A Serious Case of "September Startitis"

 

Here's to September -- so why is this photo of cosmos part of my intro?!  Well...they're late bloomers this year, and I love them, so as they've started to go to seed (about 3 days after I took the photo), I've deadheaded them and thrown the seed heads into the flower bed nearby this original plant.  

Yes...already planning ahead for next summer!

That said, I'm very aware that we are heading quickly into autumn here in central Alberta.  Though very few leaves have begun to turn, there are some, and our rainy summer (a surprise in itself here on the prairies) is turning into a rainy fall, with rather cool temps.  Sweater Weather.  Wool socks (even if worn with sandals). No gloves and toques (hats) quite yet but...not far away.

All that means it's tricky to plan the fall yard-work, which is hard to do in the rain -- and at the same time, I'm still watching my growing zucchini and ripening cherry tomatoes, and still fresh leaf lettuce.  It's all entirely weird!

When I can't be out in the yard and garden, though, I've revelled in the cooler weather for all things textile crafty!

As you know, Gentle Readers, knitting never really stops -- but with the advent of cooler weather, I've turned my attention to some of the projects I mentioned in my last post: shawls and sweaters. 

It's early days for photos, though, so you'll have to stay tuned. All I'll tell you is that I've cast on a new shawl -- the "Always Better Together" Shawl from Brenda Brayfield -- using stash yarn: Sirdar Harrap Tweed DK in colour #105  and some natural 2-ply mule-spinner yarn from Alberta's own Custom Woollen Mills.

As for sweaters...no new ones yet, but I'm plugging away at my Sea Haven pullover from Jennifer Sheils Toland. I have about 2" left before I get to the bottom border, which I've decided to do in the fancy edging rather than plain old ribbing. It's so lovely -- why opt for the mundane! 😉

And of course there are still items in progress for my Warm Things Box, which I'll take to my church in early November for distribution to those in need.  Our local parish is a satellite of the main church in Camrose, Alberta, which has the ability to distribute these donations.

So...since my last post I've finished those mittens I mentioned:

More of The World's Simplest Mittens
Designer: Tin Can Knits (Ravelry)
Yarn: stash fingering-weight yarn
Size: Adult Small

And I started another hat -- a simple pattern, new to me, introduced by Cathy W. of the Yarn With Heart YouTube podcast: the Ross Hat -- named for its creator. It's a simple one and really not all that different from the others I make, but I'm enjoying the knit. Here's a photo of my tiny start -- 1 1/2" of K3, P2 ribbing, followed by round-and-round knitting.

Yarn from Stash: Schoeller & Stahl
"Limbo Mexiko Color" in #2583 - Green-white
(which looks more like a dark grey-green and white)
And yes -- it's discontinued!

As September proceeds, after this hat, I'm hoping to knit up at least one more pair of mittens (probably of adult size) and maybe one more hat before I turn the box over to my parish church to distribute.

Why? Well...because there's at least one 'gift knit' on the needles: a pair of boot socks for my son, using the Blueberry Ribbed Waffle Socks pattern. I'm making these out of a DK-weight 100% old-fashioned 100% Canadian wool -- Condon's Two-ply Fine, loooong discontinued, but bought for me for Xmas 2023 by my daughter.  It's proven to be a great, slightly rustic, sturdy yarn for assorted items!

I've decided to use this yarn and this pattern for the September 2026 challenge from Socks from Stash on Ravelry -- for popular patterns -- and I'm loving it.  I won't guarantee it's restored my languishing sock mojo, but...so far, so good!

That's pretty much for the knitting at the moment.

Now then...As the weather cools, I can get back into my "Sewdio" -- aka my quilting studio.  I've finally caught up with assorted projects...

First, the 2026 AQL (A Quilting Life) BOM (Block of the Month).  This is a  star-spangled pattern from a talented American designer. I've been enjoying her BOM projects for a few years now...but...well...I'm Canadian so...Gentle Readers...if you have been paying attention, you'll likely realize that's...um...not my "vibe".  

Long before things got...ahem...shall we say...a bit 'contentious'...I decided I'd do my pieces in only two colours -- red and white.  That's been a bit of a challenge, but I've enjoyed it, so here are the posts from July and August, which I've only recently completed:

July Block - Canadian colours
Design: A Quilting Life

August Block - Canadian Colours
Design: A Quilting Life

In other quilting...well...yes...there are a couple of other projects.  The first is another one of Bonnie Hunter's.  This is one of her freebies -- "Fun With Bricks!"  

