My Creative Works

Martin's Comfort Quilt

2012-01-30T00:08:00.000-06:00

OK this is a bit tough writing this up a second time! Within our Aurora Quilters Winnipeg group we have a married couple who just LOVE to quilt and cook and are just about always at our group's monthly meetings. Well just recently Martin found out he has cancer and so Ricky and Val stirred the pot and got us moving on making a comfort quilt for him ASAP. Tami and Wendy were cutting up 10 inch blocks and 2.5 inch strips for some charity quilts our group will be working on in March and they donated what we needed fabric-wise and Gail B donated the batting.

So Sunday afternoon Wendy, Val W and myself met at Ricky's lovely and HUGE sewing room in her basement and in hours decided on the layout, with Ricky/Val/Wendy sewing to beat the band and me fetching the fabrics from the floor plans and also pressing the seams before the next rows were added on, made short work of it all. It was Ricky's mastermind to use the donated braided borders and I would have just sewn them up square-like, but nope she decided it needed mitred corners. Well Ricky I totally agree with you now - they make the front!!! Then I brought the bright border/binding fabric and it was deemed the right choice.

Ricky

Wendy

Val W

Rose Anne

After five hours we JUST ABOUT finished the front - Ricky had two corners to finish off but she was tired already - Val and Wendy had to leave so I finished sewing the last two seams on the 2.5 inch stripped back and pressed that so it was totally finished. Then Ricky finished off the front the next day and Tuesday with Val delivered out to Audrey and helped her put it onto the frame and left her to the quilting. It didn't take her long and Wednesday evening she delivered it to me back in Wpg and after my supper/shopping with my sister I promptly went home and stitched on the Sunday prepared binding.

Audrey

Then I finished off stitching the binding on the charity quilt I had clipped in place and quickly on Thursday reclipped Martin's quilt and after my aquacise class went straight home and stitched the binding on for a possible Friday evening or Saturday morning delivery.

Front - completed quilt

Back - completed quilt

Guess I should have called on Thursday and then I could have done the stitching over the two evenings as it was arranged for a Saturday morning delivery.

OHHHH!

Emotional while Thanking All!

Not sure what we were chuckling about!

I am so very very thankful to all for coming together and helping to get this comfort quilt going and finished within the two weeks. And seeing Martin's surprised expression when he opened the package was worth all the long hours. It fits him perfectly and I hope that it brings him much heartfelt warmth and prays from his "fellow" quilters!!! All the best during your treatments Martin!

Tea Dyeing Laces

2012-01-29T19:23:00.000-06:00

Well I think it turned out just GREAT!!! My first attempt and I followed the instructions to a "T", but I think next time I'll toss in 6 tea bags instead of the 4 as noted. But these are nice and soft and you can see from the picture I've included the original "white" pieces and the one on the far right - narrow diamond trim - is cotton and I had the purchased white and cream and now I have the deeper tea dyed colour too.

Yes I think I'll be trying this method again. BUT it was noted in How to Tea Dye Lace by Linda that this is not the proper way for dyeing "heirloom" projects.

Something New for Me!

2012-01-29T11:26:00.000-06:00

This Sunday morning it's nice and sunny looking out there and I'm sure it's like a spring's coming morning temperature wise (a week or so ago it was -37C and frigid like) - go figure!

Well I'm working on my 4" Nickle Swap blocks and in cream/tan like and truly I've not much in that colour lace-wise. SOOOO here I am following Judith Montana's tea bag dyeing steps and hope my first attempts turn out just GREAT!!! Time will tell. Right now they are in the tea bath and have some time to go. If by chance this is finished and I have time to take pictures before having to go out to my Bobbin Lace/Tatters meeting I'll blog again, if not then when I get back late afternoon for sure!

If this works I just might do some other attempts too.

TIAS 2012 - Day 6 & Day 7

2012-01-28T22:40:00.000-06:00

OK I've been busy helping some of the Aurora Quilters in stitching up a comfort quilt in two weeks - yeppers from dreaming it up to delivering it to Martin our lone male quilter who is not well at this time. So I've kinda set aside various other projects this past week.

NOW I finally got caught up with my TIAS 2012 project and here is Day 6, nice and easy with no problems - but still clueless of what it is supposed to be.

And here is Day 7 but Jane put another one of those SCRMs into it!!! BUT this time I reread the SCRM instructions and it was a lot clearer to stitch up right from the beginning. BUT still I'm clueless as to what it is going to be!

Anyone have a guess???

TIAS 2012 - Day 5

2012-01-24T21:49:00.000-06:00

Well this installment went very well and actually was finished yesterday evening, but I'd already shut down the computer (which isn't cooperating with me in Yahoo) so waited for today to upload.

Now I still don't see what this is going to be but I do see the curved tail will probably be joined to one of the two picots on the next corner, that I'm pretty sure.

More Dragonflies!

2012-01-22T23:25:00.000-06:00

Some time ago I was asked to tat up a couple of dragonflies for a friend BUT instead of the split rings for the tail part she wanted them joined. So I tried some ideas and they did not work and then I borrowed a tatting book from the Library and there was a Needle Tatting pattern for a different type of dragonfly that had a closed tail. It was a bit difficult the first time around but trying to hold onto this skinny thing and do some joins with hook and shuttle, but eventually I got the hang of it.

Tatting Trivia

2012-01-21T21:02:00.000-06:00

OK now I truly know that I'm "hooked" so to speak. See a girlfriend who also tats asked me how many shuttles I now own????

See I just bought 12 second hand plastic shuttles for myself from another tatter: most were Susan Bates small ones similar to my favourite Clover ones, along with a few Clovers and one I do not know what kind but it's an older style. The only thing is most have threads on them and about half are over half wound so really none empty to solve my delimma at this time. LOL!!! Hmmm, me thinks still not enough compared to the various threads I have in my stash! I also added in some size 50, 60, 70 and one 80 tatting cotton balls that I thought I would use or hopefully graduate to using in the future.

So here is a listing of the types and numbers I have - WHY DID YOU ASK MICHELLE!!!

Tortoise (Clover) - 6 (love these the bestest)
Clover (basic & pastel colours) - 19
Susan Bates (like Clover) - 8
Sew Mates (don't care for these but good for big projects) - 5
Aero (with winder & hook - don't like this one) - 1
Special Wooden shuttle (from Ottawa area) - 1
Older ones for display only - 5
Maybe missed a few - who knows!

You READY??? For a total of 45, but only 38 usable ones. And yes I still am thinking of picking more up of the Clover ones if any are left next week.

Tortoise

wooden one from Trilliam - Ontario

old ones I have

Aero - removable bobbin with hook

Clovers - basic & pastel colours

Sew Mates

TIAS - Day 3 and 4

2012-01-19T23:12:00.000-06:00

Ohhhh I've forgotten to blog my Day 3 work so here it is and following that is Day 4.

Day 3

OHHHH BOY that SCRM!!! Guess it's my own fault for not "reading up on it" - NOOOO I just thought I knew and got myself in this mess.

No SCRM - Hmmmmm!

Then after some very very careful "pickings" I loosened the last two DSs of the closed ring (after realizing I was wrong) I managed to open up the ring and then untatting until I was at the beginning of the SCRM again. Then I found my NSAN beginner binder and READ up on that step. I then proceeded OK to the send part where I mixed up my shuttles and the close was not possible. So back to untatting again but at least it was simpler and this time I GOT IT RIGHT!!! YEAH, now will I remember this for next time????

SCRM accomplished!

Hope the rest goes easy Jane!!!

Day 4

OK here is my CTJ practice piece and I can see it being useful IF you use the same colour in both shuttles. I had used two colours as in the instructions and I could see what I was doing. ALSO this is the first time that I was able to tat and hide the ends - WOW I must be getting more comfortable with this stuff.

Continuous Thread Join

AND here is my Day 4 and it went well I think. Still no idea of what this will knot up to be!!!

CTJ and Split Rings

I also noticed that there are a few of us using this aqua green cotton. AND I too am enjoying seeing all the different types of tatting shuttles on the this blog/exercise. Hopefully this Saturday I'll be able to pick up some used shuttles from another tatter and maybe even threads - will see and naturally will blog if I do.

MPQ Table Centres are Finished!!!

2012-01-17T17:42:00.000-06:00

Well I just snuck in an aquacise class before the temps dropped to bone chilling -27C temps and with windchill it was said to be -37C - YIKES. Guess I'll be plugging in my BABE tonight when I get home!

So after my class I immediately headed for the sewing room and did some quilting on the 4x6 inch blocks which will be framed for the MPQ Quilt Reflections Banquet. I'm very happy with them and will hopefully make up some postcards for the Selkirk Gallery to drop off on my way to the Gimli quilting retreat Feb. 2nd.

OK I tried some free motion but one I just had to "rippit" - it was awful - the rest I did as some friends suggested and followed the fabric lines. They even showed up in the pics!

Aren't they just something? Val W gave me some books of sample silks and I just used the family groupings and prepared the blocks and then embellished how I so desired. Now some of the quilting is iffy but I don't think it is really BADDDD so I left it. Now I can't wait to see what the framed items look like.

So that's another project completed before the deadline and without staying up till all hours too!

Another CQd Block!

2012-01-15T19:42:00.000-06:00

My I sure must be in a stithing mood as I've sure accomplished lots this weekend. I finally got around to a SewBuds RR block belonging to Candi H and am happy with my touches. Then I tatted a couple of simple hearts and sent them off with a CQI Day Brightener card. Yes I had three pacakges posted today!!!

So first off here is Candi's block after my embellishments added in.

First I had tatted "Sandra's Dainty Heart" but left off the trailer for the bookmark and I added in clear seed beads along the inside middle points. Then using my rainbow coloured rayong braided ribbon I repeated the blanket stitched half wheel and finished off with a large pink bead.

Then I read that Cris did not mind if someone embellished her crocheted fan, so I found my hand dyed multi-coloured silk ribbon and wove that in and out finishing with a bow in the centre.

After that I tatted up a couple of Mary Donohue's Heavenly Hearts (just love this pattern), included one of my crocheted hearts along with a purchased heart doily (which I cut up and use in my CQd blocks) along with a card to a fellow CQer within our CQI as a Day Brightener package - hope she likes them.

CQd Block Finished

2012-01-14T20:06:00.000-06:00

OK after a wonderful but many sore points found massage today, I settled into finishing off a crazy patch block I've had for awhile (no mailing in December). So here are two of the Sew It Up DYO blocks of Ruby's that I've worked on and now are packaged up for mailing off tomorrow.

Totally my work on this block

After a phone conversation with Ruby who has had health complications lately, I decided to add that red tatted heart - an effort of friendship and heartfelt wishes for her during recovery.

Top right corner

I've had this idea for a while and finally have a block I could applique the Sun Bonnet Sue pin holder full of embroidered glass headed pins with many extras scattered around. I then overstitched Ruby's irridescent zigzag trim with blue cretan stitches.

Middle and lower right corner

As you can see I've overstitched all the words and designs of the centre quilting fabric patch. I added my red tatted heart and my name in the right corner patch.

Left side of block

I worked on a new pattern for a tatted edging an I think the gold cotton complimented the gold patch across and I dressed it up with blue beads. That blue patch had me stumped but then I thought it does not need much more so just added the gold thimble button (cut off the shank) and added two gold safety pins.

The lower patch I used brown floss and blanket stitched various measurements and found a flat bead for the circle design on that one #30 mark and finished off the seam with a simple chain stitch.

Joint block

OK this is the joint block that we all work on so the owner of the blocks has a whole completed set arriving so they can just finish off their plans for the blocks. (not sure that will be the case for me - I'm slow) So I'd say these combined efforts are sprouting an awesome block here.

Upper left corner

Now this is my contribution to the joint block. I used silver DMC metallic floss for the herringbone seam treatment and stitched strategically wine glass beads for pin heads. Then in blue floss I overstitched the word "Tools" and added the gold scissors and cream thimble in place.

This is the second last block of this round robin for me to work on. SOOOO that means my own blocks will be heading home soon - WOW I can't wait. Guess I should go check the Photo Album and see what progress has been made on my blocks.

TIAS - It's Returned For 2012!!!

2012-01-13T23:09:00.000-06:00

OHHHH what a joy to have this “tatting mystery” for our enjoyment once again. Thank you very very much Jane (link to blog) for all the work you put into these for all of us. Much appreciated.

Now I just about totally forgot about this after the initial announcement - too much happening and my brain elsewhere!!!

So here’s my Day 1 attempt and I’ve used Lizbeth #688 in size 20 with the CTM method and 2 shuttles as I’m still too clumsy if I have to do anything with the ball besides letting it sit in the cup!!! This time around it looks like it's something "square" but it has two beads - one small and one larger - HMMMM totally no guess.

And here is my Day 2 progress. Sorry Jane, I still have no clue what this will be when it grows up!

I just LOVE these TIAS - not only are they a learning experience, they are just downright FUN and it's awesome seeing everyones' pictures too on Jane's blog.

Back to Tatting!

2012-01-13T22:54:00.000-06:00

Well looks like I forgot to BLOG about my newest tatting piece - yes I tried a new pattern from "Edging" Coats Book 1405 #37 in size 30 yellow/gold varigated cotton. I didn't even have any problems with it - basic easy stitches just different layout than I've done before.

This trim is now gracing one of Ruby's seams on her Sew It Up DYOB - pictures will come once I've completed the block embellishments.

Not Bad Today!

2012-01-13T12:39:00.000-06:00

Well I truly considered after my previous sciatic hip problems and then the fall and the Zumba aquacise that I’d be either so sore I wouldn’t know what to do with myself or just unable to move period.

I can honestly say that I’m all over sore but not badly and the sciatic pain seems to have subsided. Hmmmm could the fall and aquacise have “released” it??? I sure hope so as that definitely is a pain with a sitting job!!! I've just come back from a short walk, and yes very carefully on the icy patches, and all seems to be good. I do have my massage tomorrow so hopefully this stiff/soreness will be eased away then too!

We are continuing alternating between Zumba and regular aquacise sessions so who knows maybe I'll limber up yet!!!

It Was One of Those Days!

2012-01-12T22:37:00.000-06:00

You know the kind - like you know you shouldn't have gotten out of BED!!! Yep that was me today and it just progressed from bad to worse me thinks.
First off I was achey and miserable feeling but decided to go to work regardless. I trudged through the morning and realized I needed to make a deposit so off to the bank. On my way back my right eye just CRIED real tears that with the windchill was kinda freezing in it's own pathway. Then I started sneezing and thought what the heck but in the meantime I was back at work and getting settled in. Well besides the still crying one eye I now had a one-sided nose bleed - thank goodness it was shortlived.

OK settled into work but the "network" sure was doing it's best to irritate me and other co-workers double time today. I even "misread" an email and tried to get others to sort this out only to find out like half hour later that it was ME who could not read properly. UGH!!! Well at least I sent out an email apologizing for my mistake. By this time, I'd had enough, but this evening I was starting my Zumba Aquacise classes - hmmmm wondered how I'll do there.

