Looks the same

 The landscape, although there's been quite a bit of stitching, still looks pretty much the same in a photo so I'll wait to show you a progress picture.  Instead, how about I show you the socks I finished knitting for the RC...

Pattern is my usual generic one and yarn
is Paton's sock yarn.

- Better stock up on your bread crumbs before you head down THIS rabbit hole!  

- HERE is something the coffee drinkers among you might like to try.

- If you have someone with long hair on your gift list, perhaps THIS might be of interest.

- THIS is a pretty scarf that might be good to use up some leftover yarns.

...and it begins again.....

 Yes, there's a new landscape underway as you can see from this...

****

For those of you who live in Canada and are interested in
our history, I just finished a really good book called
"The Forgotten Home Child' by Genevieve Graham.

Thousands of children were sent here to Canada via organizations such as Barnardo's and many were simply taken off the streets and shipped here, leaving their family behind.  Others came through the orphanages and through being voluntarily given up by their family in hopes they could rejoin them once the circumstances of the parents improved.  They were shipped to Canada (and other places throughout the world, but primarily Canada) and then were sent to live with families who most often treated them as slaves.  My uncle was one of them so this novel, based in fact, certainly struck a chord with me.  

****

- If you would like to drool your way through some luscious fabrics AND quilt patterns you might want to have a peek at THIS.

- THIS is a cute hat that would be fun to wear in the fall.

- You might know someone (maybe even you?) that would like one of THESE for fall.

- I really like THIS blanket and it could be made bigger for adults.  I like that the pattern changes throughout so I wouldn't get bored.

- THIS is a little different take on a wallet design.

Today's quote..."If you leave your children a world where you never stood up, they'll inherit one where they can't"

 I'm a happy camper because the pre-cuts for my fusion quilt arrived.  Now I just have to await delivery of the yardage I need for the backing. 

I've begun the new commissioned landscape but it's not ready to show you quite yet.  It's at that 'dang, it's ugly' stage when even I question my ability to make it into anything.  Who knows, maybe I can't!!

In lieu of having any photos to show you, I thought I'd share this...

- HERE is a technique you might like to try.

.- I really wish I had the confidence to attempt making THIS for my grandie.

- THIS is an interesting article with some good tips.  

- Perhaps you might find THIS to be a project you might like to attempt.

- THIS little guy made me laugh.

Today's quote..."We rake, bag, and burn the leaves that feed the soil, then buy plastic bags of fertilizer to replace what we stole.  That was never supposed to be the plan"

Done, done and done!

I finished working on the postcard series and here's the proof...

Each one has the same heart design but the 'seam treatments' are all different.  Most of them come from Pam Kellogg's 'Elegant Crazyquilt Seam Treatments' which can be found at her Etsy site HERE.

Along with that I also created a Christmas card which will be going to a cousin who has a Scottie dog (she doesn't read the blog so it's safe to show it)....

- There are lots of free hat patterns HERE.  While you're there, check out some of her other free designs too.

- THIS looks like a fun technique to try.

- THIS would be great to do with kids (and adults too!)

- THIS is one of the awwww-worthy things.

- HERE is another sweet Halloween/fall design.

Today's quote is from Theodore Roosevelt...."This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in"  (feel free to replace the word 'country' with 'world')

Oh dear

 I have to tell you that I have absolutely nada to show you today.  I'm still working on the postcards and will show you when they're completed.  You've seen them in mid-go so no point in showing them again.

Good news however - the fabric I've been  awaiting for the fusion quilt  has been shipped and I should get it the first of the week.  I had to order yardage from another shop but there's been no word from them as to when they might ship.  

- Most of you know I love denim, so THIS caught my eye.

- I don't know if you would have cause to use THIS technique but perhaps you might want to share it with someone who does.

- Making THIS might be fun for your fall decor.

- HERE is another fun thing to make.

- THIS is a pretty scarf design.

Today's quote..."True connection begins when you stop waiting to speak and start caring to hear"

Nothing but stitching

 I was going to wait until I had the postcards completely done, but since they're all I've been working on I don't have anything else to show you.  So...here are some of them.  None are completely finished.

And, here's a photo of the freezer pickles using the recipe I gave you last time....

- THIS is awwww-worthy!

- I thought THIS was interesting to read about.

- Perhaps you might like to make some of THESE (but be sure to leave some acorns behind in nature)

- HERE is another fall project you might like.  There's THIS one too.

- And HERE is another.