NOTE: Should you go looking for it (it's one of her freebies) and have difficulty finding it, please note that recently she's been revamping her web page due to ...let's just say, "extenuating circumstances" so...be patient. All will soon be restored! 

This pattern consists of 12" (finished) blocks made up of four "units", and I've been enjoying constructing them, as I'm putting this top together for an Xmas gift for a fellow/neighbour who's been particularly helpful with snow removal (snow-blowing out my short, single-car driveway) and tree pruning in the last 9 months. 

I posted photos of the units in my last post.  Now, though, I have over 20 of one set of units, and almost 20 of the other -- so that's coming along.

At the same time, I've been sewing 2" x 7" strips together for another series of 16-patch blocks.  Not for a "postage stamp" quilt (I've made 2 of those) but for something different.  Yesterday I decided to add up how many strip-sets I had and...well...enough to nake 50 (count 'em!!) 16-patch blocks!!!  I've been looking for options for setting them into a top, and have decided to simply sash them with corner stones and a simple border.

Next up: cross-stitch: I've tucked away the "Quilter's Dream" project until November, when I'll pick it up again in memory of my hubby, as that's his birthday month.  As for Jacob's Fast Frisian SAL -- that little piece was fun to do, and is now finished:

"Fast Frisian" sampler
Designer: Modern Folk Embroidery
Fabric: 36-count 'Wren' from
Picture this Plus
Floss: "Maritimes" by Roxy Floss

It's a rather funky piece, isn't it?  I thought I'd try that highly variegated floss, and I'll admit, I'm of two minds about its effectiveness on that fabric.  If I use it again, I think I'd use an antique white background instead!

This month, being both "Sampler September" and my birthday month, I'll be returning to an old favourite -- my birthday sampler from 2022: "Memories of the Past" from Hands Across the Sea".  Here's where I left it last year:

There's still quite a bit to do, but I feel a finish coming close, and definitely want to aim for that if I can.  Stay tuned for my progress!

At the same time, I've joined in with the group, "Black Bird Academy", on Facebook.  The leaders of this stitch-along have a 'syllabus' that follows the American school year, from August through May (here in Canada it's September through June).  I didn't join until this month -- and the 'chapter' for September is a Black Bird Design featuring birds.  I knew I had just the thing: my rendering of the "Heart and Home Patchwork" pattern from the book entitled A Heart Remembers.

I started this some years ago, on a single piece of 28-count fabric from my stash, using DMC floss.  The piece has five sections, but I've only room for four -- three of which I completed by October last year:

I'm now determined to finish the last section -- "Keepsakes of Spring" -- this month, and so have begun:

And yes, this fourth section is full of black birds -- nine in all!

I've a second new start this month as well: "The Swans at River House" from Ellen Reid of Maximum Cross Stitch.  This wasn't expected, but I discovered that a dear couple I know have had a Big Anniversary this year, and so I decided to splurge and do this up for them -- in the called-for fabric and floss!  The supplies arrived just this past week and I've made a tiny start:

The fabric is 36-count "Cat Nap" from Roxy Floss, and I'm using a single strand of the called for Roxy Floss package for this pattern.  While not an especially dark fabric, I'll admit I find it rather slow going...but as the intended recipients have no idea about it, I'll take my time. It's not a large piece but there is a lot of stitching, so whether or not it will be done by year end, is anyone's guess!

I've not forgotten my other plans for Sampler September either -- returning to "Emeline Hotchkiss" and starting at least one new reproduction sampler, as mentioned in my last post. The month is new, so those will come along in time!

As for rug-hooking -- I've returned to the Makers' Meet-up at Deanne Fitzpatrick Studio, and it's fun to be back with my "peeps" there on Zoom.  The program has changed a bit -- as it's been merged with the Inspiration Sessions under that title -- but it's still many of the familiar faces from its initial membership, and a few new faces too.  

After a slow summer with little hooking, I've returned to "Singing to the Choir" and am working on the last bit: the night sky.

It doesn't look like much, but with all that yarn in the foreground, it'll be finished soon!

And there you have it, Gentle Readers -- my September 2026 starts and plans.  The month has begun cool and rainy, putting the kybosh on most outdoor work in the yard and garden, but making it possible for me to enjoy a taste of all these projects almost every day!

