Makin' Quilts

Projects....

2011-11-19T08:35:00.001-07:00

This is a huge bag I made to carry quilts in.... or to take stuff to retreats.... the pattern was for a wall-hanging and was free from This-n-That Fabrics..

Some table runners for Christmas gifts......

A reverse applique pattern, which was given to my sister as a birthday gift..

Christmas with Buster................

2011-11-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

a cute little applique pattern..........

Christmas Wishes....

2011-11-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

Love, love, love this quilt..... new fabric called Scandinavian Christmas by Lynette Anderson for Lecien. Quilt is called Christmas Wishes and the pattern can be found free on the Lecien website.

Some Christmas projects completed....

2011-11-11T20:29:00.002-07:00

The summer flew by.... and I have been so busy at the store.... and not keeping up with my blog as much.... these are some of my Christmas Projects that I have completed.

This quilt was made earlier this summer with fabrics from the Wildwood collection by Camelot Cottons.....

What have I been working on....................

2011-07-21T20:55:00.000-06:00

Wool Applique- this is a great new pattern from the Wool Lady.

A fun baby quilt in great greens and purples.....this will be backed with lime green minkee...

A fun pattern by Indygo Junction.......

Winter did go away.....................

2011-07-21T20:24:00.000-06:00

finally!!! and I have been a neglectful blogger.... although a busy blogger on my business site - lol.... time to get things up to date....

In May I went to Quilt Market in Salt Lake City... and had a great time.... lots of new things for me to pick up for the store..... a new wool block of the month, zentengle books...... and a great new heat erasable marking pen..... I was definitely inspired....

While in Salt Lake City I had the opportunity to tour the Temple compound, the grounds, buildings .... I also heard a beautiful concert in the Tabernacle - it really was a wonderful day...

this is the temple - view from rooftop gardens of the auditorium.

The Tabernacle

Winter drags on..............

2011-03-21T13:56:00.000-06:00

in this part of Alberta.... I don't think we will ever see Spring.... but at least that leaves lots of time for sewing and quilting. I made this matching couch throw and tablerunner for my daughter's new apartment....... we had some new fabric in the store and I just knew it would look good in her place. It is backed with fleece.

Meanwhile................................the dogs continue to stay warm............... and I am preparing for my annual retreat with the "Same Time Again, Next Year" gang

Thought for the Day
As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he

Snowy January...

2011-01-26T08:32:00.016-07:00

the month has been cold and snowy...... as you can see by this photo. We have warmed up this week... and it has been great - I even had the window open yesterday for awhile..... well, it is Winter.....

I completed a banner for my quilt guild - it is the 100th anniversay of Athabasca and our guild did several banners like this one celebrating different milestones in the area. I chose to do a landscape of the river valley.

Northcott fabrics has a new line of fabric out called Dragonfly Daze... it is really lovely and Patchworks Studios has a new pattern called Dragonflies by Moonlight.... well, I had to make this one... it really is pretty....

Thought for the Day

Obstacles are those frightful things you see
when you take your eyes off your goal. Henry Ford

The cold just won't go away.....

2011-01-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

my little girl is soooo tired of the snow... lol. We have had tons and tons and tons of snow..... it just keeps coming and coming and coming..... but that has made for lots of time for quilting....

This quilt is called Day and Night and is an Eleanor Burns pattern. I am not a big fan of strip pieced quilts... but I just loved this one. You get instructions to make two extra projects from the left over strip pieces...

This quilt is made from Stonehenge fabrics by Northcott and is called Pisa..... the center of the quilt is really a panel... so this stitches up really quick.

and..... one more quick little quilt.....made with some Thimbleberries fabrics...... I think the centre of this will be fabulous to quilt a motif design in.

Neglectful Blogger.....

2010-12-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

Well..... I have been a very neglectful blogger... but with good reason. On October 1 I bought the local quilt store!!!! sooo.... needless to say I have been a little busy.... the name of the store is Whispering Hills Fabrics in Athabasca, Alberta, Canada... and my partner and I have a blog... and a newsletter (you can sign up for the newsletter on the blog). This has been a wonderful adventure and because the business is something I know and love, I am finding that most days are just filled with fun, sewing, and friends!

I have also been super busy with my quilting business - I quilted over 25 quilts in November.... AND I am all caught up with customer quilts for Christmas.... I now will have some time over Christmas to work on my own projects. My business website is also due for maintenance - I had to purchase a new computer in the fall and my "old" (very old) website building software just doesn't cut it any more.... time for something new and a new learning curve... but that's OK as this year is filled with learning curves.

We have a blizzard here today.... and it is a day off for me.... so I can catch up.....

September......

2010-09-08T08:48:00.000-06:00

Wow.... it is hard to believe it is September..... I had a semi-busy summer... I got lots of my own work completed and was very busy with customer quilts. We have had a rainy, rainy summer and we now have tons of mushrooms in the yard. I just love them! I need to check out the different varieties online because of the different ones I have spotted....

Yesterday we had a beautiful Blue Heron land on our beach..... just such a serene bird.....

This little project was a kit from Connecting Threads.... and was hand pieced! The hexagons didn't take quite as long as I thought and I really enjoyed making this little purse.

I also finished my applique towels for the swap that I am in for December....no pics of those yet... cause the receivers won't be getting them until later..... All in all, it has been a productive summer... I will have some more exciting news towards the end of the month.

Thought for the Day

Do not handicap your children by making their lives easier.

Robert Heinlein

Quilting completed.....

2010-08-08T18:26:00.001-06:00

on my Poppies Block of the Month quilt.... loved quilting this one... and it was so not my colors - orange.... but I added the brown batik and I think that I actually really like it now.... This was made with the Kaleidoscope ruler by Marti Michel

Enjoying the Sun..........

2010-08-08T18:17:00.001-06:00

My Boston Terriers, Tooie, and Magpie are enjoying the summer sun......

This photo is of the landscape that I made in the class taught by Shirley Patterson at our summer retreat. This was a fun, fun project and I didn't have any trouble finishing it....

Quilts finished.....

2010-08-06T10:53:00.000-06:00

I finished quilting two of my own quilts the last little while. This quilt was my first hand applique quilt - started around 2000. I used several different ways to applique.... and found that I prefer to use freezer paper on top with needle turn. This top has been waiting a long time to be quilted - it's probably my longest quilting UFO...The pattern is called Country Bride.

I also finished quilting North of the Forty Nine from the Book All Through the Woods.... very Canadian.... and a real fun project to quilt.

So, I finished 2 quilting projects and added 3 to be quilting from my retreat..... the list goes on.

Thought for the Day

Enjoy the quiet times.

My retreats in June....

2010-07-30T18:15:00.025-06:00

were a great success..... I managed to complete several items..... many of these were ufo's... now the are quilting ufo's - LOL. The picture at right is of the items that I was able to finish. I am especially thrilled with my "Pokey Little Puppy" quilt. This was my favorite book when I was a child - I still have my original copy - and I how have a quilt to pass on to a grandchild one day. I bought another copy of the book to go with the quilt.

One of the retreats celebrated a 10th Anniversary and because I was one of the original organizers 10 years ago, I donated a quilt to be raffled amongst the attendees. It was certainly fitting that one of the organizers, Miryam, won the quilt AND her mom, Pjam, is one of the original attendees also.... I was so happy to share this with her.

One of our attendees, Becky, passed away earlier this year. We held a silent auction and donated the proceeds to one of her favorite charities in Athlanta, Georgia. We raised $1000.00.

Bingo fun!!!! and my good friend Shirley busy working on her amazing landscapes!

Thought for the Day
Knowledge is not the same as wisdom
wisdom is the application of knowledge
Heather Barclay

I'm off to retreat......

2010-06-16T21:28:00.000-06:00

for a week of sewing - yes, 7 whole days..... ya think I can get some UFO's done ????..... pics when I return!
Click here to go to my website to see pictures of the Cotton Candy quilt that I told you about in this post

Baby Quilt....

2010-06-14T16:24:00.000-06:00

Finished a small baby quilt today using 4 patch stack (or 4 patch posie) technique. Each of the block has a different centre.... makes for such a cute quilt.

Sunshine........

2010-06-14T12:05:00.000-06:00

We finally had some sunshine in Northern Alberta!!!! I got the last of my flowers planted. Hopefully we will have some more sunny days soon; although, we had a fantastic thunderstorm last night with load of rain, and it is on the cooler side today.

