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Saturday, January 3, 2026

Blue Hearts and Stars, and Contentment

 Of course, I'm keen and eager to join in with the Rainbow Scrap Challenge (RSC)  once again.  Blue is the colour for January, I must have known that as I've made a great start on sewing blue blocks already during the last month.   This is another secret project, and I don't think the recipient reads my blog. but maybe she does.  So I'll keep the details close until I have the grand reveal sometime later.

Blur hearts and stars

I've made a good start, and have completed all the star blocks.  The hearts have all be traced, cut, and fused, and now need to be stitched onto the background.  There was lots of rather old visoflix in my stash, which I was pleased to use up.  But of course, not quite enough, so now I've purchased some new stuff, which isn't coming away from the backing paper as before, so much easier to use.  I'll continue working on these blocks during January.  Still a way to go, but I'll get there, one step at a time.

I'm sure some of you watch Kate, from "The Last Homely House".   I really enjoy her vlogs, and she has such a nice way of chatting away, talking about this and that, as if we were friends together.  And in a way we all are, as we sit together on her lime green sofa, which goes right around the world.  Regular viewers will know exactly what I'm talking about.  

The reason I'm mentioning Kate is that in her New Year Vlog she decided that instead of wishing all her viewers a Happy New Year, she would wish us contentment instead.  That thought really resonated with me, as I don't feel at all happy with losing the love of my life, and I never will.  I'm not happy that my life has changed so drastically either.  But maybe I can work towards feeling more content - in my home, doing what I enjoy, being in the company of good friends, and reflecting back on happy times the two of us shared together.  Yes, that might be the answer.

23 comments:

Susan said...

Jenny - I am so far behind reading blogs - but (1) love the blue blocks and (2) - your aim at contentment sounds good. I hope it works for you...unfortunately life happens and we all need to deal with the bad and good and find a way forward.

Jo said...

Oh yes, I actually watched Kate’s show today. I really understand contentment. She has such a calmness about her. Your life has changed so much and friends follow ups and attentiveness has slowed. Now you need to find your own way and something that keeps you going every day. I love seeing what you post about. Please keep it up.

The Cozy Quilter said...

Contentment is a great goal for many of us. We all face challenges in life and the loss of a loved one is particularly difficult. One day at a time. Sometimes, one moment at a time. Your RSC project is lovely. You have chosen some wonderful blue fabrics for your blocks.

Julierose said...

Your "Blue Hearts and Stars" look like a lovely project to work on for RSC this month...I love seeing what everyone makes for this SAL.
I, too, watch Kate and I agree about the "contentment" aspiration...especially with what is going on here now...Continuing on is not always that easy...
Hugs, Julierose

scraphappy said...

I enjoy The Last Homely House as well. May you continue to work toward contentment in the new year. Your blue blocks are lovely. So soft and calm for the new year.

The Joyful Quilter said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of Robin, Jenny. Contentment is the best any of us can hope for sometimes. Here's hoping that your sewing will help mend your broken heart.

Sue said...

Love your hearts & stars, so can't wait for the big reveal. I love your goal of contentment. In the end, being serene & content is all we can do sometimes.

Nancy J said...

I had a very good friend, a bit older then myself, who became a widow. She moved from the North Shore to Tauranga, very near the water's edge, and a warm climate. However she had a fireplace, and once told me even on warm days she lit the fire for company. We have our blogs, sewing or quilting groups, a cat or two, but contentment is that elusive property, so hard to achieve when life changes in a flash. Jenny, I so admire you for continuing to post, to get out, drive distances, and so much more. Both Hugh and I have some health problems that impact our days a lot, and I admit to not being happy about that either. But still try to accept and do what I or we can. Those blues are lovely.Blue, teal, purple or green are my favourites.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Your stars and hearts are beautiful, Jenny! I love that shade of blue. I know of Kate, but haven't watched her vlogs - thanks for the recommendation. Wishing you contentment in 2026 - I think that is a good thing to try for.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

contentment sounds good to me.

Janice said...

Your stars and hearts are a wonderful way to launch into RSC this year. Kate’s suggestion of contentment is a very wise one. One we can all aspire to. I hope you can achieve it this year.

Michelle Ridgway said...

I love your Blue blocks Jenny. Contentment sounds good. It's a difficult thing walking into each New Year without your loved one. Sending you hugs xxx

Jackie said...

Those blocks are lovely and how wonderful you started them last month. Now I have to check out Kate's vlog. Thank you for the recommendation. Contentment is a wonderful thing to strive for and I do hope you reach that.

God bless.

Astrid said...

Beautiful blue blocks, Jenny.

Karen's Korner said...

You are off to a good start with your blue scraps. I am a big fan of Kates and have followed her for years.

Kim said...

I'm always hesitant at the 'Happy New Year' sentiment because as you can only too well relate to, dear Jenny, so much happens in our lives that is the antithesis of being happy. I agree, endeavouring to be content is something to aim for. I watch Kate, too, and her daughter-in-law, Anna's vlog re all things flowers and gardens. Both evoke a sense of gentleness and calm.....peacefulness in this oft-times chaotic world. I love your pretty blue blocks. You've made a great start with the RSC challenge.

Gwyned Trefethen said...

Great start to the New Year, Jenny. Love how you use plaids for your RSC. Thank you for introducing me to The Last Homely House. I watched a bitt of her New Year's Eve post.

Linda at Texas Quilt Gal said...

Oh I'm so, so sorry to read about your husband. I was just admiring your photo next to your travel vehicle, and I know you must've had such a happy life together. Yes contentment is a good word, I pray you find it in many things.
Your blue blocks are lovely!

FlourishingPalms said...

Good for you for already being ahead of the game using the color blue. Your blocks are pretty! I bought some Visoflix when I was in Oz, so I'm familiar with it. It's lovely, lightweight stuff, and perfect for backing an embroidery project before starting to stitch. I'm not familiar with the program you mentioned, so I presume the vlogger is Kiwi or Aussie. Sounds nice. I hope her approach for the new year works for you too. Perhaps "contentment" will be your 2026 word of the year?

Vicki in MN said...

Contentment, I like that idea. Your blue blocks will make a wonderful project to focus on Jenny.

Cathy said...

I love your blue blocks! I don't spend much time on the internet so not familiar with many vlogs. But I will wish you contentment and inner peace too!

nestki said...

Wishing you contentment this year and always, Jenny.

Kathy S. said...

Love your blue fabrics you are using on this project. Your blocks look great together. Can't wait to see what 2026 brings.