June 21, 2013

garden love: alliums




These particular alliums have taken over in my garden in a big way. I remember last year yanking and pulling and throwing all the greens in a big heap and a befuddled neighbor inquiring about my efforts, asking if I had a lot of weeds. No, I grunted, my arms all muddy, just plants I didn't plant.

This year I took a decidedly more peaceful approach and let the quarter of my garden that was overflowing with alliums just be. No ripping. A bit of bemoaning for the planned plants that were swamped amongst the allium patch but acceptance. And now I am rewarded for my lack of efforts with 25+ beautiful purple globes.

Perhaps the unplanned is just as beautiful as the oh-so-carefully plotted?




June 14, 2013

garden love: bleeding hearts

I considered trying to split my front bleeding heart but since it is one of my most faithful plants I just didn't have the heart to risk ruining it. Next year I need to take a weekly photo of it coming up in the spring. Once the sunshine hits, I swear it doubles in size every day. It is amazing!


June 7, 2013

garden love: dogwood tree

I know I post photos of this tree every spring but it truly is breathtakingly beautiful over and over again. What a gift to look out the window and see the pink blossoms.





June 5, 2013

A vision for giant patchwork balls!

Remember these small patchwork balls?

Well, a rainy Sunday and a finally-napping little one provided me the slice of time needed to get going on my coveted giant patchwork balls. I have the pieces cut out for the gift (matching a lovely nursery) and the fabrics picked out for my own (rainbow!).


Pattern for the balls is from the book Sew What You Love: The Easiest, Prettiest Projects Ever.


June 3, 2013

Facing down my fears

Ladies and gentlemen, I have something important to tell you.

I made my own pie crust!

All by my big-girl self following the instructions in Martha Stewart's lovely book: Martha Stewart's New Pies and Tarts: 150 Recipes for Old-Fashioned and Modern Favorites. You will note there is no photo of said pie (rhubarb crumble and it was very delicious). That is because the pie is not Pinterest perfect or Martha marvelous. But it was yummy and the crust functioned as a crust ought to (well, mostly, I should have made the edge a bit higher).


So just think, I've started sewing and quilting, I've gotten over my fear of yeast and happily bake two loaves of bread every week, and now I made my own pie crust. Seriously, people, what can be next for me?! I can only imagine!

On to new creative adventures with a brave heart, an inquiring mind, and daring fingers!