....in which I get to use the word "antimacassar"....

 I think Spring is just around the corner! I don't go by the groundhog to tell me so...I can tell by the fact that my husband has planted some seeds in the indoor greenhouse, lol. Hopefully we'll have an abundance of colour in the garden this year. Last Summer was a bit of a bust but we've learned our lesson...so I'm crossing my fingers. 

It's a bright beautiful start to the day, so I'll be heading out to the trail for a bit of a run shortly. We haven't run the trail in quite a while since we don't have appropriate footwear for slippery and snowy conditions. 

Still, it feels like a nice day to sit and knit for a bit. I am going to finish up these socks this week. They've been pushed aside for a while now, but I'm needing those needles for something else.

The pattern for my socks is the Hermione pattern and I quite like it. It's pretty and it's easy...good for knitting while the tv is on. This was yarn that I dyed myself using kitchen spices....dry mustard, paprika, chili powder, and of course turmeric. I tried to set the colour with vinegar, but I don't know if I did it properly or if the colours will fade. That's ok if it does, it was just a fun experiment!

 I have joined an international sock swap through social media. I think most of the people involved are from countries such as Norway and Finland. I'm a bit torn on which socks to make but I'm leaning toward using a yarn from a Canadian dyer, and a pattern from a Canadian designer, since my secret sock partner is from Finland. 

This past week was filled with hand-work of some kind or another. I completed my Siddi/Kawandi quilt that was started a week ago through an online workshop with Sujata Shah. This project couldn't linger on and on because I needed the space back on which I had set this project up....and for the fact that I did not want this to become another UFO!

Of course, I couldn't resist doing a bit of fussy-cutting here and there. I also enjoyed using a bit of dupioni silk to give the quilt a bit of bling. I'm going to watch out for neckties in thrift shops as I think they will be a perfect fabric for a future Siddi quilt. 

I love that it is the perfect size to be a new antimacassar. Antimacassar is one of my favourite words...do you have any favourite words?? 

One thing about this technique is that the finish line only gets faster as you work on the piece since you are working from the outside in!

Finally...if any of you wonder if people actually win on Instagram contests....yes, they do! 

This week I won a prize from Windham Fabrics and designer Tamara Kate!

It's even better than that. In the contest we were to "tag" a friend, which I did....so we both one an Aerial fabric bundle and our choices of  a pattern by Tamara Kate. 

The fabrics are soooo pretty...and I'll take them as a sign of Spring, too!

That's all for now. Of course, as always on a Sunday, I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching

A start and a finish

I think I'll take some extra time for slow stitching today. 

I took an online workshop yesterday with Sujata Shah on the making of Siddi quilts. It was so interesting to hear her speak of this Indian tradition of using leftovers scraps from making sari's, etc., to make bright beautiful quilts.

I first heard of this through Kathy's Quilts blog postings. You can read about it on her blog, HERE 

After I saw Kathy's post in the Fall I started to follow The Root Connection on Instagram, which is Sujata's Instagram handle. As soon as I saw another class was offered, I got right on it and signed up. 

One of the amazing things to come out of living through a world-wide pandemic is taking classes with people from all around the world. Sujata herself was teaching us from San Francisco, and there were people in the class from the US, France, Britain, Jerusalem, etc.

Here is my Kawandi (a word for this type of quilt), so far...

It doesn't like much yet, but I'm sure it will be beautiful. I love the mindset you have doing this, it's quite therapeutic. We weren't to plan what the final quilt will look like...just like life. We were to sew another piece according to how we felt about that piece of fabric just then.....and not to worry about pieces that you had already sewn...just like life, we can't go back to change the past. 

I've sewn in a few pieces of Dupioni silk...and I'm really loving that. I think I'll do another piece in the future with just silks. Might be a good idea to start hunting thrift shops for silk ties.

I did finish my Maja cardigan this past week. It's my first time knitting with Istex Lettlopi, and I love the light weight of it and the softness. I think this is a yarn that would feel itchy for people who are sensitive to wool, though.

