bee Land as "magnolia honey"?

Something New In The Boutique and Kessie's Birthday...

If you're looking for the perfect gift for your little girl's favorite American Girl (or similar size) doll*, you can stop over in my Brynwood Boutique to see all the details. I started this project in Wisconsin and sewed the sweet little pom pon on the beret last night. I'd love to know what you think!

* this set will also fit a 2-5 lb. premature baby
I just noticed that in twelve days I will have written 200 posts. My, how time flies! I'm going to put some thought into a Two Hundredth Post Giveaway. I'll see if I can come up with something special to tempt you!

Happy Twelvth Birthday, Kessie! (She keeps telling Handsome she wants a little brother. I think we'll give her a few special treats and a new toy today instead.)