QUILTGAL

TAST

2012-01-22T17:09:00.000-05:00

With all of the wedding quilt making and preparations for going away I was a little late in getting my first three weeks of the Take a Stitch Tuesday sampler ready. So better late than never here it is.

Week one fly stitch
Week two buttonhole
Week three feather stitch

Family Wedding

2012-01-22T16:57:00.001-05:00

So much to tell! Last weekend Mom and I attended a family wedding. My Mom had one brother who had eight children. Most of them are married now with their own children and their children have children. So this past weekend my cousin Ricks' daughter Amanda got married. You can imagine how large a family wedding it. It was absolutely wonderful so great to see all my family.

The wedding took place at Queens Landing Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a vintage hotel which was absolutely beautiful. Mom and I made Amanda and her new husband Aaron a quilt, as a wedding gift.

I have never attended a wedding where there were so many babies and tots. Here is a picture of Mom and baby Luca, age 82 and age 2 weeks).

Mom and Luca

Mom having a lunchtime cocktail

Luca had his own little necktie own. What a darling baby. The hotel was still decorated for Christmas it was breathtaking. We had just had a small bit of snow a few days before making it very picturesque.

Amanda and Aaron

The table and room

Bridal Party

Christmas Decorations

Robin and Amanda photo

The very sad part was that my cousins wife (Robin) passed away just a week before the wedding and although it was not unexpected it was definitely hard on Rick, Amanda and the whole family. It was so touching when the JP asked Rick, "who gave this woman?" , he responded Robin and I do and he lit a candle placed next to her picture.

Robin was a lovely lady and wanted her daughter to have the wedding of her dreams and she surely did.

My pictures of the Quilt aren't very good as naturally I waited until the last minute to take them and had to rush to wrap the gift. Believe me is it prettier than it looks.

Yellow and Blue Quilt, Bricks and Blocks

2012-01-01T16:36:00.000-05:00

Happy 2012.

At our guild we have a sewing afternoon after our monthly morning quilt guild (Kawartha Quiltmakers) meetings. Usually someone in our guild teaches us a simple pattern and then we spend the rest of the afternoon sewing. At the meeting in the prior month the projects is shown to the group and then a list of supplies are put in our next Newsletter, which is sent to us by email ahead of time. If you are interested in making that project then you have lots of time to get your supplies ready before the meeting.

We have a nice time, at our sewing afternoons. Most of us who stay bring our lunch which we eat quickly so that we can get on with the sewing. I have always wanted to make a yellow and blue quilt, so when I saw that we were going to make the Bricks and Blocks pattern I thought this was a great time to use up some scraps. I when through all of my blue scraps and cut them up and used one yellow to try and unify the look. Once I finished with the body of the quilt I went through my stash to find the two bindings.

I like the way it came out and my plan is to quilt it myself in a simple line design. But we will see, I may cave in and send it out to be long armed. I still have a huge stash of yellow and blues for another quilt and I have another idea for that so you might see it later this year.

I have another quilt being long armed at the moment but it is a wedding gift for later this month, so I will have to wait to post the photos until after D-Day or should I say Wedding Day.
Gotta go now and prep for the New Years Day Dinner.

Christmas is Well and Truly over

2011-12-30T10:20:00.001-05:00

You can tell by the photos that Christmas is over. Hubby, mom and Shadow are relaxing. Christmas was wonderful. I love spending time with the two most favorite people in my life, and my darling dog.

The week between Christmas and New Years has always been my favorite. A time to relax, take stock, make lists, plan for the future, both personal improvements and Quilting. A time to sit in my nightie and drink coffee, play on the computer, watch TV and THINK.

Plans for this year:
- continue with (restart after holiday) low GI Diet plan
- begin with my Personal Trainer Natalie, starting Jan 6th
- begin working with a Dietitian in February
- work on organizing and cleaning up the basement shelves and crawl space
- this year I will begin the job of Web Master for our Quilt Guild
- I have signed up for Sharon Boggon's TAST
- finally, act on my list of unfinished quilts, either complete them, plan a completion date or donate the unfinished blocks

UFOs

Ø Femme Fatale wall hanging

Ø Hearts and Flowers

Ø Orchid Sashiko

Ø Victorian Bouquet

Ø Scrappy Lattice

Ø Newfoundland trip wall hanging

Ø Sunbonnet Sue

Ø Mauve blocks that I won

Ø Red flower Tinners

Ø Garden Embroidery Quilt

Ø Red work Sue Quilt

Ø Shadows Wall hanging

Ø New York Beauty

Ø Scrap Half Square Triangles

Ø Needle case, felt

Ø Baltimore Album

Ø Yellow Brick road

Ø Brick and Blocks

Ø Pink and Blue Baby Quilt

Eatons Embroidered blocks

So that is my plan for the new year. I am trying to keep it simple and not to overwhelming. The list of UFO'a might grow as I remember more unfinished projects.

Merry Christmas to All and to all a Good Night

2011-12-24T14:39:00.000-05:00

Hubby took me out to a quilt shop in Millbrook earlier this week and bought me a special present. This quilt shop also sells giftware and specializes in Jim Shore, Hubby know that I love fairies so he bought me this.

Tonight we will begin with our traditional Christmas eve supper, Tourtiere and salad and when we come home we will have Tea and Christmas cake and shortbread.

Later tonight we will attend church where this is a live nativity, well really it is the children and some live sheep. I am looking forward to it. The church will be decorated so beautifully and we begin in darkness and all have a lit candle until the first hymn is sung.

Christmas morning we will have the "Christmas Morning Wife Saver" with fruit and coffee. No lunch will be served this day, however will have our Christmas dinner around 5pm.

Turkey, Stuffing, Gravy, Turnip Puff, Mashed Potatoes and Coleslaw, later on in the evening we will have our dessert |Lemon Mousse.

Boxing Day I am having my Sister-in-law and her family for supper. We are having Baked Ham, Rice Pilaf, Green Beans, Carrots and for dessert Trifle and Tea. My nephew is a Chef and he is also going to bring Creme Brulee, how decadent.

Gospel - Luke 2:15-20When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this Child; and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Merry Christmas to all!

Take a Stitch Tuesday 2012

2011-12-21T18:58:00.000-05:00

I have joined TAST 2012 so help improve my embroidery stitches and learn some new ones. I have done a couple of small Crazy Quilt pillow projects but my skills are rusty.

So for those of you looking for a challenge consider joining.

Facial

2011-12-16T08:26:00.000-05:00

I had a fabulous afternoon, courtesy of my DH , First I received a dozen red roses as a "happy Christmas to my darling wife" and then I went for a facial (also courtesy of hubby) at Girlie Girls. A full hour on my back wrapped in a warm pink blanket. I had my facial listening to lovely Bluesy Christmas music. It was a dream.

I hope you all have the chance of some relaxation over this busy holiday season.

Noah's Ark

2011-12-12T17:40:00.000-05:00

As I think I have mentioned I belong to a quilting group at my church. We spend one day a week hand quilting.

A few months ago I picked up a panel at the local "Fabricland", my intention being to use it to practice machine quilting. Well instead of machine quilting, I took it into church and it was hand quilted by some of the ladies. We always have one large quilt and one baby quilt on the frames at any one time. The baby quilts are always a panel. We sell them for $50-60. I personally think it is a lot of work quilting for a panel but they are cheap to buy, quilt up nicely and seem to sell almost as fast as we can get them finished.

Right now our large quilt is a bit of a rescue mission. It is a beautiful queen size cross stitched top which the quilting had been started on when the owner suddenly took ill. She had been quilting on a lap frame. After she took ill the quilt was put in a green garbage bag and sat there for some years. When it was brought to us it had a large coffee stain on on it (in several places). We have removed all of the previous quilting and mounted the quilt on a frame with new batting. We have begun the quilting without cleaning first because quilting lines are preprinted on the fabric and if we pre-wash we will lose all the lines.

Noah's Ark

Working On

2011-12-10T20:53:00.000-05:00

It is that time of year again when everyone is so busy with preparation for the holidays. I have the tree decorated and am working on some projects .The main thing that I am working on I can't show because it is a gift for a wedding that I will be attending in January. However I can show you a couple of things.

First is a blanket that I crocheted for a cousin's baby. Baby boy was born a month ago and his name is Malachi.

The second item I have just finished is a prayer shawl. There is a knitting group at church. The ladies get together once a week and knit prayer shawls for those who are sick or in need in some way or other. I belong to the quilting group (who meet on the same day) so I don't attend the knitting group but I knit/crochet at home. The wool is all donated and I picked up a bag of greys/black and added some white and some colours. I saw an afghan made over at , hooked on needles and I loved it. I thought that it would be just the thing to use up little bits of yarn. I think that I will make an afghan out of scraps of the yarn that I have. Finally I have to leave you two pictures of the most beautiful little girl in the world my baby Shadow.