We recently installed a fence in our front yard so that our two Boston Terriers can enjoy sitting in the sun. This is the view facing west with the new fence, flowers, and the bench I moved from the front porch. We get lovely sun in the morning here so it will be a nice spot to soak up whatever sun we do get.

This picture is of the front of the deck..... my pottery sunflower looks great there! Let's hope the Begonias grow!

I am getting packed for a week long quilt retreat - this is my yearly retreat that I have written about before. Looking forward to seeing my old friends AND taking a landscape class from my very good friend, Shirley Patterson. I am going to be making a winter scene.....

Thought for the Day

The most sincere people will make enough mistakes to keep them humble. Thank God for mistakes and take courage. Don't give up on account of them

Paul L. Powers

Exciting News.....

2010-06-08T15:55:00.001-06:00

I have some very exciting news. I have been published!!! A quilt that I quilted for my friend, Laurel Francis, has been published in the Canadian Magazine, A Needle Pulling Thread.

I quilted 3 of these last Spring for Laurel, in anticipation of her article in A Needle Pulling Thread. The article also includes the pattern for this quilt, a queen size quilt and a hooked rug by Laurel's sister in law and business partner, Cindy Everett. I have many pictures of these quilts being quilted and will have them on my website soon. I wasn't allowed to post pictures until the article and pattern was published.... it was very hard to keep it all under wraps - only a couple of very close friends knew of the spread. I have been quilting for Laurel for about 10 years - I started quilting for her on my domestic machine.... she is a great friend and designer. She does not have a website at the moment, but if you are interested in her designs she can be contacted here.

Time Flies...........

2010-06-08T15:46:00.001-06:00

and May is gone.... LOL... not that I wasn't busy creating in May - I just haven't blogged for awhile..... I made this jacket for Boston Terrier Rescue..... they will use it as a fundraiser. I finished quilting my two 4 Patch Stack quilts and now I am packing for two quilt retreats in June - they run back to back this year - so I have a whole week of quilting!

Thought for the Day

Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment

Oprah Winfrey

UFO finishes.....

2010-05-05T14:31:00.000-06:00

I got a lot of my own quilting done last week..... very glad to get some of my quilt tops done.

This is a second Dresden Plate quilt made from some blocks that I received from a retirement center. The prints in the Dresden Plates are 40's or 50's and are appliqued to a cotton/poly background (I did this because some of the blocks were appliqued to this type of fabric already - I used the same fabric to preserve continuity). The border is a Reproduction print.

This quilt is a quick lap quilt made from some leftover blue minky from the Horse quilt that I made my sister last year.

This Braid quilt was made from a jelly roll - love these country colors.

And the last quilt is made from a new line of flannel called Kitten Kaboodle.... I just loved it and had to make something....

Crazy weather.......

2010-05-05T14:19:00.000-06:00

we have had such crazy weather the last week or so; rain, snow, high winds.... at least we no longer are in a drought situation.... This picture is of the sky the other afternoon - Thought we would get a huge storm.... but it passed right over us.... very pretty tho.

This piece of pottery is a yarn bowl - used to keep a ball of yarn in while you knit or crochet.

I had some time to spare so I put together my swap blocks from the House Swap hosted by my Florida friend, Betsy.... very happy with these and I think the quilt will be a great kids quilt.
Thought for the Day
Before you agree to do anything that might add even the smallest amount of stress to your life, ask yourself: What is my truest intention? Give yourself time to let a yes resound within you. When it's right, I guarantee that your entire body will feel it.
Oprah Winfrey

Rainy Friday.......

2010-04-23T18:24:00.002-06:00

we FINALLY have rain!! Everything is turning green.... and hopefully the forest fires in the area will be put out!

I spent the afternoon making a fabric bowl from the book It's A Wrap II by Susan Breier...... lots of fun. These will be great for Christmas presents!

The small pot to the right is another of my pottery projects - a dragonfly container.

Happy Weekend!!!!!!!

Thought for the Day
That which you push against, you create
Abraham Hicks

Happy Friday......

2010-04-16T09:28:00.000-06:00

I have been really enjoying pottery. This is my first piece of pottery done on the wheel.... I had lots of help from an instructor... and my subsequent pieces aren't so great... but I do love working on the wheel. This pot has not been glazed (other than the black stripe); the color is the natural Athabasca clay found where I live. I love the look of this clay - I have done 5 other wheel pieces that are in the stages of drying/firing. Pottery is over for the summer... will be back at it in September. I hope to be able to combine this with my love of quilting.

I finished a quilt that I am donating for a door prize for my annual quilt retreat in June. I love the teal colors in this one.... and I quilted it with the Raindrops panto.

I have been enjoying some doing some custom quilting lately. Check out my quilting site for what I have been doing - lots of feathers in a wonderful hand appliqued quilt. This is how I LOVE to quilt!

Thought for the Day
A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament
Oscar Wilde

UFO's...

2010-04-13T09:13:00.001-06:00

I know, as quilters, we all have UFO's (I haven't even begun to list them on my blog - LOL); I have been busy trying to complete those before starting new projects. Of course, that doesn't always work - I seem to accumulate projects on a daily basis and I am sure this comes from working at the Quilt Shop and teaching classes.... This is a quilt that I made from swap blocks and I am quite happy with it. I just love pink and brown....

I also completed a charity quilt for my retreat in June - I just love nine-patch quilts! This one is backed by yellow fleece.

I am continuing my Vintage Valentine blocks.... still on block #3

Thought for the Day
Give yourself permission to succeed by surrounding yourself with loving mirrors
Noah St. John

Hockey Season is just about

2010-04-09T19:32:00.001-06:00

ended... but I have a customer who wanted a Hockey Christmas Tree Skirt made for Christmas. I finished the top at my retreat and quilted it up today. I had fabric left over so I made her a couple of pillow cases. I quilted a hockey player into each corner... I am quite happy with it.

Back from my holiday......

2010-04-09T19:25:00.000-06:00

and we are well into April. I had a great time in Vanouver... the sun was shining and the flowers were out. I just love the ocean and spent a few afternoons on Granville Island having tea, an afternoon or two in Gastown sipping a glass of Reisling..... and some time in Yaletown shopping.

My retreat at North Bow Lodge was great, as usual. Since we meet once a year we have decided to call our group, Same Time, Next Year. I finished a tree skirt, an appliqued jacket for Boston Rescue, and two oven mitts. The picture at left is of my room.

Thought for the Day
Set your goals high enough to inspire you and low enough to encourage you.
Unknown

Just when we thought it was Spring....

2010-03-18T18:10:00.001-06:00

we had snow today!! Not a lot; just a light dusting.... but reminded me that it really is still Winter in this part of the world. I have been working on purses and oven mitts..... I think I will make some oven mitts for Christmas presents... this one is far too Springy.....The bags are for my sister and my mom.

I am off to Vancouver, B.C., to visit my son and THEN off to a weekend quilt retreat...... I am going to search for new fabrics at Maiwa on Granville Island and look for some pottery inspiration, as well.

Thought for the Day
True courage is like a kite;
a contrary wind raises it higher.
John Petit-Senn

Friday Fibers.......

2010-03-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

I have quilted many Yellow Brick Road quilts - but I have never made one myself. I thought that it was time to finally make one of these quick and easy patterns. I picked fat quarters from my stash.... so it was a stash buster, too. I backed this one with purple Minkee.....No wonder the UFO pile isn't going down - I start new things.... but at least this is quilted and ready for a gift. The sun has been shining for a few days now... could this be Spring???

Thought for the Day
Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked.
A man reaps what he sows.
Galatians 6:7

Well into March....

2010-03-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

and it seems like Spring around here..... I have been working on my pottery, as well as my sewing.... These are two projects I recently finished; a sunflower and a toadstool for the garden (the toadstool is for my neighbor). I am really enjoying this new hobby.

I will be finishing up several customer quilts this week and... thinking about my applique towels for the towel swap.

Thought for the Day
Life is "trying things to see if they work"
Ray Bradbury

Finishing up some UFO's.....

2010-02-22T19:18:00.002-07:00

This has been a great month for me to finish up some of my UFO's (not everything is on my list - LOL).... I finished my Poppies Block of the Month that was part of our Guild program, another quilt that was part of a Saturday Sew Day with the guild ( I had to work that day but managed to get the top done), finished up two table runners, pillowcases for Boston Rescue, a quilt top PLUS customer quilting...

The picture top, right is the "Non Mystery" quilt that we did as part of a guild sew Saturday. I had some Andover Civil War Fat Quarters that I used in this top.

