I didn't have anything ready to share in the way of a photo today and then these arrived.....

Thank you Shawn and Winnie!!

- There's an interesting article HERE about the use of stitch markers.

- There's a cute Halloween themed block of the month going on and you can get the latest two blocks (which I think are definitely ones that can stand alone) HERE, and also find out how to get the previous blocks as well.

- If you like to embroider flowers, have a look at THIS free design.

- THIS is for those who sew for little girls.

Today's quote..."Sometimes doing nothing is doing something very important"

Another finish and a recipe

 Today I have a couple of things to share with you.  First up is that I've finished the latest landscape (well, all but the label!). The photos are pretty awful because we're in a period of dull rainy days here, but you can get the general idea I'm sure.

Above is the original photo, shared with the kind permission of Dale Stewart (thank you!), and is of the Uneeda School near Paradise Valley in Alberta.  Below is what I created using his photo as inspiration...

FOR SALE!

And this is a closeup of some of the embroidery and the border detail

And, because I haven't given you a recipe lately, how about this one?  It's one of my favourites that come out of Resident Chef's kitchen...

POPOVERS

2 eggs
1 c. milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. all purpose flour

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease a standard muffin pan & set aside.  Beat eggs until creamy and add remaining ingredients.  Beat until smooth. Note: the batter will be thin!  Fill each muffin cup half full with batter.  Bake for 35 mins.  

- I think THESE flowers are so pretty, and easily created too!

- THIS just defies imagination - how anyone can work that small is incredible!

- THIS artist creates wonderfully colorful art pieces.

- And I'd love to own something by THIS artist!

Today's quote..."Your terrible job is the dream of the unemployed.  Your house is the dream of the homeless.  Your smile is the dream of the depressed.  Your health is the dream of those who are ill.  Don't let difficult times make you forget your blessings"

A finish

 I began this project before I had my cataract surgery in hopes that I'd be able to work on it during the hiatus period.  That didn't happen, but I did finish it over the weekend....

I was given four balls of the Bernat Velvet yarn and needed to find a project that would use it up (those balls are HUGE and take up way too much stash space).  I don't have an immediate use for a baby blanket but at least it used most of the yarn.

Another wee note re the Velvet yarn - it feels so wonderfully soft but the balls I have had a number of knots which were quite annoying.  And trying to use a pattern with much stitch definition would be frustrating.  I just used a double crochet post stitch which worked fine.

- The May issue of the 'Crazy Quilt Magazine is available now!  Lots of great eye candy, articles and inspiration, and it can be ordered HERE.  

- Have a look through the galleries of THIS fibre artist

- And THIS artist too!

Today's quote....

Hard pressed

I've thought and thought about  what I could show you for a picture today and because yesterday was my first day back to playing in my studio, there unfortunately isn't much.  I *could* show you a picture of Jack the Ripper because he certainly came into play a lot yesterday.  He's a little shy though and doesn't feel as if his best side is showing.  

So...how about I show you some of the mail that arrived during my hiatus from blogging.  First came this...

Some of you might remember that I'm working on a mile-a-minute crocheted afghan which was originally planned to be a stash buster.  Unfortunately the best laid plans of mice and men came out to bite me and I ran out of colour options.  So what's a girl to do but order more?

Sorry about the horribly dark picture (it's raining here) but inside this box are three different shades of 'denim' yarn destined to be three little sweaters for three little boys.  Oh, and there's a ball of white in the bottom that just *might* turn into a snowman.

And finally, this arrived just before I got my glasses and is providing me with lots of interesting reading at the moment....

- I often point you to something interesting on Mary Corbet's blog and today is no exception.  This time she shows a really nifty way to deal with embroidery threads that come in a twist rather than on a spool.  Go HERE to see her clever solution. 

- Karen Ruane has a great new online class on offer which will also include Zoom meetings at points throughout the class.  Go HERE to find out more about her 'Sewing Circle Interactive' class.  

- Earth Day happened while I was gone but I saved THIS sweet little cross-stitch design to share with you.  I think it's perfect for ANY time of the year.

