A Mini Update....

So far, so good.

Last week I started on a new little project hosted by Temecula Quilt Co. called Marvelous Mini Monday.

It's a twelve week sewalong and I'm doing well so far on week 2...

The block is 4" unfinished....so that wee bit in the middle is 1-1/2"!

I did not fussy-cut the centre...but it sure looks like it!

I haven't had a great history on working in mini-sized blocks, but have learned a bit along the way to improve my work.

I am one to press to the dark side, but on small work...such as HST's 1-1/2" or smaller I press open to help the block lay flatter....

On this block I tried using starch on the fabric for the HST's before using it....and I think that helped.

I also reduced my stitch size. I'm not sure that helped, but I tend to think so.

And...what would I do without my lovely stiletto made for me by a friend?? It really helps hold things in place as they are sewn. I hadn't realised how much I rely on the stiletto until recently when I did not pack it for a Retreat.....I kept reaching for it, but it wasn't there. I recommend trying to get used to using one, you will love it.

When the block was done I gave it another light spritz of starch and pressed it...what a lovely flat block I had in the end.

I hope some of you have decided to join in on this sewalong!

Linking up today with Quilt Fabrication for Midweek Makers, Confessions of a Fabric Addict for I May Have a Scrap Problem and with Sew Fresh Quilts for Let's Bee Social.

Have a great day!

A Marvelous Mini

What's this about not starting new projects? You know what they say about good intentions!

I read Kathy's blog post today over at Kathy's Quilts. She talks about starting up a 12-week sew-along hosted on Temecula Quilt Company's blog. The sew-along is called  Marvelous Mini Mondays.

I couldn't resist.

I mean, really, the first block took me all of ten minutes! The blocks in this mini measure 4" unfinished. 

Anyone else want to join in???

I will be using scraps from my ongoing Midnight at the Oasis.

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 Fridays.

Have a great weekend!

Food, food and more food! (and Lorna!)

Well, I don't think I'll be eating much for the next few days!

I've had two guild meetings the last two days....and a potluck meal at each of the meetings. So good....so much food!

There was a festive air at both meetings, everyone chattering away looking forward to Summer. Almost the same excitement as when we meet again in September.

I've been looking forward to yesterday's meeting in particular since we had Lorna McMahon from Sew Fresh Quilts as our guest speaker. 

I knew I'd want to buy a pattern or two of Lorna's, and it was so difficult to choose....but I did narrow it down to three...

We got to see all of her quilts in person.....

...and listen to Lorna talk about her quilts.....she is such an entertaining speaker! Thanks, Lorna, for a great trunk show!

As for stitching....finally, I have finished this block for my Life is Beautiful quilt....

I've been working on this block since before Christmas. I haven't enjoyed it. The only thing I like about it is that it is done! Ha!

So nice to start on the next block...

I'm linking up today with Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts for Let's Bee Social, with Susan at Quilt Fabrication for Midweek Makers and with Mama Spark's World for WIPs With Friends.

Sunday Stitches....with a new thread!

Today I have absolutely no plans.

I just had to type that first sentence and see it for myself. I think I've been very busy lately for me to appreciate the thought of no plans at all! It would have been the icing on the cake to be able to finally pay attention to my perennial bed, but the weather is not cooperating....so maybe some sewing-room time is in order!


I was able to put a few stitches into my hand-quilting this morning. I'd better find more time for this one if it's going to be ready for Fall Fair season. Oh well, if not, there is always next year.

Also on the slow-stitching front.....I was able to test a new thread that's on the market. 

My husband actually asked, "Isn't thread just thread?". I replied by pointing out to him that he has to admit that tools that he uses can differ brand by brand!!!

So, here we go!

I had noticed on blogs I've been reading that there is a new Aurifil thread.....an 80wt that is meant for applique (at least I assume that that is the intention!).

As always, in Canada we have to wait just a little longer for a product to appear....but I finally laid my hands on a couple of spools...

First off, there is a lovely sheen to the thread on the spool....even after taking the plastic wrap off, lol. The sheen may not mean anything to the way the thread handles, but it sure looks pretty. 

I used the grey thread to work on one of my Dutch Treat blocks the last couple of mornings...

Even in the real-life, up-close world I can barely see my stitches!

I had absolutely no tangles or twist-ups in the stitching of this block.

When I first started to applique I was a real silk thread snob. Since then I've switched to fine cotton thread and I love it. I have to admit, if I didn't already have a lifetime supply of thread (really!), I would most definitely be using this new Aurifil thread.

