July has been about enjoying the long summer days that I love so much. Days spent outside in the gardens are the best, but my dermatologist would profess differently. There is great satisfaction in harvesting the benefits of your labors.
The garden has really been exceptional this year. We put in raised beds last year and it is so much easier on our backs! Last summer’s chill resulted in less than stellar crops, but this year has made up for it. There are basketfuls each day to be enjoyed and shared.
As well the flowers have also done great. The zinnias have been prolific in their bed for over a month now and no signs of slowing down. The plumerias are also in full bloom with their incredible scent.
The sewing studio has been busy, but still not a lot to share yet. Check back August 4th for a blog hop in which I am involved. I do have my Confetti Stars block for this month in the color yellow. These are for the Color of the month project at Freemotion by the River website.
My sister had a birthday this week and had been admiring a tote that I carry. I have seen so many totes using old jeans and decided to use them. It wasn’t nearly as difficult to sew as I imagined it would be with all the thicknesses, and it came out with such nice body to the tote.
I made a couple of the little mini wallets that I’m seeing everywhere. I hate shopping with my purse and this is perfect for my Costco or grocery runs. It’s just big enough for a few credit cards, folded bills, change and a key fob. It easily fits in a pocket and I’m ready to shop without the purse in tow.
The weather makes all the difference in big crops. We have had a good growing season in northern IL too after 2 mediocre years. I love your Zinnias. I didn't get any planted this year.
ReplyDeleteI almost missed your blog post, Mary. Blogger is still delaying some posts from showing up in reading lists...ugh! Your gardens really are prolific this year. Those are healthy looking veges and the flowers are gorgeous. I miss the plumerias we had in Florida. Your are huge! Love the tote and little wallet, too! Hope you are having a great week!!
ReplyDeleteYou have really been busy Mary, love your star blocks! Your Zinnias are beautiful, I forgot to plant them this year, I'm getting tomatoes here in Iowa also. Your tote made from jeans turned out great!
ReplyDeleteYour veggies look delicious! Zinnias are one of my favorite flowers to grow. Mine are finally taking off. . Your little wallet is so cute and great for the quick shopping trips. You’ve been busy!
ReplyDeleteI love raised beds! They really do make gardening easier and a little neater :-) Strawberries are taking up most of my space at the moment but I'm actually getting a few cucumbers from a vine I planted almost a year ago! They are tasty :-) Your Zinnias are just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWe are fogged in again this morning but I'm hoping some new tomato seeds will sprout anyway. The last crop was delicious. Still trying to get the lettuce going. I tried some new soil. Paws crossed they will sprout.
Enjoy your bountiful harvest!
Great pickings from your garden Mary and so many pretty blooms too.
ReplyDeletePretty Stars and you made a cute, useful purse but the bag for your sister made from jeans is gorgeous...
I envy you your gardens: you really do have a green thumb! That's a cute little wallet, too. Did you make up the pattern yourself?
ReplyDeleteLove the zinnias and their happy colors!