I can say honestly NOW that I SHOULD HAVE STAYED HOME!!! I picked up Florence and was heading over to get Pat but again they didn't hear my honking so I proceeded to get out of the van. There's nothing to it right? WRONG!!! My right boot back lace got itself hooked onto the seat slider handle so when my left foot touched the snow I was hung up - YEP short legs spread out with no support!!! Well before I knew what was happening I landed on my back with my right leg hanging out the van AND if that was not enough the van being on an angle proceeded to close the door on it's own!!! So there I was flat on my back, one leg in the van and door trying to close on my legs - "WHAT THE HELL!!!"

There was I trying to get up - NADA - trying to hold the door open - NADA again - and poor Florence inside trying to get unhooked to reach over to keep the door open AND trying not to laugh - NADA NADA NADA - as by then both of us were laughing. (you're probably doing so now too) AND neither of us could UNHOOK my boot nor could I pull my foot out as the elastic lace had tighten around my leg - DUH!!! So there I was trying to stop laughing and scooting my butt closer to the van without bonking my head on the door and pushing my leg further into the van to slide the lace off the handle. FINALLY between the two of us we got me unhooked and I stepped out of the van properly.

At this time Pat comes out and here we are still laughing but I'm checking my brand spanking new parka out for damage and she's wondering what's going on!!! As far as I'm concerned I didn't need aquacise after that feat!!!

Then we get to the Pool, I drop off the girls and got parked then walked carefully (ice everywhere) towards the entrance, checking both ways for vehicles before crossing the access towards the parking lot and around a car on the left dropping off someone. I was halfway into the roadway when from my RIGHT comes this van (I'd say faster than should be) go right by me and I raised my hand in front of my face (yes I'm short) and her side mirror brushed my arm - I screamed but she just continued at the same pace for the exit and the car on my left watched. SHEESH!!! What the heck else!!!

But I did go in, I was still shaken awaiting our class to begin but that fast was forgotten with the concentration. I did about 75% of the class but had to slow down some as I could not keep up but I tried to keep moving in the water - I was aching. Thank goodness nothing more happened, I got home safe and sound and promptly took two Advil and rubbed my aching parts with my Blue Ice. Sure hope it helps for tomorrow!!! Good night!

Supper with the LC Gals

2012-01-09T23:42:00.000-06:00

Yeppers the ex-Lewiscraft employees still get together for the occassional supper and/or craft session. This time is was a potluck supper at Michelle's which is still in full Christmas regala - being of Ukrainian decent. I just love their various decorations and now with a grandson I'm sure it was the highlight of the season to see his enjoyment checking everything out.

OK we missed Georgina, Audrey (G & Ps Mom) and Mary Grace this time around but still we had a lovely time visiting and awesome food for supper and dessert!!! Here's some pictures of the evening together. Thank you Michelle for the pictures!!!

Yes, a real tree too!

Lovely centrepiece that Pat & I attempted
to pop out the snowflake cuts for Michelle.

Well Michelle asked if I had show n tell!!!

"A work of art!" - Michelle.
I love the artzy framing!

Pat

Karen and Michelle.
Thanks Pat for the distraction!

Amy Jean and me with last minute preparations.

Amy's gourmet Potato Pie
Delicious!

See I said it was lovely!!!

Awesome salad, potato pie, and meatloaf.
We had a cheese, cranberry n nut spread
with crackers for appetizers with
pumpkin pie n whipped cream for dessert.

Yes it was all awesome and by 10:30 pm I was sooooooo tired I just had head home. On the drive to take the gals home I was yawning most of the way. Well by the time I got home (not that long as most were in my area), carted the bags upstairs and remade my bed I was BOING WIDE AWAKE!!! Dang it!!! So I sat up stitching on the blocks (which I didn't while visiting - quite the change for me) and watching reruns of the evenings hockey games, then the Gander movie and before I knew it it was 4:30 am - definitely sleep time!

4 x 6 CQd Blocks Completed

2012-01-09T00:21:00.000-06:00

OK while watching TV Sunday, I finished off embellishing the last two for the set of 4 x 6 inch blocks I signed up for - for the MPQ Quilt Reflections Quilt Show banquet table decorations. Now all I have to do is decide HOW they'll be quilted??? I'm lost there. So guess they'll be ready next week as they are to be left unfinished ready to be inserted into the wooden stand up table frames.

No. 1

No. 2

No. 3

No. 4

No. 5

No. 6

It was suggested to just do some meandering or stippling around the centre patches. I personally was going to maybe follow the lines using the clear thread so the colour of the blocks would show through. I'd appreciate your input. Thank you.

More Stitching!

2012-01-08T16:15:00.000-06:00

OK I've finally finished off the SewBuds BOM Heart swap blocks and Cris' was mailed off today too. I had decided I had to sit out on the next round of this BOM heart swap as I just have too many activities on my plate along with finishing off UFOs for the upcoming MPQ Quilt Reflections Show mid-April 2012.

Jan BOM for Cris

My Own BOM - August

Then in the fall I volunteered to sew up a few blocks for the quilt show table centres. Well I'd sewn up two crazy patched blocks and was bragging to my sister that I'll finish off the embellishing and get to hand these in January meeting - WELL she read to me that they are in sets of SIX blocks. DANG IT, there I was back to the sewing room and the silk sample swatches that Val W gave to me recently and stitched up four more blocks. So here are the 4x6 inch blocks I've decided on.

So now I'm down to two more to be embellished and then the sandwiching and quilting these little quiltlets - HMMMM how I do not know but hopefully in this next two weeks will decide that. As soon as I get the last embellished I'll post those pics too.

New Happenings!!!

2012-01-03T21:26:00.000-06:00

WOW talk about new happening in my life – nothing major just so different than the sedate occurrences of the past!
See Christmas was so different and awesome I was surprised something else as wonderful would happen for New Year’s Eve, but it did!!! First off my sister Florence woke me like 8:00ish to say they were coming into the city and what were my plans for the evening – Zippo sitting home and watching hockey and NYE celebrations with wine and pizza. She said TOUGH she wanted me to join her for supper and she wanted steak dinner – HMMMM where would we get in without reservations???

Then my girlfriend Florence joined me for a “parka” shopping spree and finally I found one to my knees for warmth with a hood and it’s not GREEN either, it is a nice red with a dark brown/black fur trimmed hood, zipper pockets and storm cuffs. It’s slimming which is a plus and I think will be nice and warm with it’s back insert too! Right now it’s too warm to wear it but once that north wind and temperatures drop I will be changing fast. After that we had a light lunch as I was not sure what supper was going to be or when and then I took Florence home and waited for my sister to call.

Right on cue, 5:00ish, she calls that she’s on her way and downstairs I go to await my pickup! Well YEAH RIGHT, she’s got hubbies diesel crew cab truck – how appropriate my thoughts were!!! So shopping malls were closed and she didn’t want supper that soon so off to Assiniboine Downs we went to view “Winter Wonderland”. I’d not seen it so it was very interesting and I kept missing things that Florence pointed out – thank goodness she was crawling so I could get another glance in. It sure must have been easier to put this up this year with the milder temps but without the snowbanks guess they had to hammer rods into the frozen ground???

Just after 6:00 we headed back to Polo Park area to see if we could get into Tony Roma’s – no dicerooie – 45 minute wait to be seated. Nope that wasn’t good as she had to pick up hubby 8:30ish and then they were heading home to Dauphin right afterwards. So we went across to Earl’s and 40 minute wait for the dining room but we were seated immediately in the BAR. Florence noted “I’d get to see the game too” and was THRILLED (with fist pumping) there were 6 large screens and 5 were on the Jets hockey game and one on the Canada/USA JR hockey game – both at once, company and I didn’t have to cook!!!

She got her steak and I had the ribs and BOTH of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals leisurely and paid our bills by 8:10 – WOW you can’t get that kind of service in a dining room and she even let us stay till the end of the Jets game (tables were clearing out by then) which was AWESOME too! So then Florence dropped me off at home and only waited a few minutes for hubby to show up at their arranged spot and off they were. I still got to watch more of the JR hockey games and stitch and enjoy some wine and then the fireworks out my bedroom window!!!

Yep an awesome end to 2011 and now let’s hope that 2012 continues to be just as awesome!!!

Well it started off nice with a visit over at my girlfriend Linda’s and enjoyed an awesome meal there too. Then yesterday it was an extra long stitching day with the Ravenesque group over at Pat’s with a potluck supper and stitching a bit longer afterwards. Definitely an lovely start to 2012!!!

Christmas 2011 – A Different Experience - Part 3

2011-12-29T20:25:00.000-06:00

OK we downed some much needed water pronto like and went to soak in the hot tub to soothe those poor overworked muscles. Then got dressed and headed into Falcon Lake hoping for a lovely different type of supper. NADA, ZIPPO, NO SUCH A THING!!! Well at least we saw some lovely homes/cottages enroute! I can't believe it, there’s no restaurant there at all, not even in the Hotel and the closest was at West Hawk Lake about 10 minutes away but that was closed on the 26th, so much for that idea, back to the cabin and the leftover pie and salad and some more of that delicious cake! That was the longest night for me as it was around 9:00 and we were both exhausted but it was just to danged early. Well Florence lasted a bit longer then called it a night and I finished watching the movie and called it a night too.

OH NO it’s over and we have to leave!!! Florence said it was the BEST Christmas she’s ever had so that made me feel very choked up and happy as I too had a lovely Christmas here too!

But that evening it was kinda drizzling and very very windy out so you can image what we woke to! Yeppers a good 10C colder and everything cold and stiff AND one of my back doors would not open so our loading up had to be reshuffled to fit everything in.

Well we made it, only half an hour over the check out time but we had called and told the office the linens were ready for pick up, so we didn’t hold the staff up getting ready for the next group for our cabin check in for 4:00 pm. Stupid me thought I’d get over heated in my parka so had my vest and light fleece jacket and back and forth I went loading up. WELL once into the car I realized I was chilled – on with the heat – much to Florence’s delight as usually I keep it low. On our way out we took a different route through the community and came across a family of deer – AWESOME!

Then I stopped to get gas and guess got chilled again and by the time we stopped for a lovely lunch at the Brass Lantern 2:30ish in Steinbach I was just shivering and had to switch to my parka – even hot tea didn’t warm me up. We even checked out the MCC Thrift Store and I bought more china saucers and Florence a book she wanted to read. Yep I drove back with the parka on (a first for me except for the days of my Dart that didn’t have heat in the winter) and heat full force just about – even Florence turned down the fan partway as it was too much already for her – LOL!

We finally got back into the city and I helped Florence unload and then headed home and even in my warm apt I still could not warm up and basically after unpacking necessities I just relaxed. That’s all I had energy for!

THAT’S IT!!!

Christmas 2011 – A Different Experience - Part 2

2011-12-29T20:20:00.000-06:00

Thank you to Tami, who very kindly lent us many of her DVDs for our evenings’ entertainment and Florence for her lovely music selection, as there was no TV reception NOR Internet access – I was panicking of being away from my precious emails for FOUR DAYS, but you know what, I survived just wonderfully. Thanks to Florence’s easy going ways and a job she brought out for me to cut the borders for a quilting project AND I actually FINISHED stitching the binding on the TWO quilts – WOW!!! Yep they’d been sitting at home for ages awaiting some TLC from me and this getaway got that accomplished. Florence worked on sorting out her pieces for her Moose project but didn’t really work on it. She just enjoyed relaxing while there which was just fine – we both did that.

Christmas Day was so strange – it was so quiet out there and I mentioned that many a time!!! After breakfast we opened our gifts to each other and relaxed a bit. Then we got dressed and yes I took my winter attire with me and ENJOYED being outdoors for an hour or so and we walked part of the High Lake Trail – well groomed. We didn’t see any wildlife but saw the sauna but did not partake in that activity. Upon return I helped Florence with a quilting project and we just relaxed while our special supper was roasting!!! It was just SCRUMPTIOUS (thank you so much) and it wasn’t just because of the outdoors and increased appetites either!!! Evenings were spent relaxing listening to music, watching DVDs and the fire, that is when it was kept going – talk about a finicky thing!!! Finally I got the hang of making it Tepee style of wood pieces and rolled up paper underneath to get it going and trying to keep it going!!!

Boxing Day we decided to try and find the short Sunshine Trail – supposed to be only 2 kms so quite doable for us inexperienced hikers! OK we asked a few people around and finally found ONE person who sort of knew and told us that trail has not been groomed but the path is still visible. (did Rose Anne check at the office for a trail map – NO – and there was no such thing in our Informational binder at the cabin either) SO there we set off across the marsh like area – tricky to trek over for Florence and then up the ski slope (faced the sun so was quite bare in places) with a couple of laughing resting episodes - I’d say 3/4s of the way and off to the side to the rocky Look Out area. AWESOME.

Ooooops, no slipping!

Taking a breather!

See not much snow at all on this slope!

Our cabins on the left hand point

Opposite side ski slope - functional.

Across the lake to Falcon Lake Community

Then it was time to continue and return for a much needed rest we thought, BUT Florence did not want to go DOWN the way we came up. HMMM! So I looked around to see if I could spot a TRAIL, not really, but I finally saw a sign that pointed and noted TRAIL – that’s where we headed. After a bit it was we found a kinda groomed trail and definitely going downwards. “Now Norma you know I don’t do well in the bush when lost, so bare this in mind!” After a while it narrowed some but you could still see it was a path so we continued downwards – our thoughts were towards the lakeshore for an EVEN final walk to the cabin! Hmmmmm no visible path in sight – what to do? I suggested going back following our footsteps – nope not appealing to Florence at all. So she rested and I trekked around to see if I could find anything – thank GOD it was early afternoon and lots of light in the bush – and finally I found animal footprints (not sure what) so called and we followed them downwards again but trying to avoid the branches – getting thicker now. Then ZIPPO no tracks – whatever it was was just airlifted out??? So again Florence stayed put and I ventured a bit and this time came across a semi circle of human steps, again we set out but followed the downward steps. YEP you guessed it, they too just disappeared, totally WEIRD and I was getting spooked – but didn’t say such out loud! Now by this time the terrain was getting rougher and at times you needed to grab at branches for support – but not dead ones like I did and down I went, nope didn’t hurt myself. I was sure we were getting closer to the lake and tried to find the easiest way and FINALLY there was the lake through the trees!!! BUT first a slightly steeper slope but there were tree roots for makeshift steps, except Florence missed one and down she sat – laughing!!! So I went upwards some to help her down but she decided to BUM it down instead. What a chuckle we had but my stomach muscles were aching.

Ohhhh, that was not to happen!

It's easier sliding down on the bum!

