Gimli Retreat February 2007

Well I had a lovely weekend after a not so enthused start and ended up really enjoying my quilting retreat at Lakeview Resort in Gimli Manitoba. This year my sister Sylvia joined Pat (her daughter) and myself once again and are all in favour of repeating again next year. Some arrived Thursday evening and had all day Friday and Saturday to sew along with Sunday morning and I just may have convinced them to try this next year. It's only an hour's drive or so out there - that is if you don't take the wrong road and land up on the riverbank - literally a DEAD END!!! Sylvia laughed so hard and said she didn't have her ice fishing gear otherwise we could continue onto the river!!!! YEAH RIGHT! This happened to me in Mexico but there was a rope pulled ferry that took us across to the island - definitely not here!!! Pat had her ski pants but did not relish doing such and I had no such intentions at all. So I turned around and we headed back towards the city until we came to a road that would take us to the CORRECT highway to Gimli - ROFLOL! We hadn't gone like two minutes when Pat said now this warrants picture taking!!!! WELL there's me stopping and backing up, turning where possible and out we go for the pics!!! What a laugh we had.

Yes we arrived with lots of time to spare before check-in so we selected our work stations, had lunch, I booked a manicure for Sat am and then sewed until 3:00 pm check-in time. So Friday evening was toast for me (just not 100%) except for supper and both Pat and I won a door prize from Jocelyn's Quilt Shop (free manicure - how amazing! - I was able to use mine Sat am and Pat can use her's at retreat next year if we prebook!) then pulling out my fabrics for the remaining two blocks for Moondance to stitch up and then Pat and I went to soak in the hottub around 10:30 pm. We were spent so headed for bed and sleeping by midnight! LOL!

Me working on Moondance blocks.

Sylvia working on Bear Paw's blocks

So Pat and I spent Saturday sewing and by supper I started to feel more like Rose Anne (thank goodness) and even Pat commented that it was nice to have my bubbly self back again. Pat worked on her mini she had started at home and actually did her first stippling quilting also she worked on her Celtic workshop project and has it just about finished (mine stayed in the bag). Sylvia took a class by Heather Lair (Manitoba landscape fabric artist) - based on the Klimt Series Art Quilts and I think she thoroughly enjoyed it but did not finish her piece (but it's just about). After her class, Pat and I moved our work stations into that room and then we were able to chat with Linda M, Ursula W and a CQS member Lynn E along with Heather L too for the rest of Saturday and Sunday morning.

Sylvia's Klimt Series Art Quilt project.

Ursula's Klimt Series Art Quilt project.

Lynn's completed Klimt Series Art Quilt project (first retreat).

Linda with her Landscape from Out of Space project (top), below Klimt Series Art Quilt project, and in hands her non-clipped raggie embroidered quilt a home project she finished at the retreat.

Sylvia showing Pat how to mark freehand stippling.

She's tackling it and did a good job - first time.

Sylvia helping me with cutting lengthwise borders for Moondance

and I still had lots of fabric left over!!!

Then Saturday supper I won another door prize from Amma's Tea House in Gimli, a humongous mug with Amma's emblem and her own blend of loose tea! WOW! I also bought myself a book Elegant Machine Quilting - it's beautiful! And also bought some lovely fabric and angel/fairy pins for gifts and had a few drinks in the bar. This time Sylvia was not so lucky, maybe next time!

Then when we got back on Sunday, we did stop into Bombay fabrics and picked up some awesome pieces for quilt embellishing (gotta go back there too) then dropped Pat off at home, stopped into Quilt as Desired and picked up more fabric and at Safeway for some groceries so I could feed both of us and relax the evening. Monday we were up early and I drove my sister around for her shopping hitting: Northwest Fabrics for another load; Marathon Threads for you guessed it replenishing thread supply; Michaels for fabric markers; Boston Pizza for lunch; Copperfields for some quilting books at 40% off (I found two that Sylvia was wanting for a while and I picked up The Quilter's Directory of Embellishments and More Celtic Quilting) and then ended up at the Quilting Bee where Sylvia finally spent her gift certificate from her challenge quilt prize she'd won in May.

Needless to say she was very very very happy as she picked up just about everything on her list this time around!!! A first, as usually she comes in and many things are either out of stock or not available or not in Canada as yet. Then she left the city for Steinbach (her youngest daughter's home) for an overnight visit before heading home to NW Ontario and I bussed it home to downtown to save her the rush hour traffic.

