Border in Order

It was an amazing weekend.

Beautiful weather and a bonfire with good friends.

I think summer is here.

At least the flowers are thinking so!!

I managed to get all the pansies together but I think it needs a border.

I want to tie in the flower centers with using some more to this dragonfly fabric.

Any suggestions for border ideas?

Sunny skies,

Christa

Can you believe it is JUNE 1st today???

Come on, Summer!! Bring it on!!!

Winny and I got all the flowers planted and the pond running.

Now send some heat!!

Justin's CSA garden is doing amazing this year.

What is a CSA?

It is Community Shared Agriculture.

 Justin sells shares(1 share = one box) in his garden in exchange for a box of certified organic vegetables for 10-15 weeks through the summer as things become available.

It shares the risk between the farmer and the consumer in crop failure or success.

He includes recipes for the things he grows as he likes to grow unusual things sometimes.

He calls his company "The Organic Farmer Boy" and is in his 6th year of growing good food.

He also grows gladiolas for a local flower shop and farmer's market. He has grown as many as 7000.

This year, he cut back to 1800. Instead, he went wild with 900lb of potatoes.

A little like his mother...nothing in moderation...something to work on!

On the flower front inside.....Three more rows to go!!

But I think this one definately is calling for some type of border to complete it.

Candy Cane Clothesline stitched up!!

I am using a fusible muslin on the back called Presto Sheer.

 It helps to hide the stitches and give the white a brighter look.

My color choice for thread is DMC 815.

My girlfriend is using a much brighter color, DMC 347.

It will be interesting to see the contrast when the two projects are complete.

Got to go...the sun is shining!!

Christa

Dragonfly Day

Packaging.....

B day gift from Noelle

Our quilt group recently dicussed how a blog had featured story about how packaging of fabric your receive in the mail makes such a difference.

 When 'packaged' well, it feels like such a gift.

A gift you bought yourself but none the less, a gift!

My girlfriend recently came back from a trip to Europe.

For my birthday, she sent over this beautiful bag filled with....

no....

not crystal.

Something more special than that!

Three of my favorite things!

I love purple tulips(this one from Holland), dragonflies, and making soap.

I have looked at buying the dancing dragonfly book a couple of times but never bit the bullet.

Thanks Terry!!

We truly do know each other!!

My daughter gave me this pretty package.

What a cute way to present a piece of jewelry.

So it definately was a 'dragonfly' filled day.

Cake, mojitos, family and freinds were all enjoyed.

I even fit in some stitching and sewing!!!

Thanks for all the B day wishes and gifts!!

Christa

It's My Birthday....It's My Birthday......

Yup...I am 44 today.

Half way through my life...presuming I am going to live to 88.

BUT

I have to say that even if I died tomorrow I have had an extremely awesome life already.

My BFF,Arnold

I have had the opportunity to marry my best friend who has blessed me with three incredible kids and one angel in heaven who have brought us much joy.

They have all grown to be productive adults and are doing great.

I have spectacular parents who have made me into the person I am today.

They have raised me to have no fears and conquer what ever I set my goals to do.

They gave me sisters I could never have lived without.

I have made a bushel of amazing friends who have given me the best of times and lots of laughter and memories only senility could take away.

Terry,Me,Mom, Tannis,
Shannon, Larissa and Maryann

There is truly nothing more I could ask for to make my life more complete.

Three generations

 BUT

 I will take every birthday that rolls around.....

 as my list of projects are not getting smaller and I wouldn't wish that mess on anyone!!

So since it is raining and windy today ...

I will give my best shot at finishing Candy Cane Clothesline!!

O<<<<<<<<<

(that's alot of candles to blow out)

Christa

We're Not in Kansas Anymore....

On Tuesday, May 22, 2012, my son and I were quickly unload the truck as a storm was coming in quickly, when I noticed a twister(starting to sound like a storm chaser) just south of our farm. 

We hurried and got inside.

Justin brushed it off but then we heard  about it later on the news.

 Here is a video of the tornado taken on the North Dakota side by some storm chasers.

This is the second time in my life witnessing a tornado that close.

It is so surreal you can't believe your eyes.

This is a picture of a storm over my house last August.

I was working in the field when my old dog came out and wanted me to go home.

 She was relentless and kept going in front of the tractor so I headed home and this is what I saw as I came down my lane!!

She knew!!

I hope this is not a sign of the summer we will be having!!

I have decided that my next project is going to be a redwork piece.

I did consider doing this one is another color but why mess with a good thing!!

My girlfriend, Maryann is doing this and I have admired it for sometime.

So I am starting with the candy cane clothesline.

I traced it on my white with an extremely fine red marker and a used fusible muslin on the back of my piece.

The girls at Out of Hand Needle Arts in Calgary suggested it to me.

 I used this for my 'Garden Growing' piece and really like the weight and feel of it. It is still light and airy but has some structure to it.

I think it also helps to hide the stitching on the back from showing through so much.

This is where I am so far.

With no more tornado sightings maybe I can complete this in time for Christmas!!

Looking for SUNNY skies...

Christa

Duke and Elliott

 Another quilt block on a wall in Chantel's travels.

More motivaton to get mine done!!

Who are Elliott and Duke?

They are 1 year old brothers and the best of friends.

Elliott is always the mat and Duke is the sitter.

Duke should have been a city dog.

 He does not like to sit on the cold ground or get his paws dirty!!

He just hates dirt and mud!!

Not a day goes by that Duke is not sitting on Elliot...

even if Elliott objects!!

The new deck is in and ready for some sunshine and mojitos...

On the seeding front - Justin's CSA garden looks like a power line nightmare!

Everything is in.....Now let the growing begin!!!

Christa

Get Your Garden Growing!!

Well, I completed 2 plantings this week.

Our field crops.......

and my 'Garden Grows'.

I just love how tiny I made my name on the side.

On the purple front - my clematis.

Barely got leaves and went to blooming.That's what I like to see...production!!

The peck of purple petals are starting to look more like a posie of pansies.

My daughter went to Alberta for the long weekend and texted me this picture.

She said it made her think of me.

Well, mine is not as pretty OR complete. !!

But it is on the list!!

Justin also built some rock pillars this week, like mine.

The robins thought it was a great place to build a home.

The birds are bound and determined this year!!

Today's project is to resurface the deck where I hope to have at least one day this weekend to sip a mojito and read my recently acquired magazine!

I will share, Tracey!!

Don't work too hard - I  know I already have.....

after all...

isn't that why they call it the LONG weekend!!

Christa