Sunday, September 30, 2018

It's been a long time, old friend...

It's a rainy morning here....which means a change of plans, I guess.

We had hoped to continue working on our back deck. Looks like I can maybe do a bit of sewing or reading instead.

I wasn't sure I had any slow-stitching to start my day today, but then remembered I still have a bit of work to do on this month's block for Save the Bees.



Here are both blocks, so far...



When I sit and stitch on the weekends I've come to enjoy listening to podcasts. One of my favourites is Hidden Brain. Today's episode was entitled, "Why now?", which delves into the question on why women today are starting to be taken more seriously in their sexual assault allegations than they were as short a time ago as the 90's.

It was a good episode and seemed to answer some questions. 

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I'm going to double-up on my post today and include my One Monthly Goal for October, as it involves some slow-stitching.

I have a UFO that some of you may remember. It's a quilt called Auntie Green's Garden...



Every once in a while I notice the unfinished quilt-top peeking at me from under a pile of "stuff"...and I think to myself that I really should get back to working on it. Then I promptly forget all about it again!

Yesterday I noticed it again. This time my thought was to just face it, that I would never continue to work on this quilt, and maybe I should just quilt it as it is now and call it done.

So I pulled it out and hung it on the design wall....


.....and didn't it give me a hitch to my breath, literally!...I still think this is a beautiful quilt and I just have to finish it!

By my calculations it's been over three years since I've put a stitch into this quilt. Even the appliqued circles make me cringe a bit, as I've improved my technique since then....but I'll let those circles go, it's a journey, after-all. 

My goal this month will be to complete some of the next border, which had actually been started back in the day...



I don't know if it's do-able, but my goal will be to finish half of this border. Hmm, now that it's raining this morning it would be a good opportunity to do the prep-work.

This quilt will now take be my main project in the next few months. I'll put aside a couple of others until then.

I am linking up today with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching. I am also linking with Elm Street Quilts for One Monthly Goal - October...wish me luck, I'll need it!!

Friday, September 28, 2018

One Monthly Goal - September Finish (thankfully!)

I feel like I'm squeaking this month's One Monthly Goal in just in time! 

For some reason I did not enjoy catching up with my Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks. I never should have let myself fall behind, I guess.

In my rush to get them done, I messed up a couple of times and had to do one over, and un-sew and re-sew another!

Here they are...



So....the block in the upper left corner is the block to be sewn for September. I kept making mistakes....I don't know why....so by the time the block was done I couldn't like it, even one little bit. So, instead of making two more of them, I made two blocks using patterns from previous months. Hey, it's my quilt, am I right?

And then there was this unfortunate beast...




Actually, in the photo it doesn't look soooo bad....but in real life it's a muddled mess....what was I thinking!? This one will go directly to the trash.

What can I say?....I am quite happy to be done with this month's goal!!!

I do like this block...



....mainly because I forgot I ever had the wee bird fabric and I love it. Once I found it in the blue fabric bin I just had to use it.

I look forward to October's block, which I think will be the last block. It will be fun to see how all of these blocks will go together.

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This morning I thought I would be finished block 3 of my Tomato Soup, The Sequel quilt. I got to the point of adding the last two leaves and didn't like my fabric choice.

Here is one pinned on in the middle of the block...



...hmm....why can't I ever seem to take a picture that isn't skewed?...

Once I hung the block up I had an idea of which fabric to use and I'll get on that at some point today.

The blocks in this quilt are a whopping 24"! A little difficult to manage at times, but not too bad.

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There is still time to join in the fun at the Online Quilters' Meet and Greet over at Benita Skinner's Creative Space blog, which you can find HERE

We have until the end of the month to visit the different quilting blogs and enter for a chance to win a wonderful quilty prize.

You can read my post for the Meet and Greet HERE

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I am linking up with Elm Street Quilts for One Monthly Goal - September Finish, and with Confessions of a Fabric Addict for Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?. I am also linking with Busy Hands Quilts for Finished or Not Friday, and with So Scrappy for ScrapHappy Saturday

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Sunday Stitching

Nothing much planned for today....which means a bit of extra time for some slow stitching and maybe a bit of sewing time.

A friend asked me if I would repair her beloved quilt that was made for her by her grandmother years ago.

It didn't need much....a replaced binding....


....plus, there was a huge worn out spot on the backing, so I appliqued a heart over it. The heart is about 8" across....that's how big the L-shaped tear was...



The fabric that I used for the applique is at least fifteen-years old and was a favourite designer of mine at the time....and I can't for the life of me remember her name! Does anyone out there know????....it's going to bug me until I remember.

It is always an honour to repair old quilts. It feels like the original sewist is looking over my shoulder quite pleased that her quilt has been so well-loved.


When I finished that this morning I took a few applique stitches in this month's Fun on the Farm block, which is the current online BOM from Eleanor Burns Quilt in a Day.

It's been a long time since I've done a Dresden Plate block!



Today I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching. It will be nice to visit with her to see what others are working on today.

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Oh, woe is me :(

What  lovely Summer weekend!....the last Summer weekend of the year. Oh, how fast it always seems to go.