I hope that whatever this month brings you, it's full of creative pursuits, soothing for your hands, hearts and minds.  Linking -- late as usual! -- to Nina Marie's Off the Wall Friday and until next time...a bientot!

Catching Up -- and Turning Toward September

Raspberry Jam II
Aug 4-2026

The summer is slipping away.  The days are growing visibly shorter.  As a Certified Morning Person, I am rebelling against the fact that as long as we're in Daylight Savings Time, the mornings stay darker far longer than I'd like, even now -- and the evenings, lighter for longer than is necessary! LOL! 😄

Soon I'll be changing up the photo in my "Header" for something more autumnal.  

That said, the Battle of Cool/Rainy versus Hot/Steamy here continues.  Me?  I prefer "Warm with a Breeze"...but apparently Mother Nature ran out of that some time ago. Sigh...

In the midst of all this, and the ongoing global angst, I continue to try to Create Beauty Every Day, as one of my heros, Deanne Fitzpatrick, would say.

In fact, I spend so much time on that objective that I've not had a lot of time to sit down and share what I've been doing in that regard -- so today is the day -- even though it's almost a full month since my last post.  

This means it's time to catch up!

Let's start with knitting. At the end of July, I showed yet another pair of finished mittens, and mentioned the Caribou Mountains Hat, which I have, indeed finished:

Pattern: Caribou Mountains Hat
Designer: Kalea the Luddite
Yarn: Diamond Galway Heather (discontinued)

This is the third of these hats I've made and I confess, it's one of my favourite patterns!

After the hat, comes mittens -- per my overall plan for this summer.  Thus I followed that hat with these fingerless mittens in 2 colours:

Pattern: Simple Bi-color Mitts
Designer: Cathy Dages
Yarn: unlabelled synthetics

And I followed these up with another hat.  This time, I tried a new-to-me pattern.  It was a bit of a challenge, as it required me to knit a stitch pattern I'd not tried before: the Honeycomb Stitch. What it is, is a closely-packed series of cables.  I love cables but I confess that making these, one row (seemingly) on top of another, in worsted/aran-weight yarn was a bit hard on my old hands, and definitely required some focus, to ensure the cables were going the right way! I persisted, and the result was a close-fitting, cozy hat that fit a small-medium head -- in large part because I increased the number of stitches I cast on...and adapted accordingly:

Pattern: "Tweedy Honeycomb Toque"
Designer: Kent Turman
Yarn: 1. Unlabelled maroon/wine-coloured
worsted weight yarn; 2. a few grams of 
elann.com Peruvian Sierra that matched

Now that those are finished, I'll be casting on another pair of The World's Simplest Mittens from Tin Can Knits -- my absolutely favourite mitten pattern which, of course, I commend to those of you who live in parts of the world wherein it gets cold enough to need warm hands!

Up next?  Not a lot of quilting going on -- too hot! But there have been cloudy, rainy days in which I've spend some time in my sewdio, cutting fabric, prepping pieces and making units that will end up in a quilt.

There have been horrific fires again this year in the Okanagan Valley, so I've put out feelers re: sending tops or quilted throw-sized quilts to those who might be in need.

And a few weeks ago, a young woman in my area who'd seen my art quilts contacted me, because she wants to learn to quilt -- so we got together.  We met for coffee and then came back to my home for a look at what I do.  I sent her home with some fabric, a list of supplies she needed (cutting mat, rotary cutter, etc.) and a couple of simple patterns -- the first being a Rail Fence. She's made a start, and we'll keep in touch once her seasonal job winds down.

Aside from that, I've been adding units that will end up either in another postage-stamp quilt or in 16-patch blocks that will be combined in a more expansive way.  And I've started cutting scraps into 2" x 3 1/2" rectangles, and 3 1/2" squares, to combine in a pattern from Bonnie Hunter that I want to make into a throw quilt for a neighbour of mine who's been particularly helpful: a "Fun With Bricks!" quilt!  

It's a pattern that involves two distinct four-patch units which, when put together, create a larger block.  I began with one four-patch design and then tried out the second...just to get a feel for the full block.  

Left: Unit 1; Right: Unit 2.

I've discovered I need to use fewer 'lights' in the Unit 1 pieces in order to make the entire block - two of each type -- work harmoniously. So...on we go! I'd like to have it done for Xmas but...well...time will tell!

Now then...what about cross-stitch?