The pillowcases at left turned out quite well. I think I will make a few more. Below are the table runners that I made. The sunflowers turned out quite yellow for some reason.... they aren't really that yellow.

Thought for the Day

A Woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.

Eleanor Roosevelt

We're into February......

2010-02-08T17:38:00.009-07:00

and I don't exactly know where January went. lol.... I have been busy..... I finished quilting my Baltimore Bunnies quilt - I worked on this quilt over a two year period at two retreats. It was finished and put together in June, 2009 and now it is quilted. I just love this quilt and perhaps one day I will have a granddaughter to give it to. I quilted lots of feathers in this one... and bubbly background fills.

I also finished a small quilt for Boston Terrier Rescue Canada. This will be auctioned off at a dog show in Edmonton in June, 2010 ( I think). It has the cutest pantograph on it - Doggie Pit Stop.

I certainly hope that Betsy from Florida reads my post today... cause.... I started my Vintage Valentine quilt...... My plan is to hand applique this.... we will see. It is such a beautiful quilt.

Thought for the Day
When I'm not doing something that comes deeply from me, I get bored. When I get bored I get distracted and when I get distracted, I become depressed. It's a natural resistance, and it insures your integrity.

Barbara Hall

Finally..........

2010-01-24T11:54:00.005-07:00

When I went to Quilt Market last year in Pittsburgh, I saw the most stunningly beautiful quilt... and I had to make it. I knew it would be a "monster" but I wanted to do it anyways. I had hoped to finish it at Christmas... but that never happened; but, I have been work furiously to finish it aaannnd..... it is finally done. It is called Floreo and is by 4 and 6 Designs. The quilt is 78 X 96 and I can't wait to quilt it. With this off my plate, I can now start some other UFO's..... maybe even that Vintage Valentine.

Thought for the Day

Learn from the mistakes made by others, You won't live long enough to make them all yourself.

Anonymous

Thanks.....

2010-01-03T12:13:00.003-07:00

just wanted to post a Thank You to my bloggy friend Betsy (from SUNNY Florida - LOL) for the lovely Cathedral Windows ornament... it's too lovely to put away with the Christmas Decorations... so I will leave it on my studio wall to look at all year long.

As I write this... we are in the midst of a winter blizzard...... supposed to only last for one day tho.. I spent the morning quilting a customer quilt (the first for 2010) and I will spend the afternoon finishing my Snail's Trail blocks for the round robin I am in.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.....

2010-01-03T07:36:00.008-07:00

I can't believe that it is 2010...... I remember 10 years ago New Year's Eve was going to be the end of our computers and electronics.... LOL... time changes....

I was so happy to be able to cross off one last UFO on my quilting list - I quilted my Greenbrier Quilt and am happy to say I believe it turned out great. I love the "prim" look of wool applique.

I also quilted up my Christmas 2009 quilt; the one that used the Northcott panel. I didn't really intend to make a Christmas quilt for 2009 - so this will be the official one!

As with most quilters and sewers, I have a busy 2010 planned. Sending best wishes to all my blogging friends for a wonderful 2010.

Thought for the Day
I said to the Man,
At the Gate of the Year:

"What light cans't thou lend,

to those entering here?

I never have traveled,

This pathway before,

Thy help and thy counsel,

I humbly implore.

How can I discover,

What lieth ahead,

That I may walk safely, Wherever I tread"?

Minnie Louise Haskins

Holidays......

2009-12-28T07:48:00.007-07:00

I have had a lovely few days of rest and sewing..... I didn't quite get everything I wanted to get done in the sewing department....I spent some time just enjoying the days instead.

I am working on a Round Robin and am making 4 1/2" blocks for it - I will be making 20 blocks... and I am not usually a "miniature" sewer - LOL..... so this will take a little longer than I had planned... but it will look great!

I also had some Amy Butler fabric that I have wanted to make a bag with for awhile.... so I got that done as well. This pattern is from Ithinksew.com and is quite cute....Back to work for a couple of days....

Thought for the Day

When we take down the Christmas tree in the New Year, we should be careful not to throw out the Christmas spirit with it.

Heather Kaitlyn Barclay

Merry Christmas...

2009-12-24T08:58:00.007-07:00

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;(because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men"

Luke 2

Winter Wonderland.....

2009-12-22T19:25:00.006-07:00

we are in the middle of a two-day blizzard of sorts..... roads are bad, temperature not too bad... lots of snow... just perfect for Christmas!

We got the cutest flannel in at the store where I work... I couldn't resist making up a small lap quilt... I am going to back it with black flannel..... I have one more day of work... then off for a few days.... hope to get some UFO's finished.

Thought for the Day
I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone!"
A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

Happy Friday.....

2009-12-18T13:14:00.004-07:00

I started a pottery course in October and have finally received my pieces..... this was a hand building class and I really enjoyed it. The clay is dug and made in Athabasca, Alberta, which is, in itself, a considerable feat. We have a great Pottery Group here who does all of this... so now that I have finished my beginner class I can join the group..... another hobby.... LOL

Thought for the Day

Nick: [slamming a bottle on the bar] That's it. Out you two pixies go - through the door, or out the window.

"It's a Wonderful Life", the movie

I received a

2009-12-17T18:55:00.013-07:00

wonderful swap this past week - 4 fat quarters of Christmas Past by Moda.... they are just so wonderful.... I need to find a super pattern to make something fabulous out of them.... any ideas???

I had a couple of days to myself and am trying to finish up some UFO's (LOL). I taught a beginner class and had this rail fence to add borders to..... so I did. I am thinking of putting a brown Minkee backing on this one..... and quilting it with pumpkins....

I also put together this quick quilt made from the Benartex panel, from my previous post.. I just absolutely love this little quilt - I usually do a Christmas quilt and hadn't this year.... so now I have one. I have a piece of pale blue Minkee that I will use for the backing.... I don't know why I love backing my quilts with Minkee lately - must be cause it is so warm.

Our weather has warmed up - only about -10 celsius in the day... it's almost summer!

I spent today thinking about my dear friend, Shirley, as she said good-bye to her son.

Thought for the Day

Ghost of Christmas Past: Let's face it, Frank. Garden slugs got more out of life than you.

Frank Cross: Yeah? Name one.

Scrooged, The Movie

We are still in a deep freeze........

2009-12-15T12:05:00.003-07:00

here in Northern Alberta. I just came back from a few days in Calgary where I had an early Christmas with my family. I also had a lovely lunch with my quilting buddies.... thanks Noell, Bobbie, Rosa and Shirley - I had such a nice time with you all... even tho my coughing was annoying. I have been fighting a cold that has really bothered my Asthma.... I rarely get Asthma troubles, but when I do it sounds awful. Our weather is supposed to warm up in the next few days, which I am thankful for.

I am all ready for Christmas.... this is the last of my Christmas items that I made - it is a tote bag for Magpie the dog's vet - Dr. Sandra.

Thought for the Day

A Palace without affection is a poor hovel, and the meanest hut with love in it is a Palace for the soul.

Robert Ingersoll

Taken from the book The Footprints Book of Daily Inspirations.

Baby......

2009-12-07T09:14:00.002-07:00

it's cold outside.... We are officially into Winter - it was -35 C this morning......yikes... I am all done with customer quilts and worked on one of my own yesterday - my Olympic flannel. The backing is blue Minkee.... I think the quilting turned out great - it is a pantograph called Flurry.

I am a bit under the weather getting over a cold..... but am feeling better.... at least better enough to sew. Have a great week!

Thought for the Day

To keep yourself focused, keep yourself moving. To keep yourself focused, keep taking on meaningful challenges.

Ralph Marston

Well.....

2009-12-03T07:47:00.007-07:00

it is finally December!!! I have had a busy few weeks getting customer quilts ready for Christmas - I am all caught up and have one to do this weekend (if it arrives) and then I am done.

I spent a weekend at our guild retreat a couple of weeks ago - finished off my Christmas Aprons and a few other gifts. The table runner to the right, is a class I taught at our guild last month... and I made a small bowl to go with it.

We got some great "Olympic" flannel at the store that I work at. It has winter sports and the Inukshuk on it - I made a small lap quilt that I will back with Minkee... might send it to my son who now lives in Vancouver - the Winter Olympic host city for 2010.

Now, I really don't need any more fabric - but I saw this great panel with coordinating fabrics... and just had to have it. It is Winterscapes by Benartex. I love the pastel Christmas colors - of course, if I really put up all my UFO's on the sidebar - I would need another blog!