Our weekend was all planned out.....spend time in the backyard attending the myriad of chores that got put on hold over the hot weather we've experienced. 

We got a good day in on Saturday and finished up with a nice juicy burger outside.

Then I remembered that I hadn't completed my block-of-the-day.

I've been taking part, once again, in an Instagram sewalong for Tula Pink's City Sampler.

Here are a few of the 70 or so blocks that I've done so far (out of the hundred that will make up the quilt)...



It's much different than the colourful version I completed a year or so ago!

So up to the sewing room I went....none of these blocks take long, just ten or fifteen minutes, if that. First thing I did, though, was knock my rotary cutter off the table....and it landed right on my foot between toes #4 & 5. Such a lot of blood! It may not have been quite as bad if I hadn't just changed the blade a couple of days ago.

I'm bummed out, as today I was to take part in my first Terry Fox Run, but that's not happening. I may end up going in to see if I need a stitch or two as it starts bleeding again when I stand up.

So I guess this means no more outdoor chores today.....extra slow-stitching time!

I'm working on the current block of my Tomato Soup, The Sequel quilt....






I think after breakfast I'll put this one aside for a bit and try to get going on this month's block for Save The Bees. It will be nice to have extra stitching time today, even though it's not for a good reason. I may even try to setup outside under a tree and enjoy what looks to be another beautiful day.

I've been struggling a bit with the start of an EPP project...trying out a new stitch to join the bits together, instead of the usual whip stitch. I bought this beautiful book as I heard that it is a good one to learn some new tips and tricks from....



It really is a beautiful book...and I haven't even read anything about her methods yet. The first bit of the book has some interesting reading on the positive effects of slow-stitching...both physical and mental.

It's difficult to choose only one of the paragraphs to share with you. So much of what I am reading here are words which I can totally relate to, as I'm sure many of you could as well.


"the mental space one enters into when absorbed by sewing may also play an important role in understanding its benefits. Sewists commonly talk of the "meditative quality" of sewing, asserting that with their eyes open and needle in hand, they're able to gain the same sense of calm and grounding associated with meditation"

"it seems that it may also offer a space in which to temporarily retreat from the world, delivering us back to our loved ones energized, refreshed, and more positive"

There is more but if I go on I wouldn't know where to stop!

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Have you been able to visit with Benita Skinner and take part in the Online Quilters Meet and Greet? You still have until the end of the month to qualify for some great quilty prizes!

You can read my post for the Meet and Greet HERE.

That's all for now....my husband is making breakfast and it smells like the bacon is almost ready!

I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching. I know I'll certainly have some time to visit with all the bloggers to see what they are stitching on today!




Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Let's Do The Time Warp!

Hi there!

It feels like it's been a while since I've had a few moments to actually sit for a bit and have the time to do a blog post.

We had a mini-vacation weekend....just local stuff, but had a wonderful time.

Part of it was spent in Stratford, Ontario, which is famous for it's theatre and shops....and restaurants!

We went to see the live production of Rocky Horror Picture Show and I have to say it's probably the best theatre that we've seen. I highly recommend it. 

The tickets are pricey and scarce, but we did manage to get seats way at the top....and only $25! I was a bit leery of how good the seats might be at that price, but they were terrific. At the Avon Theatre I doubt there is a bad seat in the house.


I did intend on "dressing up", but chickened out at the last minute. I think I was nervous of walking from the hotel to the theatre (all of about three blocks!) in fishnet stockings.

I'm kicking myself now, as there were many people going all out...




I even bought a souvenir to commemorate such a great evening out...



I've been poking away at my applique. This week I've been paying attention to my Tomato Soup, The Sequel...


I feel like I've been making good progress on this 24" block, but there are still many leaves to applique...



....and when I hung the block up for a picture, I can see there is a lot of blank spots that will be needing filling in...




I've also kept up with the daily Instagram sewalong for the Tula Pink City Sampler...


This is the third time that the sewalong has been hosted. I participated the first time...



....and now again this time. I have challenged myself to just use mainly "shirtings" with a few other fabrics thrown into the mix. We are up to Block 68 of the 100 blocks...lots of fun!

I've put a few blocks up on to the design wall to get a taste of how this is progressing. I'm not sure if it's working out or not, but I'll carry on. I'm starting to wonder about sashing....what colour...or no sashing at all???


We got a bit of a tease on Instagram yesterday that this will be the final rendition of this sewalong, but that there will be a new one next year featuring another pattern!


Just a reminder that I am taking part this month in 2018 Online Meet and Greet with Benita Skinner.

You can read my post for the Meet and Greet HERE if you missed it. There are around 75 bloggers participating, and with each one that you visit you get a chance to win a lovely quilty prize.

Good luck!

I am linking up with Susan at Quilt Fabrication for Midweek Makers, and with Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts for Let's Bee Social.


Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Please allow me to introduce myself!

Today's post is a special one.

I am pleased to be part of a Quilters' Meet and Greet hosted by Benita Skinner. You can find her HERE on her blog, Benita Skinner's Creative Space.