Next time I will have some pictures of a baby quilt that I am finishing for my
church quilt group.

More of the Bobcaygeon Quilt Show

2011-09-20T14:55:00.000-04:00

Rose of Sharon

One of the cabins in the Settlers Village

One Block Wonder

Colourwash Triple Irish Chain

Hawaiian Applique

Bargello

Beautiful cross stitched Bucilla Quilt

Tangled Threads Booth

Itchy and Scratchy Rides Again

2011-09-17T20:26:00.000-04:00

So it turns out (I think) I have an allergy to Sulpha. I had to go off antihistamines for a week before I saw the Allergist. I was lucky and he had a cancellation. So I had got to see him on Friday, but that time I was so itchy I was ready to go insane. After our appointment the doctor took pity on me and gave me a free sample of Reactine to take there and then. I have a return appointment book and had some blood work done. So hopefully we will get to the bottom of this soon.

Kelly

On a happier note, last weekend my dear friend Kelly came down from Barrie to visit me and we had a fabulous time. We spent Saturday talking, cutting, sewing and looking a magazine. Sunday we went to the Bobcaygeon, to the Harvest of Quilt. We even manage to spend a bit of money at the vendors. Here are lots of photos.

The Featured Quilter at the showNancy Johnston of Kinmount

This is a Quilt I would like to make.

Lots More

Tangled Threads Booth- Mary and hubby

Hexie Quilt

Severe Allergic Reaction

2011-08-28T16:40:00.005-04:00

Well let me tell you I would not wish this situation on anyone, friend or foe!

On Tuesday morning after I got up, I noticed that my hands were a little itchy, no big deal I have eczema so I just put on some of my ointment and thought it would get better. By the end of the day the itch had spread to my arms, really unusual I thought!

Tuesday evening hubby and I went to a "meet and greet" our new family doctor. You might remember we moved here over a year and half ago and finally found a local Doctor. We had been driving 2 hours back to our old Doctor.

We were very happy to now have a doctor and oh by the way this guy has "same day appointments. You call him first thing in the AM and get in that day. The only thing he books ahead are diabetes counselling and physicals. That night I was overwhelmed with the itch which had now spread to my legs, feet, and around the middle.

Next day I got up absolutely no sleep still itching and scratching. I called the new Doc and got in right away. We tried to figure out what it might be, in the end he gave me a a script for some hydro-cortisone ointment to try and sent me home, telling me to take some Benadryl. By the next day I was covered in a rash and I was having a slight shortness of breath and the feeling that my ears and face were swelling. Overall I just felt lousy.

I went back again to Doc on Friday, now I had NO sleep for three nights having to sit up in a chair in the living room because I was too itchy to settle down in bed. This time Doc gave me a script for some Prednisone, told me to keep taking the Benadryl, cortisone cream and a lotion.

I think that I have figured out what it is that is happening to me. Penicillin!

I was allergic to penicillin in my teens and had not used it in years but a couple of years ago after having my appendix removed a doctor at the hospital told me that I should be retested to see if I was still allergic to the drug. She said there is nothing better, if I ever really needed it.

So I made an appointment with an allergist and low and behold he said that I was no longer allergic to the drug. Since then I have had a course of treatment a few months ago without incident. ( or so I thought)

Since this happened I have been scouring the net for info on this because it seemed odd to me that I would okay one time and the next time I completed the whole prescription and the symptoms occurred a week after I finished the prescription. It can happen, according to what I read. I now have an appointment with another allergist. I can only say that if I feel this lousy from an allergic reaction I can't imagine what it would feel like to be really ill.

Hubby has been wonderful, doing the dishes, laundry, vacuuming etc. The worst of it has been that my poor hands have been scratched beyond there limit and are so sore I have not been able to do any sewing or knitting. I think I may be on the mend now.

I hope all of you who are on the east coast of Canada and the US have weathered the storm. I have been watching some of the storm coverage on CNN.

Shadow and The Quilt top

2011-08-21T16:42:00.000-04:00

I have been spending time both this afternoon and yesterday putting the final borders on the Quilt I am doing for our church quilting group. I had pretty much decided that I was not going to make any more large Quilts because I find them so difficult to manage there size while sewing. I was asked to put this together so I am once again working on another large quilt.

In the midst of my sewing on these borders and listening to a book on tape (Debbie Macomber - 16 Light house Rd) we got a thunderstorm.

Now my dearest darling dog Shadow does not love thunder. She is not nearly as bad as our last dog (Sam who huffed, puffed and shook through each storm) however she wants to stand near me be petted and comforted during the whole storm. So imagine how I was trying to hold a Queen size quilt top in my lap full of pins on the border while a large Dog tried to push her way under the sewing machine and keep her head on my lap. She knows I can't resist or ignore those big brown eyes so the sewing had to take the back burner. Fortunately the storm did not last to long and I got back to my sewing.

This is our most recent picture of her, hubby's toes included.

Darling Dog Shadow

Small Quilt Show - Jane Burke

2011-08-15T12:54:00.000-04:00

Eleanor Burns Pattern

Jane told us that she acquired the blocks just the hexagon shape.
She added the plain coloured
triangles and centres and the border.

Eleanor Burns Pattern

Friendship blocks likely for a wedding

Sugar and flour sack quilt

Looks familiar but don't know pattern.
Also made with polyester knit and backed with
a curtain

This quilt was made from donations blocks given to
Jane in her outgoing President year. She made up
tea groups around vintage doilies. This one is Gorgeous

Drunkards Path?

Made from cigar box flag inserts

Grandmother's Flower Garden

Cheddar and Blue

Tea Towel Quilt

Cathedral Window made of crimpilene and corduroy

Jane is a past president of the Mississauga Quilt Guild. She brought her quilts to the Lakefield Farmers Market. They were hung on a clothesline strung between the trees. It was beautiful.

Quilt Canada May 2011

2011-08-11T15:28:00.003-04:00

Quilt Canada was in May, and I was too busy playing Cityville to keep up with my Blog. However I should tell you we had a great time. The Quilts were amazing. No Photo's were allowed but I think you can look on the CQA web site.

I had a great time with my friends whom I had not seen since my time in Barrie we had a lovely meal brought by them (Lasagna, salad, fruit etc) and we sat around our apartment and talked.

My friend Kelly and I took two classes during the week there and left quite a bit of money at the merchant mall.

London, On is consider the city of trees, so that was the theme and logo of the show. The organizing committee sent out a call for leaf bowls. The plan was to have one for each delegate. There was a pattern available, sent to the member and all of the guilds. Now keep in mind that they often have difficulty getting enough of these items. They were hoping for 400 and stopped counting when they reached 1500. WOW!

Mary, Kelly, Myself and Margaret

One of the classes

Close up

Leaf Bowl with Goodies

All of my Friends in Stitches

Stage prepped with extra leaf bowls and quilt made by one member of Dala who performed for us on the night of the Gala

Sunday Morning and Hubby's Birthday

2011-08-07T10:27:00.000-04:00

Morning all, I am here in the land of the pouring rain. First few weeks of this summer have been sweltering, mostly have the A/C on all of the time, which I hate. Now we are having lots and lots of rain which we need. I have been working on putting together a little quilt for my church group. We meet every Thursday and hand quilt. I can attest to the fact that it is so relaxing and fun to see and gab with the other ladies. Here is in EQ design. It is not my preference, but the person for whom we are making this quilt. I am in the throws of piecing all of the blocks and sashing together. Not a job that I love but I was elected.

Anyway today is hubby's birthday and we have had our breakfast and I have lavished him with all of this presents. Mom is taking us out to dinner tonight. It is a 100 mile dinner put on by some local chefs as a kick off for the our annual Peterborough Exhibition . Hopefully it will be lots of good food and drink.

I'm Back

2011-08-01T21:24:00.000-04:00

I have to admit that I have been addicted to the games on facebook. It all started last Christmas with Cityville, then escalated to start back on Farmville, then Frontierville, then English Farmville and then Empire and Allies. The bottom line is that I was spending more time on the computer then I was at my favorite pastime quilting. Anyway I am back know and hope I will have lots to share in the next while. For now I need help. I am new to this new blogger and I have a problem. While I am typing this draft I find that the toolbar at the top of the page is almost completely covered by the page that you type on. Any idea's on how to fix this. I won't be able to post any photos at this rate.

More Quilts Featuring Bev Longford

2011-04-29T14:20:00.000-04:00

These photos do not do the quilts justice. Bev's quilt are playful, whimsical and full of colour. and beautiful.

Quilt Show Entrants

2011-04-26T21:39:00.000-04:00

My Guild had a quilt show last weekend and I thought I would share some of the quilts in the show.