I found some perfect buttons from Etsy, a vendor from Toronto, so it didn't take long for them to get here by post.

I wasn't going to buy ribbon to cover the steek, partially because I didn't know where one would buy such a thing, and because it wasn't really necessary, but I was ordering some yarn a week or so ago and saw the ribbon and it was so pretty...

I hope to have more time to do some stitching, but there are some chores to be done...we're ripping up some carpet and there are still staples to pull out. 

I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching.

Happy Valentine's Day !

 What a beautiful sunny morning...maybe the calm before the storm???

Looks like a good day to have a walk and catch some Vitamin D. 

I started my day, of course, with a bit of slow stitching. I've been poking away at the 6" blocks for my A Curious Journey BOM. 

These blocks were supposed to represent flowers, with green stitches for stems. But before I had really looked closely at the pattern I though they were clouds and rain, so I changed the colour to blue perle cotton and they are clouds and rain...

I've been knitting on my Maja cardigan. The picture is from yesterday, and this morning I've knitted up to where I will start the ribbing for the top of the sweater...

This sweater just comes to the waist. I had thought to make it a bit longer and I may have done a couple of extra rows, but it's lucky I didn't do much more as I had just the right amount of the blue yarn. 

This sweater was supposed to be part of a knitalong on Facebook but that was cancelled because most of that participants are in Nordic countries and they've had a shortage of the yarn that is called for. Luckily there are many people on the Facebook group that have knitted regardless, so lots of inspiration to be had. Funny thing, even though most of the people can't find the Icelandic yarn, I was able to order it from a shop only about an hour from where I live in Ontario!

It's always fun to learn something new. This week my "new" will be steeking this sweater. That's when you, in this case, knit the sweater in the round, then cut it up the the front centre of the sweater,  and knit the button bands on. lol...stay tuned for how that goes!

I'm going to try to be strict with myself once the sweater is done. I want to get back to quilting my Shimmer quilt. I'm sure all it will take is one week, maybe two, to have it finished. It's been loitering for too long now. I had meant this to be entered into the Fall Fair in 2020, but when that was cancelled the quilting of Shimmer seemed to stall.

And, no, I did not pose the animals for the photo!...

On that note, I think I'll get on with my day. Have a wonderful day, and maybe have a visit with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching to see what others are working on today.

Scrappy Saturday - yellow

Just checking in to report on my progress with the Rainbow Scrap Challenge for February.

My RSC21 challenge is to move along on my Chapman Coverlet. This is a do-able challenge for me as the blocks finish at just 2".

My goal is to do at least 10 of the little blocks if not more....and it almost always results in more because they are quick and easy.

 

This will be a real scrappy quilt in the end and I know I'm going to love it! Maybe I'll carve out some time this weekend to sew some of the blocks into four-sies. 

Here's a reminder of how these blocks will go together...

You can see on some of the blocks that I do think it's fun to fussy-cut when possible on quilts like this!

I've been taking part in a Boho Heart sewalong. This weekend I'd like to get week 2 completed. Here are the blocks from week 1...

I have no particular theme for the Boho Heart quilt, except for the fact that it is to be bright and cheerful.

One of the things I love about sewalongs through Facebook is the motivation...but more than that I like seeing all the different takes on a particular quilt from all around the world.

That's all for now...time to head up to the sewing room! I am linking up with So Scrappy's post for Scrap Happy Saturdays where we can see what others are working on in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.

Sunday Stitching

 We've had such blustery weather this week here in Southern Ontario...nice weather for catching up on some slow stitching (although, do I need an excuse???).

Today is much brighter, but very cold...not a bad day to get outside for some exercise except for the fact that all my joints are achey this morning....so another fine excuse to get some slow stitching done!

I've been poking away at my A Curious Journey BOM. This is a mystery sewalong, but I thought I'd put everything up on the design wall to see how it's looking. I have no idea yet how the blocks will go together, other than the fact that the four large blocks are sewn together.

