Just A Quick Post Today

Another cloudy, dreary day here.  Perfect for curling up on the sofa and stitching.  Before I do that, I thought I give you an update on my current project:

I worked all of the seam embroidery with Kreinik threads.

I also thought I would share a couple of new Hanging Pillows that mom made:

I guess that's all I have for today ladies!

Watermelon Purse 2 Is Complete

It was a busy weekend but I did finish stitching up my 2nd Watermelon Purse and I crocheted the trim for the outside:

I'd like to get these sewn up this week.  They're perfect for Summer!

I started on a little Clutch Purse this morning:

It's kind of drizzly today so I'll get back to stitching on this when I finish up on the computer.  I'd like to go do some work outside in the yard but not in the rain.  My Bleeding Heart is beautiful this year:

My neighbor planted this for me a few years back after I lost the one I originally bought when we bought our house.  I have the sweetest neighbors.  And this one is even more beautiful than the one I bought!

I wanted to answer a question that Arlene left for me regarding Crazy Quilts in quilt shows.  Arlene was wondering if I have ever entered any of my quilts and the answer is no, I haven't.  My personal opinion, like Arlene's, is that Crazy Quilts generally are not given much respect.  They're put in the category of miscellaneous quilts.  I'm not sure anyone even knows what to base judgement on.  I don't think criteria for judging a crazy quilt has even been put together.  Art is subjective so how can it be judged other than on perfection in finishing and neatness of stitching and applying embellishments?  It's difficult to compare one to another.  So no, I haven't entered any of my Crazy Quilts in show competitions and I probably won't.

For me, Crazy Quilting is for my enjoyment and the enjoyment of anyone else who sees them or receives a piece as a gift from me.  Honestly, I think us crazy quilters are in a league of our own and that's okay!!!

Indigo Buntings

 INDIGO by © Pamela Kellogg

It was but once my eyes beheld a passing glimpse of you;
But never did my mind forget your stunning shade of blue!

This is a cross stitch piece that I designed years and years ago.  I think for Zweigart.  No, it's no longer available but I was reminded of it yesterday when I was out on my front porch and 2 Indigo Buntings flew past me and landed in my neighbors bushes.

I love these beautiful little blue birds.  The blue is so intense, you would think it would come off on your hands if you could touch one!

The orioles are already eating oranges faster than I can put them out there and my little hummingbird feeder is hopping.

Spring is such a beautiful season!

I have a quick little update for you on my 2nd Watermelon Purse:

I have a few more little do-dads to add to this and then the black "watermelon seeds".  I'm going out to my deck for a little while and then I'll finish this up.  I may even get the crocheted edging done tonight too!

Watermelon Purse 2

I was stitching this morning and I heard a familiar bird sound.  It's been awhile since I've heard it but I knew right away what it was.  It was the beautiful Baltimore Oriole!  I put oranges out the other day because I knew they would be back anytime now and sure enough, there he was sitting on the orange.  I wish I had been able to photograph him.  They're so beautiful!  A little while later, I saw the female.

Then, a little while ago, I went out on the front porch for some fresh air and guess what was sitting on the Hummingbird feeder?  Okay, that's a no brainer.  The hummingbirds are back too.  I had a beautiful little male out there getting a drink.

These are nature's jewels.  The little things that many people probably wouldn't notice but for me, they're treasure.  I love to sit out on my deck or front porch and watch the birds and the critters.  I of course feed them all.  I can't help it.  The little squirrels and chipmunks are so much fun to watch and they watch me too!  They sit and wait for me to put bread or crackers out for them.  And the hummingbirds are really funny.  They must know that I'm one who feeds them because they don't like it when my husband is out there near the feeder yet they tolerate me.  If Scott goes out there, they buzz him and dive bomb him but if I'm out there, they couldn't care less.

It's amazing to notice nature but it's even more amazing when nature notices us!

I've been stitching on my 2nd Watermelon purse:

I've finished up my chores for today, both inside and outside, so I'll be turning the computer off and stitching the rest of the day.

I also updated the Call For Submissions page with a good article on taking great photos.  I added some other things too.  I'm really trying to help everyone feel comfortable submitting work for the magazine and other publications.  If anyone has ideas or suggestions, drop me note.  I really am open to ideas!

Working In The Yard

We finally had a nice weekend so I was able to get out in the yard and finish cleaning it up.  I picked up sticks, pinecones and trash that blew in over the Winter months.  I pulled the first of the weeds, swept the sidewalk and am waiting now for Bubba to clean and reseal the deck.  It really feels good to get outside!

I have a few finishes to share today before I get back to stitching on my 2nd Watermelon purse.  First is this door hanger that I made for my aunt for Mother's Day.  I don't think she reads my blog:

And then I have a friend who needs a hug.  Seems there's a lot of people who need hugs these days.  I made her this little cat doll:

I'll pack up this cat tomorrow so I can get it to the Post Office next time I go into town.  I don't think I've ever done one in black with yellow stitch before.  I love the contrast!

I'm also working on putting together some good links on "How To Take Good Photos".  I thought it might be helpful to anyone who wants to submit work to Crazy Quilt Gatherings magazine or other upcoming publications.  I learned lot from reading articles at Etsy so when I have a few free minutes, I'll post those links.