This first little quilt was one of those in the fabric challenge like mine. This is the on I voted for.

This second quilt was made by Bev Longford our feature quilter. More of her quilts tomorrow

I love this batik with the black and white stripe mini border inserted near the edge.

This was a fabulous photo transfer quilt.

Just a pretty quilt.

butterflies and Sashiko.

Gorgeous quilt made by a guild memeber, inspired by a class taken with Helen Fujiki

Perfect for Easter

Gorgeous Quilt made by my friend Irene Gibson. She did the centre on her Embroidery machine.

Drunkards Path.

This one was made by my friend Anne Ramsay, gorgeous. It is from a Stacked the Deck book.

Gorgeous Hawaiian applique and Echo Quilting.

More tomorrow

My Piece for the Quilt Show

2011-04-19T22:12:00.000-04:00

My Guild was having a show this past weekend. Kawartha Quiltmakers. There was a fabric challenge where you were to make a mini quilt no more than 20X20 using some of the fabric in the challenge ( the beige with the leaves, butterflies and bumble bees). The theme was "Memories in Stitches".

I lost my dear little brother when he was almost seven. I wanted to make a small crazy quilt in his honour.

I "like" my piece but I don't "love" it. I used the fabulous book by Allie Aller as a guide to developing my piece but I didn't leave myself enough time to study it during the process.

I think that if I had it up on a design wall I would have seen that it needed, and planned it out better I like the upper right corner where the fabric curves and i think that I should have continued on in that theme. Also I should have used a stabilizer under the photo collage, is to loosey goosey.

I would appreciate all of the feedback you can provide me so that I can get better at this.
Tomorrow I will put some photo's up of the show.

Great stitchery on this Blog

2011-03-12T20:16:00.000-05:00

Check out this Blog

http://busyascanbe.blogspot.com/

Pure Inspiration

2011-03-01T22:20:00.000-05:00

This lady is truly an inspiration to us all

Church Group Quilters

2011-02-22T22:18:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday I had a marvellous day, one I hope will be the first of many. I decided to join the ladies at my church who Quilt every Thursday. They begin about 9:30 and go until about 3:00 pm. What a wonderful time we had sitting around the frame chatting and stitching, sometimes saying nothing at all.

Just before lunch one of the ladies got up and went into the kitchen. She made, tea set out real plates mugs, milk jug, sugar bowl and plates of cheese, pickles and celery. All we had to do was to bring our own sandwich from home. She also put our a large plate of cookies for after our lunch. Three cups of tea later she cleaned up while the rest of resumed our place at the frame. It sure felt wonderful, a very relaxing day.

I'll be back next Thursday.

Orchids and.......................

2011-02-15T09:13:00.000-05:00

In another couple of weeks I will begin a parade of classes. The the first is a two day class at my local Quilt Shop on using EQ7. Tangled Threads owner Mary's significant other is a bit of a techy and he is going to lead us in a two day workshop. I am so looking forward to that.

Then I have a another two day workshop with Renske Helmuth on Orchids and Sashiko. The first picture is a photo of my orchid at home. I thought I would use these colours for my piece. The second is a photo of the Renske's class sample. Gorgeous!

Also I have just received my supply lists for the two classes I have signed up for at Quilt Canada in London, Ont. in May 2011. So looking forward to that. If any of you are also attending I would love to meet you there.

Batten Down the Hatches and Works in Progress

2011-02-01T23:40:00.000-05:00

Today we had a new Washer and Dryer delivered and set up. Our old pair were getting on to 30 years old and so it was time. I received some Sears Gift Cards for a retirement gift, and saved them for just this purpose.

We purchased a pair of front loading LG's and Wow do they ever use less water and dry and in record time. So far so good. I will tell you how I like them better after a few more uses.

We are getting ready for a big storm coming north from Texas. You might have a little laugh at this old video.

So I sent hubby out today for milk and bread so I will not have to go out tomorrow if it turns out we get as much as they are calling for (6-10 inches) in our area.

The first photo is a pair of socks that I am working on. My first pair using self striping wool. Kind of cool.

The next picture are a small sample of the embroidery portion of a quilt that I am making, Over the River and Through the Woods. I will have lots of handwork to keep me busy tomorrow.

Unfortunately if the weather is nasty I will miss guild tomorrow. I will however have more time to prepare the presentation on "Labels" that I am give at my other quilt group on Thursday. I am hoping however that the weatherman is may be exaggerating.

A Clean and Tidy Sewing Room

2011-01-11T21:30:00.000-05:00

Tidy Sewing Room

I have a very small sewing room in this house, and after the hubbub of Christmas, it was a mess. It is that room in the house where, whenever I bring something into the house and don't know where to put it, I say to hubby put it in the sewing room. So now I have clean and put away everything that I can.

By your standards this may not be as clean or tidy as yours but for me this is as good as it gets,

Sewing Room right after we Moved In

I share my sewing room with the computer as well as an extensive library of quilting books, a TV etc.etc. I am pleased that it is now cleaned up and I can begin finishing some projects.

Great Giveaway- $50 Gift Certificate Fat Quarter Shop

2011-01-05T22:30:00.000-05:00

There is a great giveaway over at Pigtales and Quilts. So head on over and put your name in. If you mention I sent you I will get another chance.

Great Day At Guild

2011-01-05T19:31:00.000-05:00

I had a very good day at Guild. We had a guest speaker from Lang Pioneer Village who came to talk to us about the textiles that they have at the Museum.

We also had lots of talk about our upcoming Quilt Show in April. Nothing like a Quilt Show to get you in the mood to finish something eh! So far I have volunteer to demonstrate some Yo-yo's, and some English Paper Piecing (hexagons) and there will be a large Quilt there and I have volunteered to do some hand quilting on it.

A great show and tell today. Lots of inspiration. Too bad I didn't have my camera!

In the afternoon I stayed with a friend to do some sewing and there was demo's on Labels, sleeves and binding.

Tonight the Canadian Junior's play the Russian in Hockey so I guess I will sit with Hubby and watch for the evening and hand sew.

New Year, New Goals

2011-01-02T15:55:00.000-05:00

Another year of Quilty projects unfinished. A time to reflect, take stock of those projects.

Do I want to finish them ?

Do I still like them ?

Do I want to trash it?

Offer it to a friend to finish?

Bundle it up for my Guilds Annual Trunk sale? (We sell stuff from the trunks of our car)

Donate it to a local charity unfinished but packaged.?

I will ponder these and other of lives mysteries, such as New Years Resolutions!

Happy New Year and The Winner Is.........................

2011-01-01T17:04:00.001-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

The Winner of the Crazy Patchwork Book and Embellishments is Nanci.... over at
Quilting At the Cottage.

Congratulations Nanci, I will be emailing you for your Address.

Giveaway Reminder ----------------

2010-12-31T09:27:00.000-05:00

Reminder that I am drawing for a book "Crazy Patchwork" by Janet Haigh. I will include some embellishments for the lucky winner. This is an absolutely beautiful book on Crazy Quilting with some great projects but I have ordered another book and have a new rule one in, one out. I have a very small sewing room and hundreds or books so I need to pare down. Here are the rules.

To qualify you need to make a comment on my blog and also mention the giveaway on your blog.

My hubby, my trusty helper, will draw the winning entry on the Eve of December 31, and I will post the winner on New Years Day.

Great Christmas Day

2010-12-26T15:07:00.000-05:00

We had a lovely Christmas Day, just the four of us. My Mom, my hubby, our furry girl "Shadow" and I.

We rose at 9:00am and I put out the Orange juice while Hubby walked the dog. Then we went over to Mom's and opened the presents. Then we had breakfast. Lovely Peameal Bacon from Franz Butcher shop, scrambled eggs, toasted English muffins and homemade rhubarb ginger preserves, all washed down with lots of coffee.

Hubby and I went home and I stuffed the turkey and put it in to roast. After a well earned rest we commenced again. Mom came over and we started preparing the evening meal. Roast turkey, stuffing, turnip, mashed potatoes, jellied salad, cranberries and wine, followed by Oranged cheesecake and tea.
It was a lovely dinner and a quiet restful day. Hubby's sister phoned in the evening and we had a nice chat, to top off our day.

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas too!

Christmas Service At All Saints

2010-12-25T23:00:00.000-05:00

Last night Mom and I went to church for the late service. It was truly beautiful. It was a candlelight service and there were lovely carols and Poinsetta's and Trees were lovely. It felt truly wonderful to be attending services on the eve of Christ's birth, fulfilling the true meaning of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to Everyone

2010-12-24T21:45:00.000-05:00

I am getting ready to head to Church and I have one last thing to show you. I made a set of placemats for Mom for Christmas.

Merry Christmas to Everyone

Reminder of the Giveaway.............................

