Friday, March 3, 2023

The Sabbatical Is Over


Sanibel Bridge in the fog

A Long Time Away


Our roles in life change fairly often--perhaps more as women, but more so as care givers. While our families are young, we look forward to the day when each child becomes independent. Ours all did, thankfully, and afterward there were several carefree years. I had time to grow my garden, sew for myself, and quilt for others. I look back at that now as a blissful, golden period. 

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Summer Quilt Catch Up


Simple Summer Quilt

Life has been anything but simple for nearly 2 years now. I know I'm in good company across the planet when I crawl out of bed after midnight because I can't sleep--again. My neck and shoulders are sore from canning apples and making applesauce all day. My head is full of swirling thoughts like, How the heck are we going to get through this mess? (Certainly not by depending on the government!) 

My last post was early August when I was still working on the quilting of this summer quilt. I needed an uncomplicated project to stitch on, and I loved having something in the frame to pick up for even a few minutes at a time. But August turned into a difficult month healthwise here, and funneled us right into September and a local outbreak of Covid. We were included as well as many friends and family, but thankfully all came through without serious complications. I was out of the studio more than a month, though, and feel like I'm still catching up on sleep.

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

7 Year Blogiversary & 700th Post


A Quiet Celebration

If this past year has taught me something, it's that we should celebrate milestones, and keep with traditions in our lives. So you and I will celebrate this together. (Cue the horns!) Seven years is nothing to sneeze at. It's ancient in the world of blogging! I know I'm here, though, because of you all, and because I'm still fully in love with life! And the things that make me most happy are quilting, surely you knew that, my garden, and sharing my enthusiasm for both. Helping people learn is important, too, but encouraging people to just try something is the big one. 

I hope we all continue to be friends. You are important to me, and the many back channeled conversations that go on among us makes my--and I hope your life rich. Thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful journey!

Saturday, July 31, 2021

Bees & the New Summer Quilt


A Simple Summer Quilt

This has been a good summer. Those of you who know me well will think I'm nuts for saying so, but after last summer, well, it is good. To top that, this has been a doozey of a week, and without explaining the gory details everything panned out well. The involved party is recovering, and it's almost nice to have a slow down for a few days. For one, it's given me time to sit, to stitch, and to write. I really want to tell you about this new quilt for summer--for just me.

Friday, July 23, 2021

Easy No-Knead Bread Recipe


Easy No-Knead Bread Recipe

I am a gluten free gal with a gluten loving husband, who needs a homemade loaf of bread once in a while. Carefully stirring the ingredients vs. kneading and tossing flour helps keep my kitchen as gluten free as possible, and still delivers the goods. And remember, there are hundreds of simple bread recipes out there if this isn't just what you're looking for, but it's a good place to start. Experiment! 

Thursday, July 22, 2021

The Kitchen Garden in July: Preparing


The Kitchen Garden: July 2021

Pictures of my kitchen garden are helpful to me in spiritual ways. I see such a difference week to week in change, in growth, and it feeds my soul knowing I had a part in this. Yes, there's a lot of work and planning, but the payoff is sweet.

One of my major goals this year was to grow food my family could and would eat, and to put some of it up through canning, dehydrating, or freezing. I believe food security is a real issue facing us. Last year's struggle to source food and basic supplies was a lesson to many of us, and should not be wasted on those who think it's past. The supply chains everywhere are fragile, and each of us should think in terms of what we need or want to be comfortable in our homes. How do we maintain our lives in case of future shortages and scarcity? It wouldn't be the first time in history people have had to ask this question, but perhaps in many of our own short lives. This is what I'm doing.

Friday, July 16, 2021

Spindrift II: It Floats


"It Floats"

I have some amazing, supportive friends around the world. I traveled young, and am lucky several of those friendships are still strong. But the blogging world has also been a road onto itself connecting me with other like-minded souls. I am grateful for that. One dear friend who hails from Australia, Jan, said, "Oh, Julie! It floats!" about this quilt. I think she summed it up well. It Floats is together, and the class at Berlin Quilter's Gathering is just around the corner. I am hoping to have it quilted by then, but if not, there is a lot to learn by looking at the back. I'm not worried.

By the way, there are a few spots left in Thursday's class, and one in Friday's. I'd love to see you there!

Sunday, June 27, 2021

Dresdens & Fish: Spindrift II


Spindrift II

Slowly, but surely--no, that's a lie. I am hammering away at this quilt every chance I get. The 4th is upon us, and we celebrate here with a big party. A rock band at night, this year we have Road Dog, followed by this small town's stunning fireworks. Everyone is welcome here, and we love meeting people who've driven in from several counties away. So there is a lot to do to get ready yet, and I want this done before. 

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

The Quick-i-est, Fabulous Baby Quilt!


Original Concept Post by Jen Eskridge
Based on "Huge No-Waste Flying Geese with Fat Quarters"...but My Way

A dear friend called with a quilt emergency. Could I make a super quick quilt for a baby shower in a matter of weeks? There were boxes we had to check, and one of them was a hint of something with aviation. Sure! I know something about that.

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Custom Quilting Finish: Vintage Windmills


Vintage Windmills 

Isn't this just the neatest quilt? It's a Krista Moser pattern, and can be purchased through Mercantile on Main LLC in Coshocton, Ohio. The Mercantile also carries the beautiful Tula Pink True Colors line--yum! The brick and mortar store is one of my favorite quilty haunts, and also has an easy to navigate website. And better than most sites, you can always reach the store by phone, if you have a question. Follow the link, show her some love, and tell her Julie said to say hello.