Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Farewell to Spring...

And a hearty "Good Morning" to you my stitching friends! Can you believe we have reached the very last week of Spring? And a chilly spring it's been--I'm a bit tired of wearing sweaters or my fuzzy bathrobe each morning when I get up. Why, we even had to turn our heat on again last week for a couple of mornings--I don't ever remember having to do that in June. But, with summer arriving on Saturday, June 21st at precisely 6:51 A.M, I'm confident that we'll have many more of those warm, lazy sunshine filled days that we all look forward to. Today it's supposed to reach 91° here in western Pennsylvania with an equally high humidity. I can take the heat, it's the humidity which really wears me out.

With this still being spring, though, I do have a few final spring finishes to share with you. But, first of all I want to thank you all so very much for the kind comments on my last post and your heartfelt congratulations on the magazine article. You are all such wonderful and supportive friends! I want to send a special thank you to Sherri from Maryland who bought not one, but two copies of the magazine and sent me one so I could have my very own copy... Sherri, that was so thoughtful of you and I know I'll enjoy sharing it with my family and friends. Thank you so much!

Well, enough of my babbling--you're here to see a few finishes, right? I actually stitched all three of these spring designs back in April, but am just now getting around to finishing them. First up is the Spring portion of the "Four Seasons Band Sampler" featured in the March/April 2011 issue of "Just Cross Stitch Magazine." When I saw the main colors were blue and golden yellow I just knew I had to stitch it. (And the fact that it had two bunnies didn't hurt either!)


Of course, I had to change a couple of the colors to work better with the 40 ct. flax Newcastle fabric that I chose. I used DMC 3790 on the bunnies and 3052 on the leaves. I also added the word "SPRING" (from this free alphabet) to the top of the design since my goal is to create a bowl of Spring finishes in the future. This one is finished off with the solid blue fabric (from a cloth napkin) and a pretty blue ruched satin ribbon. I love the dimension the eyelet stitches in the butterflies wings and the satin stitched flowers add to this design.


Next up is a little freebie from Cosmic Handmade called "Carrot Patch" which you can find right here. I've had this chart in my stash forever it seems and thought it was high time I stitched it. This one is done over one on 28 ct. cream Cashel Linen using the following DMC threads:  3776, 3052, 3053, 712, 676, and 3790. I gave the bunny a tail full of colonial knots and accented the pale green polka-dot finish with a little fabric yo-yo. What do you think?

Carrot Patch freebie

And finally, a finish you've seen on my blog many times, but since I've given them all away--I'm finally keeping this one for myself--hooray!! You'll all recognize this old spring freebie from Prairie Schooler. It is stitched on 32 ct. antique white Lugana with the suggested DMC threads. After having stitched this one at least five times, I do believe I could do it my sleep, but I love it so much, I never get tired of stitching it...  That pretty sage green fabric in the background is used on the reverse side along with the handmade cording to finish it off... I imagine I'll be making this one again and using it in another giveaway some day!

Prairie Schooler "S Is For Spring"

Here are all three together--a nice start to a bowl full of spring finishes, wouldn't you say?

A trio of Spring finishes

My dear friend, June, in England, had a birthday last week so I wanted to make her a gift in honor of her special day. As many of you know, June loves to garden so I thought this charming umbrella-toting bunny admiring his beautiful spring posies would be perfect for her. This is just the bottom third of "Spring Sampler" (Prairie Schooler's Book No. 60) and is stitched on 40 ct. antique white Newcastle with the suggested DMC threads (although I changed the bunny to DMC 611). June seemed to love her gift and I hope she thinks of me each time she sees it!

Prairie Schooler gift for June

And, just look at what I received all the way from The Netherlands... Sweet Annette sent me some darling crocheted pieces to add to my monthly bowl display. For my bowl of April's rabbit finishes, she created a tiny white bunny with a little blue nose, and for my bowl of sunflower finishes (which I decorate with each August), she made a trio of beautifully crocheted sunflowers. Included in her package were six bars of genuine Dutch chocolate--yum!! Only three are left, Annette--it was delicious! Thank you so much, my friend--your RAK gifts were such a treat and I have so enjoyed getting to know you through your happy, up-beat posts!

RAK from Annette!