I was working on these blocks this morning, many of the blocks have a bit of embroidery with perle cotton...

There are also 25 Windswept blocks to add to the mix...

....and I have quite a few of the 6" blocks still to do. Hmmm....maybe a bit of prep-work is in order for the day!

Again I've had my Auntie Green's Garden out to evaluate...

Even though it's been in the time-out pile for a couple of years, I still love it! This quilt will be my main focus after A Curious Journey comes to an end.

This was the first week of the Boho Heart Quilt Sewalong. I did manage to get this week's blocks done and I really like how they turned out. I'm determined to keep up with this and not let it fall by the wayside (famous last words!).

I am linking up, as usual on Sundays!, with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching. Enjoy your day!

Slow Sunday stitches

Like always, I managed to get some stitching done early today with my morning coffee.

I finished the Bathing Beauties block for my A Curious Journey quilt...

They aren't supposed to have faces but I feel like they at least need eyes??? We'll see...they are pretty cute, as is, also.

I also got one of these blocks almost done...there will be four of these...

I think the next time I do a post I should try to get everything up on the design wall that is completed for this quilt. There are 4 large blocks, and many, many 6" blocks. It's a mystery quilt, so I won't know the placement of anything yet, but it'll be nice to see what I've accomplished so far.

I did finally finish the final Windswept block for this quilt....

.....twenty of them, in all!!! I do like the bit of embroidery that is on  some of the blocks.

So, many of you know that I became a runner four years ago. During Covid it's become more and more difficult to find motivation to get out there for a run. Even remembering that my doctor told me months ago when the pandemic was in it's infancy that I should continue to run for the mental benefits. 

I haven't had a real attempt at running for over a month now....and even then it was pathetic....so discouraging. I've actually had thoughts of not running again...but I've invested so much energy into it already....and I remember how it was difficult for me to breathe while walking up Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls only a few months before I took up running. The heart health from running has been incredible.

A couple of days ago I finally started to read this book that I've had for probably 2 years now...

The Galloway Method focuses on short run/walk intervals...something good for older runners to avoid injury.

I actually got myself out there this morning on my favourite route in Waterford and experimented with the Galloway Method. I have to say, I felt like a "real" runner again, and I finished feeling strong. I needed this confidence booster!

In Ontario we are under Stay At Home orders, except for a few reasons, one being exercise. I can see why, as I feel terrific now after getting some fresh air and exercise. (Around my neck is a face covering that I pulled up when I chanced upon other people on the trail. There was actually a few young families out for a stroll today.)

On top of the Black Bridge...

I hope I remember this feeling through the week. It's going to inspire me to get out there again! I encourage (challenge?) everyone to get outside for a walk in the next few days. 

I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching. 

Rainbow Scrap Challenge for January....complete!

 I'm off to a good start with my January blocks for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. This month the colour is pink.

I'd decided to make at least ten blocks per month for my Chapman Coverlet to help move this quilt along a bit. Usually this is an excellent take-along project....but with a "stay at home" order now in effect there is nowhere to take this along to! 

The blocks are only 2" finished, so they whip up in no time. Afterwards they will be sewn into "four-sies".

Below is  a picture of what I have accomplished so far. Some of the top ones have been sewn together.

 

I had a nice comment on Instagram from a quilter who has completed her Chapman Coverlet. I took a look at hers and she says it took 1400 blocks! I don't know if she meant the individual blocks or 1400 of the sewn-together ones. I'll be able to do the math, as she also told me how big her quilt is. 

I had the thought to calculate how big I want my quilt to be so I would know how many blocks I need....but I don't think I want to know just yet....sounds too scary, lol.

It's a pretty laid-back day today. I'm using some of the day to do some applique prep-work for my Curious Journey quilt. 

This BOM is a mystery quilt. Maybe after I complete a few more of the small blocks I'll put everything up on the design wall to get an idea of how this may go together. I know some people can't handle the though of doing a mystery quilt...but I love them!....and, of course, I'm a sucker for a sewalong.