So now we were FINALLY out of the bush but where the heck we were on that lake was another story. I decided we head left hopefully around the point we’d see either our cabins or across the lake the community of Falcon Lake and that would be my landmark. We came across a wet snowy patch and quickly traversed it and continued onwards coming across clear patches where you could see the cracks going down I’d say a good 10 inches so I then felt confident we would be OK walking on it. Heck there were all terrain vehicles, skidoos, XC skiers and hikers using the lake so why I doubted it was safe I don’t know!!! FINALLY we rounded the point and there to the left was the ski chalet/hills and ahead our CABIN and to the right the two islands and further right Falcon Lake – Hallelujah we made it out, now just to cross the lake for a much needed REST. Florence suggested the hot tub first and I totally agreed, BUT first we had the dock and one more hill to climb – Ohhhhh my poor aching back and knees and Florence said her knees were hurting too! Sorry for leading you astray and in the bush yet!!!

Yep a far walk back!

I don’t think she’ll be following me into the BUSH again!!! Heck neither will I do such again!!! A well groomed trail with a map for this girl in the future.

. . . stay tuned for Part 3 . . .

Christmas 2011 - A Different Experience - Part 1

2011-12-29T20:03:00.001-06:00

It was sad circumstances that brought this change of Christmas celebrations about, but I think it was the bestest way to start off my own type of Christmases for the future. This year was the first without my parents and I had decided I was not travelling to Dauphin and this summer I started making different plans. Eventually it included my quilting girlfriend and escalated to booking a 3-night Falcon Lake Trails Resort cabin over Christmas. As the time drew nearer I was sort of feeling guilty, but then decided it was better this way and then my sisters can have their own family Christmases and I can have my own.

Off the steps
(out around point of Sunshine ski hill)

Mountain Maple cabin lakeshore frontage

Our own dock!

Out the living room window

Out the dining room window

So the week before Florence (not my sister) informed me she had started packing already – HUH! I hadn’t even done my laundry as I still had a week of working and needed my clothes, but I did start on packing the two quilts that needed bindings stitched and some of my crazy patch blocks and embellishing paraphernalia and naturally started my ever so necessary LIST!!! That is of what to buy last minute, what to take from home in regards to cooking and enjoyment, and naturally which clothes to pack. This time I did pretty good, I took nearly only what I needed, except for the CQing stuff which I didn’t get to at all, but could have used my XC skis, but was afraid of doing more injury to my knees.

Dang it! I wanted to take a picture of my poor Babe (Montana van) before we started unloading at the cabin but I totally forgot, just too anxious to get settled in and start our relaxing!!! BUT for two people I can tell you that there was no space available except for above the headrests and that would not have been safe for travelling at all. Yep even the space between the seats had a cooler sitting there! We were stock piled full and majority of what we took we used, except for a few articles of clothing.

Upon settling in the owners came by with lovely ice made votive candle holder for the hot tub area - WOW just beautiful and wished we could have taken it with us but it was melting even being outside. See the ice on the tree next to our cabin?

It was in spiral formation - fascinating!

Florence was the Chief Menu Planner/Cook and I the Chief Cleaner Upper and it worked out very well and the meals were AWESOME and I didn’t even miss my chips but was craving my Pepsi but made do with the wine and water!!! Our menu consisted of: Christmas Eve a tourtiere pie and spinach salad; Christmas Day was bacon and eggs breakfast, leftover pie and salad, baked bread and Bruschetta topping for snack, supper Cornish game hens, stuffing, roasted mixed veggies and an awesome mousse type of chocolate/vanilla cake later on that is; Boxing day was cereal/toast breakfast, leftover pie and more roasted mixed veggies, supper was to be out somewhere but NOTHING WAS THERE except for the ski chalet which we weren’t interested in - so back to the cabin and more leftover pie and cleaned off the salad and more cake. Good thing Florence brought a jug of skim milk for we both had our share. It’s a good thing Florence is a great cook or I’d have been driving to who knows where to get food!!!

The outdoor deck hot tub was used daily and so necessary after our long walk, that’s for sure!!! The resort provided bird seed and we thoroughly enjoyed their entertainment with Florence checking the cabin bird book for the names and both Florence and I kept trying to keep that danged squirrel away from it. Guess it finally took the hint and didn’t show up anymore, that is while we were there. The woodpeckers, grosbeeks, chickadees cooperated for my annoying picture taking but the blue jays were way too fast so avoided my attempts.

Not afraid Chicakees
I was up to a foot away - stayed put

Through the window Grosbeeks and Woodpecker

Through the window Grosbeeks

Through the window Woodpecker

We made use of the wood stove daily, but I had to chop the wood smaller to get it going and the last time I didn’t do as much as I was getting quite sore on my right side and thus left the wood box just about empty. Oh well someone left it stock for us with huge logs – which I promptly took back to the wood pile, heck one of them wouldn’t even FIT INTO the stove – DUH!!! I totally forgot that I wanted Florence to come out and take a picture of me chopping but most time I did this while she was otherwise busy so that would not have worked!

. . . stay tuned for Part 2 . . .

12 Days of Christmas – Wrap-up

2011-12-29T18:38:00.000-06:00

OK the CQing gift opening for 2011 is over with and what an adventure it was. I must first thank Debbie Q for hosting this in the WWCQ group and naturally my partner Joyce R for the lovely gifts she sent me and also for her acceptance of my fun and games which earned me the nickname "Schneakkkkyyy" throughout her openings. LOL!

So here's a recap of what I had sent to Joyce, using my sister’s name and mailing address, which threw her till the end:

I had FUN wrapping and labelling all

My version of the song

Joyce's picture of her gifts from me

more gifts

the fabrics from Day 10 and also Extra package

Extra package goodies

And then here's a recap of what I had received from Joyce of Mobile, Alabama:

wrapped gifts from Joyce

Joyce's version of the song

All my gifts from Joyce

Naturally you can see the individual day’s pictures if you are in my blog and on the right is my Labels, scroll down and select "swap gifts" and all the 12 Days of Christmas entries should pop up to scroll through for closeup pictures and comments. To go back to the start, just click on Home button at the bottom or the Go Back arrow at the top left of the page.

Yes it was quite enjoyable and one of these days I will use these embellishments (all bagged together too) in a project and who knows maybe even included in the “hearts” wall hanging I’m planning for myself. Time will tell.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-24T08:53:00.000-06:00

I want to wish you all, especially my family and dear friends, a very Merry Christmas. Hope that your holiday celebrations are full of good food, cheer, happiness, love and whatever faith you worship! If you are travelling please do so carefully and safely!

Christmas Postcards

12 Days of Christmas - 12th Day

2011-12-24T08:39:00.001-06:00

OMGG thank you Joyce for "On the twelfth Day of Christmas my quilt friend sent to me 12 gifts a-waiting" for my crazy patch embellishing!!! WOW LOVELY!!! I KNOW Darlene is probably wishing I had opened this yesterday so we both could have been OOOOHing and AAAAAAHing together as I was in AWE that is for sure with this last gift - everything had me smiling (it was like all the eleven previous gifts all in one all over again and more). Hope the picture does it justice along with the full verse too. Thank you Joyce - you can be my gift sender anytime again!!!

OH NO, the last one!!!

12 Days of Christmas reworded!

OK this is the end of this so much fun event and I have to thank Joyce again for sending me such awesome gifts to use in my crazy patch embellishing and also Debbie for introducing this fun activity for us to all enjoy. THANK YOU!!!

12 Days of Christmas - 11th Day

2011-12-23T13:12:00.000-06:00

OMGG thank you Joyce for "On the eleventh Day of Christmas my quilt friend sent to me 11 fabrics sparkling" for my crazy patch!!! WOW LOVELY - I have NONE of these and Darlene was just OOOOHing and AAAAAAHing with me while I was trying to get a picture (gosh it was hard to take with all the sparkles too - not a good one that is for sure). Thank you Joyce!!!

OH NO, there's only one more pressie to open! Boooo Hoooo Hoooo I just got used to having a pressie every day and now I have to go back to the "real world" and just make do with a surprise or two if such happens??? It's a good thing my girlfriend and I are exchanging gifts Christmas morning and I've a gift for both of us to open Christmas Eve!!!

12 Days of Christmas - 10th Day

2011-12-22T20:05:00.000-06:00

I have to chuckle as a few are already taking notes for next year's such activity - will we have it again - hmmmm I don't think it will be allowed to fall through the slats of other activities. Many have had their "anticipation" whetted for creating other such packages to go with the drift of the song!!! LOL!!!

So "On the tenth day of Christmas my quilt friend sent to me 10 buds a blooming" and I just LOVE the deep purple velvet poinsettia like flower. These definitely will be in a flower arrangement of some type on my block!!! Thank you Joyce.

Hmmmm wonder what #11 has within it? It's tubular and squishie soft - I think I know!!! Then one gift box left for Saturday morning's opening. I'll do that nice and early so I can get it blogged before I head off for the holidays.

One Saucer-y Pincushion Ready

2011-12-21T22:46:00.002-06:00

Well it's always good to have one finished and I probably should have worked on one for myself first to get the - maybe shoulda not done that - maybe should have tried this - maybe maybe maybe!!! Oh well I didn't and I still love it and hope my niece will like it also when she opens it tomorrow. These are from the tutorial found on Stitcharooney, thank you very much Helen!

This is the only one of the four that I'd planned for gift giving that I truly liked the fabric choice but see I need a WHOLE different selection of buttons for the finishing steps.

Top View

Semi front view

Now I'm anxious to finish off the others that I've started and sitting as flat discs on my table. LOL!

12 Days of Christmas - 9th Day

2011-12-21T22:28:00.000-06:00

Ohhhhh yes Joyce I'm truly pleased with my packages you have selected for me. I just can't wait till this 12 days of gifting is complete and I can actually plan and decide what kind of block I'd like to stitch up with these lovelies!!

Hey not only has the group wondered what activity will follow, even Darlene asked what I was going to do after the 12th day and no more packages - we looked at each other and I shrugged my shoulders - it'll for sure feel like something is missing!!! LOL!

So "On the ninth day of Christmas my quilt friend sent to me 9 critters flying" and talk about a mixed collection of winged charms and even a button.

I love the porcelain type one, naturally the tiny dragonfly and also the wasp which has neato details on it's wings. Thank you Joyce.

Oh Oh only 3 more days of gift openings!!!

12 Days of Christmas - 8th Day

2011-12-20T22:20:00.000-06:00

OK I was totally PEEVED at 4:30 am when woken by mouse activity again in my closet!!! DANG IT I thought they were gone but guess it was only to greener pastures elsewhere while warmer outside, but with winter settling in I guess they are moving back inside again!!! So when I got home from work I grabbed the gloves, gathered up the various traps, washed with a bit of soap and then reloaded with fresh peanut butter and set them back out again. I pray this does not go on as long as last year's episode or I may land up just unloading a lot of stuff to get to the bare bones in here!!!

ANYWAYS onto happier things. Today a co-worker brought me a gift (says I'm always helping everyone and she appreciates me this way) but this time it was a large bag and inside was this pail of overflowing paint with Seasons Greetings printed on the spill and inside was a "family of snowmen" - I just squealed with JOY seeing them - and also a lovely tan toned necklace from the "fair trade" home parties group (sorry I forgot the name right now). And also I forgot to take pictures - DUH!!! Also Darlene who always appreciates my needlework again gave me a gift card for The Bay family of stores. Yes it sure helped to ease my dissappointing morning start.

And again today Darlene was waiting for me to open my daily present and was thrilled as much I was. See "on the eighth day of Christmas my quilt friend sent to me 8 beads for stringing" BUT it was eight packages of seed beads and only one packet is similar to what I have in my stash. The mixed soup packets are shades I don't have so that's just lovely!!! Thank you very much Joyce!!!

I can tell you that I'm KEEPING these little boxes in a storage tub for my next gift exchange.

12 Days of Christmas - 7th Day

2011-12-19T18:22:00.000-06:00

Today I slept in and woke with a headache too boot!!! But could not stay home as our Social Committee decided those who wanted to could volunteer 3 hours at the Siloam Mission helping in the kitchen and serving meals - yes I had volunteered. I had also heard there were five last minute cancellations so I'm glad I took an Advil and perservered!!! It was good that the turnout was about 100 less homeless in for lunch as we were short on the food service volunteers today. We had no problems and all seemed thankful for the hot lunch and table service by volunteers. Also included was a tour of the facilities and all I can say is it was better than I thought and can see why they have such large numbers showing up for food, support to start some type of work and a bed to sleep in.

Now as for the 12 Days of Christmas packages - WELL I have a co-worker who is just as excited as I am about these and was at my desk before I even got my coffee!!! So she waited while I opened up my gift from Joyce. It was one of those long jewellry type boxes and no sound from inside at all - another HMMM!

"On the seventh day of Christmas my quilt friend sent to me 7 trims for trimming." WOW inside were seven various trims and only the silver trim is one I had in my stash - that is awesome. PLUS ideas were popping into my head on how I'd use them and some even to embellish for the trim to just "pop" on the block. Also that gathered zig zag one is quite intriguing and I'm going to see if I can do something like this with the various trims I have in my stash - sure would add a little something special especially with embellishments on top!

Day 7

Thank you Joyce - I'm really loving these packages!

Your Preference Please

2011-12-19T08:34:00.000-06:00

OK I'm back briefly to ask for your assistance please. I've made up various pincushions for these saucers but just am lost as to which I really prefer. So I'm letting my friends help me out here, if you would like too that is.

So here are four different saucers and a number of pincushions for each - in sets A, B, C and D with numbers of each set labeledwithin the pictures - along with a top and side view. You can either leave me a comment with your LETTERS and NUMBERS choices here or you can jot your choices down and then email me with the LETTERS and NUMBERS. I would appreciate your help. Thank you very much.

Set A

Set B

Set C

Set D

And don't feel bad about not liking any of my choices for Set D as I myself am having a rough time choosing for this saucer myself and might have to take suggestions???

Tired - Loads of Fun

2011-12-18T18:02:00.000-06:00

PHEW this is a good but busy day for me! See someone on a Yahoo group sent this link "A little Saucery-y pincushion tutorial!" and today I'm playing. A month or so ago I and my sister and girlfriend made a few trips to the second hand stores and I picked up various china or stoneware saucers without their cups. Then I checked with my handyman and he bought the glass/tile drill bit for his drill (which I reimbursed him for) and he drilled two holes very nicely in all of them without breaking one.

So today I picked out a few to start with and promptly tackled the boxes in front of my two tall cupboards of fabrics - so now my sewing room has a U shape isle so I can maneuver around some. Yes I need to finish that room just not today! It took me over an hour to sort through those cupboards for possible FQs and then auditioning them with the saucers and choosing the possiblities. Now I'm at the point of preparing the pincushions!

Yes I'll be back another time with a possible pick your favourite with each saucer as I know I can't put all five choices on one saucer. See you back again soon!!!