And, because it's June--you know what that means?! It's BLUEBERRY TIME!!! I love all summer fruits, but especially blueberries. I put them on my multi-grain Cheerios each morning, make desserts, breads and muffins with them, and even freeze them to use throughout the year. They make me smile :) 

As a little treat I found this tasty recipe for Blueberry Buckle which I made last week. It sure didn't last long even with just two of us in the house. I found myself eating it for breakfast, as a mid-afternoon snack, and as a semi-healthy dessert! Very easy to make and it was one of those dishes that tasted even better on the second day.

Dessert anyone?

Unfortunately, desserts like this are the last thing I should be eating because my normal 3-mile a day walking routine has been interrupted. Yes, I have developed Plantar Fasciitis in my left heel. It was my own fault--I wore some old worn-out sneakers when I took a long walk last month and the next morning I could barely hobble out of bed. It is slowly getting better and I've been good about doing my at-home exercises, but, boy, is it bothersome. Have any of you every had it? Mine isn't bad enough to have to wear a night-splint on the foot--yet, anyway--and I'm trying to keep it that way! Moral of the story--wear good-quality sneakers (tennis shoes, whatever you call them!) and change them after every three to six months depending on how often you walk or run. I should probably have been buying new ones after four or five months, but I think I've had this old pair for two years! Bad, bad Carol!! Needless to say, I have now bought a new pair of walking shoes and plan on replacing them at least by year's end...

Although it's been a cool spring here, our lavender and white  clematis bush was the best it's ever been. My middle son gave it to me for Mother's Day a few years back and it's grown and bloomed so beautifully ever since. We lost both of our other clematis bushes to the frigid winter so I'm thrilled that this beauty survived.


Thank you all for stopping by today--I know what a busy time of year this is so I appreciate your visit and your kind comments all the more! Hope you have a delightful start to your summer on Saturday and I'll be back with some patriotic stitching soon... Bye for now...

86 comments:

cucki said...

Wow such beautiful finishes..they so cute..
Pretty flowers.
Sending you big hugs xx

Девушка с пяльцами said...

Marvellous, as always! The hare cushion is espesially sweet!

The Queen Bee said...

Happy Spring almost Summer to you. Your spring finishes are lovely, as always.

Hope your foot recovers quickly. Although, it's too hot to be outside today! Like you, we have had a cold spring so the sudden warm temps are hard to adjust to.

Pam

Mii Stitch said...

Wonderful finishes as always! I hope your foot is now better. Hugs xx

Mary Ann said...

Lovely finishes, as always, Carol! Enjoy the upcoming summer warmth, and I hope your foot is better soon!!

Vickie said...

The gift you stitched June is just lovely and perfect.
The bunny from Annette really makes me smile.
Ouch is right. Wow. Hope the pain goes away completely very soon.

Cindy's Stitching said...

The spring pieces are so pretty Carol. Bunnies are so cute. I have purchased the magazine from Ebay and will be bringing it to my stitching group this weekend. I am sorry to hear about your foot. I do a lot of walking myself. Hoping for a full recovery soon. I am a big blueberry and strawberry fan myself. Summer will be hear soon enough.

Elizabeth Ann said...

Oh my gosh that bunny with the umbrella is so cute! Of course all your pieces are amazing but he just takes your heart away.... Love your flowers too... I'm not looking at the food but take good care of that little foot!

marly said...

Wow! That band sampler piece is fabulous! The blue border frames it perfectly. Sorry about the foot. I'm on my way to the store (more blueberries) and will be making Deen's blueberry dumplings. I have another that requires hot water poured over batter before baking and LOVE that one too!

Heather said...

What lovely stitching and finishes Carol! You have a great start to a lovely spring display. :-) It has been such lovely weather, the last couple of days. I am a little tired of the rain. :-) I hope your foot heals quickly. I had that once and it's awful! Have a lovely week.

priscilla said...

Such pretty finishes, Carol! Your clematis is beautuful ! Hope your foot gets better soon :)

Robin in Virginia said...

Fabulous spring finishes, Carol! I love the blue and golden yellow one you created. Your clematis looks like it is thriving despite the cooler spring. I am sorry to hear about your foot and hopefully total healing is just around the corner.

Robin in Virginia

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Your spring finishes are just lovely, Carol! So is the Clematis. I've always admired that flower. Hope your heel gets to feeling better soon. Have a good week!

Annie said...

Super cute finishes as always. Your version of the JCS sampler is much more appealing than the model in the magazine. I just may have to stitch that at some point.