2010-12-13T21:43:00.000-05:00

A couple of days I ago I posted about a give away for a Crazy Quilting book and some embellishments.

Please go back and have a look.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow Let it Snow!!!!

2010-12-13T10:56:00.000-05:00

It is certainly not because I am fond of snow but boy it sure is pretty, especially when it is so close to Christmas. These are some pictures taken from just outside our home.

We were suppose to go out today and visit sime friends but the driving is not that great so I think that we are going to just stay home.

On the picture below I was trying out a program to modify the picture. I think I like it and it might be next years Christmas Card.

Everyone stay warm and dry on this wintery in Southern Ontario.

Last Giveaway of the Year

2010-12-12T12:35:00.000-05:00

It is the time of year when we begin to wrap presents and I thought why not wrap one more and send it off to a fellow blogger .

I need to make some room in my sewing room so I am giving away this book "Crazy Patchwork" by Janet Haigh. Here is a photo of one of the projects included in the book. If you turn your head side ways you can see that is it an embroidered and silk ribbon pillow. The book is gorgeous and full of lovely projects for both hand and using some of your fancy stitches on the machine.

I promise to include some embellishments with the book to the lucky recipient.

To qualify you need to make a comment on my blog and also mention the giveaway on your blog.
My hubby my trusty help, will draw the winning entry on December 31, and I will post the winner on New Years Day.

Good luck to all!

Christmas Decorating and Giveaway

2010-12-11T09:49:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for Christmas always seems like such a chore. I love the Christmas tree but hate putting it up. However once it is up and the room is decorated with the nativity scene, the nutcracker I always love it. Today we received a beautiful poinsetta that was sent to us by some dear friends and neighbours we lived next to before we moved.

Please stay tuned for upcoming Giveaway. Like Santa it won't be long now.

Hubby and I have been attending the Wellness and Sport Centre, (I've been taking aquafit classes each morning). This week they had there annual Holiday Christmas Dinner for members. It was a lovely Turkey meal with over 117 in attendance. It made Christmas feel like it is really here.

Shadow's Christmas Debut and Kiwiberry Quilt

2010-12-10T23:03:00.003-05:00

Shadow, my darling furry girl was an excellent model for her Christmas picture. She sat ever so still. Both her father and I are very pleased that we were able use her picture for our annual Christmas cards.

Yes, yes I know she is sooooo cute. I think she prefers not to wear her antlers though.

Over the last few weeks, it seems as though we have been so busy and I have so many projects started and in various states of not finished.

This is one of the quilts that is a little further along for me to show you. It is missing one more border, but here it is . The colours are a little washed out in this picture but trust me when I say this is a bright quilt. When I get the last border on I will take another picture in the daylight so you can really see the colours. I should mention that the fabric is all Batik, using a Bali Pop (Kiwiberry). Using a book on strip tubing.

Sorry, I've been so long in posting

2010-11-23T16:20:00.000-05:00

Sorry that I have been so long in posting but life seems to be getting in the way. I attended a class last week at our local Quilt Shop, Tangled Threads on Charlotte street in Peterborough. It is Tube Quilting and I enjoyed the class and teacher Shirley Challice very much. I have to get all of my blocks put together tonight so that I can put the borders on tomorrow in our last class.

So far here are the blocks I have put together. I am using a Bali Pop (Kiwiberry) It was given to me by my dear friend Kelly and I am so thrilled that I have been able to use it in this project. I will post more then I have them completed.

Then Thursday I am taking another class, Jelly Bargelly. Yes I am on overload at the moment.

Orchids

2010-11-10T23:23:00.001-05:00

In February, I am going to be taking a 2 day class with Renske Helmuth. She does lovely work. Please visit her site.

This class is mostly hand applique surrounded by some Sashiko. I believe we spend the first day working on the orchid and then part of the next day learning Sashiko. Here is a picture of the sample.

We can do our orchid in any colour we want so I am thinking I would like to do the Orchid the same colour of the one that I have growing in my kitchen window.

Received my Lovely Giveaway

2010-11-01T21:00:00.000-04:00

We are home from our weekend getaway. Can you believe it I managed to go away for an entire long weekend, remember to take my camera but forgot to take any pictures. I can tell you we went to two hockey games, visited a museum, took in a Quilt Shop (didn't buy a thing) and went out for dinner several times.

I can highly recommend a fabulous Chinese Restaurant in Ottawa, called The Golden Palace. It doesn't look like much and decor is strictly "old fashioned Chinese restaurant" it is a little pricey but boy is the food terrific.

I have forgotten to blog a thank you to Shay over at Quilting in my Pajamas. I won a giveaway, and it arrived a week of so ago and I have neglected to take a photo until today. It included some lovely fabrics and pretty buttons. Thanks again Shay.

I sent in my registration to Quilt Ontario 2011, for London next year and I am so looking forward to that event. Hope I will see some of you there.

Go Sens Go

2010-10-28T22:47:00.000-04:00

We had a fabulous evening. Hubby and I are in Ottawa to visit my cousin Joe and to take in a couple of Senators hockey games. Tonight the Sens won 5-3 over Florida. Tomorrow we are going to the Museum of Science and Technology and then out to dinner with my cousin and his three boys.

Quilt is completed - "Coffee for Two"

2010-10-25T17:33:00.000-04:00

I finally have my quilt completed and mailed off to my cousin and his wife. I don't think that they read my blog so I am fairly safe is in this posting. I am pleased with how it turned out.

That is Hubby hiding behind acting as a holder.

This is a close up of the quilting. Not done by me but a lady that my neighbour recommended and she did a lovely job.

Finally a picture of my lovely little girl, Shadow. I could not miss the chance to show you she was helping me right up to the last stitch.

Giveaway Winner.........Drum Roll Please!

2010-10-19T12:31:00.001-04:00

After our sandwich and tea at lunchtime today my DH pulled the name of the Winner out of our Tea Cozy, well shaken not stirred. The Lucky Winner is Valerie........over at http://lifeslittlegarden.blogspot.com/

Congratulations and stay tuned, because my sewing room is full to overflowing and I will be having another giveaway sometime next month. Valerie, I have emailed for your address.

Off to be Quilted and Signature

2010-10-18T17:32:00.000-04:00

I was visiting the blog of my pal Jennifer over at the Bronze Wombat, who gave info on how to make a siggy. I hope that you like mine. "Gemini" is now off to the Quilter so now I am going to make the binding, label and will post pictures when I get it back later this week.

The draw for the giveaway if tomorrow.

FNSI

2010-10-16T10:56:00.000-04:00

I have the first two row of my quilt sewn together.

Latest Photo of Gemini and Don't forget my Giveaway

2010-10-15T20:43:00.000-04:00

Here is the latest photo of the Quilt "Gemini" on my design wall, before the borders. It is going to be quilted on Sunday so I best get sewing.

I am giving away this book, Jelly Roll and Charm Quilts and a package or Moda (Flutterby Charms) The draw will be made by my hubby on Tuesday October 19th. So please make sure that I can reach you, by email.

To Qualify Please place a link on your Blog, to advise other folks of my give away and make sure that I have your email addy. That's it. Good Luck!!

Fabric Selection and Giveaway

2010-10-13T11:45:00.002-04:00

Here is are the fabrics in the Hoffman Cappuccino collection, that I am using for my latest quilt, the Gemini Pattern and here are a few more blocks.

I have been fortunate in winning a giveaway lately, so I would like to reciprocate.

I am giving away this book, Jelly Roll and Charm Quilts and a package or Moda (Flutterby Charms) The draw will be made by my hubby on Tuesday October 19th. So please make sure that I can reach you, by email.

To Qualify Please place a link on your Blog, to advise other folks of my give away and make sure that I have your email addy. That's it. Good Luck!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-10-10T11:23:00.002-04:00

Potatoes and Turnip prepared. Check
Pumpkin pie is baked. Check
Turkey is stuffed and in the oven. Check
Coleslaw and green beans prepared. Check
Tomato juice and wine in the frig. Check

I am going to take my Mom out to the Buckhorn Craft show this afternoon while the turkey is roasting. Hubby will be home to babysit Shadow and turkey.

PS. Follow up to my Sleep Study. I went to the doctor on Friday. He said during my sleep study I stopped breathing 117 times an hour, twice a minute. I have to go back for another sleep study now that I have my CPAP machine and mask. So far the new machine and mask I have are a wonder. I get great sleep.

PPS I have now change my blog parameters so that anyone can leave a comment. So please do, I love hearing from you all. Stay tuned for a Giveaway.

Gemini in Cappuccino Bali Pops

2010-10-08T09:20:00.002-04:00

I have started a new project. I found the pattern in "Quilt" magazine a while back and though I didn't care for there fabric selection, I did like the pattern very much.