It's Christmassy-like Outside

2011-12-18T15:22:00.000-06:00

I asked for more snow for our holidays - just no blizzards please - looks like my wishes are being considered by Heaven Above!!! Thank you Lord.

Maybe I just jinxed this to happen today too! See it was a lovely day of -4C this morning so I took my horribly dirty BABE (grey Montana van) on my friend Florence's suggestion to the Chamois car wash and since it was my first time there I took the Gold treatment. They apparently did everything and I can tell you that it looked LOVELY outside and inside when I picked it up. So there I was on my way home praying that it does not get splashed up right away. Yep I made it home without splashes too!!!

That was an hour ago and I just looked outside and the trees in front of my window are just about all white so I got up to check. WELL the flakes are huge and floating down from above coating the ground white too. Now I pray it stays "winter-like" so the snow stays white and not that slushy stuff as it warms up. YES I am a person who enjoys my winter with as much snow as possible but do not appreciate the winter storms - just winter!!!

OHHHH Florence maybe we will have a nice snowy winter vacation over Christmas? That's right I'm not one to have a "green" Christmas (even though that is my favourite colour) like that one mega years ago in Rio de Janiero - nope not for Rose Anne. I'm also not one for the hot temps so that's why I'm planning on my retirement vacation to the "Down Under & NZ" during their winter and getting away from our hot summer here! Strange yeah I know!!!

Santa's a Canadian!!!

2011-12-18T14:53:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! have a great Christmas every one and have a listen

"Santa's a Canadian" Written by William Hardie (with Patrick Ronahan and Terry Banks), this song is destined to become a new Classic Canadian Christmas Song. It celebrates the spirit of Christmas and also, the spirit of Canada. Santa has never been so well portrayed as a true "Hoser" from the Great White North!

copy & paste: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei3rTITyOhY&feature=youtu.be

12 Days of Christmas - 6th Day

2011-12-18T10:44:00.000-06:00

Today I was up after my alarm but earlier than usual for a weekend and the first thing after the usual I opened up my gift from Joyce. It was a small box but I could hear something heavy hitting the sides - HMMM!

"On the sixth day of Christmas my quilt friend sent to me 6 birds a chirping." Now I just chuckled as inside definitely were six different birds (not sure if they's a chirping or not - winking) charms and buttons along with a bird nest with eggs! One of the birds you will see is in front of it's birdhouse. I'll for sure be using them on my CQing blocks!!!

Thank you my dear as I've not seen the circled one nor the bird nest before! I'm loving these packages!

Christmas in July Tatting Swap

2011-12-17T19:33:00.000-06:00

Well it was supposed to be a NSAN group activity in July but my dear friend Margaret was in the throes of tatting various items for a family wedding and I did not have the heart to put the added pressure on her to work on the above swap item for me. She promised she'd work on them after the wedding and we were updated with photos of the tatted wedding items and all I can say is I was glad it was not me.

So not that long ago she mentioned that she's recovered and was working on my items. Well my package arrived Thursday and I can say I'm truly pleased I waited - I LOVE Snowmen of all types!!!

And also inside the package was a daintily tatted bookmark. Just lovely!!!

Thank you very much Margaret B - I love them both. I can just imagine your tatted wedding items if this is an example of your work for them. Precious.

12 Days of Christmas - 5th Day

2011-12-17T19:22:00.000-06:00

Ohhhh I slept in today and was just getting mobile when I saw my package on the table. So promptly opened it up and took my pictures but as I was uploading them to the PC my sister Florence (from Dauphin was in for a shopping spree) phoned me to find out what I was up to - decided she'd be around in 20 minutes!!! YIKES, so I dropped all and got myself ready and out the door and just in time too! So I didn't get home from my own shopping afterwards till supper time so I'm playing catch up now.

"On the fifth day of Christmas my quilt friend sent to me 5 crocheted doilies."

They are just lovely (3", 5" and the larger about 7") and I especially love the two medium ones with the very small sized pineapples on them. The ones I find are 3-4 inch sized pineapples and sometimes just too big for the crazy patched blocks. The larger doily is something I find periodically but mine are more crude-like whereas this one is nice and finely finished. Thank you Joyce!!!

12 Days of Christmas - 4th Day

2011-12-16T13:10:00.001-06:00

Ohhhhhh YUMMY that is for sure! This one too was not giving me a clue with the shaking so I just had to open it! LOL!!!

"On the fourth day of Christmas my quilt friend sent to me 4 matching threads." Well inside were four lovely YLI Silk Floss (love this one) in shades of (you guessed it) GREEN!!! My most favourite colour in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!! Thank you Joyce!!!

Hmmmm now I wonder what is next, and I didn't even look this morning to see the shape of the box etc. And I'll be busy stitching tonight so guess it'll be for tomorrow!

12 Days of Christmas - 3rd Day

2011-12-15T12:20:00.000-06:00

OHHHH I’m definitely getting into the swing of Christmas gift giving with the swap! See with the mailing charges and some internationally, the gifts were to be small or light weight and useful to a crazy patch quilter. WELL when you think of it there are lots n lots n lots of things we use in our various stitching projects from thread, beads, silkies, fabrics, laces, etc etc etc – you get my drift – so if one has a stash like mine this gift sharing is very easy to do. It’s the adapting the song to the gifts that had me stumped until our Darling Debbie set me straight on that! LOL! Now it’s the joy of reading my friend’s messages and also my joy of opening my daily gifts!

So the 3rd Day package was real tiny, thin, lightweight and soft – HMMMM – WELL inside were three lovely pieces of lace. They would adorn my block very nicely I think! Thank you Joyce.

Now I have to tell you that I was up very late last night stitching on my Kitchen towels and listening to the TV when I realized it was well past midnight! I thought – Hey I can open my pressie – then thought no I need that picker upper for the morning again so waited till I got to the office and had my coffee to unveil and take the picture.

12 Days of Christmas Swap - 2nd Day

2011-12-14T12:34:00.002-06:00

Hey I can get used to waking up and having a present to open each morning!!! Honest I’ve been good and staying out of trouble!!! Not that it helped to wake me this morning though – nope I slept in and had to rush to get to work.

Remember I said some where small packages and yes I took pictures of them all together – well this one was a might bigger but had no weight substance to it at all and really had me curious!!!

All 12 packages from Joyce R

AND remember I said they might be small but not necessarily small gifts – WELL this #2 is a biggie for me! See it had two lovely Angel silkies for my crazy patch blocks and the song line "On the second day of Christmas my quilt friend sent to me 2 silkie treats".

Now these are something I’ve not had much luck with printing off especially on silk (the pretreated bought stuff) so am very pleased with my present. Thank you so very much Joyce!

12 Days of Christmas Swap - 1st Day

2011-12-13T18:00:00.000-06:00

OK I tried something new this year and had a TONNE of fun first off deciding how to change the words in the song to pertain to my gifts and then actually finding all the various items for the swap and then in the end actually wrapping them all up individually along with the individual lines pertaining to that gift! PHEW that was a chore and I was quickly running out of time, but it was mailed and was recieved by my friend. So now the fun begins. Yes I too received mine from Joyce in Mobile Alabama USA and the box was full of mostly little packages - but maybe not so little gifts once opened!!! We will see. NOOOO, I will not show you pictures of my packages, you'll have to wait till the Dec. 25th unveiling and then I'll post my gifts along with a group photo of all those that I had received - wrapped and opened!!!

Day #1 was a gift bag and loose in the box was a peacock pendant. I was not sure but thought it might have fallen out of Day #1 so I slipped it back in before taking my package to work with me. SEE my home computer was on the fritz again so am staying after work to play catch up on Yahoo!!!

OK enough chatting - here's the gift:

So it was soft from the initial squeezing - smiling! In seconds it was out of the bag and tissue and there was this large stitched pear and a paper strip with the song line "On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me a peacock in a pear tree." - see I was right it did belong to this present!!! The bottom of the pear has pebbles in it - reminds me of a minnie punching bag (remember those clownie ones as kids). Yes I took a picture and in our office FIG tree - thought that was quite appropriate.

Day #1 - peacock in a pear tree

Thank you so very much Joyce for this lovely pendant - not sure if I'll use it on a black cord for a necklace or maybe some day it'll adorn a CQing block. Will think on this one.

Aurora Christmas Potluck

2011-12-10T21:05:00.000-06:00

Well as usual we had a lovely gathering of quilters/friends with an awesome feast too (thank you to Ricky & Florence for the turkey, dressing and gravy) along with everyone else for the various many and diverse dishes today. Even though I had not had breakie, my eyes were still bigger than my stomach and I felt bad not eating all on my plate, and when it came to dessert well I was history but had to have some of Tami's death by chocolate and got to take home some of Margo's pineapple dessert and the leftover chocolates!!! YUMMY.

They were calling for me to get out of the kitchen (tonnes of dishes with all the courses etc) and come sit down - the gift exchange was going to take place. NOOOOOO something else first!!! Hmmmmmm, then it got kinda spooky as everyone was looking at me and then Audrey picked up some folded up fabric and very seriously apologized for the lateness etc for this gift from them all. Needless to say I was starting to tear up as I realized right away what it was! It was mentioned "A little late, but definitely not forgotten!"

I'll digress a bit here ... See February 26th my Dad had passed away (at 97 years) and our group was in the midst of preparing a farewell quilt for Mobird who was desserting us for the Eastern Seaboard so I did not think about them making a comfort quilt for me at that time. But by the fall time I wondered why I had not received at least some blocks from members (I had received earlier a money gift from Jeanette and Martin and bought myself a much wanted crazy patch book which I use often). I was going to say something then but thought there must be a reason for nothing happening so I kept quiet and then preparations for the various Christmas events was starting and I totally forgot. BUT THEY DIDN'T - bless your hearts!!!

So there I was getting soppy eyed and just WOWed when this quilt was unfolded! I love it (there's LOVE in Dianne's block too) and was in such a tither I had to sit down or my legs were going to crumble. It's beautiful and I love the effort each of you put into the blocks and Aurdrey for putting it together! THANK YOU so much!!!

Yes it is now gracing my bed and my poor 30-yr old quilt (my sister Erlene & I made together) is put away till I can find the time for some much needed repairs and then it will come out in the summertime again (a very light weight one)!

Then after all this hoopla was the gift exchange! And again this year I received two more lovely Angels and a lighting up Snowman along with some crazy patch fabrics, threads etc from Jeanette (might be from Martin too) and then from Tami a lovely table centre which I've not totally unwrapped to see how it works but the angel on top turns I think from the heat of a candle. Lovely pressies my friends.

Oh my what's the office gonna do
when I take these home!

Hmmm maybe it's what am I gonna do
when I take them home with me???

A lovely day that is for sure. Merry Christmas my friends!

Awesome Saturday

2011-12-03T17:26:00.000-06:00

Well that is except for the 5:00 am wake by Murphy meowing, I quickly looked after the pets and then went back to sleep for a couple of hours and they let me. YAHOOIE! Then I got ready for my hair appt and boy it sure felt good to have a refreshed doo again! Then right back to let the dogs out before I headed out to Selkirk to pick up my gallery showings. This crew has adjusted to me very well and no trouble anymore coming through the door except exuberance of someone to talk to and pay attention to them. LOL!

While at Gwen Fox Gallery I found out another of my postcards sold (that is two more than I thought might happen) - yes I have left them there and pray more find them intriguing and purchase more. I did pick up a couple of other items that appealed to me there and then next door at the second hand store I found another lovely china saucer, some fine crochet cottons and a small corningware saucepan and cover all for $3.00 and then I needed a Tims pronto on the way back.

Oh Michelle and Florence - remember that Lockport Trading Co we passed a while back and I thought it was a restaurant or bar - well on the way back I stopped in there and you both have permission to kick me in the butt!!! It was not what I thought - it is more AWESOMER than a Hallmark or tea house gift shops are and I had a heck of time to get out of there. OH and they had LUG bags on 25% sale and I finally found one for myself that will pass for a purse - called a TaxiTote along with a different Christmas ornament for my desk also on sale. Then I headed back to Wpg and hopefully for the Crossroads Nygaards DF shop.

They had 50% off plus additional discounts depending on what you bought! Well I wanted two pair of dress pants for work so I was determined to at least buy 3 items for an additional 15% off. Hmmmm I found 4 items instead! I bought a pair of navy dress pants for $16.97; jeans for $15.96; tan cotton casuals for $5.56; and a black zip jacket (like my red one) for $14.36 - which I paid lots more for the red one. So all that with tax for $59 - what a bargain.

So now I am broke again, bills paid, but happy and going to stay put and watch hockey with the crew!!! Tomorrow afternoon the owners return and it will be curious to see how they react when I get back from lunch with Florence and they are here!

Interesting Start to House/Pet Sitting

2011-12-02T12:52:00.000-06:00

OMGG, I survived but I’d say just so, entering the house. See I had to go at lunch Wednesday to let the dogs out as the owners left really early for their trip. When I got inside the garage I could hear all three dogs just barking their heads off (now I know what they meant by Ebony's banshee-like barking) and was a might apprehensive. They really are friendly dogs but their barks sure would make a burglar think twice before breaking in there!!!

Well I took charge and opened the door and there were the two larger ones and Rudy in front showing teeth and growling, not letting me in!!! OK what do I do now – took a breath and told him to back up and stepped into the house – he listened slightly but still did not want me, but the owners and kept trying to barge past me into the garage. I kept repeating back up and they eventually went up the stairs and waited barking still.

I gave myself a chance to regroup by hanging my coat up and then turned to them and asked if they wanted outside, Bella had already picked up her toy for me to play with her but Rudy was still not happy with me. I stretched out my hand and scratched behind the ears talking to them and finally Rudy stopped growling - Thank Goodness. So outside the three dogs went no problem and I too, to chat and pet them while they ran back and forth doing their business, then Rudy stood by the door trying to get in so in we went. I made myself lunch for the ride back, read the notes, gave them cookies and left for work – lots easier that way! LOL!

Wonder what after work will be like? Well for sure I’ll not be going out to meet my sister for supper tonight (she's in from Dauphin to fly out to Halifax) – will rebook for Sunday instead. That’ll give them and me a chance to adjust to each other. OH yes, my stomach still had ants running around late afternoon!!! LOL!

Well I survived my first day & night. After work was lots easier and they greeted me very friendly - like I had expected earlier. Guess it was the first time a stranger entering greeting!

I tried to take pics last night as Rudy, Bella and Murphy all shared this lovely leather couch (naturally protected) and Ebony waited patiently on the pillow until I sat in the armchair to watch hockey and ZOOM she was there wanting to join me. We had over an hour like that and it was really relaxing, going to bed was a bit confusing for them I think but they finally settled down. Except for Murphy who walked around the house mewing and then down into the basement – I think he was looking for his owners!!!