August is the month in which I focus on "A Quilter's Dream", which I selected well over a year ago as the piece I wanted to do in tribute to my late hubby, my greatest art-quilting fan.  He died 20 years ago this month, and so I've been working steadily on that piece, designed by Jacob of Modern Folk Embroidery.  I'm using 2 colours of Roxy Floss Co. hand-dyed floss: Pippy (a red, after the character 'Pippy Long-stocking'); and "Greater Porpoise" -- a blue-grey, because...well...you know. 😉

Here's where I was when I left off at the end of February this year (that's the month in which we got engaged in 1975):

And here is where I am as of yesterday (August 22, 2026):

It's slow, steady, meditative work.  At the end of this month it will go away until November, the month that marks my late husband's birthday.  And so...we'll see how far that takes me too.  

I confess, though, that as a big fan of Jacob's work, I couldn't resist participating in his first-ever "Fast Frisian SAL", which is taking place now, through August 31.  I'm stitching it on a small piece of 36-count "Wren" from Picture This Plus, left from another project, using 1 strand of 'Maritimes' highly-variegated floss from Roxy Floss Co., over 2 fabric threads, mostly doing one 'X' at a time, given the nature of the variegation.  And yes, there are errors here and there where I've fudged it, but no matter -- I'm enjoying the journey!

And that's really about it, folks, for the textile crafts.  

Oh yes, I've spun a wee bit from an alpaca roving, but nothing to write home about.  

As for rug-hooking, I've only the sky left on the kit "Singing to the Choir" that I won in a draw at the Makers' Meet-up at the end of March (hosted by Deanne Fitzpatrick Studios). Here was my progress as of July -- some time after my last post. 

Kit variation: "Singing to the Choir"
Deanne Fitspatrick Studios

In the past week or so, I've added the rest of the stars (not shown) and started filling in the night sky above the blue-coated gal on the left.  It's going to be very pretty when it's done -- and once I get back with the Meet-up in September, that shouldn't be too long!

With September just over a week away (!), what are my hopes/plans/dreams for that month, one of my favourites in the entire year?

Quilting: 

• Get back to the Block of the Month (BOM) from A Quilting Life;
• Keep working on creating units and then blocks for the "Fun with Bricks" quilt top;
• Keep making 16-patch blocks for a future charity quilt;
• Keep the hopes of another Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt in the back of my mind;
• Follow up with my young learning-to-quilt friend as dictated by what she needs.

Knitting:

• September is for shawls and sweaters, with WIPs taking priority, but with at least one new start in one or both categories;
• Continue with small projects -- maybe adding in a cowl -- for the 2026 Warm Things Box.

Cross-Stitch:

• Finish the Fast Frisian SAL by the end of August;
• Move into Sampler September with work on the following projects:
• "Emeline Hotchkiss, Lacolle, 1846" -- a Canadian sampler reproduced by Kathleen Littleton of Cross Stitch Antiques; and
• "Memories of the Past", my birthday sampler from a few years ago, from Hands Across the Sea.
• Start a new sampler for my birthday this year.  It's a toss-up between Isabella Carter MaClean, 1799 -- a Canadian sampler with Scottish ancestral influence -- or Elizabeth Eason, 1827, a Scottish sampler.  I've bought the pattern and kitted up the former; the latter is still on my wish list!

Rug-Hooking:

• Finish "Singing to the Choir" as described above; and
• Lay out a new large piece on linen -- drawing for inspiration from Deanne's book on Landscapes and her online courses on "Working Big" as well as "Wildflowers in the Glen" all of which I've purchased; and
• Participate actively in the Makers' Meet-Up/Inspiration Sessions, which have been combined into one programme!

Some of what is started in September will, of course, continue through the winter months.  I've no requests for knitted items for Xmas, but may make the odd stitched one if inspiration strikes and time permits.  I'm not a "holiday" stitcher -- no Hallowe'en or Christmas-themed pieces for me (and that includes ornaments).  

I'm just going to cozy up and work on pieces that are relatively slow, rhythmic, and meditative -- to soothe a troubled mind!

It seems, too, Gentle Readers, that these hopes/plans of mine dovetail perfectly with the ideas that Nina-Marie is sharing on her Off The Wall Friday post this week: having fun, letting the work flow, not comparing what I'm doing with what others are doing, being fulfilled from within rather than from validation from without.

What about you?  Take a look at her post, and ponder...