I have been searching for a pattern for while because I wanted to make a quilt (as a gift) using Bali Pops Cappuccino. Anyhoo, I think this block is just delicious and is just waiting for me to get sewing.

The pattern in the magazine uses cutting instructions for fat quarters but I could see that all of the strips were 2 1/2" so I knew that it would work. When cutting my two sample block strips, I found that I had a little left at the end of each strip, so I cut out 2 1/2 inch squares. I think that I will use then in the border some how.

Sunsets and Kathy Wylie at Guild

2010-10-06T17:01:00.000-04:00

I just had to share with you the sunsets that we have been having the last few nights. This is the view out my kitchen window. The three pictures were taken over the period of a few minutes as it changes so rapidly.

Today was Guild meeting and we had a fabulous Quilter, by the name of Kathy Wylie.She is from Whitby, Ontario. She is such a lovely girl who also happens to be extremely talented. Her quilts are award winning and we as Canadians should be proud to have her among us.

She does wonderful things with papercuts using both machine and hand applique. Her first book is called Sewflakes .She did a fabulous slide presentation and then showed us some of the quilts she brought with her.
Please use the link to check out her web site. But the pictures don't do the quilts justice.

I have news. I can't stand it, hold on now, I have actually started to sew something. Yes it is true. I can barely stand it. I have to pinch myself. Seriously, it is possible that I might actually finish the year with one new quilt to show for it. I will show you a couple the blocks next time I blog. Till next time, Keep on Stitchin.

Beautiful Fall Day

2010-10-03T13:53:00.001-04:00

Wow What a beautiful couple of days it has been. I have been under the weather, a dreadful cold and sinus infection. However I am recovered and back in action.

Oh, I am so excited I won a draw on the Blog "Quilting in my Pajamas", I will put up a photo when my parcel arrives.

Mom and I went out for the day yesterday. We took a drive to Campbellford and visited the Empire Cheese shop, the Worlds Finest Chocolate Shop, a Quilt shop (naturally) and then went for a bite of lunch. Just a couple of picture of the fall leaves, before we have none left.

Fall Splendor

Pretty Colours

One of Mom's End of Season Baskets

My License Plate

By the way, I have been wanting to share my license plate with you, in case you see me around. Hubby bought it for me for my 50th Birthday. At first I thought it was silly but now I love it.

Giveaway

2010-09-25T20:35:00.000-04:00

For a chance to win visit Millie's Quilting.

2009 Hoffman Challenge.......................

2010-09-19T11:13:00.000-04:00

Still Protecting Earth

Hide and Seek has Beautiful Threadwork- This was my favorite.

Close up of basket

Close up of fence and flower

Close up of Rabbits

Close up of Scotch Thistles

Purse

Close up of Purse Beadwork and Pompom

And More Quilts....................

2010-09-18T16:27:00.001-04:00

I had such a wonderful time at the Buckhorn Show, I could not resist showing you more of the beautiful Quilts.

Tomorrow I will show you some of the Hoffman's Challenge.

More Quilts

2010-09-16T10:48:00.000-04:00

I guess you can see from my last post that I am partial to the "One Block Wonder". I soooooooooo want to make one. It is on my list of Someday Quilts, but for now I must finish of some of my other projects before I get to start something new.

Here are more photo's from the show.

I love two colour Quilts, this Navy and White was stunning.

This was a miniature Storm at sea, gorgeous.

Sunbonnet Sues and Sams

Elephants Galore

Another Beautiful One Block Wonder, read about the fabric choice.

This is a John Flynn Laser Cut

There are so many fabulous Quilts, I will show you more tomorrow.

For now here are pictures of the luscious dessert I made, Apple Cranberry Crisp.

So Much Fun This Weekend

2010-09-15T22:47:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun this past weekend. My dear friend Kelly came down from Barrie for a visit It was my 33th wedding Anniversary, so my husband took Kelly and I out for dinner to a great Pizza place here in town called The Pizza factory. He also brought me a dozen roses. Saturday Kelly and I went to the Buckhorn Quilt Show which was fabulous. The show was excellent but they also had an exhibit from the Hoffman Challenge 2009. Those quilts and dolls were absolutely dazzling. Helen Fujiki was the featured Quilter there and her work is gorgeous. They also had a huge merchant for that little bit of retail therapy always needed when your at the show.

I have so many more pictures, I will have to share them next time.

Heart Health

2010-08-30T21:20:00.000-04:00

Today I am wearing a holter monitor. It is part of my cardiology work up. After this and one more test I go back to the Cardiologist to find out how the old ticker and pipes are fairing. It is really not obtrusive or uncomfortable and it is only for two days.

Now about the Cpap machine. I am very pleased with how well it is working. I must admit it does take some getting used to but it is worth it and when you think that your body and brain is being deprived of air, what choice do you have. I sleep better through the night, I don't wake up as often and not nearly as many trips to the loo, in the night. I really do have more energy, however I still have to have a wee nap in the afternoon. That of course is just habit because if I am out in the afternoon, I don't think about it at all.
Wednesday is my day guild meeting, after our summer break and I have looked at the program for the fall and see that Renske Helmuth is going to come and teach a two day class on Sashiko and Orchids. I am sooooo thrilled.

Here us a picture from her web site http://www.renskehelmuth.blogspot.com/
Her work is exquisite and she has won so many awards.

Today is Shadow's birthday she is seven. She got two new toys for her birthday and as an extra treat some Salmon in her dinner bowl. She is a love and so affectionate.

Shadow

A Sock, One down and one to go

2010-08-23T16:16:00.000-04:00

Lately I have not done any been sewing by machine but have done some hand work and knitting.

Here is my "almost" first attempt at a sock. I did make one other pair a while ago but didn't get around to taking pictures of those.

I know the sock may look rather short but I am knitting them for my Mom for bed socks and she said that the last pair I made were a bit to long. Anyway this is my attempt at knitting on 3 needles. I think I will try knitting them on circular needles next. I am told it is easier.

I am still attending aquafit classes at the wellness centre and getting geared up for the return of Guild in another week or so.

I just received the Canadian Quilters Assoc. Newsletter Magazine with lots of info on the next Quilt Ontario, to be held in Ottawa next May. I am so looking forward to that I am pouring over the classes trying to decide what to pick as my first second and third choices for the classes.

I just picked up my SUV from the dealer today for a repair. It has been squeaking for the last 2-3 months and driving me crazy. First is was difficult for them to diagnose because it would never squeak when I took it into them. Next I had to wait almost two months for the brake part to come from Korea. It was finally fixed today, so I hope I don't have to take it back for while. I can tell you it has sure taken all the fun out of own a new vehicle.

Sleepless in Peterborough

2010-07-28T16:58:00.001-04:00

Hubby and I went for our Bi-annual Physical with the Doctor last week. She is such a lovely girl, we both like her very much but wish we didn't have to travel two hours to see her.

However, the doctor has sent me for a bunch of tests and one of them was a sleep test.

Oh What Fun!

You arrive at 8:30 and after donning your PJ's you sit in a waiting room full of strangers (they too are wearing their nightwear) and one by one you are called into another room to have electrodes cemented to your scalp (fun to pick out in the morning) and also on your legs and chest. After, you all emerge looking like Frankensteins, you are sent to your own rooms to sleep.

There is a tech who is positioned out in the hallway with a row of monitors in front of her and she can watch and listen to your sleeping (or most cases snoring) while watching the monitors for brain wave activity.
So about 2 in the morning after I had been asleep on and off about three or four times, My young tech enters my room and tells me that she has seen several episodes of sleep apnea so she is going to put a CPAP mask on me and see if it will help my sleep. I slept soundly through the remainder of the night and at 5:30 am
they wake you to tell you it is time to get up and go home. Needless to say I slept most of the next day.

No this is not a picture of me but I am sure the facial mask is something similar to the one I had on my face. I will update you later.

On a Quilty note I treated myself to a copy of Electric Quilt 7, I have just loaded it and am starting the tutorials, so not much to tell you yet .

Fabulous Family Weekend

2010-07-14T10:58:00.001-04:00

Mom and I spent the weekend with family. My mom had one brother who had very large family, nine children. They are mostly all married now with kids of there own and some of the kids are married and have kids of there own. You get the idea. It has now a huge family who get together a couple of time a year, usually, summer and Christmas.

My cousin Rick lives in Fonthill, ON (near Welland). He owns a very successful business called The Country Corner Market. He sells top quality meat and makes pork and poultry sausages in huge variety of flavours. Rick is following a family tradition as our Grandfather and Rick's father were also butchers.

