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. 

A finish and a start....

This week it feels so good to be back to a bit of needle-turn applique.

I've been doing a lot of knitting lately, and a bit of handquilting. 

I added a few pieces to this block of my Animal Album quilt, designed by Kim McLean, one of my favourite designers. I think this is the third of her quilts that I have done.

What got me back to my applique was receiving the instructions this week for Block 2 in a BOM I'm doing, A Curious Journey by Susan Smith. I've started a Susan Smith quilt in the past which is currently in the UFO pile :(

Here is Block 1 of this quilt...

For Block 2, I decided to actually follow instructions. Some designers will have you glue all the pieces onto the background all at once, then start stitching. I thought the un-sewn pieces would just get in the way...and at first they seemed to, but after just this morning working on this block it feels ok. 

Will I continue with this method?...probably not. But I do believe in at least trying because you just never know when you'll find something that will just tweak what you already have in your tool box.

That is not all of the applique pieces, there will some fish swimming about in the middle, etc.

Here is what I accomplished this morning....a little bit of stems and tulips...

Some other slow-stitching this week was sewing the binding on my Unity quilt, which was the latest Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt. Man, I worked hard on the piecing in the last week to get this done. I didn't do the last border because I just needed this one done. I hurried so much that my final border did not work out just right. I regret that, but told myself that the 4-year old that was receiving this for a birthday present would not notice, or care....what a rotten attitude, I know....and I'm not usually one to think this way. I hate to admit it, but there you go...now you know!

And here is Lachlan with his quilt....only a week late for his birthday!

Coming up this week is Canada Day. To celebrate, my grandson, Kirby, and I signed up for a Canada Day Virtual 5k (all the races so far this year are virtual, so sad).

We ran the race yesterday at the track that is in the Fisherville Lion's Park.

It was hot...too hot for me. I'm not a good runner in the heat and humidity, but we got it done! 

It makes me so happy that my grandson likes to run with me!

I always wear a "buff" on my head when I run and I bought this one for my race in Scotland last year...

It was nice to wear it again yesterday to celebrate our Canada Day Virtual 5k!

On that note, I'll wish you a happy Canada Day...hopefully we can all find a way to celebrate even if that means a little extra time to get some slow-stitching done!

I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching. I think I'll take a bit of time to see what others are working on today, hopefully you can, too!

Slow stitching....

Some early morning slow stitching going on here this morning...as per usual. 

A little earlier than usual as I have to be on my way soon to Niagara Falls for a race....looks like a beautiful day for it, too!

Here's the best picture I could take yesterday of the Falls when we went down yesterday for my race kit...

....and here's a picture of me yesterday trying to rock a red lipstick....I figured if I could be confident enough to do the red lip, I would be a confident runner today!....

This morning I've been working on my Chapman Coverlet blocks (since I haven't been able to take the time to prep other applique).

I love these little blocks, they are 2.5" unfinished and use up my scraps nicely. I pulled this project back out this month as it is a perfect one to work on during travel. I went to Scotland this month and am happy to say I loved every moment of it. It was everything I'd hoped it would be and I think if I didn't have family ties here I would definitely become a Highland girl.

I know it may look like a hot mess at the moment but it will be glorious when it's done. To me, it will be representative of what a quilt means to me....a cacophony of colour (I love alliteration!).

This week I also managed to put a few quilting stitches into my Shimmer quilt, which had been put aside as it was a bit warm to work on during the Summer...

Here are a couple of highlights from our trip to Scotland...

I love the castles we saw. This is Doune Castle. I wonder if it looks familiar to any of you? As the sign says, it was featured in Game of Thrones, which I've never seen as I don't get the channel, but I'm told I would enjoy it. 

It was also used for Monty Python and the Holy Grail....when I was in the small gift shop as we paid our entrance I asked if there were there any coconuts for sale, lol....and the answer was yes! 

And, for you Outlander fans (like myself), it represented Castle Leoch in the TV show.

The headphones that were available to narrate during touring around the castle actually had Terry Jones (Monty Python) and Sam Heughan (our Jamie) as narrators. 

I'm just posting this picture because I like it so much. It is Urquhart Castle, overlooking Loch Ness...

...and Loch Ness itself, so beautiful...this one taken at the charming town of Fort Augustus...

I did do a 10k race at Loch Ness / Inverness while I was there...so exciting! I admit to a couple of tears at the starting gate as I thought of my Granny emigrating from Scotland 99 years ago...

(best race logo, ever!)...

Well, that's about all I have time for this morning! Have a wonderful Sunday and I hope you can take time for some slow stitching of your own.

I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching. Check it out to see what others are working on today.

Stitching on a Sunday

I feel like I usually start my posts with a comment about the weather...so why should today be any different?

After a beautiful day yesterday, today seems blustery and grey. It's milder so the precipitation is rain instead of the white stuff. 

Seems like a perfect day for extra slow stitching time, a bit of book reading and continued de-stashing in the sewing room.

Yes, finally this week I began the ruthless process of packing up fabrics that I'm not in love with anymore. 

You see, the problem the last while has been that my newer additions to the stash have accumulated into piles here and there in the sewing room. I've known that I wanted to do a major overhaul, but it's difficult to make the time. 

My goal is to just take a half hour here and there to make progress. I have to say, I've already filled 2.5 of those large, clear garbage bags and it feels so good! 

