Monday, March 19, 2012

The Three S’s

Spring, sewing and S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G. 

Can it get any better than that?

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We’ve been having such glorious weather this Spring and the 4-5” of snow that took us all by surprise last Thursday disappeared the very next day.  This made the robins very happy as they were able to continue with their smorgasbord in our backyard with just a minor interruption.

This morning it was a balmy 50 degrees at 8am when Mac and I went for a little stroll in the ‘back forty’.  I had forgotten all about the naturalized bluebells out there because they weren’t there for very long last Spring before the deer gobbled them up.

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You have to look closely because they haven’t fully opened but you can see little bits of bluish-purple scattered here and there throughout the grass.  Click on the picture to enlarge it and perhaps you’ll be able to see them more clearly.

They are also appearing in my rose garden, along with some johnny-jump-ups.  Mr. Painted Quilt dug this bed for me last Spring so where they came from is anybody’s guess.  But they’re here to stay!

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I know that early Spring gardens are not that exciting to look at but I love to watch the new growth as it appears. 

Even the strawberry rhubarb has started to break ground.  I can taste the pies and preserves now.

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The lilac buds are just waiting for a few consecutive days of warm weather before the leaves start to unfurl.

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I don’t know how I ever passed math because my ‘ciphering’ skills leave a lot to be desired.  I thought that I had cut out enough 2 1/2” squares to make 20 granny square blocks for my newest quilt project but I wasn’t even close! 

So after Frankie and I finished piecing 5 blocks last evening, it was back to the drawing cutting board.  Sheesh!

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Not only are these blocks fun to piece, they are easy-peasy to make as well!  If you’d like to make one of these quilts, just click HERE for the tutorial.

So five blocks down and fifteen more to go.

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But the remaining granny squares will have to wait until the end of next week because bright and early on Wednesday morning, we are heading to the New England states for a mini vacation and to do some serious

S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G!

Start the car!

Kaarenheartname

46 comments:

Monica said...

Have a great time and do some shopping for me too! I expect a full report when you get home...wink.

Carol said...

You have gotten me wanting to make this block in 30's as well. Really pretty and just screams SPRING! Have a great trip; shopping in your area would be so fun. My husband and I spent 2 weeks in the northeast several years ago and loved it.

Janet O. said...

Spring is serious in your neck of the woods. We woke to snow again this morning. The Granny Squares blocks are looking so fresh and fun. I have the opposite math problem as you. I thought I had cut just enough strips to complete my current project, with just a few extra for wiggle room. The blocks are all made and I have enough strips left for almost a whole quilt! Go figure (since I obviously didn't)!

WoolenSails said...

I was out walking in the back and noticed some tulips coming up under the briar bushes, think I need to dig them out and put them somewhere where I can enjoy them.

Debbie

Susannah said...

Good...great time for a mini vacation which you so deserve! Enjoy the states! Love the quilt you are working on. You sure are a dedicated quilter. Good for you.

Betty said...

Spring is in full force here too. The Red Buds, Bradford Pears, and Ornamental Cherries along with a few tulips are in full bloom. This seems way to early.
Enjoy your shopping trip.

Ulla said...

Great signs of Spring in your garden. The quilt blocks look lovely, I feel I need to start digging in my stash and cut the 260 squares. It really is a lot of cutting!

Anonymous said...

I spy a little quilt in your sewing room that looks awfully familiar! :-) I'm so glad you enjoy it and have it up.
Your blocks are adorable in 30's! I may have be a copy cat. *wink* Frankie is the cutest helper that little stinker!! Have a blast in the states shopping!!!

Mary said...

Love your blog and you. You are such an inspiration to all of us. Hope you have a grand time SHOPPING! I have been following your blog for quite some time now and it is something I always look forward to. Don't worry about replying - just wanted you to know I love your quilts and your blog.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

I'm so glad your back! Spring is a wonderful time of renewal for all. Seeing flowers return and trees bud is like a visit from a cherished friend.

Frankie looks like an excellent helper.

I will shop with you in spirit!

Sandy said...

That pattern is on my to-do list. I have seen it all over and love it. Have fun on your little trek!

MaryAnne said...

I don't know about you but 2 of my favorite 4-letter words are 'sale' and 'free'.Have a great time shopping and enjoy your treasures.Hope to see pics soon.It is soooo good to have you back and doing soooooo well.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Love your 'granny' blocks and I will wave as you pass in your visit thru N.E. Shopping is a good thing.

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Oh Kaaren, it just brings my heart joy to hear you so excited! I love your progress and that Frankie is just so darn cute. I can't wait to hear about your trip. Have a ball!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Oh Kaaren, it just brings my heart joy to hear you so excited! I love your progress and that Frankie is just so darn cute. I can't wait to hear about your trip. Have a ball!

Darlene said...

Spring is my favorite season and your yard and garden is the reason. Lots of new 'life' - sigh!

Love your blocks - oh so sweet.

A mini vacation - bliss!!! Have fun and shop to your heart's content.

barcord said...

Have a good shopping trip. It''s so good to see you able to enjoy the Spring weather and the new life in your garden. I am thanking God for these blessings.
The granny squares are looking great. Cant wait to see the quilt. Lots of love. B.

Donna said...

We live in the Niagara area and the crocus and early mini iris are all blooming. Wonderful!
Have a great trip and treat yourself. You deserve it after the tough winter......

Abby and Stephanie said...

A well deserved mini vacation!!! Enjoy. Your blocks are so pretty.