Until next time, may you be safe, well and remember to find and/or create a bit of beauty every day.  A bientot!

Moving Right Along...

I confess I'm happy to see the last of July this year!  I've posted more often than usual, and it seems I was posting about ways to maintain sanity in this mad, mad, mad, mad world.  

I've decided: "Been there; done that!" and it's time to Move On. August has got to show some results of daily trying to find Light in the Making!  After all, that's currently what this blog is called, right?

So...what light have I found in making since my post last Friday?

Knitting! I finished that pair of The World's Simplest Mittens (with eternal thanks to Tin Can Knits on Ravelry for that enduring pattern):

When I began working on items for my Warm Things Box, I decided to alternate between hats and mittens.  Thus, having finished these, I've cast on another hat.  This time I'm using this pattern -- the Caribou Mountains Hat -- by Kalea Turner-Beckman, aka "Kalea the Luddite".  (Isn't that a wonderful nickname?  I'm a bit of a Luddite myself -- use a landline phone, no cell phone.  Write real letters and notes to people on real paper and, affixing an address and a stamp, mail them...and aren't all of us who knit, spin, weave, embroider/cross-stitch, hook rugs for wall or floor, make quilts for wall or bed -- aren't we all carrying a bit of that inside ourselves?)

But I digress...

I've made that hat twice before, and this third one, knit in Galway Heather from Diamond Yarn, in a deep teal, will be sure to keep someone cozy this coming winter.

Quilting! Well...nothing newly-started there BUT I have finally bound, washed and photographed the "Almost 40" birthday quilt for my son's partner.  She doesn't read my blog, so I'm taking a chance posting it here.  We're having a family gathering this coming Monday (it's a civic holiday here) so she'll be receiving it then.  

I need to express my continuing admiration for Bonnie Hunter and her ability to make complex patterns look easy, as this is another of her designs.  As I mentioned in my last post, it's the "Lupines and Laughter" pattern, her 2025/26 Mystery Quilt, and I'm thrilled with how it turned out.  Yes; it's all from stash -- including the pieced backing.

I am also delighted with the quality of the long-arm quilting from a gal named Marsha who works on a contractual basis with The Quilt Closet in Canmore, Alberta.  We chose a 'stars and swirls' pattern; here's a close-up:

Note: these photos were taken after the quilt was fully finished and washed, so if it looks, well, "quilty"...it is!

Last (for this week)...cross stitch.  I've got only a few more hours before I switch out to my Planned Stitches for August -- which I'll write about in a future post.  Having finished my Canadian Flag, I've spent the last week or so focused on "Emeline Hotchkiss, Lacolle, 1846", a Canadian sampler reproduced by Kathleen Littleton of Cross-stitch Antiques in the US.  

I've made great progress -- and have reached the point where I think, if I bring it back into 'rotation' for Sampler September, I might just finish it then!

Here is where I was in my last post:

You can see that I was nearing the border on the right side.  Well! As of last evening, July 30, here's where I am now:

All of that bit of border (upper right) is finished, plus some more of the bottom border, plus 3 motifs near the centre!

What's next? Well...there's a house.  A Big House, as you can see below in a photo of the cover of the pattern.

Photo Credit: Cross-stitch Antiques

Given that might take me quite a bit of time, perhaps my thoughts of finishing the last centre/corner of this piece by the end of September are a bit ambitious, but a gal can try, can't she?

Coming up in August there's more to do on the "Little Acorns" year-long Stitch-Along from Modern Folk Embroidery and there's Jacob's "Fast Friesian SAL" that starts...tomorrow -- and runs through August 31.  I've got my pattern, my fabric and my floss prepped so stay tuned for what transpires on that front!

I've no idea when I'll post next...but that's the way life goes, right?  

There is my corner of the art world, too, after all...

I've just dropped off a half dozen pieces at Curiosity Art & Framing in Red Deer, Alberta, for the gallery's new themed exhibit, "Roads", which runs until near the end of September.  I'll be posting more about that on my 3F Creations Facebook page soon. 

The gallery is also the founder of the Society of Creative Arts Center (American spelling of 'center' because "centre" is already in use in a similar title by some other organization. Sorry.) 

And as such, it has started an "Art in Your Pocket" program, wherein artists were invited to contribute photos of pieces that are printed out on special paper and wrapped up to be sold -- hold on! -- in vending machines!  Go figure!  

