I’m not sitting on the porch this morning – it’s only 57 degrees and breezy! We have such fluctuations in our weather – makes it hard to plan daily activities and work. Today I hope to tackle those millions of maple helicopters that are everywhere and I’ve decided to blow them into the grass so I chop them up with the mower. If they sprout into little trees I’ll mow them down the next time I mow. Wish me luck! Here’s a hint of the fun I had yesterday.
www.country-threads-chicken-scratch
Yesterday I had some serious fun when I visited my neighbors, Tom and Kathy, who found 3 orphan baby raccoons in the loft of their shed. The mama was laying nearby dead and they estimate the babies to be 5-6 weeks old, healthy but underweight.
I still had a supply of baby animal nipples and we found one that was perfect and fit their little mouths …. and they did eat! And like all babies they fell asleep with full tummies.
It’s good to remember that these are still wild animals who will return to nature once they’re bigger. Their sharp teeth are just coming in but look at those claws! Even now they could scratch skin badly and they’ll only get stronger. I’ve seen an adult raccoon climb up the side of a corn crib!
It’s too bad these babies turn into destructive adults who kill chickens but one must always remember they are wild animals and need to remain wild animals. It remains that I loved handling these baby raccoons! Here are Kathy and Tom who have committed to raising these three babies until they’re able to be released back to nature.
When I got home I took quilt pictures and I have info on our book Sew Charming. We have over 20 of these books on hand and we want to offer a signed copy to all of you for the same price as Amazon Prime.
Amazon has our book for $14.00 and if you have Amazon Prime you’ll get free shipping. We will match that for as many copies that we have on hand. Here’s a look at one of my favorite quilts in the book.
The version in the right adds triangle squares in place of the solid squares. And here’s the one I just finished.
I wanted something very traditional for my table – you might remember when I pieced this quilt and ran out of the prominent gray fabric. Some of you were kind enough to offer fabric but I made a substitution work.
Sew Charming, quilts made two ways from charm packs or scraps, will be available for $14 to Country Threads, 2345 Palm Ave. Garner, IA 50438. Include an address label for our convenience.
I told you I have two finishes to show you. Here’s the second one, a very simple pieced quilt that could be a baby quilt, a wall quilt, a table cover, chair cover – it’s very simple making it a fun quilt to make with fabric you might not use in a traditional quilt. I used my Tula Pink cat fabric and other coordinates.
Here’s another look.
Of course I quilted it very quickly with straight lines. I really love this simple little quilt! Look again at this closeup.
Do you have our book Beyond The Battlefield?
Turn to page 16 to see the quilt called Dashed Dreams.
These two quilts are the same pattern! Instead of string piecing I cut the basic sizes from fabric and pieced it very quickly and very simply. I did this because of the many emails I received asking if the quilts in Beyond The Battlefield could be made in modern fabrics. Of course they can! I am always surprised when asked this question. You must look beyond the fabrics shown and make the quilt as you might see it.
If you are interested in the book Beyond The Battlefield the cost is $31 for a signed book. I’m still planning on making this quilt called Hiding In Plain Sight this fall when I don’t have so much yard work to do.
I really can’t wait to start this quilt along but I promised to wait till fall. I’m pulling my fabrics now so I’m ready to start cutting. Should we say September 1?
This has been a lot to take in this morning, hasn’t it? I’ll review these books for sale again this week. Last week I attended 3 funerals – thankfully this week I’m doing something very fun – going to the Minnesota Quilt Show in Rochester on Thursday, June 13. Meet me in the food court at 1:00 pm – I’ll have a Country Threads sign. Let’s have a “board meeting” for fun!
Now for a blip in the book give away. The next time we do this you will be required to sign in with a very distinct name. This time Reed picked ” Deborah” and she emailed her address to me. As the day went on I heard from 3 more Deborahs but I could locate only one in the comments section. The name cannot be a complete name or Deb or Debbie or Deb M. for example. It has to be exactly what you entered. I will not make this mistake in our next book give away.
This has been lots to catch up on. Tammy is my faithful companion as I write and I’ve been writing for the entire program of CBS This Morning!
Love the baby racoons! Your quilts are beautiful. Didn’t see any ads to cloae😮
What a sweet companion. My friend and I have the Sew Charming book and challenged ourselves to make a quilt a month. I did ok, my friend…didn’t quite get the first one finished. But she used a charm pack, one of many.
The inmates are working on a quilt for the fair. The whole fair is moving to a new location and we’re not sure how much room there will be, not sure if they will accept it. Our quilt guild is not having a show this year so there may be many more quilts for the fair.
I told Loretta you sent a hug, she stretched then waved. Remember she’s left handed so the wave was with her left paw.
No ads yet, but I’ll check later.
