I’m so happy Hazel’s little video played for most of you. One reader was adamant that I show the chickens next.
I have never had such productive hens and here is the only thing I’m doing differently than ever before. I’m feeding fly larvae.
And here’s the most bizarre part. Every summer for I’ll bet 20+ years I’ve subscribed to a fly predator program that sends me a package every month in the summer of “predators” (bugs that come to life in the package) that eat the fly larvae keeping the flies under control in the barn and around the manure. And now I’m actually feeding fly larvae! Guess I won’t need to spend money this summer on the predators, will I? My chickens are my predators!
Well, here’s my progress. I have to say I am smitten with this quilt! Only one more round to go. I wish it weren’t so big – not sure I have a space big enough to hang it. I didn’t realize it was this big and there’s still another 6” border all the way around. And it won’t fit my bed either.
But I still love it!
It was such a nice day today – it could have been March. Molly came to visit and we took Old Faithful on the wilderness trail – I don’t know if I’ve ever done this in January before today. Almost 40 degrees!
Now I realize you guys love to hear about my screwups. Here’s today’s mistake which I obviously didn’t even notice until I took the quilt off the longarm. Instead of a red bobbin, I obviously grabbed a white one by mistake so now I have both red and white stitches on the back of this Christmas quilt.
It’s not going to the Fair so guess it doesn’t matter. I just finished binding it tonight so I’ll show you tomorrow.
I’m really trying hard to finish up quilts that need quilting and several that need binding. I’m making great progress but have to admit I can’t wait to start piecing a new quilt.
Reader photos
I came across these question “games” – really fun in a group so I think I’ll try it here with you readers. I’ll pick a question and hope you’ll join in the fun and answer in the comments.
Mary, Love seeing those chicken videos and the Rooster belting out the morning greeting! The snow chicken was very clever…
Your red white and blue star quilt is fabulous!
Hope all is well and staying warm…
Mary,
Hope it’s not too late to comment. Your chicken videos were great! And that rooster is a beauty.
Your star quilt is gorgeous. As are the other quilts in photos sent in and shown today. I got back two quilts from the long arm lady yesterday and now on to the bindings.
My walk to open the chicken coop this morning was very icy! Nearly slipped a couple of times. We are getting a misty rain but it’s going to get colder and then freeze. I think it was 38* so the ice rink on the lake is melting but with the driveway being so icy, we could skate on it!
Tonight is the Lions playoff game. Hope they do great!
Take care everyone. 🌻
Sunflower – we have no,precipitation at all of my kind. I’m really worried about my grass, trees and perennials. We will be watching the game tonight – pulling for the Lions!! Be careful – don’t fall and break something!!!
Today’s post was just wonderful. The videos are so nice. I love hearing your voice. My daughter can get her succulents to bloom. I’m lucky to keep mine alive. We have been having lots of woodpeckers for the last couple of years. It’s probably because we have so many dead ash trees around us. We are slowly taking them down so the birds will probably go elsewhere. We need to take the trees down because they are too close to buildings.
Mary. I made America, Yes we can from scraps/stash except for one blue from my sister and I love the quilt!! Doesn’t it feel good to use up your stash!
The chicken on nest was funny and so clever.
We are expecting bitter cold next week, I dread it.
Mary, your chickens look so healthy & imagine they love being out in the sun. Going to get bitter cold here in Colorado the next three days. Got some extra food and ready to do so chili, baking and Netflix! We watched A Fall from Grace the other night, after your suggestion. Wow! Our daughter was staying over night and she said, I think he’s stealing from women…won’t say any more as other’s haven’t watched it yet. I had a friend who went thro this and wouldn’t listen to anyone etc. Your quilt is incredible! I would love to make one but I don’t think I have enough of the colors. Where do you get your “low volume” fabrics. They blend with each other so nicely.Does anyone have the dragonfly quilt pattern? Sooo beautiful! What has that deer done this is so destructive? Sorry, so many questions. Gads, I need to get back to my piecing and stitching!! Stay warm everyone.
Arlene -the deer is eating all the shrubs in Alice’s neighborhood. The red,white and blue quilt could be made with fewer fabrics – nobody told me those so many but it’s what I like. I have many low volume pieces – and I never throw scraps away. That’s one reason I used such a variety – I had them. The next part uses1-1/2” strips and I have many of those as well. We’re bracing for the cold, too. Fall From Grace was very sad, wasn’t it? And I know it happens today.