I decided to take a chance, and submitted my work. "Dandelions On Forever!" is a hooked art piece that was selected and is now available in such machines in select locations in Red Deer, including this one:

Each artist is paid an honourarium, and then a small sum of every piece sold. It's not a 'get rich quick' scheme, to be sure, but it gets our work "out there", is a bit of fun (the machines operate on random distribution -- you don't get to pick the piece you want) and is proving to be quite popular...so time will tell on this front too!

In this week's Off the Wall Friday post, Nina-Marie opines that one might start to make art instead of making sense.  I'm not so sure.  For me, Gentle Readers, making art HELPS me make sense -- of the world and whatever is going on around me.  What do you think?  I'm linking to her post, and would love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

And until next time...stay safe, be well..a bientot!

A Saturday Date

Beating the heat! Yesterday -- Saturday -- I took myself on an "artist's date" to the Art Walk in the Garden in Camrose -- organized by the Camrose Arts Society. I've been attending this event for years, including when it was inside assorted locations, when my friend Mary Wilton and I showed our collaborative exhibit, "Shamrock and Thistle", back in the summer of 2018.

Nowadays Mary's art is focused on wet-felted, quilted pieces -- largely landscapes and florals -- and they continue to be *amazing*. I'm blessed to own a couple, one of which was a gift from her. Her hubby Terry, aka T Wilton Dale, is an author *and* an improv pianist, and while his 'regular' gig is Saturday afternoons at 1908 Cafe in Camrose, for the Art Walk, he sits near Mary and entertains the artists and the viewers.

I went early today to escape the heat and smoke (yes; we have an air quality warning -- we didn't send *everything* down south... 😉) and visited 3 gardens. The first two were "side by each", and I found paintings, and hand-crafted mugs, and...art to wear. I fell hard for a hot pink hoodie. I don't generally wear hoodies, but my trusty sweatshirts are decades old and wearing out fast. This is a quality sweatshirt with a kangaroo pocket in front -- and a *glorious* original art print on the back. (Note: it also has "Chevrolet" trapuntoed on the front. Why? No idea -- but as our family cars when I was growing up were all Chevrolets, I'll take it as homage to my late departed parents!)

Simple Front...

Artful Back!

The piece de resistance, though, which really made my day, was a small piece crafted by Steve R. Mitts. He and his wife open their garden to the Art Walkers, and Mary and Terry grace the space with their art and music -- but Steve takes centre stage with his unique paintings on 100+ year-old wood scraps. I've longed for one this year, and today I put a tiny dent in my children's inheritence with this small piece: "View from the Cliffs".

View from the Cliffs
(C) Steve R. Mitts, Camrose, Alberta 2026

It reminds me of Scotland, home of my paternal ancestors, and of the village of Kilsyth not far from Glasgow, from whence they emmigrated to southwest Quebec, and where a piece of my heart will always be. A Rennie I was born, and a Rennie I will always be. And yes, there are still distant cousins there in Kilsyth -- they operate Rennies Bakery...should you ever happen by. They don't know me from Adam...but they and that place hold precious memories for me.

And I'm thankful to Steve for the memories, however unintended, that his work evoked in me.

NOTE: Gentle Readers who follow me on Facebook may have already seen this post; however, I wanted to share it here too, for those who continue to read my weblog -- definitely a bit "old school" these days. 😉 I appreciate all of you! 🩷

Still in Search of Sanity!

Since my last regular blog post we've managed to move from autumnal weather into -- heat wave!  Along with that, we're getting wild fire smoke across the mountains from B.C., some from Saskatchewan to the east (!) and perhaps a bit of our own from up north.  Try as we might, we can't seem to get it to travel south... 😉

But between the heat and smoke, work in the yard and garden has been a challenge, and I've not been able to use my Outdoor Studio as much as I'd hoped.  

That said, given all the rain we got in June and earlier this month, everything's growing like Topsy!  The peonies were glorious -- as you can see from the above photo -- and the roses, daisies and yarrow, profuse!  

I've had 2 salads with my own leaf lettuce and snips of dill; my green beans are flowering; my cherry tomatoes are cherry-ing and I've 3 zucchini plants gearing up to flower.

Even the rhubarb I transplanted into one of the raised beds last fall, saving it from being buried by the raspberries, has given me a couple of cups, diced, and is promising at least two more.

And speaking of raspberries -- my canes are loaded again this year.  This morning, before the heat and smoke set in, I picked my first large collander full:

From which I made this:

Seven cups of fresh rasberry jam!

