Soooooo. It’s HOT here. Now, my daughter is in Texas this summer, and she assures me that as hot as it is here (on the East Coast), it is hotter in Texas. She’s probably right… but still… it’s HOT. So the best thing to do is to just stay inside and be grateful for air conditioning. I consider this “summer hunkerin’-down”- it’s pretty much the same as “winter hunkerin’-down.” As in, when the weather does not cooperate, it’s a good time to stay in and draw and sew and watch Jane Austen or other period movies. (Yesterday’s selection- Poldark– have you seen it?? Some are calling it the new Downton Abbey- it’s very different from Downton, quite a bit darker and broodier. I love it.)
The only difference is that in the winter, I also like to make soup and desserts while I’m stuck inside, but in the summer I depend on hubby to bring home take-out food so I don’t have to cook, ha ha.
In the studio, I’m working on a little Autumn project, with this wool applique sunflower:
And the giant hexies (5″ across) continue to pile up. I am cleaning out the fabric stash for this (who am I kidding- there is no end to the fabric stash…)
The Sew Sweet Simplicity 50% off sale has been very popular, so I’ve extended it another week! The sale now runs through Aug. 6, so if you haven’t gotten your pattern yet, now’s the time! The pattern has gotten lots of wonderful feedback, I think people really like the easy to follow, step-by-step diagrams. Please continue to post your photos of your finished projects on my Facebook page and the Pinterest group board– it’s never too late to show off your pretty projects! Click here to get your pattern half off.
I also have some of those lovely decorative pins in stock in the shop! They just make a pin cushion super-cute, don’t you think? They are the perfect finishing touch if you are making pin cushions to give as gifts. There are several different styles in stock right now, click here.
My husband and I really enjoyed the Poldark series. Great storyline! Love your wool sunflower! I’m anxious to see the finished project.
Joan- Did you see the season finale the other night? So sad, and such a cliff hanger! Can’t believe we have to wait another year to see what happens!
Cute sunflower! I have never worked with wool, and it makes applique so pretty! I’m going to have to try this sometime.
Monica- You will love wool applique- so fun because there are no edges to turn under :)
I’m loving Poldark too! I haven’t watched the finale yet – perhaps tonight :)
The finale was sad! But Ross and Demelza are strong characters, aren’t they?
Your wool appliqué reminds me I need to get busy on a couple of old wool projects so I can use at least one this fall. Yes, Poldark is on my list too. My sister was a fan of the original and wasn’t sure about this new version, but after part of episode 1, she is hooked! We binge watched it up to the finale on Sunday night. Looking forward to S2. Now she’s reading the books, which I may just borrow … ( If you are looking for a good series and have Netflix, When Calls the Heart, S1 is there. It’s based on Jeanette Oke’s Canadian West books.)
I’m always looking for a good series, but unfortunately I can’t get Netflix where I live :(
I love Poldark and didn’t know this was going to be an ongoing series. I was hoping the 7 episodes was it. Do we have to wait until next year to see it again? How is he going to get himself out of this mess? So glad Verity finally got nerve enough to leave home. Those family members treated her like a slave.
Apparently, it’s a long series of books, so there is a lot of material for numerous seasons of programs (that makes me glad!)
I also enjoy watching the series “Poldark” or any period pieces that are on PBS. I really like your wool applique and I am so into hexies and will have to try that 5″ one.
Sandra- The 5″ hexies go very quickly! I’m almost done making the hexies, then I will have to move onto sewing them all together. That will take quite a bit longer!
I will be waiting to see them all those hexies put together.
Love Poldark! Absolutely wonderful show! So glad I found it. PBS did it again! Bravo! Nice to see that someone else enjoyed it too. Love you posts Jacquelynne. Thank you for such beauty.
Janelle- Thanks for your nice comment! I always like to share when I find something that I think other people will enjoy :) And I do enjoy the show a lot!
The wool sunflower looks very interesting. i’ll be looking for the final product.
My husband and i thoroughly enjoyed Poldark. The finale was certainly a cliff hanger. PBS does a phenomenal job with so many of its period pieces.
Alys- My husband hasn’t seen it yet, but I’ll make him watch it and I’ll watch again with him! I know he will like it, he is a history buff and his mother is from England so I know he will enjoy seeing the scenery from Cornwall.
I too loved Poldark. I didn’t record them and forgot to watch it. On demand has the last two episodes and I watched the first two episodes. I may be buying the bluray disc of this season.
Pamela- I asked for the DVD AND the soundtrack for my birthday! So I hope I get them *wink*
My birthday is also next week! I will be somewhere between 60 and 65 on Aug. 12.
LOL Karen. I will be somewhere between 20 and 70 on the 16th!!
I don’t know about this Poldark. I remember the original from the 70’s or 80’s. I adored that. wish they would bring that back rather than make new one.
Anne- I never saw the old version, so I can’t compare. But I don’t think you can beat the beautiful scenery and wonderful actors in this version. Plus- the actor who played the original Poldark plays a judge in this new series. You might want to give it a try- you will probably like it!
I’ve been watching Poldark since the first episode. Just love period pieces although I get upset seeing how some people were treated back in those days. Its going to be a long years wait for next seasons show. I understand why you feel a change is in order. As my years advance (I’m somewhere between 65 and 71) I’m feeling the same way. It always feels like there is not enough time for everything we WANT to do. Oh, in case I forget, an early Happy B’day to you. Have a good one….
Yes, the inequalities in the classes were terrible. However, I suppose that highlighting that makes for good drama, right? I love the Ross Poldark character because he is very complex- not a perfect man, but he does have very high moral standards and empathy for his fellow man.
Change is good! We need to shake things up a bit….