Mary,
The red, white, and blue quilt is so beautiful!!!!!! It is amazing how you have made progress so quickly – at least it seems quickly to me, probably not as much to you. You are wonderful and so prolific in your accomplishments! Thank you for sharing your quilting and life with us! So glad you are doing well and being all you are!
Love the chickens, actually all of your videos. I don’t worry much about the backs of quilts and sure wouldn’t be concerned with thread color. My quilts don’t ever go for judging at quilt shows, they are to just enjoy and wrap up in!
Clicking the ads today, as always!
Paula – thanks for your help keeping this blog afloat!!
Chicken Talk, I love it! And there’s even voice over with the video.
Just got some great news. My niece, her husband & their church are completing a Safe House near Macon, Georgia for young girls ages 8 thru 17 who have been sexually abused. The house has room for 12 & is just awaiting some permits to open. An old Southern Mansion was bought & renovated with an extra wing built on to house the girls by the group. I can’t give the exact location for the girls safety, but my niece said it is beautiful and sounds like it is in the country. It even has a pecan orchard, which suddenly started to produce again. They say it’s God giving them a wink that he approves . I’m sending the rest of the blankets, quilts, & extras that were left over from our event in NC. They are so excited to get them. I’m putting 1 quilt or blanket in a fancy bag with a book and some personal hygiene items . Just wish I lived closer to vounteer!. Again ladies thank you for all your donations. They truly are going to individuals who need them. Basically, nothing is left, so pat yourselves on your backs knowing that you helped SO many individuals with your donations.
Barbara – such great news! If there’s a need we can help with, let me know. The readers are the most generous women I know!
I agree !!!!!
Barbara, I think your decision to donate to the safe house is an excellent idea!
Thank you Cindy. They are so excited to get the donation. It’s their 1st one !
I just caught up on the blog about nothing for this new year. Enjoyed all the pictures and seeing some are sewing away. In our area a lot of people are experiencing some form of crud (sickness). My Tia Chi and sewing classes have been about half full in comparison to last year, so I assume it is ill health keeping them away.
This is the first time I actually got to see your videos. Loved the snow chicken on the nest. Too funny about your bobbins. It’s okay because no one really looks at the back unless you tell them to. I don’t know why we crafters always point out our mistakes. LOL
Mary, I loved hearing your voice on the chicken video. Funny how that struck me.
Thanks for the picture of your America Yes We Can quilt. Looks like a Quilt of Valour. You always amaze me what you can get done!!!
The fly story is funny too. Who knew you could supply such nutrition from flies. Isn’t nature just the best. Hope your chickens can be good predictors this summer!
The snow chicken was the best!
Mild weather with sun today.
I wrote a long comment and it just disappeared! Too tired to repeat. Love the videos! Tried twice to sign up for the piano emails and so far nothing. I absolutely love reading your blog, as always.
LOTS of ads to click today–good.
I would like Jamie’s address, too, because I must have missed that post. Thanks. Also, a friend wants OH SUSANNAH. Is it $15.00 or $20.00?
I LOVE the chicken video and the big snow chicken “roosting”. It was fun to see the chickens come right up to you and those boys are very creative. I also love your red star, blue 9 patch quilt. Someday:) I don’t worry a lot about backs of quilts. I think since it has red and white in it, the back is fine:)
I took a friend who lives in a condo community to the Orthopedist today. The streets and her driveway were treacherous. She is 83 and uses a cane and has a broken bone in her foot. The association had shoveled when we had 4 ” of snow, but NOT when we had three snows of 1″ each. Now it is frozen. I drove very close to her garage so she could get in with her new boot!
Diane – so kind of you to help her get out! Yup, when snow melts and refreezes, it can be treacherous. Oh, Susannah is still $15. I agreed that the back of that small quilt is inconsequential in the end.
Diane – forgot to say thank you for clicking the ads!
Happy to help. I always try to remember to do that:) Thanks for the info. I am sending your info to her right now:) I wish we had your warm weather, but it IS 29* here today which is much better.
It is 34* at 9am but the wind is already making it feel like 24*.
I loved the chicken videos and special the one with the crowing rooster! Sounds so homey! Our son in Michigan raises some calves in the pasture on his acreage. It always looks so pleasant with the green grass and the calves munching the grass, and the chickens roaming the lawn for worms.
Speaking of birds, there aren’t very many around. I wonder if the bird flu has affected our wild bird population.
