Well, the leaves continue to fall, we've had a few sharp frosts, but there is still a little bit of autumn colour to see. I was listening to the radio last week and apparently in the UK the weather conditions have been perfect this year for autumn colours. It's a carefully balanced mix of sunshine, warmth and rain that determines the colour and intensity of the changing leaves. I had no idea!
The view from my sewing room window is changing daily and today I can see the biggest tree is almost bare, but other trees still have quite a lot of leaves clinging on. The Rowan tree in the garden is covered in yellow berries, and that is supposed to signify a cold winter. Ooh! I'll try and hang out of the window and get a photo for you...
There. Not a great photo, as it really doesn't show the true colours, and I had to zoom in to show the end of the garden, but you get the idea.
Now that there isn't so much that needs doing in the garden, I have been spending a lot more time in my sewing room. I am working on a Christmas quilted wallhanging. I love machine embroidery and applique - hand sewing just isn't my personal thing! To make this quilt I am using patterns by Anita Goodesign, a US company that produces the most fabulous and detailed digital designs.
I am making each block with the same 'Quilt as you Go' method that I used for my son's quilt Here.
The best bit is deciding on the designs, choosing fabrics and threads and seeing it all coming together. I have completed all the blocks and have just finished joining them.
I needed some suitable fabric for the backing and was excited to wander in to a local charity shop and find 2 metres of red and cream Sanderson cotton fabric for only £2.99! I quickly snapped it up and it will be perfect.
I now need to get it all put together and bound, and I'll be back to show you the finished quilt, hopefully pretty soon, as Christmas seems to be fast approaching!
Cosy evenings in front of the fire mean I've also finished another baby garment - this time a little crochet sweater. It has buttons at the shoulder which is such a sensible idea as it makes it easier to dress a wriggling baby, and less scary for the baby than having a tight neckband pulled over its head. My Mum used to put button shoulder fastenings on all the sweaters she made for my own babies, so it's comforting to think I am following in her footsteps, especially as she is no longer here.
I began writing this post much earlier and it's now evening time. The dinner has been cooked, eaten and washed up, the chores are all done and we are settled by the fire for the evening. Daisy has had a bath and is wrapped in her blanket, in her basket, in front of the fire. She doesn't look overly happy but she will soon be dry and ready for her 'curls' to be brushed out. She likes that bit best. :)
Donna x