BUT can you believe it I SLEPT IN today with 3 dogs and a cat all waiting to go outside and their breakfasts!!! I’ve got to check that alarm as that bed is sooooo cozy I did not want to leave it!!! LOL! My head is hurting from all the rushing around that I’m not used to also!!!

All I can say is for being huge dogs they are very friendly and well behaved (the pug is just downright cute) and even the cat (better than my sister’s). This morning’s feedings, vitamins and cookies all went smoothly and Rudy had such a sad look to his eyes when I was leaving for work – not fair putting the guilt trip on me now!!! I’s sure glad all went well considering my lunch time greeting!!! I feel more positive of looking after them now. Just wish Murphy did not start meowing shortly after 5:00am (litter is cleaned – too early for breakie) - what gives!!!

Huge aren't they compared to the cat which is a good size.

Poor Ebony no chance against them
- even being deaf she let's them know she's there!!!

Catchup on Projects!

2011-11-30T15:25:00.000-06:00

Boy do I ever miss my home computer and my laptop as yet does not have any of my useable programs on it so I’m stalled with that baby too – only readable stuff. I can’t even use my printer as my CDs for upload are with Tom and my hard drive getting fixed. BUT it’s just about ready to come home so hopefully next week I’ll be up and running again and able to find my large sized postcard pics and send to be included in the CQA spring issue article on “Miniature Masterpieces”. Then he’s taking my laptop to ensure all the correct programs are on there and then I’ll have both lickety split again!!!

Tatting:

OK a while ago I learnt how to add beads to my tatting and since then have been varying the Allison Edging for various looks and weights of cotton used. I love this basic trim and this time I made it into an oval – now just to find the perfect shape to use it with!!! LOL!

Coffee Sleeve Swap:

Within our WorldWideCrazyQuilting group I volunteered to host the coffee sleeve swap activity and had a few grabbers on this. So I uploaded my own guidelines and also some links to web articles on making these and the ladies are just finishing up, getting ready to mail out to their swap recipients. My recipient asked for washable (not fancies) so I used batiks, cotton laces and flosses along with buttons, beads and sequins to embellish my embroidery. This time around I did not satin stitch the edges but did the pillow slip technique (won’t do this again) and then had to hand stitch the closing together – YOWSERS!!!

So first off I stem stitched the vines, sewed on the button flowers and leaves, then embroidered smaller leaves and added seed bead topped sequins for smaller flowers. Then pulled out Marsha ??? book and followed her instructions of using tracing paper to draw your image and then baste to your piece and outline in embroidery. After that you remove the tracing paper and fill in with various stitches – I used the stem stitch as this is my second attempt and wanted to keep it simple. I then added with perle cotton chain stitched leaves and finished off with straight stitched scattered grasses.

On the final patch (so to speak) I found an “M” and also used the stem stitch to outline and with a different colour filled in some details. I then used the same sequins but a different colour seed bead for patch fillers.

The two seam treatments have the same cotton lace accents with cotton floss embroidery. Nice and simple and yes all washable – just might take some time to dry with the batting!!! Now I just hope she likes it as it’s on it’s way today!!!

Christmas Swap Postcard:

In the Chain of Hearts we once again are having our Christmas postcard swap which has to have a heart somewhere on it. This year I decided to try a different way of doing an already fun technique and I think I achieved it with my friend Pat’s help. See I tried out her needle felting machine and YOWSERS it’s a good thing there’s a finger guard as there are lots of needles on this baby. So I had my fabric image beside me, my bits n pieces of wool roving and by hook and by crook I eyeballed my image pretty darned good and it just fit into the postcard 4x6 inch size and it only took my 20 minutes – not like the 3 hours with my single hand held needle!!! I also did a Christmas tree but that baby is not quite finished – a later blog for it. I then went home and hand embroidered my outlines and decorations and topped the offering with a crystal heart and bow! Hope you like it Debbie!

I Got Mail:

On Friday I ordered through AirMiles (bonus on Black Friday) two books from Amazon.ca and they arrived today!!! A fellow stitcher mentioned to obtain the book “Drawing Trees” by Victor Perard if one wants to stitch realistic trees on their CQing blocks and then another fellow stitcher mentioned about this CD book you can buy “Crazy-Quilted Memories” (not keen on a CD though) but I found the book instead so ordered both of them. WOW WOW WOW, I’m itchin’ to get stitchin’ – both are fantastic and the ideas in the CQ book are just AWESOME!!! I now have special reading while I’m house sitting!!!

Yeppers lots of items mail out this week and many are on time or only a day late – pretty good for me – must be turning a new leaf getting ready for a new year!!!

YEAH!!!

2011-11-23T13:15:00.000-06:00

OMGG I'm going to be published again, it's been year's since the first time, but this time I was interviewed and will have a story along with some of my creations published. Yes the theme is small quilting projects and my story is "Miniature Masterpieces" at least that was on my draft copy in the spring issue of CQA magazine!!! WOW!!!

So I've a few photos that were chosen (including the top half of the Gwen Fox Gallery postcard display) and then was asked to send along my own favourite crazy patch "White Winter" and maybe a postcard that I've received - well I've chosen two - Shirley P's Waterfall Landscape that actually got me inspried to start postcard swapping and MaryLou C's Summertime Crazy Patch that inspired me to explore further into "crazy patch quilting". So I'm not sure which one or all that they will publish with the story but the reply from CQA sure sounded positive. Thank you Val H for asking for my story!!!

AND if that is not enough to put a smile on my face and pick me up some, I also attempted embroidering my second tree - and succeeded!!!

Yes I followed Marsha Michler's instructions from "Crazy Quilted Motifs" for tracing out your image onto tracing paper, basting to the block and then outlining the image. Then remove the tracing paper and continue with filling in the image with whatever stitches you wish - for my tree I continued with the outline or stem stitch and then the leaves were chain stitch with perle cotton to give some dimension.

Now to try my quilting friend Leslie's Tree tutorials and see how those trees turn out for me. I need more hours to my day that is for sure! And also back to my healthy self - this flu bug is kicking the ???? out of me and cutting into my stitching time too!!!

Crazy Quilting Journal Project 2012

2011-11-20T19:02:00.001-06:00

OK you're probably thinking what is that woman up to now!!! Well I've always wanted to do a CQd wall hanging for myself, by myself and this is an activity that I'm hoping will help me achieve my end result.

I've even got the plans for this project mapped out and just have to manage one block of at least 6" square monthly and embellished. Again I'm not sure what to expect from this or how it is going to unfold but I'm going to try! I will be posting my monthly accomplishments in my CQ Journal Project 2012 page (tab in the border above this entry) for all to check out and hopefully a finished Christmas themed wall hanging to show off a year from now.

OHHHHH I wish I was retired now so my days were my own and I could play full time - I sure have enough stash, if I really put my mind to task and use what I have, to last me a long time that is for sure. I know I'm going to have to do up some type of Task List to help keep track of my many projects.

So anyone else who wants to play with "crazy quilting and cq embellishing" check out the CQ Journal Project website and blog for more information.

Take a Stitch Tuesday

2011-11-20T18:25:00.000-06:00

OK I missed out on this learning tool last time around and never did try and catch up or even review previous postings as I'd hoped to. So this time I'm signed up right at the beginning and hopefully will expand on my mostly self-taught embroidery knowledge and eventually improve more so for my projects. So not sure if I'll make this into a binder of learning stitches or a practice cloth made into a sampler. Who knows as I'm not sure what to expect here at all.
So if any of you are interested in the Take A Stitch Tuesday by Sharon B of Pin Tangle please click on the link and sign up as it starts January 3rd, 2012. I use Sharon's Stitch Dictionary LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS - thank you very very much Sharon.

Well let's hope I keep up and practice some of these and maybe incorporate some new stitches and/or variations into my crazy patch stitchery projects.

More Blocks Finished!!!

2011-11-16T13:25:00.000-06:00

OK I’m ahead of the game in the SewBuds December BOM heart to be mailed out Nov. 28^th – YEAH!!! And I can say this one was the easiest to assemble with Sylvia’s suggestions. Thank you my dear, I even did pretty good with the join this time. I’ve one more to do and I’m sure I’ll have it down pat for future such blocks needed.

Here is the block I chose from Carol L's selection. It took some time to finish off, but I'm happy with it. First off I attached the intriquing cotton lace and embroidered on top and filled that patch with French knots. Then a friend of mine suggested trying to mimic the flower petal curves in my Bullion knots seam treatment - not so great a job - but I love that finish. Then I added the ivory flower like buttons, dismantled those ivory earrings and anchored in place and finished that motif off with silk ribbon leaves and brown tendrils. After this I worked on my tatted Allison Edging with bronze like seed beads and attached in place then anchored the green safety pins. The other brown patch got some herringbone silver metallic straight pins with seed bead glass heads and the gold scissor. The moire patch I found this lovely ivory button which got a cabachon treatment - I need lots of practice on this one. Then the centre patch I knew was going to have my sewing stuff in there: yep that raised Fishbone leave stitch for the threader, my thimble button with the huge loop cut off and anchored in place. Then I added the half thread spool with floss wound on it and a stitched loose trail too. The last seam was of the same floss as the spool has in cretan and a tail of thread still in the silver needle. I really like this block.

This is the Joint Block in the CQI Sew it Up DYOB for Carol L and I was not sure what to do but then thought to mimic the mirrored butterfly (broken in transit to me) on the opposite side with my joined Butterflies are Free seam treatment. Then I anchored the silver scissors and scattered silver straight pins around along with this really cute (well at least I think so!) varied sizes for fall buttons for my patch work. Then I finished off the very small seam finish with cream floss cretan stitch.

Here’s the close up of just my patch.

And here are the four stitched on patches so far. Top left is by Cathy L (love the flosses – gonna have to remember that one); Lorrie (Chef Tiger) – awesome button embellishment and fuzzy butterfly; Bottom left – Rose Anne B and last the Joint Block by all of us so far. Definitely gonna make a lovely sewing room wall hanging for that is for you sure Carol L.

I'm TIRED!!!

2011-11-13T18:19:00.001-06:00

Well today was the opening reception for "Judith Panson's Art Exhibit" at the Gwen Fox Gallery in Selkirk Manitoba which a few of my fellow fabric artists along with myself were exhibitors too. This was my first exhibit showing so I had no IDEA what to expect but today, a snack table along with punch, coffee or tea was provided by the exhibitors and what a lovely spread it was. Yes I do have a few pictures of the exhibited items and will post them tomorrow! If you are interested in seeing these close up the display is up till November 26th I think,call the gallery first for viewing times.

First off the turnout was awesome and kept us all chatting about our exhibits most of the three hours, with lots of interest on the how and why I make my postcards. It was lots of fun and I'm hoping to do something like this again - you never know. Now let's see if that interest turns into postcard purchases???

The clincher to this event of being a member of this gallery is having my postcards in their Gift Shop for sale and I can go out there any time to make use of the hall and even have a class or two there if I choose. And to sugar coat that I've been asked to teach two ladies to tat from that area - so who knows that just might happen! WOW!!!

Guess I'm Ready!

2011-11-10T19:09:00.000-06:00

I mentioned previously about my entry into a gallery's juried fabric art show being held this month at Selkirk Manitoba, Gwen Fox Art Gallery, “Judith Panson Exhibit”. Well my postcard entry for the art exhibit was refused BUT I was asked to bring in any fabric postcards I had for consignment sale in their Gift Shop – WOW!!! THEN I was asked if I’d prepare a display board on postcard making and be present to answer any questions this Saturday afternoon – now this truly blew me over – WOW WOW WOW!!!

So slowly but surely I’ve been thinking on how to do this and finally came up with a cork board type of display. So I tried to find in my VAST stash of made and swapped postcards for examples of various methods and techniques for postcard fronts and backs along with examples of the middle and mailing preparations. I think I’ve covered most of what I have done and even labelled each one along with the various components of the postcard. Then to top it off I even prepared a handout for those who are curious enough to venture into this very much enjoyable part of fabric art!!! Oh YES they are definitely “ART” pieces, each and every one and some are even signed by the maker on the backs! Well here is my display board, hope it stays together for the trip there and draws lots of attention, maybe even prompting sales! That would definitely be AWESOME!!!

The Whole Display

And here are two closeups just in case you want a closer look.

Top Half Only

Bottom Half Only

Hearts for Rengin

2011-11-07T17:57:00.000-06:00

Here is my heart made especially for Rengin of Istanbul, Turkey. It's so sad to see another country devastated by another terrible earthquake. Our CQI group asked for crazy patched embellished heart ornaments to be sent to her but I'm thinking she might want some heart blocks to make up into something lovely for herself - so I left mine unfinished.

I did my favourite flower spray with chain, stem, satin and Colonial knot stitches along with my favourite beaded tatted trim and naturally a butterfly! I hope she likes her block and the "we care" messages being sent to her. Hopefully the situation will improve albeit slowly and life will eventually return with some semblance or order!

Gwen Fox Gallery Display

2011-11-01T08:35:00.000-05:00

Some time ago Pat from my Ravenesque fibre artists local group had asked us ladies to enter pieces into a local Fibre Arts Juried Show by Judith Panson, I didn't think I'd have anything to enter as I've not finished anything lately. WELL I was wrong as my photo landscape of my parent's first homestead JUST made it so I entered it an a couple of my postcards (which did not make the juried show but did for the consignment Gift Shop).

Then I was asked to do a demo/presentation on my fabric postcards. So on Saturday November 12th I'll be there from 1:00 to closing to talk to visitors curious about this fabric postcard craze. And guess I'm back out there for Sunday, November 13th for the reception too.

The next day or so I was emailed that my photo landscape display on an easel will now be joined with six of the fabric postcards on a back table. WAHOOIE!!! My other fabric postcards will be in the gift shop on consignment during that month of the Fibre Art Show. Definitely more than I originally thought and maybe close enough to the demo station to draw interest? Will see!

Now let's see how many visitors come and see this show!

Oma's Fall Quilting Retreat

2011-11-01T08:18:00.000-05:00

WELL I can truly tell you it was "fun had by ALL" and boy is that ever true. Hmmmm wonder if that hysterical laughter from the other end was carrying on - but they forgot what they were actually laughing about? It took nothing at all to set some of them off I can tell you. Guess that's why they say - laughter is good for the soul - they were stock piling maybe!

Dianne's helpers!

Dianne's project - deciding on borders

This is the first time that I can say I truly finished a "quilt top" and not only one BUT two I did and even used up a Maureen-tossed-away quilted bag fabric that with help I made into a quilted tote for my foot pedal and cord! FINALLY my machine is protected from the metal foot! YEAH!

