It's raining here today. Not good weather for Halloween. But it did give me a chance to finish my little Jack-O-Lantern wall hanging. It's my first finish in a long time!
Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Halloween.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Yipes! Was That Frost I Saw? It Must Be the End of Fall
I haven't posted since last Sunday. Wonder if I have lost my Mojo. Maybe just my posting Mojo. I am still busy sewing and creating, so that part is okay.
I went to the Creativ Festival yesterday. It was amazing, especially because I was able to go on my own. It was kind of like a pilgrimage. I left my house on my scooter at around 8:30am and drove to the GO station which is closest to my house. Even so, it is about a kilometre away. I had to wear my winter coat because the temperature was around 0C. There was a hint of white frost on the ground. Winter is coming. I got to the GO station about 20 minutes before the train was to leave. I was right on time and so was the train.
We arrived at Union Station a half hour later. Then I had to travel through Union Station, the Sky Walk and along Front Street until I got to the Convention Centre entrance. From there it was a lot of searching, elevators and purchasing a ticket before I arrived at the line-up to go into the show. Luckily I ran into quite a few quilty friends so the wait did not seem to last long. Once inside I headed straight to the back of the building where the crowds were not so bad.
It was difficult to get close to very crowded booths and there were many of those. But I did see everything. And even ran into a good friend whom I haven't seen for many years since she moved up north. I bought a few fat quarters and some other quilt related things. I also bought a kit to make a bag for making baked potatoes in the microwave.
There were lots of interesting exhibits. One was a beautiful display of Amigurumi under water plants and creatures. I would have loved to make some, but there were no patterns. It was just a display that would be dismantled when the show is over and the toys given away to kids in hospitals.
I took a photo of this lovely quilt. I love the applique and piecing. It looks easy. I might like to make a wall hanging like this for the winter months.
I left the Show without knowing what time it was. But the crowds were getting thicker and thicker and it was difficult for me to get around on my scooter. I reversed my travels back to Union Station and found that I was right on time. The train that would take me back home was only a few minutes away. When I saw the sign change, I noticed that my train was to leave from track 27. I have never left from that track, even when I was able to walk, so I went in search for it. I found it, but not the elevator that would take me up to the track level. So I drove around at top speed trying to find a GO person to ask how to find the elevator. I finally found someone. She got a couple of people to help me. The elevator for track 27 was on the other side of the station, past the VIA trains. A nice man ran beside my scooter and took me up to the next level. Then he directed me to another nice GO employee who took me up in another elevator to track 27. I thanked them profusely and boarded the train. I was afraid I would have missed it, but I was just in time once more. The whistle blew and I had not even made it to my seat when the train began to move. A half hour later I arrived at my stop. The drive home was cold and gloomy. Clouds had moved in and it looked like it would rain any minute. But I made it home, safe and dry. On my way I saw a beautiful red Oak tree. The colour was incredible. It made me want to start a new quilt.
As you have probably guessed, Wildflower Wednesdays will have to be postponed until next year. There are very few flowers still in bloom around here. The end of fall is here. But I can show you my hexie flowers. I am still busy with the La Passion quilt. This is where I'm at right now.
I was very happy when I got home from the show yesterday. That was the first time I have ever tried to take public transit on my own. It was very easy and fun and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Was even thinking of going down there again today. But it is raining out, cold, windy with heavy rain. Not a good day to travel, so I will just stay in my sewing room and think of warmer days.
I went to the Creativ Festival yesterday. It was amazing, especially because I was able to go on my own. It was kind of like a pilgrimage. I left my house on my scooter at around 8:30am and drove to the GO station which is closest to my house. Even so, it is about a kilometre away. I had to wear my winter coat because the temperature was around 0C. There was a hint of white frost on the ground. Winter is coming. I got to the GO station about 20 minutes before the train was to leave. I was right on time and so was the train.
We arrived at Union Station a half hour later. Then I had to travel through Union Station, the Sky Walk and along Front Street until I got to the Convention Centre entrance. From there it was a lot of searching, elevators and purchasing a ticket before I arrived at the line-up to go into the show. Luckily I ran into quite a few quilty friends so the wait did not seem to last long. Once inside I headed straight to the back of the building where the crowds were not so bad.
It was difficult to get close to very crowded booths and there were many of those. But I did see everything. And even ran into a good friend whom I haven't seen for many years since she moved up north. I bought a few fat quarters and some other quilt related things. I also bought a kit to make a bag for making baked potatoes in the microwave.
There were lots of interesting exhibits. One was a beautiful display of Amigurumi under water plants and creatures. I would have loved to make some, but there were no patterns. It was just a display that would be dismantled when the show is over and the toys given away to kids in hospitals.
I took a photo of this lovely quilt. I love the applique and piecing. It looks easy. I might like to make a wall hanging like this for the winter months.
