random thoughts...do or "di": April 2012

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Planning a Gardening Weekend

I went on a little photo expedition in our backyard today. Some of the "May flowers" are just starting to bloom in their full regalia. That purple iris is so stunningly beautiful, and the plant multiplies every year and produces more and more beautiful blooms.

The hydrangeas are beginning to flower and the viburnum is covered in white snowballs. Even the chives have blooms right now. I like that the chives flower because then they just reseed themselves and I don't have to plant them again. Chives are one herb that I like to use all year long.

I like to pick the lavender and put it in my bath at night, or sleep with it next to my bed for a relaxing aroma.

Does anyone know what that cone flower is? I have to find out, it showed up this year so maybe it is a weed...but a pretty one.

The mint that grows wild in one corner of our yard is a great companion to the limes on our tree.

Combined they make a delicious Mojito.

Mojito Recipe

makes one serving

10 fresh mint leaves

1/2 lime, cut in wedges

2 Tablespoons dark agave syrup

1 1/2 fluid ounces white rum

1 cup ice cubes

1/2 cup club soda

Muddle the lime wedges and the mint leaves together. Mix the agave syrup and the rum and then add the the muddled mixture. Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour mixture over the ice and then add the club soda. Garnish with a mint sprig and a wedge of lime. These are great on a hot summer evening.

The potatoes are growing well and look healthy in the big trash bins that we have planted them.

I made a trip to our favorite garden supply store and bought a dozen tomato plants and a few other vegetables and herbs to plant this weekend. I am so excited to get back in the garden again. I just love to watch everything as it grows and flowers and finally produces fruit and vegetables we can eat.

I think we are only going to have a handful of peaches this year. Peaches only grow on new wood and I didn't prune the tree this year, so it didn't grow very much. This tree is so temperamental.

For every peach we are NOT going to grow this year I think we will have 10 Satsuma tangerines. Both trees are loaded with little baby fruits. I can't wait to peel one and have juice running down my arm as I bite into a juicy fruit.

We are going to need to do some work on Yak's pen. It seems he has gotten big enough that he can climb his way over the 18" brick wall surrounding his home. For now I have put a temporary piece of fencing in the place where we think he can get out.

So, weather permitting, we have our work cut out for us this weekend. I can't wait!

Thanks for stopping by,

"di"

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Work in Progress Wednesday

These are the projects I have in different stages of production.

Some you are probably quite tired of me rambling on about. But, sometimes you need to set something aside and get on with another project to keep the inspiration going.

1. Granny Square quilt. I have received the 108" wide grey dots for the backing and will get this one spray basted. It is really hard on my bad back, so the timing has to be right.

2. Patchwork Chevron quilt. Waiting for the binding fabric.

After I finish these two quilts I think I have had my fill of Reunion, although, I do love it a lot.

3. Retro Flowers QAL. Still cutting and piecing.

4. Stitch Tease block for Susan...haven't started it yet. This is Susan's starter block. I just need to choose fabrics and I should be able to do this soon. I love making stars.

5. + and x block swap. 6 blocks finished, 9 more to go. You can still join this swap if you are interested.

6. Sample sale clutch frame purses for Brigitte. Waiting for more fabric from Brigitte. Have you seen her new line of fabric for MODA?

7. Knitting...I have finished the back of the sweater and I am working on the front. I have so many mistakes but I figure once it's on no one will notice. Anyway, that is what I am counting on.

8. Star Flower EPP blocks...no progress

9. And just for fun, I have ordered these cute mini Moo cards for Sewing Summit. I have to start thinking ahead to October because the way this year is going, October will be here tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by,

"di"

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Winter Stitching Accountability

Back on October 21 I made a list of projects I wanted to make over the winter sewing season. Here is my re-cap of what I finished and a few things I dropped the ball on...

1. Finish binding my Across the Seas QAL and mail it to my sister-in-law.
Finished and sent.

2. Make a mini quilt for my secret partner in the Post Sewing Summit Swap.
Mission accomplished.

3. Make a block with the beebolt fabrics we were given at Sewing Summit. The blocks will be made into a charity quilt and displayed at the Summit next year.

Done!

4. Refashion our Sewing Summit canvas bag into another bag for a contest on Flickr.
I Won!

5. Make a practice block and choose fabrics for my month (January) as queen in the NewBee on the Block bee. I want to make a "X and +" quilt.
I had a successful month in the bee and so far have received many beautiful blocks for this quilt. I also joined a + and x swap so have made and received lots of blocks to eventually make a great quilt.

6. Finish my Swoon quilt. I have 3 blocks finished, 6 more to go.
The top is finished and at the long arm quilter's.

this one is at long arm Susie's right now.

7. Finish Baby Carrot's quilt. She's due in a month.

Here she is, Harper, born 11-11-11 at 11:11 am!

is there anything sweeter than a baby lying on a quilt?

8. Make Drunkard's Path quilt following along with Kate's QAL.

I don't even remember this QAL, but I have joined the Retro Flowers QAL, so I am making a drunkard path variation.

9. Keep up with the New Bee on the Block bee.

Winter blocks finished.

10. Make 3x6 bee blocks for the new quarter.

Fun blocks, but tiny points to match.

11. And let's not forget all the sewing projects I will be adding at the last minute for Christmas gifts. Lots of pouches, purses and little clutches. There's a few pillows and fabric baskets in there too. I made something for everyone on our Christmas list.

These things were not on my list but were added afterwards and are now in various forms of production. I have been teasing some of my bloggy friends about "showing off" because they have finished so many projects this winter. Well, now that I see my list and photos, I guess I can qualify as a "show-off" too!