Making Headway...

My Version - Primitive Gatherings Summer Freebies 1-8

I've been needle dancing! I'm finally caught up to Block/Week Eight of Primitive Gatherings' Summer Freebies Block of the Week. All of these have been cut, fused and stitched. I even managed to get these done while being a bit under the weather.

Primitive Gatherings Patterns 8-12

 

I have four left to do, and then all the blocks will be finished. 

 

Primitive Gatherings' Freebies Finishing Kits

 

Lisa B. has designed a finishing kit (on the left above), and the other option (on the right above) was designed by one of her friends, Randy. She's also offering his as a kit, but you know me. I'm going to design my own piece from these blocks, perhaps something that will tie these designs to our farm. I'll work on that later. I'm in no rush.

 

I have to make a list, so I can identify and prioritize what I want to accomplish leading up to the (fast approaching) end of the year. I think I'll work on that list soon. I work better if I'm accountable to my lists (and you!). For now, I'll just concentrate on finishing these little blocks. The rest will follow.

 

A Perfect Day...

Tag On The Way To His Dental Appointment

Tuesday began early for Tag and me. He had a dental appointment to have his teeth cleaned, along with vaccines that were due, and clipping his toenails. He had to be at the vet's between 6 and 7 am, which means I had to get up early to take him.

Once we got there, he started charming the ladies who work there, and they sent me on my way until they would call. I was to expect a call after he came out of the anesthetic. I drove back home to busy myself until someone called.

Tuesday's Canning Project

I prepped fresh rhubarb last night so that I could jar it up today. (Fresh rhubarb mixed with sugar, and then let it sit overnight to draw out the juice.) When I got back home, I took it out of the refrigerator and popped it on the stove to bring up to a boil. I'd already prepared the jars, and when all was said and done, ended up with three quarts and one half pint. I can use this for any number of things this winter, and it saves me precious freezer space by canning it.

I took the leftover juice, strained it, brought it back up to a boil, and bottled it as a rhubarb simple syrup. (I'll be making more of this, too!) I can imagine adding this to a tonic water this winter for a sweet taste of summer!

My Stitching Progress

I received the call from the vet's office, telling me Tag did great and there were no problems. (whew)  I could pick up my boy around 1:30, so I went to the studio to stitch for a while and worked on my little weekly freebie blocks.

I completed one, and made real progress on a second before i was time for me to get Tag and bring him back home.

He was raring to go home with me, so I paid his "spa tab" and we left. He was a little out of it, so I kenneled him and went back to my needlework for a bit. I heard Handsome start to mow our lawn (which usually takes one person at least a couple of hours). There was a chance of rain in the forecast, so I went outside and got out our small riding lawnmower to help. We had the job done in no time, and we managed to avoid the rain, which fell to the south of us.

Our Evening Rainbow

 

We let the dogs out to run, and as we turned to go back into the house, we were treated to a beautiful rainbow. What a perfect way to end our perfectly wonderful day.

 

Studio Playtime...

My Prepped Primitive Gatherings Summer Block Of The Week Freebies 5-8

 

I finally made time to do a little preparation for my next five Primitive Gatherings' "Summer Block Of The Week Freebies". There are twelve in all. I've stitched four; prepared four more; and have four left to prepare. 

 

I traced and cut out all the little blossoms, leaves and baskets onto the Heat n' Bond Lite, and then fused the shapes to my wools. After cutting all the shapes, I fused them to my ground fabrics. All I have left is to stitch them down now. 

 

I'll stitch these over the next few days, and enjoy every relaxing second. I so love putting needle and thread to fabric. Stitching bliss in my future!

 

And, The Kits Just Keep On Coming...

Block Ten - Primitive Gatherings "Twilight Garden" (and Weekly Freebie)

 

The old saying, "Time waits for no man" is absolutely true! Since I went to Kentucky, I've been busy with outdoor pursuits, and studio work (and play) as time allows. Truth is, I'm waaayyyy behind on setting up my Twilight Garden blocks, and stitching the Summer Freebies.

 

I'm seriously craving studio time, but have had other obligations keeping me away. We also have company on the weekend, and I want to make sure everything is "just right" for their first visit to the farm. 

 

Even so, I'm going to work on some portion of this today. I think I'll cut out lots of little, red flowers, and green leaves so I can at least get something done on the minis. Time to try to catch up!