Don't laugh, this is major for me!!!
OK my cell phone contract is ending soon and I got a reminder letter WITH a $25 coupon towards accessories. So this time I decided to go sooner and make use of that coupon.
Well this time the $0 cell phone offer was not an option as I decided I wanted a handsfree option for the vehicle and the Bluetooth was only available with a purchased phone for $30 - oh well it's been a number of years with $0 types - I can bite the bullet this time. No I did not want a Blackberry or those keyboard type phones - I don't text and don't intend to - so didn't even look at the options for them.
And talk about fortunate for me today, see they had a sale on the visor type Bluetooth units and the one I got is $130 on sale for $70 minus my $25 coupon so I decided not to quibble and just paid the difference. I wanted to have my contacts transferred over but that's another $15 so I declined and just spent the past hour setting that up myself and this time entered in the 204 area code for local calls which will be a must this fall. It's done.
Now just to connect my Bluetooth visor unit into vehicle power and charge it up and I'll be able to make the connection after that. No I do not know what I'm talking about just read the steps and that's what it said!!! LOL! Wonder if I'll be able to unplug it and take it in with me - don't want to leave temptation visible for vandalism. BUT I did read that to make a call I need Voice Recognition in my phone so back to it I went and searched and yeppers I found that option and tested it by calling my sister - who laughed at my "playing with my new toy"!!! Yep I'm way behind the times compared to them but heck now I can legally use my phone while driving - no I didn't do that before just shut it off or passed it onto others to answer for me. I've the univeral car charger that I plug the home charger into and it stay charged while mobie. LOL!
I can just imagine what my co-workers will think when I tell them - HMMMM!
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Darlene's Retired!
Oh boy, you know no matter how I was feeling, even if we had differences of opinions, Darlene was always there with her special comforting hugs for me and her unquestionable support! AND I can't forget her almost compulsive encouragement to continue with my quilting and crazy patch embellished projects - she just LOVED my postcards too! Well even though she always went away for four weeks on vacation in early spring - she always returned - well this year it did not last! BOOO HOOO HOOO!!! See she was only back for a couple of weeks and then more vacation leave to use up excess time before officially RETIRING!!!
Not sure if you remember seeing my Northern Solitudes hanger on the Oriental like bamboo hanger I purchased from Ten Thousand Villages, but she's always been hinting at my making a "fancy" Kimono to hang from it. Nah, not my thing, but then wait is she hinting that she'd like that for herself? Hmmmmm??? That got me thinking and as those who know me well - that could be a mistake - LOL! So promptly I started to research what they look like, how I'd make a pattern for a small hanging and after many hours and a first rejected attempt I finally got the Kimono together and ready for the embellishing. Ohhhh I had such high expectations for this baby - yes majority of them materialized - BUT heck I didn't realize it would take me like 46 hours in the next two weeks after the Quilt Show to actually get it finished!!!
Yeppers at 1:30 am Thursday morning of her retirement party it was wrapped and my short and sweet speech prepared! I was even going to sign it so John (deaf co-worker) would know what I was talking about but he said "NAH, I'd be too nervous", so I let him read it before the party! When I was called up for my small presentation I did a lead in which I signed and John chuckled and everyone laughed. Kinda relaxed me but still did not help when it came to actually expressing my Thank You and Good Bye to Darlene.
I think it was safe to say she was really surprised with my gift for her and today she told me it's already hanging in her living room! Now to find the time for a visit here and there as she lives close by!
I LOVE this picture of Darlene but have to explain that she was having difficulty expressing herself during her Thank You speech with thoughts of our past ADM and friend Lorne, who retired a year ago and passed away a few months later.
Not sure if you remember seeing my Northern Solitudes hanger on the Oriental like bamboo hanger I purchased from Ten Thousand Villages, but she's always been hinting at my making a "fancy" Kimono to hang from it. Nah, not my thing, but then wait is she hinting that she'd like that for herself? Hmmmmm??? That got me thinking and as those who know me well - that could be a mistake - LOL! So promptly I started to research what they look like, how I'd make a pattern for a small hanging and after many hours and a first rejected attempt I finally got the Kimono together and ready for the embellishing. Ohhhh I had such high expectations for this baby - yes majority of them materialized - BUT heck I didn't realize it would take me like 46 hours in the next two weeks after the Quilt Show to actually get it finished!!!
Yeppers at 1:30 am Thursday morning of her retirement party it was wrapped and my short and sweet speech prepared! I was even going to sign it so John (deaf co-worker) would know what I was talking about but he said "NAH, I'd be too nervous", so I let him read it before the party! When I was called up for my small presentation I did a lead in which I signed and John chuckled and everyone laughed. Kinda relaxed me but still did not help when it came to actually expressing my Thank You and Good Bye to Darlene.
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| Closeup of 1st Goldwork attempt and silk floss embroidery |
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| Appliqued fans and silk fabric Obi |
I LOVE this picture of Darlene but have to explain that she was having difficulty expressing herself during her Thank You speech with thoughts of our past ADM and friend Lorne, who retired a year ago and passed away a few months later.
Good Bye Martin!
Boy life sure is not fair!
See last fall Martin, one of our Aurora Quilters, had chest/breathing problems and by Christmas was diagnosed with lung cancer (a non-smoker)! Surgery was not an option and I'm so glad that our group got together and made him a comfort quilt to help keep him warm! Jeanette (his loving wife) informed us that Wednesday morning, April 18th, Martin passed away in the hospital. Definitely too young! He is so sadly missed by his fellow quilters as I'm sure by his family and friends!
