Wallhanging

Those of you who have been following my blog for awhile have seen this wall hanging before.  I am re-posting it for a fellow blogger to see.
I have now given it to my dd2.

Serengeti Sunset



Patricia

I am still here.....

It's been a long time since I posted ...way back in October was the last time, but that doesn't mean to say that I have not been looking at your blogs and sometimes leaving a comment. 

I am working on two quilting projects at  the moment, a wall hanging and a quilt for my bed.  Photo,s coming soon.   Our quilting group has a Christmas dinner and gift exchange, this year it is in January.  Just finished making a gift for the person who's name I drew.  Can't show it here because I believe she looks at my blog.

On Saturday, my dd2 hosted  Christmas dinner for her in-laws and I am always invited.  She never has a traditional dinner, each year it is different.  This year, everyone brought a dish which is traditionally served in their or their parents place of birth.  What a feast, we had food from Belgium,  Poland,  Greece, China and England with a bit of Canada thrown in. I took brussel sprouts and a trifle.  After dinner they decide what the theme will be for next year, our decision, the entire meal will consist of ---appetizers--.

I would like to wish all of the people that read my blog:


             Merry Christmas
and a Happy, Healthy and  Prosperous  New Year

Patricia

Quilt Show

An early start yesterday, as I went to the Rouge Valley Quilt Show in Ajax, ON with four quilter friends.  Going into the room where the quilts were hanging we thought it would be a quick visit because we couldn't see a lot of quilts, however, we were pleasantly surprised by the large number of quilts on display.  I took several photo's but the pictures did not do justice to the fabric and work involved  in making the projects, so I will not be posting them.
Looking at quilts makes a body hungry so we travelled to Uxbridge for a lovely lunch.  We all had a steaming mug of Pumpkin and Apple soup--delicious, and we needed it to warm us up. The weather was wet and very windy making it feel a lot colder than it really was. Three of us also had quiche, and the other two had a sandwich and a pasta dish. Fortified, it was time to go shopping, no day is complete without a couple of hours in a fabric shop.  We all left the shop with our treasures and in the van had an impromptu "show and tell".  I purchased a "One Block Wonder" quilt book, planning on making a quilt using this method in the future, also some yardage for my gd2's wedding quilt and some goodies to put into a quilter's Christmas gift.
After our retail fix we began our ride home,  stopping for dinner and all arriving home safe and sound after a great day out with friends, looking at some fantastic quilts and shopping, what more can a quilter ask for.  
Patricia

The "TO DO" list still waits....

Last night we had rain so it is much too wet to work outside today, and it is also quite chilly, Autumn is certainly around the corner. 
So today I am inside and there is a long list of chores that need to be tackled which includes, shortening a pair of pants for my sister. (I don't think she knows which end to thread a needle)  LOL.  Earlier this week I picked up a quilt that had been quilted by Mr. H, this is one of the comfort quilts our guild donates to the local hospital chemo patients, my partner (members are paired up) sewed the blocks together now it is my job to sew on the binding,--- its sitting there waiting.  Ironing --- still in the basket, a big container of apples from my Mother's tree that need to be made into sauce for the freezer --- in the garage, and of course all of the regular tasks that have to be done each day.   I did none of these jobs, what did I do?
On Saturday, there is going to be a yard/garage sale on the street where one of my grand daughters live, I  know that I have some items that I no longer want or need and could sell (note to Mrs sft - possibly bumping up my travel account).  I went to my furnace/storage room, it did need a good clean, so I started.  I did have some items for the sale, however, where do all the other treasures, (bits and pieces of junk) come from.  A length of wire (6 inches)????, a mirror from a vehicle we owned three years ago, a toilet paper holder and drawer knobs from when we redid our bathroom, a huge picture of a cat???? in a chrome frame, no less, a broken florescent light bulb! what a mess.  I am either getting very forgetful or I have ghosts or goblins that come in the dead of night to store these things, have to blame it on someone---don't I?  The spiders must have been working overtime to make all of the webs I found.
I am finished and there is a place for everything and everything is in it's place.  For now.
My reward, I going to the theatre with a friend tonight and having one of our inexpensive  cheap  meals, thanks to the fast food coupons.  I know these meals are not the best nutritional choice, but occasionally shouldn't hurt.
Gotta go and get cleaned up myself.
Hope everyone is have a great day.
Patricia

