Scrappy days...

I'm taking a couple of days to work on some scrappy quilts....my favourite.

I know there are so many UFO's in the sewing room (as someone was kind enough to remind me), but I couldn't resist the 15-day mystery sewalong hosted by Edyta Sitar.

Here is my quilt, made of 30's fabrics from my stash...

There's a couple of bits I would change if I did it over, but I'm pretty happy with it. I was not going to do a border, but Edyta showed us a few options and I really like the pieced option. I think it would set this quilt off nicely. On the other hand, it would be nice just to call this one done! lol


For a long time I've wanted to do Jen Kingwell's Halo quilt and it's actually started. Now there is an Instagram sewalong for Halo, where you try to finish and post 2 blocks per week. I've joined in as it seems like a good way to get back to this quilt. Here are the four blocks that I had already pieced...

This would be a good one to piece by hand....but I already have enough slow stitching projects on the go.


Next bit of scrappiness??....my ongoing leaders-and-enders project, log cabin blocks made of 1" logs...

I know there is not a lot on contrast, but I also know that I am going to absolutely love this quilt. I can already picture it on my bed!!

Does anyone else find that once you start down the rabbit hole of fussy-cutting you tend to try to incorporate it all the time?

For instance, the peace sign...

....and my hedgehogs...I wish I'd purchased more of that one!...

 ...some bunnies...

 ...I love the kiwi fabric...

..and some words...

I keep a stack of partially made log cabins next to the sewing machine and they turn into finished blocks surprisingly quickly.


Last bit of scrappy for today is the mystery quilt that Bonnie Hunter is running currently, called Unity. As always with Bonnie's quilt patterns, there is always a lot of piecing involved!

Even a bit of "ghastly" fuss-cutting going on...

I feel a little guilty to get this personal sewing time, as we as quilters have been called on to make items for "the cause", but I'm going to sweep that guilt away....we've all been doing what we can.

I did get some scrub caps made for ICU nurses...there was a call out for some in a city near here....

I know my daughter's girlfriend seemed to appreciate getting a few. She works across the border in health care and says it's pretty bad there :(

This weekend we all expected to be sewing gowns for our local LTC facility, which has been hit especially hard but the kits for the gowns did not arrive before the weekend. So I am taking this bit of personal sewing time for myself, knowing that it'll be a busy week ahead.

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

I am also linking up with Cynthia over at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework.

The brain is a mysterious thing....

Something strange happened this week.

A few years ago now I had been working on a quilt called Auntie Green's Garden, by Irene Blanck.

I loved it and I loved working on it....until I didn't. 

About a year ago I asked myself the tough question....did I really think I would get back to working on this quilt?? The answer was "no". 

I actually felt a little relief in letting myself off the hook. I figured I would just quilt up what I had completed so far and call it a quilt.

What a shame :(

Fast forward to this past week...I really haven't thought of Auntie Green in a long while and, for some reason, it popped into my head and I said to myself that this quilt really deserved to be finished in it's entirety.

Where the heck did that come from?...who knows. Like I said in the title of this post, the brain can be so mysterious. 

Here is the quilt as it was left, a long time ago...

So, there is a floral border on the top and bottom to do, then a vine thing around the final border. So close!

I think I'll put aside other applique until this one is done. 

There is one problem though.

When I put this quilt aside, it gave me freedom to get rid of fabrics that I wasn't so much interested in anymore....which are a lot of the fabrics needed for this quilt. I hope I can "make do" with what I have left in my stash.

I wish I knew how women in the past... or even now...would hand-quilt a crosshatch pattern on their quilts without it getting all wonky. I imagine that kind of quilting on this quilt....and the enjoyment I would get out of stitching it. 

I'll have ask Dr.  Google!

(I've taken a minute to look up this quilt on my blog...and it has indeed been at least 4 years since I contemplated working on it)

I had plans to do a long run this morning, but it's snowing pretty good here at the moment (hmmmm, an unexpected sew day??). I think I'll delay my run until tomorrow and actually do a bit of prep-work on Auntie Green's Garden...then I'll know that this is a real thing and not just a wish...sounds like a plan, right?
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This morning I completed the binding on my Temperature Quilt 2019...

If you'd like to see the completed quilt, have a look HERE...I wrote a post about it on Friday. 

I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching, and with Cynthia for Oh, Scrap!. 

A Potpourri of Slow Stitching

We are still in the middle of a snowstorm this morning, which seems to make for perfect hand-stitching weather. I see so many people on social media that are in agreement, be it stitching, knitting, etc.

My slow stitching today consists of a bit of this and a bit of that.

First up....actually on Saturday...was finishing the binding on my Queen's Garden....

I'm happy with it, and I am even happier it's now a completed project :)

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I have completed two stars for my Temperature quilt for 2020...

My goal is to kind of keep up, and then sew a star together once a week.