See last fall Martin, one of our Aurora Quilters, had chest/breathing problems and by Christmas was diagnosed with lung cancer (a non-smoker)! Surgery was not an option and I'm so glad that our group got together and made him a comfort quilt to help keep him warm! Jeanette (his loving wife) informed us that Wednesday morning, April 18th, Martin passed away in the hospital. Definitely too young! He is so sadly missed by his fellow quilters as I'm sure by his family and friends!
There were a few of us who attended Martin’s Celebration of Life and it was lovely to peruse the Storyboard Jeanette had prepared. Also what a lovely touch to see the two quilts (Aurora Quilters and Victorian Quilts) made for Martin gracing the alter where his urn, flowers and stuffed animals rested. Jeanette looked lovely, teary eyed naturally on occasions, but she wore the dress Martin loved most – her final party for him - what he wanted!
Good bye dear friend! You will be missed by many!
2012 Quilt Reflections Disappointment
"Sometimes life stinks, but one must find the roses and help get through it!"
Disheartened - Explanation!
I think I've calmed down enough to explain what happened when Sylvia & I were dropping off our quilts for judging/showing at this year's quilt show. First off I will say that I know nothing about quilt show organization, rules etc but do know that it could have been handled differently starting back in January. The actual quilt show was AWESOME and if it wasn't for the heavy "storm cloud" of feelings over us, we would have enjoyed the show even more. It even passed through us to totally "withdraw" our items period, but reason did prevail.
OK here goes! Around the end of March I received a phone call from the Quilt Competition convenor who had been trying to contact my sister (lives in Ontario). Well she & hubby had been back and forth to Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, and then back to Winnipeg for about a 4 week period dealing with health conditions and surgery sooner than suggested. So I asked if I could assist and get a message to Sylvia for her. Basically I was told that all competition quilts will be hung but room was in short supply for show quilts and it was possible Sylvia's three quilts would not all be hung and needed her to number them 1, 2, and 3 and for sure one would be hung. OK I passed that on and Sylvia even withdrew one show quilt, they only needed to be picked up from the quilter and the binding stitched in place. Remember she was not home to do this in the past month and I'm sure she's not the only one finishing a quilt that month before the show. So the Easter long weekend I drove Sylvia home to go get the quilts and we worked on those two and came right back to the city as Len was just released from having back surgery and she did not want to be away from him long. That week was quilt drop off and then the Show.
We arrived to drop off our quilts and while Sylvia was in line I dropped off my Boutique items. I turned around and heard Sylvia's anxious voice - very unusual for her so I promptly went over to ask what gives. She tells me that none of her Show quilts would be shown just the one Competition quilt. I promptly asked for an explanation of why they phoned and said one thing and then turned around and did the opposite. Needless to say the answers were wishy washy about too many large quilts this year, not enough frames, many competition quilts (no number restriction/person) which all were to be hung so it was decided some Show quilts were not going to be hung. You guessed it I lost my cool - I did NOT yell as was reported to an Executive member (if I had the Hotel Security would surely have been there right away) - but definitely was very frustrated and disappointed and ready to cry! When I realized I was not getting any satisfaction, I did mention I'd be blogging about this - see my blog is my FAMILY - my sounding board - my release. WELL one of the Committee members said I was not to "bad mouth this show as I could shut it down" her words not mine (as if I have that kind of clout). THAT got me totally annoyed - I have always tried to remain fair within my blog even when I am annoyed - so that got my goat and I said they should have thought of that before this happened!!! Very immature of me yes and I wish I had just kept quiet! But like my boss says: "at least you know where you stand with her and how she feels"!
Afterwards an Executive Member, my girlfriend, did call me to explain how the decision was reached. See when they realized the space was limited they withdrew names of those who had Competition quilts from the Show quilts group and apparently hung ONE quilt of the remaining names in the Show category. I guess it's fair, but after all was said and done, it was not acceptable to Sylvia or myself period. I'm not sure what will happen in future shows but I should hope this problem does not arise again as I've heard that many others were unhappy and dissapointed with this outcome - not just us. Just totally too bad!
I even suggested that maybe in future the Committee not put out the "hue and cry" like they did in January and February begging for quilts to be entered as the numbers were down for this show. By the way Sylvia's registration was sent in in October. Yeah well March poured in so many quilts it was now "overloaded". Also suggested they should have maybe gone back and hang those according to when their registration was received - mine then would not have been hung as I was in the last group to register! But like my niece and one of my girlfriends said - no matter which way they solved the delimma there would have been hurt feelings and dissappointment - they did what they thought was fair! I hope so!
OK enough of this - it's been eating at me for a couple of weeks and I have to let it go! Like I said it's been a rough few months for me and I don't like these feelings/emotions or lack thereof!!!
Disheartened - Explanation!
I think I've calmed down enough to explain what happened when Sylvia & I were dropping off our quilts for judging/showing at this year's quilt show. First off I will say that I know nothing about quilt show organization, rules etc but do know that it could have been handled differently starting back in January. The actual quilt show was AWESOME and if it wasn't for the heavy "storm cloud" of feelings over us, we would have enjoyed the show even more. It even passed through us to totally "withdraw" our items period, but reason did prevail.
OK here goes! Around the end of March I received a phone call from the Quilt Competition convenor who had been trying to contact my sister (lives in Ontario). Well she & hubby had been back and forth to Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, and then back to Winnipeg for about a 4 week period dealing with health conditions and surgery sooner than suggested. So I asked if I could assist and get a message to Sylvia for her. Basically I was told that all competition quilts will be hung but room was in short supply for show quilts and it was possible Sylvia's three quilts would not all be hung and needed her to number them 1, 2, and 3 and for sure one would be hung. OK I passed that on and Sylvia even withdrew one show quilt, they only needed to be picked up from the quilter and the binding stitched in place. Remember she was not home to do this in the past month and I'm sure she's not the only one finishing a quilt that month before the show. So the Easter long weekend I drove Sylvia home to go get the quilts and we worked on those two and came right back to the city as Len was just released from having back surgery and she did not want to be away from him long. That week was quilt drop off and then the Show.