The Proms

Today my Scottish friend and I went to a London, Ontario movie theatre to watch a live performance of "The Last Night at the Proms",  from the Royal Albert Hall  in London, England. 
Because of the time difference, our performance on the big screen started at 2:30 p.m. and it was sold out, a lot of the patrons were carrying Union Jacks that they waved when everyone was singing "Land of Hope and Glory". 
What a show, we both throughly enjoyed it -- Lang Lang, a Chinese pianist was absolutely amazing.
We could not believe the crowds that were in Hyde Park U.K. watching it on big screens there, I am sure  some big time parties were being held.
The tickets were quite expensive, but we justified the cost by using a coupon from Mac Donalds for our dinner???  It cost us $10.00 for the two of us. lol.
The theatre chain that we went to is showing a lot of live theatre from London, UK. in the upcoming months and we are hoping to see as many of them as we can.
Patricia

And the thunder rolled.....

Last evening the area where I live was under a tornado watch, several funnel clouds were spotted however, have not heard of any touching down.  Thunder and lightening, wind and rain continued from approximately 9:00 p.m. until 11:30p.m.  Lightening and thunder in the distance until way after midnight. I don't like storms at the best of times, so down into my rec room I went, with a flashlight in hand just in case the power went off.  Came through it unscathed, my daughter did loose her power for 12 hours.
Sft---for some reason I am not able to comment on your blog.  So many people I know that are around my age are getting seriously ill, time to do some deep thinking.....Just wanted you to know you  have inspired me, saving for a trip in Oct 2012 to you know where.
Hope everyone is having a great day.
Patricia

Busy and a whole lotta shaking going on

Yesterday  and today I worked my buns off, (needless to say I have still got a lot left to work on, lol).  I took everything off the floor in the garage, moved the classic car out and power washed the floor.
I then washed and waxed said cc, this car is a mile long, not quite, but when you are waxing it it seems that long.  She sure did shine, I have finally decided to put it up for sale, its not getting the use that it should and its not the same without OH.  I then washed my car and put the garage back together, put the cc in and then washed down my driveway.  I thought after four hours of manual labour it was time to call it a day.

There was a beautiful breeze today, so laundry done, ironed and put away.  Then I decided to cut my lawn, however, the mower wouldn't stay running.  I get so frustrated, I don't know whats wrong with mechanical things, so therefore can't fix it, so have to wait for sil to come and look at it, so the grass is growing and growing and I cleaned out my garden shed instead.

This afternoon just before 2:00 p.m. I was downstairs in my basement,  (I have a recreation room down there), just looking as some blogs on the computer.  The screen started to move and then my chair started to shake.  I thought, maybe I had been doing too much and was going to pass out so I went upstairs for some fresh air, in my dining area my light fixture was swaying,  we were having an earthquake.  After looking at the news the epicentre  was down in Virginia U.S. and was 5.8 magnitude shallow temblor so the shaking was more widespread. Hope everyone down that way is fine.

Needless to say I am pooped from all the work I have been doing so no sewing or quilting has been done.

DD2 came through her surgery OK.  I can't believe it, she was wheeled to the OR at 8:00 a.m. today and was home by 1:00p.m.  No more gall bladder or stones to worry about.

Time to think about dinner, I am starving.

Hope everyone had a good day.

Patricia

It's been a Month?

I can't believe it has been almost a month since I last posted.
Our weather is changing, pleasant sunny days with little or no humidity, cooler nights and that ball of fire in the sky is setting earlier and earlier every night, an indication that our Summer is coming to an end.  My flower garden is looking tired and stressed, recent thunderstorms with lots of rain have given my lawn a new lease on life----I cut it earlier this week, have to get it done again as it is getting long again.
August 11th myself and three members of the quilting guild I belong to visited an exhibition of quilts from Hawaii,  very interesting to see how people in other parts of the world use colourful fabric to make their creations.  I was actually surprised to see a lot of wall hangings, whether this was a trend for Hawaiian quilters or a decision made due to ease of travel I don't know, should have asked but......  A lot of paint was used to enhance the designs, personally I was not fond of the resulting stiff finish.
I been have doing hand work on my hexies during the past month and that is the extent of my quilting, a couple of UFO's are sitting there for me to work on, once the evenings draw in a bit more I will have to get them finished. 