See over the years within Canadian Quilt Swappers online group I collected the 6.5 inch charms depending on the theme and actually have a large recycle bag full to the top - two rolls. I had given some away and some I had sorted to keep for myself and a plastic bag and half reserved for charity quilts. WELL let me tell you I used 63 charms for this one quilt and it didn't even make a dent in that pile. Then Sylvia sorted through and chose some for her cream n browns scrappy quilt and STILL it didn't deplete that pile. Needless to say I was deflated as I thought I'd use up maybe half that one bag at least in a quilt and I even added on two more rows either way!!! The pattern I used is from Fons & Porter's Fall 2011 Scrap Quilts magazine and by Kaye England.

Sylvia's table runner completed!

Now she's onto a quilt from her stash!

I'm working on my charm quilt.

Then Adiena from Oma's Quilt Shop in Grunthal (who set-up this retreat) had a surprise quilt race for us to do with a Jelly Roll 1600 Quilt from Heirloom Creations. Well if it hadn't been for one roll of woodsie fabrics calling with my name on it I would have continued with my scrappy quilts and maybe made two BUT no I bought the jelly roll and followed Friday nights instructions to sew the 40 strips end to end and accordian fold them (which I didn't do and paid the price for in delayed sewing time) ready for Saturday afternoon's instructions.

So in the mean time I continued sewing up my scrappy quilt and visited the bar and casino sporadically but minimally too! For some reason my pounding headaches reappeared periodically even with having Advil and a massage this year. It was awesome to have this student who needed the practicum hours come for Saturday (couldn't return on Sunday though but will try to next year) and he said with the donations he received from us - his debts will be reduced some! I think he enjoyed himself also, even though at first he didn't know what a quilt retreat was!!!

Then Sat afternoon the 1600 Inch Quilt "race" began and we were given the instructions to sew up our quilts with a prize to the quickest stitcher finishing. Yep a jelly roll was the prize and the lady did her's in 35 minutes, it took Tami and I just over 2 hours - so she must have flown!!!! AND Tami did her quilt with FQs instead so it's slightly different in appearances and I think I like that mucho better - the changes are more often and more dramatic I think. Way to go Tami!!!

Just a few examples - more coming soon!

Since I finally finished my charm scrappy quilt on Saturday evening or guess it was Sunday morning at 2:30 am I basically vegged out on Sunday. I had started my embroidery on the crazy patched heart but did not really get far except plan out the focal point. DUH! But that was OK.

After registering for next year (including coming on Thursday so we have a full day of sewing Friday) we packed up and headed back into the city to check out Fabricland's sales and Sylvia picked up some lovely fabrics for a 5 Yard Quilt that Oma's handed out on our Aurora summer picnic out to her shop last year. AND I found and bought my border fabric for my 1600 Inch Quilt - awesome!!!

Pat had invited me over for supper and BOY was that ever GREAT as I was too zonked to do anything else, didn't even get through half of my emails nor blogged. So here it is.

OH MY!!!

2011-10-26T15:39:00.000-05:00

Gosh so much going on and I don't know where to start!

First off I smoked my computer and didn't have a "start up" for a day until I found my backup discs and "recovered" the SystemsConfig file - HEY don't get me wrong, I am not computer literate - only following onscreen instructions until it did not work like I wanted it to. So now I have Internet access but NONE OF MY FILES OR PICTURES or my newly uploaded 2010 MS programs. YIKES!!! Well Tom my computer techie says they are probably still there but just hidden and when he's back from his two weeks vacation he'll restore my computer once again.

WELL I can tell you I'll be doing a backup of my system, documents and pictures on a regular basis from now on!!! This hurts badly as I can't get to files I would like for the time being - at least I PRAY that is so. PHEW, what would I do without him I do not know as I've heard many people who've taken their PCs to stores for fix its just are not happy, whereas mine is always fixed and runs better than previously. Thank you Tom!!!

Then, I'd like you to meet McDuff, my new house sitting pet. We've adjusted to each other very quickly and no interruption to his eating or sleeping that I can tell. He greeted me no problem at all and when settled to watch hockey with a glass of wine he promptly jumped into my lap for some pets and his begging for "armpit" scratches - talk about funny! I'll know more today when I get home.

In the mean time I had finished off Cris' RR block from SewBuds. Here it is.

I embellished the top yellow patch only but not the seam treatment. That is my crocheted pansy and then I used my Edmar Brazillian rayon threads for the wrapped stem and various sized leaves in satin stitch. I used a thinner rayon and feather stitched some filler stems. For accents I added pearl beads to the pansy and attached some tatted butterflies with beaded bodies.

Then Sunday night I stitched together the following heart block for Susan N for the SewBuds BOM heart activity and last night with much difficulty I finally got the biased edging turned under and the heart stitched onto the backing. Yes I did some "rippit" a couple of times as it was crooked - WELL it still is but hopefully there is enough fabric for Susan to maybe square it off. Sorry my dear.

So now I'm going to relax tonight and I've all my sewing stuff packed for my quilting retreat weekend. Will be a first not to actually SEW something, but I find that very relaxing so will miss it too. Just did not want to haul to much unnecessary stuff for a couple of days.

DYOB #4 Swap Block Finished!

2011-10-17T18:09:00.001-05:00

YAHOOIEEEE!!!! I'm finished my Chain of Hearts "swap" block and ahead of time for once, a first for Rose Anne!!! I have to say thank you first to Pat F and Dianne J for their advise at our Ravenesque stitching day - they got me over the first hurdles!!! Then this weekend to Jeanette O for her idea to outline the rose patch that had me stumped (last thing to do too). Then I "begged" Maureen, Margreet and Ritva for their input and they very kindly steered me on the right path which basically coincided with my friend's suggestion. So I put the three suggestions together and just love the finished patch! I'm ready for mailing! It's so AWESOME to know you can just ask away and someone will provide constructive critique on your block! Thank you all ladies, much appreciated!

Swap Block - who will receive it???

This has my tatted beaded edging just visible, the Feather stitch with Delica beaded accents on the green patch and on the wine patch my Heart motif with my own fine chain tendrils that sort of form a heart too. The wine patch is edged with the Reversed Fly stitch whipped.

Top left

This shows the "rose" patch that I had the delimma with and Jeanette O suggested outlining the flower and leaves with gold. It is edged with the Barb stitch which I first thought was the Up and Down Buttonhole - DUH me! Then Maureen B had suggested beading the rose which makes it pop I think and then Stem stitched the leaves and Margreet suggested fine feather stitch branches which covered parts I did not want to embellish. Awesome group effort ladies.

Then the brown patch consists of the Wheatear stitch motif which I then took artistic license with and added leafy stocks filled with a fine feather stitches again. Finishing off with a medium butterfly charm. I figured this patch had it's motif so close to the seam it did not need a treatment.

Top right

This shows off the lovely Venice lace trim that I anchored in place with two rows of the Up and Down Buttonhole stitch following the lace details. Then I used the circle motif for the Whipped Spiders Wheel stiches and added the beehive charm and a stitched trail to the bee.

Also seen is the cream filler patch which I edged with scrunched silk ribbon and clumps of seed beads. Then added scattered Colonial knots with varied fine chain tendrils to fill the patch.

Bottom right

The lower left patch had it's own embellishment stitched in place so I added some seed beads for emphasis and the butterfly charm. This patch I edged with the cretan stitch in wine and then whipped with a varigated corded thread. You can just see the fawn sparkly patch above that has my tatted beaded edging with the larger dragonfly charm.

Bottom left

This is the centre of Chinese brocade with more dragonflies which I've left as is except for adding in three smaller charms.

Centre

But who knows when I'll get my own heart blocks embellished - were supposed to be worked on at the same time as the swap blocks. Now I have DYOB #2 and #4 heart blocks on the UFO pile waiting for stitching/embellishing!!! SHEESH!!!

Sewing Room Update!

2011-10-16T20:43:00.000-05:00

NO I don't have pictures yet as it's still not presentable BUT I made headway today and got the machine end all vacuumed and washed then went out to meet the "crew" at my new client's home (3 dogs, 1 cat and 2 fish tanks). When I came home had a quick supper and then went back to setting it up with the new area carpet in place too - think I pulled something moving that stuff around though.

So I've put "Rita" the Kenmore into the sewing table, with light and thread holder and got all them plugged in also. Switched the old Singer sewing table with the serger now on the right side - easier to roll over with the chair this way. Next will be to pack away my Singer from the Kitchen into it's own table and then will probably put the Vintage Singer on top on display. Hopefully I can find a decent peg board and prop it in back to hang some of my quilting tools there along with my rulers stand too. If not guess I'll have to rethink that corner. I've also moved my box of dowels and rolls of FlexiFirm and some kind of stiffener into the other open corner made by the sewing machine table along the windows and on the right my serger table. For now that is a perfect filler there, the only thing I might consider in the future is a cube like tower shelving unit - will see.

I also found room in my bedroom closet for the sewing tote bags so they aren't in the living room anymore - had gotten rid of the old huge hard sided suitcases earlier on so lots of room in there. Not now though!

Next is to tackle all the rest of the stuff that's in the middle - UGH!!! Not sure where that'll go - maybe another session of purging again! Yep I'm pooped from moving that stuff around twice more before it got settled - hopefully for good now. But it sure does look nice - a little at a time and I will have it mucho better!!!

Breast Cancer Wallhangings on E-Bay

2011-10-13T21:24:00.002-05:00

OK here's a GRRRRREAT chance for you to own one of these three AWESOME crazy patched and embellished quilts - well actually wall hangings. These blocks were made by various members of the Crazy Quilters International group and sewn together by a very hardworking and generous member of that group, Leslie E. The fundraising for these quilts are explained on E-Bay from these links:

Crazy Quilt for a cure

Golden Crazy Quilt for the cure

Another Crazy Quilt for the cure

A Tribute to Mother breast cancer wall hanging

So go check them out NOW before it ends!

I GOOFED!!!

2011-10-11T20:28:00.000-05:00

Yeppers I did - my first time on a RR block and I was not a happy camper!!! At least it was fixable and actually I like it better now.

See there is a REASON for those booklets with the block owner's wishes and/or expectations for their block? So people like me in a hurry to gather items together and rush out the door (slept in) to a stitching day DO NOT MESS UP! If you look at the first picture you will see a nice blue glass piece with green beads holding it in place - a cabachon. Well when I got home and pulled out Susan's booklet it said nice and clearly "no heavy/bulky items please" - DANG IT!!!

So there I was after three attempts at trying to do a balanced collar (so to speak) I late in the evening ripping it out. Then searching through my crocheted and tatted items for something that fit into the colour scheme of this block and also into that space. Luckily I had this simple tatted flower which I stitched in place and added the slightly larger beads for emphasis. I think it looks lots better with the whole block.

Just goes to show one should ALWAYS READ FIRST, gather all appropriate floss, trims, charms etc that might work for this block and store it in a BOX with the envelope and the Booklet for reference. Then this "rippit" delimma would not have happened! I can tell you I've learnt my lesson - I had really liked that cabachon considering my first attempt was way overdone! Oh Well.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2011-10-10T22:15:00.000-05:00

Hope all have enjoyed a wonderful fall weekend - weather permitting!

Sunset - approaching Neepawa MB

Well I did travel 4 hours to my home town (Dauphin, Manitoba) in a horrific wind storm (gusts up to 95 km/hr) for the first hour and the last three were basic winds with no gusts - yes lots to be thankful for arriving safe and sound. See as I left the city my window was down about 3 inches (going only 70 km/hr) and once into the open I got pelted with three tiny stones - not quite a sandstorm but I'd say close - yep the window was closed promptly and it sounded like hail. A semi ahead of me that had two trailers was moving in a wide sideways V formation forward on the road alternating from outwards to inwards V's and talk about scarey. Then up ahead some was a half or 3/4 ton truck with sheets of glass in a stand up unit within it's box - now this was totally ludicrous! Seel the whole vehicle was tilted about six inches up on the left side angling towards the right side and I expected anytime that the next gust was going to toss it over into the ditch! I debated returning home but decided to hope it calmed down once I turned north off the Trans-Canada and I was right it did and my heart beat calmed down too. :))) This was my LAST trip in my old BOMB as the kids call my Parisienne - yep she was only to be around a couple of years, instead it turned out to be five iffy years - took her back to my mechanic for spare parts or whatever!

I had a lovely weekend with my younger sister but no turkey, her partner BBQd steaks, while she baked potatoes and made ceasar salad - YUMMY!!! Then Sunday morning Florence asked if I would like her to attempt making apple pancakes (similar to those we always enjoy at the Pancake House) - sure I said - so I peeled the apples for her! Well at first it did not seem like we were gonna ever have them and Wayne took off for golfing without eating and finally they were ready. I thought they were great but she said only OK - go figure - needless to say I devoured mine promptly and without syrup - honest they tasted just like the PH ones - maybe apples too soft but still delicious!!! Then she dropped me off to catch the Greyhound bus for the ride back to Winnipeg.

Monday morning I slept in and then had to rush to gather my stuff and head out the door for our Ravenesque gathering - stitching with a few fabric artists. I did finish off my part on a SewBuds RR block and then continued on the Chain of Hearts DYOB swap block (needs more work yet before pics). I just LOVE these stitching days and sometimes I do pick up pointers and understand what they are talking about - sometimes I just stitch - totally lost! Other times I get their valued opinions on my stitching or what to do next!

Basically I anchored the lace trim into place over the yellow patch with green blanket stitch, did a wrap stitch around the lace spokes and anchored a centre bead for 6-legged spiders and the odd green seed bead at the edges to anchor. Over the weekend I had tatted with seed beads my favourite Allison Edging and anchored that on the straight lace edge but it still needed something. Dianne gave me a smaller glass disc and I finally did a beaded collar I liked so to speak anchoring this into place. Now this RR block is ready to be mailed off tomorrow and I'll be off onto the other projects.

Susan N's block after Rose Anne

Rose Anne's work left corner

Chain of Hearts DYOB Swap Block

2011-10-06T12:47:00.000-05:00

OK I've finally caught up to week #3's stitches, at least on the swap block - definitely not on my own heart block (same stitches just about). So here it is waiting for Sunday's call of stitch #4. You see I'll have lots more to add in after the last one is called, but that's OK - makes the block lots more interesting!

Weeks #1, #2 and #3

Now this is week #1 - up and down buttonhole or blanket stitch and after some struggling I manageed to pull it off - even though I thought it was a totally different variation of the blanket stitch and thought I could breeze through it - NADA. I figured the lace treatment needed a double row of this stitch to anchor it in place. Then week #2 had the whipped spider wheel stitch thrown in and I thought that was quite appropriate for the lace tabs but a might trickier to do until I realized I had to TACK in place the lace centres and then go from there - worked fine after that.

This is actually week #2 with the feather stitch (included was the whipped spider wheel) which I chose to use the velvet floss I had bought some time ago but wasn't sure where or how to use it. This was an experiement and not sure I like it but it's there. So I added in some Delica beaded decor and now it's nifty like.

