Stitching, Tomatoes, Boy 14

Hi everyone,

Well, I SHOULD be working on hexies for the row along quilt, due by Sunday.  I am finding the hexie row the biggest challenge so far. The row is only 5 1/2 inches wide, thus giving less than 5" work space maximum.  I've made one design of  (23)  hexies and I am still working on 4 more items (7) hexies each.  I am using half inch hexies and I still can't show you for a couple more months! It's a good thing I like hexies...I know some of the other ladies don't.

When my hands get a bit cramped from hexies, I've been working on this stitchery by Anni Downs.  I've finished it now with a few extra embellishments and I am loving it.  I thought about making it into the little zipper bag as shown in the pattern, but I then I had another idea.

The last time I went to Texas, of course I went to my all time fave quilt shop ever: Cabbage Rose.
I found this pretty Honey Bun roll on sale. I have no idea who it is by, because the cuts are so narrow. I can work out Minick & Lauri, and  Moda.   The book in the background is " A Thankful Heart" by Natalie Bird.  My plan is to use this stitchery and the Honey Bun to make the bag with patchwork instead of "LOVE YOU" as shown.   I especially like the style of the handles and the detail of the little ties on the side of the bag.  Cute and a bit different too!

Where I live, recently we have had record low temperatures, even breaking a record 103 years old.
I am pretty happy the tomatoes don't seem to mind.  I've been eating from this "Tumbling Tomato" plant every day lately.  It is in a hanging pot just outside my front door.

Same plant, the other side.  I will definitely be saving seeds from this beauty.  There are well over 50 tomatoes in various stages on this one plant.

I've mentioned before my much loved Grandma always planted pansies when the weather cooled, so I have followed her tradition.  I have 5 pots full at the moment. (She is 97 and still quilting)!!

On the left is rainbow silverbeet and on the right are spinach seedlings.  I've been eating from the rainbow silverbeet plant for over 6 months now.  I cut some, and more comes back :)  These leaves just might become part of a veggie quiche to take to Sunday Stitchers this weekend (with garlic chives, not shown).

This is called Pineapple Sage. It has been blooming for months now.  I recently cut it way back and brought a bouquet of flowers inside for a vase. The leaves smell like pineapple when crushed.

This is a different kind of cherry tomato and this one is in the back, hanging from the deck roof.   This is in one of those upside down hanging bags.  I haven't tasted this kind yet, as this is the first one to turn.  There are many more on the same plant but it is hard to get them all in the picture.  I have had good luck with the upside down bags for years now.  The bugs don't seem to bother them near as much as in regular pots.   It's pretty cool to have the taste of fresh tomatoes every day despite the cold temperatures.  The pot below has potato seedlings in it, an easy way to water two plants at once too.

Boy 14 a little while ago....  Last night, I got an email that made me cry because I am a silly old girl!! There is a family that wants to adopt him.  He will stay with me until the morning of 1st August, then he goes... Of course, I knew this was coming as it does every time, but he is such a sweetie that I will be sad to see him go.  I know where he is going and a description of his new home and family, so that does help a little, but he will be missed for sure.  xx debbie