And I have a few cups left over to enjoy fresh.  And there's more on the canes yet to ripen.

Don't worry, Gentle Readers -- my crafting is still in the spotlight, because it is the key to finding daily peace and sanity, as the World Order continues be most disorderly indeed!

In the cool of the mornings I tend to take up my knitting, with what little bit of news I can handle, several knitting podcasts and at least two cups of good, black coffee!  

I mentioned socks in my last post, and indeed, I'm working on the second of this pair of "Cock-a-hoop Socks" from Canadian Nancy Wheeler of New Brunswick.  The photo doesn't do the pattern justice, but I think the yarn I dug out from my stash is capturing what Nancy was getting at when she designed them.  Here's what the first sock looks like:

Yarn: Subculture Yarn SW
Merino Bamboo Rayon Nylon Fingering
Colour-way: "Unicorn Farts"! 🤣 

I've set aside the socks, sweaters and blanket projects though, in favour of small items to go in my "Warm Things Box", which I'll take to my parish church in November for distribution to those in need.  I'm working on hats and mittens, alternating projects in turn, and have finished two hats and a pair of mittens, and am on the second mitten of my second pair of those.  Here's the line-up so far:

First, another LOSY (Left Over Sock Yarn) Hat, the fourth I've made...

LOSY Hat - Left Over Sock Yarn

Next, I tried out a pair of colour-work mittens.  I liked the pattern and would probably knit these again -- but would crib the thumb from "The World's Simplest Mittens" pattern. I'm not alone there, as others on Ravelry had doubts about the thumbs in this pattern. Anyway, here they are, knit as written:

Pattern: Kuura Mittens
Designer: Helena Joronen
Yarns: Blue - Cascaed 220 - worsted
Colour: #9487 - Puget Sound
White/Cream: Unknown worsted-weight wool

Third -- a hat, of course -- to stay in rotation!  This was a new to me pattern that I found when listening to this podcast: Cathy W. Yarn with Heart (a Canadian but I'm not sure from which part of the country). It's the "Look Out! Winter Hat"  designed by Roberta Rich, and it's free on Ravelry. The pattern is size-inclusive, is knit partly flat and partly in the round -- but can be knit entirely flat if you choose. It can be knit in 2 colours but I chose to knit my first one in Berroco Vintage, a worsted-weight (#4 in US yarn numbering) wool-acrylic blend, in "Black Cherry":

It's mostly garter stitch, and has an applied i-cord edge along the bottom.  It takes a bit more time and thought than the LOSY or other more "basic" hats, but I think I'd make another if I have the right yarn (or yarns) in stash.  I'd like to try a two-colour one!

And now...I'm on the second of yet-another-pair of my very favourite mitten patterns. I'm sure, Gentle Readers Who Knit Mitts, you know and likely appreciate this pattern too -- 'The World's Simplest Mittens' from Tin Can Knits.  This go 'round I'm using two yarns: an acrylic solid for the cuffs and a wool/nylon blend for the main part. I remain undecided as to the thumbs, depending on how close I come to playing "Yarn Chicken" in the end!

Red yarn: Mary Maxim Parisienne
DK - 100% acrylic - colour #104;
Self-patterning yarn: ONline Supersocke
6 fach, wool/nylon - Arizona - Color #1970

While I've been knitting every day (it's my go-to Sanity Saver), I've been working a bit with...

Quilting: 

1. The binding is fully sewn on 2 sides of the "Lupines & Laughter" quilt (Bonnie Hunter's Mystery 2025-26) and machine-sewn on the other two, pinned for hand-stitching when it gets cool enough to put a quilt in my lap, or the weekend of August 1 -- whichever comes first!  The reason? This is a birthday gift for my son's partner -- her "almost 40" quilt (she turns 39 later in August this year) and we're having a family gathering on August 3rd, which is a holiday in most Canadian provinces/territories!  So I need to get a move on!
2. No new scraps have been cut into usable squares/bricks -- too hot!  And out on the back stoop?  Too windy! And...
3. I've printed the July block from "A Quilting Life" but...that's as far as I've got.  Too hot in the south-facing studio (no ceiling fan).

Rug-hooking:

Working in fits-and-starts here, but am eager to finish my current project by the end of this month if I can.  For my part in the "10-Minutes-a-Day Challenge" at Deanne Fitzpatrick Studios, I'm working on the pattern/kit I won at the end of March as a member of her "March is for Makers" program -- now continuing as the "Makers' Meet-up".  

