My Summer

Our summer has been filled with many travels. Attending weddings, visiting family and friends which took us over many miles and through many states.

While traveling I managed to make yet another little blanket. Babies seem to be popping up everywhere! This one is done in traditional baby colors. Again, a simple large granny square.

I also worked many hours on a stitched piece which I presented to my neighbor and friend Suzan. She has been very good to me and my family since we have moved here and I love her to pieces! I wanted to make her something special. I dated it 2012 for the year we became friends. This is called "Variegated Friendship Sampler" and it is designed by Ursula Michaels. It was a freebie originally given out by DMC and at one time was featured in The Cross Stitcher magazine August 1994 issue. From what I am told the design is no longer available and I have already passed my chart on to help another stitcher out. I am thankful that friendly Stitchers helped me by sending me some of the variegated threads I needed. Many of them have been discontinued. This piece really did come out pretty!

Along our travels I visited my childhood home. This is the home I grew up in!

While visiting, one brother gave me his Raggedy Andy doll from childhood. He needs major repairing, which I will do soon, all his stuffing is falling out! Another brother gave me an old Singer sewing machine he found at the end of someone's driveway for trash... I also brought home two dolls from when I was little... Baby beans, so cute!... And my first doll dated 1965, by The Effanbee company.

I was so happy that we were able to spend one day on our travels with our military Son. He surprised me with a very special hat! I love him and miss him so much. It's hard not having the family all together anymore. He has been in the military two years now and it still hasn't gotten any easier as far as missing him goes. A mothers love never ends ❤️

I was also given an antique crochet bedspread made by my maternal great grandmother. Although she had left pieces undone, it will be treasured by me always. It really is a stunning piece! I wish I could figure out how to finish it. It is a very old piece. I feel honored it was given to me! I thought it odd that the pieces missing were not along the edge, but sort of on the inside parts....

I visited with my dear friend Lillian who is now 90 years old. I love her sooo much!! She is an amazing quilter. I took some pictures of her quilts to share with you..

While visiting with Lillian I took notice that she still has the Angel doll sitting on her couch that I made her many, many years ago! 

Some summer creatures we came across.....

A frog...

A cricket!

A turtle too....

It's been a really good summer except for the fact that I am still not feeling well. A trip back to the doctor, this time a gastroenterologist. I deal with constant pain and can barely sleep through the night. He thinks the gallbladder surgery messed up my system and I am one of the unlucky few whose system did not adjust as it should. I am on a couple of different medicines now hoping they will help. It's been over a week and so far not much luck. I am upset but trying to be positive. It's hard having constant pain and not getting sleep at night because of it. It wears on me. Pain in my upper stomach and back. This has been on and off since last year. The doctor thinks I have post cholecystectomy syndrome. Something to do with the bile in my system. I have to drink these packets mixed with water two times a day, and let me tell you, it is the most awful tasting stuff I have ever had to take in my life!

I go back to the doctor in six weeks. If this and the other medicine doesn't help, I guess more tests will be done.

Sooooo.....

I am thankful I have a loving and supportive husband. I am also thankful I don't have to run out to work and can be at home. I couldn't imagine having to hold a job with this daily pain.

I am trying to focus on stitching to keep my mind off of of not feeling well.

I have decided to stitch my first reproduction sampler! I have started "Harriet Elizabeth Coe" by Brenda Gervais. I am already loving the eyelet stitched, yes I'm hooked!!

Well that's my updates for now. Looking forward to brighter days ahead. I will keep praying and know I have to be pain free for good one of these days!

Blessings to you my dear friends ❤️

Louise xx

New addition at our home!

I am beyond excited! I am now the proud owner of a Singer Featherweight sewing machine! She was born in November of 1946. She is in beautiful shape. She came with attachments, foot pedal, extra bobbins, and carry case. She also has a two year warranty.

She is small and perfect for sewing get togethers on the go!

I named her "Madelyn" after my great Grandmother, although I changed the spelling a little bit :)

Here she is!

Isn't she pretty! I love her!

I have already used her to sew together some small pillows that I have previously cross stitched for a patriotic display....

I know I will be using this machine a lot in the near future too. I have so many ideas for things I want to make.

We celebrated my husbands birthday yesterday. I baked him a vanilla cake.

And we spent some time in our yard. Noticed some pretty flowers have been popping up!

Lots of blackberries around too.....

We went out for a nice dinner then back home for cake. It was a nice day. Missed our military Son once again of course :(

Working on my "Rabbit Folk" by Notforgotten Farm. Such a sweet design.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Louise ❤️

My Little "Singer" and Primitive Pumpkin Updates!

I have a very dear friend Lillian that lives on Long Island,New York. She has been like a Grandmother to my children all these years. She is an avid quilter and baker and at the age of 88 she still quilts! She is an amazing woman and I have always aspired to be just like her.
She has a heart of gold, and was always there for me whenever I needed someone to talk to. She continues to be there for me anytime I call her on the telephone. I miss her dearly. It has been many years since I have seen her last. We keep up with our phone conversations and pictures I have sent of the children as they grew over the years. She has always been such a great encouragement to me and has always treated me like I was her own daughter. I am truly blessed to have her in my life!
She won a little "Singer" sewing machine years ago in a raffle and she had passed it on to me, being as she had a little machine like this one already. I felt honored that she would pass it on my way!
Thought I would share some pictures with you :)
It is special to me because it came from her!

Ok..here are the latest updates on my Mr. Primitive Pumpkin stitchery piece by Not Forgotten Farm..the freebie challenge I decided to take on...Ok..she said this is a quick stitch..I am sorry, I do not really agree with that!! lol
It is a Looooong stitch! It is taking a lot of stitches to get this piece going! I hope to finish it by the deadline..and I feel a bit pressured..which isn't good at all. I don't like to feel rushed..but I do like the excitement of joining in the challenge. I am still not quite sure how I will finish it..that is IF I finish it in time. I almost put it away today because of worry it just wouldn't get done in time. Life is getting in the way a little bit.
I know though it will be so cute when finished and I know how happy I will be to display him in my home come Fall!
Here he is so far...

He is coming along...little by little. I am so glad I know how to do the "sewing" method..because that is exactly how I am doing the fill in areas! Makes it go a little more quicker and smoother.

Our daughter will be starting school next week. I worry about me. I miss my son terribly now that he is away in the military. Honestly, it has gotten better, I am starting to learn to accept..but I am afraid for when my daughter is away all day in school. Hubby has been traveling quite often with work. I know I am not going to like being alone. It will be hard..being alone in an empty house. Of course there is the birds and Peter Rabbit..but somehow I am already feeling sad. :(
I hope I will be ok.
I am considering looking for part time work. I am a very outgoing person, and I need to be with people. I am not one that does well being alone. I like helping others and just "doing"...
so we will see what comes up.
I know others would be thrilled to have this alone time..but I know it will be time for me to dwell on missing my son!

That's all for now..wish me well in finishing Mr. Primitive Pumpkin! I do hope I can get a bit further along and get him done in time..will post more updates soon,

Raggedystitches,