Valerean

To combat my dislike of fall I invested in A Somerset Halloween ~ Creative Ideas for a Spooky Season , which I plan to use to make some new decorations for the house for this October. The projects in the magazine are mostly small and not too difficult, and I actually do like Halloween, so it shouldn't be a chore. Harmony Lynn Goodson's "Kicking Off the Fall Season" has a lot of fun suggestions on how to welcome Halloween and fall with some whimsical decorations. We don't entertain, but we can certainly spruce up our usual October 31st efforts for the trick-or-treaters. I am not a doll person, but I could see remaking some thrifted stuffed animals in fall colors and putting them in wee Halloween costumes. There are a lot of fun ideas in this issue that will no doubt appeal to the kid in every creative -- check it out if you get the chance.

Happy Independence Day from Valerean.

We spent Easter walking on Daytona Beach and hiking at Tomoka State Park. To see what we did, check out my album of pics here .

Happy Valentine's Day from Valerean.

Happy New Year from Valerean. Image credit: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Merry Christmas from Valerean.

Doesn't seem like there is much to be grateful for this year, until you consider the daily miracle of those we love in our lives. No matter how dark and hateful and horrible the world becomes, I always have a reason to be thankful on this day. I hope you do, too. Happy Thanksgiving from Valerean.

Happy Halloween from Valerean. Image Credit: Image by HANSUAN FABREGAS from Pixabay

While Hurricane Milton was raging I worked on this cat-themed Halloween treat bag, which I sent to my favorite Kat on the other side of the planet. The last minute addition of the vintage lizard brooch really made a cute touch. She was always picking up lizards when she was a little girl. The other side. I really like how the cat appliques turned out, too. For some reason the shot I took of the inside blurred, but you can still make out the novelty candy corn print, which was a scrap from a Halloween treat bag I made her when she was in high school. So (although I save fabric way too long) that was the perfect finishing touch.

Last month Kat sent me these pics of the floating lantern festival they have for Memorial Day on her island. Her new boyfriend (yes, she's finally dating again!) sang at the ceremony. What a lovely way to remember those courageous men and women who gave their lives in service of our country. As a veteran I'm always happy to see folks honor soldiers in any way, but this one seems especially beautiful.

Happy Independence Day from Valerean.

Happy Valentine's Day from Valerean. Image Credit: Luisella Planeta LOVE PEACE 💛💙 from Pixabay

My third try at amigurmi crochet last month was this slightly wonky present, which had the most difficult pattern. I admit, I messed up on a few details. Still happy with it. I liked the polar bear best. I don't have to wait for Christmas to put him out. And here's all three of the tree trio. I think for a first attempt at amigurumi I did pretty well. All the yarn was thrifted, with the exception of the red, which was recycled fiber.

Happy New Year from Valerean.

In one of the linen lots I thrifted this year was this pre-quilted panel of Christmas kitchen things. In keeping with my promise to stop hating the holidays I decided to cut them out and finish them. I think I did a baby blanket from a panel like this when I first started quilting, back in the Jurassic era, but that's all I've done with panels. Basically you cut out the pieces and sew on bias tape, which isn't hard at all. It also gave me a chance to practice using my sewing machine to attach binding, something I want to learn to do well. I used vintage bias tape I've been saving from other thrifts. Here are the finished apron, oven mitt and potholders.

Merry Christmas from Valerean.

Rarely does an idea I have work out exactly as I envision it, but this time it did. You remember the lot of faux pearls I thrifted (that included some real pieces?) I got some recycled styrofoam cones, thrifted white yarn, my hot glue gun and then went to work on my idea. The end result: pearl Christmas trees. The silver stars on top were cut from some ornament hangers.

My guy and I finally got downtown to see the annual lights display. I have seen these for almost 20 years now and still never get tired of them. It's my favorite part of Christmas. My only favorite part, ha. A local fiber art group yarn bombed the community notice kiosk in the park, which was very cool to see. I'll try to get back there during the day to get some better pics.

Happy Thanksgiving from Valerean.

Happy Halloween from Valerean.