Hello friends. I’m so glad to be back in this space. Batman and I have been a bit under the weather and so we missed most of the New Year’s razzamatazz. Honestly, I didn’t miss all the analysis/advice/commentary that comes with the transition from one year to the next.
I’m here on the hill, just trying to balance news from the “real” world and my own sanity.
Perhaps you are working on this too?
In terms of blogging, I’ll be sticking to my own little comfort zone for now, and perhaps you will find some refuge from the news storm here at sewandsowlife.
One of the things I’ve been playing around with are amulets. Amulets are thought to confer protection and/or good luck to the person who wears it. I made this one for a friend facing big health challenges. The wee bit of balsam, a birch heart stitched onto a scrap of cotton, (hand dyed with indigo from our gardens) and a pewter token all fit into this little pouch, which can be worn close to the heart.
I have more in the works, and will share them with you soon.
Started sometime in 2008, this quilt came out of the washer and dryer today…yes, that’s seventeen years…from start to finish. I feel no shame. I stay away from the quilt police. I AM happy as heck to have this quilt finished and am already scouring my studio for the next project. PJ’s for Batman, I think, using fabric I bought when he was in graduate school!
I do love how the pieced strips reflect the mountains and snow right outside our windows. And the technique for piecing creates accurate matches at the seams. This is my third “Seminole style” quilt and I may revisit it again.
Backed with a polka dot flannel, the quilt is extra cozy.
Our book group gathered on Friday night to discuss Sandwich by Catherine Newman. We did, indeed, create a picnic for our shared supper, and a few friends brought vintage photos of their visits to the beach. Our February book is The Square of Sevens, thanks to a recommendation from blog reader Gail N.
I received The Universe in Verse from a friend and my girls and I are reading Robin Wall Kimmerer’s new book, The Serviceberry together. I also found a reprint of The Diary of an Edwardian Lady, a book that will join Dorothy Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter on my “tea book shelf”, but not until I have read it first!
I also listened to Joy for Beginners, by Erica Bauermeister on yet another trip to Massachusetts. I think my friend Anne Butera recommended it to me and I loved it. It’s a fun escape hatch when you really need one.
Batman (in Vermont) and Lindsey (in Detroit) are baking croissants in tandem this weekend. Our family did some fun cooking/baking together via FaceTime during the pandemic. After becoming fascinated with the laminator at Bohemian Bakery last time we were there, Batman decided to take this baking adventure on. A three day process, I’ll share results with you next time.
This has been quite a long blog post…
A few more things and then I’ll sign off:
Ann Wood Handmade is gearing up for her next 100 day stitch book! She’ll begin on January 17th and you can bet I’ll be there too. My book from 2024 can be viewed here. Will any of you join us? I sure do hope so. It was a wicked fun project!
We discovered another wonderful distraction from the real world. Canal Boat Diaries, streaming on Acorn TV follows the travels of Robbie Cumming on the waterways of England. Drone footage and videos bring the viewer through quiet byways along Britain’s canal system. It takes us back to our narrowboat adventures in Scotland in fall of 2023. :-)
Lastly, blog reader and friend Judy asked in the comments on my last post about scrapbooking/journaling. I’m actually trying a new planner this year, and will create “mood boards” for each month. Below, is the inside cover of the planner, with images to remind me of what I’ll be working on in 2025. Curating. Nourishing. Creating/playing.
Day by day, friends. With love in our hearts. Onward into 2025!
xo