Needless to say I'm pooped and for some reason have very rosie and tender cheeks (facial that is) - guess I got a touch of windburn??? Yes, I took many pictures at the retreat and more will soon be posted into my Webshots - Retreat Album.

I'm POOOOOOOPPPPED!!!!!!!!!!!!

Threads etc

Okay, somehow I totally forgot to take the couple of finishing photos of these - Oh Well! So here is the one I'm keeping for myself and the following are being sent to fellow swappers of FAPC. These used up thread cuttings, selected yarns and trims along with some lace and fabric hearts stitched ontop along with rayon thread varied satin stitch to hold all in place.

Almost!

Well I've almost got my postcards out of the "playing" around this evening but I've run out of steam!!! Here's a sample of what I've done so far. All the embellishments are under a thing fine netting and I'm using the darning foot and feeddogs down to stipple netting in place before the varied satin stitch embellishments.

And here is one of the three sheets cut up into postcards and a smaller strip into ATCs.

Hopefully tomorrow I can finish off the backs and assemble them all ready for mailing off.

I'm Playing with Thread!

Yep, I'm having so much fun I've forgotten to breath and had to stop and release the pressure in my lungs! My Mom used to attract my attention whenever she noticed I concentrated so hard that I'd be holding my breath! Now why can't I do that when swimming under water???? LOL!

Okay I'm going to take pics of each stage or level or whatever you call it to show you how I got to my end result! Nope don't ask for a tutorial as I don't know how to do that and really don't want to take the time right now to learn that option. All I can say is at the rate I'm "playing" I should have this set of postcards ready to mail out tomorrow! YAHOOOIEEEEEE!

So check back later on and if I succeed then there may be some pics to check out!

It's COLD!!!

SHEESH it was -32C for temps at 7:00 am and with the wind about -45C!!!! HUHHH, we've not had temps like this for a few years so basically very uninitiated to what our Manitoba winters are like per see! I just can't believe the number of young and "older" (that should know better) that are out in skimpy open to the breastbone jackets AND their shirts too with no scarf, hat, mitts and walking in those basic runners (no padding type) or leather shoes out in this!!!

I'm bundled from head to toe and probably could walk all the way home more comfortable than being on these hot transit buses (drivers in shirts only so gotta have the heat on ya know - meanwhile you've gotta strip and where on a packed bus) except that at 9:30 pm I don't relish walking through the industrial area or through the downtown either. Plus it probably would take me 1-2 hours to walk and the bus ride is 45 minutes. Well I still haven't taken a picture of what I look like but some of the "younger set a shivering away" at the bus stops break out in laughter when they see me coming, but heck I've icicles hanging from my eyelashes and eyebrows and some stuck to my headband too - but I'm not cold. Like what do they think "it's summer out there" - heck I've already osteoarthritis in my joints and I didn't dress for "style" back in my early years either - didn't dare with the parents I had/have - and I have way lot less of a distance to walk than I did then too! LOL!

Okay enough verbage here. Guess back to some stitching etc.

New Postcards!

Oh boy I've been playing catchup and kinda succeeding too! There are three of the lastest ones I've completed and still one more set and then I'll be up to schedule finally, that is until I am tempted with interesting topics and go and sign up with too many swaps too close together again!

Here are a couple of the original "Tea Time" for FAPC group but I angled the shot and I think it gives a better image from the others I took and posted earlier.

Then a co-worker wanted one in wedgewood blue but you know I don't care for it and she's kinda iffy so I'm making another like the first set for her. This one maybe someone will want to buy it or I just might need it just because!

Then this one is part of the "Embellish It" from the PC Cottage group and another lesson learned here too! Ensure your image is 3 X 5 to allow for the 4 X 6 PC with finished edges!!! This one using my Oriental fabrics also is embellished with Boa yarn topped with gold metallic zigzag and each fan piece is edged with an awesome gold embellished ribbon yarn zigzagged in place. Then wherever I've stitched yellow/sand seed beads for further embellishments and the base is trimmed with cotton eyelet lace.

AND this baby is my pride and joy that I rummaged around in my frame supplies and found this beauty. I laid the "Winter White" PC ontop of black velvet and then framed it with the double matts of burgandy and the dark green then the glass with metal clips to hold in place. This one is sitting on a Dollar Store black lacquered metal easel and in my bookshelf on my desk. Now talk about reusing or recycling frames that others were either getting rid of at a garage sale or shipping off to the second hand stores. I've a few here that I'm keeping for my special quilted projects.

Tea Time PCs finally!!!

Well remember that saying better late than never - well I think I'm totally subscribed to that phrase! Sorry ladies!