Hi Jo …I am helping Mary and Connie with the ad situation; can you tell me if you are using computer, cell phone or another device? I used my cell phone to read this and I clicked out of 3 ads so we are trying to figure out what is happening. Thanks for your help.
It’s late afternoon and I had 6 ads to click on. Sometimes I think it’s timing. If Mary posts when I’m checking my email…no ads. When I check later in the day, there are ads to click on. Just a thought.
I’m using an iPad.
When I check late at night, the ad boxes are there but empty…
I’ll send Mary my phone number if you want to talk.
Mary, yes I want the Sew Charming Book!!!!!!! Amazon Prime member…can I mail you a check..with address label…Just let me know.
Nikki M in TX – yes, mail me a check and I’ll send you the book and thank you!
As the old saying goes…The checks in the mail.
Seriously got it in today’s post. Sunny day with no rain! Did some edging then installed new float in toilet. Had purchased couple weeks ago & forgot to have don install when he was here. Read directions on package, U-tube video & decided I could do it myself & did. Old dogs can learn new tricks!
Nikki M – I am impressed! I can do lots of things but I don’t think I can handle plumbing! You go, Girl!
I love to read your posts everyday. I live in Canada and was wondering If you ship to Canada. And then what about postage as well. Thankyou.
Tammy – as a rule shipping to Canada is about $5.00 more. Include that extra $5 on your check and we’ll be happy to mail to Canada.
Love the coon pictures! I’m in for the Hiding in Plain Sight quilt along – looking forward to pulling fabrics for it. Thanks for your newsy blog post
Who has a variety of baby bottle nipples? Only you Mary, only you! Haha. They are adorable. Love the Tula Pink quilt. It’s simple but beautiful.
Have fun in Minnesota, wish I was there. Maybe next year.
Linda Rouse – I want to be a wildlife rehabilitator in my next life! You just never know when you might need a baby nipple! Haha!
Mary, yes I want the Sew Charming Book!!!!!!! Amazon Prime member…can I mail you a check..with address label…Just let me know.Check in Mail
Me too. Eloisetaco. How do I get in on the quilt –
a- long?
Cathy Barnes – pick 12 UFO’s ND NUMBER THEM 1-12. On the first of every month we’ll draw a number and you’ll finish that project during that month. Well all have 12 finished quilts by next year – won’t that feel good?
Mary, When living in CT I had a friend who had fostered a raccoon. She said they are very strong and when it would take her morning coffee mug away from her hand..it was time! Her husband would take the raccoon out, crawl on his hands and knees and show the female raccoon berries and other things it could eat. It caught on fast and one day it just kept going into their woods on its own to their stream and didn’t return.
A year later it returned to their yard with two little babies, stayed a while and left! Like it was showing them off. That was the last time she ever visited!
Dashed Dreams is on my want to do list!
Launa – what a sweet story that she came back with her babies to show them off! Even these little guys are very strong! They can climb up the side of the large dog kennel in nothing flat! I just loved holding them but am terrified of the adults and what they will destroy.
Bonnie Hunter is at the Rochester MN Quilt Show this week….. she is teaching….. but to say Hey might make her day…..
Susie Q – you mean the other way around, right? It would make MY day to meet Bonnie Hunter!
We often have visits from baby raccoons but Thankfully they are accompanied by their moms. We also have had a couple of bears. The “simple pieced” quilt is made the way I often make my quilt backs these days… trying to use up my stash.
Beth Laverne – EXCELLENT IDEA! I have smaller pieces as well and piece most of my backs.
One of my favorite books of all times is “Rascal”. It is about a boy and his raccoon friend. If you haven’t read it I highly recommend it. It is a memoir by Sterling North about his childhood in Wisconsin. It is a children’s book so super easy but so interesting. Loved the pictures.😊
Janet Snyder – yes, I love that book!
Please post next year’s Rochester MN show dates when you get them. Some of us who live farther away dream of coming up and being there with you online friends, but won’t make it this year. Have a wonderful time and send photos of all the fun!
The MN State Quilt show alternates locations between St Paul, St. Cloud and Rochester, so it will be in Rochester in 3 years.
Tanya T – did you see Cynthia’s comment about rotation of the show? It will be back in 3 years and Rochester is the closest location for me and easiest to get to. Maybe in 3 years?
Set aside a “Sew Charming” book for me. My check and address label are in the mail. Thanks.
I would like a copy of the Sew Charming book also. I could even stop by and pick it up!
Kathy Zuehl – perfect! Just let me know when you’re coming by my house.
Will do! Thanks!
I know what you mean about had work, garden has me pinned down right now, but I love my garden.. The new book look awesome.. Someone will b very lucky.. Love that Tula fabric quilt. The colors are far from what I use but gave me thoughts on some fabric I have been hanging onto😳.. Love hearing from you and all your stories then at country threads.