I am anxiously awaiting delivery of my Cottage Swap blocks to my partners - hopefully they should start arriving soon.

Thought for the Day

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.

Peg Bracken.

My Cottage Block.....

2009-11-14T08:07:00.005-07:00

Swap blocks... are done... here's a sneek peak..... I am glad to be done becaue I want to send them off early so that my fellow swappers get their house before Christmas..... cross another off the list!

Thought for the Day

Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors.Try to be better than yourself.

William Faulkner

Secret Stitcher Gifts.....

2009-11-13T18:51:00.005-07:00

I received my Stitcher's Angel Swap from Lucia today... and am quite pleased. The items are lovely and I really appreciate her thoughtfulness.

I really enjoy the Stitcher's Angel Swaps that are put on by Helen Stubbings over at Hugs N Kisses. She is a great Australian designer... check out her blog.

I also finished a table runner that I am sending off to a swapper in a table runner swap. I will get back a table runner, so can't wait to see mine.

Tomorrow I am off to the first of the Christmas Craft Sales in the area - hope to pick up some stocking stuffers.....

Thought for the Day

Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you also have an obligation to be one.

Eleanor Roosevelt

A great blog.......

2009-11-12T07:42:00.004-07:00

I have been busy, busy working on my cottage blocks for the Cottage block swap that I am in.... pleased to say.... I am almost done. YEAH!!
On another note.... I found a great blog that has FREE patterns for many, many items.... It is called Among the Gum Trees. If you need some great ideas for Christmas this is the place to go
My good friend Shirley also has FREE instructions on how to thread paint various Christmas themes... these are great on quilts, postcards.... anything you want an extra "zing". Check her blog out.

Thought for the Day
So remember while December brings the only Christmas Day, in the year let there be Christmas in the things you do and say.
Anonymous

End of another busy week....

2009-11-06T18:42:00.004-07:00

Well, we are now into November... which means Christmas is not far away. I made this little bear this past week - she was quick and easy... I love making these little bears but always end up with so many of them. Two years ago I had a craft sale and sold all my prim dolls with proceeds going to Boston Terrier Rescue of Canada... I guess I will start collecting them again.

I had a busy week - teaching a beginner quilt class, working, and of course, quilting. My customer quilts are getting caught up, my swap blocks are done... and now my goal this week is to start and finish my cottage block swaps.... wish me luck

Thought for the Day

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible

Dalai Lama

Happy Halloween........

2009-10-31T19:00:00.007-06:00

I cannot believe it is the end of October!!!! Since we have snowy weather today, I spent the day quilting..... and I was quilting holly leaves on a customer quilt- since Christmas isn't so far away.

Last week I finished quilting one of my own quilts - this quilt is vintage fabrics that I completed from a set of Dresden Plate blocks that I received from a retirement centre in Penticton, B.C. I just absolutely love the way it turned out. I have another smaller version of this quilt to quilt, also. There were a couple of Dresden Plates left over... that I sent to a special blogging friend.

Thought for the Day

Knowing others is wisdom,knowing yourself is enlightenment.
Lao Tzu

A little detour....

2009-10-24T18:08:00.004-06:00

from sewing and quilting.... I am making a few necklaces for some of my younger nieces for Christmas.....

I also was very fortunate to win a copy of the stenciled table runner from Esther Aliu's blog. She is an Australian design and does really fantastic work. I am looking forward to trying this technique.

Thought for the Day

There is enough.

Anonymous

End of the week......

2009-10-23T10:47:00.004-06:00

I am spending this lovely end of the week... quilting.... and quilting my favorite thing... feathers.... getting caught up on customer quilts... and then off to the City for shopping..... time to start the Christmas boxes for kids, friends, and relatives.....

I am also continuing with my aprons.... I don't think I will ever get done... the list just keeps growing and growing.... I should have bought bolts of Christmas fabric - LOL.... Happy Friday!

Thought for the Day

Better to be one sided than two faced

Unknown

Lovely Sunday.....

2009-10-18T16:07:00.004-06:00

I have had a lovely Sunday.... quilting and relaxing. On my recent trip to Pincher Creek, I picked up some additions to my stash - some great reproduction prints and some colorful prints.....

I also spent some time this weekend making Christmas T-Towels..... this will be added to my stash of Christmas giftees--- hopefully I won't have to buy too much...

Thought for the Day

Be joyful in all you do.

Winter.....

2009-10-14T15:04:00.006-06:00

boy, oh boy, I didn't even get to post about Fall... I got home from my trip to Las Vegas to this..... YES..... snow.... and it has been snowing for two days now.... today we are sort of "snowed in", although the temperature itself isn't too bad - about -4 Celsius.

I taught two machine quilting classes to the Lebel House Quilters in Pincher Creek, Alberta before my trip. This is a picture of the Lebel House - it is an old mansion that has been used as a rooming house, hospital, school, etc... and is currently used as an Arts Centre. I just LOVE old buildings like this and I really enjoyed the classes I taught - met some great quilters.

Last week at this time I was in Vegas... and the temperature was 20 Celsius..... LOL.... at least I have gotten lots done today.... snow days are productive quilting days...

Thought for the Day
Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.
The Buddha

Fall......

2009-09-30T19:51:00.005-06:00

has begun where I live - as a matter of fact we might even see some snow flurries in the next day or so..... > I made a cute little purse out of some fabric that we got in at the shop that I work at.... reminds me of the fall harvest.

Thought for the Day

In the depth of winter I finally learned there was in me invincible summer

Alberta Camus

3 MONTHS TILL CHRISTMAS......

2009-09-24T08:08:00.005-06:00

LOL... and I have finished 20 of my Christmas Aprons - now all the family will have one.... and my dilemma now is whether or not to make a few more for friends..... well.... I do have some time.

Tooie, the Boston Terrier, has an owie..... he had to have a nail removed as he ripped most of it off.... so he has been taking it easy for the last day or so.

I have been busy organizing quilting classes for work, quilting for customers, and getting ready for a Machine Quilting class and lecture that I will be doing in Pincher Creek, Alberta on October 3/4..... then it's off to Las Vegas for my 50th birthday trip with a friend that I have known since Grade 1...... and then... well I better get my houses done for the House Swap(right, Betsy??).....

Thought for the Day

Let your expectations be the driving, directing force behind your actions. And take the committed, persistent actions that will achieve what you expect to achieve.

Ralph Marsten

Some time off... and a great find....

2009-09-13T11:30:00.011-06:00

was lucky enough to have 5 days off (in a row) and got down to some serious quilting!!! BUT.... I was also lucky enough to purchase a second hand serger for a great price... I have wanted one for awhile, but couldn't justify the price of a new one; and, when you buy second hand you never know what you are getting. I was able to buy this from a trusted source and try it out before I bought... so I am the proud owner of a Janome serger.... WooHoo!!

I spent the last 4 days doing my first Trapunto quilt (well, LARGE size trapunto quilt - LOL) I have done smaller pieces but was asked by a friend to do a larger piece as a gift for a family member. I am sooo pleased with the result - I followed Karen McTavish's instructions and I think it came out pretty well. The greatest amount of time was spent marking the top, not the actual final quilting. This first picture is quilting around the motifs with water soluble thread.

The picture below is of the quilt before I soaked it to remove the blue marking line and the water soluble thread..... and the final picture is of the quilt being blocked. As it was wet and can shrink up it is important to block the quilt but pinning it to the correct length and width. I will definitely be doing more of this type of quilting... as I really enjoyed it.

Thought for the Day

And finally, I want to acknowledge that making changes in your life is never an easy task. The key, however, is not to get caught up in the distance you have to go to get to where you want to be. Nor should you despair over the amount of control you have over your circumstances. Progress is made in the small, intentional steps, and chances are, you have more power than you think. By focusing on little steps you can take every day, the progress you make will motivate you to continue your journey, and eventually, you can go wherever you want to go. The important thing is simply to begin. Stephen Cherniske

Happy September.......

2009-09-02T07:19:00.012-06:00

I just love September!!! The summer people are starting to leave and the lake is becoming quiet. I can hear the loons when I bike ride or sit on the deck...... I am just astonished at how fast this year is going...... won't be long until Fall.....This is a picture of the lake the other morning when I got up early to start quilting.... just spectacular!!!