August 13th, my sister and I had a family BBQ for my Mum, 94 years old, August 14, we had a great time, why does food cooked on the BBQ and eaten outside always taste so good?  She still lives by herself in her own little house, very independent, even washes her bathroom floor on her hands and knees!!!!.. can't clean a floor with a mop!!!  Yes, I do do housework for her, her eyes are getting bad and she can't see a lot of what needs to be done.
Yesterday, I had my gas furnace and fireplace cleaned, new filter and checked over to make sure both were in good shape for the upcoming Winter,  $$$$$.. I think it would have been cheaper to buy a new furnace and fireplace.  Can't complain, well I can, but at least I know they are both in good working order.
Should go and pick up a few grocery items needed, another busy weekend coming up, visiting friends on Saturday for a fish fry and Sunday going to see my Mum.  Monday, dd2 is having surgery, hope it can be done, as planned, without an incision , so that she will be home the same day.  Such advances being done, can't believe she can go in hospital in the morning, have body parts removed and be back home before dinner time.  Due to the nature of her work, she will be off for about a month.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Patricia

THE HEAT GOES ON

Whew, it's hot, hot,  but then its Summer right!!  this heat and humidity has been in SW Ontario for a long time, no measurable rain for almost four weeks.  Tomorrow, Thursday, we can expect 38C plus the humidity index which will make it feel like the mid 40'sC.

In June's post I mentioned I went to Cuba for my grand daughter's wedding. On July 9th my daughter and son in law had a reception for those who could not attend the wedding.  I said I would make the wedding cake, never made a wedding cake before.  Dana and Cheady were married on the beach and I found this great photo on the Internet, (you gotta love the www), which was the perfect design.   

They do not like fruit cake, so I used a marble cake and iced the bottom and top tiers with buttercream icing and chocolate seashells which I made.  The middle tier was a glass bowl filled with sand and real seashells.  With the left over pieces of cake I made two sandcastles and covered the icing with graham cracker crumbs.  For bride and groom on the top of the cake I made two chocolate star fish, topped one with a top hat made from a chocolate melting disc and a small caramel cup- a top hat- and used a small piece of netting for the brides veil.  They do not show up very well in the photo.  They both loved the cake, so it was well worth all the time I spent on it.  Here are a couple of photo's, click on them and you can see the details.

 

• Hope everyone is staying cool.         Patricia

Bucket List.....

While on vacation in Cuba I was able to cross another entry on my "bucket list".

Just a little bit of background information. I swim like a brick-----straight to the bottom, I am not comfortable when I am in any body of water where I cannot touch the bottom, I don't like water in my eyes especially salt water, and I don't like my hair to get wet and messed up, lol.

So what does this have to do with my bucket list-------I went swimming with dolphins.

The water was so deep I could not see the bottom let alone touch it, and didn't want to know how deep it was. Thank goodness for rules and regulations----I had to wear a life preserver, and it was secured tightly around my body. I got salt water in my eyes, my hair was soaking wet and messed up, but I had the time of my life.

The dolphins kissed me, I could stroke their bellies and noses, and they did tricks for us. I had a professional photo taken of me being kissed by two dolphins just to prove I did get in the water with them. They are such beautiful animals and so intelligent, I am so glad that I did it and I survived to tell you about it.

Not much sewing and quilting being done, however, I have to get in front of my machine and sew the block that is to be ready for our dinner meeting next week.
Patricia

AOL

For the past week I have been on vacation in Cuba, attending the "destination wedding" of my second eldest grand daughter. She had a lovely wedding, all the details were taken care of in just a couple of hours and everyone had a great time.
Now its back to life at home, no more---maids to make my bed, waiters offering drinks or food magically appearing when ever I am hungry.
It is going to take awhile to get caught up on all of your posts, will look at them and leave comments as soon as possible. A quick peek looks as if you all have been busy.
Patricia

Depressed

The regular readers of my blog know that I live in S.W. Ontario, Canada, this area experienced a Winter that started in November with cold temperatures and snow, snow and more snow. When it finally stopped snowing it rained and rained and last night during a thunderstorm it rained once again. That was depressing.

In Canada we have a retail store called Sears in our shopping malls, they also have a mail order catalogue, you can go on line or call their order desk to make a purchase. Your item is then mailed to you oryou can go to their local pick up store. After purchasing an item from the catalogue they send you copies of all of their catalogues, large ones for Spring and Summer and Fall and Winter, and ones of "Specials", "End of season Sales" etc, etc. and the list goes on and on.

