Yesterday was a lazy day Melanie came over and we really were just visiting a bit outside on the porch and I never did bring out any sewing to work on and she had left her stitching at home. These circles I did on Sunday night for Under the Big Top two more in this section that I was working on last night and then on to the last corner.
I ordered this pattern for a Christmas Quilt it could be a wall hanging or a quilt – I’m not sure which I will use it for and will it get done this year? Not my usual style but I have a ton of green fabric to use and thought this would use up a few.
And when Melanie was here we were walking around the yard a bit looking for some Beauty Berries that she wanted to pick – they grow wild and I saw another clump of Purple Coneflowers growing. They are little and hugging the ground – they are not usually like that but they did sprout from deadheads that I had tossed in this area.
These are Beauty berries – these grow wild all over the place and are this pretty purple color at this stage of the year – you can make different things from them I think she said she was going to make a syrup out of them – I have not tasted them – she is a forger and likes to try experiment with the plants. “Yes, American Beautyberries are edible but are better in cooked preparations like jelly, wine, or syrup due to their astringent flavor, which can cause mild stomach cramps if eaten raw in large quantities. The berries are considered to have a unique flavor that can be described as mildly sweet with spicy notes or similar to rose petals and champagne when made into a jelly.
Wow. Those berries may not grow in the northeast, or at least I have never seen such vibrant ones around here. What an amazing jelly or syrup they would make.
Sounds like you are taking it easy as you recover, and that’s good. I like that Christmas pattern. I’ve been thinking about holiday projects myself as a friend asked if I’d make her a tree skirt. I have an idea and bought some fabric for it, but just have to check in with her about it before I start. I hate binding tree skirts but will do it for her!
Dear Karen,
So glad you are on the mend and are getting better each and every day. The cooler weather is welcome after a very hot summer. The garden is calling and just being able to enjoy it, go for a walk and to discover new plants growing is a joy. Love all the progress with your projects and Melanie’s stitching.
Love how Under the Big Top is coming together, Karen. I’ve looked at that Laundry Basket pattern and love it but don’t have the skills for it but you do!!
I have Coneflowers here too and they are pretty hardy. Thank you for showing those American Beautyberries…brilliant and brand new to me!
Glad you were able to spend some time with Melanie yesterday! That Christmas quilt pattern looks fun. I love the green trees and the Santa with a quilt block in his lantern. I haven’t heard of beauty berries before, but they sure are pretty! Did Melanie find enough to make something out of them? You’ll have to show us how this turns out!
No wonder they’re called “beauty berries”! The color is absolutely beautiful. I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen any where I live. It seems like you are continuing to recover well, and that’s a good thing!
I have never seen Beauty Berries, it’s fun to find things to eat in the wild! Oh I like that Christmas quilt pattern.
I have never seen Beauty Berries and the color is really vibrant. The last coneflowers to come up each year stay pretty small, such a contrast with the earlier ones that are 3 feet tall.
The Christmas pattern looks like a fun one to make.
That sounds like a nice, pleasant day – the best kind. Those berries are just beautiful. I love that Melanie forages. Did she find any clumps and enough for syrup? I’d like to taste it. That color in a quilt would be beautiful. LOVE that Christmas pattern!
The colour of the Beauty Berries is amazing. My daughter often goes foraging too, she e Joy’s her time out in nature and returning home with fruit and berries.
Wait, I think we have berries like that in our yard in Florida. I wonder if they are the same thing? If so I totally want to try them — but it would be a shame to poison myself if they are NOT beautyberries! Maybe on a day when I’m feeling really lucky…. ;-). Sounds like you’re feeling a little better but taking it easy and allowing yourself time to heal. Good for you. The Christmas project does look like a change for you. Should be fun!
Oh, that Christmas quilt will be so cute!