I am involved in a Cottage Block swap hosted by my cyber friend, Betsy. These are just some of the lovely cottage blocks that I have received. I am making the December blocks... and I need to get busy and start them.... December will be here before I know it. I am just so happy with this swap... and can't wait to make the finished quilt.

This is another picture of my Halloween quilt - the last picture didn't seem to show the blocks as well as I would have liked.

Thought for the Day

To your dog, you are the greatest, the smartest, the nicest human being who was ever born.

Lois Sabin

Did you know....

2009-08-26T17:56:00.009-06:00

that it is only 4 months till Christmas...... LOL. In the spirit of the season, I completed another apron from my stash fabric that I posted about earlier.

I also finished quilting a Halloween quilt that I started a month or so ago - we got some new fabrics at the shop I work at and I wanted to try a variation of the 4 Patch Posie - instead of cutting the blocks square, the blocks are cut on the diagonal and put back together... came out quite nice, BUT, I have sooo many other things I should have gotten to first - LOL... I will have to put this one on my UFO list - as done. I quilted it with little pumpkins....
Thought for the Day
Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.
Thomas Jefferson

Stash enhancement......

2009-08-20T09:30:00.008-06:00

sounds a bit like an advertisement ..... but I did add a little bit more to my stash on my recent trip to Vancouver. These fabrics are from Maiwa Fabrics on Granville Island in Vancouver and are hand dyed. Maiwa Fabrics is a great inspirationl store - lots of hand dyes for fabrics and wools. I just love going there when I am in Vancouver.

I also picked up a few new Christmas fabrics to make Aprons with. I just love the subtle colors of the new fabrics. They were purchased at the Cloth Shop.

My beautiful new header on the top of my blog is a picture of my first Sunflower - they are finally starting to bloom..... as the nights are getting colder, I am sure that they won't be around for long.
Thought for the Day
When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person realize his dream.
Paulo Coelho

Vancouver.....

2009-08-19T07:11:00.009-06:00

I went to Vancouver the first weekend in August - my son has decided to move there and we were looking for an apartment for him. We found him a great place - a block from the beach. There was also a fireworks festival on that weekend.... the picture below is looking from English Bay out onto the Pacific Ocean - a block from where my son will live.

I also went to the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. They have a wonderful exhibit of First Nations Art and I learned quite a bit about the Haida culture.

I really enjoyed my time in Vancouver - I walked around the city quite a bit and really enjoyed the older houses that have been fixed up. They have been declared Heritage Houses.

Thought for the Day

Nothing is more important than reconnecting with your bliss. Nothing is as rich. Nothing is more real.

Deepak Chopra

Trip to Jasper.....

2009-08-18T07:31:00.007-06:00

In July we took a 3 day trip to Jasper, Alberta. While I have been before, I have never taken the road from Edmonton; and needless to say it was beautiful.

The pictures above are of Athabasca Falls. This water comes from the Columbia Icefield Glacier and flows directly to the Athabasca River, which is where I live. The picture below is of a section of this waterfall that has dried up. Thousands of years ago this was part of the falls.

Thought for the Day
My profession is to always find God in nature.
Henry David Thoreau

Where in the world.....

2009-08-17T20:27:00.010-06:00

has my summer gone????? I CANNOT believe that it is the middle of August. I have been unbelievably busy this summer with customer quilting. I am happy about that, but I have neglected my blogging!!

My retreat in June was wonderful.... I finished some great projects - two table runners using a four patch stack technique and I got a jump on Christmas and made two aprons. I am going to give these to all the ladies in my family - probably about 8 or so.

These pictures are of some of quilts at the retreat. The far right quilt was the mystery quilt that was taught by one of the organizers - the one beside it is a mystery in progress. This was a fantastic mystery quilt and really looked wonderful.

Thought for the Day

If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves.Maria Edgeworth

Off again.....

2009-06-18T16:13:00.003-06:00

I am off again to my other June retreat.... this will be the last until winter time.... I did manage to get a small quilt done in between. This is a commissioned baby quilt that will be quilted when I return.... I just love the fabrics.

I have been extremely busy this Spring with customer quilts.... which is a good thing, I guess - LOL

Thought for the Day

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.

Albert Einstein

Home from Retreat........

2009-06-09T18:57:00.019-06:00

I had a lovely weekend and got lots accomplished.... AND I have finished my Baltimore Bunnies. Finally, this quilt can be crossed off my UFO list.

I finished a bag, a bright pink and green quilt and a horse quilt for my sister. The bag and two quilts WERE NOT on my UFO list - LOL. I just can't keep up with everything that I want to do!

There was a great Mystery Quilt provided at the retreat - I didn't do it... but I want to, so I have the instructions.... each one looked so different.

We all signed signature blocks for the coordinator of the retreat - a couple of the ladies whipped it together one evening and we presented it to her yesterday evening. It's home with me now, as I will quilt it and send it back to her. We left a few blank squares so she can bring it back next year and have the new ladies sign it.

This is a shot of our sewing area - we have a huge gym and it's great to have "sew" much space. I had a great time.... My next retreat is in two weeks!

Thought for the Day

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you will land among the stars.

Les Brown

Off....

2009-06-06T07:00:00.003-06:00

Well, I am off to the first of my June retreats.... lots of UFO's to be accomplished.... AND seeing some great friends - who I haven't seen since last year when we moved. I CANNOT believe it has been a year since we moved North.....
Please stop by the Wacky Pack Quilters blog and see a couple of my vintage quilts that I have quilted. I just love quilting old tops - I figure that since they have been lying around for years in boxes (usually) - it is great to quilt them up and use them.

Thought for the Day
And finally, I want to acknowledge that making changes in your life is never an easy task. The key, however, is not to get caught up in the distance you have to go to get to where you want to be. Nor should you despair over the amount of control you have over your circumstances. Progress is made in the small, intentional steps, and chances are, you have more power than you think. By focusing on little steps you can take every day, the progress you make will motivate you to continue your journey, and eventually, you can go wherever you want to go. The important thing is simply to begin.
Stephen Cherniske, M.S

Where did May go???

2009-06-02T09:41:00.005-06:00

I have no idea where May went - and now it's June... and I can see a busy month ahead so I won't know where June is going to go, either.... this month I have two quilt retreats to attend (one this coming weekend), a quilt show at work, and a few customer quilts to get done before the end of the month!

My first quilt retreat is being held at Olds College and there are about 35 ladies atttending. These ladies are from all over North America and we enjoy getting together each year to renew friendships and of course, sew, sew, sew. I am just about finished my Baltimore Bunnies quilt - it will be done this weekend!!!! You can see my efforts from last year here. So.... think good thoughts... I MUST get this quilt done - LOL. This year it's all about finishing up - and these are quilts I haven't even put on my UFO list... these are new UFO's.

Thought for the Day
Words are a form of action, capable of influencing change.
Ingrid Bengis

Well, Spring has finally come.....

2009-05-27T19:58:00.007-06:00

and I have managed to plant a few flowers and my Saskatoon berry bush on the side of my house. I was going to plant a Blueberry bush but the greenhouse didn't have any... so Saskatoon's it is! We are supposed to be getting some very warm weather in the next few days so hopefully the plants will grow and I can plant my large planters.

I have received a couple of cute blocks in two swaps I am in. The star block is so cute - it is strawberry and broccoli fabric..... I had requested that my star blocks be "scrappy" so I am going to have quite a collection when the swap is done.

The pink and brown block will be added to my collection and I should be able to make a pink and brown quilt by fall.

Thought for the Day

Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing.

William James

The picture says it all....

2009-05-21T07:52:00.007-06:00

This picture was taken on Tuesday morning...... the day after I came home from Quilt Market in Pittsburgh...... where the weather was in the high 70's (F)...... will we ever have Spring - LOL...

I had a great time at my first Quilt Market. The professional development classes were just exceptional. I learned so much and met so many wonderful quilters, authors, and designers. For me, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I really appreciated being able to go. I have a few samples to make for the shop I work at and lots of new ideas for classes..... lots to do and I am excited to get started. I also did some shopping for myself and got some great deals.

Pittsburgh has the most amazing architecture - many old buildings, and churches. I spent a good deal of time walking around the city and I really enjoyed that. My pictures of the City of Pittsburgh are in my webshots album.

My other pictures of market are in this album - these include quilts that were on display. I am finished my University class and can now concentrate on my quilting and classes over the summer.... which I look forward to at some point!! (since we didn't seem to have a Spring).

Thought for the Day
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

A block......