I left the Show without knowing what time it was. But the crowds were getting thicker and thicker and it was difficult for me to get around on my scooter. I reversed my travels back to Union Station and found that I was right on time. The train that would take me back home was only a few minutes away. When I saw the sign change, I noticed that my train was to leave from track 27. I have never left from that track, even when I was able to walk, so I went in search for it. I found it, but not the elevator that would take me up to the track level. So I drove around at top speed trying to find a GO person to ask how to find the elevator. I finally found someone. She got a couple of people to help me. The elevator for track 27 was on the other side of the station, past the VIA trains. A nice man ran beside my scooter and took me up to the next level. Then he directed me to another nice GO employee who took me up in another elevator to track 27. I thanked them profusely and boarded the train. I was afraid I would have missed it, but I was just in time once more. The whistle blew and I had not even made it to my seat when the train began to move. A half hour later I arrived at my stop. The drive home was cold and gloomy. Clouds had moved in and it looked like it would rain any minute. But I made it home, safe and dry. On my way I saw a beautiful red Oak tree. The colour was incredible. It made me want to start a new quilt.
As you have probably guessed, Wildflower Wednesdays will have to be postponed until next year. There are very few flowers still in bloom around here. The end of fall is here. But I can show you my hexie flowers. I am still busy with the La Passion quilt. This is where I'm at right now.
I was very happy when I got home from the show yesterday. That was the first time I have ever tried to take public transit on my own. It was very easy and fun and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Was even thinking of going down there again today. But it is raining out, cold, windy with heavy rain. Not a good day to travel, so I will just stay in my sewing room and think of warmer days.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Kaffe Fassett Inspired
My latest charity quilt is finally a flimsy inspired by Kaffe Fassett. Most of these fabrics are mine, but I was able to pick up a few more yesterday when I attended our Quilts from the Heart group at a local senior's residence. We cut 2.5 and 3 inch squares (at least that's what I did) from scraps in order to make some Autumn Dance quilts for Quilts of Valour. I asked if I could have a few scraps of the reds and I was granted my wish. So this morning I turned those scraps and others into this flimsy. I hope to sandwich and quilt it this weekend, so it will be ready for guild night.
This pattern is from Kaffe Fassett's book, 'Country Garden Quilts'. I made a few blocks using Kaffe's fabrics and they turned out beautifully. I will continue to work on them until I have another flimsy. But now I am off to do some grocery shopping.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving
This is our Thanksgiving long weekend. No sewing got done in the last few days - just lots of eating and being with friends and family. Today is actually Thanksgiving Day, but DH and I have the day all to ourselves. Something to be thankful for, I guess. I am canning applesauce today.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian Friends!
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Thursday's Weed
The charger for my scooter has been replaced and I can now charge up the batteries and get out of the house. You have no idea how liberating that is! I have felt like a prisoner for about 3 weeks and I had no way of taking more photos of wildflowers to post on Wednesdays.
But yesterday my batteries were fully charged and I went to the library. As I drove around my neighbourhood I noticed the growth of a weed that everybody hates. It's called Ragweed.
This is not a wildflower. It's a full-out noxious weed! But it does have flowers and that's where the problem starts. This plant is the bane of allergy sufferers everywhere.
Although it is a plant that originally grew in rural areas, it has adapted itself and now grows just about everywhere. Here is some that is growing in a crack along the side of the road, between the pavement and the curb.
The problem with Ragweed is the pollen. Ragweed plants can produce up to a billion pollen grains per plant. This pollen is very small and light-weight and can travel for up to 400 km, carried by the wind. It causes runny noses and watery eyes for many sufferers. Male and female flowers are borne on each plant, but it is the male flowers that produce the pollen.
It always irritates me when pictures of other wildflowers, such as Goldenrod or Dandelions, accompany articles relating to hay fever. Those plants don't cause hay fever. You, see, it is the colour of the flowers that gives them away. Ragweed has green flowers and the others have coloured flowers. It is only the green flowering plants that produce pollen light enough to float through the air. The pollen grains of Goldenrod and Dandelions are large and heavy and depend on bees and other insects to pollinate them. Ragweed relies only on the wind to blow its pollen around to other plants. So when you see a wonderful field of yellow Goldenrod or the first golden globes of Dandelion-colour in spring, don't stay away from them. They cannot hurt you. They are the 'good' plants.
Ragweed belongs to the Asteraceae family, like Sunflowers and Asters. The thing that makes me cringe is that they are in the Genus, Ambrosia. That makes me think of wonderful foods from the gods. But I think it only refers to this plant's tenacity to thrive just about everywhere. This definitely is a noxious weed! If you have it in your garden or see it growing along the side of the road beside your boulevard, pull it out! Other than providing food for a few caterpillars, this plant does nothing for the beauty of our planet. At least not by my standards. I don't suffer from allergies, but maybe I am just a little bit biased.
But yesterday my batteries were fully charged and I went to the library. As I drove around my neighbourhood I noticed the growth of a weed that everybody hates. It's called Ragweed.