To be clear, I have no affiliation that is swaying my opinion.

For anyone just getting their feet wet in the world of hand-stitching and wondering what colours one should start out buying, I'll give the same advice that was given to me. Buy three spools.....perhaps greys.....one light, one medium and one dark. That will get you started, no problem!

While I'm at it I will share a new-to-me marking tool. 

It's this Uniball silver gel pen. You can see in the picture how it has a shimmer to it. So far, it shows up on any colour fabric that I've used it on. The only problem...it doesn't go away. I'm being really careful to actually make sure it gets turned under.

I hope I can find this pen in Canada. So far, no luck. I'm thinking my best bet will be a visit to Michael's.

Okay....here's the fun part!....

I have a friend who happens to own a quilt shop....Lana at Quilt Junction in Waterford, Ont.

Lana has an offer to those of you who read my blog. From now 'til June 15th, if you mention that you read about the new Aurifil 80wt in my blog post today, Lana will give you a 10% discount on your purchase of this thread.

Thanks Lana!!!

I am linking up with Kathy's Quilts for Slow Sunday Stitching. On this damp morning, I hope you can take a bit of time to visit with others to see what they are stitching on today!

One Monthly Goal - June

I was up in the air on what would be my quilty goal for June.

I almost chose a big applique goal.....but.....it's Spring and the nice days are calling me to spend time outdoors. 

So, I've decided to try to get up-to-date on my Down the Rabbit Hole BOM. 

Here is a reminder of where I'm at so far...

This past month we were supposed to get the next round done, which consists of forty houses. 

I've gotten as far as to pick out my fabrics for the houses....

There is a Facebook support group for this quilt where people around the world are sharing their progress. One quilter used blocks from her unfinished 365 Challenge from last year to be some of the houses for her quilt....so cool!....I commented to her that I'd be doing the same thing and thanked her for the inspiration!

LOL...I almost got rid of these wee blocks lately, but now they will find a "home"...

There are also four cornerstones to make....which is the section for the month of June.

So, that is my goal....to be caught up on this BOM!

Linking up with Lorna from Sew Fresh Quilts for Let's Bee Social,

Elm Street Quilts for OMG- One Monthly Goal, Quilt Fabrication for Midweek Makers.

Have a great day!

A May finish!

Whew...just in time!

My goal for May was to complete my Meadow Mist mystery quilt and I've just put the final binding stitches in...

I was getting to final few feet when I realised I hadn't thought to attach one of my new Ikaprint labels. This is the first quilt to have one...

.....and it's now a real quilt....

Thanks to Cheryl at Meadow Mist Designs for a great pattern. I encourage everyone to keep an eye on her blog....Cheryl is introducing her next mystery, Magnolia Mystery, in the next few weeks. I'm telling myself "no new starts", but this was such an enjoyable mystery I'll probably join in!

I took this opportunity to try to quilt in a way inspired by Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts. She does it on her domestic sewing machine, I believe, but I tried it on the longarm....

I may need a little practice, but I'll definitely do this again!!

I am linking up with Elm Street Quilts for OMG- One Monthly Goal. 

Now the problem...what shall be my goal for June??? I have two projects in mind. One involves a lot of applique....or choose something a bit easier. I'm not sure, I'll have to think about it today.

A little bit of stitching...

I've been putting quilting stitches into my Year In My Life/Quilty365 this week. 

I was getting such peace from the sight of the hand-stitching that I had to take a moment just to reflect and enjoy....and I had to take

a picture!

I really do get such a peaceful feeling when I am quilting. I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again.....hand-quilting is good for my soul...I like my applique time, but hand-quilting takes it to another level. It really is my daily meditation time.

As opposed to this.....

I'm also binding a quilt. I know that people enjoy it, but to me it's just something that has to be done to have a completed quilt :)


There wasn't much time for stitching this morning as we had to leave quite early for Woodstock, Ontario for the Dairy Run!

I'm sure I read that this would be a fast-paced race....meaning nice and flat. But, no, there were many, many darned hills!

It was a tougher race than usual for me but still lots of fun!

It was a tough race, but a special one, as it was the first time crossing the finish line with a friend!


Saturday evening I looked up and saw the pups posing for a perfect picture....and luckily I had my phone with me!...

(It would have been a much better picture if I'd gotten the rest of the mulch on to cover the landscape fabric!)

I think they were having a wee rest before the beginning of a week of "getting it on"....yes, by the beginning of August we should be having a litter of puppies. 

I am going to relax for a bit and see who else is linking up with Kathy's Quilts for Slow Sunday Stitching.