2009-05-04T20:08:00.004-06:00

I finished a block today for a swap I am in ..... I really like it - found it in my EQ6 (Ohio Star Variation); I had to use templates for two of the pieces, but that wasn't a problem. Hope my swappee likes it!

I think I could make an entire quilt of this block.

I did some gardening and have decided to plant a Blueberry bush on the side of the house - it faces west and gets afternoon sun, so hopefully it will grow!

Thought for the Day

It is no disgrace to start all over. It is usually an opportunity.

George Matthew Adams

Spring.........

2009-05-03T20:36:00.003-06:00

Today we got out the chairs and sat out by the lake..... and set out the patio furniture on the deck. As you can see... we still have a small "glacier" on the lawn - LOL...... shouldn't be there for long. I cleaned up my sewing room today, studying for an exam, took Magpie for a long walk......... AND made a quilt back..... sheesh (as a dear friend on mine says - LOL)..... it is spring....

Thought for the Day

There's only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving and that's your own self.

Aldous Huxley

Yes...

2009-05-01T14:16:00.004-06:00

it is Spring!! The loons have returned to the lake - I heard them for the first time this morning... and they were swimming by the dock this afternoon - will keep an eye out for the baby! You can still see some ice behind this little guy - hopefully by the end of the weekend the ice will be all gone.

Thought for the Day

I'll not divulge the secret song

Of this remote lagoon.

I'd rather hearken years along

The laughter of the loon.

Nancy Ness

Spring.....

2009-04-29T19:15:00.005-06:00

has finally come to my part of the world...... but the lake is still frozen...... not warm enough to plant any flowers yet.... but there is hope.
I made another bag to go with my tote bag - these will be great to take on retreat!

Thought for the Day

If someone listens, or stretches out a hand, or whispers a word of encouragement, or attempts to understand a lonely person, extraordinary things begin to happen.

Loretta Girzartis

It's Snowing....

2009-04-26T14:02:00.017-06:00

today (will we ever see Spring ???) .... and a great day to finish off some projects. I made two bags - a tote bag and a smaller bag with wool applique. I also completed a couple of customer quilts and am now caught up with those.

The wool applique bag pattern is by a favorite designer, Sue Spargo.

Check out Shirley's blog - she has pictures up of the class she taught at our LQS last weekend.

Thought for the Day
There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow.
Orison Marden

Busy Month....

2009-04-22T19:33:00.004-06:00

April has been a busy, busy month.... lots of quilting. This past weekend my friend, Shirley, hosted a landscape workshop at the LQS in town and was a great success. Check out her blog in the next few days and there should be some pics. I also got a few private lessons - lucky me, on how to paint trees and other fine points of landscapes.

I received a great block in my montly blockswap - another to add to my collection of pinks and browns. This should make a great quilt when I get all the blocks.

Thought for the Day
Of all the judgments we pass in life, none is more important than the judgment we pass on ourselves.
Nathaniel Branden

Look what came

2009-04-06T14:26:00.005-06:00

in the mail today!!!! My parcel from the Secret Easter Swap hosted by Julie at Bush Baby Jag. The parcel was wrapped in the prettiest pink Spring fabric - tied with Ric Rac..

Opening it up I found the most wonderful surprises...... my alltime favorite quilting magazine is Patchwork and Stitching, and the little Easter Egg ornaments are just sooo cute. I am a lucky swapper, that's for sure!!! and want to thank Nicole H. from Seton Pk, SA, Australia.... I don't have a blog address for Nicole - but hopefully she will see this and provide me one!! AND thanks Julie for being a great hostess.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
It's never too late to have a happy childhood. Walk in the rain, collect rainbows, smell flowers, stop along the way, build sand castles, watch the moon and stars come out, say hello to everyone, make up new rules, go on adventures, act silly, take bubble baths, hold hands and hug and kiss, dance, laugh and cry for the health of it, feel happy, say the magic words, and trust the universe.
Bruce Williamson

April...

2009-04-06T11:44:00.004-06:00

just snuck right up on me. I have been working on a variety of things.... quilting mostly and some piecing and applique. My never ending quest to complete my Baltimore Bunnies is humming right along - I have the borders almost complete, just appliquing the final bunnies and flowers on the borders. I wished I could have completed this for this Easter... but, it will be done THIS YEAR at least, LOL. I am also preparing to teach some classes at the LQS and finishing my University course, which I will take a break from over the summer to get a bunch of UFO's done.

I have completed two more blocks in my wool applique "Chestermere" quilt. This quilt was designed by Laurel Frances Everett of Shaggy Dog Designs - formerly of Calgary, now of Pincher Creek, Alberta. I hand appliqued this quilt in homespuns about two years ago (it is the picture in my blogger profile) ... and I wanted a project to work on in wool and thought this would be great. These two blocks are number 4 and 5, so now I have to decide if I want to do another six for a complete large quilt or just one more for a smaller wall hanging. The other blocks are here and here.

Thought for the Day

I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.

Jimmy Dean

Mountains......

2009-03-26T19:09:00.005-06:00

I really miss seeing the Mountains when I drive anywhere!! I guess I just took them for granted when I lived in Calgary - since I lived there my whole life. I took this picture last weekend when I was in Calgary - just a gentle reminder..... I think I would like to to a landscape of just the mountains...

I picked up some new fabric at one of my favorite quilt stores, Traditional Pastimes, and decided that I would make my mom a new table runner for her coffee table for Easter.... I cut out the blocks at my retreat and finished them up yesterday.... I think she will really like it. The blocks are churn dash and it really didn't take that much fabric to make this quilt.

My retreat....

2009-03-26T18:55:00.009-06:00

came to an end last Sunday...... this is what it looked like when we woke up on Sunday morning....It was a good thing that our hosts drove our cars to the top of the hill - they then took us up in their 4 wheel drive - my little car would never have made it up the hill. Even tho' this is what it looked like at 9 am, I was in Calgary by noon and the snow had stopped and it was just horribly messy.

The above quilt is a finished "retreat project" that Julie had been working on for the past two retreats - it was so great to see it finished.... we all felt like it was our project being finished!!!

I completed a small baby quilt top and put together my borders for Baltimore Bunnies. I just have the bunnies to applique, then I have to put it together... so there are no photos yet of this Baltimore Bunny project - that is being worked on in its second year.

Thought for the Day
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.
Melody Beattie

I'm enjoying...

2009-03-21T23:23:00.011-06:00

my retreat. Yesterday the weather was so beautiful... but tonight we are in for a snow storm.... so, it may make it tough to get home ..... Yesterday and today a few of us went walking.... this is the view looking up into the hills - as you can see the sky is blue and it was about 11 Celsius.

The picture on the left is looking out from our sewing area, which is on the lower level, onto the deck that overlooks the Bow River.

The picture on the right is the common area of North Bow Lodge - where we can sit and chat, have a fire, hand stitch... just enjoy each other's company. It is on the main level. The bedrooms are also on this level.

This picture shows our sewing area on the lower level. There is a small alcove towards the lower deck where we eat our meals. The quilt below is being pieced by Julie, who bought the fabrics when she was on a trip to France. It is a wonderful little quilt.

No pics of me, yet.... I will have to get someone to use my camera! Another update to follow with news of the snow storm that is supposed to be coming.

Thought for the Day

I've found that luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often.

Brian Tracy

It's....

2009-03-18T07:47:00.002-06:00

retreat time.... I am off tomorrow for a 3 day quilt retreat in the foothills of Alberta. I am so excited to see my old friends and to get some of those UFO's completed. I will be taking my computer, so maybe there will be a pic or two in the next few days... hopefully a pic of my Baltimore Bunnies being finished!

Thought for the Day
Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vintage point.
Harold B Melchart

I have finally.....

2009-03-15T20:01:00.004-06:00

completed a Landscape wallhanging!! My dear friend Shirley does the most amazing landscapes and I have always wanted to make one... I finally took her online class and completed my first one. I am very pleased with it. The sky and orange fabrics are pieces that Shirley and I hand-dyed last year (we dye about once a year)... and I think they go quite well with the other fabrics. I have a long way to go.... but feel I have made a great start. I am looking forward to other landscape projects.

We have had a blizzard for two days in a row... lots of snow.... well, one day, we will have Spring!

Thought for the Day

There are those who work all day. Those who dream all day. And those who spend an hour dreaming before setting to work to fulfill those dreams. Go into the third category because there’s virtually no competition.

Steven J Ross

The Sun is Shining.....