And here's your quote for today..."If people stopped looking for things that offended them and started looking for things that inspired them, I'm sure we would have a better country"

A return - of sorts!

 Firstly, I want to thank everyone for leaving such wonderful encouraging comments during my enforced hiatus from blogging...you have all been so very kind and I enjoyed reading your words. I've made it through to the other side and now I can see and return to my much-missed normal activities, including blogging, commenting AND needlework.  I hardly know what to do first!!

The other hurtle I need to cross is getting my vaccine.  It seems the computer system doesn't like my health card and keeps insisting I have a duplicate.  I don't, as a couple of visit to the eye doctor will attest.  No problems using it there.  The last time I called to attempt to register they told me that they could see the issue was with their system but unfortunately my file had to be sent 'up the line' and I've been told to wait.  Three weeks now, and counting!  Resident Chef got his first shot (Pfizer) with no problems  so at least he's half protected.  

***UPDATE***
YAHOO!!
VACCINES ARE BOOKED!
May 12 & Sept. 1
HAPPY DANCE!!!

Obviously nothing exciting has been happening here at Chez Magpie, beyond completing the clean out of our friends condo.  She has been moved to a lovely nursing home residence near her daughter and we know she's in good hands there, despite knowing we will miss her tremendously.  

Spring is really trying to make an appearance here and it's inspiring to look out the window towards the river and see all the trees leafing out.  There are so many amazing shades of green this time of year.   I'm looking forward to getting out for walks now that I'm able to see where I'm putting my feet!

I'm sorry I haven't been able to search out the normal number of links (or, obviously, photos) for your viewing pleasure, but here's one I did find (be sure to click on each of the thumbnails to get the full picture!).  I can aspire to be her when I grow up!

And, finally, here's a quote....“We can easily manage if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it. But the load will be too heavy for us if we carry yesterday’s burden over again today, and then add the burden of the morrow before we are required to bear it.”

– John Newton

Another teeny update

Just a quick drop in on my part to let you know that I ordered my new glasses today so in about a week I'll be able to see...that will be HUGE after eight very long weeks.  Now, if I could only get the covid vaccination registration site to allow me to register to get my vaccine.  For reasons known only unto itself it insists I have a 'duplicate health card' and kicks me out of the system.  Oddly, I used that same health card when I saw the eye doctor with no issues.  One of those mysteries of life that I sure hope will be rectified soon!! 

LANDSCAPES - FOR SALE

 FOR SALE

The landscapes you see here are all for sale!

Each one is created with fabric and features embroidery, painting, and many other techniques to create the images you see here.  I enjoy all that is old and abandoned - houses, churches, barns and vehicles. Most of the ones on offer here measure approximately 20" - 30" wide and have a hanging sleeve attached.

If you are interested in purchasing a piece of my art for your very own...or....if you would like to commission a creation using your own photograph...please contact me via marmic1954 AT email DOT com, using 'Landscape Enquiry' in the subject line.  I accept payment through PayPal.

050521

Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart

Measures 24 x 28"

020521

Measures 26" x 29"

Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart

122820

Measures 32" x 24"

Inspired by a photo by Janice Holtom

101620
Measures 28" x 22"

Inspired by a photo by Robert St. Clair

073120

Measures 22" x 28"

Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart

060520

Measures 31" x 23"

Inspired by a photo by Jeff Fuhre

032320

Measures 34" x 25"

Inspired by a free domain photo

012720

Measures 24" x 30"

Inspired by a tractor owned by my uncle

092319

Measures 29" x 23"

Inspired by a photo from my personal collection

052219

Measures 30" x 23"

Inspired by a photo by John Phillips

010519

Measures 30" x 22"

Inspired by a photo from Dale Stewart

040519

Measures 29" x 22"

Inspired from a photo by Euvah Bryant

102218

Measures 28" x 17"

Inspired by a photo from my personal collection

052818

Measures 31" x 20"

Inspired by a photo from my personal collection

040418

Measures 29" x 18"

Inspired by a photo from my personal collection

I would like to thank all the great photographers who have been so willing to share their amazing photos with me.  The inspiration you've provided has been invaluable!