I Like Thursday #293

It's time once again for Thursday Likes! Please visit LeeAnna to link up with more participating blogs. I finished the center block for the Laurel Ridge BOM. It measures 20" X 20" finished. My usual sewing machine is still in the shop so I had to use my backup machine to make this block. I think it took me longer and it was definitely more frustrating! I would hit buttons that didn't exist! I would lose the thread from the needle because I trimmed it too short. It's so different from my other machine! Hopefully, it won't be too much longer!

Speaking of Laurel Ridge, I have 20 blocks left to make. They're all cut and already started! I can't believe I'm this close to the end. I have to make 80 flying geese so this will take awhile. I'm just glad that I'm this close to finishing up.

I'm not much of a plant expert but I'm happy to see my Christmas Cactus has so many buds! I think I had two buds last year so this year is definitely better. I'm just wondering if this is too early. I'm not sure the flowers will still be around for the holidays. I'm sure some of you are more knowledgeable than me. I usually kill plants. This one has survived for almost 2 years! 

The prompt this week asks us if we'll be handing out Halloween candy as well as what kind. Yes, we will be handing out candy. My husband usually sits outside with the candy in a big bowl. We live in a quiet development so many people drive here, park and walk with their kids. It's always a fun night. We usually buy anything chocolate so Reese's, Baby Ruth, Hershey's, etc. We're expecting a big rainstorm tonight but it should be over for trick or treat time. That's a relief!!

Happy Halloween! 👻👻👻

Sewing and Resting

I woke up not feeling very well. I got 3 vaccines yesterday and that Covid vaccine gets me every time. I took some Motrin and waited for it to kick in before I got a few things done. I did some housework and then I sewed a little. The rest of the blocks for Laurel Ridge were just released and I just had to start working on them. I didn't get too far. I made the middle of the center block. I would have loved to finish it but I just didn't have the energy. I thought it came out pretty good considering I'm not feeling that great.

I'm back to laying on the couch and watching TV. But I've got my trusty Lily sitting next to me and keeping me company! I think she knows I'm a bit under the weather today. I'm hoping to feel better tomorrow and get that center block finished!! I'm not sure what's worse, Covid or the vaccine!!?!?

Peacock Pillow

My peacock pillow is finally done! I had so many ideas about how to finish this piece. I saw all sorts of options. I was going to put some sort of trim on it but then I changed my mind. I didn't want to take away from the needlepoint. I ended up making an envelope pillow backing and calling it a day. It measures 14" square. 

Here's the backing. It's a piece of fabric I had left from when I made curtains years ago. That opening stays closed most of the time but if it starts to be a problem, I'll just sew a little strip of velcro to keep it closed. It's my first needlepoint pillow and I was overwhelmed with all the different ideas about finishing it. I feel I'm better at making the needlepoint than I am about finishing it!!

I never got to blog on I Like Thursday. I had to take my machine to the shop to get fixed. It sounded funny and I didn't want to ignore it. This is the time of year I take it in for cleaning so it was due anyways. I hope I get it back soon and that it's okay.

Two Finishes

 I have a subscription to The World of Cross Stitching magazine and each magazine includes a small project kit. This month was this cute little Autumn Cat Card. It says it only takes 7 hours to stitch this piece but I think it took me double! I must be a slow stitcher! The cross stitch piece measures about 3.75" X 2.25". The kit come with everything and is always a fun little project to work on.

Here is my Talking Turkey all done! Everything was in my stash. I finally have something to display over the Thanksgiving holiday!

I had my annual physical this morning and am happy to report, all went well! I'm always a bit nervous before these appointments but am so thankful for good news. I can relax until the next appointment! 

I Like Thursday #292

Welcome to Thursday Likes! Please visit LeeAnna to link up with more participating blogs. I finished quilting my turkey wall hanging or table topper. I haven't decided yet how to use it but it's almost done. I cut out binding this morning. This was a fun piece to quilt. It's small with easy shapes. I'm glad I have something quilty for the Thanksgiving holiday!

My daughter just had a birthday recently and I had to show you what her boyfriend bought her. She loves cats so he got this limited edition print and framed it himself. I'm not sure what it's called, maybe Strawberry Kitty?? It was painted by Emily Dunlap. That kitty is so cute and pudgy! I love it!

There are lots of great Halloween decorations around me. I think this one is my favorite. It's found at our local library, right outside of the children's section. There are lights twinkling all around it. It's so fun to see, even for me!!

Our conversation starter for this week asks what food would we bring to a fall gathering. I would always bring some sort of apple cinnamon bread. It's one of my favorites this time of year. Here's a recipe if you'd like to try it for yourself! I just love the plethora of apples this time of year. Add some cinnamon and sugar and it's a winner!

Have a great weekend!! Keep warm.

Projects Update

I had a very busy weekend but I did manage to get a little sewing/quilting done today. I loaded this turkey on the longarm last week but only started to quilt it today. I did bead board in the border which is quick and always looks nice. I echoed lines and quilted wishbones between them. I quilted a loop meander in the background. It's not a very big piece so it should be quick. 

I'm back to working on my Facets quilt. I'm making good progress on the dark purple row. It's so fun to use up my fabric and watch the quilt grow! And use up some of my stash!

Here's a closeup of some of the purple blocks. I'm using a solid orange for those tiny little triangles in the corners of the block. The middle is an orange print but the focus fabric is a dark purple. I need 36 blocks for this round. I'm getting there!!

I Like Thursday #291

Welcome to I Like Thursday! Please visit LeeAnna to find what other bloggers are liking this week. I put a little border onto my turkey block. It's all set to quilt. All of these fabrics were from my fabric stash. I love using whatever I can find in my sewing room. I guess it makes me feel less guilty! It now measures about 28.5" X 24.5".

We got new couches a few months ago and didn't realize that arm chair covers are no longer provided. We bought some of the fabric from the furniture store. I didn't have a pattern but I used an old arm chair cover to come up with my own pattern. I think it came out pretty good! I made 4 of them in one day. I think the couches look better with the covers. They look more complete and it's a great way to protect the couch. 

My husband was in the driveway and took a video of 2 bobcats running across the street. This one was running after the first bobcat. I've seen one bobcat only once before so it was neat to see a video of 2 of them. They looked like 2 big cats playing together. I'm glad they didn't notice my husband!!

The question this week asks what clothes do we start to wear as it gets colder. Well, the first thing that comes to mind is socks!! I don't wear socks all summer but as it gets cooler outside, it's the first thing I wear! I like them nice and thick and will wear them all winter. 

That's it for me this week. Have a great weekend and keep warm! We're under a freeze warning in my neck of the woods.