Pages

▼

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

My Marigolds

The Marigold has long been used as a base for ointments for repairing minor damage to the skin. The sap from the stem is reputed to remove warts, corns and calluses. Pigments in Marigolds are sometimes extracted and used as a food colouring. Marigolds have a pungent odor which which help to keep insects at bay in your flower beds. I love them for their array of yellow, orange, and rust coloured star clusters.

PLAYING WITH STARS


I made my star blocks for the "Simple Things" quilt along. Used some of my 4-patch blocks for the centers and then thought it would be easier (and less seams) to make flying geese units instead of all those HST's. **yes, I plan to use those trimmed off corners in something**


Progress!! Second round is all attached and it is now 42" square. I have it hanging so I can think about the next two borders.


And still seeing stars - my new swap partner for the Australian 6.5" block swap wanted pastel Ohio Stars on tone-on-tone background. I hope they get to her, as she tells me there is a mail strike (Canada).




Well, there is a star block in this. My latest little stitchery is done and fabric framed. Going out to someone as a surprise Pay It Forward and thank you.






CLOSING INSPIRATION

"Open afresh your rounds of starry folds,
Ye ardent Marigolds."
- John Keats


Sewingly Yours,
Sharon
at

23 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 22, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    Marigolds attract lots of earwigs here in victoria,do they where you are Sharon? Beautiful cross stitch wall hanging you are very clever Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 22, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    Your Simple Things quilt is coming along beautifully! I still love the dark star points. You are making me panic a bit as I'm not nearly as far along as you are - ha ha!

    ReplyDelete
  3. QuiltSueJune 23, 2011 at 1:01 AM

    Your stars are all beautiful. You have been very busy with them.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wilma LeeJune 23, 2011 at 4:07 AM

    I like marigolds too, for the bright yellow color, but my favorite for around the garden are zinnias.

    ReplyDelete
  5. rooeeJune 23, 2011 at 4:17 AM

    love your stars! i like to look at marigolds but not too keen on the smell!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. BelindaJune 23, 2011 at 5:48 AM

    I LOVE marigolds, but have the hardest time growing them. The only time I ever was able to do it, was in a big vintage wash pot out in the sun. It didn't have a drain, so maybe they need more water than I have been giving them? I tried again this year with some Miracle grow potting soil. No luck. There has to be a secret. LOL.
    Your work is beautiful!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Stray Stitches (Linda G)June 23, 2011 at 5:48 AM

    Love your stars and your quilt top is looking beautiful! Your stitchery is adorable and the recipient should be extremely happy to receive it.
    Interesting facts on the marigold - thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  8. JudyCinNCJune 23, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    That was pretty quick on the stitchery. Very nice and lucky "Pay it Forward" recipient. I love to plant marigolds around my tomato bushes. Judy C sends "warm" wishes

    ReplyDelete
  9. Marcia - Crafty Sewing and QuiltingJune 23, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    Interesting about the Marigolds. I plant them on the bottom row of my garden to keep the bunnies away! I love the bright colors of them too!

    And what a beautiful little stitchery for a lucky person. I love the pay it forward idea...I was very sick 20 some years ago and so many people helped me and I asked my Mom how will I pay them back. She said you won't, just thank them and you will do for others in the future that need help. I try to do it all the time, a kind word, a dime here or there when someone is short and a gift of something when I have extra to share!

    Love seeing all your projects! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  10. rubyslipperz1052June 23, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    I like marigolds...they are really hardy...I'm not such an attentive water-er. But, I do like the other colors they come in...since, I'm not such a goldy-yellow person.

    Oh...can I admit...that I'm jealous?? ...yes? well, I'm soooo jealous of the the person who gets your stitchery...

    How do you get sooo-sew much done? Do you watch TV or listen to radio while you "work"?

    hugZ,
    annie
    rubyslipperz106.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. SheilaJune 23, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Oooooh marigolds. Such happy flowers. The dark points on the stars really made them Pop. Nice touch.
    Another lovely needle point piece! I love to see you create magic with fabric and colorful threads :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. CharJune 23, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    Love all the stars. Thank you for the interesting facts on Marigolds. You're right the yellows and oranges are beautiful I've included them in my pots this year.

    ReplyDelete
  13. sunnyJune 23, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    Adorable cross stitch. Who is the designer?

    ReplyDelete
  14. ShannonJune 23, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Marigolds are one of my favorite flowers, but boy are they stinky! LOL! You blocks look great. Your Simple Things quilt is so great. The cross stitch is so cute!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownJune 23, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    love that stitchery...looks great

    ReplyDelete
  16. CheryllJune 24, 2011 at 4:52 AM

    Your home must be very "bright" with all those stars in it....very pretty! And I LoVe the stitchery..it's wonderful..lucky PIF friend! Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousJune 24, 2011 at 6:22 AM

    WHOOP WHOOP! Your stitchery is gorgeous! I had to enlarge the pic to take it all in!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sarah CraigJune 24, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Wow!! I'm seeing stars - and they're gorgeous!! Great work this week! Whoop whoop!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sue DaurioJune 24, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    Love love love the stars! That second round with the stars in a circle is wonderful! And the cross stitch, is awesome as always!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Miss HillbillyJune 24, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    I love the idea of a surprise pay it forward. And I love the colors of Marigolds too. Not ever having a green thumb, I have never raised many flowers and I had no idea they have a bad odor!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Vicki @ DottyJaneJune 25, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    I love all the stars! Marigolds are so pretty but they do smell:)

    ReplyDelete
  22. BritaJune 26, 2011 at 4:00 AM

    You certainly have been playing with stars! beautiful! I love the layout of the quilt. When I try arranging something in a circular plan, it never looks like that! Sweet stitching bit.

    ReplyDelete
  23. BillieBee (billiemick)June 26, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    You have been busy. Love the stars!

    I must get some marigolds.

    ReplyDelete