2009-03-11T09:39:00.005-06:00

but it is still -30 degrees (celsius) - BUT, we are in for some warmer weather. This picture was taken the other day when we were having a snow storm. It is the view outside my quilt studio - I was thinking if we got any more snow I wouldn't be able to go up the stairs - LOL. This has been the coldest weather in these parts for a few years - of course, the year we move!! I have been busy quilting customer quilts and getting ready for my yearly retreat with friends. We will be retreating at North Bow Lodge on the beautiful Bow River, just an hour outside Calgary, next weekend. I am looking forward to finishing my Baltimore Bunnies that I have been doing for soooo long. I have just the borders to machine applique and then put it together.

Thought for the Day

The best way to knock the chip off your neighbor's shoulder is to pat him on the back.

Author Unknown

Finished...

2009-03-05T19:56:00.008-07:00

a couple of blocks for swaps... one is a Peacock block... and one is for a monthly swap for April - April Showers... The Peacock block is a little dark, but if you click on it, you should be able to see it.

Our weather continues to be extremely cold... we had a blizzard last night that made the highways absolutely awful this morning when I went in to work. It doesn't look like Spring is going to be here any time soon - LOL. I have to admit I am getting a little sick of the cold weather.

I have my Secret Easter Swap parcel already to go...... but can't post a pic and... can't tell you where it's going either.

I am quite excited that I am going to be starting a Landscape wall hanging class on Shirley's Learning FA Group - I have all my hand dyed fabrics ready to go... I will probably start it this weekend....

Thought for the Day
The more intensely we feel about an idea or a goal, the more assuredly the idea, buried deep in our subconscious, will direct us along the path to its fulfillment.
Earl Nightingale

Catching up.....

2009-02-25T20:05:00.006-07:00

I have been catching up the last few days on sewing that I need to get done.... and since it will never be Spring here - LOL.... I thought I would stitch up a little Easter table penny rug in wool and wool felt...I also made another bag... I just love these bags and they stitch up soooo quick... this one is in a new fabric that we got at the store I work at - it is very Spring-like. Since I'm not a "brand kinda gal" - LOL... I have no idea of the name of the fabric.

My toe is healing and is not as sore as it has been - although once in a while I sure feel it.

Thought for the Day

Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble.

Frank Tyger

A busy week.....

2009-02-23T11:35:00.007-07:00

Wow... can't believe how time flies lately....It would be nice if I could say we are waiting for Spring.... but, alas.... another snow storm this morning keeps me snug in my quilting room, studying and sewing - LOL. I have been doing a lot of quilting lately, so that has kept me quit busy. I am all caught up, which is a great feeling.

I received two blocks last week for two separate swaps - the heart block is from my monthly quilt block swap (we swap blocks related to the month) and the other block is for my civil war quilt, which should just about be ready to put together. I think I need one more block.

On Wednesday, February 25, I will be a guest blogger at the Quilting Gallery. I will be blogging about how I choose quilt designs when I quilt for others and myself. I would be pleased to hear your feedback on my topic.

I watched the greatest movie on the weekend - Passchendaele, written, produced, and directed by Canadian Paul Gross. It is a wonderful love story set in World War I and many scenes were set in Calgary, in the early part of the century. It was wonderful to see my hometown depicted in a movie! If you like period love stories I think you will enjoy this movie!

Oh... and on Saturday morning I stubbed my toe on the side of the bathtub/sink AND.... broke a toe, maybe two.... ugly looking foot I have... but I had to teach a machine quilting class saturday morning... so I just gritted my teeth and went for it. I have broken several toes - and have come to the conclusion that I have "large chimpanzee toes" - LOL.... but, my foot and toes are black and blue, the toe beside the little toe is huge and swolen.... and today it doesn't feel too bad.

Thought for the Day
No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.
Amelia Earhart

Happy Valentine's Day.....

2009-02-14T19:32:00.004-07:00

to everyone. I have had another busy week..... I received a lovely gift about a week ago from my secret sister on my machine quilting list - featherlite clamps for my quilting machine. I have been wanting to try these for some time... and I am very pleased with them. They hold the sides of the backing very well and the machine does not bump into them when I get to quilting the side borders.... Thanks Secret Sis!

I am doing a block of the month thru my guild and it uses the Kaleidoscope ruler from Marti Michell. I don't usually buy specific rulers, but I thought I would try this block of the month - and we had to buy the ruler. I am quite pleased with it. I made my BOM (smaller block) and then I made a block for a swap - it was quite easy to change to another size. I think I will be able to use this ruler for quite a while.

Thought for the Day
We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action.
Frank Tibolt

Snowy Week...

2009-02-10T10:45:00.003-07:00

We have had an unusally snowy week.... I guess that's a good thing, cause I can get lots of projects finished. I am working on two Block of the Month patterns.... and am up to date with the January blocks, but should get at the February ones. If you don't keep up with these things, they kind of get away from you. I am also doing a few customer quilts - I guess people have saved them up over the holidays - so that keeps me extremely busy. My quilting class at the local store is full this week - I will be teaching 6 beginners to machine quilt - this is always fun..

I had a one year blog anniversary in January - I guess I should celebrate that - and come up with a prize....LOL.... stay tuned!

Thought for the Day

The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.

Barbara Kingsolver

Good Book...

2009-02-04T08:30:00.004-07:00

I just finished reading a wonderful book entitled, All Our Wordly Goods, by Irene Nemirovsky. It was originally published in 1949 but has been published again. It is the story of two families in France, over the space of the First and Second World Wars. I really enjoyed the story and just love the Edwardian period of Europe. Irene was killed in Aushwitz in 1942. Many of her works were published post-humously. I plan to read more of her works.

Thought for the Day
It's time for greatness, not for greed. It's a time for idealism, not ideology. It is a time not just for compassionate words, but compassionate action.
Marian Wright Edelman

The Last Day of the Month...

2009-01-31T19:42:00.003-07:00

wow, I can't believe where January went... before you know it, it will be Spring. We received some new fabrics at the shop where I work, and there was a striking floral that I really wanted a piece of. I am not a floral person, but I loved this one... and when I put it with a red batik and green - I knew I had a winning combination. I have been wanting a Valentine's type table runner for awhile, but didn't want to use the cutsey fabric I had - I thought these fabrics would be great... so I whipped this up last night... I am really pleased with it.... I may have to put it on display for a day or two... but eventually it will be on my coffee table.

Thought for the Day

If you want to be the Captain, you have to know more than the crew!

Unknown

Mini Quilt....

2009-01-28T17:52:00.005-07:00

I received this lovely little mini quilt in a swap - I just love it.... I saw a Moose this morning on my way into town... and saw two yesterday on my way into town... so, this little guy will look great on my wall! Once again, we have some warmer weather.... I am going to try snow-shoeing this weekend!

Hop on over to Wacky Pac Wannabees, and see my entry into the pincushion challenge. I had fun with this one!

Thought for the Day

"by craning backward,the moose can be seen on the moonlit macadam"

Elizabeth Bishop

Mini Quilt

2009-01-22T19:14:00.007-07:00

I don't usually make mini's but I joined a swap for quilts under 15" - This is the quilt that I will send to my partner.

Is there anyone who wants to participate in my Pay It Forward???? anyone????? I'll send you something if you do..... Please see this post if you are interested. It's fun!!!

I was the recipiant of a great little prize this week from Auntie Em. This is just the cutest little wallhanging... and I can't wait to get a jump start on Christmas, 2009. The pincushion is adorable too..... I'm behind in making my pincusion for a challenge (wacky packers, don't read this).... do you think I could use this one - LOL.

The cold has returned to our part of the world - great for staying inside and doing some quilting - which is what I will do tomorrow.

Thought for the Day

Again I reply to the triple winds

running chromatic fifths of derision

outside my window:

Play louder.

You will not succeed. I am

bound more to my sentences

the more you batter at me to

follow you. And the wind,

as before, fingers perfectly its derisive music.

William Carlos Williams

I spent some time...

2009-01-18T20:08:00.008-07:00

quilting today.... this is a king size quilt with lots of border feathers and block feathers. This will take a few days to finish, I am sure... but it is fun.............

Thought for the Day
What I know is, is that if you do work that you love, and the work fulfills you, the rest will come

Oprah Winfrey

Pay It Forward

2009-01-18T19:44:00.007-07:00

I have joined Julie's Pay it Forword! The rules are simple....