Honestly, I can't imagine how you can stitch the same design multiple times. Cute, I know, but I can't bear to stitch anything more than once. I save designs sometimes so I don't 'waste' them on the wrong project since I know I'll never do them again.

So sorry about that foot problem. I've had that too, but I don't think as bad as yours sounds. It's always something with these bodies! Hope it heals quickly.

Cole said...

Beautiful finishes Carol! I haven't tried cording yet, may have to at some point!

Thanks for the recipe link, it looks so yummy! I'm going to go check it out!

Hope your foot gets better quickly!!

Melissa said...

Oh, I am sorry about your foot! Ouch is right. I've never had it, knock wood but you have given great advice there. I hope yours will heal quickly (no pun intended!).

Beautiful stitching! Those are very cute *spring* pillows. I love the gifts you got from Annette. The pillow you made for June is super sweet too.

We don't get our blueberries here till August. June is where our local strawberries start coming and they are yummy, then the raspberries. I love summer fruits! You've made me hungry for that blueberry buckle!

Maggee said...

Welcome to the Addicted to Seasonal Displays group! I am about to dig out all my summer stitched pieces and redecorate! I've had the framed pieces ready...First I will do patriotic then Summer. For me Summer is beach time, and I LOVE the beach! I MUST stitch more of that theme!! As always, lovely lovely finishes. And the Clematis is absolutely gorgeous! It almost looks like those lilies Stargazers except they have more white. Yet another plant I would love to have! Thanks for sharing! Hugs!

Faye said...

Your pretty finishes always look so fresh... I just love them!!

passionfruitprincess said...

Hope you get better soon! That's no fun. Your finishes are so sweet! The green polka dot one is darling! And the bunny with an umbrella too.
You blueberry treat looks delicious, and since Brenda loves anything blueberry, I think we will have to make this one. Thanks for the recipe! Oh, and your flowers look beautiful!
Have a wonderful week!
Ana Paula

Paisley said...

Love your spring finishes!

dixiesamplar said...

What a lovely bunch of spring stitchin', Carol!! And the gifts you sent and received are quite nice too :-)

Your posts are always good for a smile in my day!!

butterfly said...

Lovely stitching and finishes , always love every thing you stitch just all so very pretty , and oh yes I love my one it is right infront of me I love rabbits too.
I am so blessed to have some of your stitched pillows in my house love them all.

Oh Carol poor you I have had heel pain too for the last 5 yrs but I don't wear flat shoes now I always buy good shoes and slippers , Yes slippers since I brought these my feet are better , I paid alot of money for them , but they work and if you look in the sales you can get them 1/2 the price .
My slippers cost more than I would pay for shoes.

I don't walk as much as I use to , so run up and down the stairs more ha.
Big hugs and thank you again.

Lynda Harrison said...

Hi Carol!
Beautiful stitching, lovely flowers! So glad to hear from you - on your post, and on your email - I will reply soon!
Hoping the weather with you is as lovely as it is here!
Take care of yourself and your family.
Lots of love,
Lynda.

Karen said...

Your spring finishes are lovely.

Linda said...

Gorgeous stitching and awesome finishes as always Carol. Glad the foot is feeling better.

Linda

Sharon said...

Simply fabulous finishes Carol! You do such beautiful work.

KimM said...

Wonderful Finishes!!!
xxx

Gabi said...

Wonderful stiching as always.The blueberry cake makes my mouth watering. Yummy!!
Warm greetings from Germany

Charlene ♥ NC said...

A very pretty spring bowl is in the making - along with the perfect day! I am luckily one of the recipients of that special PS Spring piece, and still enjoy seeing it. Sorry about your foot. It was always hard for me to replace walking shoes so often, but it's better safe than sorry.
Happy Summer!

Michelle said...

Oh Carol I am sending you many hugs and hope your foot is better soon. Beautiful beautiful finishes my friend xx

Unknown said...

Love your finishes, they are beautiful and I live the idea of a monthly basket! I too get plantar fasciitis and boy is it sore, so I sympathise. Xxx

Unknown said...

Love your finishes, they are beautiful and I live the idea of a monthly basket! I too get plantar fasciitis and boy is it sore, so I sympathise. Xxx

Giovanna said...

Your finishes are all so pretty, congratulations!

LoriU said...

Oh my goodness that clematis is gorgeous!

Barb said...

Carol, your stitching and finishing is always so beautiful - you really have the knack for making all of your pieces just perfect!