This is not a wildflower. It's a full-out noxious weed! But it does have flowers and that's where the problem starts. This plant is the bane of allergy sufferers everywhere.
Although it is a plant that originally grew in rural areas, it has adapted itself and now grows just about everywhere. Here is some that is growing in a crack along the side of the road, between the pavement and the curb.
The problem with Ragweed is the pollen. Ragweed plants can produce up to a billion pollen grains per plant. This pollen is very small and light-weight and can travel for up to 400 km, carried by the wind. It causes runny noses and watery eyes for many sufferers. Male and female flowers are borne on each plant, but it is the male flowers that produce the pollen.
It always irritates me when pictures of other wildflowers, such as Goldenrod or Dandelions, accompany articles relating to hay fever. Those plants don't cause hay fever. You, see, it is the colour of the flowers that gives them away. Ragweed has green flowers and the others have coloured flowers. It is only the green flowering plants that produce pollen light enough to float through the air. The pollen grains of Goldenrod and Dandelions are large and heavy and depend on bees and other insects to pollinate them. Ragweed relies only on the wind to blow its pollen around to other plants. So when you see a wonderful field of yellow Goldenrod or the first golden globes of Dandelion-colour in spring, don't stay away from them. They cannot hurt you. They are the 'good' plants.
Here is some Ragweed growing beside the bus stop on Lawrence Ave. E.
Ragweed belongs to the Asteraceae family, like Sunflowers and Asters. The thing that makes me cringe is that they are in the Genus, Ambrosia. That makes me think of wonderful foods from the gods. But I think it only refers to this plant's tenacity to thrive just about everywhere. This definitely is a noxious weed! If you have it in your garden or see it growing along the side of the road beside your boulevard, pull it out! Other than providing food for a few caterpillars, this plant does nothing for the beauty of our planet. At least not by my standards. I don't suffer from allergies, but maybe I am just a little bit biased.
Monday, October 07, 2013
I'm Back!
It was a fantastic weekend! The weather could have been better, but since we were sewing all day it didn't really matter if we had some showers. The rooms were fantastic. The food was delicious. And all of my fellow quilters were positive and inspirational. Our venue was Elim Lodge and we couldn't have stayed in a nicer place. We were set up in the meeting room. It was huge and we had lots of room with a table to ourselves.
On the way home on Sunday we stopped at a newly opened quilt shop in Newcastle. It was in the quaintest of buildings as you can see from the photo. It has only been open for about 5 weeks. The owners were so kind and helpful. It is called Annie's Quilt Shop and I'm sure I'll be going back there if I am ever in the area again.
It was a great weekend. I couldn't have done it without Debra's help. Thanks Deb for everything. You're the greatest! Here are some more photos. I just couldn't stop taking photos!
A few of us morning people went over and started sewing at 6:00am. You can see how spacious it was. It was quiet for awhile until more people arrived. Breakfast was at 8:30am. I always seemed to eat too much. Everything was so delicious.
In the afternoon the place looked more like this. That's Debra in the black, facing the camera. Sharing our work and talking about quilting. What more could you ask for?
The dining hall was down by the beach. On the way, we passed a cute little church. I just had to get a photo of it.
I worked on a couple of quilts while we were there. The first one is Autumn Dance. I thought this one was perfect for a fall retreat. I still have several more blocks to make, but I know I can get them done at home. I also worked on some 'Rolling Stones' blocks. I saw them on Fons and Porter last week and I thought I would give them a try. I'll show you when I have more done.
It was a great weekend. I couldn't have done it without Debra's help. Thanks Deb for everything. You're the greatest! Here are some more photos. I just couldn't stop taking photos!
Friday, October 04, 2013
My Bags are Packed, I'm Ready to Go!
It's retreat tine! Debra from Patchwork Sanity is picking me up in less than an hour. This is going to be great! Lots of sewing, friendship, fun and not having to cook. I'll tell you all about it on Monday
.
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
This Should be Wildflower Wednesday, but I have More Exciting News!
Today's flower was going to be the Jerusalem artichoke. You can see it on my header at the moment. This plant is really gorgeous! I have it growing in my backyard. That is why I can show it to you today. You see, my scooter is not working right now, so I can't go out and take photos. It's a real drag because the weather has been fantastic and so far I have been stuck inside the house. My battery charger is not working. One has been ordered and it should be here any day, but for now I am a prisoner in my own home.
This plant is in the Asteraceae family. It has nothing to do with Jerusalem and it is not a type of artichoke. Its botanical name is Helianthus tuberosus. The tuber of this plant is edible and is said to resemble the taste of an artichoke. This plant has been cultivated for its root since before Europeans came to this country.
I would write more about it, but I am too excited about my other news! Even though I have been unable to go anywhere by scooter, my friend, Sylvia has kept me mobile. Last evening we went to see Kaffe Fassett!
