Saturday Farmers Market: The Big Cheese and Other Goodies

Hi! This short week went so fast! (As did the month of May.)  I missed the Wednesday farmers market, had to run to Target for a new deck table. Today dawned with dense fog and a heavy wet chill but by noon the sun was shining and I made a quick run to the farmers market for weekend treats.

The market is still a bit sparse. This week was mostly herbs---

Salad in a pot! How fun.

Baked goods. I think this is such a cute and smart idea. The cookies are sold in little bags of four cookies. Who can resist, just 4!? And so many flavors to choose from.[next time!]

And cheeses.

This is my new favorite seller.

I tried his Camembert a few weeks ago and it was delicious. He has a display case in which he features large wheels of artisan cheese. He's very friendly and knowledgeable and shaves off tidbits for folks to try. Besides the Camembert I got a new to me semi hard cheese that is filled with hot peppers and spices. Hot and zesty with a hint of caraway and dill. $$$ but exceptional. Next time I'll buy a bigger wedge and a block of his nutty ''alpine'' cheese.

I resisted the herbs but picked up a small lavender plant.

All my lavender has died, this winter was so harsh.

And I snuck a small black basil. in my solo deck pot with the petunias.

This is a little goofy but I was adventurous at the wine maker's booth. I waffled between a rose' and a sauvignon blanc but he suggested this interesting apple ''champagne'' to go with my cheeses. I never drink and drive but he too was passing out thimble sized tastes of his wines and I was sold. I'll let you know what my guests and friends think. I'm pretty sure I love it. [NOT sweet, crisp and dry yet fruity]. It would be lovely for a harvest dinner, like Thanksgiving, too.

At 12.oo a bottle his wines aren't something I can stock up on or buy one of each. Plus it's fun to choose a different wine each time.

It can't be May without asparagus. The season is so short. I buy it every week.

And an heirloom tomato or two to dice and toss with fresh garlic, olive oil and arugula with artisanal pasta.

Sounds delish!?

Of course Mo got his weekly treat. I must bring him to try on this lady's handmade sweaters. I just can't figure out how I'll juggle my groceries and Mo at the same time.I need to find him a doggy stroller on Craigslist, I think. LOL.

Hope you've had  a lovely weekend!

love

lizzy

gone to the beach....

sandpipers

Beach Projects _ The Pokeberry Quilt

Hi! I'm here again. I've been having computer probs all week, please excuse me if I didn't respond to comments here or leave comments on your blog. Today I finally was able to upload my recent photos and I can show you my new summer project. It's so fun and exciting to have a challenging new ''thing'' to bring to the beach.Years ago when I painted watercolors I'd treat myself to a new watercolor sketchbook and a new mini tin of paints. Sure I have quilts to sew bindings on; and three, yes three, or four? doll quilts to hand quilt. Last summer my hurting hand put those projects in the someday pile.

This summer I am beginning a quilt I've loved for years. Jan Patek's Pokeberry Quilt.

Okay, maybe I don't love the stupid eagle or the weird wreath; that horse will be a black Kitty instead---but what I love is the idea of the pokeberries. How fun to use a weed from the fields of my [our, Mel made ink with the berries too] childhood. Yes we made pioneer ink from the deep purple berries, used a feather for the quill. Brown paper grocery bags were my ''parchment".

I haven't done wool work in years. I am hoping the raw edge applique is easier on my hand than the tiny finely stitched needle-turn applique done with cotton.

I used all my spring etsy money to stock up on beautiful wools, hand dyed from Errin at Quilting Acres

I am going to use wool plus some cottons, silks, and velvets.
Greens, here.

Here's the purple selections for the berries. Besides the gorgeous wools I found antique velvet and velvet ribbons in my stash.

I had pictured the Pokeberries  penny sized but no, more like quarters.

cover photo, by Jan Patek

Patek mentions in the book that there are 310 yards [?] Feet? of bias binding used on the quilt. Ugh. No. I found this lovely vintage French silk velvet ribbon on eBay. It will be used for the stems. And the dealer has more if I need it. Timeless Trims

Both the etsy seller and the eBay dealer went out of their way to help me find just what I was looking for. It was very nice, and kept me busy in the coldest end of March.

The ground will be mottled black flannel. It is from I think Primitive Gatherings and is very lush and yummy. I prewashed it with Retayne and color catchers even though I am not sure this will be a washable quilt. I'd also love to use this vintage purple toile somehow in the project.

Here are my first four blocks. I hope to do at least two blocks a month, like my own little quiltalong.

Antique Flying Geese blocks used for this one. I want to mix in some of my favorite antque orphan block.

Here I am auditioning the grounds for this one. I like the calico better but the plaid is more appealing and graphic.

 The tails are all out on this in-work block because I suddenly realised I had to use Fray Check, especially on wool points and velvet edges.

The adorable doll block. I'll embroider my name and date on her skirt. She's all wrinkly bcause she's my carry along project this week.

I have so many questions about wool applique. Obviously I am self taught and just hoping for the best, but please weigh in with advice or ideas, if you've worked with wool. Or just want to share your thoughts.

_Should the stitches be tiny and invisible or larger and decorative?

_Do you use Fray Check and where /how? [I'm putting it on the back edges.] Or what?

_I listened to Lori of Humble Quilts about stapling the pieces. This works great  for the beach, where it's so windy. Any other hints for attaching? I'm not great at prepping and I don't baste. Ever.

The grooming van came to visit yesterday, to bath and brush Mo. I sat out on the curb and sewed on the little doll block in the sunshine while he was bathed. He looks all pearly and pretty, my little white lima bean! He has a Fourth of July bow! And his adoption anniversary is June 8th. One year of Mo. sigh. I think I walked a million miles.

What are you planning for summer projects? When you were a little guy did you love to have a beginning of Summer project planned? Learn to swim or sail, ride bikes all day, bake all the recipes in your Betty Crocker "Cooking for Girls and Boys"  cookbook? Plant radishes and marigolds in your own little garden? Read Little Women, or The Hobbit or Narnia series?

I know Mel got a new sewing machine! And my friend BJ is making another beautiful baby quilt.

Wish me good luck! And pain free hands.

love

lizzy


gone to the beach....

PS I am thinking of subbing this block for the church block or eagle block. The size is right, but maybe it doesn't GO? 

Nessy Visits Nauset * beloved lighthouse on Cape Cod* by Meeting House Hill Designs