The Spring and Summer one arrived in the middle of Winter, am I depressed... today is May 30th. Summer officially starts on June 21st. and the Fall and Winter catalogue was in my mail box today. I don't want to be reminded that Winter weather could be only six months away, so I refuse to open the plastic wrapper to look inside.

On a happier note the rain is suppose to stop for the coming week and we will see that big ball of fire in the sky with temperatures in the high 20's or even low 30's. I can see and hear my lawn growing already, now all I have to do is try and get my lawn mower to stay running so it can be mowed.

Have a wonderful Monday.
Patricia

Got it right this time....

After taking the handles off and putting them back on correctly I am really liking my new tote. Finished in time for my vacation coming soon. It's not only a vacation, I will be attending my second eldest granddaughter's wedding in Cuba.

I purchased the lilac fabric a couple of years ago, with no project in mind I just loved the colours and the pattern. When I saw the tote pattern in November/December 2010 issue of McCall's Quilting I knew I had the perfect fabric for the bag. I was going to use some bamboo handles, but they just didn't look right so I made mine from some of the fabric. Also added a fabric and button closure for security. The pattern called for a piece of cardboard to be inserted in a rectangle of fabric in the bottom to give it some stability. I used a piece of the crafter's plastic (the plastic that looks like cross stitch material) instead and it worked a lot better than the cardboard. I also included a couple of compartments on the inside to make it easier to find everything.

Here are a couple of photo's, my lilac bush was the perfect place to hang it, don't you think.

Tote Bag

Today I finished a tote bag that I was making and planned on showing a picture. I kept on looking at it, putting over my shoulder and holding the handles........something wasn't right, but for the life of me could not figure it out what is was. You know how you look at something and look again, well, it finally it dawned on me, I put the handles on wrong, instead of putting each handle on one side of the bag I put one end on one side and the other on the opposite side.

Its not big problem to change them but, the patterns instruction indicated that they should be sewn with four rows of stitching to make them secure, which I did. I am going to be doing some froggie work, then put them on correctly and then take a photo.

Patricia

To be delivered tomorrow...

Finally I am going to be able to give my grand daughter and her husband the quilt I made for their wedding gift. They were married in October 2010, so it's only seven months late!!!


A lot of the fabric I chose for this quilt has small hearts on it, so I had the "quilter man" (the husband of one of my guild members), use a heart pattern for the quilting.

Included in the label is a piece of lace that was on my wedding dress.



Patricia

Beautiful.....

For the past week my part of the world has had beautiful weather, blue skies, sunshine and warm---- hot---- temperatures. So most of my time has been spent in my garden pulling the weeds and mowing the lawn, to some this is a chore, but I enjoy gardening. The annuals are doing well in the greenhouse, hopefully, at the end of the month, when all risk of frost is over they will be mature enough to plant in the garden. These pictures show the garden around the pond as of this morning, and close ups of some of the flowers.

Take a look at this magnificent tree, I call it a tulip tree but I believe it is a magnolia. Yesterday, I was at the cemetery where my DH is, and this tree was so beautiful I went home to pick up my camera to take a photo.

Rain is in the forecast for the next few days, a chance to get my housework caught up and also make the churn dash block for our guild meeting next Thursday. Last night I finished sewing the binding on my Grand daughters wedding quilt, its only seven months late!!.

Have a great weekend.

Patricia

A Late Afternoon Post Today....

Why? That big ball of fire was up in the sky again today, the second day in a row!!
Early this morning the bedding was stripped off the bed and was blowing merrily on the line all day. The first time this year I have used the clothes line.
This was certainly not a day to stay in and sew, my sewing machine is going to be wondering what happened to me.
Three hours in the garden, cleaning up the winter kill and weeds. It was so nice to get the dirt under my finger nails again. A robin sitting on her eggs in the nest she built in the honeysuckle, scolded me when I got too close. The waterfall in my pond gently trickling down the rocks provided a backdrop to all the other birds singing as they were busy catching bugs or gathering bits and pieces to use in building their nests. It was such a lovely warm day, you could almost hear the leaves opening on the red maple tree.

Why am I so happy to be in my garden working? Gardening is my hobby, during the nice weather, and it has been a long time coming this year.

