Seasons on the Deck (9/16/15) and Other Thoughts

It is September and leaves are beginning to fall.  But it is warm today and I can sit on the deck for a few minutes this afternoon between projects and activities.

Sadly, the water in the pond is rapidly falling as the out flow is significant in preparation for dam repairs that will be happening next month.

Above is today's view from the deck and below is from September 7, 2915, Labor Day.

I will update you in a few days with another picture.  We should be able to walk across the cove by then, maybe in mud but possibly on fairly dry earth.

 📌📝📞UPDATE. 

The picture above is from today, September 27, 2015 and now we see mud and some dried out pond dirt.  It's still not low enough at the spill way for the dam repairs to begin however.

I will update you in a week or so again.

I am not complaining, mind you, since I routinely have the privilege of living in this wonderful place on earth.

I just wish the repairs could take place when the weather is less glorious for observing the view. Don't know when that would be, but it is still a wish nonetheless.

But on to quilty matters...

Yesterday, I made these two rather large (22"), flannel blocks.  It was to test a pattern for a friend.

She doesn't actually need the blocks so I think I will make two more and then have a small lap quilt.

It was fun to do!

Monday night, Roxanne finished the top of her "produce" tablerunner.  You probably can't tell from the picture very well, but she used a 5" charm pack of fruits and veggies.  It is quite cute!

She has a lovely print for the backing and she is also going to make some window toppers or valances to match. A wonderful make over for her dining area!

On Sunday afternoon, I spent a few hours in the studio at the classroom attempting to finish up some languishing UFO's

The blocks for this top have been sitting on the design wall for a few months.  It was time to be sewn into a top!

Now it is complete.  I need to find an appropriate backing from the stash and get it quilted!  I could have used it a few times over the years for a new baby. Time to get it out of the UFO pile!

I also finally sewed the rows together for this quilt only to find that I need two more, very large, setting triangles.  This was a kit from Joann's and I am sure there is no yardage in the house.  That is the trouble with ancient UFO's.  If you are short fabric and it is not a scrappy quilt, you have to be very creative or the quilt will continue to sit in the UFO pile!  Mary thinks she might have some of the needed fabric.  But if she doesn't... I will have to put on my creativity hat for sure!

If you happen to have a three quarters to a yard of the pebble looking neutral, do you mind sharing it with me?  I will pay you handsomely (today's yardage prices) for the fabric.  Just let me know, thanks!

Well that is all for now.  I have been working on blocks and parts of blocks today.  Nothing is photo ready, so I will share on the next update.

Enjoy the day!

Random thoughts ( that I forgot to publish earlier this month!)

Today was hot, again.

94 degrees at 2:51 pm.  At 11 pm it is in the mid seventies.

Summer is still hanging on here on the island.

My Quilt group's challenge fabric.  Sharon did a cute little fold with it this time.

Maybe tomorrow I will show you what I have done with it!

A binding completed 

Paul trimming the hosta stalks.

Last year at the end of September

This year at the beginning of September

I guess history does have a way of repeating itself.

Random thoughts on a hot summer night.

From

Louise on the Island

Busy times

September has arrived and with it will come busy times.  Not that August wasn't busy.

 As I sit here on the deck enjoying another warm summer day, I am reflecting on the month of August.

A showing in the library at New England Tech

A commission quilt sent off to Australia

Blocks arranged for a strippy hexagon quilt

And more blocks arranged for a new layer cake quilt.

The top for a charm pack quilt class example, and

More commission pieces, one tablerunner, two tote bags and three pillows.  Love this fabric line... So soft!

"Surf and Sand", a top finally out of the UFO pile and 

"Pineapple Blossom" finally quilted.  This one uses 2.5 inch strips.

A block and units from last Saturday's "Talkin' Turkey" class with Bonnie Hunter in Bedford PA.

Two blocks from Friday's class, "Smith Mountain Morning"

Sunday's units at the top, all a small part of what is needed for "Carolina Christmas", the Sunday class.

Part of today's sewing... Courthouse Steps done with 2.5 inch strips and a 4.5 inch center.  Pretty big, huh!

"Trip around the World" block made with 2.5 inch strips.

Can you tell that my 2.5 inch bin overfloweth?

Okay, I went into September with my show and tell.  Will you forgive me?

Paul just came around the corner, a hint that it is time to make dinner.

Until next time....

Louise on the deck on the island, reflecting

Decorative Stitches on a Tote Bag Handle

As some of you may know I have been working on some tote bags for a commission job. I am now up to applying the handles on the tote bags.

I thought some nice decorative stitches would add a certain flair to the handles and make them less boring to look at after they were applied.

But did I remember how BORING it is to sit and watch the sewing machine make those stitches on the handles?!!

I have been at this for an hour now.

One handle completed...

One to go....

I have talked to my sister for 15 minutes.  I have talked to a telemarketer ( for a lot less than 15 minutes) who was ready to send someone out next week, since they would be in my neighborhood, to clean and fix my chimney. I have filed my nails, I have wound a bobbin and I have listened to a you tube video about fixing a dripping faucet.

The stitching is almost done on the second handle! Yeah!!!

But I have two more to do!

Those will have to wait until later since I have Open Sew in a half hour and I still need to eat lunch!

And the stitching goes on...

A posting from Louise, who is monitoring the sewing machine decoratively stitching tote bag handles in the Studio at Island Drive.

Seasons on the Deck - August Monday Morning

It has been awhile, I was recently reminded, since I posted a "seasons on the deck" update.

I am here to oblige and bring you up to date!

Summer is in full swing with everything leafed out and green.  No squirrels or hummingbirds this late in the morning. Just a peacefulness that is always welcome in my busy life.

Today is a holiday in Rhode Island, so hubby is not working.  Currently he is doing what he seems to love best, food shopping.  I always "love" to see what he will bring home.  Even with a list there will always be some surprises. Gotta love the man!

I have been working on several projects which are mostly surprises at this point.  Sorry I cannot show you much more than a peak.  Hopefully soon the projects will be done and can be viewed.

Some luscious fabrics from a new line of P & B Textiles, called "Soft Dreams".  I am really liking the colors in this group.  Very soft, light and dreamlike.  Just like the name!

Enjoy your day!  I fully intend to enjoy mine!

Louise, from the deck, enjoying the season on the island...