These fabrics will find a new home and be used by someone else.


On Friday I went to the third of four classes at Quilt Junction on wool applique stitching....featuring little Sue Spargo kits.

Here is the block that I've recently completed...

This is the block we worked on this month...

Some of the stitches seem like they are going to be so difficult, such as the Pekinese Stitch that we learned this month. This is the stitching around the upper wings on the butterfly. Turns out it is super simple and quite lovely.

This mornings slow stitching was prepping the block for next month's class. All the pieces get stitched down with a fine, blind stitch.....

So, one of the reasons I took this class is that I've been stitching away at my Summertime Sampler BOM and quite enjoying it. Here you can see a block stitched as instructed using a blanket-stitch around all the pieces....which is quite nice....

....but when I heard of the stitching class being offered, I thought wouldn't it be fun to add some "Spargo" to these blocks!

Here is the Summertime Sampler block that I am currently working on...

Yup, I'm in love with the look of the stitches, and the process of figuring out which stitches to use!


I took part in the St. Patricks Day 5k down in Hamilton yesterday...such a beautiful, sunny day...not too cold, although there was a crisp breeze coming in off of Lake Ontario. Perfect conditions for me!

Here are Paula and I waiting for the starting gun...

Note to self....wear green next year! 

Paula runs a bit quicker than I do...typically by the 1k marker I lose sight of her. Yesterday I seemed to be always within 100' of her and the thought crossed my mind that she was having an "off" day.

Well, it turns out that I happened to run my fastest 5k ever! If it hadn't been a timed event I would have been sure my watch had malfunctioned!!! I'm still on Cloud 9 this morning :)

I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching. Hopefully you can visit with her today as she has a particularly interesting project to share with you.

Happy New Year !

I had a difficult time figuring out what my goal will be for January.

I've chosen to work on my Farm Girl Vintage quilt...

I have completed a couple more blocks lately. This will be a UFO that definitely needs moving along this year!

This will be a completed quilt in 2019!!!!

So, my goal this month will be to get eight more blocks done. I was going to say six, but nope, eight it will be!


I finished my little bit of colour that I started on the weekend. I needed a quick colour "fix" and this was quick and easy. Love it!

It's back to work for me today after a nice two weeks off. 

I had intended on doing some organising and straightening-up in the sewing room. What got accomplished?....nothing :(

It will actually just be a half-day on the longarm as I'll be on an outing to Niagara Falls this afternoon to run an errand. 



I did get my run in on Sunday....wasn't sure how it would be with the bit of snow we'd gotten overnight, but it just made for a beautiful run on the trail. 

Here is my running buddy, enjoying the moment ....

That's it for now....Happy New Year everyone!

I am linking up with Lorna for Let's Bee Social (I'm looking forward to her Harry Potter Quiltalong!), Susan at Quilt Fabrication for Midweek Makers, and with Elm Street Quilts for One Monthly Goal - January.

Love those sewalongs!

Not much going on around here lately as my focus is on keeping up with the longarming until I have to take a little break for my son's wedding and my trunk show.

I have tried to squeeze in a little time for catching up on a couple of sewalongs.

Here is my Farmer's Daughter block, which is this month's block for the Eleanor Burn's Fun on the Farm Sewalong...

I tried to square it up with a bit of a wonk in it, for interest, but there wasn't enough room to wonk it enough....so it may just look like a mistake. Oh, well!


A friend of mine is leading a sewalong with one of the guild's that is taking place online. It's called "I Am Enough". If you are on Instagram, check it out with the hashtag #iamenoughquiltalong.

What is it about sewalongs/quiltalongs that I find so hard to resist??? I don't know!!!!!

Here is my first block, The Colour Wheel, which is supposed to set the tone for the quilt...

In my last post, I wrote on how I was going on a trail run with my run buddy, my daughter, and her girlfriend. I just have to share a couple of pictures of that wonderful morning out in nature...

I hope we can make it back to the Dundas Conservation Area before Winter sets in for another run :)

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

Have a great day!

Sunday Stitches

I only had a little bit of time for stitching this morning.

It was enough time, however, to finish this block of my Summertime Sampler...

As much as I don't enjoy doing French Knots, I do like the effect of them on the Hosta.

Then I got a start on the dreaded binding on my nephew's wedding quilt. I know, I know, this is something that people enjoy, lol....the only thing I like is that it means for a completed quilt!....and that this one will be done in time for the wedding!

Now, to get ready for my outing this morning. 

I am going on a run with my friend to the Dundas Valley Conservation Area to re-run the route that is the Sulphur Springs Trail Run...even more special since my daughter and her girlfriend will be joining us.

I'll make sure to take some pictures. The first time I ran this trail was a practice run in the Spring...(I love this picture)....

.....and we came across a group of hikers taking a picture of their dogs....

So, you'll notice in those pictures, taken in April, the trees were still bare.

Flip forward to actual race-day a month later...

....everything was green and lush, a different kind of beauty from the month before. I also love this picture because it reminds me that at that moment I was quite choked up and almost in tears at the beauty around me. 

Today I expect yet another beautiful run with the leaves starting to change colour. I just hope we don't get lost! This time we won't have a seasoned coach with us, or a group of runners in a race to keep us on track.....but we'll have a map! Wish us luck!

I am linking up with Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching.

Have a lovely day!