Well into March....

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.....

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......

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..........

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.....

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.....

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......

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...

"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.....

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.....

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

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........

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......

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.....

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.....

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.....

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