Out and About Late Winter at the Beach

a few tiny snowdrops

Anyone who expects spring, late March at the beach, is doomed to disappointment. The ground and sand are barren of life, the wind is frigid and howls. Yesterday the gale was so strong that the crystal sun catchers were knocked off my windows by the glass's vibration. I offered Mo his usual walks but he hustled out, did his business and ran back to the sheltered deck, lying happily in a weak patch of sunshine.

This gave me time and energy to make my little quilt for Lori's swap on Humble Quilts. I am always stumped, whatever might the recipient like?---so I'm making a version of an antique doll quilt in my collection.

The top is finished, whew! I can't really show it to you yet, tradition is the little quilts aren't revealed until the person receives it. A few fasties had their quilts done and shown on FB the DAY after we received our assignments. My mind boggles and then I feel like a kid who forgot to do her science fair project,lol.

I didn't quilt it yet; have to switch sewing machines. Today I'll make the yellow pillow covers to briefly brighten my living room and perhaps make a few Basket blocks. I am newly enthused to do my Baskets by these wonderful white ground shirtings sent to me by Nancy at Joy for Grace blog. I love them, so very authentic looking.

This coming week I have a medical treatment--- I will ''lose'' about 10 days, between cooking and cleaning beforehand and then recuperating. It's annoying and the side effects are painful but as one MD charmingly told me, it is better than the alternative [dying!]. What a guy.

Indoors, late winter:

I went with black transferware and white ironstone .

And flowers....

At the grocery store, large bundles of crop grown dandelion greens.

I'd never seen these before. Wish I had bought some, they go in salad, right? Not at all like the little plants I see later in the grass here.

Outdoors:

Mo and I go almost every day to the koi pond now. One day we caught the beautiful Tuxie, a feral cat friend, gloating over the goldfish in the pond! Would he actually try to capture one? They are quite large now, maybe 12-15"? but lethargic from being in ice for months.

This feral cat is exceptionally fluffy and chubby. Mo adores him, not sure what Mo thinks he is though.

We also passed by this interestingly shell decorated fence one day while walking to the beach. No wonder I never find whelk shells for my shell strings!

Hope your week is good! 

love

lizzy 

gone to the beach...

What's Done is Done! 2016 Quilt Finishes Part 2

Hi! I'm back with the rest of my show and tell.
Due to my boring and oft-mentioned illness this past year, my output is not what I'd have hoped for. The big finish is Pokeberry! As soon as winter sets in, it's going on my bed, all flannel, and velvet, and wool.

Doll quilts:
Lori of Humble Quilts' Spring Swap, my offerings.

Again with Lori, " Quilters Madder'', a study in mid 1800s madder dyes prints.[repros]. beautifully quilted by Lori Cangemi in an allover Feathers design.

My Madder Stars, all antique blocks/ fabrics except that tiny cheddar center square. More beautiful quilting, Mini Baptist Fans, from Lori C.

And my second Quilters Madder, which I called Indigo Loves Cheddar (I*L*C).

I cut the busy cheddar version just for fun. Then I hated it! And now---I love it. I love everything about this little guy: the simple quilting, the funky scrappy pieced binding, the double pink back.

The truly awful cheddar print and other tiny scale cheddars I used when the ugly sister ran out. I always love my indigo blues, and my double pinks---I am amazed at this result, at how pleased I am. The first authentic QM was a stretch for me. I don't enjoy muted tones or colors like berry and rust. [I do think the resulting quilt is beautiful, though.]. I*L*C is just so me, it's bold and busy and loud and colorful. (Not that *I* am like that but it's what appeals to me, design wise.) Yet all the fabrics are ''authentic'' repros of the mid 1800s.
And these sachets/ drawer liners were Christmas gifts, and will be something new in my shop soon, for Valentine's and Mother's Day.  Wonderful way to use antique linens and beautiful fabrics, I think. The larger ones are the size of a folded sweater, perfect for your best sweaters. They are lined with sturdy cardstock board and two layers of batting.I made them unscented, with the idea that the person can add their own perfume or even a spritz of Febreeze, but most of the recipients asked for me to add scent. What do you think?  (Of course I think they'd be the best with a matching lavender heart on top!)

I'm looking forward to having less pain this year, being able to sit and sew sometimes. Maybe even walk Mo! Something to strive for. How I envy those who can begin a yoga class or train for a run, or walk 1000 miles![or ten!] Ah, if only....
I hope to finish my many neglected projects: Wild Geese, Dotty 365, Summertime, Antique Baskets, and more. Quilting got me through the pain of 2016, makes me hopeful for the year to come. (I love having a To Do List!)

love

lizzy

gone to the beach...

From Lizzy to Liz

Hi! Just a quick show and tell for Lori's Linky party page. This is [again], the little quilt I made for Liz in Oregon [not Ohio, sorry!].

I based my little quilt on a doll quilt in my Pinterest files. I used Lori's Country Roads block from last year's quiltalong.  This is one of the smallest doll quilts I've made. I love tiny quilts.

I often use antique or vintage orphan quilt blocks as backings for my doll quilts. I try to choose a block that is the style, age , and colors of my little top.

And any leftover tidbits get turned into sewing emeries/ strawberries or pin keeps.

Thank you for such a fun swap , Lori!  http://humblequilts.blogspot.com/2016/05/celebrate-little-quilt-swap-linky-party.html

love

lizzy

gone to the beach......

ps No flea today, squally rain and wind, like November.