We arrived to drop off our quilts and while Sylvia was in line I dropped off my Boutique items. I turned around and heard Sylvia's anxious voice - very unusual for her so I promptly went over to ask what gives. She tells me that none of her Show quilts would be shown just the one Competition quilt. I promptly asked for an explanation of why they phoned and said one thing and then turned around and did the opposite. Needless to say the answers were wishy washy about too many large quilts this year, not enough frames, many competition quilts (no number restriction/person) which all were to be hung so it was decided some Show quilts were not going to be hung. You guessed it I lost my cool - I did NOT yell as was reported to an Executive member (if I had the Hotel Security would surely have been there right away) - but definitely was very frustrated and disappointed and ready to cry! When I realized I was not getting any satisfaction, I did mention I'd be blogging about this - see my blog is my FAMILY - my sounding board - my release. WELL one of the Committee members said I was not to "bad mouth this show as I could shut it down" her words not mine (as if I have that kind of clout). THAT got me totally annoyed - I have always tried to remain fair within my blog even when I am annoyed - so that got my goat and I said they should have thought of that before this happened!!! Very immature of me yes and I wish I had just kept quiet! But like my boss says: "at least you know where you stand with her and how she feels"!
Afterwards an Executive Member, my girlfriend, did call me to explain how the decision was reached. See when they realized the space was limited they withdrew names of those who had Competition quilts from the Show quilts group and apparently hung ONE quilt of the remaining names in the Show category. I guess it's fair, but after all was said and done, it was not acceptable to Sylvia or myself period. I'm not sure what will happen in future shows but I should hope this problem does not arise again as I've heard that many others were unhappy and dissapointed with this outcome - not just us. Just totally too bad!
I even suggested that maybe in future the Committee not put out the "hue and cry" like they did in January and February begging for quilts to be entered as the numbers were down for this show. By the way Sylvia's registration was sent in in October. Yeah well March poured in so many quilts it was now "overloaded". Also suggested they should have maybe gone back and hang those according to when their registration was received - mine then would not have been hung as I was in the last group to register! But like my niece and one of my girlfriends said - no matter which way they solved the delimma there would have been hurt feelings and dissappointment - they did what they thought was fair! I hope so!
OK enough of this - it's been eating at me for a couple of weeks and I have to let it go! Like I said it's been a rough few months for me and I don't like these feelings/emotions or lack thereof!!!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Catch UP
OK I'm not sure if I've posted some of these pictures so here goes!
March was house/pet sitting time - kinda bad timing as Len (my sister Sylvia's hubby) was called in for his back surgery and was in the hospital here March 22nd through to the 30th. He's doing good and today walking much better with a cane in their daughter's home than the walker. Hopefully he'll be doing better yet before they finally head for home next week - just in time for more Dr appts in Dryden then back into Winnipeg again beginning of May for more appts and a quilt retreat for Sylvia & I. They should be collecting frequent "driving" miles!!! It's been nothing but long distance driving for them either east to Thunder Bay or west to Winnipeg!!!
Anyways here is McDuff who after a couple of days took a real shine to me and allowed me to even groom him which sure helped with removing some excess loose long hair.
Then spring break week I moved over to the second house and this time I could not resist taking pictures of the wall unit climber Simba, who even thought about jumping down onto the window seat after some invisible bug!!! I sure hope that TV is anchored down as it sure takes a beating as the midway point to his favourite perch!!!
And here is Mary working on her bobbin lace making me a butterfly during our Northern Lights Lacemakers gathering on the 25th (last Sunday of most months). I can't believe the number of bobbins this baby is needing, but I know it'll be beautiful! Just not sure what I'll make with it!
OK I think I've blogged about my disappearing 9-patch blocks quilt and Sylvia and Pat had helped plan out the layout so one of these days I'll stitch those up and decide on borders. So now my next crazy patch project - the About Seams blocks with my starter seam treatment! I even used my Carole Samples template #20a and can't believe how even my stitches are with this baby!!!
March was house/pet sitting time - kinda bad timing as Len (my sister Sylvia's hubby) was called in for his back surgery and was in the hospital here March 22nd through to the 30th. He's doing good and today walking much better with a cane in their daughter's home than the walker. Hopefully he'll be doing better yet before they finally head for home next week - just in time for more Dr appts in Dryden then back into Winnipeg again beginning of May for more appts and a quilt retreat for Sylvia & I. They should be collecting frequent "driving" miles!!! It's been nothing but long distance driving for them either east to Thunder Bay or west to Winnipeg!!!
Anyways here is McDuff who after a couple of days took a real shine to me and allowed me to even groom him which sure helped with removing some excess loose long hair.
Then spring break week I moved over to the second house and this time I could not resist taking pictures of the wall unit climber Simba, who even thought about jumping down onto the window seat after some invisible bug!!! I sure hope that TV is anchored down as it sure takes a beating as the midway point to his favourite perch!!!
And here is Mary working on her bobbin lace making me a butterfly during our Northern Lights Lacemakers gathering on the 25th (last Sunday of most months). I can't believe the number of bobbins this baby is needing, but I know it'll be beautiful! Just not sure what I'll make with it!
OK I think I've blogged about my disappearing 9-patch blocks quilt and Sylvia and Pat had helped plan out the layout so one of these days I'll stitch those up and decide on borders. So now my next crazy patch project - the About Seams blocks with my starter seam treatment! I even used my Carole Samples template #20a and can't believe how even my stitches are with this baby!!!