Nicole of Log Cabin Yardage in Whitevale had invited him to come to her shop and talk to us. It was a fantastic lecture! Even though he didn't bring any quilts with him, his slide show was beautiful. He outlined his life and interests and how he got started in knitting and quilting. He is also a painter, which I didn't know, and I loved seeing his paintings. He is a great speaker, very talented with a terrific sense of humour. I was totally inspired by this man!
He signed some books I had and I bought a few fat quarters of his fabrics at Nicole's shop. I just love his fabrics! The evening was over far too quickly. Both Sylvia and I could talk of nothing else on our way home. What a great middle-of-the-week indulgence!
See that 'necklace' around his neck? Nicole's daughter finger knitted that during his presentation and presented it to him. What a darling girl! He graciously let her put it around his neck. Thanked her and then without skipping a beat, went on answering questions and making us laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Thank you Sylvia for doing the driving and thank you Nicole for inviting this talented man and allowing me to come and listen to him speak.
This plant is in the Asteraceae family. It has nothing to do with Jerusalem and it is not a type of artichoke. Its botanical name is Helianthus tuberosus. The tuber of this plant is edible and is said to resemble the taste of an artichoke. This plant has been cultivated for its root since before Europeans came to this country.
Yes! The real, live Kaffe Fassett!
Nicole of Log Cabin Yardage in Whitevale had invited him to come to her shop and talk to us. It was a fantastic lecture! Even though he didn't bring any quilts with him, his slide show was beautiful. He outlined his life and interests and how he got started in knitting and quilting. He is also a painter, which I didn't know, and I loved seeing his paintings. He is a great speaker, very talented with a terrific sense of humour. I was totally inspired by this man!
He signed some books I had and I bought a few fat quarters of his fabrics at Nicole's shop. I just love his fabrics! The evening was over far too quickly. Both Sylvia and I could talk of nothing else on our way home. What a great middle-of-the-week indulgence!
See that 'necklace' around his neck? Nicole's daughter finger knitted that during his presentation and presented it to him. What a darling girl! He graciously let her put it around his neck. Thanked her and then without skipping a beat, went on answering questions and making us laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Thank you Sylvia for doing the driving and thank you Nicole for inviting this talented man and allowing me to come and listen to him speak.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Some More Hexies Completed on This Beautiful Sunny Friday
I finished one of the motifs that goes around the centre of the La Passion quilt. Five more motifs are started.
For the next week or so I will have to put my hexies away. I have to get ready for our Guild's retreat. I want to have lots of 2.5 inch squares cut so that I can just sew, sew sew when I am there. Hope to show you more next week.
We have had a beautiful week. The temperatures have been just right and the sun has been bright and cheerful. I wonder if this is Indian Summer. Hope not! We have not had frost yet, but we have been close to it on several nights. My DD is going up north this weekend to see the colours in Algonquin Park. They are supposed to be 80 to 90 percent perfection!
Mini loves this weather. She has been running around the house, scampering over furniture and up and down the stairs, like a kitten. She even let me take a photo of her this morning. Usually she runs away as soon as she sees my camera.
My cute kitty!
"Meow! Why do you always have to point that thing at me? Can't you just let me sit here in peace? I'm enjoying the early morning sunshine and the comfortable temperatures. Get that camera out of my face! Now! Meow!"
Ahhhh! That's more like my feisty little kitten. But I know you don't mean it. You, with the sweet face, are just too cute!
For the next week or so I will have to put my hexies away. I have to get ready for our Guild's retreat. I want to have lots of 2.5 inch squares cut so that I can just sew, sew sew when I am there. Hope to show you more next week.
We have had a beautiful week. The temperatures have been just right and the sun has been bright and cheerful. I wonder if this is Indian Summer. Hope not! We have not had frost yet, but we have been close to it on several nights. My DD is going up north this weekend to see the colours in Algonquin Park. They are supposed to be 80 to 90 percent perfection!
Mini loves this weather. She has been running around the house, scampering over furniture and up and down the stairs, like a kitten. She even let me take a photo of her this morning. Usually she runs away as soon as she sees my camera.
My cute kitty!
"Meow! Why do you always have to point that thing at me? Can't you just let me sit here in peace? I'm enjoying the early morning sunshine and the comfortable temperatures. Get that camera out of my face! Now! Meow!"
Ahhhh! That's more like my feisty little kitten. But I know you don't mean it. You, with the sweet face, are just too cute!
Have a Terrific Weekend Everyone!
I am linking up to Hexie Friday on A Quilting Reader's Garden.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Wildflower Wednesday
I will soon have to retire Wildflower Wednesday for this year. Our days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder. But I could not leave you without showing some Asters. These plants, for me, say, 'Fall'.
There are thousands of species and they are very difficult to tell apart, even for an experienced botanist. I will not even try to figure out which Asters I have taken photos of.
Aster means 'star' in Greek. The flowers truly are like little stars. This one is a light mauve one. The flowers are much smaller, but they brighten up many a waste area.