I'm starting to second-guess this one, actually. It's easy enough to do, but for both stars I have a bit of a bump in the middle. Not sure whether to continue, or hope that it will "quilt out" in the end. I'm hoping it's from the bulk and maybe it will be a little better once the papers are removed. Or could it be that my template is a bit off?

I think if I had recorded the "low" temperatures this month I'd probably be switching this up for another design :(

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I've always liked the idea of making a mug rug, but never got around to doing any. At Christmas a friend gifted me with two cute Christmas-themed mug rugs, and it turns out that I really enjoyed using them...thanks TA!

So, I thought, I'll have to make one for everyday use.

On another note....I was never one to save selvedges, until lately when I noticed some of them are quite cute and some have cute sayings on them. So, I started saving them for "one day".

Yesterday I sewed some of these selvedges into a mug run and this morning I quickly sewed up the binding...

I really like it! I will take note for next time to use a 2-1/4" binding strip instead of 2-1/2"...I think it will be much more tailored looking.

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I didn't work on my Over The Hill today, but I did work on it this week. 

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Now for my PSA....a cautionary tale....

When our guests were here from Alberta last week we took them to the Hamilton Farmers' Market....I don't think I've been for at least 40 years! 

It's wonderful and we will definitely not wait 40 years to go back again!

I came across a booth selling turmeric root and had to buy some. I'd never seen it before, I usually just use the powdered stuff from the bulk store.  (Can you tell where this is going yet?)

I used it a couple of days ago, and here's what happened...

I don't know why it's not showing in the picture, but a lot of the skin on my fingers is bright gold, too!

So, next time I will use gloves...or just stick to the powdered version!!! 

I have a manicure booked for Tuesday....not sure whether to keep the appointment or not, lol.

Have a cozy Sunday!...hopefully your's will include a bit of stitching, too.

I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching, and with Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework  for Oh Scrap.

Taking it slow...

What a nice morning to take it slow and get some extra stitching done.

It's a dreary morning....and I'm glad it wasn't like this yesterday morning!

On Saturday morning I ran my first official 10k in the Hamilton Road2Hope. I ran a good strong race and was faster than expected. We ran along the beachfront in Hamilton and for me it was a lovely, reflective run. I thought back over the last year and what I have accomplished and I also thought fondly of people no longer with me. 

Here are myself, Paula and Uli ( two wonderful new friends I've made through running ), and my BIL and SIL, Bob and Elaine....who started their running journey in April. All of us feeling nervous for our first 10k!

Here are Paula and I trying to keep warm before racetime...

....and so special to cross the finish line with Bob. We've known each other for 37 years and I'm sure neither of us could imagine in our wildest dreams taking on this adventure.

So, it's been nice to take some extra time this morning and look back on the race while taking some stitches in my Down the Rabbit Hole...

This is certainly the part of slow stitching that is special...the peaceful time that it gives to reflect on the goings on in my life. I will never take this for granted.

I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching and with Cynthia for Oh, Scrap!.

Many slow stitches....

I've had a nice start to my Sunday with my slow stitching....as usual!

The last couple of mornings I've listened to an audio book while stitching and I've quite enjoyed it. I wasn't sure I wouldn't start daydreaming while listening to an audio book, so the first story I've chosen is an old favourite so I wouldn't worry about missing some...but it turns out it is quite easy to keep up with the narration!

This morning I've had a few pieces to put finishing touches on.

The first is an applique quilt that I gifted many years ago and has been well-loved. I think the quilt is called Prairie Flowers and I would love to do this pattern again one day as I still love it.

I was asked to repair the applique that has come loose. I know that none of us likes mending, and I've been putting this chore off all Summer, but to my surprise it was quite pleasing re-visiting this old favourite!

Most of the applique is still intact...but there were a few places that needed attention...

....and, all fixed....

Many parts of the vines around the border need repair. Surprising to me was that it didn't take too long to fix things up. 


Another bit of stitching this morning was putting the final stitches into the first Flowerville block. 

This is a project that doesn't see the light of day too often, but now that I've finished the first block I'm looking forward to starting the next.

Pretty, isn't it??


Then I turned my attention back to Down the Rabbit Hole. Here is what is on the design wall at the moment...






























   The wedge design at the top is what I am working on now...just three more to go...

That's all for today....it's going to be a busy one. I will be giving a trunk show this week and today is the day to get all packed up! It's quite the thing to gather up all the quilts, get them all folded just so so that they fit most economically into the suitcases....all in specific order for the evening's talk. Luckily, I have a very good assistant to help me! If any of you are in Fergus this week for the trunk show, come up and say hello!

I am linking up with Kathy's Quilts  for Slow Sunday Stitching and with Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework for Oh, Scrap!.

Have a wonderful day!

Quilting....and a puppy update!

I was not able to do as much stitching this morning as usual, but I did manage a bit.

I've been trying to get a nice picture of my quilting without much success...

....and when I went to stitch this morning, the sun was catching the quilt just right...

