Bird watching trip and stitching.

The weekend was fun and productive, even the weather cooperated. On Friday I awarded myself a sewing day. I wanted to finish the remaining 4 stegosaurus blocks and also make the quilt sandwich for the mystery quilt. I started by making the quilt sandwich.  Having taken part in a mystery quilt I decided I'm not over keen on them. I stuck to the instructions that we were given and didn't deviate. I used 9 fat quarters or pieces of left over fabric of the same size. I loved the fabrics I chose but once I started cutting them I felt there wasn't enough definition between them. The fabrics had to be laid out in a set manner to make the nine fabric groups that would be used to make the blocks. You can see what I mean in the photo. Normally I would have changed fabrics around to give a better mix but decide to see how it panned out. 

I made all the blocks and I like the way they turned out but they needed a little lift so I added green sashing and borders. Much better.

For the backing I used some yellow and cream fabric I had in my stash. I didn't have enough of either fabric to make the backing so it has been pieced. This quilt is now ready for quilting so now I'm waiting for inspiration to strike. I have some ideas but it's always useful to give my brain a little extra time. On the occasions when I've rushed into the quilting phase I've found I suddenly have an amazing idea when its too late to change what I'm doing. 

Next I made some bread so that we could have sandwiches for lunch on Saturday. I love how the smell of homemade bread drifts around the house when it's cooking. An estate agent friend once told me that if you want a quick sale on your house make sure you have bread baking and make some fresh ground coffee when the viewing happens. It makes the house much more friendly and home like. Whilst the bread was proving I got on with the dinosaur blocks and by the end of the afternoon I had two more blocks complete.

On Sunday we went to Fingringhoe Wick nature reserve. The sun was shining and it was very warm. The board below explains the history of the area. Remember you can click on the picture to  get an image that you can blow up larger.

This willow had amazing fluffy catkins and the 'fluff' was blowing everywhere.

I had fun spotting the small fungi in one of the meadows

and there were several Southern Marsh Orchids in the same meadow.

The view across the reeds and water was very tranquil. Lots of blue sky and fluffy clouds. My face and arms have already taken on a nice sun kissed appearance but don't worry I remembered my sun screen.

We saw over 30 different species of birds including a white throat, garden warbler, whimbrel and a nightingale. The bird song was everywhere and there were a lot of wild flowers. The reserve also has adders but we didn't see any basking in the sun. They are shy snakes.

On Sunday I awarded myself some more sewing time. I wanted to get all the stegosaurus blocks finished before starting on the next dinosaur. This is my Chookshed challenge for May. I know I won't finish all the blocks but I would love to finish a second set of dinosaurs.  By the end of my sewing time I had 6 completed dinosaurs.

These blocks are large finishing at 21.5 by 10.5 inches. I still need to trim them but I'll do that when all the dinosaur blocks are made and I start piecing the quilt top together.

In the evenings I am working on making the 2nd sleeve for my cardigan. I'm alternating between knitting and the countryside embroidery. That way hopefully both projects will be finished by the end of the month.

Today we were to have visitors but our grandson isn't well. He has a bad cold and so they have stayed at home. Younger daughter was away at her best friends hen do over the weekend but she has now arrived home having had a good time, with massages and other spa treatments and a visit to a vineyard which included wine tasting and lunch. Maybe I'll get my machine out or do some cutting or planning for my next quilt. I think I'll have another cup of tea while I decide what to do next.

Take care

Lyndsey