Asters are found the world over, except for Antarctica. They are mainly grown for their beauty. I could not find many other uses for this plant. This white one is very pretty. It grows upright. The white is brilliant amongst the yellowing of other plants.
Sorry Folks. This has to be a short post. My computer, and especially my photo files, are giving me problems.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Friday's Post on Saturday
Sorry Folks. I was not able to post anything yesterday because I was without power for most of the day. In the afternoon I was starting to wonder if I should eat all of the ice cream in the freezer before it thawed, but then the power came back on. Oh, well, it would have been a delicious dinner.
I once again volunteered at DD's school last Thursday for grade 1/2 art. We made owls. This was a project that I had made about 30 years ago with the kids in my class. The owls turned out great. I think that was my last volunteer day. The classes have been sorted out and redistributed, so that there are not as many students in each class. DD will be teaching grade 7/8 students all day and she won't need me for art any longer. Maybe I will do something else at the school. I don't know yet.
I have been working on my La Passion this week. Got the blue hexies attached around the outside. They're not completely stitched down, but I will work on it later. I love how this is turning out.
On Thursday evening I went out for dinner with DD and a couple of staff members from her school. It was nice to get out and not have to cook dinner. DH ate left-overs. Afterwards I invited one of the staff members over to see my backyard. She loves plants and has wanted to come over and see my garden for a long time. This lovely patch of Fall Crocuses were in bloom.
Then yesterday my DD dropped by after school to bring me this wonderful little plant. It is a gift from the teacher who was here on Thursday. She dug it up from her garden and gave it to me. Isn't she terrific? It\s called 'Streptocarpus'. I have never owned one of these plants before. I love it and hope I will be able to keep it growing for a long time. It reminds me of an orchid.
It is raining today. It's cold and wet and a wonderful day to stay indoors and sew. Mimi thinks I should take a nap. She has offered to move over if I want to sleep with her. Okay, Mimi. I think I will do that.
I am linking up with Hexies on Fridays at A Quilting Readers Garden.
I once again volunteered at DD's school last Thursday for grade 1/2 art. We made owls. This was a project that I had made about 30 years ago with the kids in my class. The owls turned out great. I think that was my last volunteer day. The classes have been sorted out and redistributed, so that there are not as many students in each class. DD will be teaching grade 7/8 students all day and she won't need me for art any longer. Maybe I will do something else at the school. I don't know yet.I have been working on my La Passion this week. Got the blue hexies attached around the outside. They're not completely stitched down, but I will work on it later. I love how this is turning out.
On Thursday evening I went out for dinner with DD and a couple of staff members from her school. It was nice to get out and not have to cook dinner. DH ate left-overs. Afterwards I invited one of the staff members over to see my backyard. She loves plants and has wanted to come over and see my garden for a long time. This lovely patch of Fall Crocuses were in bloom.
Then yesterday my DD dropped by after school to bring me this wonderful little plant. It is a gift from the teacher who was here on Thursday. She dug it up from her garden and gave it to me. Isn't she terrific? It\s called 'Streptocarpus'. I have never owned one of these plants before. I love it and hope I will be able to keep it growing for a long time. It reminds me of an orchid.
It is raining today. It's cold and wet and a wonderful day to stay indoors and sew. Mimi thinks I should take a nap. She has offered to move over if I want to sleep with her. Okay, Mimi. I think I will do that.
Have a Great Weekend!
I am linking up with Hexies on Fridays at A Quilting Readers Garden.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Wildflower Wednesday
Today's plant is Dog Strangle Vine, also known as Black Swallow-wort.. It is in the Milkweed family that I talked about last Wednesday, sharing a similar milk-like substance in the stems. It is very invasive and grows into large tangled colonies. Because of the common name, some people think that it could strangle a dog if they got tangled up in it, but this is actually not a danger. This plant is in the Genus Cynanchum. This sounds like the Greek word for 'dog' and 'to choke' and that is how it got its common name. It is native to Europe and was brought to North America in the early 1800s. It has very few natural controls on our side of the Atlantic.
Dog Strangle Vine is very invasive and is a threat to biodiversity, crowding out native plants. It is reaching epic numbers in our area, growing along highways, waste areas, hillsides, fields, parks as well as gardens. I even had a few come up in my garden this spring. This is what it looked like.
When they are small, they can be dug up and destroyed. But as they grow into large colonies, they are almost impossible to get rid of.
These plants are not only problematic for all plants growing nearby, they also have a negative effect on Monarch butterflies. Because this plant is in the Milkweed family, it is often confused by the adult Monarch for Milkweed. When she lays her eggs on the Dog Strangle Vine by mistake, the larva cannot mature since this plant is highly toxic.
In summer the plants flower. These flowers are very small and some think they are insignificant, but I think they are very pretty. Above is a shot of the dark purple flowers. You can see how similar each floret appears to the milkweed flowers in the foreground.