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| All About Seams DYOB RR World Wide Crazy Quilters "CQ Shapes Sampler" |
I've one more step to do with these pictures and then I can finish off the booklet that goes with these blocks and the mailout date is May 1st. Guess with all that has been going on I managed to finish off most items I'd planned to do. Now to get some much needed R&R and regroup!!!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
So Disheartened!
Lately with all the family/friends/work situations happening I'm finding myself more and more disheartened with others, myself, my quilting and yes even my work. I'm not sure what I'll do to set myself right but I can definitely say it's going to take something major after today's "situation" in regards to this weekends Manitoba Prairie Quilters Quilt Reflections. I'm too upset to go into my "how it unravelled" and "feelings" at this time, I need to regroup and calm down before my whole weekend is wrecked! My girlfriend even phoned me to "explain" and in the end said I was to apologize for "yelling" at the volunteer. That got me - yes, I was very disgusted and had raised my voice, BUT I definitely was not YELLING - if I was the Hotel security would have come to investigate!!! Yes I was rude and that was uncalled for, but considering the unfortunate circumstances hardly unexpected. I'm sure I'm not the only one who will be totally disgusted either, maybe just not voiced as freely.
Also in the last few weeks I've come to the decision that I'll continue to blog about my "life", to chat about my joys, disappointments of day to day happenings including my hobbies (my autobiography so to speak) and it's up to those who wish to read it to check my blog either from my email siggie link or the "follow this blog" link (except for those few who want me to send it to them).
Sometimes life stinks, but one must find the roses and help get through it!
Also in the last few weeks I've come to the decision that I'll continue to blog about my "life", to chat about my joys, disappointments of day to day happenings including my hobbies (my autobiography so to speak) and it's up to those who wish to read it to check my blog either from my email siggie link or the "follow this blog" link (except for those few who want me to send it to them).
Sometimes life stinks, but one must find the roses and help get through it!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Nickle Block Swap Complete!
OK I'm so happy that this is finally finished. At first I was way behind, too many dropped out, hostess changed, my blocks still not finished so I had to express post them to the USA - BUT they did make it in the nick of time for swapping. Thank you ladies for swapping - some blocks are just lovely and I did receive two of my own back as there were not the nine participants originally planned for.
Now to decide what and how I'll stitch these into an awesome wall hanging. I at first thought maybe a fabric book but I don't think so. There is a wall space just above my printer and that way whomever walks into my place will see it - I think that is where it'll go all the blocks together.
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| Blocks received back |
Now to decide what and how I'll stitch these into an awesome wall hanging. I at first thought maybe a fabric book but I don't think so. There is a wall space just above my printer and that way whomever walks into my place will see it - I think that is where it'll go all the blocks together.
FNSI - update
Oh boy I've not blogged since Feb. 17th about the Friday Night Stitch In that I had signed up for - weekly update on the Friday night catch up on sewing projects. Well considering I was sick with a headcold flu for some ten days I guess that's not so bad. But I do have lots to report one that happened over the past month.
First off the last of February/beginning of March I finished off my china saucer pincushions (well the ones that had the holes) and these will be in the Quilt Refections 2012 Quilt Boutique along with other items (folded heart needlecases, couple of wall hangings, a baby quilt and maybe some fabric postcards). Anyways I do have more china saucers I would like to make into pincushions but they can wait to the June Lace Days and I'll top them with some of my tatting.
Then while I was sick I did spend some time with mindless nine patch block stitching. These blocks are made up mostly from my stach of 6.5 inch charm swaps in black & white, white & black and the centre blocks of red & whites. I'm trying out the disappearing nine patch technique and so far I like it. Now these layouts are not final, I just wanted some pictures to post and with my sister and niece's help this next week I'll then have them numbered ready to stitch up into a top sometime in the future. Then I'm thinking of a narrow red inner border and the the repeat of scrappy left over blocks to go around for an outer border.
Then I got busy this past week and seriously tried to work on the backlog of stitching projects I need caught up. The first to get stitched was the nine crazy patched 8 inch blocks that I need to start one seam treatment on each block and get ready for the May 1st mailout to the round robin ladies for embellishing. I hope I can make the deadline as I still have much to do for the April 15th quilt show!!!
Won't these make up into a lovely reference fabric table topper book - full of CQing seam treatments? Yep you guessed it they are various shapes! I think so and just can't wait to see the results from all the participating ladies!
OK now back to the drafting table and start constructing and embellishing my Quilt Reflections Challenge wall hanging for auction to benefit the Winnipeg Humane Society. Then to finish off my bed quilt label and binding and also my Faces, Faces, Faces wall hanging that I also want to have hang at this Quilt Show.
First off the last of February/beginning of March I finished off my china saucer pincushions (well the ones that had the holes) and these will be in the Quilt Refections 2012 Quilt Boutique along with other items (folded heart needlecases, couple of wall hangings, a baby quilt and maybe some fabric postcards). Anyways I do have more china saucers I would like to make into pincushions but they can wait to the June Lace Days and I'll top them with some of my tatting.
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| Top view |
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| Angled view |
Then while I was sick I did spend some time with mindless nine patch block stitching. These blocks are made up mostly from my stach of 6.5 inch charm swaps in black & white, white & black and the centre blocks of red & whites. I'm trying out the disappearing nine patch technique and so far I like it. Now these layouts are not final, I just wanted some pictures to post and with my sister and niece's help this next week I'll then have them numbered ready to stitch up into a top sometime in the future. Then I'm thinking of a narrow red inner border and the the repeat of scrappy left over blocks to go around for an outer border.
