Here is a collage I made for a friend....it says, "art saves our dreams". So true!
Autumn is a time when I love to do "art" (and other creative activities) non-stop.
Even on days like today, when I am "under the weather" and still planning to go in to work my shift at our local fabric store....it is hard for me to just rest until time to go.

Perhaps a new collage should say, "rest saves our dreams too!" I found some wonderful thoughts on this here.

Ann Voskamp can really express the underlying reality of each moment!

Enjoy! [Then rest!]

First day of autumn, yesterday was a wonderful, perfect equinox day!
Mom, our friend, Paula and I set out to have a little fun at a local quilt shop. Here, near the shop, we are in a city park with an antique railroad car.

The night before, we had been at the Quilt Guild meeting and were given a dark red solid fabric to use in a challenge. I had jumped right in and started this but now needed a fabric for the outer edges of my "Seeking Balance" contemporary design ....

This one, from the shop's sale fabrics should work very well! It is a" RED, White and maybe a little BLUE" challenge....well, mine is quite a bit blue. I am loving indigo again.....


There was also this yard of purple Amy Butler "LOVE" (retro 60's!) fabric. I think a skirt for my granddaughter could be just what it needs to become!

Today, inspired by all the exposure to quilting....I am going through my stash, trying out fabrics which might set off this hand-pieced and appliqued block of a blackbird on a "Russian sunflower".


And, THE package came today!...I now have 21 balls of medium indigo "TRUE BLUE" cotton yarn to use in knitting this "Cornish Knit Frock" [ from "Indigo Knits" by Jane Gottelier].

Indigo again---A knitting book from our library on Indigo Knits (by Jane Gottelier, British knitwear designer) is all about knitting with indigo dyed yarn. This one (below) caught my eye!

It is the "Cornish Knit Frock". I have just ordered yarn [originally from South Africa, where they are known for working with indigo (and at 60% off!--Elann yarns)] to knit this one.....

And if you have a young "pirate' who needs a jacket, check out this!

Perfect for "Talk like a pirate day".....September 19th!

We're having a cool overcast day with light rain.....after a VERY hot summer, this is wonderful!
My life today with scraps and zinnia's is a jumble of color! I love it!

Using the antique Singer featherweight, I am making "string pieced", 60 degree triangles. This is done by first cutting scrap paper into 5" (or you choose the size!) equilateral triangles. Then fabric strips or "strings" are sewn down to the paper foundation. They look messy but are fun and trim down to be just the perfect unit for making a scrappy 6-pointed star quilt.

You can find a tutorial here for making the foundation pieced triangles. It was generously posted earlier by Crazy Mom Quilts!

Well fed and peacefully sleeping......my newest grandson in his father's arms...

(Being born at the end of summer allows for an outdoor photo shoot when one is only a week old! Photo by Matthew Skalski of Minneapolis. Great work, Matthew!)

Oh, yes, Grandma loves those dimples!

Beautiful, beautiful "Silk Garden" yarns by NORO......an update on my knitting project.

I've been knitting the small mitered squares which will make the Mitered Crosses blanket when they are sewn together.....

You can find a lovely example of the blanket here . And order the pattern too!

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If I have any yarn left over, I plan on using it to accent this altered sweater. The pullover was found in a trift store, cut open off center and will have decorative buttons too.....more to come!

The "busy-baby" summer continues in our family!


While daughter Laura was busy juggling her twin daughters Sophie Jane and Nina Kate, (cute!!, huh?).......

our son  and DIL  delivered a perfect grandson!!!

I can hardly wait to meet little guy! [and another trip to see those smiling, cooing granddaughters would also be fabulous!]

[Many thanks to family members who took these photos!]

What gifts!
Peaches from a local orchard and fresh basil from the garden of a friend!

Not only do they make a pretty picture together, but, I remember seeing recipes which combine them....

....after reading through several (they use way too much sugar!) I have a plan!

Peaches are chopped and put into a bowl. The basil is chopped and heated in a small saucepan with 3/4 c. water and 3 T. honey. just 'til it simmers.

Pour over the peaches. Cover and let flavors blend for an hour or so.

Serve over pound cake and with vanilla frozen yogurt! Yum! Luscious!