Trail of History

 This is the reason I don't put pumpkins or corn outside to decorate for fall. These pesky critters always seem to eat them. This guy started chewing our pumpkin the first day I got it. Grrr...

 Today my daughter and I went to the Trail of History. It's a long walk from the parking area to the tent area. Long, but very scenic. The Trail of History has interpretors recreate life in the Midwest from 1670-1850. It was a gorgeous day - about 70 degrees and sunny!

 I found a rug hooker, Dine. The top rug is a #4 cut.

 My daughter noticed Diane's purse. Simply gorgeous!

 There were tents with those that acted, entertained, and other had a shop. This one had trays of vintage reproduction buttons.

It was a fun day to walk and enjoy. I got some twill tape for rugs. Rachel got a necklace and some homemade root beer.

I now need a weekend to unwind from my weekend. Instead, I'm off to pack lunches and work on some Christmas ornaments.

~*~ Laura ~*~

Done and to-do

Hooking - done. (Just binding to do)

Prototype ornament - done. (Found some wool roving to attach to the top. Took off the star and moon, and added french knots for snow)

Primitive cedar chest - to do. I found this at a local thrift store this weekend. It has chipped/peeling paint. (wonder if it's lead paint???). I loved the styling of it, so I  bought it. I will (eventually) sand and re-stain it. Then to remove my son's turntable from the top! But, it has plenty of storage inside.

To-do. Get ready for winter. Our local weather predictor, Chuck,  the ornate box turtle, has been hibernating earlier than last year. Wonder if this means we are in for a long winter?

~*~ Laura ~*~

UFO's

I have a lot of unfinished objects (UFO's) around here. I'm getting closer to finishing this one. Only a little more of the background to go.

 This wool applique table runner has been unfinished for, gulp, a year. I kept it as a project to take along. No reading directions. I finished stitching the basket and flowers, just needed to button hole stitch the backing to the front.

I've been browsing and debating on Christmas ornies to make for this year. I want to get them done before Thanksgiving, so time is getting short. I started playing around with some leftover wool, using a pattern by Buttermilk Basin. I shrunk the pattern down, and they only are about 4" tall. Since I shrunk the pattern, the moon and star are just too much for the small area. I might change it bit on the next one. The handle will be different, too. I have another idea for the top edge, but need to make a trip to Hobby Lobby. Then to make 2 dozen of them. Guess I"ll be busy!

I had Friday off of work, as it was a teacher institute day. (aides don't work) I finished stitching my table runner. It's not on the living room table (which is an antique cedar chest).

Homecoming for the high school was Saturday. Two of my three went to the dance. This is the only photo I got of the boys. They went to someone else's house for some photos.

The boys wouldn't let me take photos, so I went on a walk this afternoon at the local conservation area. My other 2 kids came along.

Rachel and I were taking photos. She's taking a photography class in school, and is always needing photos for the next project. Of course she had to critique a few of my photos and tell me to edit them!

I still have one more day off school for Columbus Day. Hopefully it will be a productive day!

~*~ Laura ~*~

What's on my frame??

I found a new home for my vintage quilt. It's on the living room chair. I won't be cutting it up, so my sister can breath a sigh of relief! I don't need a quilt ,as the weather has been gorgeous. But, winter is coming, and a nice quilt would be nice to keep around.

What's on my frame??? I've been working on my older snowman face rug that I started a while ago. I decided to do the background in a saltbox red that I dyed. I used a natural, oatmeal, and 2 light plaids of wool all in the same dye pot. My flash is really emphasizing the differences in the wools, but it's a nice blend.

I'm not thrilled about hooking on monks cloth again. I'm finding that my hook gets stuck and I end of grabbing a small section the cloth. I think I'll stick to linen for all future projects.

I get a 4 day weekend this weekend. I might end up painting the foyer, on top of doing more job hunting. I'm totally discouraged about finding a job. I just applied to an internal posting, but didn't even get an interview. Sigh. Maybe one day. If only I could get paid (enough to make it worthwhile) to craft and rug hook. But, that might take away from the relaxation of it. I think I'll spend the rest of the evening finishing another section of the background. I might have to dye up a little more wool to finish the entire background. I'll see how far my wool worms go.

~*~ Laura ~*~