Today's quote is from Booker T. Washington...."A lie doesn't become truth.  Wrong doesn't become right and evil doesn't become good, just because it's accepted by the majority"

Another recipe

I know many of you suffer from a glut of zucchinis this time of year so, because the RC and I made these over the weekend, I thought you might like our recipe to try.

ZUCCHINI RELISH

5 - 8 medium zucchinis, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 - 3 medium onions, chopped

3 - 4 red peppers, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1/3 cup coarse pickling salt
______

2 1/2 cups white sugar

3 1/2 cups white vinegar (pickling preferred)
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp. celery seed
1 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds

The vegetables when chopped must equal 12 cups in total (6 cups of which should be zucchini). (NOTE: if using a food processor,  the peppers and onions will turn to mush so best to chop those by hand).  Combine veg's with salt in a large pot, weight down and let sit overnight.  Drain and rinse well.  Combine remaining ingredients and bring to boil and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add vegetables and bring back to boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring every couple minutes.  Place in sterilized jars and process in covered boiling water bath 15 minutes.  Turn off heat and let stand for 5 minutes before removing jars.  Makes about 6 pints.

 - Seeing THESE was rather nostalgic.

- THIS is rather cute for Halloween decor.

- I found THIS article to be quite informative and gave me a few new ideas.

- THIS is a nice maple leaf design that would be nice for fall projects.  And THIS would be too.

Today's quote is from Franklin D. Roosevelt...."The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little"

The RC is a happy camper

 After an investment in three cases of small canning jars (on sale...woo hoo!), the RC now has a new (and at the moment organized) spice storage system.  

Small things amuse us, what can I say?

- HERE is something that might fit into your wardrobe (or that of someone on your gift list)

- Although I'm not a fan of Halloween, THIS caught my eye.

- THIS caught my eye too.

Today's quote is from Noam Chomsky...."As long as the general population is passive, apathetic, diverted to consumerism or hatred of the vulnerable, then the powerful can do as they please, and those who survive will be left to contemplate the outcome"

A beginning....sort of...maybe?

 I have a commission to create a landscape that features a lovely home owned by the family of 'the commissioner' so I've been putzing about with possible backgrounds.  This is one of them....

- I think THESE are rather cute for fall decor.

- THESE caught my eye (and not hard to make either).

- THIS little fellow is awwww-worthy.

- Have you ever wondered what those coloured bands on sewing machine needles mean?  Well, go HERE to have the mystery solved.

Today's quote is from George Carlin...."We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values.  We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.  We've learned how to make a living but not a life.  We've added years to life, not life to years"

Hurry Up And Wait mode

 Yes, I'm suffering from a case of Hurry Up and Wait.  We spent much of the weekend re-thinking our pictures and where things will either be hung (or if they'll stay in the same place...or....even stay at all) and the RC has been flitting about with a tube of 'filler' and some sandpaper.  Much thought has been given to how we can remove as much 'stuff' as possible out of the way of the painter...not an easy feat when this place is small and already filled with 'stuff'.  The air conditioner has been put to bed for the winter (waaaaaaah) and our lemon plant/tree has been moved back inside.  It loves the balcony and will no doubt show her displeasure with the move by shedding leaves.  

We don't have a date for the painter to come but have instead left it that if he has a couple days when he can't work outside he'll arrive.  That means we have to be as ready as possible.  Last week we made a trip to JYSK and got new curtains for our bedroom and the sewing studio.  Their idea of 'room darkening' and mine are worlds apart but at least they cover the windows and are in the same green as the paint in the rest of the apartment will be.  I also invested in several new plants to replace the ones that I've managed to kill over the summer (why, I don't know, but I lost at least ten all at once....must have been something in the water, maybe?).  

....The Resident Chef is more than happy with the new kitchen cupboard and has commented on it at least a dozen times a day.  

....Have you priced canning jars lately?  We want to revamp our spice storage system and have decided to use small canning jars which have, I think, doubled in price.  Ouch.

....I'm still working on the cross stitched postcards but rather than bore you with seeing them individually I'll wait and show them all completed.  Don't hold your breath though because it's going to be awhile.

....And speaking of breath holding and hurry up and waiting - I'm still waiting for the fabric for my fusion quilt to arrive.  Serves me right for wanting a line I have to preorder...and now I wonder, with the latest round of the Orange Idiot's tariffs, if it will even come at all.  I ordered it from a Canadian store but no doubt it originates in the US.  

