Excuses, Excuses

I haven't been posting this week because I am in the middle of a major project...unfortunately it's not a fun sewing project. We desperately needed new carpet upstairs in our home because of doggie issues,etc. So, we made the commitment to be ready for installers this weekend. Wow - we have to clear out my SEWING ROOM, our office and a guest room. It's basically like moving, and everything has to go downstairs, so it's a workout.

The up side is that I am clearing out, simplifying and cleaning up, which feels good and was much needed. It hasn't left any time for sewing, however, so I am posting pictures of my wisteria instead. I love wisteria. It brings back happy childhood memories. I planted it at the base of my garden gate and planted climbing roses on the other side so they would meet and mingle in the middle. Unfortunately, they don't bloom at the same time. My roses have buds, but the wisteria is already fading. Such is life. Hope yours is happy right now. I will have more to share next week. Love, Derrith

Happy May Baskets

Happy May Day, dear friends. I believe this is an under appreciated holiday. I have loved it since my Mother first explained the whole basket of flowers deal to me. I fondly remember my childhood neighborhood in San Rafael California, where I would pick flowers from our yard and put them in a home made paper basket. Then, I would choose the neighbor I wished to bless, hang the basket from their door knob, ring the bell and run like crazy back home to watch through my window. Now, who wouldn't love a holiday like that?!

I don't even know it was already an antiquated custom back then, but I have tried to revive it as best I could in my adult years. I passed on the tradition to my children, who may not be quite as enthusiastic about it as I am.  When I sit down each year to make May Baskets, my inner child gets excited!

I love bringing out all my little "bits and bobs" and ribbons and paper and making a huge mess on my dining room table!

Isn't this a darling poster from the 50's! It brings to mind the other very fun May Day tradition: The May Pole. I'm afraid that tradition has pretty much fallen by the wayside.

So. this was my process this year: I'm using these pre-fabricated cardboard forms for the first time. I usually just use scrapbook paper, but these really did make things easier and sturdier.

Next, I painted them white. I found out later that was unnecessary, since you couldn't see the brown through the paper. It does look nicer though if you paint the inside.

Next, I covered the cones with scrapbook paper. I coated the cones and the paper with matte "Modge Podge" and rolled the paper on. It adhered immediately...I was very pleased.

Now, for the fun part...just start embellishing! I was determined to use what I had on hand, so you could do much more inventive things with your baskets! I put labels through my printer, cut out flower motifs, and glued on fancy flowers and trims, etc.

Then I added the ribbon. The cardboard was too thick to punch a hole in for the ribbon, so I glue gunned it on - worked fine.

I used to make a loop with the ribbon on top, but nowadays, lots of people don't have front door knobs, so I have two ties that I can tie into a bow, no matter what the front door arrangement is.

Now, I must tell you, that the "ding dong dash" part of the equation is getting more difficult for me at my age. Plus, some people don't go in their front door regularly, so I have had to come up with other ways to let them know there is a surprise on their porch.

Of course, fresh flowers always look best in your baskets. I collected some today at the store and from my yard. I usually cut them to fit, wrap the ends of the stems with a wet paper towel, put that into a zip lock sandwich bag with a little bit of water, zip up the bag as much as possible and them gently slide them into the basket.

Thank you for letting me share my little May Day rituals with you. I hope yours is delightful and filled with unexpected surprises! Love, Derrith

Wednesday Morning Update: I myself had a delightful and unexpected surprise this morning when I opened my door at 7:00 AM. Look what I found...

Someone left me a May Day basket! I was so surprised and excited and I haven't stopped smiling since. They are glorious lilacs and they smell SO wonderful. I don't know who did this, but I am so touched and thankful. You truly made my day!

...In a Nautical Mood

This is the fabric selection for one of my quilts-in-progress.

It is an Americana/Nautical design to hang in my Living Room in the summer.

These are a few of the finished appliqued blocks...there are 12 in all. I'm using a "Kimberbell" Perfectly Imperfect" pattern. I have to put this aside so I can get my "Square Dance" quilt finished. Some day I will show you my "other" quilt in progress. It's been a frustration, pretty much from the beginning, so I keep procrastinating working on it. I am determined to get it done, though. I've set a deadline and that usually works for me...usually. :-)  I sure do appreciate you visiting today. See you next time.  -Derrith

Can You Smell the Lilacs?

It's Lilac Festival time in Woodland, Wa - one of my favorite things to see every year.

The fragrance laden air is transporting.

It's held on the grounds of the Hulda Klager estate. She is very famous for the hundreds of hybrid lilacs she created. You can tour her house, kept in it's period charm.

I took dozens of pictures because they have so many varieties and each one has it's own beauty. My computer is being obstinate today and wants to take 5 minutes to download every picture, so you are just getting a small sampling. Enjoy

They have a gift shop with Everything Lilac in it, including this sweet set of dishes.

I wish you could sit a spell with me here and enjoy the experience like I did. Thank you so much for visiting today. I hope to see you again soon.  Love, Derrith

It's Tulip Time

Every year at this time I take the 15 minute drive north to Woodland Washington for their Tulip Festival and their Lilac Festival. It really is glorious. Today, I will show you just a few of the hundreds of varieties of Tulips that are on display at the Holland America Bulb Farm.

I didn't think this posting needed much commentary. I hope you enjoyed the pictures. I will post my pictures of the Lilac Festival soon. It was such a beautiful day here today and I'm eager to share those pictures will you. Thanks again for visiting. I really do appreciate it! -Derrith

Fabric Shopping in SLC

Last week, while I was in Salt Lake, my dear friend Susan and I visited a couple quilt shops. The first was Pine Needles in Gardner Village. They were in a new location within the square since my last visit. The store is really fun. They had these wonderful wall hangings which I believe were designed by the owner. They had several designed for different seasons and holidays.

I loved all the different techniques used on each one.

I love how graphic and whimsical this quilt is and so beautifully done!

LOVED this. I am definitely going through a Nautical/Americana period right now. Hopefully, I will have some finished projects to show you soon.

So cute!

Just a hop, skip and a jump away was The Material Girls Quilt Shop. This framed wall hanging is so dang cute!

This really appealed to me too.

As you may know, I can't pass up anything with cherries! I am home now and trying to catch up on things I should have done while I was on my trip. I'm getting close to a finish on my Square Dance quilt. I'm trying to get it done in time for the "Blogger's Quilt Show" hosted by Amy's Creative Side.

Thank you so much for stopping by, friends. I appreciate you and am inspired by you everyday.  -Love, Derrith

Post Cards For April

Today I'm sharing our quilted postcards from my quilt group. We exchange them each month. Only four of us participated this time-Here's some love from Barb.

Loralie interpreted "April Showers" with some glitter -doesn't everyone?!

This was my contribution this month. It was hand embroidered. [no choice:I don't have an embroidery machine :-) ]

Margy did a Spring theme-we were all ready for that! I do so appreciate you visiting my blog. Please come again.  -Derrith