It's a beautiful, sunny day outside...we've been having such extremely dreary days lately. Maybe I'll put on some real clothes later and go for a walk to soak up some Vitamin D. 

I am linking up with SoScrappy for the RSC21 (Rainbow Scrap Challenge '21). 

How is everyone?

 Here we are...a week already into the new year. 

In Ontario, where I live, we are in a lockdown situation to try to curb the numbers of Covid cases. I think the next week should give us a bit of an idea of whether it is working or not, as we are now 2 weeks into lockdown...which is also 2 weeks after the pre-Christmas scramble. 

I'm going to try to continue to look on the bright side of things. I feel fortunate to be someone who has always been a homebody....and extremely fortunate to have a number of hobby's to keep me active...quilting, knitting, reading. 

I have to admit, this time of year is always difficult for me so I'm going to double my efforts to look on the bright side and keep somewhat active. Maybe a nice walk is in order today.

I've been enjoying my knitting...I had started this sweater early in 2020 but it got put aside so I could work on Christmas knitting. I knitted the sleeves since Christmas and it's now complete. It's also very comfortable and I'm so glad it fits!

Of course, I had to start on the next sweater right away!...

As for applique, on Saturday I worked on some of the blocks for my A Curious Journey BOM...

There are so many assorted 6.5" blocks that I still need to do for this BOM...but it's getting there!

This morning I worked on some of the applique blocks for my Spice Market quilt. This quilt is mostly machine-piecing, but there are 5 circle blocks to do. Here are the three that are done, so far...

See the little block in the above picture?...68 more are needed!...so I'll just do a few every once in a while and they'll get done.

The difficult part of these blocks is that I feel no forgiveness with the solid fabrics. It's hard to hide stitches!....I will just do my best and be happy with them. 

These blocks start with some reverse applique. Here is the block from this morning...

Here it is stitched, and cutting away a layer to start the next bit of reverse applique...

....and here is where I left things this morning....

I think next time I'll have to get pictures of the design wall showing my progress on Spice Market and on A Curious Journey. 

I've continued to "cull the herd" when it comes to my UFO's. It is such a relief to let go of some of them. I'm hoping this will free something in me to actually get some of them completed!

I did finish my Farm Girl Vintage quilt this week. This was a UFO that I never had doubts on finishing. I just need to do the hand-sewing on the binding....not my favourite thing, although I know many who enjoy it. 

That's all for now. I hope everyone is doing well...as well as possible...and keeping busy doing something you love doing. 

I  am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching.

Goodbye 2020

 Well, we've made it to the end of what has probably been one of the most difficult year's most of us have ever been through. 

I do want to reflect a bit today on what good I want to take from this pandemic time into my future....things like slowing down the pace a bit, and enjoying life's little pleasures.

I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but I do have one in mind inspired by my friend Terry. 2021 will be the year of tackling UFO's!!! Really, I mean it this time!!!

I also want to continue the Intermittent Fasting lifestyle that I've enjoyed for over two years now. I can't see any reason that I would stop since I feel much healthier and younger for it.

Yesterday I pulled out the first UFO that I had in mind to tackle...my Geometric Fun quilt...

This is three of the 20 blocks in the quilt. I have to say, it is not a user-friendly pattern...which is why I walked away from it in May 2019. But, I've always intended to get back to it.

Looking at it on the design wall I just felt a bit of dread. So, I've let this one go...no longer a UFO, but a ______ (we have to think of an acronym for a quilt that we decide to never finish). Quilting is something I do for fun...this quilt is not fun and there is still much to complete. I do feel a sense of relief making the decision to not continue....so it must be the right choice.

So many choices of what to work on. I've decided on returning to my Midnight at the Oasis, a Jen Kingwell design...

I'll say this one is 4yrs old....I know I was hand-piecing the triangles on the centre medallion on an airplane in December of 2016. There are a number of small churn-dash blocks on one of the following rounds and that stopped me from continuing. I am glad to return to this quilt...what a difference from when I had the previous quilt up on the design wall!