Oh how fun to raise coon babies! I love the pictures of them. Thanks
I just put my check in the mail this morning for a signed copy of your Sew Charming book, thank you so much!
A check and an address label are in the mail for an autographed copy of Sew Charming. Thanks, Mary!
One night many years ago two raccoons had a fight in the mulberry tree next to the house. They were vicious. One limped away and it sounded like it was crying. I’d love one of the Sew Charming books – a check will be in the mail today. Thanks from Baltimore
I would love to take advantage of your most generous offer for Beyond the Battlefield! Thank you so much! My check is in the mail. From one Mary to another, blessings
Whoops, just realized, the book is Sew Charming (red face). It’s a wonderful book, but I already have it.
so sorry for my misunderstanding.
Mary I would love to buy your book. I will put a check in the mail today!
Have a great time at the quilt show this week.
Susan from Rockwell
Love the baby raccoons and your Tula Pink quilt……it is quite Fun!! Enjoy your time in Rochester! Getting together with other Quilters feeds the Soul!
Well, Darn. I already own Sew Charming. What a good deal, though.
Love your little baby quilt. I will look in my copy of Beyond The Battlefield to find the dimensions.
Those babies!! How adorable they are.
Looking forward to seeing you at 1pm on Thursday—yay!! And my check is in the mail for Sew Charming. Thank you. What a fun week!
When looking at the Tula Pink cat fabric quilt, my eyes are instantly drawn to the turquoise cross in the center of it. Every time I went back and looked at it, that is what I saw.
xoxo
Martha in Maine
Those baby racoons! I had a great aunt and uncle who lived on a farm. I remember visiting them one time when I was a kid (a long, long time ago, lol!) and they had a family of baby coons in their corn crib. Something had happened to the mama, and I think my uncle took care of those babies til they were old enough to live on their own. Your pictures reminded me of them.
I don’t know if it’s too late to claim a copy of Sew Charming or not; I am sending you a check today, with a mailing label, if you’re already out just let me know.
Those baby raccoons are absolutely precious. We had a mama and three babies that would come to my sunflower feeders a few summers ago; each afternoon, like clockwork.
I love the Tula version of Dashed Dreams; like a previous commenter mentioned, my eyes also zeroed in on the turquoise cross! ✝️
I like the quilt that is just strips,,,,,thinking it would look good with my 30s Paula in KY
Did you know, baby racoons purr? Fostered 2 and they would purr when they slept. Cutiest darn things
Maryann – I heard that purring for the first time yesterday! I did not know they purred!
I love the Dashed Dreams quilt!
Mary, I hope your neighbors had the babies checked for rabies, especially since they found the mother dead. They are cute, but we’ve had several cases of rabid raccoons in our area since the beginning of the year.
Just like all babies, they’re funny and cute.
I am also mailing you a check for “Sew Charming”–Hope you have one left!! We have a new kitten in the house and your comment about the baby raccoons sleeping with a full stomach made me think of her. When she (Katie) is not sleeping she is very rambunctious–she is a Siamese and I think that is a trait of her breed.
She is trying to make friends with our coal black cat named Cinderella who is nearly 12 years old and is slowly making head way. I so enjoy reading your blog and all the interesting things you do!!
Mary,
I would like a copy of the Sew Charming book and a feed sack if you still have some. I would love a chicken or goat feed bag but I will take what I can get! Please let me know if you still have the bag and I will post the check tomorrow. Thank you! Love your books and your blog!
Doris G – I’m quite sure I’ll still have bags so you can include $4.00 in your check for the book.
Those raccoon babies are adorable! But I’m with you on the adults, dread having them come through and finding my bluebirds or nesting swallows. And worried constantly when I had my hens. I would love to have a signed copy of the Sew Charming book! I’ll have my check in the morning mail – along with a mailing label! Thank you! I love the quilt you made from it – the subtle colors are great. Love the background fabric! Clicking ads – I even click them when I go back to read past posts, lol. I use a computer and click on the heading to read the post. I almost always have some ads to click. Jan in MA
Janice – thanks for clicking those ads whenever you see them! Every little bit helps!
Cute baby raccoons but then they grow into mean adult raccoons who are not quite so cute. Lol! Please, please remember to take pictures of the quilts at the quilt show Thursday. Then I hope you’ll post at least some of them on your blog here. I love looking at pictures of others quilts for inspiration. You’ll probably get back & tell us you found sew many quilts you want to make that were at the show! Haha! Have fun Thursday. TN is a bit too far from MN for me to be able to join you but it sure would be fun. One of the guilds I’m in here is having their quilt show this weekend, Friday & Saturday, so I’ll be very busy helping out with that this week as we get everything in place!
Jan from TN – I promise to take pictures! I’d better have my extra charger with me and yes, I’m sure I’ll find plenty I want to make!
