It's that lovely new day, the first of the month, a fresh start.
In Australia we begin our longed for winter after record breaking summer and autumn temps left everyone weary and in need of rest, whilst many of you in the northern hemisphere are welcoming summer after a long and frosty start to the year.
Regardless of where we are or what the season or weather brings our way, beautiful blooms are a delight to the soul, the gift that always lifts a tired spirit, and God's hand of creative delight in gardens far and wide.
The June block in this year's block of the month is truly one of my favourites and I think it may become one of yours too.
The embroidery focus for this design was an abundance of overlapping lazy daisy stitches surrounding a little blue bird perched on the window sill.
When you first see those peachy pink fronds you might think I've used a variegated thread, but in fact I've used two solids.
Most of the fronds have the darker thread beginning along the lower edge of the stem and the lighter thread is used near the top.
Occasionally I stitched a whole frond in lighter thread for a dimensional effect.
If you're unsure about how to overlap the fronds when using the lazy daisy stitch here's a section of the pattern where three stems overlap...
You can see the order in which I embroidered them.
Backstitch all the stems before you start the lazy daisy leaves and just remember to keep your concentration on one stem at a time and use the pattern sheet for visual aid if you need it.
If you're new to lazy daisy stitch or backstitch have a look HERE at my tutorial.
The pattern for the June block is free until June 30th and available now as a PDF download from my shop.
To see the previous month's blocks they're here on the BOM page.
Yesterday I had a wonderful morning of sewing, chatter, laughter and friendship here at home.
The table was looking a little forlorn the afternoon before as the last of my white chrysanthemums had wilted away so I ducked out to the local supermarket for blooms to refill a favourite vase in preparation for my visitors. I just love flowers on the dining table, no matter the season or the occasion they remind me of God's hand upon my life in a very dear and personal way.
I even found the perfect coffee mug to hold the smaller stems...
My dear friend Rosie came to visit as well as Marci and her sister Fay.
I've known Marci for a few years having met when I took two of my completed quilt tops to her to be long-arm quilted. Both quilts were to be featured in Australian sewing magazines that year (Homespun and Country Threads) and honestly, Marci's machine quilting of them was simply beautiful.
I'd not met Fay as she lives down in Brisbane, however being up here for a short holiday at her sister's it was the perfect opportunity to plan an impromptu morning of sewing and friendship.
We had such a fun visit as all three ladies are genuine, kind and lovely to be around.
And look what Marci and Fay brought me...
More gorgeous blooms!
How blessed was I?
Today I'm about to head out and visit my sweet Blossom and her wee girls for my weekly dose of love and cuddles, thoughtful conversation about homemaking and parenting, and coffee. Always coffee for Bloss and I...unless we decide to brew a large pot of tea which usually happens when deep thoughts need lots of pondering.
May your end of week be a good one, a time of reflection and gratitude for all the good things you have and all the miracles in your life you never see.
hugs
