“The afternoon was perfect. A deeper stillness possessed the air, and the glitter of the autumn was tempered by a haze which diffused the brightness without dulling it. In the woody hollows of the park there was already a faint chill; but as the ground rose the air grew lighter… The path wound across a meadow with scattered trees; then it dipped into a lane plumed with asters and purpling sprays of bramble, whence, through the light quiver of ash-leaves, the country unrolled itself in pastoral distances.”

Edith Wharton, “The House of Mirth”

Five days into October and the garden is a wild tangle and still full of color. I know it won’t be long before I must wish it farewell until next year.  So I take it all in ~ the fading colors, the thinning, stately patch of bee balm ~ the fragrance of mint and marigolds and thyme mingling with the earthy smell of fallen leaves. Tomatoes continue to ripen on the vine in sunshine and warmth that feels more like August than October. And the blue sky above is as bright as the begonias that beckon from ‘neath the shade of the maple tree.  Delicious October!  Days like this put me in mind of a favorite verse by George Eliot:

“Delicious autumn!  My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.”

A deep chair on the porch awaits my company, so perhaps I’ll sit for a spell and soak up the blessings of this lovely day. Dear friends, I hope you can carve out a little time to do the same.

“I am rich today with autumn’s gold

All that my covetous hands can hold…”

 Gladys Harp

 What to Stitch?

This is my favorite time of year to stitch.  So many choices, whether you want to stitch something fun for Halloween or Thanksgiving or work an antique reproduction sampler in the muted shades of the autumn garden.  I’ve highlighted a fine selection below under “Featured Items” and through the end of October, I’m offering them to you at a discounted price.  Happy autumn!  Happy stitching!

  And don’t forget these freebies...

 If you are in the autumn-stitching mood, don’t forget these freebies!  (Only available in e-pattern format.)  No need to put them in your cart or create an account.  Just click on the links below to download the files.  Happy stitching!

Black Cat Needle Book

Halloween Witchie

In Closing...  

Until next month, my friends, I wish you all the lovely joys this month has to offer!

Wendy 

Instant Download & Free Pattern Reminders

• After purchasing an instant download from my web site, you will find your e-pattern under My Account > Downloads.  
• Free patterns are only available as instant downloads. Go to the item page and click on the link in the item description.  No need to put them in your cart or create an account.  Happy stitching!