Gotta go, all this work has given me an appetite for my chicken dinner.
Patricia

Wedding...& Amazon....

Being British born I still have a soft spot for the Royal family, so out of bed this morning at 5:00a.m. to watch Will & Kate's wedding, everything was so beautiful, the bride, her dress, handsome groom, hats and dresses worn by the couple's families and guests and the weather..... what more can one say.

Yesterday I promised I would post a photo of the wall hanging that I recently finished. If you have visited my previous posts you will know that several members of the guild I belong to have been making the paper pieced Indian Orange Peel Quilt. In the piecing process a lot of small scraps are produced. From my scraps I made "The Secret Garden" wall hanging. Jacqui, a member of our group, is using Kaffe Fassett fabric to make her IOP and she gave me her scraps. His fabrics are very colourful, butterflies and birds came to mind when I saw what she had given me.

To make this 19" x 22" wall hanging, which I have called "Amazon" I used a panel which had the sky, distant trees. foreground ferns, rocks and water on it, adding fabric from my stash for the foreground trees and large leaves and some yarn for the vines. The KF fabric was used for the parrot, flowers and butterflies. Holding everything in place was black tulle. After quilting I added a 3D butterfly in the lower right hand corner. I really like the look of the finished product.Closeup's of the parrot and 3D butterfly show the colourful fabric used. Hope you like it, I am pleased with the way it turned out.

The photos are a bit washed out due to the light from a window.

Patricia

Windy

Thursday's are garbage pick up days in my neighbourhood, this week was recycle day for glass, tin cans, and newspapers. This morning it is very very very windy, and I think you know what I am going to say next. Yep, you are right.

I don't have a lot of bottles and cans to put out for pick up so the "grey" container was not very heavy and blew over. The newspapers in the "blue" box were all wet from the rain, too heavy to get blown all over the place. At 7:30 a.m. I was out (in my housecoat, well coiffured, my bedhead hair had the new stylish windblown look) picking up all of the contents, which were strewn all over my neighbours' lawns. There was no sense putting it at the curb again, so they will all have to wait until the next pick up in two weeks.

On the quilting note, I have just finished another art wall hanging, I want to show it at our guild meeting tonight, you will get to see it tomorrow. My four 6 inch asterisk blocks are finish for the meeting. All 16 members of our guild were required to make four of the blocks, which will be put together with a plain 6 inch block, hoping to make two comfort quilts for chemo patients being treated at our local hospital.

Patricia

Beautiful day..

...here in S. W. Ontario. We had a thunder storm and rain during the night and by the looks of the rain gauge it must have come down quite hard because there is a lot in it. I would love to get in the garden and do some more cleaning up, but it is too wet. My back garden slopes down a bit at the back and a lot of water lays there after a good rain. The lawn is going to be a hay field by the time I get around to mowing it. I did uncover all of my outdoor funiture on the back deck, it all needs a good clean after being under all that snow during the Winter. How come white snow can be so dirty?

The sun has brought forth some more blooms in the garden and the seeds in my green house have germinated and now starting to grow. The geraniums which have been in the house all Winter are now out in the green house as well, they will do so much better out there until it is time to plant them later in May.

Last Wednesday, I was shopping with dd1 and granddaughters 1 and 2. Gd2 is getting married in Cuba at the end of May. We picked up her dress, and I found a nice cool dress to wear, as it will be hot, hot there, it will go nicely with the shoes purchased for gd1 wedding last year.

I made a quilt for Gd1 and her hubby for their wedding using their theme colours, I am going to make Gd2 and her hubby one also but have to wait to see what colour flowers etc. the resort has to offer before I pick the colours. I am thinking about using the same pattern used for gd1 quilt.

Having Easter dinner with dd2 and son and their families tonight and tomorrow dinner with dd2 and her family.

Happy Easter to everyone.
Patricia

I'm Home.....

My Mum, sister and brother in law and I have just returned from a two week vacation to visit a cousin in North West Louisiana. We had a nice time with her and her family. We then travelled to New Orleans and drove along the coast to Florida. Making our way north, we drove through the Smoky Mountains to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and then home.

It is so nice to get away from the cold weather and not having to wear a coat. I would like to think that we have brought the sunny warmer weather home with us.