As the seed pods mature, they start to look like very skinny milkweed pods. The seeds are similar also, floating through the air attached to their parachutes. I have mixed feelings about this plant. I have to keep digging up small plants in my garden, which is difficult for me to do. If we let this plant keep growing out of control it will kill off many native plants and insects, so I can easily hate it. But I also admire its tenacity, its 'doggedness', so to speak. LOL It can grow anywhere and everywhere and does very well where ever it plants its roots. This plant is currently the most hated weed in our area. As I travel around on my scooter I can see why this is so. It seems to have taken over large areas of our ravine. I am fearful for the damage it can do.
Dog Strangle Vine is very invasive and is a threat to biodiversity, crowding out native plants. It is reaching epic numbers in our area, growing along highways, waste areas, hillsides, fields, parks as well as gardens. I even had a few come up in my garden this spring. This is what it looked like.
When they are small, they can be dug up and destroyed. But as they grow into large colonies, they are almost impossible to get rid of.
These plants are not only problematic for all plants growing nearby, they also have a negative effect on Monarch butterflies. Because this plant is in the Milkweed family, it is often confused by the adult Monarch for Milkweed. When she lays her eggs on the Dog Strangle Vine by mistake, the larva cannot mature since this plant is highly toxic.
In summer the plants flower. These flowers are very small and some think they are insignificant, but I think they are very pretty. Above is a shot of the dark purple flowers. You can see how similar each floret appears to the milkweed flowers in the foreground.
As the seed pods mature, they start to look like very skinny milkweed pods. The seeds are similar also, floating through the air attached to their parachutes. I have mixed feelings about this plant. I have to keep digging up small plants in my garden, which is difficult for me to do. If we let this plant keep growing out of control it will kill off many native plants and insects, so I can easily hate it. But I also admire its tenacity, its 'doggedness', so to speak. LOL It can grow anywhere and everywhere and does very well where ever it plants its roots. This plant is currently the most hated weed in our area. As I travel around on my scooter I can see why this is so. It seems to have taken over large areas of our ravine. I am fearful for the damage it can do.
Friday, September 13, 2013
A Strange Week - Which Season are We In?
We had really strange weather this week. It was cold last weekend and then became hot super hot on Tuesday. We had temps in the low 30s with a humidex in the low 40s. That continued for a couple of days. Yesterday afternoon it started to cool down. Today it is cold again - only around 11C. I just can't get used to this.
Yesterday my DD asked me to come to her school and help her out with a Grade 1/2 class that she had for art. I had mixed feelings, but once I got there I quite enjoyed myself. The kids made self portraits.
Today is Friday so I should give you a hexie update. I managed to get an entire row of hexies around my La Passion. Now I will put a row of blue around it. I don't have enough of the blue that I used in the centre of the blocks, but I think I have something very close to it.
I have also been playing around with some very small hexies. I think I might make a pillow with them. I have no pattern for this and am just making it up as I go. I'm using lots of scraps so it will be very colourful.
I am linking up with Angie's blog.
Have a Terrific Weekend!
Yesterday my DD asked me to come to her school and help her out with a Grade 1/2 class that she had for art. I had mixed feelings, but once I got there I quite enjoyed myself. The kids made self portraits.
Today is Friday so I should give you a hexie update. I managed to get an entire row of hexies around my La Passion. Now I will put a row of blue around it. I don't have enough of the blue that I used in the centre of the blocks, but I think I have something very close to it.
I have also been playing around with some very small hexies. I think I might make a pillow with them. I have no pattern for this and am just making it up as I go. I'm using lots of scraps so it will be very colourful.
I am linking up with Angie's blog.
Have a Terrific Weekend!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Wildflower Wednesday
While out riding on my scooter yesterday, I came across a wonderful area full of Goldenrod. I took a couple of photos even though I had featured Goldenrod last week. I just couldn't resist. I wish I had had this shot last week, but since I didn't, I will post it now.
This picture does not do this scene justice. The yellow was brighter than sunshine, the temperature was summer-like with a high in the low 30s, the grasshoppers were everywhere and the cicadas celebrated the last days of summer with their buzzing songs. I have this scene implanted in my brain so that I will be able to 'see' it in January when we have a foot of snow.
On the other side of the path were more Goldenrod. And today's wildflower, the Milkweed plant.
Milkweed gets its name from the thick, white, milky juice inside this plant. It contains latex and some species are know to be toxic. It is in the Genus, Asclepias, which is named after the Greek god of healing Asclepius, because this plant has been used to treat many ailments.
I took this photo last spring. This plant looks great even without flowers or seed pods.
In early summer the flowers open. It always amazes me how these round flowers can turn into those long seed pods that Milkweeds are famous for. But they do. Each flower is pollinated. The seeds are produced in follicles or seed pods.
Inside the pods the seeds are arranged in overlapping rows. Each seed has a white, silky 'parachute attached to it. When the pods ripen and split open the seeds fly through the air attached to their parachutes, much like dandelions.