This is week #3 the wheatear stitch - nifty but what a chore to get the hang of. Since I could not find a unique use for it I just went for the wheat plant motif. Here I used the ribbon floss with a gold sparkle in it then a gold filler thread to accent the wheat tips and the chain closures. I also took license and added some wider stem leaves outlined with stem stitch and filled inside with a tiny feather stitch. I added the brass butterfly as an after thought. Kinda misjudged the layout so might have to forego a seam treatment here - will see.

Now not sure what Sunday will bring but I just love this learning DYOB very much. The bestest part is that I do a heart block for myself and then this square swap block and get to trade with someone else. THEN the fun begins in checking out the received block for the various stitches and how that person interpreted and stitched it for me! That's the awesome part as usually they are so different from my own and yet so awesome. Thank you Margreet (and sometimes helper Maureen) for this activity and also all the ladies who participate too! LOVE IT!!!

Cathy's Sew It Up DYOB

2011-10-02T20:02:00.000-05:00

Well instead of fighting with the TV to find either baseball or hockey, I sat down and finished the embellishing on Cathy's blocks (one completed by me and another joint block that the five of us all work on). Don't panic these are only 6 inch blocks but let me tell you they take ages for me to complete - guess I'm to picky!!!

Anyways here is the joint block the centre part up to the top right corner was embellished by Lorrie. My part were the lower two right patches and the rusty coloured seam treatment just above. I used the six strands of floss to match the printed pins on the black fabric and then stitched in place larger beads for the heads. Then I found matching floss but only used 3-strands and recovered the thread spools. While at the Class on the Grass event my friend thought that seam should be left as is - glad for that advice as I was in a delimma once again. LOL!

I chose the neutral block with the antique sewing machine for my own embellishments as the others had more "pink" in them and I needed a rest from that colour for a bit! LOL!

That sewing machine in the top corner I overstitched the designs with white metallic DMC and also regular rust floss on the thread spool. Then I knew I was tatting a trim and selected muted varigated blues for the delicate edging. I repeated the pins and thread spools embellishments on this block too. Amongst my sewing stash was this tape measure bow so I anchored it in place with a thimble button and found a half spool button but cut off the shank and covered the spool with floss and anchored in place. Using the same floss I overstitched the running stitches on the two scissor patches and stitched gold scissors in place. I then found the exact size and colour buttons and sewed them in place and a plastic thimble charm for the other corner. Then I again used the Raised Fishbone stitch from Kerry's CQI BAS program and made a threader that just finished threading the silver metallic needle. The seam finishes were herringbone, feather, daisy, zig zag chain, cretan and the up and down blanket stitchs with Colonial knots.

Upper left corner

Upper right corner

Lower right corner

Lower left corner

centre

Like I mentioned in Cathy's booklet, this seems to be simplistic like embellishments and I hope she likes it as much as I enjoyed doing it. Now to wait for the next set of blocks. And I'm early - mailout deadline is Oct. 15th - WOW!!!

Class on the Grass

2011-10-02T10:50:00.002-05:00

Yes that is what the St. Norbert Farmers Market named yesterdays cultural display that I was part of. There were a few of us that participated but since we were in the far corner basically where the entertainment and picnic tables were for sitting a spell, not to many ventured into this area once the Carribbean music stopped. To bad, but then the gusting winds were a menace and my display board keep wanting to FLY away!!! BUT what a LOVELY FALL day and it did reach the mid-20s C in temp which helped ward off the windchill!!!

First off thank you to Florence who came with me, was my photographer and kept me company for part of the three hours I was there (other times she checked out the vendors - which are awesome) - I appreciated that! AND thanks to Dianne who ventured across the city to drop by too, much appreciated.

I can say it was a challenge to gather some of my Crazy Patch Quilting projects together along with a demo to take place there too. Being the first time for me for something this long and a small tent-like structure for myself, I was not sure what to bring or how much to bring. But from what you will see in the pictures I think I brought a cross sampling of my works and just enough to display too. The three framed glass pieces I didn't even pull out of the suitcase as they'd have been history with the wind gusts (reported to be 40-55 km/hr)!

Dressed for the winds!

Full display board

Left hand side

Middle

Right side

CQing etc display

Working on Cathy L's Sew It Up DYOB

Finally two ladies asking questions!
Thank you!

These ladies found it facinating to see the varied blocks from the Chain of Hearts DYOB #1 swap that I had on display. The heart one was mine and the other was from Ritva - mine was bold and her's was tone-on-tone, both lovely but so different even down to the variations of the same stitches.

Florence providing colour advice
Sorry not so great a picture

Liz Chorney, bandurist

This last picture of Liz strumming her bandura (Ukrainian instrument) which I remembered from some of the WAY BACK country weddings/dances I went with my parents and also from the Ukrainian concerts I attended as a teenager. Sure was nice to hear the story Ukraine's war victims that told their stories on street corners while playing their banduras - I didn't know that. She's written a book "Strings of Life, Fate and Hope" available online from trafford.com/05-0812 (ISBN 1-4120-5911-9).

Yes it was a lovely afternoon but would have been lots nicer with some interested traffic in this awesome cultural display corner. There was a lady with small loom that was making sashes/belts, another with knitted items on display and also Dot From with her needlework but the wind kept knocking it over so she had given up trying to stitch.

Then I ended the day off being invited out for supper to my girlfriend's back in St. Norbert so it was a bit rushed to drive downtown to unload all this stuff (didn't want to do it later in the evening) and then back out there. BUT I can tell you it was well worth it. Bruce had roasted a lamb shoulder and then potatoes in sauce with some of the lamb drippings - delicious - Angela made yams, carmelized brussel sprouts (never had them like this), and sliced garden tomatoes - all was totally YUMMY!!! Naturally we had a few drinks and later on after letting stomachs rest some we had lemon merique and pumpkin/whipped cream pie with coffee!!! And as par for the course I came home with garden grown tomatoes and some of both pies!!! Thank you my friends!

Lace Retreat 2011

2011-10-02T10:49:00.000-05:00

Yes, my second lace retreat with the Northern Lights Lacemakers of Winnipeg! This time my tatting buddy Michelle joined us and she enjoyed they company and all the perks of a retreat and I enjoyed her company on my walks around the property and community. That is until we strayed off the beaten path and got lost in Pollock Island - yes I was getting a mite anxious but her explanation of the sun made me realize we WERE going in the right direction and sure enough 5 minutes more and we found one of the tourist cairns and a pathway was more visible!!! MICHELLE!!! Here I thought I was the adventurous one! HUH!!!
Anyways I tatted the weekend away and this time I did get many small projects finished - YEAH!!!

Plain - as instructions

Rose Anne figured out how to add beads!

Thimble - won't be making again!!!

I can definitely tell you I WON'T be tatting this baby again - it was all tat, tie and cut each round and one of the ladies said it could pass as a Jelly Fish with all the ends from the inside hanging down. AND you know I just might do some type of stitch with each end that twists them and attach it to my Under the Sea crazy patch block and remove that so-so sheer jelly fish I was attempting with yarn for legs!!!

Hard at work making bobbin lace!

Video on how to make Honiton lace.

Mary & Ann both made totes for their pillows.

Rise's 15 hour bookmark!

Michelle looking for ideas!

I's struggling with the pattern.

Here we enter our adventure!!!

We made it out!!!

A break to check out the
St. Norbert Farmers Market

Now I'll let a few of Michelle's pictures entice you to check out our Blog (no pics up as yet) for more information on the Northern Lights Lacemakers - some of them are heading down to Minneapolis next fall for a lacemakers convention - probably not me!

First Van Road Trip

2011-10-02T09:32:00.000-05:00

All I can say is the view from the smoothly running van was just awesome - I LOVE FALL - BUT dummy here was struggling with the speed control all the way to Falcon Lake when she realized - DUH I have "cruise control" - but too late as I'd entered the curves and hills going into Ontario.

Yeppers off I went for a week's vacation to visit Sylvia and Len but I warned BABE that she was only going for a visit she was not staying there! Her home was with me in the city now! My brother-in-law just chuckled but did say he missed the van very much. Oh well!!!

Usually when I go out there I have a very relaxing visit with lots of fresh air, good food and awesome company along with lots of sewing! WELL this was not so this time around as Sylvia's blood test once again showed her thyroid acting up so back and forth we went that week for Dr. and blood test appts. Kinda worrying it was.

BUT we did get a side trip in to Sioux Lookout to check out this quilting retreat that Dori's Sewing Studio just offerred out to Osprey Island (yeppers by pontoon boat) and also visit Serenity Quilts (owner remembered Sylvia from last year's visit). And yes Sylvia and I are going to go to it next year. I'm not keen on that boat trip after seeing pics of this years retreat and the rough lake but they said it's safe!!! Sylvia has always wondered if I'd go to a retreat with her either out east or down south instead of her travelling into Winnipeg and then venturing to retreats either in Manitoba or out West. Guess now's the time! The Lodge is just awesome and can fit 12, maybe 14 quilters and the food was awesome and they said they had a great time! WOW!

Then Friday when I was heading back to Winnipeg Sylvia and Len were heading back to Dryden for more tests and then Sunday off to Thunder Bay for tests for both of them. SHEESH!!! Well on Thursday TB called Sylvia to say her thyroid tests are all normal and Dryden called to say her blood test was normal too so not sure what the glitch was in the previous one but we are all relieved! She feels and looks so much better and is back into her quilting mood so that confirms she's feeling better too!!! Now to await Len's results and see if his back problems can be relieved some - would be great news!!!

Needless to say once I reached Manitoba border and the flatter highway, on went the cruise for a more relaxing ride. Gosh I could have had many speeding tickets on my way there I can tell you! Yep I felt like I was in LUXURY compared to my old "bomb" as the girls call the Pontiac Parisienne - one more road trip in her and then she'll be retired!

Road Trip?

2011-09-16T14:25:00.000-05:00

OMGG I think I’m so tired from all my various stitching etc that I’m getting giddy with joy and anticipation of my very first “all alone” road trip with my newer vehicle – the BABE!!! Gosh will I make it to tomorrow afternoon for departure – better remember my sunflower seeds me thinks???

All the new stuff to play with again (it’s been like 5 years since the Charger had some of these “toys” that to many think of as every day necessities)!!!

1. No more for sure worries about breakdowns on the road – the BABE is in great shape!
2. Windshield wipers (rear too) and washer that work
3. Emergency brake that works
4. All the doors can be used and electronically too
5. Windows all work electronically too and won’t fall out when rolled down
6. Reminder that gas level is low – WOW wasn’t expecting this one – yes I filled up LOL
7. Storage without gas odours
8. AC that works
9. Radio that works and a CD player too – no more hand held jobbies and endless batteries or earbuds that wear out or sore ears (only had one in)!!!
10. Van is higher than a car and visibility is great – also smaller than my BOMB so easier to park - also better gas mileage too
11. And best of all I can have passengers for future road trips instead of worrying that we might have to walk if something happens.

OH MY I think I’ve died and gone to heaven!!! Except please Lord don’t take me yet, I have a zillion quilting projects to sew up yet and many more road trips to make!!! Thank you Sylvia & Len and Daddy too! See the last of his estate gifts made this purchase possible!

Hmmm I just thought of something, maybe instead of an Angel for my mirror decoration I should have a Fish – Dad loved to go fishing!!! I've put a stained glass Snowman for now but that could easily be a Christmas tree ornament - added to my collection!

Framed Art Piece Completed!

2011-09-16T12:45:00.002-05:00

I was given the honour of stitching up one of my fabric postcard images into a picture for one of our Dept's All Charities Silent Auction baskets. WOW WEE!!! Now my postcards are naturally 4x6 inch so I suggested to the colleague to purchase a frame to hold a 5x7 inch picture and preferrably a shadow box type of frame. This also was not an expensive one as everyone's preferences of frames for their home/office are different so we compromised and chose something that can be discarded but yet looked good with the image.

The one thing I did change was that I added in a lace table runner to add some elegance to the art. The cups were from a fabric I picked up ages ago and where embellished with silver lined beads and DMC metallic thread before adding a layer of batting and then appliqueing onto the background (a piece of upholstery fabric I still have left over from my girlfriend's remodelling days). And lo and behold I had TWO teaspoons in my stash - talk about LUCKY!!! OKAY I'll quit talking and show you the pictures!!!

My original postcard - 4x6 in

5 x 7 fabric art

Shadow box framed fabric art

So needless to say I've left money and my choices and the girls will be making out my tickets and dropping them into the appropriate draw buckets for me as I won't be in attendance for this Deptmental event. Won't that be something to be the lucky winner of the Tea for Two basket!!!

It's Finished - On Time TOO!!!

2011-09-14T12:53:00.000-05:00

OK these are lovely blocks Lorrie but I find it hard to concentrate on “sewing themes” with the lovely butterfly and dragonfly fabrics. To me this is more for a pastel garden theme but I did sort myself on the proper road!!! I knew there was no doubt about it but tat the butterfly trim (after many false attempts – I persevered). Then while collecting sewing themes online, catalogues and friends I got started.

First the Joint Block (blogged previously): I did a sort of redwork motif with off white floss on the dark purple patch – slightly different layout than the original image. This patch I wanted a “pins & needles” for a seam treatment and came up with the herringbone stitch with Colonial knots strategically placed to resemble a stick pin border. Then the small triangular 3-patch was the dilemma again but our own Kerry gave me the needle, thread and threader idea and I used her raised Fishbone BAS stitch and VOILA – all finished.

Now to work on my whole block: Yes I had mapped out my plans on paper and then just had to carry it through.

As you can see I continued the butterfly tatted trim and overstitched with DMC metallic threads the centre large butterfly and added three heart buttons. I also thank Lorrie for the charms as mine are very limited as yet. Right after I finished the joint block I started on the corset (?) to appliqué in place – HARD!!! Then came the velvet pin cushion and scattered pins and thimble sewn in place. I then sewed the scissors in place and decided they needed a lanyard so off I was braiding some #5 DMC and just looped and stitched in place. Then I found a plastic thread half button and cut off the shank and wrapped matching thread around and stitched in place. I also carried the thread through to meander over a couple of patches and finally into a needle – also scattered pins. I added some sewing words and last was fighting with making the baby button jar. I had the idea but sure struggled trying to make it! A few seam treatments and I think it’s finished!

Body form n spool of thread

Button jar

Butterfly fabric enhanced

Pin cushion n pins

Scissor charm n braided lanyard

Hope Lorrie likes it as much as I do – also a co-worker said I HAVE to keep this it’s a treasure and make another to send away!!! NO WAY JOSE!!!

YEAH New Wheels!!!

2011-09-03T21:08:00.000-05:00

Well quess it's Good Bye to my bruised and slightly battered 1982 Pontiac Parisienne that I was to only have for two years (kept more like 5 years) before moving up to the 1990s and a mid-sized compact of some kind. AND Hello Babe (bAb) to my newly acquired 2003 Pontiac Montana (which I've always enjoyed driving for them), just bought off my sister Sylvia and hubby who naturally bought another vehicle today!

