Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Lotsa Little Bits

Central Montana is not a particularly flowery place....
 But if you wander the hills, you will find the signs of Spring, even here :)
 You will cover some ground, so pace yourself :)
While searching for recently shed elk antlers, my Charley Russell wannabe was thrilled to find this buffalo skull embedded in a dirt bank.  A bittersweet reminder of the former inhabitants of this sweeping landscape.

 With all the succulent fabrics newly released, I just had to take a photo of this little beauty :)
 I found myself in the presence of this wonderful tree again. Always a memorable occasion, as it is no simple task to accomplish :)
 Another sweet delicate bloom
 We spent parts of several recent days hiking and hunting for antlers, but the last day we tried, we were smoked out! A prescribed "control" burn began, just as we arrived to our day's destination. Boo.
 6500 acres...don't ask me why.
And so "Fire Season" commences in Montana.
 The smoke filled the river valley for a couple days.
But our hikes paid off with this load of grocery and gas money :)

And this, from my Brother-in-law, was waiting for me in town at the Post Office :)
Greg has always been most generous in giving me fabric from time to time, and last year I told him I wanted to make him a quilt for his February birthday.
Priority Mail, indeed!
 I found out that what he would really like is a couple of throw pillows instead! We have been going back and forth, finding ideas and coming up with a plan!
delicious shot cottons!
I will share details of those in another post :)
Sweeet selvedges!
In the meantime, he went shopping!! At Crimson Tate!! In person, in Indianapolis!!
Didn't I already mention his generosity? :)
Another box full of linen has also since arrived...will keep you posted!

I warned in the title there were "lotsa bits" today, and here is another...
                            
I finally made one of these sweet Cathedral Windows pincushions! 
I used this tutorial at Riley Blake.
The generosity of a hometown friend was the motivation behind jumping in on this, as a special little gift of thanks.
                             
So I made two, one for her, one for me, and she could choose her favorite...
And then this happened!!!
                             
The same friend asked if I would make several for her shop, The Little Golden Fox!!! How could I possibly refuse?  You see a glimpse of how she is...encouraging, always, and so enthusiastic!
Thank you Cara!


Ben's Spring turkey :)

So you see, there has been plenty going on as Spring comes in, just lotsa little bits!

Linking up with Lorna and Let's Bee Social!

8 comments:

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

You make us feel like one of the family, wandering through your days with you. Such different countryside and findings to our side of the world yet filled with beauty and adventure. Love your pincushions and the fabrics you and your brother-in-law are working with are wonderful! Enjoy!

Gina said...

Definitely lots of fun little bits! Glad you are enjoying spring!! Lots of fun sewing! The cathedral block is one of my favorite blocks!!! Looking forward to seeing what you and your brother in law cook up with those awesome fabrics!!

EmileeHope said...

Cute pincushions!

Lisa in Port Hope said...

First of all, your brother in law has excellent taste in fabric ;)

And those pincushions are adorable, I do want to try making one myself sometime.

Hey look, there I am on your sidebar *blushes*. We are still waiting for spring blossoms here in Ontario, but your hikes look like a fun way to earn a little extra money.

Colleen said...

Your pictures of the country side are spectacular ! I think that the prairie landscape is more subtle in it's beauty - you have to know where to look. I agree with Lisa on the rest :)
Colleen @ piecemakerquilts.wordpress.com

blockMquilts said...

Generally I'm a city slicker, but boy, is that a vast and beautiful country side! And do I love these pin cushions! As I said on Flickr already you have inspired me to make one as well, I meanwhile have a button, so photos coming soon!

Anonymous said...

I love your pictures!

Lorna McMahon said...

What a great post! Love all those shots of the great outdoors, from down your way. I just was out in the "back yard" chasing down a turkey with my daughter as she wanted to take a video of him. But he was too sneaky for us. Your cathedral window pincushions are beautiful! I can see you are now addicted to them. Lovely work!