Benita has invited bloggers in the quilty world to introduce themselves and give you, the reader, a chance to win a nice, big prize. 

Every blog you visit and comment on gives you a chance at winning this prize.....easy-peasy!


Welcome to visitor's visiting my blog for the first time!

I have been a hand-quilter since 1980 and been hooked ever since...like many of you, I'm sure. My main interest for the past number of years has been needle-turn applique.

I have tried many methods of applique and now know that needle-turn is my preferred method.




I am also a longarm quilter, have been since 2004. I feel very lucky to have a "job" at something that I am passionate about, meeting other quilters and seeing their beautiful quilts. What a life!

I've been asked to share with you my favourite quilt.

Well, this is a toughie, as I have many quilts that are favourites for different reasons!

The first quilt that came to mind is one that I call Tomato Soup for obvious reasons....





(sorry, I just can't seem to get a good picture of this one on this dull day!)

I think it works because I used three different background fabrics which, in my opinion, adds interest. I did all the applique from a jelly-roll and a couple of charm packs from one fabric line. I think the blue in the border really pops against the reds. 

Also, this quilt is very high in what I call the "moosh" factor. It is hand-quilted using wool batting (which is like quilting thru' butter, by the way), and is probably the coziest quilt in my house. 

I like this quilt so much, that I am now working on a quilt that I will call Tomato Soup, The Sequel!




Now I'll tell you about my most recent favourite quilt.

This one is called Down the Rabbit Hole and is the BOM offered by Sarah Fielke in 2017. I recommend to anyone to do one of Sarah's BOM's. Very well done, and I am currently taking part in the 2018 BOM, which will be my third of hers.

Here is the quilt hanging in our recent quilt show and some detail shots...










I hand-quilted this one and I imagine spending that much time with a quilt day-to-day earns it a special place in my heart.

One of the #1 questions I get about my appliqued quilts is, "How long did it take you?". 

Well, as a lot of you know, I do my handwork early in the morning during the two cups of coffee that starts my day. So my answer is always that....that it takes me two cups of coffee a day. My poking away is all about the journey, not about getting it done quickly. I think that mentality comes from being an old hand-quilter at heart :)

Something new that I'm enjoying is not quilt-related at all, and something that continues to surprise me!...two years ago I took up running and quite enjoy trail-running, especially.





What's in store for me next, you may ask? Well, if I say it out loud maybe I'll actually attempt it!.....

I would like to try to do an applique piece that is entirely my own design. ( oh my goodness! )

I even have some special fabric picked out. I've always wanted to try applique with silk...





It's absolutely beautiful!

Well, this has become a rather long post! I hope you will enjoy visiting all the bloggers that Benita has lined up for us....I know I certainly will!

You can start by going to Benita's post today, which you can find HERE.


Thanks for stopping by!


Sunday, September 2, 2018

That Fairy Tale Quilt

Today over at Kathy's Quilts, Kathy is hosting a photo challenge.

The idea is to post a picture of where we may like to stitch outside.

I always like the idea of peacefully stitching outside under the maple tree in one of my comfy Muskoka chairs, but in real life it never works out for me. Things start blowing around and I end up indoors. 

Maybe a different type of slow-stitching would work better? Perhaps this afternoon I'll try some stitching on my English Paper Piecing project. Nope, not perhaps....I will give it a try!

Part of the problem is, also, that practically all of my hand-stitching occurs between 5:30 and 7:30 in the morning! Today will be spent in the garden, but I'm sure I can take a few moments to enjoy (?) the pleasure of stitching outside.

This morning I worked on the Big Bad Wolf block of That Fairy Tale Quilt by Lucy Carson Kingwell, daughter of Jen Kingwell. This is a quilt I've been eyeing for a while. Little did I know that most of it will be hand-pieced.....another slow-stitching project!





Although hand-piecing can seem a bit fiddly, I find it quite satisfying as it comes together. As opposed to machine-piecing, you don't take time to press the seams as you go....just a bit of finger-pressing. You also don't sew the seams down as you sew across them. The piece ends up looking quite a bubbly mess...




Until the block is finished and is properly pressed...



I know it looks a bit wonky, but that's because the outer seams aren't a precise 1/4", which is quite alright in hand-piecing.

Another thing.... "y" seams are sooooo much easier by hand!

I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching.

Have a lovely day....and I hope you get a chance to relax outdoors with a bit of stitchery.

Saturday, September 1, 2018

RSC...and One Monthly Goal!

I had such a nice start to keeping up with Squared Away, the pattern offered for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge this year.

Then Summer happened!

My goal for September is to catch up on my Squared Away blocks....which, I think, including the block offered for September, means I have three months worth of blocks to do. 

I am making three blocks each month,  it shouldn't be too difficult to catch up.




Seeing them up on the design wall, I'm glad to be doing this sewalong....I like it!....and I'm shopping the stash for this one which is even better!

I am linking up with Elm Street Quilts for One Monthly Goal - September, and with So Scrappy for Scrap Happy Saturday.

Have a lovely Labour Day weekend!