Strickly for the birds.....

For the past couple of summers, we've had a pair of doves nest in the gutter on the front of the house.  I've never understood how they keep their nest dry and out of the water.  Could be, the gutter doesn't drain properly and it's not an issue.  This is the first time I've captured their little noggins poking up from the nest.  It was a risky photo shoot, I had to stand on the back of the couch, position my elbow on the half circle window seal to get the shot.  The way I was teetering, it's a wonder I didn't fall and bring the window blinds down with me....but aren't they cute!

Playing catch up...

I’ve done it.  I’ve caught up with Randy’s Sow-A-Long!  Never mind a new set of three blocks are due out on her website today, point is, I’ve completed the blocks she’s posted so far.  For me, that’s a fabulous accomplishment. 

Group shot - I've arranged in the order Randy's

posted to her website.

Gardens at The Lazy Branch Stream

Fancy, huh?  Sounds much better than “our yard that backs up to the Lazy Branch creek”.  I’m really excited about all the buds and blooms that are popping up in our yard.  When the Hubs and I first started dating, he didn’t have so much as a potted geranium on his spread.  Now the yard is green (mostly) and colorful.  Over the past couple of summers, we’ve put in a flagstone patio (and we’re still married), lots of bulbs and perennials.  Tons of work to do yet, but at least now we can enjoy the yard instead of closing the blinds on the backside of the house....    

This is what the backyard looked like 2 years ago. 

This screams "dude hangout". 

This is fairly current.  We updated the green plastic chairs

for metal chairs with cushions.  It's gettin' serious now!

Must be a varment close by, notice the red/orange Lily has all it's leaves chewed off. 

See the little guy sittin' on the wall?  He came home with me from Branson

My Fair Lady

Off and on I’ve been searching for a Singer Featherweight.  I’m in no rush, I know they can be very pricey so I periodically look on ebay, Craig’s list, estate sales, antique stores, etc.  While searching Craig’s List I found this vintage White Sewing machine.  At a glance, I didn’t know how old it was or anything about it – but knew I had to have it.  Does it not scream Mad Men?  From the moment it seen it, I had visions of me sitting at this machine with my hair in an up-do, wearing a pencil skirt complete with peep toe stiletto’s (reality: flannel pants and Birkenstocks, but this is my dream).  The owner wanted $25, said she hadn’t used it in over 20 years but (as far as she knew) it ran fine.   I pick a time when my hubby can go with me, but the owner calls me shortly before I’m schedule to go look at it and says she can’t get the machine to run properly and if I still want it, I can have it – no charge.   No charge!  As soon as I can get my hair in the proverbial up-do, I’m out the door!  With some cleaning, oiling and tweaking, she’s purring like a kitten.  The straight stitch presser foot is missing (ordered one online) – Since I’m finding it difficult to get a consistent ¼ inch seam allowance, I’ve picked a paper piecing project to start.

The picture isn't as clear as I had hoped - there's not a scratch or imperfection on this machine. Even though the seller didn't feel right charging for what she thought was a broke machine, I gave her a $20 bill for it.  

 

About the only information I could find about this vintage White, it debuted at the World Fair in 1963-64ish  (New York I believe) and was coined “My Fair Lady”.  Must be something to it, as I’ve read this on several vintage sewing machine blogs.  Sounds good to me, My Fair Lady it is.

This will be me after some sewing time on My Fair Lady - complete with pearls and apron.  The house tidy and dinner on the table when my man gets home from work....ha!  Make this vintage nightmare stop! 

Can you say Slow-A-Long?

Why isn’t there enough time in the day?  Better yet, when I’m at work, why do some of the days seem to drag on and on?  Then once home, I no more get my fabric cut and it’s time for bed.    Randy has posted new blocks for the Sow-A-Long and I haven’t caught up with the previous postings.  Darn good thing this isn’t a race….another set of 6 pictured, but I'm still 4 or 5 behind.

Carolina Crossroads.....Finished!

A while back....ok, several years ago (2008 to be exact) I started a Mystery on Bonnie Hunter's Quiltville yahoo group.  A little more than half way through the Mystery, I moved.  Knowing my new location was just temporary, I packed up the sewing room into large plastic totes.  Well, temporary turned into a couple of years.  I couldn't locate my brown and pink fabric in the multitude of plastic totes, so I started the Orange Crush Mystery (yet another unfinished project - but that's another story).  About a year ago while organizing my new sewing room, I found the long-lost-not-quite-finished Carolina Crossroads.   A few weeks ago I added the border and now it's ready for a visit to the quilter's. 

The pink border seems too dark, but I think once quilted it'll look better (I hope...)

My Sow-A-Long is in full half swing...  The plan was to catch-up with Randy's Sow-A-Long over the weekend.  After last Wednesday's post, I was about 8 blocks behind.  But the temptation of hanging out with my kids and grandkids on Saturday and part of Sunday led me astray.  No way can I turn down "hang out" time with my little chickens!  Once home, I was able to complete a few more for another set of 6. 

For this quilt, I'm using Civil War Era reproduction fabrics.  Thought it was time to lay out the blocks and see if I'm heavier in one color than others.  Sometimes I'll find a fabric I really like and go overboard using it.