Hearts and Flowers...

My Latest Embroidery - A Floral Heart

 

This project was so enjoyable. I free-embroidered flowers on linen ground fabric, and then sewed it into a stuffed heart. It measures approximately 6" at the widest part, and about 6" high, fitting perfectly into my vintage ironstone bowl. 

I'm thinking I'll create more of these (with different flowers) that can be used as a spring/summer bowl display throughout the warmer weather. This design might also look nice mounted on a finished dowel stand.

I may also add a border of handmade colored cord around the outside seam. I'll make up a length of cording, which I can preview by pinning it in place to see how it looks. I do like it as is, though, too.

I'm working on something new right now. Our younger daughter-in-law contacted me to ask if I'd teach her how to do a specific project. I was so tickled she asked! Of course, I will, but I want to try her idea a few different ways to see what might work best, before I try to show her. It's going to be another fun process, and I'll look forward to sharing it with you in future posts.

Along with that, I'm also pulling fabrics and choosing items that will leave here this month. I'm finding this declutter thing to be very freeing. It's nice to have more breathing room, and I'm looking forward to seeing how different it feels around here next December. 

Are you participating in the DeClutter Challenge with me? Are you focusing on a specific room, or do you have loftier goals? I'd love to hear how you're doing! 

Tuesdays With Tag - Cabin Fever...

A Monkey On My Back

 

Hi, Everybody!

Well, here we are in February already.  I went out lookin' for my shadow just to see if we might get outta winter early. Then, I remembered we're in Wisconsin, and there might be snow right up 'til May. arrrrrgh!!! Enough, already!

When I'm not gettin' my face (or butt) swatted by the Queen of Corpulence (as Dad calls Claudette), I'm bein' harassed by the Ladies of the Manor. I know Mom already told you about that cheeky feline chasin' me around. I'm not runnin' away from her for my safety. I'm runnin' away so I don't clean her clock. Don't tell her though. She has to live in the barn instead of the warm farmhouse, so it's okay with me if she gets a little thrill now and then. No harm. No foul.

However, when I'm in the house, I like to think of it as my castle. A place where I can let down my guard. Relax. Let it all hang out. You know what I'm talkin' about. It's almost impossible with this Kid. She sticks her nose in my face and licks me all the time, for starters.

Whenever she gets excited, she either grabs her mom's back leg (weirdo) or gets in my face (grrrrr). When I've had enough, she gets to see my mouthful of pearly whites. I also have a fierce growl, but she takes that as a challenge. Drives me nuts!

But, when it's time to really rest, she can be almost sweet. I mean, look at her. She came over to my side of the sofa and went to sleep with her head on my butt. Who can get mad at that? Can't you just hear Mom singin' Lean on me?

She's Gettin' A Grown-up Profile

 

The Kid's gonna be two years old in a few months, and we can see that she's developin' her grown-up profile. We think she's gonna be almost as beautiful as her momma. Lucky Girl. She can lean on me whenever she wants...as long as she doesn't lick my face!

(By the way - Mom likes this picture 'cuz it looks like the little chickadee carvin' in the background landed on her nose.) 

So, that's the kind of abuse that peppered my last week. I think I need a vacation. How about you? Could you use a break, too? If so, trust me. I feel your pain.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Been There, Chewed That!"

A Stitch Here, A Stitch There...

Progress On My Embroidery Piece

I said I'd work on my embroidery Sunday, and that's exactly what I did. The sun shone in the dining room windows, and I parked myself in a comfortable chair with my supplies close at hand.

I have a few things left to do on this piece, and then I'll be doing a little something different to finish it. I'll share my final piece on Wednesday. I'll have it done in time for Valentine's Day, in case you wanted a little hint.

Tag will be back tomorrow, but I have to tell you a little tale out of school. I had Tag outside yesterday, and watched as Claudette trotted over to say hello to us. She sat at my feet as Tag snuffled around the yard, and waited for him to come back to me. 

Once he got close, she actually scampered the five feet between then, just to take a swat at him! He barked and growled at her as he sidestepped out of her reach. Then, he made for the porch. He'd had enough of Kitty Puss. She ran along after him and flopped down on the porch while he stood there watching. She wanted to play with him, but he'd have none of it. It was quite the sight, and I couldn't help but giggle.

I'm sure Tag isn't going to tell you about all this tomorrow. He'd rather forget the entire, unfortunate incident. lol