Playing Chicken

I mentioned a month or so ago that I started a quilt for our bed using a fat quarter collection of Rifle Paper Company fabric. Since I’m making a king size quilt (even though we have a queen bed), I realized early on I’d need to add additional fabric from my stash to make sure I had enough. When I finished 24 squares I knew I’d be cutting close, really close with the fabric. In fact, I was concerned I wasn’t going to have enough to finish all the squares, I was playing chicken with the fabric.


Last night, spent some time figuring out the last 7 squares needed, making sure I’d be able to squeak out enough to finish the quilt. I figured if I lacked only one or two squares I’d just add squares of the linen fabric that I’m using as borders.

It turns out I’m going to have just enough, with only a few small scraps left. I’m glad I decided to add in a few extra fabrics from the beginning, otherwise, I wouldn’t have had enough to finish it. I’m pretty excited about getting this quilt finished, it’s going to be lovely!

What’s happening in your creative world?

Filed under Around the House, Sewing | Comments (3)

Still Winter

In early February, it starts to feel like there is hope for spring to come once again. The sun rises higher in the sky and the days start to get noticeably longer. There are warmer days, the snow melts from the roof and drip, drip, drips on the ice/snow below. February is still very much a winter month though, it’s probably our snowiest month. Last night a winter storm rolled through leaving us in a blanket of white. As sit here at my computer working, I’m seeing the snow sticking to the window behind my cup of pens & turkey feathers.

I used to be pining for planting and spring by this time, as I get older (and busier), I’m learning to love the stillness of this season (not that it’s still by any means). I start seeds later and later each year, trying to savor as much rest as possible and get in lots of reading during the winter. So this morning I’m enjoying the snow blowing outside my window.

Do you live in a place with distinct seasons? Have you learned to appreciate each one for what it offers?

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Recommendations for France?

Later this spring, Mr Chiots and I may be headed to France for a week. He needs to go to Paris for work for a day or two, so we figured, why not make a short vacation out of it. I’m looking at lodging, meals, and sightseeing options for April. We don’t necessarily want to stay in Paris for the entire time, we’re hoping to visit Villandry and Monet’s garden as well. Other than that, the rest of the time is unplanned.

I figured I’d ask all of you for any recommendations on things to see and do in France, what’s overrated, what’s a must see, where should we eat & stay?

Filed under Travel | Comments (13)

Plants, the Universal Language

When we were in Israel back in November, we saw lots of beautiful plants and gardens. While walking around the market one evening, I spotted this lovely little plant store.



Planty really are a universal language, it seems humans feel the need to cultivate and grow beautiful and beneficial things in their space. I always enjoy finding/seeing garden shops when I travel, it’s interesting see the types of plants and garden gear that other cultures like/use.

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Friday Favorite: Plant Tags & Markers

I’ve talked about how much I love these wooden plant tags and garden markers before. I used to buy them way back when I lived in Ohio and never knew that they came from Maine. Imagine my surprise when I made a wholesale order for Seeds & Sundries and was able to drive the 25 minutes and pick them up right at the factory! They use northeast wood to make the plant tags. I use all three sizes, the small ones I break in half and use for my seedlings. When things get planted in the garden they are then relabeled with either a medium or a large one.




After years of using all varieties of item for marking plant tags I came across these Garden Markers. They will stay readable for a year if used on the large plant tags, about 9-12 months on the medium, and for the season on the small. Nothing works as well as these markers do, which is why I sell them over at Seeds & Sundries. If you’ve been looking for compostable plant tags and a marker that stands up the weather, look no more head on over and grab some at Seeds & Sundries. You’ll not only get great products but you’ll be supporting this blog as well!

Do you have any great garden items to recommend?

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