Thanks, too, for sharing the photo of your clematis -so pretty! and the blueberry buckle recipe - I may have to give it a try.

Sorry about the plantar fasciitis - I've had it in the past so I know how miserable it can be. Luckily it does go away. Take care!

Frances said...

As usual, your stitching and finishing is PERFECT!! You really have a knack for making everything look 'just right'!!! I love all three!!

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Lovely finishes....as always sweet friend. :)

I so love the bunnies...they always make my heart smile.

((Hugs))

Margaret said...

Ouch on your foot!! :( I've never had that but I've heard of it. I've had the problem of my knee acting up. I couldn't exercise for a few weeks because of it. I'm back to exercising, but my knee still isn't too happy. Sigh. Hope you are able to get back to your routine soon. Love all your stitchy finishes. That JCS one has to be my favorite!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Your spring finishes are lovely! I especially love the ruched blue ribbon. I never tire of seeing the PS spring pillows on your blog. I'm glad you finally stitched yourself one!

I've had plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis and both are extremely painful. I had to wear a velcro cast at night that I couldn't walk on. Very painful. I hope you recover much more quickly than I did. Ice helps as well.

Tricia T said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your heel, Carol! Take care of yourself. I'm glad you bought some new shoes!! Your spring stitching is so sweet. I really like that PS Spring stitch! I actually was going to comment this morning when I read your post, but I got sidetracked by your blueberry buckle recipe. I made a gluten free version this morning and it was wonderful! : ) Thanks!

Tricia

Tracey said...

Lovely finishes- and the blueberry buckle looks delicious!

Unknown said...

Hi Carol,
I am a new follower to your blog and I really enjoyed reading about and seeing your crosstitching. I have been a cross stitcher for over 30 years and have never stopped. I will be anxious to read your next blog.

I have plantar fasciitis too and know the pain you have. It is something you may have again.

I love to see the pictures of your flowers, another reason I know I will like following you.
Janet Baack


Pam in IL said...

I was just telling Hubby that I think our frigid winter lasted so long that I somehow got used to being cold and now I have trouble with the heat. I've never had as many hot flashes as I've had the past couple months, lol.

Lovely spring finishes you have! I have the PS "S is for Spring" that I won in your giveaway hanging in my reading corner. Guess I'll have to find some summer stitching to put out.

Sherri said...

Love your spring pieces as they are always so pretty! Your finishing skills are superb. I love spring as well and your clematis is gorgeous. Injuries are no fun especially when it interferes with your walking routine. As for the magazine, you are most welcome!

Southpaw Stitcher said...

What lovely spring finishes--and such a yummy-looking dessert! Hope your foot heals quickly!

Christina said...

You can have our spring weather, it has been very summer like here. Your stitching is lovely as always. You always find the cutest freebies. What cute additions to your bowl. Hope your foot feels better soon. I used to work for a podiatrist and he was on the side of changing your running/walking shoes according to mileage not months.

The Knitting Cross Stitcher said...

Beautiful stitching Carol. I love your Clemetis picture,I have one like it, it has yet to grow enough to produce that number of flowers though.
I hope your foot gets better very soon.

Kay said...

Beautiful finishes as always! Take care of your foot so it is on the mend fast. It can be a pain to deal with. Have dealt with that off and on the last 3 years and it is unkind when it misbehaves. Happy summer!

Krista said...

Love all the wonderful finishes! The way you finish them amaze me with all the little details. That Blueberry Buckle looks SO delicious! Thank you for sharing the recipe. Enjoy your Summer. Amazing how time is flying!

Magiczny Świat Krzyżyków said...

Jakie słodkie te wiosenne maleństwa :)

Anonymous said...

I love the little rabbits in these pieces, Care. They remind me of the bunnies that I would watch gathering in the back yard near the pool on Maple Ave. I always liked to imagine them sneaking into the pool to take an early morning dip before we all were up and about for the day. Silly, I know. The little sunflowers that your friend sent definitely compliment the spring/rabbit theme. As for blueberries-- I am with you. They're so tasty. I made a strawberry-rhubarb pie last week, first pie I've made in ages, that didn't last long with just the two of use either. As for your foot, please switch out your sneaks more often. You're always walking everywhere--and you should definitely be on a 3-6 month new pair schedule. I'm really sorry that you're experiencing this problem again. Okay, well, thanks for sharing your wonderful creativity once again.

