Feathered Friends and an Exchange

I'm not sure which kind of Sparrow these are, 

but there are many of them visiting my yard each day.

  They visit every feeder and like to get

in the woodstove chimney when we don't have a fire going.

The Blue Jay visits every day as well.

His call is very loud.

This tiny Woodpecker visits daily too.

Yes, Mr. Redbird hangs around also.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of seeing the Screech Owl in my tree!

I haven't seen it in many months.

Right after I saw the owl, a squirrel ran up the tree and the

owl backed up into the hole and stayed inside the rest of the day.

~ ~ EXCHANGE ~ ~

Ornament & Floss 

received from Jody R.

Happy Happy

Wishing you

an abundance of blessings!

New Kits and Finishing

A couple new kits

waiting patiently in my to-do basket

Dear Rudolph

Lizzie*Kate

Snow Dudes

Lizzie*Kate

How's this for a tease?

Ten of the 12 Bride's Tree ornaments in the middle of finishing. 

Stay warm!

 

LATELY

We've been having some frosty nights

and extremely windy days around here.  This photo was taken just a week ago and now there aren't many leaves left on these trees.

I really thought all of our summer birds had already migrated to their winter homes...

until I saw these two Robins early yesterday morning.  I don't know if they are just late in leaving or if they are confused and staying here for the winter.  According to some local bird experts, some Robins do stay here all year.

Did you notice that huge wood pile in the first photo?  We'll be moving some of that wood up closer to the house and getting the woodstove ready for use.  Even though Hubby cleans the stove and stack when we're done using it in the spring, he always cleans and inspects it again before the first use in the fall.   It will be so nice to have the heat from the woodstove! 

DO SOMETHING FUN AND RELAXING THIS WEEKEND!

Fabric Hunt

Been looking for fabric to finish projects.

Ever have a vision of the "perfect" fabric for a project?

Yep, me too!

Unfortunately, some of the stitched pieces are proving to be 

difficult colors to coordinate with.

My search started at the local Joann's and Hobby Lobby.  Nothing there.

On to an itty bitty local quilt shop.  The lady working there told me I'd have to travel to a bigger store to find what I was looking for.  

They had some great fabrics, but they were so expensive!

Took a drive to another quilt store about 50 miles away.  They claim to have over 2000 bolts of fabric.  I didn't count the bolts, but I had no trouble spending alot of time in that store!

Picked up a few fat quarters of Snowman Gatherings...

Selected a few balls of Valdani...

Still didn't find that "perfect" fabric though.

Traveled 25 miles further to another quilt store.

found a couple fat quarters of Seasonal Little Gatherings...

a few more balls of Valdani...

and fell in love with some wonderful Christmas fabric,
but they only had one mini charm pack left  :(

and still didn't find that perfect fabric!

Sadly, had to call it a day since I was over 75 miles from home.

A couple days later, took a long drive in the opposite direction

to another quilt store claiming to have over 8000 bolts of fabric.

I asked my mom if she'd like to go with me and
she really enjoyed visiting the store!

As we walked in, we couldn't believe all the fabric.

They also had more sewing machines than I've ever seen.

Found many fabrics I wanted, but still not the "perfect" one.
Mom and I had lunch and then headed back home, empty handed.

  Last week, I decided to take a 60 mile road trip in a different direction to another small quilt store.  The ladies working there were anxious to help me.  I was led to another area of the store where we could lay out the fabric and the stitched pieces.  To my surprise and delight, there were 3 other ladies visiting the store and immediately came over to help.  It was so fun!

Still haven't found that "perfect" fabric I've envisioned, but I did finally find fabrics to finish the Bride's Tree ornaments.

These fabrics are from Moda's Rambling Rose collection.
My client loves the fabric choices so now I can get to work
finishing the ornaments.

What do you do when you can't find the "perfect" fabric?

Quality Time

We had an opportunity for another weekend of camping.

Dottie Dog anxiously waits -- 

thinking she's getting the hotdogs Hubby is roasting over the fire!

She did get a taste, lol.

It was great relaxing in front of a warm campfire.

It makes me sad to think it might be the last camping weekend 

of the season because I am not looking forward to cold and snow!

DO SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY TODAY!

Recently

I just had to share
 

As little girls, they were best friends.

Junior high and high school brought many arguments between sisters

(which I thankfully have no pictures of)

Then I saw this:

During this month of Thanksgiving, DD's instagram post warmed my 

heart and brought tears to my eyes!

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND

Wishlist

I don't have an "official" wishlist, but after seeing this design preview, 

I just might need to create one.

 

Threadwork Primitives is releasing a new Christmas design this week

and you can read more about it here.

What are you adding to your wishlist?

 

Oh, who am I kidding? 

I'm going to go ahead and buy the design as soon as it's available, lol.