Your star quilt is real striking. If you don’t want it as big as the pattern says, you are the boss! Put the border and binding on now.
Square quilts are not my favorite to make! They don’t fit a twin size bed for the grandkids graduation. Plus, if I want to snuggle under them I’m too tall.
I need to go to the grocery store for a few things before the polar freezer arrives.
Keep those chicks warm 💕
Joy – I agree – where are the wild birds? I don’t even see bluejays and I always have seed out for the birds. I had one cardinal pair just one time. And since I don’t make many bed quilts, I love square quilts so I can place a piece of furniture below.
The wild birds are at my house. At least a hundred of them at my feeders right now. Mostly “little birds”, goldfinches in their winter colors, juncos, house finches, nuthatches; the occasional large and small woodpeckers, bluejay and cardinal.
We feed sunflower hearts from Tractor Supply. Yes, the hearts are more expensive, but there’s less mess in and around the feeders.
Mary – I agree about the sunflower hearts – more economical in the long run. I wish those birds were at my house!
Mary, I understand why you like square quilts. I never thought about that. I don’t hang any, but I do have some over the backs of chairs.
Stay warm!
Joy – sounds like we’d better get ready for the cold. I did barn chores ahead a bit – filling all feeders etc so I don’t have to hurry to the barn early. The chickens are outside having a great time this afternoon but tomorrow I won’t let them out at all.
This is sad, but our neighbor caravan all over the neighborhood disappeared in September. We did not have Cardinals at our feeders last year. This year we have or it 5 pairs, and Bluejays, Juncoes, etc. we hate to blame him, but…
That should say neighbor cat! 😹😹
Diane – awww, he was just being a cat but I would love to have those birds. My cats can’t be blamed – they’re not even interested. Lazy bums.
I love that, “ lazy buns”!😹😹. Buddy would love to outside to “ greet” the birds and then bite them! But, he is happy indoors talking to them!🐈⬛
LOL with the snow hen! This post is a wonderful way to start out the day!
Jan
I enjoyed this post–about nothing! It’s not nothing to me. It’s day to day life. I hope the doc is reading your blog and the comments. Stress reliever!
We are having a retreat week starting on Monday. Just day time and we leave our stuff (machines and projects etc.) at the hall. I have a free week so I am there every day but some can’t make it every day. It’s not far from me for how the crow flies but around on the paved rds is about 5 mi. from me. We take turns with meals. We only do crockpot meals as we would have to pay double what we pay daily split among us to use the stoves. I have a guest for a couple of nights and I already made up her bed. But I have only 3 days left to prep for the retreat. I have it all spaced out in my head. ha ha
Warm up today with nasty cold coming in with wind and no snow here!
Loved the snow hen! Those guys should send that picture to the newspapers. I also loved the dragon fly quilt, but wish the owner would spread it out and take another picture so we could see it better. Who knew succulents bloomed. Only Mary would have the patience for that. Your chickens are beautiful. We’re in the 50s today, but may get snow or ice next week down here in Eastern NC. I’m pulling out quilts to send to the NC mountains, and to send others to my cousin’s family. My mother and grandmother would love it for their quilts to go to them. We’ve been carrying them around for 50 plus years.
Frances – now that’s a fabulous way to make those lovingly made quilts useful rather than folded up in your closet. Thank you for doing that.
Frances, where in Eastern Carolina do you live? I live close to Greenville.
Frances, where in eastern NC do you live? I live close to Greenville.
Happy Friday and what a nice group of photos to enjoy this morning. We got about 6” of fluffy white snow yesterday and reminded me of what we like to see on Christmas. It was easy to drive through and I don’t mind as I like and thankful to see green grass in spring from all the ground moisture. Today we woke to 30 degrees and it is supposed to be a spring day with temps going up. And Sunday we begin that artic cold blast and one exciting Bills football game in the evening so snack foods are on my radar. I could make a meal out of appetizers alone,
I loved seeing the chickens out and about and what a view with that beautiful blue sky!
I also loved the snow chicken on the hay, so creative!I
I truly love your star quilt! The dragonfly quilt is a beauty too!
Love this blog about nothing, thanks Mary!
I love the snow hen! A very creative family (or boys). I had to send that picture to my daughter in ND as she has chickens. They do not have snow up there this year which is very unusual. They have had more than their share in past years. But winter is not over, so may come yet. We do not have snow either and the news this morning says it could get to 50* here today, but 10* by this evening when we go to bed. Unusual weather for sure.