Barb Robson said...

Do you know about Mardens in Maine? There is a store in Calais, Waterville, Sanford. best prices for fabric $3-$4 per yrad!
Have fun!

Needled Mom said...

I love the first signs of spring budding!!! It's a rebirth of sorts.

Loving the Granny Squares!!!!!

Lesley said...

Love those blocks! And I see Frankie loves them too! Love your three S's...nothing better on a Spring day than sewing and shopping. I will be thinking of you as you travel the roads!

Dianne Mitzel said...

So happy to hear you excited, and feeling like a trip!! Shop and buy, and buy some more. Don't you love that little Rowenta iron? Don't know what I'll do when mine quits. I have the other one, but this is my favorite, and the one I always have plugged in. Have fun!!!

marina said...

your blocks look as beautiful as I thought they would! Glad to see they have the Frankie seal of approval. Enjoy your shopping holiday!

Lesley said...

We never really had a winter in Miami this year which means I don't get to see the new buds emerging from the trees. How I miss spring in South Africa where the peach tree's buds and blossoms are one of the first beautiful things to emerge after winter.
I love the cheerful variety of fabrics in your grannies.
I've just made a little kitty cat holder for my little $15 Tracfone SVC cell phone which I have to carry around my neck for emergency's. I really like this little phone as it's got big key's and letters on the screen so I don't have to reach for my reading glasses if I want to make or take a call, plus I only pay $7/month for service. Now my hubby wants a kindle quilt cover whith his black and white cat on it.
I hope you have a wonderful time on holiday. We'd love to see the pics.

Anonymous said...

HAVE FUN ON YOUR TRIP KAAREN!
I LOVE THAT LITTLE FRANKIE!

Sue said...

I love 30's fabric and see we have some of the same prints!
Love your spring pictures. As you travel south into New England (I'm in the Berkshires in MA) you'll see lots of early spring signs! Hope you enjoy your trip!

Heather said...

Have fun on your well deserved break. Hope you find some great quilt shops among your shopping adventures!

Karen said...

One of my favorite areas to visit. Soo much to see and do. What ever you find you must show us.
I went and looked at the granny squares tutorial. Cute. And you are using one of my favorite fabrics. 30's fabrics make for happy spring colors. What a great quilt this will make. Lap or bed sized?
Very happy you are quilting and getting out. I would imagine that you have cabin fever.

Sandi said...

How wonderful that you are going for a Spring shopping trip in New England! I'm jealous and glad you are having such a lovely start to your week.

Looking forward to your show and tell upon your return.

antique quilter said...

oh I love your new projects, ah yes 30's fabrics always make me think of spring.
have a great vacation! and fun shopping....
Kathie

Vickie said...

Your granny squares are looking great!
Our weather is wonderful, too. However 80 and above is too warm for us in March! Looks like your garden is going to grow really well! Have a great mini vacation and have shopping!

Carrie P. said...

Oh, you are making the granny squares quilt. I have been seeing that on other blogs and I want to make one so bad. Maybe this fall. I have some other things I want to finish first.

Lori said...

I love watching for signs of spring!!
Have fun getting out of town and shopping.
Love your lovely quilt blocks, so far!!

Candace said...

Don't you just love those morning walks checking to see what's popping up from the ground? Your garden looks very much like mine right now, Kaaren! Frankie seems to really like this quilt - maybe he's trying to ask for one of his own! Have a wonderful vacation to the states - I know you'll make the best of it shopping wise for sure!
Cheers!

City Krafters said...

HI,

Have fun shopping just what we all need at this time of the year, you more than anybody.
Enjoy.

suz said...

Well you've picked a great time to head to New England! It's supposed to be 80 on Thursday in southern NH! Love your blocks, the more I see these, the more I think I need to add this to the very long list of "I need to make that!"

Merilyn said...

How lovely to see those delicate petals of colour come forth, bringing with them the promise of warmer weather!!! Here we are just feeling the beginnings of Autumn, woke up to a mist this morning on the surrounding hills and the air had a decided little chill, it's a nice feeling!
Your Granny Squares blocks are coming along beautifully! Hope you have a wonderful safe trip to New England Kaaren! I'm sure you'll have lots of goodies to share with us when you get back LOL!!!

GerryART said...

These blocks just sparkle.
Betty, luv2sew showed her Raggedy redwork quilt last nite at Guild meeting. It was a crowd pleaser.
Betty admits this is her most favorite quilt. She did give you complete credit for the designs, as she and I really enjoy your blog.
hugs from your friend,
Gerry

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Your granny square blocks are so pretty! Spring has come here early too, enjoy your trip.

Patty Nordahl said...

Where in New England? You sound wonderful. I hope this means that you are regaining strength. I am going to try the Granny Square blocks.

Siobhán said...

Oooh--shopping!! What a wonderful word that is. :) Love the granny squares! Have a fantastic time.

margil said...

So glad you are feeling better! I love pictures of your town, as my nephew recently moved there. Have a great spring!

Jenny's Place Online said...

I'm a bit late catching up, but I hope you had a lovely time shopping. Good luck with the quilt :) Happy crafting, Jenny

MamaT said...

I'm so glad you're feeling better and working on your projects again. I enjoy your blog.

happygirl said...

Just found your blog. It is simply beautiful. I have also downloaded the Raggedy BOM. Thank you so much for the beautiful designs. I would like to stitch them out using my embroidery machine if I have your permission. The designs will be only for my own use.