Perhaps the most important use of Milkweed is by the Monarch Butterflies who depends solely on this plant to feed their larva. Other insects also use the Milkweed as a food source.
During WWII, the United States collected 5,000 pounds of the white filament fibres to use as a filling instead of kapok. It is still grown commercially as a pillow filling.
Native South Americans and Africans used the poisons in the sap to tip their arrows, making them more lethal for hunting purposes.
I love the seed pods when they split open and disperse their seeds. I have collected these pods in the past and used them to decorate Christmas wreaths and other decorations. They can be spray painted and added to floral arrangements. I have also used them to make fun things with my students. I still have a little 'mouse' I made many, many years ago. It has seen better days, especially after Mimi got a hold of it and decided it was fair game.
Half a pod, some hot glue, a couple of pistachio shells for ears, two black beads for eyes and a piece of string or lace for a tail. Cute, eh?
On the other side of the path were more Goldenrod. And today's wildflower, the Milkweed plant.
Milkweed gets its name from the thick, white, milky juice inside this plant. It contains latex and some species are know to be toxic. It is in the Genus, Asclepias, which is named after the Greek god of healing Asclepius, because this plant has been used to treat many ailments.
In early summer the flowers open. It always amazes me how these round flowers can turn into those long seed pods that Milkweeds are famous for. But they do. Each flower is pollinated. The seeds are produced in follicles or seed pods.
Inside the pods the seeds are arranged in overlapping rows. Each seed has a white, silky 'parachute attached to it. When the pods ripen and split open the seeds fly through the air attached to their parachutes, much like dandelions.
Perhaps the most important use of Milkweed is by the Monarch Butterflies who depends solely on this plant to feed their larva. Other insects also use the Milkweed as a food source.
During WWII, the United States collected 5,000 pounds of the white filament fibres to use as a filling instead of kapok. It is still grown commercially as a pillow filling.
Native South Americans and Africans used the poisons in the sap to tip their arrows, making them more lethal for hunting purposes.
I love the seed pods when they split open and disperse their seeds. I have collected these pods in the past and used them to decorate Christmas wreaths and other decorations. They can be spray painted and added to floral arrangements. I have also used them to make fun things with my students. I still have a little 'mouse' I made many, many years ago. It has seen better days, especially after Mimi got a hold of it and decided it was fair game.
Half a pod, some hot glue, a couple of pistachio shells for ears, two black beads for eyes and a piece of string or lace for a tail. Cute, eh?
Friday, September 06, 2013
La Passion Progress
My La Passion hexies (Grit's Life) are progressing. I have about 30 white hexies to do in order to finish this round. That sounds like a lot, but I am sure I can finish it tonight.
My garden is a riot of colour. This is my perennial hibiscus. I planted it last year and it is doing fantastically. Sadly my burgundy hibiscus did not survive the winter. Maybe I should look for another one, but I just don't have the space in my garden right now.
My garden is a riot of colour. This is my perennial hibiscus. I planted it last year and it is doing fantastically. Sadly my burgundy hibiscus did not survive the winter. Maybe I should look for another one, but I just don't have the space in my garden right now.
Well back to business. I feel like a busy bee. Yeah, just like these guys.
Have a terrific weekend!
I am linking to A Quilting Readers Garden.
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
Wildflower Wednesday
Can't believe it's Wednesday already. School started yesterday and the weather has turned fall-like. That means I have to show you an autumn wildflower. This is Goldenrod.
It's growing in my backyard. I should have pulled it up in the spring, but I couldn't get into the back of my garden to work there. So now everything is a gorgeous yellow colour. Many people consider this plant to be an invasive weed. I have often thought this too, but it is currently used in gardens, especially wildflower gardens because it is so beautiful. Goldenrod is in the Asteraceae family.
I have no idea which Goldenrod I have. It is definitely a plume-like variety - maybe Tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissimo) or Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis). There are more than 69 varieties growing around here. This photo shows its plume-like flower heads.
Goldenrod is thought by many to bring good luck or good fortune. Young leaves can be eaten and a tea can be brewed from the flower heads. Native Peoples chewed the leaves to relieve sore throats and the roots to relieve toothaches. Herbal practitioners use Goldenrod to treat kidney and bladder conditions.
This plant attracts insects, including bees and other pollinators. Several interesting insects sometimes lay their eggs in goldenrods, creating a gall or swollen area on the stem where the larva lives and eats. Woodpeckers have been known to attack this gall and eat the larva inside. A type of wasp also digs into the gall and eats the larva.
This is sort of like a wildflower too. I think the squirrels planted this one in my garden. So far they have left it alone, but I don't think it will be for long. That is why I took a photo this morning. It is so beautiful!
I am going to save some seeds to plant next year. That is, if the squirrels will let me.
Now getting ready to go out for lunch with my quilt group. Now that September has started, I am back into the swing of quilty things.
