Catching Up, Old Projects and New

 Well, after two days of cooking etc., Easter Sunday is in the rear view mirror. Wow, I'm tired. Today I have to clean the Polish china closet. Always a fun time for me, it feels a little drudgy today.

This is what a refer to as my "Chef's Tray," I store all my (well not all) my regularly used spices, oils, etc. It sits on the island next to the cooker, it reduces my footwork. In an attempt to streamline my cooking, it has turned out to be efficient. Notice I mix Polish patterns. Even though they are all different, they coordinate because the blue's all come from the same base, some a little darker than others. I posted this photo on a Facebook group last week to illustrate how we can use all these pieces we collect rather than just display them. 92 people decided to create a version of this. I have been collection since 1985. I use it all, it is refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and oven safe to 500 degrees F.  This is not a commercial, 😊Just a statement. I support Polish factories. Then and now. 

A quick little snap of the table runner that tops the coffee bar. With scraps of darker strips I used white as a center of each block. I don't care for it, too much contrast. It was an experiment. PS: it already has coffee stains on it. I have more scraps and will likely do up another one with a more neutral center stripe. I used my famous deli-papers as a paper base. Still my favorite method for this process.

Yesterday, while walking into church, I was greeted by a stunning display of beautiful purple and yellow pansies, laid out into the form of a cross in one of our side gardens. Still in their little baskets, donated by a generous person, as a gift to anyone who wished to have one. What a wonderful idea. Of course, the smiling little pansies were donning snowflakes and a brisk wind as well. Have I mentioned how done I am with Winter? Seriously, done. An oil painting, by Tissot, titled Seaside. This is where I plan to be today, well, at least in my head. (FYI-available at Victorian Trading if you are interested.) May I add that the dress might be a little over-the-top, the bows may have to go!

The stitching agenda for the week:

• Start & finish the binding on the charm square runner. I usually do that kind of hand stitching after the kitchen is sorted after dinner and husband watches TV,whatever that might be. I have been so tired after cooking, cleaning, etc. that it just sat in its workbasket, staring a me. Not one stitch completed. 
• I am still puttering around with the crochet project, it is coming along. 
  
• Using this fabric, I need to layer the blocks, mark the stitching lines, and begin the pinwheel project.
  
  
  What a beautiful fabric this is! The blue and yellow are so happy, so Summer, just right for now. 
• Today 30 degrees F, the weekend is projected to reach 80! Seriously, I am so confused. Toodles.