- THIS is a fun bag that would make a really nice gift. And while you're there, check out all the other free projects beginning HERE.  

- THIS is an interesting technique...reminds me of temari.

- I like how THIS artist combines fibre and wood into her creations.

- Something HERE might spark some ideas for your own work.

- And THIS is a nice project too.

Today's quote...

Recipe(s)

 We were gadabouts yesterday and spent today awaiting delivery of this....

Our previous cupboard/small island is one the Resident Chef made when we moved here fifteen years ago and it has served us well.  Sadly the drawers no longer work properly and we were fed up with playing the "Will It Close Or Won't It' game so we parted with an obscene amount of money to have this one professionally made.  It's extra high because we're both tall and also has heavy duty casters so it can be moved easily.  

So...it's been awhile since I shared a recipe with you.  I know some of you are suffering from a glut of cucumbers this time of year, so perhaps you might want to give either (or both!) of these recipes a try.

REFRIGERATOR PICKLES

1 c. white or apple cider vinegar (we use white)
1 c. water
1 c. white sugar
1 tablespoon (total) of either fresh minced garlic, 
sliced chilies; peppercorns, pickling spice, mustard seeds,
bay leaves or coriander seeds (choose whatever 
are your favourites, as long as it's 1 T. overall)
1 heaping tsp. kosher salt
2 lbs. sliced cucumbers (you can replace some of the
cucumbers with pearl onions or sliced red or 
sweet onions)

Peel and slice veg's into 1/4" slices and pack into clean jars leaving about 1" headspace.  Heat water, sugar, spices and salt over medium heat, stirring occasionally until dissolved.  LET COOL COMPLETELY.  Pour cooled brine over
veg's making sure they're completely covered.  Cover and refrigerate at least three days before serving.

+++++++++

FREEZER PICKLES

10 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
3 medium onions, thinly sliced
1 large green pepper, chopped
3 tablespoons salt
2 c. sugar
1 c. white vinegar
1 tablespoon celery seed
Crushed ice

Combine cucumbers, onions, green papper and 2 tablespoons salt.  Cover with crushed ice and mix well.  Refrigerate 8 hours.  Drain, rinse, and drain again.  
In large saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, celery seed and remaining salt.  Bring to a boil and cook and stir one minute.  Spoon over cucumbers.  Pour into jars, leaving 1" headspace.  Cool.  Top with lids and freeze.

- You might enjoy spending a few minutes going to a really great quilt show HERE.

- Our little boys are a bit too old for THIS, but had I seen it a couple years ago I would have definitely made them one.

- If you want to make a cute 'emotional support' chicken that seem to be all the rage right now, how about THIS one.

- THIS little guy made me smile.  And so did THIS fellow.  And THIS one simply made me laugh out loud.

Today's quote is from William Arthur Ward..."Leadership is based on inspiration, not domination; on cooperation, not intimidation"

Another one

 Postcard #2, ready for finishing....

- THIS little guy made me smile.

- And so did THESE (even though I don't decorate for Halloween)

- Making one (or more) of THESE might be of interest (and would make great gifts too).

- I know I've given you a link to one of THESE before, but this one is somewhat different.

Today's quote is from Paul Avellino..."Call me crazy, but I dream of a world where equality isn't debated, kindness isn't rare, and joy isn't reserved for the lucky.  If a few more hearts held onto that dream, maybe we'd finally get it right"

One done, sort of

 It's taking longer than I thought to cross stitch these postcards, but it's fun to do something different for a change.  This one is all done but the finishing step which I'll wait to do until I have them all stitched...

- For those of you who like to decorate for Halloween (or even fall - wouldn't have to be for Halloween!), perhaps THIS might be fun to make.

- THESE look like fun too!

- There are lots of fall-themed ideas HERE.

- I thought THIS was rather cute.

- There are some really cute patterns HERE.

Today's quote..."A person who can't answer your questions without getting angry or defensive is hiding more than just the answer"

Squirrel!

I am procrastinating starting on a landscape commission because I'm not sure where I want to go with it quite yet so while the brain ruminates on that, I started something else altogether.  I've cross stitched several of these little hearts which will end up being turned into postcards eventually.

And...the mail lady has delivered several balls of yarn and some pearl cotton ready to use for my fusion quilt.  See?....

- Have a peek through the gallery of THIS artist!  And THIS one too!!

- You might want to consider making some of THESE for the cooler fall weather.

- HERE is something fun for your fall decor.

- THESE would be fun to make for gifts.

Today's quote...