AND even though my satin stitched edges have been improving I'm still not satisfied with them so I gave up and the last two rounded the corners. I've still to finish off my PC and will post when completed. I originally planned only the tea cup and spoon, but a co-worker said they needed a teabag and by the time I left work that day I'd decided that's what I was going to do. Well easier said than stitched I tell you! Anyways here's what they look like, all hand appliqued cups, embellished:

Them PCs and not the computer!

Okay, I tried to finish off my Tea Time postcards tonight but those itsy bitsy teabags drove me crazy but I finally got them done. The embellishments are all complete and I'm working on the backs right away. So tomorrow evening I'll assemble, do the edge stitching, take the pics and mail off Friday morning. Yep I'm late again, but I truly think these babies are worth the wait.

As soon as I saw the topic I started on them whenever and whereever I had some spare time, but it still took a while with my life and then the other day a coworker saw me stitching on them at lunch time and commented that it just needed a teabag!!! GRRRRR, I could have clobbered her as here I was thinking I would have been finished yesterday but no that teabag idea just stuck in my head and would not go away! DUH!

Well I've been told by a few PCers and non too that I overdo mine. Maybe so, but all one can do is their best efforts and I can't help it if my mind runs amok with ideas for topics posted and well I just have to follow through! AND well I am a fininicky type person especially with hand work and well even with my machine too - what can I say! Just that if you are fortunate to receive one of my cards - ENJOY! LOL!

More Postcards

Well I just finished up another set of postcards tonight and only a few more sets to dream up and stitch and then I just might be caught up - SHEESH why do I do this to myself???

Anyway here is the February birthday card for my friend Dianne U - hope she likes it.

Then I just made it for this swap by the nick of my teeth (to be mailed tomorrow) along with a thank you card for a co-worker. This was for a Winter swap and I think I portrayed the icy cold blowing snow weather we are having lately with this baby. But then again with a few changes in embellishments it could portray a wedding or anniversary card, so will have to keep this in mind.

And naturally I had to run out of the picot trim so used a cream trim but felt it detracted from the PC so kept this one for myself. I think I need to pick up more than just 1 metre of trims I like - they don't stay around long - like chocolates. LOL!

Orchid Update

WOW, I was quite pleased to check out my orchid and found these two blooms just waiting to be noticed - Pretty in Pink! See what I meant about the other picture a result of just opening from the bud stage? This is how the blooms are supposed to look - kinda flat with the throat out.

Sewing Now

Well after having a late lunch I then felt energized to do some sewing! So I stitched up my WR SS Winter PCs and felt really inspired and after I check my emails I'll sit with feet up and embellish them (made two extra - always one for myself and probably the other for my sister). Then once those are finished I'll start on my FAPC Tea Time PCs - that is the embellishing part as I've completed the tops already. And I LOVE them too! I even found some teaspoon charms to stitch in place. LOL! Can't wait to see the finished products of both these PCs.

Pain and Relief!

Well I finally took the plunge and made an appointment for a theraputic massage for my back as it's been really bothering me this winter and I can't live on Ibuprofen day in day out! My Chiro suggested such in between my maintenance appointments with him and hopefully will keep me more limber (I'm not into exercise at all) in between. I used to walk but that has kinda gone downhill with the icy streets and I don't care for walking in a crowded mall or gymnasium. Anyways, I can tell you even though there were MANY tender spots (and at the end she said she took it easy on me because she could feel all the tension and knots etc since this was my first deep tissue massage!!!) it still was just touching a painful experience. But like she said there is a good pain compared to a bad pain and I can vouch for that, as after loosening up those pain spots it did feel better. Towards the end I even relaxed more and dozed off until she'd hit a tender spot again. She chuckled. Hey, I even zonk out on the Chiro's bench and it ain't nothing like this calming cozy room!

Well it's a couple of blocks walk home and it was touch and go as I just wanted to go to BED!!! So once in the door I made my phone calls and that's what I did for two hours. I do have some very tender spots and my shoulder is very sore but she said the back part should get better and then maintenance appointments would be sufficient to keep it so along with my Chiro ones. Let's hope so.

Orchid in BLOOM!

Well so much for keeping you updated on my orchid buds' progress to opening!!! I'm not sure when it grew so fast from the earlier picture to this one but it did! The larger bud is about the size of a walnut and the flower is about 2" X 3" right now - but may grow a bit yet when completely opened up. I guess I was so busy and then there was a period of not 100% so guess I just didn't pay much attention to it when watering - shame on me! Anyways here is the bloom I'd say just open maybe a couple of days as it's still in the cupped stage whereas it is more flat when opened completely. I'm hoping the tiny bud on the end continues to develop. This plant is due for 5-9 flowers in this cycle - at least I hope so!