Mary DO you still have SEW CHARMING books? IF so I will mail a check the day I get an answer.
Love the raccoons!
I baby bottle fed a squirrel a few years ago. Had to teach it how to climb and everything. It sat on my shoulder when I was in the yard. When she was finally on her own and had babies she brought them for me to see but wouldn’t let me touch them. She was so much fun while raising her. Her Mama got run over very shortly after she was born is the reason I raised her. When she would hear the microwave ding she would lay on her towel knowing she was getting fed. Great experience!
Donna N – oh what a wonderful special time with that baby squirrel! I’m wondering how you found her after the mom got killed?
She was in the street in front of my house after falling out of the nest. The Mama was just a little way down the street. She was so tiny about the size of my palm. That squirrel was so sweet and loved wild strawberries. To teach her to be a squirrel I would put her on a branch and walk under the tree going a little further each day. Finally I put her in a tree and then I walked under another tree so she jumped to that tree. I have a video of her following me all over the yard. After about 3 or 4 months I started letting her go outside by herself. She finally started staying out most of the day but would come back to her cage ( the door stayed open by this time) on the porch for another month or so then just started staying in the yard all the time. If I was outside she would come to me crawl on my shoulder and walk around til I went back in. Such good memories. Do you still have Sew Charming?
Donna N – first of all, yes, we have Sew Charming for you. Aren’t you just so thankful you saw that baby in the street? And you did all the right things teaching her to be a real squirrel! Such a lovely story, Donna, and I’m sure you know how much I enjoyed it. And you moved her to the outside in just the right way – slowly and gradually. It’s stories like this that would make a wonderful children’s book – I have so many in my head! Thank you for this heartwarming story! BTW, where do you live?
Thanks for saving me a book. I’ll put a check in the mail tomorrow. I live in North Alabama. Glad you enjoyed the squirrel story,
I have both of your books. I need more time in the day to make all of the quilts that I want. We have a raccoon here on the farm. I had been bringing some of my pots on the porch because the coons have been so destructive. I took a chance and left two pots out. Sunday morning the pots were completely dug out, and my strawberry pot was in pieces. I used Miracle Grow potting soil, and there must be something in that mix that the coons like to dig. Last year a mother coon climbed our door and broke through the screen to get to the cay food. The little ones are cute, but the adults are something else.
Diane In WI – I agree with you 100% – adult raccoons are nothing to mess around with! Since we installed all the fencing, it has cut down the wildlife almost to nothing – except the wild birds. And I’m relieved that Telly and Hazel aren’t going to come face to face with a mama coon out in the grove. They could certainly climb the chain link fence but maybe it’s just too much of a bother? Too bad about your pots! Raccoons are so destructive!
Oh, yes! Those babies are awfully cute. Many years ago we visited a state park and the ranger was raising an orphan, it was fun to see it wash some of its food and it climbed all over me and had such soft hands. We had a mom, about 4 years ago, which brought three babies to the mulberry trees and it was fun to watch them, they would flattened themselves on the branches trying to hide. This was around five pm and the mom will make little noises at them. We also had two youngsters and one of them was injured. They slept in a tree cavity. Don’t know happened to them.
They are wild and we should remember that, but we are supposed to take care of nature, on the other hand my brother in law’s dog was badly injured by a coon.
Felicia Hamlin – as I told someone else, I’m thankful our fence discourages raccoons because Hazel would be all over that fun! Barking and lunging at a mad raccoon! She could be killed! I know how dangerous they are and would never approach a friendly-axting
Felicia – sent before I finished! Friendly acting raccoons would likely have rabies.
Anyone else having trouble closing ads? The little “X” that is usually in the upper right hand corner is no longer showing up on the ads on my computer. So I don’t know of any other way to close up an ad. Any suggestions? By the way, love your Tula Pink quilt!! Nice of your friends to help out these babies and then release them into the wild again! Wish I could join you in Rochester, too many other things going on that day. Have a great time together!!
I’ll be looking forward to the Hiding In Plain Sight sew-along! I already have the book, so I can daydream about colors for a while before we get started 🙂
Just catching up on yesterdays emails… my check (and label) for Sew Charming will be in tomorrows mail. Sure hope there is one left…
Many, many years ago my cousin rescued a couple of orphaned raccoons… my aunt tolerated them in her house – until they started climbing up her new drapes! Out they went!!
There is an awesome group in Waterloo called Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation that specializes in raising orphaned wildlife. They also take in any and all injured wildlife. They care for them until they are able to release them back to nature. This group has specialty training and is lucky enough to work with a local vet with wildlife expertise. Special licensing is required to work with many of these animals and it is also illegal for people to have some of them. I would urge your friends to contact them. God bless them for caring for them!