(Here is a picture of Rick (on the left) with one of his staff. On the left is an enlarged picture of our grandfathers store, called The New Center Meat Market, which was in Peterborough, ON many years ago)

Needless to say the food at the family party was fabulous. Rick and his wife Robin prepared 2 humongous prime rib roasts on the bar-b-que, served with a huge pan of sauteed mushrooms, mashed potatoes, a beef stock and Merlot reduction ( sumptuous) along with salads galore. Other members of the family brought their own specialty dishes, Terri her homemade Perogies and Trifle, Jane her salads and cheese spread, and on and on and on. There was food fun and family and it made for a wonderful weekend.

If you get down to the Welland, ON area please drop into Rick's store you won't be disappointed.

Heat Wave

2010-07-06T16:37:00.001-04:00

Looks like we are having a heatwave. It has been blistering hot, (high humidity) here for the last few days and it looks like we have a few more to come. Almost to hot to do anything outside. I've been staying cool inside fixing a pair of curtains.

My Nieces Engagement Party

2010-07-04T13:02:00.001-04:00

Yesterday hubby and I went to an engagement for my niece. The weather was very warm but there were two large canvas covers up for shade and the house was conditioned. The food was great and there was so much of it.

However the cake my sister-in-law bought was awesome. Have a look.

Here are the newly engaged, Andrea and Jim.

The Day After Canada Day

2010-07-02T16:33:00.000-04:00

Yesterday that Mom and I went to the Multi-Cultural Canada celebrations. It was great. We had Thai food for lunch and Caribbean homemade ice cream (Coconut Mango). There was great entertainment from tots to adults with the sun shining and a lovely cool breeze off the lake. The festivities were started by three ladies who sang O Canada in English and Ojibwa.

The next two pictures are of the lake (right next to the park) including the centennial fountain, and my Mom's beautiful smiling face.

As promised here is one picture of the crocheted baby blanket that I have finished.

Happy Canada Day / Completed Binding

2010-07-01T10:55:00.001-04:00

Happy Canada Day !! to all and Happy Independence Day to our friends from the south. Today there will be a parade and a Multi-Cultural fair in the park, in which all of the multi-cultural groups get together. There is food from all countries and performances on stage by a number of groups. I am looking forward to enjoying this here in Peterborough for the first time. Mom and I are going and hubby is spending the day at home and watching the "games" on the tube.

I have completed the binding on a donation quilt. It one of the quilt that our guild makes " Helping Hands", They make them to give to a number of groups. I also need to get a wiggle on making a few pillowcases to donate to a new local Women's shelter. This is something our evening guild wants to do and make a donation in the fall of all of the pillowcases that we have make over the summer.

I have also been doing some crocheting lately and I will have some picture of those for you next time.

B12

2010-06-29T14:33:00.000-04:00

I got a call from my doctor the other day that my B12 was really low and I am to take 1000mcg each now.

I went to the drugstore and the pharmacist recommended Jamieson's. Has anyone had any experience with B12 deficiency .

My Birthday Pie

2010-06-28T20:39:00.001-04:00

Here is a picture of the luscious strawberry pie my Mom made me for my birthday. I prepared the remainder of the meal, which consisted of Filet Mignon, Lobster tails, Garlic Shrimp, Mushrooms, Caesar Salad and rolls. Oh and the pie was topped with whipped creammmmmmmmmmmmmm!

They Say It's Your Birthday!!!

2010-06-27T15:44:00.001-04:00

Yes, yesterday was my birthday. I am officially a senior, 55. Although my Mom says I am not a senior until I start to collect old age pension so on that basis I guess I have a another 10 years to go. As of tomorrow I will be officially retired from work. I have been using up banked vacation for some time now because I had to wait until my birthday, well now that I am 55 I can retire.

My birthday was a lovely quiet day. It was miserable weather, damp rainy and muggy all day. So we went to the farmers market in the morning and got a few fresh things and then came home and had a lazy afternoon reading and dozing. In the afternoon I received a lovely bouquet of flowers and gift from my dear friend Kelly. Hubby bought me a new laptop and my mother got me a bunch of new tops, towels and a few other little trinkets. I am really am so lucky and spoiled.

Mom took Hubby and I out for dinner because she said I should not have to cook on my birthday. We went to a very nice restaurant and had a real feast. Mom and I shared baked brie with toasted almonds served with fresh fruit and baguette. I had Chicken Alfredo with fresh spring veggies, and for desert New York Cheesecake with Pecans and warm Caramel Jack Daniels sauce. It was all luscious.

I think I have told you about our dog Shadow and how she likes to rest her head on anything well here is her latest pose, "I am resting my head on the foot stool" photo. I know I am her mother but isn't she adorable.

Kelly was down to visit me a couple of weeks ago and we had a great time.She brought 2 Elly Sienkiewicz DVD and we watched both of them while we stitched.

I am still working on getting the house sorted and somehow I cam barely bring myself to sew anything lately but I have loads of idea's. I am reading the new Jennifer Chiaverini book, The Aloha Quilt. So far not bad.

Best Friend is coming to Visit

2010-06-07T22:12:00.000-04:00

Lots of things going on in the last few weeks. Both of my quilt groups finished for the Summer. At Kawartha Quiltmakers we had a lovely catered lunch. All of the table were covered with lovely dresden plate table toppers and pretty floral centrepieces. Our lunch was sliced turkey and ham. salads fresh fruit and an amazing assortment of pies.

Trent Evening quilters had a fabulous evening Pot Luck which was great. I have never seen such an array of lovely home made foods. I have even picked up a few recipes for things to try.

I have been busy helping Mom with the gardening and we have had the remaining "dirt" covered with sod and It has been marathon of keeping the sprinkler on the grass. However it is looking very green around here, so we must be doing something right.

This weekend I am so looking forward to my dear friend Kelly who is going to come to me for a visit. I have to plan my menus and and clean house etc.

I have one final picture for you, the front of our house. The picture is a couple of years old but the front hasn't changed at all.

I can't promise but I will try to keep my blog a little more current.

Finally at Long Last

2010-05-11T22:17:00.003-04:00

With the exception of my sewing room/ office my home is mostly complete and I have some photos for you. All except for the outside of the house and Hubby's Sports Den. I guess because it is not my room I didn't think to take any pictures. Next time I'll get those pictures.

The original house had four bedrooms. We knocked down the wall of the forth bedroom and turn it into a dining room which overlooks the kitchen. Boy does it sure open up the house.

Dining Room

Living Room from Upstairs Hall

Sewing/Office Mess

Our Wedding Photo in the Dining Room

Shadow hanging out in the hall

Master Bedroom

Living Room Oversize fireplace I could not talk Hubby out of

Living Room my chair

Hubby's Chair Living room

Spare Bedroom

Living Room

Kitchen directly below the Dining Room

Looking down on the Kitchen from Dining Room

Dining Room

View from Kitchen, Dining and Spare Bedroom

Helen Fujiki

2010-05-06T10:47:00.000-04:00

Helen Fujiki, came to speak at our guild meeting yesterday and her quilts were breathtaking. Please go to her web site to see more of her quilts.

I saw her work at Quilt Canada in St. John's NF and she won an award . Her husband is Japanese and she has made two trips. She has her own distinct style.

Caught the young man

2010-04-15T21:40:00.001-04:00

Just an update that the police arrested a 14 year old for starting the fire. He is being held without bail for another couple of weeks before another hearing. I am sure that he must have used gasoline or something like that because the flames were spectacularly high.

It sounds at thought they are planning to rebuild/repair the bridge, but it sure has cause a lot of extra work and inconvenience for a lot of people.

Big Fire Behind our House

2010-04-13T20:05:00.027-04:00

There is a small old wooden bridge about 5 houses up the street and behind our house. It gives people access to about 80 homes which we call "The Point". About 4:30 this afternoon there was a huge fire it appears that someone may have set a fire and the bridge was up in flames in a matter of minutes.
By the time I got there most of the flames were out, but fire and police will be here investigating overnight.

I am so Mad at myself!!!

2010-04-07T23:10:00.002-04:00

As you know I have just moved to town a couple of months ago. Last month I attended my first "new" Quilt Guild meeting and was so looking forward to this months. I had organized myself for tomorrow, packed my lunch to stay after the meeting sew for the afternoon, got my library books organized etc. Thinking that meeting was thursday.

What did I do you say.................!

The meeting was today and I got the day wrong. !

I am so mad at myself I could scream. On the up side hubby and I have begun attending the Wellness centre so while I was should have been at the meeitng I was attending an Aquafit class.Grrrrrrrrr.

OH I FORGOT TO TELL YOU ABOUT SHADOW! Last week we took her to Doggy Daycare. When we went to get her they told us every time she tried to pee she would cry. So we stopped on the way home at the Vet's and was told to get a sample and bring her back at 4 pm. Don't think that isn't fun following your dog around with a tin foil pie plate trying to place it under quick when she squats. But Halleluah I got one. Vet said the PH level in her urine was quite high so we had to change her to distilled water and a course of antibiotics and then follow up with them. So far the worst thing has been trying to get the pills into her.