Julie said...

A post full of lovely things.
Such a pretty spring basket you will have for next year. Gorgeous little pillow you made for dear June.
The blueberry buckle looks delicious.
I hope your foot heals quickly and you are soon pain free.
love and {hugs} x

Hilda said...

Your "farewell to spring"-stitches are all so pretty. Love them all - but the first one is my favorite. I really have to look in my stash, because I think I do have this issue of JCS too.
Of course I also love your Prairie Schooler gift for June - it's wonderful - and perfectly finished, like all your stitching.

Am so sorry that you do have problems with your heel and I hope you will feel completely well soon!

Hugs
Hilda

Berit said...

I especially love your PS gift for your friend June! :D

(Well, it is PS, so...) Your finishing really makes it, I think! I'm recovering from some food poisoning earlier this week and this post with its cheerful writing and eye candy was a real boon. Love your "voice".

May your exercises and new shoes do their job and let you get back to enjoying perfect health and fitness routines soon!

Meari said...

Beautiful finishes! Boy, have I missed visiting your blog.

I so want to plant clematis at The Homestead. I've always loved those flowers.

I think I have plantar facitis. It started several months back when I was doing my 10K steps on the hardwood floors. What exercises do you do to help with it?

Anne said...

I had plantar fasciitis from wearing my winter boots this year. It's gone now but I know your pain. Gorgeous finishes Carol! The little spring one is my favourite with the butterflies and blue tulips. The PS Spring is one I need to stitch again too since I gave mine away to Lee's mom. It's such a great design to restitch. The blueberry buckle looks amazing! I adore blueberries and baking with them too. It's so nice to have warmer weather isn't it. Perks us all up. Sending you hugs!,

Von said...

Gorgeous clematis,Carol!! And hat tip to the photographer. :)
My twins work at a running shoe store and do custom fitting for customers . As xcountry runners they know first-hand the importance of new shoes after a few hundred miles have been put on. The shoes often look fine but injuries occur . Sorry you're having to deal with plantar fasciitis! Give it a rest for awhile.

Mini Addictions said...

Hi Carol,
Such beautiful finishes for Spring. I love the color choices, especially the yellow in S is for Spring. I love the spring fruits as well. Here in Georgia we have been strawberry picking at a local farm and getting ready for peaches. Yummy! So sorry about your foot. My husband has the same thing in his right foot. It has been troublesome for quite some time now. I order him a product called FasciaDerm from Amazon and they seem to help relieve the pain. Just a thought if your perists. Love the clematis...they are one of my favorite flowers.
Hugs,
Lisa

Mary said...

Beautiful spring stitching, Carol.
You have a good head start on your spring display for nexy year.
It's been blistering hot here for a few days with no relief in sight.

Your PS gift for June is adorable.
I'm sure that she treasures it.

Sorry to hear about your foot. It's so painful but rest and ice will help.....treat yourself to a stitching fest while your foot heals :)

The blueberry buckle looks yummy..thanks for the recipe.

Sending HUGS and good wishes for a happy peaceful summer.
I hope to hear from you soon

Melody said...

Carol, beautiful stitching and finishing as always! I have stitched up that little Spring Prairie Schooler as well. It's a sweet design.

That's too bad about your heel pain. I hope it leaves soon!

Yes, I'm in the mood to stitch some patriotic pieces. :)

Marsha said...

Carol, I just love your smalls. Your finishing is always unigue, pretty and inspiring. Even how you use part of a chart is an idea I don't think of.
I've had very bad cases of plantar fasciaitis. I tried many many treatments but the one that finally worked was orthotics in my shoes.. Mephisto sandals that form to my arches helped with the summer months of not wanting to wear shoes. Cute shoes are only for what fit my orthotics. Getting older sucks.

Marsha said...

Carol, I just love your smalls. Your finishing is always unigue, pretty and inspiring. Even how you use part of a chart is an idea I don't think of.
I've had very bad cases of plantar fasciaitis. I tried many many treatments but the one that finally worked was orthotics in my shoes.. Mephisto sandals that form to my arches helped with the summer months of not wanting to wear shoes. Cute shoes are only for what fit my orthotics. Getting older sucks.

Andrea said...

Carol what beautiful spring finishes. Your bowl is going to be full of wonderful seasonal finishes. Your gift for June is just so cute with the bunny under the umbrella.
Sorry to hear about your feet issues. Hopefully it won't be too long before you are pain-free again.