LOL, you can practically see every stitch!

I'm turning the first corner...only three sides to go.

The challenge on this border has been marking my lines so I can see where to quilt. You can see in the first picture I've been trying painters' tape. It works but I don't find it easy.

I came across a marking tool I've had for years and gave it a try. It's this Clover chalk tool...

I don't know how I forgot about this marking tool, it was always a favourite. It's called the ChacoLiner, and I'm not sure if they are even sold anymore.

So, this morning I marked my lines by laying the tape down and drawing a line along the tape with my ChacoLiner, then removing the tape. Works for me!

 I had this tool in a white chalk, also. I'll have to have a look for it as I think it would show up better. You can kinda see the line where the red arrow is pointing to. It shows up enough for me to be able to quilt it.

Soon I'll have stitching of another kind to work on. I gifted a quilted a while back, I'm thinking in 2004. It's been so well-loved that I've been asked if I could please repair some of the applique that's come loose.

It was so nice to see this quilt again. I love it so much that a part of me would love to do it again so I could keep it!

There are pieces all over the quilt that will need a bit of stitching, like the pink heart shown here and lots of the vine...

This is what a quilter loves....to see that their quilts are being used!

Puppy Update!!!

On Tuesday Minnie gave birth to three pups...

It was an exciting morning, and Minnie was a trooper. Cooper was pacing and trying to peek at what the heck was going on....

You can see that Minnie tore up the box while in labour. Don't worry, we have her and her family all set up in a clean, fresh bed...

My husband said that my "training" in watching Call the Midwife had finally come to good use. Haha!

I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching. I am so envious reading her post today....I wish I was further along with my Life is Beautiful as hers is looking great!

I am also linking with Cynthia for Oh, Scrap!. She always has a good scrappy story to tell!

Have a lovely Summer's day!

Re-stitching

I hope to be out enjoying a beautiful Summer's day today.

My garden has been sadly neglected, so I'll try to get some fussing done with that and start re-thinking what the future of this perennial  bed will be in the coming years. 

As always though, I started my day with a bit of slow-stitching. 

Last week I had to rip out four blocks and correct a mistake...luckily it didn't take long at all....I've gotten three done now, and one to go...

It was easier to applique them the second time as the pieces held their "needle-turn" from the first time :)


We've had a few clues that Minnie is getting closer to her time. By this time next week she shall be a momma!

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We prepared her bed yesterday with some newspapers and she jumped right in and started to get comfy. Yes, the time is near!


This week I managed to get my fabrics organised for the upcoming mystery offered at Meadow Mist Designs called Magnolia Mystery. I'm looking forward to starting as Cheryl's last mystery quilt was so well done.

I couldn't resist the fabric second from the left....remember the "fortune" tellers we played with as children? I can't remember if we had a name for them???? I wonder, if I got out a piece of paper could I make one again?...I think I could!

My background fabric is yardage I've had for over ten years...I'm actually going to use the "other" side of the fabric since I like it better.

I think I'll make it my goal today to actually take some slow stitching outside and do some stitching in the fresh air!

I am linking up with Kathy at Kathy's Quilts for Slow Sunday Stitching (if you leave a comment on her blogpost today, you are in for a chance to win a giveaway!), and with Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework for Oh,Scrap!.

Have a good one!

Stitching on a Sunday

This morning I sat and stitched away at my centre medallion for the Down the Rabbit Hole BOM.

I think we are supposed to applique 54 leaves at this point. I should count, because it felt like more! I just kept sewing them on 'til it looked full.

....and I think I'm done!....

I like it!

Now, onto the next bit. A border will be sewn on then construction of a border of houses. I hope to get a bit of a start on the houses through the next week.

Please have a visit with Kathy's Quilts for Slow Sunday Stitching to see what others are working on today, and with Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework for Oh, Scrap!.

Have a wonderful Spring day....hopefully you'll get to spend some time outdoors in your garden like I plan to do!

Rabbit Holes and Pineberries!

I did manage to get a few stitches in this morning despite sleeping in a bit. A perfect morning for it as it is rainy, cold and gloomy! I'm supposed to go for a run in an hour, but it's hard to imagine getting motivated to get ready and out the door!

I've been making steady progress on my Down The Rabbit Hole BOM. 

I still need to prep a few of the circular flowers.  I do have some ready but I'm not sure they will show up against the background.

Here they are placed on the piece....would love some feedback. I probably will replace them, it wouldn't be much at all to do so.

Hmmm, looking at the picture, I think I can see my answer clearly!


We've had a bit of a start to Spring gardening. We've planted something called Pineberries...

They are like a strawberry, but white and with the flavour of pineapples. Most of them have been planted in the garden, but we've read that they can do well in containers, so we've put two in a pot...

They seem to be happy, so far!

I am linking up with Kathy's Quilts for Slow Sunday Stitching and with Quilting is More Fun Than Housework for Oh, Scrap!.

Have a lovely Spring day!