Sunday, July 24, 2011

The Perfect Summer Day

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent


Even though the dry spell continues, the lawn has gone dormant and I have been working overtime to keep the garden hydrated, I still can say I have seen a perfect summer day or two.  When the daylilies start to bloom not even record high temperatures can spoil the moment.  I love daylilies and thanks to this year's abundant spring rain, my garden is exploding with colour.


On the sewing front, I am happy to say my Tiny Thimble doll quilt top is now finished, made from 240 tiny thimbles, hand pieced and measuring 19 x 24 inches.  It was fun working with the Charisma fabric and I still have plenty more for another project or two.


Click on photo for clearer image.


A couple of weeks ago, I decided to update my Tea and a Good Book page.  Instead of reviewing my books as I go through them, because I am so slow, I decided to just list all the quilting books I have in my personal library.  It was fun to do and no, I didn't count how many, but back in January 2010, I was up to 156 quilting books.


Okay, don't laugh.  Yes, that is a headlamp!  Sometimes, for a change, it is nice to sit in other places where the lighting isn't as good, as at my favourite chair and this little gadget works perfectly.  And, the cats love it too.  They chase the light across the floor and up the walls.  It has a zoom on it so you can focus the light directly on your project and low/high light settings.  You are laughing aren't you?

Until next time....happy quilting!

Karen

25 comments:

Yvette said...

I love that little quilt. Those thimbles must be tiny.

sunny said...

Cute little thimble quilt! And your flowers are quite beautiful. We are watering twice a day to try to keep our herbs and flowers alive.

AmyDe said...

Nope - we're totally not laughing! We're googling to find a resource for your brilliant headlamp! It's awesome and tormenting the kitties is a fantastic bonus! Thanks for sharing.

Jeanette said...

Your thimble quilt is gorgeous. Love those tiny thimbles. Happy Stitching,

Merilyn said...

Oh! those tiny thimbles!!!! You should be very proud of this little gem!!! The daylilies are very pretty!!!!

Ellie's Quiltplace said...

Your doll quilt is lovely.
OK, I admit I'm laughing :o) But I do think the headlamp is a great idea!!

Crispy said...

What a sweet little quilt and WOW what a lot of thimbles to make it :0)

Yep I chuckled but I would really laugh if you showed a picture of you wearing it LOL.

Crispy

Daniƫlle said...

You bet I am laughing!!!! But when it works ... all for the good cause right?! Did they ever get you on camera wearing it?! Love your day lilies, gorgeous colour!! Happy stiching, hugs, Daniƫlle

Raewyn said...

Trying not to laugh at the lamp because it is such a good idea!!! I'mwith you on Daylillies - I love them too. Your thimble quilt is gorgeoous - that is a lovely fabric range and a LOT of timy pieces!

Maria said...

Love your lilies.
What a gorgeous wee quilt.One day I would like to make a Thimble quilt but not that small.

Dawn said...

Lovely Tiny Thimble Quilt.
Great CWB quilt block too, in your previous post.
Thanks for sharing!

Teresa Rawson said...

I'm not laughing...I am LOVING the head lamp. Do tell where you found it!!

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Melody said...

You made me really smile picturing you in your headlamp. It's a good idea. Great quilt and flowers too.

Anonymous said...

HI TEC!

BTW... I love the flowers /bird in your previous blog.

Quiltpassion.blogspot.com said...

Wow, up to 156 quilting books!!!
Your thimble quilt is gorgeous, I love the colours! And your headlamp is a brilliant idea, however, I would like to see a photo of it on your head (smile). And the cats have great fun,that's nice, too.

By the way, some 30 years ago, I wore (children) diving spectacles (I can't find the original name) in the kitchen, while cutting onions! The children always had big fun and once they made a photo of it.

Happy quilting, Cisca

Wendy said...

Beautiful flowers! Cute little quilt! And I say, whatever works! Especially since lighting can be such an issue.

Have fun!

Karen said...

When we go on vacation I take my hand projects and books. Along with my head lamp and a book lamp. My husband is a photographer and we do lots of early morning and late into the evening shoots.
It has become a great tool for prjects.

Karen said...

Taking the headlamp on vacation is an excellent idea Karen and I will do that. I think I have a book lamp too, forgot about that.

Paula said...

Karen I have been reading through the list of your quilt books, I must say, it is a good list. I saw one or two I will have to order from Amazon.
Your Thimble quilt is absolutely gorgeous, beautiful colors. I love your lilies.
Well Karen you did put a smile on my face, (thank you for that). This lamp is a brilliant idea.

Happy stitching
Paula

Becky G said...

Wonderful! I too have day lilies; I bought them from an elderly woman who lived on the "Family's" land for generations. So special! I can't quite make out the brand of headlamp... and really need one as my eye's went bad a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for your great blog!

Marieke said...

What a great idea: the headlamp! I'm not laughing at all. And what a beautiful daylillies you have: fantstisc colours and great edges! You are only showing beautiful things: love your little timbles. Have fun quilting it!

Funoldhag said...

Karen, your daylilies are gorgeous - such a luscious color. Sweet little thimble quilt, too. I am in awe of your hand piecing that but do think it would be much easier and more precise than trying to do it on the machine. Hope you have a great rest of the weekend! Carol

Val said...

Oh this is a beautiful quilt! I would love to join along with the hexie garden but I have never done them before. Do you have instructions?

Simone de Klerk said...

Your tiny thimble quilt is amazing! The fabrics you used are perfect for it.

Anonymous said...

Ooooh, I just LOVE that small thimbles doll quilt! Such a cutie ;>)
XOXOXOXOXOXOOXXO
NADINE