Shirley said...

Beautiful stitching, as always. Hope your foot feels better soon. Congratulations on the magazine article.
all the best,
Shirley
xx

Lynn B said...

Hi Carol,

Loving your recent finishes, everything is so pretty!

I love your Clematis, this is one of my favourite flowers, I am hoping to plant some next year.

Bekca said...

Gosh Carol, I hope your foot feels much better soon! Lovely Spring finishes as well, I know I have Carrot Patch in my stash too, it's such a sweet design. I like blueberries, but I love strawberries! I've been having them most days at the moment, they're perfect this time of year :)
Best wishes.

Sally said...

Wondeful finishes Carol. You are truly an inspiration with your finishes.

I hope your foot is feeling much better soon.

Just read your previous post as I was curious about the magazine article. Congratulations! Lovely to see a photo of you too :)

Penny said...

Such sweet finishes, Carol! And the gift for June is wonderful! That blueberry buckle looks delicious ~ I'm really having a hard time being disciplined about my sweet eating. :) Reading about your plantar fasciitis brought back some painful memories. I felt and probably looked about 100 years old. Hopefully you are feeling better soon! That clematis is just gorgeous!

Mavi. said...

Hi Carol, I hope you find your best plantar fasciitis.
I do not change the shoes until they break, so yes, they are good, comfortable and securely attach the foot. For hiking shoes without difficulty and when we use it hiking boot that holds the ankle. So far I have had no problems. I usually do 5 to 6 km. a day, but plain. I love your embroidery and always keep me your recommendations. The Bunny and orange combination has been perfect.
Take care and lots of kisses.

Melanie said...

This is officially a chilly summer, even though we are still at the start of it. I know this because I just put the a/c in a couple days ago and I don't remember EVER waiting so long to do it. I usually don't get out of MAY without the a/c on in some capacity. It was in the high 40's here last night so.....yep....chilly summer!

I'm so glad you finally made/kept an S is for Spring for yourself. About time, right? :) These are all brilliant.

I pinned that recipe. Yum. Been meaning to look up blueberry recipes for myself, to be honest. I buy them in such quantities this time of year, forgetting the husband doesn't eat them and, as much as *I* love them, then it gets to be a chore to finish them up before they go bad. (I should just stop BUYING so many at one time. Grr!)

UGH AT YER FEET!!! I'm super prone to the same thing the second I wear a shoe the tiniest bit past it's prime. You hate to let them go sometimes, they are so comfortable. It's easy to forget how bad things can be if you don't. Sounds like you caught it early so I hope a new pair of shoes will do it. I live in Nike Free Air's now and they are pricey but no more hobbling, so it's worth to me.

Have a nice weekend! :)

Jennifer said...

LOVE the Spring finish with the beautiful blue ribbon. I've done the ruched ribbon a few times and it's tedious work, but so pretty (though mine isn't quite as pretty as yours)

Jeff has to be cautious about changing out his shoes on a regular basis or he ends up with issues as well. With him, I've found that it helps to have that second pair ready and waiting in the closet because he puts off buying new ones.

Speaking of blueberries, have you tried blueberry coffee? I LOVE it. I buy the New England Coffee Blueberry cobbler for home, and always order the Blueberry coffee at Dunkin Donuts. Also, Republic of Tea makes a good blueberry black tea (I'm not usually one for herbal teas, and it can be hard to find a flavored black tea), and Stash tea makes one called Blueberry Superfruit. It's hard for me to find here, but my MIL gets it, and we both use it to make blueberry iced tea

Judy said...

Good morning Carol. What a beautiful post to enjoy! The fabulous stitching and perfect finishing are always such a treat to see. Envy for sure!! Does your clematis bloom all summer? I have one with small, bright pink trumpet type flowers that blooms all summer and fall. I love it. So sorry about your foot. I hope it heals quickly. Summer rolled in with a beautiful day here...high 80's, no humidity, bright sunshine and cooled off to 70 in the evening...and a beautiful sunset. And it was our anniversary...so perfect! Hope your weather warms up. Take care and until next time...enjoy (and heal).

Judy Heartland stitcher

Mylene said...

Such gorgeous finishes, Carol!
Happy week!!

Wanda said...