I, too, love your red star quilt. I love stars, but don’t enjoy making them. Yours look great.
The chicken videos were great. Loved hearing the rooster crow.
Have a great day everyone.
Love the videos. I feed my chickens fly larvae too. They love them. The wild birds do too. One more day of warm temps and then into the freezer we go. I’m trying to get some tops quilted but my 91 yr old dad has been in the hospital.he had a ruptured appendix. Doing well now in swing bed. So haven’t gotten much sewing done this week. That’s ok plenty of time.
Absolutely love your star quilt! 🤩 It’s gorgeous. And that succulent bloom is stunning – my fav color pink
That snow when had me laughing – so creative!
I am doing a happy dance over here about those game questions! I enjoy games so much but don’t have much interaction so I’m ready and waiting!! What a wonderful idea.
Have a great day and know the “blog about nothing” is my daily picker-upper!🥰
Loved the videos! They are beautiful chickens 🐓! Yes, which pattern are you making? It’s so pretty 😍.
Hi Mary. Love the videos and photos today, some snow, some not. I enjoy seeing your opposite seasons, especially as we are having a very dry summer here, despite the storms and floods on the east coast of Australia.
Some of your tennis players are doing well in Melbourne at the Australian Open, BUT if anyone would like to see some of where I live in South Australia, you should be able to catch each day’s highlights of the Tour Down Under.The first day was today, Friday 17th. It is the first event of the UCI international cycling circuit, (think Tour de France etc), both men and women, and it’s now been held in Adelaide for 25 years, and it showcases a different part of SA near Adelaide, hills, beaches, farmland and vineyards. On Friday 24th the event will finish in my south coast home town of Victor Harbor, after they’ve ridden 157 km/98 mile. The normal driving distance is 80km/50miles.
I hope some of you can have a look at it.
Cheers, Pauline in South Australia.
Pauline – ooohh, I will tune in so I get a better idea of your land! Even though I don’t usually watch tennis. Not much moisture anywhere it seems. Worrisome for sure.
Victor Harbor. I will keep an eye out for the segment,
I love the red star quilt. I would love to make a smaller version to put on the wall. What was the name of the pattern? The chickens are fun to watch, and farm fresh eggs can’t be beat!
Shirley, I wrote the pattern name down so I could google it. It’s called America, Yes we can! By Geoff’s Mom Pattern Co. Their website is not active so they may have closed their business. Minick & Simpson had a similar pattern—downloadable from the Fat Quarter Shop. Can’t remember the name at the moment but if you go to their site and type in Minick & Simpson patterns you’ll get a link.
I found a pattern here: https://www.timelesstraditionsquilts.com/YesWeCanAmerica.html
Don’t use this link – I tried to buy it and didn’t receive a pdf link.
Christine – oh no! Check again – sometimes it takes awhile. Have you tried to contact them directly?
Loved the whitw rooster, crowing on cue
Thanks Mary
this was such a pleasant variety with your comments and the other readers were so interesting and pleasant. THANK YOU EVERYONE,
i am curious about your conversation games. We have been thinking of ideas for our visits with our grown granddaughter with Down Syndrome. She shies away from too many questions (which we do have since her visits are fairly infrequent). We have tried to think about a relaxed way of starting conversations without her being uncomfortable.
thank you again for such a lively and pleasant tech visit.
Brenda – I’ll get the info to you for these games – such a good idea to get someone to chat.
Hi Mary,
your Yes you can! quilt is going to be amazing! It looks fabulous already!
I wouldn’t give another moments thought to the white bobbin thread, it is just the thread equivalent of a pieced backing – it adds interest and gives the quilt more character!
I am definitely making a snow hen the next time it snows here! The last of our current batch of snow melted yesterday, so today we just have cold and thick mist!
Loved the chicken films, they sound so happy.
Hi Mary, the video yesterday showed in one second incriminate, Hazel looks like Bella, but different tail. Today’s video’s, just a circle scrolling over the chickens, then as l read comments l hear roster crowing and your comments. Will go back and try again, love the ice chicken on nest! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
That’s going to be a really nice quilt. I love the snow hen-something I wouldn’t have thought of.
