5 x 5 Rule

Cheatin' At Cards

Cheatin' At Cards

My latest creation features an easy version of the vintage card trick block. The center is a four patch square, bordered by four squares and four rectangles. I used 3” squares and 3” x 6” rectangles in black and white prints, with white squares for the corners. Each block is set on point and joined with white sashing, then bordered with black gingham and white triangles.

The fun part was outline stitching each set of cards with a mock hand stitch and using a cross stitch pattern in black thread to accent the corners. White thread quilting finished off this striking 44” square wall hanging. Who said black and white is boring? Not me! 

 

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Life is like a game of cards.

We don't choose what we are dealt,

we choose how we play.

~Unknown

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Shady Green Spaces

Greenery is the popular color this year, but green has always been a favorite of mine. It reminds me of peaceful nature and the great outdoors.

Calming and refreshing shades of celadon, olive, pine, and moss are prevalent in this new wall hanging. I used 5” squares with 2½” x 5” rectangles, alternating green prints and batiks with light tan solids, set in a grid pattern. I finished it off by quilting with variegated thread in a triple serpentine stitch. 

 

I worked on this during a cold spell, thinking of spring days to come. Now in the middle of January the high will reach 70° today. I need to finish another quilt, but I think I'll open a window, then go outside for a walk.

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Those who find beauty

in all of nature

will find themselves

at one with life itself.

~L. W. Gilbert

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Freshening Up

January seems like the perfect time to freshen up things around the house. It's kind of like fluffing the nest before a long cold spell. After taking down Christmas decorations, I like simplicity and cozy corners for winter relaxation.

Last week we updated our guest room with a clean coat of light grey paint and rearranged the furniture. I packed away memories and pared down knick-knacks. An older soft quilt in navy, hunter green and burgundy makes the bed just the right spot for a nap.

Having a comfortable, warm place to call home is important to me. It doesn't have to be expensive or fancy, just a simple, basic place where my sweetheart and I can enjoy life, retirement, and our hobbies. Home is our sanctuary.

 

 

Necessary Solitude

Isn't it peaceful to experience quiet moments without distraction? I think so.

Our holidays were low-key, without any fuss or stress, most of the time just the two of us. We watched old movies, cooked, read novels, and talked. I had time to sit by the fire with my coffee and dream.

Days like today, when there's a foggy drizzle, I'm happy to be inside enjoying my solitude. Everything is so quiet when you turn off phones and TV to let the silence soothe your mind. It's also quite refreshing to step outside and absorb the sounds of nature.

Seeking solitude is beneficial to your body, mind, and spirit. It invokes feelings of contentment, and helps improve concentration and problem solving. Find a few moments to recharge, renew and regenerate.

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Solitude is the soul's holiday,

an opportunity to stop doing for others

and to surprise and delight ourselves instead.

~Katrina Kenison

Solitude is a kind of freedom.

~Umberto Eco

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