Now I can tell you that it was with much JOY to look forward to having this vehicle sometimes soon, but yesterday after much car shopping they came back sore and disheartened and told me they had decided to keep their van, especially now that it was safetied and I was told it's a great little van and I should save a bundle just on the gas difference. Well that definitely was not something I thought would happen, a delay until they found a vehicle yes, not a mind changing decision. I tried to keep a calm face and accept their decision. After awhile I found out it was a JOKE on me as they already had picked out their vehicle just had to finalize the deal. Well it was a JOKE backfired on them and left me very upset and kinda ruined my happiness in finally owning it.

So yes we got the registration changed, my car parked until I can get a transfer permit and haul it away for salvage. It took all afternoon before it kicked in that I'm now the proud owner of a newer better running vehicle for hopefully a number of years to come!!! Yes, lots better and I even picked up Florence to take pics of me and Babe!!! Now my racing heart has changed from despair to joy and hope it stays for a while!!!

Lorrie's DYOB - Joint Block

2011-08-31T13:09:00.001-05:00

OK I've chosen and completed the Sew It Up DYOB RR joint block from Lorrie's group and went to town with some of the many ideas I was collecting from online pics, catalogues and even from friends!!! This RR was a bit intimidating for me as I thought HOW DOES ONE STITCH sewing stuff in reduced size and onto a 6 inch block??? Well with some creative thinking and help with stitch selections I think I'm going to be OK with this RR!

So first off I worked on the joint block and had no problem with the one seam allowance. See I read and then saw a different pattern about joined tatted butterflies and thought I could do that with my simpler pattern. Well it was easier in my mind than actually tatting it but after about a half dozen mistakes I got the knack and produced the trim length and stitched it on with seed bead bodies.

Then I found this lovely motif in a flowing design but unless you were lying down it really would not work on the patch I had chosen. Not defeated though, I just chopped it up and stitched it on right side up anyways - like "redwork" but with a cream floss. This patch I then wanted "pins n needles" for a seam treatment - now how was the question!!! But while watching TV and cuddling/petting the two little dogs I'm sitting the idea came to me and boy was I glad they decided to go curl up on the couch not long afterwards!!!

See I thought of the herringbone stitch but adding Colonial knots strategically to resemble a stick pin border! It worked too - was I ever glad - gonna have to use that one again I think.

Now was the real delimma - that tiny corner patch!!! This time I sent out a pic and email to my RR group and asked for ideas - many good ones came back too! One I truly loved from our very own Kerry L and also after checking out her BAS stitch recently the idea came to mind and off to the races I was - stitching like mad. Even a bit annoyed I had to stop to take the girls for their nightly walk halfway through - but I was back at it right away much to the chagrin of the girls as they thought it was now bedtime and here I stitched till 10:30 (Lilla periodically let out a few growls that she was not happy). He He!

So there filling that 3-patch triangle is a needle and thread with a needle threader. I thought that was so ingenious of Kerry to mention this motif but she meant to stitch on an actual threader and here I incorporated her Fishbone Stitch into a stitched threader! Thank you my dear!!!

Lorrie's DYOB - Joint Block

Rose Anne's input on Joint Block

Stick pin border & Raised Fishbone Stitch BAS #73

Now I'm back to playing on the whole block (partial ideas stitched - need to be appliqued on) and pray I can finish it this weekend so I can stay focused and send it on before mail out date mid-month.

Saga Continues

2011-08-28T19:04:00.001-05:00

Yep I'm still house/pet sitting but just started the second home which does not come with maid service but still just as likeable and easy to care for as the other home. I dropped over to Lexi's house to pick up the odds n ends I left behind and to drop off their keys and the owners were very happy with the house and their pets. Well Lexi just tried to crawl all over me she was excited to see me - Simba well needless to say not interested at that time. I'll miss them but also glad those walking marathons are over as Lexi knows only "fast" speed and for 20-30 minutes that was a might too much for my aching knees. LOL!

Well I'm in a more relax environment now as both Lilla and Molly have to inspect each tree to the ninth degree before you dare move them on for their walk around the long block - yeppers that's all you get to go but that in itself takes just about 20 minutes or longer depending on their moods. LOL! Mucho easier on my knees and only once a day, otherwise breaks into the back yard.

I've naturally got my stitching with me so will keep you posted as I have something to show.

Debbie's DYOB 3 Block is Here

2011-08-26T20:23:00.001-05:00

Yes I've just received today my swap block from Debbie H and it is another soft tone-on-tone crazy quilted block and embellishing. Something I don't seem to achieve - most of mine are bold and colourful!!! I'm going to have to sneak a page from these girls colour schemes and give a try one of these days! All I can say is next to my own block for each DYOB it's going to be neato seeing them the softer tones and different embellishing styles. What a lovely learning experience.

Rose Anne's swapped block - sent to Margreet

Debbie H's swapped block - sent to MOI!

Lovely presentation!

Top Left

Top Right

Bottom Right

Bottom Left

Centre

Do you see the three embroidered insects? No, well check out the heart clockwise: 12:00 noon; 2:00 pm and then 7:00 pm! Aren't they just sweet!!! I especially love the beetle at the bottom! Thank you very very much Debbie for the lovely block.

Farewell Lorne

2011-08-23T11:04:00.000-05:00

SIGURDUR LORNE MARTIN

December 9, 1951 - August 21, 2011

With Maggie at his side, as always, and a handful of his closest friends and family nearby, Lorne passed away peacefully on a sunny Sunday afternoon at St. Boniface.

extracted from the Winnipeg Free Press, August 23, 2011

----------------------------

Yes it’s with such a heavy heart that I have to say "Goodbye" to Lorne, one of our most caring/understanding colleague/friend! He’s hopefully leading the choir of angels with his accompanying music!!! I feel so devastated for Maggie – they were always together!!!

These words are from a card that my niece gave me and I truly think they sum up what I feel!

DYOB #3 for Margreet

2011-08-22T12:50:00.000-05:00

YEAH it is FINISHED!!! And will be mailed off Monday to Margreet! OK I've got the LADDERFLANELSTEEK, Basque, Tulip, and finally the Cast On Stitches along with some of my favourite ones: Feather, Daisy, Chain with Stem, and finally the Cretan Stitches, some with beads too.

The Whole Block

Naturally I've included my simple Allison's Edging top right, some of my purchased laces and Bullion knots for a rose (bottom left) and paisley shape above the rose filled in with beads. And finished off with a brass butterfly over the pansies along with my crocheted heart attached with pearl beads. Below the top left shows off in the upper left corner Basque stitch, below the tatting is the LADDERFLANELSTEEK (twisted cretan), right of the crocheted heart is the Tulip stitch and the pansies were done with the Cast On stitch. Those were the four stitches called in this DYOB this round.

Top Left

Top Right

Bottom Right

Bottom Left

Centre

OK this is all the pics! Now hope there's a bit of a break before the next DYOB starts as I've no time to stitch up my blocks and as yet have to finish off my own heart block some day!

Some Good News!

2011-08-16T22:23:00.000-05:00

OK August started off with my girlfriend "gifting" me a vintage electric sewing machine, to her selling me her widescreen HP laptop with wireless router and SlingBox (still not sure about this baby) for a good deal. So now when my sewing room is all sorted out and I'm in there for any length of time I can just swing the chair over and check my emails!!! YEAH!!! But better yet I'm using it with cable at the house sitting instead of up and down the basement stairs to the computer desk!!! This way the pets are on the main floor too and I get to listen to the music too!

Then last week I had a "delimma" to sort through and today I've made my decision. Sylvia and Len are shopping for a new vehicle and from past experience they are not bothering to trade in their vehicle. So I was asked if I wanted it as it still is in good shape and well looked after. I checked what insurance etc might cost compared to my old bomb (which needs some much needed repairs soon and tires) and decided I'll buy their Montana van (smaller sized) off them and with some more determined spending controls it should not be a problem. Plus I'll have a vehicle that works properly and as Florence says "YEAH finally a car that all the doors and wipers work"; plus cruise and AC and power locks n windows!!! So as soon as they purchase something then I'll be doing the switcherooie!!!

Then while chatting with Sylvia about the van she also gave me some more good news!!! WOW no wonder my insides have been jittery!!! Well she'd been for a checkup on her broken leg and was told it is finally healing and that she can now walk with that boot cast instead of hobbling with the walker or using the wheel chair. YEAH!!! So our fall quilting retreat will be a lot easier I hope for her to attend - OH YEAH she is definitely looking forward to it and has even been doing some quilting at home. Finally she's feeling better and definitely looking more healthy too!!! Now just to get Len on the road to better health and mobility!!!

Lovely Day with Friends

2011-08-13T22:47:00.000-05:00

Today started off as usual - another long brisk walk with Lexi and the because it was Saturday an hour's nap on the couch with Lexi on her pillow - pooped out as much as I was or maybe I was more!!! Then I did a quick run to the SuperStore and then home to get ready for my two friends over for stitchin n gabbin!!!

Florence and Dianne arrived around 2:00ish along with all their scrapbooking and quilting stuff and I had crackers n cheese n Brushetta mix along with Dianne's contribution of Costco's Artichoke n Spinach Hummus YUMMY!!! What I'll do with this huge dish I don't know but Bruce did not want to see it come home!!! LOL! Florence arrived with some of her cooking paraphenalia as she grilled steaks with mushrooms and onions and I tossed together potatoes onions carrots n zuchinni into a casserole and into the oven. We had wine and then finished off with a fruit salad and Florence's chocolate cupcakes - YUMMY!!! Our evening together ended with watching It's Complicated in the front room before Bruce arrived to take the girls home!

So there I was 9:30ish putting away the leftovers, filling the dishwasher and washing up the plastic and pots n pans with the help of another glass of wine (had to finish off the last bit in the bottle!) and now to check my emails before bed. Yep gotta get my rest as they are back again tomorrow for more stitchin n gabbin!!! At least Lexi was having a ball checking out what each of us were doing and Simba had a sympathetic lap to curl up on for a nap while Dianne iced her newly replaced knee! I'm not sure that Lexi wanted to leave for her evening walk but then just shook her head and out the door she went without coaxing!!!

Lexi & Simba?

2011-08-08T18:28:00.000-05:00

Yep that's the name of the two critters at my new house sitting stint for this month. Lexi is a sweet Australian cattle herding dog that just does not know what to do with herself as she's used to having FOUR family members to herd in and out of the house and now it's only me!!! Ohhh and she knows one speed for walks and even Florence commented the other night when she joined us - being pulled along briskly. LOL! Then there's Simba the cat who thinks he owns this house and can do whatever including batting my stitching and tatting off the tables!!! I took a couple of pictures but not good ones so will try and catch better ones soon.

Well it's been a week and we're all eating just fine and Lexi is getting in two good walks morning and evening - that is except today!!! We got out there and made it two blocks when it started to rain but not heavy so I continued but she did not like it. Oh well too bad! Hmmm like a good six blocks from home it started to POUR and she definitely was not happy with me and would not do her business either so there we were rushing for home - par for the course. Guess there's another walk before bed - hope it's not raining then - as she does not really use the back yard unless in desperation.

All I can say is I's getting my exercise with the dog walks and then the up and down the stairs looking after the cat's business too and the bedrooms on the second floor. Yep my knee does not care for this but I's hoping to lose those 10 pounds that came back on with reduced exercise because of the aching knee! AND this place comes with maid service every two weeks so I just have to keep it tidy and things off the floor and she looks after the cleaning!!! WOW eh!!!

A New Toy!!!

2011-08-04T19:22:00.000-05:00

Well not so new as it's bought from a friend but golly be it's new to me!!! And here I said I didn't want a laptop and now I have my own!!! Now it's just to get used to it!!! And once back in my apt it'll be wireless too so I'll be able to have it in the sewing room with me or just relax with it in my easy chair.

I can tell you right now while house sitting having my own laptop saves me the up and down to the basement computer area wear and tear on my knees and hips. See walking the dog twice a day is exercise enough and then looking after the cat's stuff in the basement and the the bedrooms on the second floor needless to say I's getting my exercise along with walking to and from the bus stop too!!!

Guess it'll come in handy too while at retreats??? Will have to experiment with that one!

Sew It Up - DYB

2011-07-27T22:37:00.000-05:00

Yes in between the cleaning/purging I'm also trying to get some stitching done! It's not easy when I keep moving things, to find what I need but maybe when it's all arranged it'll be easier to find and work with!!!

So this is a "do your own blocks" round robin within the CQI group where six 6" blocks are stitched up by the owner, sent around and five other ladies works on one block and some have the 6th block as a "shared" block where all members work on it, then it comes home to the owner - all finished blocks.

I've chosen colours of fancies that I like along with three Singer sewing themed silkies (from Edith M) which I've been hoarding for some special project - well this is it!!! The other three blocks have various dragonflies as the accent patch. I decided I'll be tatting my favourite beaded trim to surround the Singer silkies before I send these blocks out to be embellished in the RR. When they come home I will be sewing the blocks together, then embellishing those seams for an overall effect and then somehow making this into a special sewing machine cover for my hopefully reorganized sewing room.

Another deadline to work towards (6 months down the road) - all cleaned up and usable sewing room!!!

I'm Pooped!!!

2011-07-27T22:21:00.000-05:00

OK I'm pushing it on the final leg of clearing out outgrown, not wanted, not needed, not my thing anymore items out of my sewing room in order to unload the two items going out the door on Saturday and my antique folding table (gonna be my cutting table) into the room. I have two more drawers to unload and then it's to clear the hallways for easy mobility. Once this has been achieved I'm going to take a breather for a while and probably in that time frame I'll be picking up another shelving unit, this one from Linda as she too is purging/downsizing in preparation for her move into a condo. Then it'll be rearranging the furniture to fit and also flow for comfortable stitching days ahead!

I'm used to doing bits and pieces here and there with more down time than doing time so I can tell you this is killing me, but having the mouse problems, then moving and delivery deadlines I'm getting stuff done a lot faster! LOL!

My Vintage Machine!

2011-07-23T22:01:00.000-05:00

WOW what a surprise I received the other weekend! My friend Linda and Patrick are downsizing and moving into an upscaled condo due to Linda's health problems. Well I was luck to be gifted one of her vintage Singer sewing machines. Thank you so much my dear - I'll for sure treasure this machine! I took pictures right away but didn't get around to searching for the issue year etc or blogging until today.

So basically this one has very colourful decals (not the mother-of-pearl I had said it had - that was Linda's other machine) and with it's serial number I found out it was issued in 1924 from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada. YEAH for Canadian made!!!

I love this baby and once they have packed up I'll be buying her fabric shelving unit for my sewing room as you enter and once set up I'll be displaying this machine on top or maybe in the corner on my first Singer sewing machine cabinet.