Baby, It's Cold Outside...

This Year's Christmas Trees

It's going to be darned cold today, but I'll be cozy inside, baking cookies for the exchange party tomorrow. The wind picked up late last night, and it was even snowing a bit. Neither dogs nor cats wanted anything to do with going out. 

I ran to the store yesterday and got eighty pounds of bird seed, so I know I'll be able to keep our flying friends nourished so they can stay warm. I'd love to think they're all sheltered in the rafters of the Compass Barn, but I suspect most have sought shelter in the woods above the farmhouse when they're not eating.

Once the cookies are done, I'll be stitching. Anything to stay busy - and indoors. As I write this, it's 11º, but with the 17 mph wind, it feels like -7º. Warm socks and sweaters are definitely in order around here.

Stay safe, my friends. 

Brooches...

Materials for Goldwork Brooches

I chose the materials to make a few goldwork brooches for my Christmas list. This is just one colorway. I'll have two different colors when I'm finished.

I'm going to be working on them today, and hope to complete them over the weekend. I'm planning to make at least three. This will be fun. You know how I love working on bright, shiny things! 

We're supposed to get a deep freeze this weekend, so I'll make sure I have plenty of food out for the birds and critters. I'm hoping the opossums find their way back to the barn for some protection this winter. The cabinet I created for the "barn" cats a couple years ago has a warming lamp inside that I think they'd enjoy. I'll have food and fresh water out there, just in case.

I work tonight, but I'll be inside with Handsome and the girls most of the weekend. There's supposed to be a cookie exchange at my niece's on Sunday, so I'll be baking tomorrow. Handsome still has a rotten cold, but I'm taking good care of him. Chicken soup was on last night's menu, and I'll make something warm and hearty again for him tonight. If you're in the "ice belt", I hope you stay safe and warm. 

Completely Done...

"Summer Serenade - Bluebirds" Label

The label is now affixed, and the smaller sleeve has been replaced with a four inch sleeve featuring the selvage from the bluebird fabric.

"As long as there are bluebirds, there will be miracles."

I sewed the selvage to the sleeve before I assembled it. Then I hand sewed it to the back of the wall hanging.

Now that I've done those things, my bluebird wall hanging is completely done. The three seasonal bird pieces will hang together until a fourth season - American goldfinches for autumn - joins them. 

I may do a pair of black-capped chickadees before the goldfinches. There are a number of these sweet birds who wait for me to fill the feeders every winter. They're usually about a foot over my head when I trudge through the snow to bring their food. I'll say, "Chicka dee dee dee", and those little birds chirp right back at me! I'll really have fun doing them!

Well, it's time to begin my gift sewing now. Best get back to the studio! See you tomorrow.