dew drop inn

 We've had especially heavy dew lately, which is easily seen on abandoned webs.

It's amazing...like silvery drops of mercury.

This time of year, I see spider webs everywhere...spun in between old hosta spikes...

...or tucked away in a sheltered place.

I'm glad we've got this dew to offer some moisture, because it is so hot and dry now.  I'm sure that it's been nearly 6 weeks with no rain, and there's no rain in the forecast.  It's gotten so bad that hearing rain on a T.V. show provokes a strong and wistful reaction.  Rain (I think I understand that scene in Tolkien's The Return of the King when Frodo tells Sam that he can't recall the taste of strawberries)! Our morning glories are wilted by mid-morning...

...but somehow, the rest of the garden seems to be thriving.  I almost never water, so I'm not quite sure how this is possible!

It's still a challenge to keep the goldfinches away from some of the flowers.

Claudia is doing her part...

...but so many flowers are being completely plucked bare.  A cloud of goldfinches rises from the garden if disturbed, every day.  They can have the sunflowers, but I've started covering my zinnias with small organza bags.  Hopefully there will be enough seeds for us both!

It's been a really rough summer, between Covid isolation (we're officially a hot spot), the news cycle (grim), and seeing so many people nakedly reveal their true hearts on Facebook (people suck).  I'm losing my battle to stay positive, so I'm taking a hiatus from Facebook and all other news for a while.  And I'm surrounding myself in rainbows, cheerful rainbows!

These gloves will be done soon.  This glove needs a thumb and a mate, and it will be ready to go!

I've been very slowly working on a rainbow quilt, while babying my shoulder.  One thousand, two hundred eighty tiny 2.5" half square triangles.  

To make them with the 8-at-a-time method, you have to iron your fabric...measure...cut...sew...cut...iron...and then meticulously trim to size.  It's been a very lengthy process, but I'm nearly finished.  Just a handful of squares to go!  Then I have to decide...do I want to do a jumbled-color design?

Do I want to go in "rainbow order"?

It's not only the color juxtaposition, but also the design itself.  Do I want to be orderly, like the above photo, or do I want an interesting positioning, like the pattern calls for?

The only way to be sure is to lay everything out, over and over again, and compare.  At least I have help!

He's been VERY helpful in general during the sewing process.

I don't think I could manage it without his vocal support!

Stay sane, and have a great week!

Green & Bear It

Despite a recent cold snap, I'm seeing more and more green every day.

The yard is an absolute riot of color.  I love seeing all the different shades of pink, even though I have not traditionally liked pink flowers (except for peonies...swoon!).

I'm still out picking...

...and making my bouquets.

The robins keep me company while I gather!

I take note of all the spring growth.  Every day, a little more progress on sprouting out.

I've been bringing some spring into the house, too, and not just the flowers.  I changed all the fabrics to light-colored ones...

...made up some little 'nests' with ceramic eggs I bought years ago...

...and set out, here and there, some of the needlework that belonged to Todd's grandma.

So cheerful and spring-like...and I've added to the visual inspiration this pair of 'vintage' embroidered strawberry pillow shams from Garnet Hill...snagged at a thrift store for a dollar!

I've been very, very slowly working on my quilt.  I have random stars everywhere.

Making this particular quilt was a spontaneous decision, and one that I'm regretting a little.  I miss paper piecing.  Also, I wish I would've ordered a coordinated fat quarter bundle so that the overall appearance would be more cohesive.  All the fabric I used came from my stash, so it's very random.  I have learned some valuable lessons, though...pressing seams to the side instead of open creates more accurate points.  And, since this is my first time making HST (half-square triangles), I've been able to experiment and find a really accurate way to square them up.  So even if this quilt isn't as beloved as my other two, I'm glad that I made it.

Meanwhile, we'll just continue to enjoy the sun, the flowers, and the birds, and keep an eye on future spring developments!

Have a great week!