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| basic nine patch blocks |
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| disappearing nine patch block |
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| disappearing nine patch layout |
Then I got busy this past week and seriously tried to work on the backlog of stitching projects I need caught up. The first to get stitched was the nine crazy patched 8 inch blocks that I need to start one seam treatment on each block and get ready for the May 1st mailout to the round robin ladies for embellishing. I hope I can make the deadline as I still have much to do for the April 15th quilt show!!!
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| left pointing, birdhouse, right pointing |
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| rectangle, fan, square |
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| triangle, diamond, hexagon |
Won't these make up into a lovely reference fabric table topper book - full of CQing seam treatments? Yep you guessed it they are various shapes! I think so and just can't wait to see the results from all the participating ladies!
OK now back to the drafting table and start constructing and embellishing my Quilt Reflections Challenge wall hanging for auction to benefit the Winnipeg Humane Society. Then to finish off my bed quilt label and binding and also my Faces, Faces, Faces wall hanging that I also want to have hang at this Quilt Show.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
More Tatting
OK I've knotted up more of my favourite Allison's Edging for crazy patch blocks but then I decided to try something else. I came across a pattern of basic tatted leaves and thought I'd give this a try as the pattern I have looks too much like holly leaves. So I did, WELL my first is DUH, but my second is not so bad and I think if I keep practicing I may just have some leaves to add to CQing!
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| La Feuille Frivole by J. Paulson - InTatters |
Sew It Up DYOB - Peggy's
OH yes I did pick up my blocks back from this swap on Friday but as yet have not taken pictures to blog - BUT I can tell you I am very very very pleased with the creativity these ladies embellished with. Thank you.
Now I finally finished my last RR block along with the group block for Peggy and today they will be winging their way home for her to assemble at her leisure.
So first off I tatted an edging and added to the yarn covered button in the centre patch of the group block. I thought it needed some browns to bring out the button spools - hope I'm right!
Now I finally finished my last RR block along with the group block for Peggy and today they will be winging their way home for her to assemble at her leisure.
So first off I tatted an edging and added to the yarn covered button in the centre patch of the group block. I thought it needed some browns to bring out the button spools - hope I'm right!
Then I tackled the remaining block which was a challenge as it had THREE patches of pink and that causes me grief. Now I'm slowly getting over this mental block happening but it's still there. LOL!
So I started with the easy part - covering the thread on the spools with floss (yes I used a hoop but still have tension problems - SORRY!) then moved onto the half wheel seam treatment, and the needle threader (using the raised fishbone stitch), left over thread from the Colonial knots on the needle and a few scattered pins as fillers. Then I added those roses trim and moved onto the yellow patch for green embroidered vines with SRE leaves and my funky beaded flowers. Now to tackle more pink!!! I needed to cover them up and found this purple ric rac, threaded it through this lovely silver buckle and cretan stitched in place with beads. Yep that worked!
Then I was looking through my sewing notions fabrics and came across this white one with an appropriate saying and proceeded to stitch on a circle holding straight pins. Some are in some are on their way to be used and some are scattered around. NOW I'm happy with the pink showing! LOL!
I saved my favourite patch for the last and embellished the printed pincushion and added a pair of scissors to finish it off. The two seams just got some basic slanted buttonhole and herringbone embroidery with Japanese Buttonhole Twist.
I sure hope you like your blocks and I can't wait to see the whole groups' sewing machine covers completed!!! But I personally won't be able to work on mine until summer probably. Just too much on my plate getting ready for the guild's quilt show mid-April.
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
What A Day!!!
And it's just started! Well after being down with a head cold since Friday, I was finally feeling better today so got ready and off to work I went. Needless to say maybe I should have stayed home another day and my feet sure were rubbery by the time I walked from the bus to the office etc and after about two hours of quietly catch up on my work. Well I was not doing too badly until one co-worker yelled at me "why are you here - go home!" - not nice when I was already feeling blah - but I know they meant well and wanted me to get better. So when my Manager did the same I closed up my computer and went home.
I rested a bit and thought I'd blog about my good news and maybe pick me up too!
This is the article that Val H of the Manitoba Prairie Quilters prepared with my input and sent into "The Canadian Quilter" for the spring 2012 edition. I was tickled pink that is spans 1.5 pages plus a couple of the postcards on the index page. So thank you Val for asking - they did a lovely job!!! And I've had a few compliments from friends who have their own subscription, also coworkers who have read it! Sorry for the small pictures, will replace these with larger images once I'm at home again.
And like I mentioned earlier, one of these days I will frame the cover and article along with some embellishments and attach some hooks underneath so I can change the postcard periodically. A definite keepsake for me!
I rested a bit and thought I'd blog about my good news and maybe pick me up too!
This is the article that Val H of the Manitoba Prairie Quilters prepared with my input and sent into "The Canadian Quilter" for the spring 2012 edition. I was tickled pink that is spans 1.5 pages plus a couple of the postcards on the index page. So thank you Val for asking - they did a lovely job!!! And I've had a few compliments from friends who have their own subscription, also coworkers who have read it! Sorry for the small pictures, will replace these with larger images once I'm at home again.
Monday, March 05, 2012
A Quilt Challenge to SEE!!!
If you have some time and want to check out a really interesting "challenge" to quilters click on this link to view the "Ever Changing River Quilt Exhibit" in "Faith Fabric and Photos" blog that a friend of mine sent me the link. AWESOME and in the end I wished it still continued! WOW! Congratulations ladies on a job well done that is for sure!
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Lots Happening!
OK I've just finished off my loan for my bad debts and then I topped it off with purchasing TWO RSPs (first for me) and then added to it by locking in some of the extra funds into bi-weekly deposits to my TFSA. Now that's not saying I'm rolling in it, far from it, but finally I think I can manage comfortably. Along with the occassional house/pet sitting sessions life will be good!
Now I think I mentioned that my postcards will be featured in CQA "The Canadian Quilter", Spring 2012 edition, and now I have the living proof on page 26 and top of 27. YAHOOIE!!! I'm impressed and very pleased with the layout. There are two postcards that really inspired me to try harder in this endeavour and I'm sorry they did not publish the artists' names, but you'll know who you are when you see it! One day I'll scan it and blog the articles. BUT a coworker mentioned that I should obtain a shadow box type frame and do a collage of the magazine cover, article and some embellishments along with a postcard or two. And you know what - I'll just do such and even with my first one too! It was a submission of my "Scarecrow" miniature quilt that I made from the "Miniature Quilt" magazine and submitted in the "members' section". That's a great idea.
Well even with all these good happenings, I succumbed to a horrible head cold on Friday and left work early to hopefully get some rest. Well in this heavy snowfall it took me two hours to finally get to the house where I'm cat sitting and needless to say my symptoms were in full mode by then and totally dragged out. By evening I was not fit for the public and Saturday morning cancelled all my plans and stayed on the couch in my fleece blanket.
I decided Sunday, feeling a little bit better, I had to get to my apt for my cold meds or this baby would get worse or drag on too long. It was great relief to pop a Buckley's cold tablet and be allowed to at least think in between sneezes!!! Hopefully tonight I'll have a better sleep too with the night tablet!
So Michelle picked me up at the apt and we went to the check out an embroiderer's stash sale where I bought what I thought was the makings for a Victorian crazy patch stocking in creams and it turned out to be like class supplies for students - not just one stocking - WOW WOW WOW! I picked up a few skiens of floss and some size 80 tatting thread for future endeavours. Then we went to the Lace meeting and afterwards home for me as I was worn out. Michelle had a little package for me and inside were some awesome vitage like buttons for my china pincusions - needless to say I'm saving some for my crazy patch blocks.
I'm not keen on soups and one day of chicken noodle was enough - I heated up some perogies and had them with sour cream and salsa - comfort food and now will retire to the couch and blanket to watch more curling.
Now I think I mentioned that my postcards will be featured in CQA "The Canadian Quilter", Spring 2012 edition, and now I have the living proof on page 26 and top of 27. YAHOOIE!!! I'm impressed and very pleased with the layout. There are two postcards that really inspired me to try harder in this endeavour and I'm sorry they did not publish the artists' names, but you'll know who you are when you see it! One day I'll scan it and blog the articles. BUT a coworker mentioned that I should obtain a shadow box type frame and do a collage of the magazine cover, article and some embellishments along with a postcard or two. And you know what - I'll just do such and even with my first one too! It was a submission of my "Scarecrow" miniature quilt that I made from the "Miniature Quilt" magazine and submitted in the "members' section". That's a great idea.
Well even with all these good happenings, I succumbed to a horrible head cold on Friday and left work early to hopefully get some rest. Well in this heavy snowfall it took me two hours to finally get to the house where I'm cat sitting and needless to say my symptoms were in full mode by then and totally dragged out. By evening I was not fit for the public and Saturday morning cancelled all my plans and stayed on the couch in my fleece blanket.
I decided Sunday, feeling a little bit better, I had to get to my apt for my cold meds or this baby would get worse or drag on too long. It was great relief to pop a Buckley's cold tablet and be allowed to at least think in between sneezes!!! Hopefully tonight I'll have a better sleep too with the night tablet!
So Michelle picked me up at the apt and we went to the check out an embroiderer's stash sale where I bought what I thought was the makings for a Victorian crazy patch stocking in creams and it turned out to be like class supplies for students - not just one stocking - WOW WOW WOW! I picked up a few skiens of floss and some size 80 tatting thread for future endeavours. Then we went to the Lace meeting and afterwards home for me as I was worn out. Michelle had a little package for me and inside were some awesome vitage like buttons for my china pincusions - needless to say I'm saving some for my crazy patch blocks.
I'm not keen on soups and one day of chicken noodle was enough - I heated up some perogies and had them with sour cream and salsa - comfort food and now will retire to the couch and blanket to watch more curling.
Friday, February 24, 2012
I'm Done In!!!
Well yesterday was a high when I realized I had one month left on my loan and also I was able to lock up more funds into RRSPs in one year than I've ever done and to top it I arranged for bi-weekly transfers into my TFSA!!! WOW!!!
Then I'm sent in the opposite direction with this nightly trudge down this street in snow covered sidewalks with drifts, still more snow in the yard and the dogs need their nightly walks after the shovelling! Well I'm not used to this type of exercise and for some some reason today these two girls decided to "race" home and there I was trying to keep up through this snow! A couple of times I just started to laugh and told them to slow down but some times they just ran out of leashes as I just could not keep up. Sheesh!!!
Then we get inside and naturally is a brisk towel rub down for them and today they are still wound up and Lilla who is usually the more subdued is chasing her tail on the couch and Molly is just looking at her! FUNNY!!!
Glad curling is on - I can now relax for the evening.
Then I'm sent in the opposite direction with this nightly trudge down this street in snow covered sidewalks with drifts, still more snow in the yard and the dogs need their nightly walks after the shovelling! Well I'm not used to this type of exercise and for some some reason today these two girls decided to "race" home and there I was trying to keep up through this snow! A couple of times I just started to laugh and told them to slow down but some times they just ran out of leashes as I just could not keep up. Sheesh!!!
Then we get inside and naturally is a brisk towel rub down for them and today they are still wound up and Lilla who is usually the more subdued is chasing her tail on the couch and Molly is just looking at her! FUNNY!!!
Glad curling is on - I can now relax for the evening.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Stitching Friends Gather
Well it was not exactly "Family Day" activities for February 20th holiday, but it was a gathering of stitching friends for some food, fun and laughter that day. See I'm house/pet sitting and invited my friends Florence and Michelle over for visiting and stitching with me so I could be home with the dogs as the parents had just left. So first off - what a coincidence - Michelle walks in and the first thing she spots is her dough art piece on the kitchen wall - WOW!!! - which must have been a special order as she mostly used Ukrainian words.
We just chatted and stitched until it was lunch time where we had kinda a full meal - not a light lunch so to speak with Florence's yummy salad and Michelle's homemade apple crisp for dessert and I served the meatloaf and baked potatoes with cauliflower, onions and celery - YUMMY!!!
Then after lunch we got down to the serious stuff at the cleaned off kitchen table. Michelle was tatting and is in the process of using up her yarns with a knitting mystery - WOW - then she checked out Florence's book that she's interested in.
Florence wanted to see if she could finish off the binding on my MPQ 2012 Quilt Reflections challenge piece and she just about did it! I really like what she's made and I can see it gracing some cottage wall somewhere!
We just chatted and stitched until it was lunch time where we had kinda a full meal - not a light lunch so to speak with Florence's yummy salad and Michelle's homemade apple crisp for dessert and I served the meatloaf and baked potatoes with cauliflower, onions and celery - YUMMY!!!
Then after lunch we got down to the serious stuff at the cleaned off kitchen table. Michelle was tatting and is in the process of using up her yarns with a knitting mystery - WOW - then she checked out Florence's book that she's interested in.
Florence wanted to see if she could finish off the binding on my MPQ 2012 Quilt Reflections challenge piece and she just about did it! I really like what she's made and I can see it gracing some cottage wall somewhere!
As for me, well I think I became the entertainment, maybe even frightening Molly to the bathroom corner with my laughter, poor girl - I did try and cuddle her to calm her! See I was attempting to work on my china saucer pincushions in an attempt to have them ready for the MPQ 2012 Quilt Reflections boutique and kept having all kinds of problems. I even scared the girls as I was using this 6" long doll needle and there were some close calls of piercing myself besides other happenings. But with their help in choosing colours and buttons I did accomplish to finish off three of them and have a few more ready to work on.
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| this was hard work and and needed concentration |
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| Michelle got a chuckle from this one |
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| scissors caught up in the stitching |
Yes, I'm hoping they are a hit in the boutique and again at Lace Days in June.
Tribute to Gina Brummett - Completed
Finally with size 30 cotton I'm able to complete the piece I selected to honour Gina Brummett - fellow tatter.
I think it's very lovely and once I master the finer threads I'll make another to compare.
If you want more on this topic please see my previous post. Thank you.
If you want more on this topic please see my previous post. Thank you.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Crazy Patched Nickel Block Swap
OK I again was one of the tardy members of a swap (first time in WWCQ) and this one I honestly thought I had tonnes of time to prepare and STITCH the nine - four inch blocks in the two months we had before Christmas. Well talk about unrealistic thinking in my books considering other commitments in my back pocket etc. Then the swap was dropped as a number of members had dropped out but then in January it was resurrected and a 6-week extension given so I jumped at it again. See I had the nine blocks all started - I just needed to do the embellishing - no problem - or it should not have been!!!
After putting in a couple of weeks OT at work and then a quilt retreat which I worked on charity quilts that were sitting for a while too (all done now) time once again ran out but at least I was about halfway through when I found out I had the DUE DATE and MAILING DATE mixed up - SHOOT!!! Anyways I did finish them off last night and today (3 days late) I Express Posted them and they should arrive in four working days in the USA! I pray delivery is as speedy!
So here is the group picture of my nine blocks - they are similar construction, similar embellishments (not going to post individual blocks) and because of this I thought it would go faster - still not!!!
Now after participating in this activity I think that if there is a next time, I'll start right away with planning different crazy patched blocks, and also different types of seam treatments. Then if by chance the number participating is less than the number of blocks I've made, and someone has made double, then I still can swap all my blocks. This way who wants two the same blocks - I'll probably be getting a few back - that's OK - I'll just include them in some other projects!
Guess I better see what else I've signed up for and check the deadline dates!!!
After putting in a couple of weeks OT at work and then a quilt retreat which I worked on charity quilts that were sitting for a while too (all done now) time once again ran out but at least I was about halfway through when I found out I had the DUE DATE and MAILING DATE mixed up - SHOOT!!! Anyways I did finish them off last night and today (3 days late) I Express Posted them and they should arrive in four working days in the USA! I pray delivery is as speedy!
So here is the group picture of my nine blocks - they are similar construction, similar embellishments (not going to post individual blocks) and because of this I thought it would go faster - still not!!!
Guess I better see what else I've signed up for and check the deadline dates!!!
Tribute to Gina Brummett
In my short tatting past I unfortunately did not meet Gina and I'm not sure if I came across any of her tatting patterns. Unfortunately Gina has passed on and is truly a tatting goddess or maybe should be a tatting angel, but her patterns are still there for members to enjoy.
Some of her patterns were shared with Georgia at the Online Tatting Class for the Learning Centre at this site. I have tried one of her patterns yesterday and was on the LAST corner and the LAST HALF of it when I made a mistake, split the threads unpicking it, shredded one strand and was attempting to pass it along with the working thread when I made ANOTHER mistake and my ring would not move. At this point of unpicking I BROKE the thread - not good!!!
Guess I've learnt something from this attempt of a lovely pattern. Yes it is NEVER attempt a new pattern with thread size you are unfamiliar with. See I'm very comfortable with size 30 now and venturing into size 40 with a bit of difficulty but this was size 50 and I did not have my magnifiers on either. So hopefully tonight, now that I have my nine crazy patch swap blocks finished, I'll relax and watch some hockey and try to tat this medallion once again. I truly do love it and maybe someday will try other patterns by Gina Brummet - hopefully now resting in peace!
Some of her patterns were shared with Georgia at the Online Tatting Class for the Learning Centre at this site. I have tried one of her patterns yesterday and was on the LAST corner and the LAST HALF of it when I made a mistake, split the threads unpicking it, shredded one strand and was attempting to pass it along with the working thread when I made ANOTHER mistake and my ring would not move. At this point of unpicking I BROKE the thread - not good!!!
Guess I've learnt something from this attempt of a lovely pattern. Yes it is NEVER attempt a new pattern with thread size you are unfamiliar with. See I'm very comfortable with size 30 now and venturing into size 40 with a bit of difficulty but this was size 50 and I did not have my magnifiers on either. So hopefully tonight, now that I have my nine crazy patch swap blocks finished, I'll relax and watch some hockey and try to tat this medallion once again. I truly do love it and maybe someday will try other patterns by Gina Brummet - hopefully now resting in peace!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
February 17th is Friday Night Sew In
Hmmm this sounds like a good idea and I will enter it into my calendar for future months and try and work on or finish off some UFO project on this specific night and blog it on the Saturday!!! I have so many piling up - I need the incentive etc to "finish off" already! Thank you Kerry L for having this on your blog for me to check out!!! Also thank you Heidi of Handmade by Heidi for dreaming up this monthly VIRTUAL QUILT RETREAT!!!
Well for starters this Friday, I'll be finishing off my WWCQ Nickle Blocks and get them into the mail to Leslie E and patiently await my swapped blocks coming home to me. I know I've learnt something already from this swap - small sized blocks are deceiving workwise timewise - also I don't seem to have the imagination timewise to dream up nine "different" embellished blocks - not fun doing the similar embellishments nine times over!
Well for starters this Friday, I'll be finishing off my WWCQ Nickle Blocks and get them into the mail to Leslie E and patiently await my swapped blocks coming home to me. I know I've learnt something already from this swap - small sized blocks are deceiving workwise timewise - also I don't seem to have the imagination timewise to dream up nine "different" embellished blocks - not fun doing the similar embellishments nine times over!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Crazy Quilts are Quilts Too!!
Oh My I just had a lovely time going through the Competition Album and choosing the one entry that I just loved and spoke to me so much. So if you are wondering what CQing can be there are some awesome examples in this Pigtales and Quilts blog.
And when you're done with that there are the various entrants' blog links at the top of the page and then various other CQers who are linked to this online event near the bottom. Have fun checking them out but ensure you have some refreshments nearby as it may take some time.
Again thank you Thearica for your visions and goals for crazy quilting! Now for my own introduction!
Hello, I'm Rose Anne who has sewn since she was 10 on her Mom's old treadle Singer, from Manitoba Canada who has been quilting since the late 1990s. More recently was introduced to CQing by my "Going Crazy with Quilting" wall hanging where I crazy patched the heart and appliqued it onto the white background, then passed it around to my fellow Aurora Quilters' members for their added rounds. It's still on display over my computer and yes I'm very pleased with the outcome and then started searching for more information on Crazy Quilting.
That naturally led me to Crazy Quilting International, Crazy Quilting Friends, Chain of Hearts, Crazy Quilters Canadian, SewBuds, and recently World Wide Crazy Quilters and my local fabric artists group Ravenesque where I can honestly say that my love of crazy patch has grown by leaps and bounds. Here are some items I've worked on and I'll try and put them from beginning to current.
For more on my crazy quilting or CQ embellishing just click Home and then scroll down to Labels on the right hand side and look for appropriate tag names. This will resort the blog and bring up only those posts that I've tagged with that category. Have fun but remember to have your refreshments handy.
And when you're done with that there are the various entrants' blog links at the top of the page and then various other CQers who are linked to this online event near the bottom. Have fun checking them out but ensure you have some refreshments nearby as it may take some time.
Again thank you Thearica for your visions and goals for crazy quilting! Now for my own introduction!
Hello, I'm Rose Anne who has sewn since she was 10 on her Mom's old treadle Singer, from Manitoba Canada who has been quilting since the late 1990s. More recently was introduced to CQing by my "Going Crazy with Quilting" wall hanging where I crazy patched the heart and appliqued it onto the white background, then passed it around to my fellow Aurora Quilters' members for their added rounds. It's still on display over my computer and yes I'm very pleased with the outcome and then started searching for more information on Crazy Quilting.
That naturally led me to Crazy Quilting International, Crazy Quilting Friends, Chain of Hearts, Crazy Quilters Canadian, SewBuds, and recently World Wide Crazy Quilters and my local fabric artists group Ravenesque where I can honestly say that my love of crazy patch has grown by leaps and bounds. Here are some items I've worked on and I'll try and put them from beginning to current.
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| Crazy Quilters Canadian - bookmarks |
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| Crazy Quilting Friends - bookcover |
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| CQI - Faces DYOB - for Leslie - 3D view |
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| CQI - Christmas/winter DYOB - for Karrin |
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| CQI - Making Memories 2010 block donation |
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| Chain of Hearts - Christmas heart swap |
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| Chain of Hearts - DYOB 1 - my own block |
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| Chain of Hearts - DYOB 4 - swap block |
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| SewBuds - Susan's RR block - my work white & yellow patches |
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| Ravenesque - MPQ Quilt Refections 2008 - by fish badge - BenFi |
For more on my crazy quilting or CQ embellishing just click Home and then scroll down to Labels on the right hand side and look for appropriate tag names. This will resort the blog and bring up only those posts that I've tagged with that category. Have fun but remember to have your refreshments handy.
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