You'll notice that I've added a new "button" over in the right-hand margin for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2021. I think I may join in on it this year (crap, did I just break my resolution before 2021 even started????). It's a way of busting the stash a bit....it's worth a look if you want to consider joining in. Just click on the button and it will take you over to SoScrappy's blog, the host of the RSC. The colour for January is pink. 

I've finally had time during my Christmas break to do a bit of sewing. I think I'll try to incorporate a bit of sewing in each of my days....I really do seem to get a lot more done by hand than machine!

Here is what I've been working on this week, my Spice Market quilt...

This is not the final layout for Spice Market, it's just all the blocks completed so far, hung willy-nilly. The next step is many, many appliqued circle blocks. I find the solid fabrics very unforgiving when doing needleturn applique....I will have to some fancy quilting later on to disguise that fact!

I've just thought of something to work on for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge!....and I won't be breaking my "no new project" resolution!  I have been working sporadically on my Chapman Coverlet....well, not quite sporadically, make that rarely. So I will make 10 blocks per month....they are quick and so easy, they just measure 2.5" unfinished. Easy peasy.

I will be very happy to get back to my Chapman Coverlet. It will be a glorious quilt, I'm sure....if you like scrappy, and I do.

 Has anyone watched Bridgerton on Netflix? I finished it yesterday, and I find myself reading this post in the narrator's voice, who happens to be Julie Andrews. 

Well, I'd better go and get something accomplished...or not. It may be a lazy day today. I've actually dressed up a bit to usher out the old year in style....so maybe I'll relax with an extra cup of coffee and my book. 

I am linking up with Confessions of a Fabric Addict for Can I Get A Whoop, Whoop?

Happy New Year everyone!

Christmas balls and a special gift...

Looks like a good day to do a bit of extra slow stitching...dreary, rainy.

I've not done any applique for a while. I've been enjoying taking part in a knit-along hosted by knitting gurus, Arne and Carlos. 

It's an Advent project...knitting a Christmas ball every day from December 1st to the 24th. They knit up fairly quickly...I work on them during my morning coffee, and try to finish it off through the day at some point. 

Arne and Carlos do a short YouTube video every day to introduce the ball of the day, and share a story or two...usually relating to Norwegian or Swedish Christmas traditions. I usually knit along while watching their daily "Sit and knit for a bit" videos.  

I wish I had learned to knit the Norwegian way, it looks very efficient. I think I would have a hard time switching up my method after so many years of knitting the way that I do. I am gifting one of my son's some knitting needles and lovely yarn for Christmas so he can try his hand at knitting. I plan on teaching him....but I'll also suggest he try to start out using the Norwegian method. What is your preferred method???

Here are a few of my favourite Christmas balls....so far...

I'm quite disappointed in the white yarn I bought for these. The red and green are 100% wool...but there was no white in that particular brand. I was in a rush that day and picked up a white ball of yarn that had "Merino" in big bold letters on the label. After working with it a bit and not liking it I looked a bit closer at the label....10% merino wool, and 90% acrylic!! Lesson learned!

I will make more of these through the year from time to time but I will use some proper yarn that I actually have on backorder right now.

What I have enjoyed, also, with this project is the learning I have done along the way. For instance, the first batch of balls looked a bit 
"off" in my increases and decreases. I realised that I was doing it incorrectly, and actually learned a new-to-me way of increasing stitches. Nice!

I had such a nice surprise this week. I received a gift in the mail from Gail, a fellow blogger....you can visit her HERE, The Cozy Quilter.

Gail had seen a picture I had posted on Instagram...

....and she says that the very next day she saw a pattern for a quilt block that reminded her of my picture. She decided to make it up and send it along to me as a surprise gift!

I love it!!!...

In these days of bad news on a ongoing basis, it sure makes one treasure the kindness that others show one another. Thanks again, Gail, xo. I think this "portrait of me from the knees down" (as you put it) will hang in my sewing room all year round!

I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching. I think I'll sit back with an extra cup of coffee and see what everyone else is working on today.