The kit is a variation of one used for the "Kit of the Month" a while back, and it's lovely.  That said, of course I'm playing with the suggested colours and colour placement!  That's the whole idea, isn't it?! 😉

"Singing to the Choir" -- on the frame
Designed by Deanne Fitzpatrich Studio

All I have left to do on this piece is the sky...and my plan? To bind it and give it to the friend with whom I sung at church for over a decade -- first as a trio (we called ourselves "The Quartet" -- see why, below!) and then as a duo.  Precious memories:

"The Quartet": 2 vocalists, 2 guitarists 😉

And then there's cross-stitch. Those of you that do these crafts probably know well the commonality they share: hands working together, often hand-over-hand.  It's that quality that plays a key part in the search for sanity.

I really didn't have much to show you in my last post, so I'm making up for that now.

July, for me, is the month I focus on Canadian designers.  In July of 2024 I began a lovely sampler reproduced by a talent American -- Kathleen Littleton of Cross-stitch Antiques, and I've continued to work on it again this month.  It was stitched originally by Emeline Hotchkiss, a Canadian girl living in or around Lacolle, Quebec, in the 1800s -- hence the Canadian connection.

Here's where I last left it almost a year ago (July 31, 2025):

And here's my progress as of yesterday -- July 23, 2026:

Emeline Hotchkiss, Lacolle, 1846
reproduced by Kathleen Littleton,
Cross-stitch Antiques.

I know it doesn't look like much but I'm turning the upper right corner of the border to go down that third side. Once that's done, I'll be moving to the bottom section, closing in on a finish. 

I'm working it with 1 strand of floss over 2 fabric threads on 40-count "Vellum" from Picture This Plus, using DMC floss -- called for the odd close-colour substitute from stash.  

To celebrate Canada Day (July 1) I started this tiny piece at the end of June and finished it at the end of the first week of July: Canadian Flag from Erin Elizabeth Designs.

I stitched it on 36-count Antique White linen from Zweigart, using DMC #327, one strand over 2 fabric threads.  I've a red mat and an inexpensive black frame from Michael's, and plan to frame it up and park it on the indoor sill of my front window, just 'cause.

Last but not least, I've gone back to Jacob's 2026 SAL, "Little Acorns", for a meditative monochromatic stitch. I'm not following the suggested sections very strictly, so I've really no idea of my progress compared to others doing this Stitch-ALong, but I enjoy it.

While I've worked on it on and off, this is the progress I recorded in May (!)

And this is my progress as of July 22:

Yes! I'm nearly finished this latest section!  I'm working with 1 strand of Roxy Floss hand-dyed floss in the "Pippy" colour-way, over 2 strands of Roxy Floss linen, 40-count, in "Platinum".  

Long. Slow. Distance.  That's what these pieces remind me of.

You see, in my younger years (mid-late twenties to early thirties) I took up running.  Long. Slow. Distance.  My purpose?  To manage my weight (I'm built like a box!) and to have Time To Myself.  I would run at least 1/2 hour a day, and longer (up to 2 hours or more) on weekends. I entered 6 marathons and finished 5 (one I quit at 10 miles due to the heat).  So I understand the rhythm.

The rhythm of the feet and legs moving in time. Steady pace; steady breathing.  Managing hills -- up and down.  Navigating around icy patches. Dressing for all sorts of wind and weather.  All to find Sanity, Peace of Mind, in the pace. Long. Slow. Distance.

Nowadays it's Long. Slow. Stitches.  Whether knitting loops or hooking them. Whether crossing stitches, or hem-stitching bindings on quilts. Whether drafting a bit of wool roving and spinning it, or plying singles to make a yarn.

Quiet, rhythmic and meditative -- yet productive.  Creating beauty every day that can be both savoured and shared with others -- with those in need or those "just because".  Beauty, comfort, the quiet expression and sharing of the work of our hands.

I have to believe that if we keep on keeping on, there will always be Light in the Making.  This belief is what gets me up in the morning and keeps me going all day.  Perhaps it works the same magic for you.

I'll leave you with that to ponder.  Nina-Marie is off elsewhere this week so...until next time, Gentle Readers, a bientot!***

***She's BACK! So I'm linking belatedly to Nina-Marie's Off the Wall Friday.  Have a great day!