WISPs Update

Yahooie!!! I've completed another of my WISPs and doing the happy dance! It was #1 on my WISPs list and now the seven 12.5 inch Rosebud blocks are finished and soon handed over to my sister to be added to the other blocks the both of us had won in the BOM draws at the guild. We are assembling these blocks into two twin sized quilts and then handing them back to our guild for the ABC donation quilts program.

Okay, that means #1 and #2 are completed on my WISPs list. Hmmm now I've a number of postcards to completed and then onto something else that's on that list to complete.

Sewing Day!

Well some of you ladies may not have this problem, but I'm still working a day job M-F and then also a part time job 2-3 shifts a week so this is a BIG thing for me! So I took a vacation day today - to sew with friends - called sanity break! LOL!

Well upon my arrival at Faye's home I was invited in for coffee and raisin bread/cheese tea biscuits (the gals were just finishing theirs as they arrived just after 8:00 am and me at 10:30) and then down to the sewing room we went. I promptly started on the charity blocks I promised my sister and did take a few pics but waiting for the cold camera and batteries to warm up some before uploading. Beryl and Maureen were working on some cute bags for lunches or books and Faye was working on preemie quilts - such cute little things! Then we had a very scrumptious lunch of a pasta/chicken bake, raisin/greens salad w poppy seed dressing (Yummie) and freshly baked homemade buns and awesome cranberry pudding (like Christmas pudding) with carmel sauce for dessert!!! Then back down for more sewing and chatting naturally. I even helped her DH find some answers to his crossword online and a couple of searching tricks for him to use. And then Faye brought down afternoon tea with homebaked star shaped bread grilled with cheese, raisin bread, New York slice and my lemon pudding cake - UGH I felt that's all we did was eat! But you know I was looking forward to nourishment, so not sure if it was the scents or a result of the energy used in my steady sewing? LOL!

Then to top it all off I met my retired co-worker for supper at Perkins, had a lovely catch up time over food again and then she very kindly drove me home (downtown and she lives on the outskirts of the city where we were at). So as you can see a lovely day!!!

Gosh I think I've had more food since Saturday than I've had in the last two or three weeks!!!!

Beryl and Maureen (Mobird) stitching away and Faye's baby for me to use on my blocks.

Faye a stitching her "preemie quilts" and a view of part of her sewing corner.

Mobird and an embroidered PC and Faye was walking by so I stopped her! LOL!

Beryl, me, Faye and Mobird - taken by Ron who was relegated to the dining room for lunch!

The "TRIO" with afternoon tea and Ron's artwork in the background! Lovely too! And sorry but I forgot to ask the girls to take pics of me sewing!!! DUH!!!

Postcards caught up on!

Well I've finally caught up on some of my WISPS, minor ones though.

So Ulla F and Faye S my block challenge gifts are finally completed and your crazy patched and embellished postcards should be mailed Monday morning, winging their way to you. I hope you like them - I even made one for myself and have received many compliments on them too.

Also I've finally completed my January FAPC Birthday postcards so Linda K and Sue S should soon be getting their slightly belated birthday cards too! Hope they are worth the wait ladies. This next one just did not photograph so great (should me a mossy green but it looks coppery).

Celtic Knot Workshop

Oh boy what a day even if I was tired!!! Our quilting Guild sponsored two major workshops today and my niece Pat, Edna another quilter and myself were up nice and early to join other quilters for another learning session. This time we chose the ins and outs or guess it should be the overs and unders of Celtic Knot applique by Anne Schmidt (nice and concise with samples a plenty). We didn't get too far even though it was most of the day but at least I hope we learnt enough to be able to finish off at home! One even challenged the group to finish this table topper for next month's Guild meeting - yeah right!!! BUT I sure will as this time around I used fabrics I LOVE and so look forward to seeing it completed. Here are a couple of pics taken. You'll have to wait till we are finished to see the finished pics. LOL!

What a week!

Well the week started off with some type of bug setting in my chest but thankfully not staying! So I had a rough weekend and couple of week days then seemingly feeling more and more myself. I didn't get much sewing accomplished and thus am late on my one set of fabric postcards. I'll have them finished this weekend and then hopefully off in the mail too. I've planned out my next couple of PC swaps so hopefully will stay on track from now.