It's growing in my backyard. I should have pulled it up in the spring, but I couldn't get into the back of my garden to work there. So now everything is a gorgeous yellow colour. Many people consider this plant to be an invasive weed. I have often thought this too, but it is currently used in gardens, especially wildflower gardens because it is so beautiful. Goldenrod is in the Asteraceae family.
I have no idea which Goldenrod I have. It is definitely a plume-like variety - maybe Tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissimo) or Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis). There are more than 69 varieties growing around here. This photo shows its plume-like flower heads.
Goldenrod is thought by many to bring good luck or good fortune. Young leaves can be eaten and a tea can be brewed from the flower heads. Native Peoples chewed the leaves to relieve sore throats and the roots to relieve toothaches. Herbal practitioners use Goldenrod to treat kidney and bladder conditions.
This plant attracts insects, including bees and other pollinators. Several interesting insects sometimes lay their eggs in goldenrods, creating a gall or swollen area on the stem where the larva lives and eats. Woodpeckers have been known to attack this gall and eat the larva inside. A type of wasp also digs into the gall and eats the larva.
This is sort of like a wildflower too. I think the squirrels planted this one in my garden. So far they have left it alone, but I don't think it will be for long. That is why I took a photo this morning. It is so beautiful!
I am going to save some seeds to plant next year. That is, if the squirrels will let me.
Now getting ready to go out for lunch with my quilt group. Now that September has started, I am back into the swing of quilty things.
Friday, August 30, 2013
The Last Friday of Summer?
I have received several calls from friends who are worried about me. I haven't posted anything for over a week. But don't worry, I am fine. Just a bit lazy, maybe. I have been doing a lot of reading with my feet up. My leg feels a lot better than last week. Now I am sure that it was hurting me because of my fall and not because the auto-immune disorder had come back. So I am happy.
Today is the last day of August. This weekend is a long weekend for us. It's the Labour Day Weekend. On Monday the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) will close for another year. School will begin on Tuesday. I used to get all excited on the Labour Day Weekend, but since I'm retired now, I think I will just go out and buy myself a new package of markers and maybe some new pens. I just can't ignore the calling of the bell. But the sad thing is, this weekend marks the unofficial end of our summer. Oh, well. I suppose I will have more time to quilt.
I have been working on my La Passion that Grit was doing. I did not get a lot of it done, but I will this week. I plan to do the pink flowers that go around this piece. That should keep me busy.
Also, I have signed up to go on a retreat in October. Debra of Patchwork Sanity has offered to take me. How fun! A whole weekend of sewing. I have decided to work on a new quilt while I am there. I saw it at our executive meeting last Monday night. It's called 'Autumn Dance'. It was featured in the Quilters Connection magazine last month. I just love this quilt.
The one that was shown at our meeting was even more beautiful than the one in the magazine. I figure if I can cut out all the 2 1/2 inch squares I will be able to sew this baby together at the retreat. That\s my plan anyway. These are just a couple of prototype blocks. I am going to need a lot of 2 1/2 inch squares as well as 2 1/2 inch HSTs. There is also a stem that has to be appliqued onto the block. I might get those prepped too before I go. Right now I have lots of inspiration and ideas. We'll see what I'm like in October.
And now a final shot of what is on my design wall. These are some of the half nine patch blocks that I have been working on. I do one or two a day and sometimes none. But I already have 12 blocks done. I have no idea how many more I need, probably 100 or so. Phew! Back to work.
Today is the last day of August. This weekend is a long weekend for us. It's the Labour Day Weekend. On Monday the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) will close for another year. School will begin on Tuesday. I used to get all excited on the Labour Day Weekend, but since I'm retired now, I think I will just go out and buy myself a new package of markers and maybe some new pens. I just can't ignore the calling of the bell. But the sad thing is, this weekend marks the unofficial end of our summer. Oh, well. I suppose I will have more time to quilt.
I have been working on my La Passion that Grit was doing. I did not get a lot of it done, but I will this week. I plan to do the pink flowers that go around this piece. That should keep me busy.
Also, I have signed up to go on a retreat in October. Debra of Patchwork Sanity has offered to take me. How fun! A whole weekend of sewing. I have decided to work on a new quilt while I am there. I saw it at our executive meeting last Monday night. It's called 'Autumn Dance'. It was featured in the Quilters Connection magazine last month. I just love this quilt.
The one that was shown at our meeting was even more beautiful than the one in the magazine. I figure if I can cut out all the 2 1/2 inch squares I will be able to sew this baby together at the retreat. That\s my plan anyway. These are just a couple of prototype blocks. I am going to need a lot of 2 1/2 inch squares as well as 2 1/2 inch HSTs. There is also a stem that has to be appliqued onto the block. I might get those prepped too before I go. Right now I have lots of inspiration and ideas. We'll see what I'm like in October.
And now a final shot of what is on my design wall. These are some of the half nine patch blocks that I have been working on. I do one or two a day and sometimes none. But I already have 12 blocks done. I have no idea how many more I need, probably 100 or so. Phew! Back to work.
Have a great weekend everyone!
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