Has anyone had a similar experience?

New Car? or Truck

2010-04-05T22:09:00.003-04:00

Hubby and I are having an small battle he is calling it a car and I am calling it a truck, either way we both love it. We traded my little red Accent on this nice new Kia Sportage.

It beautiful black with tan leather interior, moonroof, cruise, air etc, etc, etc. I am busy making backseat covers for it so that the dog can ride in style and comfort without putting her nails through my nice upholstery.

I attended the Trent Quilters Evening group last thursday and really enjoyed it. Special thanks to Trish who emailed me to tell me about it and then nicely met me and introduced herself to me at the meeting. It sure made me feel more welcome. What a great group of ladies and one gentleman.

My Bedroom and other Stuff

2010-03-29T22:12:00.003-04:00

Did you think I was ever coming back......... I think I have mentioned that I am a procrastinator. Well in the last few days I have finally pulled my finger out and got one of the rooms in our new home completed. My husband says that in terms of the bedroom we moved from the a bowling alley to a single lane. The room is very small but here it is redone. First the room was painted pale grey. I recovered our headboard using a black and white print that was purchased for a quilt back. Then I made a pillow cover by wrapping a pillow form with the remainder of the fabric and using and old brooch to close it. On our new small window, I hung white sheers on an black rod and as you can see my darling sweet Shadow has her own little bed right next to ours. Lest you think she is stuck in a very cramped space, Shadow loves to be in a small space and especially in the dark. I am surprised that she let me take her picture with the light on. Once she is in her bed the lights must be out. The "Dream" Script, stick on was something I picked up at Walmart and I love it. I will add a small one over Shadows bed.

The group of "art" on the wall of our bedroom is a combination of a number of things that I had, all of them handmade. In the upper left is a doll face brooch that handmade. Each person who attended Quilt Canada in Ottawa received a different doll at the gala dinner. Each one is a beautiful work of art and worthy of framing. Below that is a small silk ribbon piece that I made. Below that is a very old floral picture made of shells on black velvet. The middle picture is a cross stitch done by my great grandmother, and the two cross stitches to the right were done by me.

The quilt below is not one that I can take credit for, but it is a donation quilt that my new guild makes. I took it home last month to put on the label and binding which I have done and have prepared it to return at our next guild meeting . I attend a small quilt show on the weekend with my neighbour Lori. It was put on by the Trent Quilters which is an evening group. They have a meeting this week in the evening that I may attend. We also bought a new car this past week and are piking it up on Thursday. However I think that I will keep that news until next Blog.

First Guild meeting - Kawartha Quiltmakers

2010-03-12T22:27:00.001-05:00

I went to my first "new" guild meeting last week and really enjoyed it. It is a very large guild. Well over 100 members. I jumped in with both feet and volunteered to be on the executive as a "greeter". I thought that sounded like a job that wouldn't require to much, while it would give me a chance to meet some new people.

I would like to say that my house is all in order and there is nothing left to do but sit back and enjoy my retirement. But alas that is not to be. I am the worlds biggest procrastinator. I will find almost any excuse to do something else, other than hang curtains or put away clutter.

Having said that we are getting there slowly. I spent yesterday reorganizing my linen closet, and sent Hubby down to the Humane Society with a load of old towels and blankets.

My sewing room is coming along, good thing too because there is still no sewing happening. I bought a new computer table and I want to have the thing put together before the end of the weekend.

It was on sale and although I have put it together it is just the right size for my tiny sewing room. Hubby has no patience for putting together so I am sure that my Mom will have to help.

I have done very little sewing lately however I have been listening to Jennifer Chiaverini's, The Lost Quilter.

Hubby like to watch hockey at night so I have been sitting with him and crocheting while listening to my book. It is wonderful being so close to my Mom, but I do miss my friends in Barrie.

Well I am going to read some blogs now perhaps that will get me in the mood to sew or decorate this place.

Up to my Nose in Boxes

2010-02-15T00:39:00.000-05:00

I has been a busy few week and yes I did find my Camera.

In this first shot, my sewing has not been unpacked. In the second picture it has! Notice the subtle difference. Yes I see it is still a mess but I need everything out of the boxes so that I can see what needs to go where.

I only have one bit of advise to give on moving give away or sell everything you possibly can let go of beofre you move and once you have it all pared down, give away another 50% because you still have too much.

You can see that I have my priorities straight I have the TV hooked in my room so I can watch Olympics while I unpack.

Hubby took Mom and I out for Valentines day dinner at a lovely steak house. It is Hobarts in Peterborough, Mom and I shared the Sweetheart special.

You shared an appetizer (bacon wrapped scallops) and a desert (Baileys Creme Brulee) and we each had an entree mine was steak and Lobster tail and Mom has steak and shrimp. Then we shared our lobster and shrimp. It also came with a lovely salad and oddles of veggies, mushrooms and a twice baked potato.

The meal was luscious and after each of us was presented with a rose. What a delightful evening.

Then we came home to watch Canada win there first Gold Medal of the Olympic games.

I'll be back when I can see the bottom of another couple of boxes.

The Move is Over

2010-02-04T20:06:00.000-05:00

My post here will be short and sweet. The move is over and it went well but now comes the fun part of the putting away and finding places for all of those things that I didn't have room for in a larger house. I now have less room for in my new place. In the move my Camera went MIA, no doubt lurking in a box.

McWilliams are the worlds best Movers, I highly recommend them. Perhaps

I will have my boxes unpacked, find the camera, hook up my computer (I am using Mom's) by next week and my next post.

Visit with Kelly

2010-01-24T18:40:00.000-05:00

Kelly came over yesterday later on in the afternoon. We had a nice visit, surfed the web checking out our favorite blogs and adding yet more projects to an ever growing list of, "I'd like to try that". We ordered a pizza amidst the mess of boxes, and proceeded to enjoy.
After supper we sat and stitched ( isn't it relaxing, the gentle movement of the needle sliding in and out of the fabric in even stitches) Well! theoretically anyway.
Once we had more room in our tummies Kelly whipped open a box of Apple Blossoms, which we baked and served with whipped cream. Yum !!
We always have fun together. I sure will miss our regular visits.
I will be to busy too blog for a few days during the move but will be back as soon as possible with more stories.

My Goodbye Party

2010-01-21T11:03:00.000-05:00

My kindred group "Friends In Stitches" had a party for me this past Saturday. We had a lovely pot luck lunch and then we sat down in Margarets lovely Living room and I was presented with Large Gift Bag of Presents. Many of them were hand made and all of them were beautiful and just perfect. I can not thank the my friends enough.

My BFF, Kelly gave me a handmade "Biscornu" pincushion. We are so alike. I laughed when I opened it because I had wanted to make one for her for Christmas but never got to it.

Brenda gave me this lovely handmade bag in a sewing motif.

Sandra gave me this pretty Pashmina and a Clover Bobbin keeper, one that will get lots of use.

Margaret gave this beautiful handmade sewing box adorned with her lovely wired ribbon flowers.

Elizabeth gave me this exquisite handmade Picture, wall hanging made of silk, entitled "Going Home".

It is a true art quilt and will cherish it and treat it like the original piece of Art that it is.

We had a fabulous day, the food was great. The chat was fun and the gifts were "Over the Top" but mainly the friendship was irreplaceable.

Here we all are in very stages in FUN.

Chaos

2010-01-11T10:46:00.000-05:00

I have only two weeks before we move. I have already spent two half days in my sewing room and it still looks like this.

And well you may ask ,"if your room looks like this why are you sitting at the computer updating your blog".

I am a procrastinator by nature. I like working to a deadline, any quilt I have ever made I usually book my long arm quilter ahead so that I have a date to work to. So nothing new here I am acting true to form. I will get there but it will be all very last minute.

Yesterday I had a glorious day with my friend Kelly. Kelly came over, brought lunch, and I supplied the dessert. We spent the afternoon perusing our most recent quilt magazines. Then we sat in what is left of my livingroom and watched 2 episodes of "The Quilt Show" with Alex Anderson, Ricky Tims and guest Jinny Beyers, and then guest Cindy Brick.

It was a great afternoon.

Then we decided that we would start a new blog so that we could keep up to date on what we are both working on. As my move will take me about 2 hours away we won't be able to see one another as often as we do now. If you would like keep up todate on our progress you can find us at http://kellydebstitchedtogether.blogspot.com/

Colletta's Kitchen Sink: 100th Post and New Year Giveaway

2010-01-03T20:00:00.000-05:00

Colletta's Kitchen Sink: 100th Post and New Year Giveaway

I just found a great giveway if you would like to get it on it
try the link above, become a follower.