As for this weekend, tomorrow I'm taking a Celtic Knot table topper workshop and hope I can put it all together to show you. I've packed my digital (and extra batteries) with me so hope to have some pics to post tomorrow evening. It will be a sort of refresher course for my quilting retreat coming up Feb. 16-18th. Can't wait!

Then I found out my friend wants me to cat/house sit for them again this summer so hopefully my part time job will be a gonner by then and with less vacation time taken in June this year I might be able to swing a couple of extended long weekends to enjoy her beautiful home and have breakies out on the deck in the swing lounge!!! That is if our pesky mosquitoes leave me alone! Oh something to look forward to!

Jeni's CQd block

Well I sent the cq'd block package XP Friday at noon and Jeni received it in BC this afternoon. Needless to say she was sooooo excited to open it and then in awe of it's loveliness that she had to call me and gush over whatever her eyes stopped on. She's now decided it will have a place all it's own on the wall and hopefully she'll take a picture of it when finished.

Well just like I have to with the block she gave me! I know I'll be adding some type of borders and then I'd like to do some stitching around to finish it off. So one day!

Sandie & WISPs

Sandie asked that those of us participating in the WISPs (UFOs) Challenge to post a message from her to let you know what's happening. So here it is!


"I am still not able to use blogger, and have waited over a week to get a reply from them re my problems in using blogger. I am at my wits end with it all and need to find another blogging service which is reliable and doesn't have these problems. Anyone else still having troubles??

I am meant to be doing the UFO WISP challenge and can't make one post in relation to it. This is all driving me barny, but will survive ... JUST! LOL

Can the girls who do have blogs, please place a post onto your blogs, that I am unable to blog at this stage ... until I can form a new blog - might save people wondering where I am. Which of course will take time. Think I will email Sharon B as well, as her blog seems to be where everyone reads with updated news.

No stitching here...... still. I'm in week 8 of my 13 week study period,one more exam to go in early March.

Off to go see if I can leave posts on any blogger now .......

Hugs to all.
Sandie"


Just a note that since I was switched from the Beta Blogger back to the regular BLOGGER I've had no problems with uploads of messages or pictures. Nice and fast too.

Darn CAR!!!

It's bad enough that we've been spoiled this winter season and now being threatened with blizzard like conditions a coming from the southwest - my car looses it's awesome heat!!! Our snow kinda fizzed out about 10:00 today (not at all like forecasted) but it sure is biting out there and supposed to be frigid temps for the weekend. Well seems like my water pump has sprung a leak and my mechanic is 200 miles away so as soon as it's a decent temp weekend and I'm not booked to work at the part time job, I'll head to Dauphin and get that changed along with the rad hose too.

So guess I'm back to bussing it to the part time job again - thank goodness I'm now down to two shifts a week!!! I just don't know about next Tuesday though as it's inventory time and I'm to work till midnight or there abouts as all stock has to be counted that night!!! I know I'm not walking home across half the city if the busses have stopped running! You can bet I'll be checking the schedule out and making sure I'm out there in time to catch a ride home. Darn it!

Hey if it's not one thing it's another with me!!! LOL!

I've Finished WISP #2

Yippie Yie Yover, I've finally finished a 2-year UFO!!! A private swap of cq'd blocks. My cq'd block for my friend "dragonfly" is now complete and here are some of the completed pics.

The complete block:

Top left corner:

Top right corner:

Bottom right corner:

Bottom left corner:

Centre:

I sure hope you like your block "dragonfly" as much as I LOVED stitching it for you! And thank you so much for my block too!

WISPs Update

Well I'm still working on "dragonfly's" cq'd block but it is just about finished!!! This evening I finished off the right side of the block so all that's left is the centre with the special silk ciggie and some embellishments around it. I'm so exhausted from the silk ribbon embroidery through all the layers that I think I'll have to take a break from it tomorrow - will see. Anyways, here's some new pics - top left, top right and bottom right.

WISPs update

Well I've been busy with the two jobs, but also trying to do some stitching in between. I'm about halfway through the Rosebud blocks for WISP #1 (problems with the 1/4" foot and block measurements) but have set them aside to complete the long overdue CQd block WISP #2 for my friend "dragonfly". I'm sortof on a roll here and doing a little everyday since I finally drew up a "plan" and it's so much easier to get to it, than thinking after each seam or space embellished of what's next!!!

I don't think I have a picture of the "naked" block but here is one of the halfway there block!

It's not such a great picture - I'm still learning with my digital carmera - and you can't see the purple beaded spider or the sparkly web on the black velvet - will have to retake again. I've also stitched more since this picture so stay tuned to hopefully the "finished" block soon.