Three people need to join in my PIF. I must send a hand made gift to the 3 people on my list within 365 days. In turn, the 3 people who have joined my PIF must also host their own and ask for 3 people to join. They then must send a handmade gift to each of their 3 players within 365 days. And on and on it goes, spreading the goodness around. There is no set time to send the gifts, so long as they are sent within 365 days of hosting your PIF.

So...... I need 3 people to join in.... post the logo and rules on your blog, and get three people to join their PIF..... any takers????? Keep in mind, that the hand made gift I send to you.... will probably be somehow sewing or quilting related - LOL.

Thought for The Day
What we call results are beginnings.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Time Flies.......

2009-01-12T19:07:00.010-07:00

when there are days and days of snow....LOL. We did have one or two days with above average temperature... but we are back to snow days. I haven't seen this amount of snow since I was a young girl (and that's getting to be awhile now!!!).

The other night we had the most beautiful full moon - and it showed up quite early, around 4:30 in the afternoon. I had to get a snap of it....

I had placed an order for some great sale fabrics at The Quilt Shoppe at the end of December, and they arrived today. All of these fabrics were 50% off, so I got some additions for my 2009 Christmas quilt, Frolic, and I purchased some pinks and an autumn piece for my stash. I thought the pinks would come in handy to go with a jelly roll that I have that has a lot of pinks in it.
That should be it for shopping for awhile!!, but you can hardly expect a quilter not to shop when there's a 50% off sale - LOL...

I also received my January block in a block swap that I am in. This is the start of a new year and I have chosen pinks and browns, in any style block. This should be a great sampler. I have 12 blocks from last year in civil war prints, in various blocks, that will make a great addition to my Kansas Spirit blocks. This is another UFO... that should get finished at the next quilt retreat I go to.

I am currently working on a miniature log cabin quilt - 5" blocks. Pics will follow.

Thought for the Day

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

Robert Frost

Swap Blocks....

2009-01-05T18:58:00.004-07:00

I received two swap blocks in the mail today. One is for my civil war themed quilt (Kansas Spirit) - this is the last of these blocks. I can now get busy and get this together. The Christmas block is for a new swap I am participating in that will bring a different themed block for each month - at the end of the year we will have a "calendar" quilt. I am looking forward to receiving these blocks.

Warming up.....

2009-01-05T12:54:00.007-07:00

It is warming up a bit and we are enjoying a few days of seasonal temperatures. I spent the morning catching up on a few things... blocks for swaps, etc. I made two little "doggie quilts" - rag quilts that are great for crates..... I hope the recipiant enjoys them! I made quite a few of these for Boston Rescue over the past little while..

Thought for the Day
God is not dead but alive and well and working on a much less ambitious project.

Anonymous

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2009-01-01T20:42:00.011-07:00

I can't believe it's the beginning of another year...... and we are experiencing extremely cold and snowy weather... just the right kind of weather to get lots of quilting done!! LOL... I will be updating my ufo list in the next few days.... I actually did get quite a bit done in 2008.... finished 5 of my quilting UFO's (this is just old stuff... not any new stuff that I pieced and quilted) and 10 of my pieicng UFO's (again, this is just old stuff, not any new stuff). I really must make a habit of adding to these lists to keep them up to date. I have two new block of the month programs that I am doing thru my guild, so that should keep quite busy this year, plus I have started taking University Accounting classes - so, I should have lots to keep me busy. I think if the snow keeps up I should be able to get a lot done.

I am also teaching a beginner quilting class on Shirley's Learning Fiber Arts group. The classes offered by this group are all free, so if you are looking to learn something new, that might be the place!
No resolutions for me!! Don't believe in them.
I will be having a one year "blogaversary" around the middle of this month... so stay tuned for that... I will be posting a giveaway.

Thought for the Day
We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.
Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Christmas

2008-12-29T14:10:00.012-07:00

is over and we had a lovely, quiet time. The weather has been cold and that has given me an opportunity to get some work done. I finished a beginner class on quilting that I will be teaching on Shirley's Learning FA group. This class will take place in February and it is free. I also pieced and quilted a commission quilt for the daughter of a friend who has graduated college, as well as finished up a few of my swap blocks. So, I am all up todate with most projects.

The last two days, when the weather warmed up, I went walking on the lake. Once in a while you can hear "drumming", which is the water moving under the lake, but the lake is frozen so there is no danger... lots of ski-doos and ice fishers around. This picture on the right is looking towards where I live - I live around the bend to the right.

The picture below is looking out towards the lake, the widest part.

The final picture is looking towards my house as I am coming back from my walk. It feels funny to be taking a picture of my home from about 20 feet out on the lake.....

Thought for the Day

Stand here by my side and turn, I pray,

On the lake below thy gentle eyes;

The clouds hang over it, heavy and gray,

And dark and silent the water lies;

And out of that frozen mist the snow

In wavering flakes begins to flow;

Flake after flake,

They sink in the dark and silent lake.

William Cullan Bryant

Happy....

2008-12-24T10:22:00.007-07:00

Christmas Eve... and a Merry Christmas to everyone! The cold has finally let up a bit so we should have a chance to go for a bit of a walk today. I am finishing quilting my Ornament Block quilt and just "putzing" around the house today. I wish everyone a blessed, joyous Christmas.....

Head on over to my friend Shirley's Blog, she has a post about Christmas Eve memories... and a beautiful photo of one of her quilts.

One of my fondest Christmas Eve memories is when I was a young child. My sister is 6 years younger than me, and she "believed" in Santa longer than I did (well, I actually still believe in Santa!). One year after we came home from Midnight Mass, I got to put out her Santa gifts, after she went to bed. She was receiving handmade Barbie doll furniture, made from redwood. It was the cutest little set - handmade blankets with the bunk beds, and little hangers in the wardrobe. She was so excited Christmas morning... I could hardly sleep waiting for her to get up!! When we had our family dinner last week, I brought up that Christmas and she said it was one of her best Christmas memories. Her adult daughter still has the doll furniture.

My favorite memories of Christmas with my children are filling Christmas stockings. My kids think that is the best part of Christmas and still can't wait to open their stockings. About a month ago, my son called and in the course of our conversation blurted out, "We still get our Christmas stockings, right"???

Last Christmas Eve day we had a traumatic event in our household. Our little Boston Terrier, Tooie woke up and couldn't breathe. At four o'clock in the morning on Christmas Eve day we were rushing to the vet. Tooie stopped breathing before we left and I performed CPR (DO NOT ask me how I did this, as I believe Angels guided me through the whole thing!). We got to the vet and found out he had a collapsed trachea caused by an elongated soft palette. He spent the day in the doggie ER and came home that evening. He did have to have surgery earlier in the year and seems to be doing better..... We are blessed and thankful to have our little Tooie still in our lives.

Merry Christmas

Thought for the Day

In the end, only kindness matters.

Jewel

This morning......

2008-12-22T19:49:00.004-07:00

was absolutely beautiful... although very cold! As I drove to work the temperature was -39 degrees celsuis (which is -38.2 F) and my tires were like big stones - felt like I was driving a Flinstones car!!! As I came over the crest of a small hill, the sun was beginning to rise in the East and there was a blanket of cloud settled in a farmer's field over the snow...... just so incredibly beautiful. I wish I had a picture to show you.... I thanked God for such a spectacular day....

Thought for the Day
"The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the lustre of midday to objects below"
Clement Moore

I'm so thankful......

2008-12-21T13:34:00.007-07:00

I received the most wonderful present from my dear "mom" Shirley - it is absolutely spectacular and I am so grateful for her kindness. Shirley does wonderful landscapes, as well as having a Yahoo group that gives free classes in quilting...... Along with this landscape, there was a handmade quilt holder... very innovative and great for storage. I also received some wonderful thread.... and other Christmas goodies..... I am blessed indeed to have Shirley as my second "mom".

While I was in Calgary, I went to shop at my favorite quilt store, Traditional Pastimes.... AND they had a sale on Christmas fabrics.... well, what's a quilter to do.... I bought myself a new Christmas pattern for next year plus some great new fabrics... This will be my 2009 Christmas quilt...... I will have to update my UFO list for 2009 pretty soon.... I have lots of things I haven't put on there.

My new friend, Jennifer, from Bronze Wombat, has a great tutorial on how to make the folded star patchwork trivet....I have always wanted to make one of these and now I can.... it would be great for Valentine's day or even Easter...Great Job, Jennifer.

Thought for the Day

"It is required of every man," the ghost returned, "that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow-men, and travel far and wide; and, if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death".

A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens