Oh, the irony...

During this post I'll be humming "Isn't It Ironic" by Alanis Morrisette.

A couple of weeks ago I visited the Grand Quilt Guild in Fergus. One of the things I told them about myself is how I start every day with a bit of applique...or some kind of hand-sewing. Most people know this about me. I even went so far as to say that I couldn't remember the last time I didn't start my day this way.

Since then I've only been able to work on some embroidery as it's been difficult to find time to do some prep work for some applique. I thought it a bit ironic that I didn't have any applique after my statement at the trunk show......but it gets even more so....

Finally, on Wednesday I took an hour to get the next step prepped for my Down the Rabbit Hole...yay!....

Now, I'll take a moment to explain that I've had a lot of shoulder issues for a couple of months now. There is a lot of pain if I move it the wrong way, and I can only lift my arm about a quarter of the way that it should :(

I finally went to see someone about it yesterday....Jill at the Active Relief Centre in Hagersville. That place is wonderful...they really get to the root of the problem instead of throwing pills at you.

Seems like I've got a problem due to my morning ritual of hand-applique! I kinda thought it was gonna be the culprit. 

So...an easy exercise is in order. Plus, the final irony.....after doing all that prep work the other day....no more hand-sewing for a few weeks!!! 

On another note...

I'm taking part in the BOM that is being offered at the Haldimand Guild this year. It's called Botanical Beauty designed by TKHarrison.

The blocks are big and easy and I'm really liking it so far....

I will say this about the BOM. I'm so glad that our guild member, KH, got permission to use this pattern and we paid for it accordingly. 

There is an interesting article about pattern "stealing" and you can read about it HERE. 

It's easy to get permission to use a pattern in your quilting group. I think most designers can be quite accommodating. I remember one designer who gave her permission and all she asked in return was a fatquarter from each person taking part in the BOM! 

Ok, that's my rant of the day over and done with :)


Last week our puppies went on to live with their new families. Poor Minnie was a mess after looking after them. Her fur was matted terribly. 

I treated her to a spa day and she came back happy and adorable!

Finally, I have to admit that I've been lured into yet another online sewalong. This one is offered by Yvonne at Quilter Jetgirl and is called Wayward Transparency. You can read about it HERE.

The challenge here is getting the fabric selection right. Not sure if I accomplished that, but here are my fabrics...

I'm not sure if you can tell from the picture, but the middle fabric is a Shot Cotton and picks up the yellow and the blue. I will be sewing the small version.

...and just to be accountable....I have yet again failed to get my houses all constructed on my Down the Rabbit Hole, which was my monthly goal. Maybe during my hiatus from hand-applique I could spend a bit more time piecing! So my design wall still looks like this...

I am linking up with Confessions of a Fabric Addict for Can I Get a Whoop Whoop! and with Busy Hands Quilts for Finished or Not Friday.