speaking of christmas...

sunday night while watching PBS, finished cutting appliques for this penn dutch wall quilt and thinking of starting yet another applique project...but this popped up in mind....

jan patek's nativity...only 2 blocks left....new start on back burner because this one MUST be finished for this holiday season.  the black strip is for the sheep legs...the other block is 3 kings and a lot of tiny pieces are stalling me, but will have to resort to an occasional drop of glue to get it done...

and here is 'spectrum' top finish....renamed crossroads...destination unknown

what else?  made a little table topper for my unsightly kitchen table previously used with the big board on top.   now out in the open and not visually pleasing..a win/win since it used up all those muslin 2.5" squares as well.

lastly, 'tuscan starburst' top cruising in for a finish.....

seems like a lot accomplished, but the crossroads top and table topper were just about finished before the weekend....once this is done, a basting day will happen.  and of course, quilting on 'midnight' continues. 

weather has turned abhorrent so forays outside will be minimal....96 tomorrow....yeeech!  dreaming daily of cold maine ocean waters and crisp september nights.  only 3 medical appointments remain in july.  thankfully freezer stocked with ready or minimal meals.  it's either clean or sew, hmmm no contest there. so keep cool and sew on!

weekly post

firmly into dog days of summer, so confined to quarters mostly--good for the UFO sewing!  other pleasant diversions came up during the week--finally some fun!  monday night is BINGO night here and one of the ladies made me this adorable little zipper pouch for my change...

very nicely done so i asked if she needed more fabric...she said maybe a piece or two...i of course said come on over and take your pick!  and on that subject, a bulging box arrived yesterday containing--what else?--fabric!  a generous and kind quilter sent along some solids, a few repro prints and these beauties...

yes indeed they ARE kaffe!  the hexies are giant size, about 7" across maybe?  look like they came from a kit or a charm bundle...a plan is in place and it will be my 2nd new start this year.  fear not, though, UFOs will not be abandoned....here is blue lanterns flimsy...

and last night while ZOOMing with my peeps down under, got started on the 'tuscan starburst' flimsy as well...

liking the setting fabric more and more as it gets incorporated into the block setting....the colors are off here.....must plan a basting day sometime soon.  quilting continues on 'midnight' with the center medallion finished. 

friday night ladies from church invited me for a game night...never rolled into bed until 11:30 which is unusual but it was loads of fun and just the tonic!  saturday braved heat and nearly 100% humidity to hit farmer's market....veggies nearing abundance now....

got these plus summer and zuke squash, scallions...not quite ready are peppers, eggplant, green beans...i receive the lowest amount of food stamp benefits, but maryland has a program where certain markets double them, so helps the food budget--thankful as prices around here are pretty high.  most markets have become gourmet shops selling everything from alcohol, beer, soaps, textile items, gourmet mushrooms, flowers.  i know only one regular farm stand that sells just their own produce but they don't take my SNAP--one thing i miss from Frederick.  

the only downer of the week was the leg--ER visit and consult concluding likely a seroma...antibiotic changed and different wound care specialist recommended.  it is better and all providers agree it looks much, much better but still not totally healed--draining.  MRI later this week should elucidate further.  

pleasant diversions jump start lackluster mojo, so looking forward to some serious sewing!  as always, I thank my God for every blessing and 42 days to Maine!