Hello Everyone…
We’ve had lovely…almost “fallish” weather here on the northern prairie…
A delightful break from the hot and humid!
I’ve spent many days in the backyard…dyeing, gardening, hooking, reading…
our winters are so long, I like to take advantage of every moment outdoors…
to store it up…to savor it.
I was responding to an email form my friend Kris
(many of you have met her…she’s my right-hand at many events)
She’s not on social media, but I think occasionally pops in here to see what I’m up to;)
Usually by this time of year we would have had many coffees, lunches, garden tours, road trips and a few dye sessions together…
But, then, these are not USUAL times.
Anyway…as I typed my note to Kris, I realized it would be a great recap to share with you on the blog!
“Yes, I’ve been playing in the pots. My friend Karen sold her house. I was helping her pack and move. I’ve become the foster yard for her eclectic statuary and odd garden art. While hauling it out of her yard, I step on a walnut…then I saw them all over the ground! Isn’t this WAY EARLY?? I took half of a 13 gal kitchen size plastic bag…hoping the bag wouldn’t rip. Interesting shades from these. I’ve done both no mordant and alum/cot…then…
decided to cut down the stinging nettles I planted in the older washer. They were starting to flower and didn’t want to risk missing it and letting them go to seed. Enough for a tiny skein of super fine merino (alum/cot)…then did an iron after dip…on a tiny black walnut too…”
“I finally got around to stewing up the Tansy you gave me…gosh I don’t remember how long ago…”
Am I the only one who loves the smell of Tansy?
…it’s delightful.
"And the Japanese Knotweed is waiting…When can you come over to play?
This is one pot that I couldn’t find room for in the beds!"
I’ll be listing plant-dyed wools in the Etsy Shop soon…I working on some sweet bundles!
Stay well, stay safe, be kind, be creative
~L
Our weather is shifting...
I was lucky to escape the city heat this past weekend and spend time with my dear friend at her cabin. The butterflies...and bees loved this sedum plant.
The lake was warmer than it had been when I was there in July and we spent a lot of time in the water!
Yesterday another sweet friend brought me some of the bounty from her fabulous gardens...
Here is some Hops I started simmering this morning. Isn't it a pretty plant? I've never liked the smell or taste of beer ( now wine is another story! ) I'm so glad it smells like green beans cooking.
Looks like it will be a soft apricot color on the wool...but we will see;)
After the storms that blew threw yesterday and overnite, our weather has shifted towards Autumn...time to finish the scrappy quilt I've been hand piecing while sitting and visiting my folks at the nursing home. I have to keep my hands busy...and so, this is kind of my therapy blanket!
Between checking the dyepot and packing orders, I've been pressing the quilt top. I've picked out a soft antique-y cotton flannel for the back. Once I get it basted with a lightweight cotton batting, I will hand quilt it with Valdani #12 Perle Cotton.
If you are near, I hope you'll stop by and visit me at the Autumn Valley Hook-In in Stillwater, Minnesota on Saturday October 6th...
Wishing you all a wonderful last week of Summer, Laurie
Please visit my friend Lori at Notforgotten Farm...
http://farmhousenotforgotten.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-witchy-giveaway.html
She is having a Witchy Giveaway!
It's a beautiful morning here on the northern prairie...
I'll be packing and mailing out orders...
taking Dad to his appointments...
and hopefully scratching in the dirt...
with all the rain we've had the gardens are lush...but the weeds are too! ;)
Have a wonderful day ~ Laurie
Freezing ~ need I say more…
I know most of you can relate, no matter where you live…but here on the Northern Prairie it is beyond ridiculous…
Frantic, Frenzy or Freak Out ~ pretty much describes my state of mind the past few weeks…because of…
Forms, Fees, FAFSA & Filing ~ along with the usual mounds paperwork this time of year for the business…I’ve ventured into new territory. Our son is heading of to college in the fall. For now my mixed emotions of letting go are clouded by all the deadlines for endless forms. Does anyone ever neatly fit into their check boxes?
Finishing Up...
another Early Work Mercantile update is tomorrow night...
stitching does help to soothe me...
as does hooking
I'm close to finishing a rug for a client who loves labs and rabbits!
Family & Friends ~ are my saving grace ♥
Thanks for visiting...Think Spring! ~L
Many Blessings to You and Yours...
May your holiday be filled with the warmth of family and friends...
Good food and cheer!
♥ ~L
Hello Dear Friends...
Where do the days go?
I'm back to blogland with a quick peek of goodies being offered tonight at
Early Work Mercantile
A few little Cottage Garden treasures...
It's been a full month with many demands...not much time for handwork.
A new furnace...soon a new roof...
caring for my parents as Dad recovers from surgery...
A month of ups and downs...introspection and gratitude...
the loss of a dear friend...brings a richer closeness to my old gal pals...most of us have been friends since grade school
...I truly LOVE these women!
This photo is from our "50th Birthday" weekend...vintage prom dresses
...and lots of laughter!
True blessings in my life ~ L
