Good Morning...

Birds, Butterflies, Bugs & Beautiful Plants...

I happened to see this book online and knew it needed to be in my collection. I love that it could be useful for my needlework inspiration.

I mean, aren't her drawings wonderful? Her pencil strokes could be thread painting. All these pages represent wildlife in the UK, which I like, too.

The next butterfly on my list is actually the monarch. My RSN tutor, Owen helped me choose all the silk threads I'd need to stitch one after I took his class. We took a shopping trip to a nearby needlework shop when I took his course in Kentucky. That project will be especially dear to me considering his passing.

This would be a fun project to stitch from this book, though. I love the beautiful colors and fuzzy body on this one. 

I have a few other books that I got as reference books for birds, butterflies, and such, so this one will join the others. I'll be perusing them soon when I'm ready to start a new needlework project. That is, after I complete my bluebirds. I haven't forgotten them.

The artist trading cards mailed, and it's time for me to start on Wynter's kitty purse. After that, I have a lap quilt that I owe Handsome, and I plan to surprise him by shipping it to Florida once he's there. I won't see his face when he opens it, but I know his heart well enough to know what his reaction will be. So, the bluebirds will be after that. I'm going to keep my head down so I can move these projects from my "To Do" list to my "Done" list.

Just One More Room...

Artwork by Nina Katharina Sandberg

Don't you just love illustrations like this? It inspires me to create something in needlework. It inspires me to remember that I find solace in Nature. As many are planning for large Thanksgiving dinners, I know that soon my family will commemorate of the loss of my sister, Lyn a year ago this month. I'll write about that later as the anniversary of that sad date approaches, but this image wants me to ask these sweet creatures to add just one more room.

My uncle, his wife and family lived in an earth berm home many years ago. He's been gone a long time, and she's moved into a lake home on land they purchased decades ago. I've often contemplated the benefits of an earth berm home. How it nestles into the countryside, temperatures inside regulated by the earth. Safe from tornadoes and other weather events. I think the older I get, the more I favor the idea.

For now, I'm sharing this image as a way to save it for future inspiration. I may just sit down and draw my own version for the time when I'll create an underground cocoon in fabric and threads. Another item for my "To Do Before I Die" list. sigh

My Inspiration Word for 2020 Is...

Brynwood Needleworks - 2020 Inspiration Word

 

I've chosen this word as my inspiration/theme for 2020 for a number of reasons. First, the most obvious definition is "to finish". I have so many UFOs sitting in the studio that I frustrate at having to maneuver around them. It's time to categorize them, move them into a lineup, and get them "completed". First up will be my beautiful butterfly project from my class in Kentucky with the Royal School of Needlework.

 

Another definition has to do with feeling fulfilled and whole. I couldn't love where Handsome and I are in life more than I do now. Our family and dear, old friends are around us. We have wonderful new friends, and even new family members! I'm content and blessed, and it's important to always remember those facts.

 

Complete also has to do with mastering or mastery. This is where I'm reminded that I still have much to learn, and that is only accomplished through practice and diligence. More good lessons.

 

I know you can probably think of more great definitions/synonyms for the word "Complete" (I can, and may share them another time), but these are just a few to explain how I came to this word this year. Do you choose an inspirational word each year? If you do, I'd love to know what it is. How do you plan to put it into action?

 

I'll be back tomorrow to show you a few things I've completed already this year. Have a great day, and thanks again for stopping by!

 

Inspire...

  It's busy these days at the farmhouse.  Photos to come soon.

Still Stitching...

Web Image

 

I'm constantly inspired by the works of the hands and hearts of others. I belong to a number of Facebook groups for creatives, and regularly read blogs written by my online friends. I always get a shot of inspiration from them. You never know whose creative muse you can awaken by sharing your own.

I'm continuing to stitch on my "Flax Farm" project, and I'm making good progress. I'll share my progress on Wednesday, because you know, tomorrow belongs to Tag. Have a super week!

I Love New Inspiration...

These are the newest additions to my pattern library. I found "Keyboard Kaleidescope" by Marilyn Foreman of Quilt Moments. The pattern includes sizes from tabletopper to king size quilt. I love these colors, but you never know what I might choose when I finally match "stash" to "design"!

I also found this calendar cozy from Sew Biz. You create the "cozy", attach a hanger and then install your favorite calendar into a pocket on the lower half.

I love this idea for making sure that your calendar always suits your decor! I think this will be a great "filler" project between my larger quilts.

Last of all is a book that used to belong to Mom Grace. She recently gave it to me from her library. She doesn't have room for all her hobby and craft supplies at the nursing home, so she wanted me to have it.

I'm sure you can read the title, 101 Fabulous Rotary-Cut Quilts, by Judy Hopkins and Nancy Martin. There are so many great quilt designs in this book that I have no idea where I'll start! Good thing I have a lot of projects lined up already. It will give me time to decide!

There's nothing quite like a new collection of patterns to keep our creative juices flowing! Do you have a new favorite?