Another Snowy Day

2010-01-03T16:11:00.000-05:00

It seems as though we have had a string of snowy days lately, with more to come. I was working on a quilt label today and also putting together some squares for a scrap quilt. It seems like the kind of day to be indoors and do some hand stitching and cooking, so I found a recipe for Beef-Bourguignon . It sounded good and simple, two of my favorite cooking criteria. So s I type this I cam smell a wonderful aroma coming from my oven and I am going to stitch this label on a Quilt to be gifted.

Love is a quilt - a quilt is love . . .

Both love and a quilt should be:
Soft enough to comfort you,
Bright enough to cheer you,
Generous enough to enfold you,
Light enough to let you move freely,
Strong enough to withstand adversity,
Durable enough to last a lifetime,
And given gladly, from the heart.

I hope you all have a wonderful sunday.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T21:11:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday, Great Christmas,and New Year. I know that we sure did. We were with my Mom for Christmas and had a wonderful time. Here are a picture of two of the 4 pillows I made for her new digs.

We were home for New years and had a quiet evening with an old movie and Hubby watched the Canada Juniors game. Yea they won!. So back to the packing only three weeks to go until we move.

Happy New Year to all!

2010-01-01T21:09:00.002-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

More Progress on our New Digs

2009-12-17T20:38:00.000-05:00

Hubby and I were home last weekend and I wish I had taken pictures. We are having a wall taken down in a spare bedroom which is adjacent to our kitchen. This will become our new dining room. Our house is a split level so the "new" dining room will actually be up a few stairs from the kitchen and it will have a railing across the wall opening.

While we were home we shopped for a new dining room light fixture and an electric fireplace for our living room.

The fireplace is an entertainment unit and there are places for the cable box, DVD player etc. and some glass shelves on each side for display. Although I do like it very much it really was my husband choice. We having my grandmothers furniture reupholstered, the chesterfield in chocolate brown and two chairs in rust, both in a microfibre which is lovely and soft.

We had our kindred group Christmas Luncheon Sunday. We have a pot luck which always includes soup, home made butter buns,cold meat, salads, cheese and fresh fruit. Because it was Christmas we also had lovely Christmas Cookies, the batch above was Margaret's (in the red) Empire cookies.

We exchanged small gifts all of a quilty nature and I can tell you they were all lovely presents.

My friends above are Margaret, Brenda, Kelly, Sandra and Elizabeth. As I am moving to Peterborough next month which is about 2 hours away, I expect this might be one of my last group get togethers for some time.

I sure will miss them.

Interesting

2009-12-05T22:04:00.000-05:00

When I was home last they had drained the river to make repairs further up at a lock (Trent Severn Waterway) Here are before and after pictures.

Truely Sorry

2009-12-05T21:22:00.000-05:00

Sorry that I have been absent so long but you all know how busy it is this time of year. The renovations to my Mom's house are complete and she is now moved in. The place is absolutely gorgeous. Here are some photos. These are before and during the move. The tv is now mounted over the fireplace and the bookcases filled with books and ornaments.

As you can see there are still no draperies but we are moving along. Each time I go down to help I need 2-3 days to recover. Thankfully we had movers and my Mom had some lovely friends who came and helped us put the kitchen in order.

I have a few things on the go right now but know of them I can't blog about because they are mainly Christmas gifts and my friends and family have a habit of reading my blog. Nice of them!

I can say that there are a few handmade gifts but not all made on the sewing machine.

We now looking down the home stretch to our move and packing gradually. Still alot of calls to make on my TO DO LIST.

Hubby is selling his car as we have decided that we don't need 2 cars and my Mom has one as well. So if you know anyone in the market for 2002 Ford Mustang?

Our New Home - Decorating

2009-11-03T20:52:00.001-05:00

Here is a picture of my Mom in her now living room, soon to be my living room. I am currently thinking about how and where I plan to put my furniture. In the basement of house we saved my grandmothers chesterfield and a couple of her chairs. I have always loved them and we are planning on having them reupholstered before we move, so they will be ready for us when we arrive. I sort of have this dreamy picture in my head of what I want it to look like but somehow I don't quite have the decorating savy to put it all together.

I am so happy to be moving back to my home town. I think that it will be funny for a while being the home owner of the house I grew up in, but I am sure we will can figure it out.

Here is the sofa and chair I am going to have recovered.

This final picture is the view that my husband and I will have every meal as we sit at our kitchen table. Now you can see why my mother didn't want to move so we added on to her house.

IT"S SOLD

2009-11-01T19:05:00.001-05:00

Yea, we have sold our house and are very happy. We don't close until the end of January but that is fine with us. It will give of lots of time to pack and I have to help my Mom pack and move over to her side of the house. Once that is over there are some renovations that are going to be done to our home and then have all of the carpets cleaned before we move in, so I will still be very busy. Then throw in Christmas, New Years etc and I think I might have a thing or two to keep me busy.

The construction on Mom's Granny flat is well past this stage. The outside is complete and they are drywalling and finishing the interior now.

We had some other good news today our niece has become engaged. No news on a wedding date yet.

Finally at Long Last Ta Da!

2009-10-12T17:42:00.001-04:00

It is my weekend of my Mom's 80th Birthday and she is here spending it with us, so I can finally unveil the quilt that I have been making for her. I made the quilt with the help of my friend Kelly.
The Quilt is a variation on the chinese coin pattern. I started with the floral fabric and pulled other matching colours. Once we have them together we decided we needed the navy strips to make the other strips pop. I quilted it on a longarm at our local quilt shop.

We also got Mom an original watercolour by Nan Sidler a very talented painter in Peterborough.
Sorry that my photographs of her work aren't the best but please go to her website to see some of her work. sidlerart.com

The pale yellow rose backing seemed perfect for all of the other colours.

I'll have more to update in the days to come. Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Canadians.

Simcoe County Quilt Show

2009-09-20T17:15:00.000-04:00

I spent a couple of hours at the Simcoe County Quilt show with my friends today. The weather was beautiful.
It is an annual show at the Museum and there is lots of place to sit outside and eat. The food is all prepared by a local church and the prices are right. We sat outside and enjoyed the sun after viewing the show.

There are two quilts which are the same pattern but treated differently, both beautiful. The quilting on the bargello was fabulous it looks like thread is dripping off the fabric. There were some real beauties.

Update on construction

2009-09-18T21:01:00.001-04:00

Mom's addition is coming along nicely.

I am going out to the Simcoe County Museum for the annual Quilter, hookers and embroiders show, It is usually quite good. I will try to post a few pictures tomorrow.

........and a Few More

2009-09-16T16:16:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more of the blocks that I have made.

Baltimore Album Quilt (more Blocks)

2009-09-15T19:44:00.000-04:00

I was at the dentist today. I have sensitive teeth and when I have them cleaned I have to have about 6 needles of freezing before I can let the dentist work on me. It is kind of stressful, but it is the only way I can manage it and it's over now for another 6 months.

So far we have had about 12 couples come to look at the house and only one offer (not the right one), I keep praying that the process won't take too long, because it is rather worrying but I am sure in time we will have the right buyer(s) come along.

Here are a few more of the Baltimore Album blocks that I have finished.

Once I finish two more blocks than I will have to decid on simple border pattern. I have just about every book that Elly Sienkiewicz ever published, so I should be able to find one.

Baltimore Album Quilt

2009-09-14T20:02:00.000-04:00

Sorry I have been so remiss in keeping up to date on my blog. Our house has still not sold yet and it keeps me busy keeping it tidy. I know it has only been two weeks but it does tend to worry you a bit even though logically I know it will take time. I was home last week helping Mom choose fittings, fixtures, carpet and flooring for her new digs. When I got home I started looking at some of the UFO's. One in particular stands out. My Baltimore Album Quilt. I have about 14 blocks made and I need another 2 at least to make a proper size quilt. I have three more blocks started but I am not so happy with them now. I think I will start a new one and then perhaps it will spur me on to finish. I will share a few with you over the next few days. At first I decided I would be true to Baltimore and go all red and green. Then later on I added a paisley and some others reds and greens. So it will be colourful.

The first block we did was a "Papercut" in this simple "Fleur de Lis pattern.

The rose wreath was my favorite. The simpler rose wreath was a class I took with Elly Sienkiewicz "The Queen" of Baltimore Album Quilt Teaching. and if you look hard you can see that she signed block in the upper right hand corner. That was a real treat.

Construction has begun

2009-09-03T20:22:00.000-04:00

Mom sent me a picture today of the hole dug for the basement and foundation of her new granny flat. Now if we could just sell this house.

I Think I Am Hooked

2009-09-01T17:08:00.001-04:00

With the house up "For Sale" and wanting to keep things rather tidy, I did not want to get my sewing machine out so I have started making hexagons and so far I have only done a few but I think that I have been bitten by the bug.