Hi Carol,
I am so sorry about your foot. I Anyone who has ever had plantar fasciitis says it is so painful. I hope that resting it and changing your shoes every few months will be the end of it.
Your ornaments are lovely as always. I am constantly amazed by the enduring beauty of Prairie Schooler designs! Your finishes are so spectacular!I am continually impressed with your ability to take a part of a pattern and create a beautiful ornament!
I love your idea of a seasonal bowl. One of the beautiful things about smalls is their versatility.
Your blueberry cobbler is making me hungry. I have downloaded the recipe....
Thanks as always for the pleasure of your beautiful blog - your posts always make me smile!
Have a great week, happy stitching, and again, I hope your foot continues to improve.
hugs, Wanda

Annette-California said...

WOW I absolutely love your precious finishes. The spring one with the beautiful blue ribbon all around is stunning. WOW now I need to pull my issue out and make notes:)
Lovely lovely lovely!!!
Hope you heal soon and yes new shoes are important for you. Even if they help ease only a bit of the pain - its worth it.
Darling sunflower coaster from Annette.
Hugs and love Annette
ps Your clematis is so pretty.

Brigitte said...

So wonderful, your new spring finishes and yes, they are perfect to fill a spring basket or bowl. As always I have to admire your beautiful finishing which is a dream here as well.

I'm still in awe of your themed monthly bowls that you were showing two years ago. And I have never forgotten this lovely idea. Now I started my own monthly baskets, just with the month as the theme. And now that I see the great gift you stitched for June I remember the two books with monthly patterns by the Prairie Schooler. I had really forgotten about these, and they are so beautiful.

So sorry to hear that you have trouble with your foot. I hope that with the new pair of sneakers the pain will be gone soon.

Solstitches said...

You've stitched some very lovely Spring pillows Carol.
The PS one that you've stitched so many times is gorgeous and I really love the gorgeous pillow you stitched for June.
So sorry to hear about the problem with your foot. That sounds really painful and I hope it will be better soon.
Looking forward to seeing your Summer stitching :)
Hugs,
Margaret

Karoline said...

Gorgeous finishes, congratulations

Hope your foot recovers soon, I developed PF a similar way but I'm able manage it with physio (and decent shoes!)

valerie said...

Great post Carol! Your Spring smalls are lovely! I am sure June just loves her gift. The bunny under the umbrella is sooo cute! And love the crochet goodies from Annette. I am a big blueberry fan too. I am itching to make a peach/blueberry cobbler or pie but am trying to watch my weight since these last few pounds to lose are sooo stubborn! Hope you are having a good week! Big hugs to you. :)

Marie said...

Your trio of Spring finishes is beautiful. I love the PS pillow that you made for your friend June. How lucky is she?!

Would you believe that I am sitting here reading your post eating Multigrain Cheerios with blueberries ~ and then i read about your liking for this! Ya, I love blueberries and have been eating tons of them recently.

Hope that your foot pain is better. I too have been walking, in preparation for a 13 mile mountain walk in July, and I sit here today with a nasty blister on my heal. May have to walk in flip flops today.

Lumiruusu said...

Hello caro!! I give you all my cmpassion for having that conditin in your feet. I have suffered it chronically and it really could be painfull. I hope you will be better soon..
All your stitchings are again oh-so adorable.I am so fan of your stitching skils !
I wish You all the best -be blessed You and all your family and friends !
With My Best greetings, Maija from Finland :)

Jackie said...

Very sweet finishes Carol.
Hugs,
Jackie :)

Catherine said...

Finally catching up on your last few posts! Sounds like you have had a wonderful spring ~ very busy!! It's always lovely to see your stitches, you are so creative when it comes to finishing. Congrats on the magazine ~ well deserved my friend!

Christina said...

Oh your clematis is just beautiful, ours are all blooming at the moment too. There is a house at the end of our road that is literally covered in them...it's so lovely to walk past it every day (several times!) on the various school drop-offs/collections.
I love the yellow/blue combination of the Seasons Band Sampler and how the white of the bunnies' tails 'pop' off the fabric.
I hope your heel gets better soon. :0) I tweeked my back today whilst hoovering the stairs for our Royal Visit (my mother-in-law!) tomorrow. Blurgh. I have been sulking ever since!

Dani - tkdchick said...

Carol I'm always so jealous of a the lovely pieces you manage to stitch and finish with each post you share with us!!!!

Алёна said...

Hello From Kiev ;) You have very beautiful works. I like all very much. If somebody have time and desire welcome to my page about cross stitch :)