My friend and I are quilting/talk about anything buddies. We work with a group making charity quilts and people donate fabric to us. Someone donated a really nice rose color yardage, she has some blocks donated to her that it would work for well. So she threw the yardage in with a load of whites – which are now pinks! Oh well. New underwear, didn’t cost her anything! I love the chickens, we had turkeys a couple times, not my cup of tea. My sister has chickens, but she’s decided enough is enough. Have a good day.
I have had blue and green yardage that did that. The blue was about 7 yards. The hottest water possible in the tub and a quarter cup of dawn dishwashing liquid. Soak 1-8 hours (the green took 8 hours) and the excess dye kind of “burps” out of the yardage. Then the rose might be safer to use in any quilt. I just did this a few days ago with a few rose colored wovens from way back in the day. They were Roberta Horton designs. One looked like it had not been washed so I tossed it in the sink for a minute. My gosh did dye disperse like crazy. The hot water soak took care of the problem. I will send along images. This method is courtesy of Vicki Welsh, https://www.colorwaysbyvicki.com/blog/lets-talk-about-bleeding-fabrics#/
the chicken “snow hen” is the best!! so cute and creative. i would love that ( or your live hens) in my yard.!
(unfortunately, while our county allows chickens, our HOA vetoes. they want to believe our neighborhood is swanky !!! lol. far from it!! get in touch with reality folks… we’re working, blue collar, and well blended.)
so i live vicariously through you!
Mary, I loved the videos and am tickled that you know how to make them! (I have only succeeded by accident – when I was NOT trying to make a video.) I have been fascinated by chickens since I was a little girl visiting my grandparents in the Catskills and got to see the chickens in the hen house and wandering around in the yard. Good memories! Now I live in Jacksonville, Fl. in the city on 1/4 acre. We have 1 “inside cat” and 3 neighborhood strays that we feed daily too, along with a large # of raccoons and bunches of squirrels, and an opossum, and of course birds and butterflies too. We have had several weeks of unseasonably cold weather, and my grown-up daughter built an improvised shelter over our picnic table and lined the floor with furry blankets; she was worried that it would not be warm enough, and went to the local Walmart to get another blanket, but she found 3 sherpa lined cozy looking oval cat beds for $6 each and got them instead. What a hit they were! Florida cats have no experience with 35 degree weather but they all made it through okay. Thanks again for the chickens! They made my evening.
Elizabeth- thank you for thinking of the stray cats in cold weather – they are helpless and are not accustomed to those temps. Now they have their cozy beds for every night – such lucky cats!! Sounds like you have a fair number of wild animals as well. I will try to be better about sharing the chickens! I think everyone liked seeing them.
Don’t worry about the two different threads on the back of your quilt. Consider it a design decision.
That’s what I call it when I do something “unusual” (which is more often now that I’m getting older!)….
Hubby & I went grocery shopping & to Costco today. I was commenting that I think spring is coming early here, too…our high was 62 today. That’s not winter! I’m NOT looking forward to summer — we had 3+ solid months of over 100 degree temps last summer & we don’t handle heat well. Our dog is going to hate it when the cold temps here end as we stop burning wood. She LOVES laying on the bench in front of the wood stove as it’s toasty warm for her (she’s a ‘senior’, too!).
Deb, I was going to suggest that Mary use a red permanent pen for fabric to colour the white thread, but I really like your idea! I’ll have to remember that tip for future ‘incidents’. Thanks!
What a fun post. Had to watch the videos multiple times, loved hearing your voice. That snow chicken is too, too funny!
Received my 52nd card today from Deb in Minnesota. The front of the card was a photo of a cat on a beautiful quilt. She wrote a very lovely note inside. Her mom will be 93 this year, sounds like another card recipient to me!
Jamie – email me Deb’s last name so I can contact her about her mom –
Jamie would you consider sharing your address again? I had a bit of a hiccup on my end and cant find it – thanks!
Mary, I loved the videos. Great new addition. You’re becoming so techy.
The chickens are fun to see and the big chick on hay stack …we need one.
Now, those fly larvae are creepy. Yuck, I’m glad the chickens like em.
We’re looking at an extremely cold weekend. I hope I can sew for 3 days.
Love the snow hen.
I LOVE LOVE your star quilt! I want to make one!
And the dragonfly quilt is beautiful too. It really did feel like early spring today. Gotta make the most of days like this for sure. Interesting about the fly larvae.
I see the chickens are thriving in the 40 degree weather. And that rooster, just showing off. What a great space on a beautiful day..