Yesterday was so warm I worked in my garden, it was nice to get dirt under my finger nails again. There are signs of Spring everywhere, see the photos of my wind flowers, violets, daffodils and crocus. This morning a noticed a robin had started to build her nest in my honeysuckle.

Now I need to get in front of my sewing machine, I have blocks to make for my next guild meeting, finish the binding on my Granddaughters quilt, start the quilt for my guest bedroom, finish two wall hangings, finish my Indian Orange Peel quilt. I bought more fabric while on vacation, as if I needed it, it was a bargain, so how could I pass that up. With all those UFO's, the windows to clean, the lawn should need it's first cut soon, I have two cars that need a good clean, and the list goes on and on, can we make the days a little longer so that I can get this all done.!!

Canadian Winters

Canadians, especially in the area where I live, have been moaning and groaning about the length of 2010-2011 Winter and trust me we have had good reason to do that here in South Western Ontario. Starting in November we have been battered with one snow storm after another. London, Ontario has had officially 292 cm of snow this season. I am sure all of the skiers, snowmobilers and those that enjoy snow related activities have had a wonderful season, I'm glad that you have had a great time, but enough is enough , it is now officially Spring.

I am not a lover of Winter, and I do more than my share of complaining, and we all blame Mother Nature for all of this weather, but she does not get much credit for all the beauty that the snow and cold weather brings. The intricate fronds of frost on the windows, each and every snow flake is different and sparkle in the sun like diamonds, the long icicles some reaching from roof tops to the ground. The wet snow and freezing rain we woke up to on Wednesday morning made the entire area look like a picture post card all the trees, shrubs, wire fences, everything was coated and shiny. It's nice to look at through the windows but having to go out in it, well, that's another story.

Yesterday and today have been cold but sunny and the heat from the sun has melted some of the snow and has left another great display from Mother Nature. Below are some photo's of "ice lace" I saw in my garden this afternoon.

If you are listening Mother Nature, we have had enough snow, I have given credit, where credit was due, now we want to see some of your other master pieces in the form of Spring flowers.

In my sewing room, I have my granddaughters wedding quilt back from the quilter's, the label is done and binding started, photo coming soon. My Indian Orange Peel quilt is all laid out (subject to change). I thought the arcs were time consuming, ha ha, was I wrong, the outside border segments are going to be a test of perseverance. I also have two wall hangings started, one is a scene much like the "Group of Seven" painters and the second is a Jungle scene using scraps from guild members Indian Orange Peel quilts. It will be awhile before they are completed.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Patricia

It's raining, it's pouring....

Normally I wouldn't be happy about it raining, but today is a little different, because it is melting the snow, and I am beginning to see grass in my back garden. Hopefully, this will be the last of the snow we will see this Winter but, I know it likely won't be the case. In the mean time, I like to think that this long cold snowy Winter is finally coming to an end.

So... this week I have put my sewing machine to rest for a few days, and started some Spring decorating. My guest bedroom has been in desperate need of a new coat of paint for a long time. Last year I purchased the paint, however, life got in the way. Prepping the surfaces took a long time, removing the paper border, sanding the woodwork, filling nail holes with plaster. On Monday I started painting and yesterday put the final coat on the walls in the closet. My muscles are going to be so thankful the job is completed. Now I have to move all the furniture back, hopefully everything will be done today and the rest of my house won't look as if a bomb has hit it.

I did take a break Thursday afternoon and purchase some fabric for a new quilt for the bed in the guest room. This will be the first quilt I have made for me.

The only problem in decorating a room in your home it makes all of the other rooms look as if they need a fresh coat of paint. Um mm.... maybe I should do my bedroom, the sewing room and the living room.

Hope you have a great weekend.


Patricia

Update to my Garbage

Thanks to everyone for your comments. "Jan" you have given me the perfect title for the picture so now it is known as "The Secret Garden". Thank you.

"Coloradolady" has also asked for photo's to show a little more detail, so here are a few.

Enjoy

Patricia

Indian Orange Peel Scraps-----Garbage? No, they are treasures

If you have been reading my previous posts you are aware that I belong to a small guild, several members of which, including myself are on the home stretch of making 120 arcs for our Indian Orange Peel quilt. In the process of making these arcs there is a lot of fabric scrapes that end up in the waste basket. Looking at all of it in my basket a couple of weeks ago I couldn't believe how it had piled up, so I retrieved all of it.


You are going to think that I have gone completely off my rocker, and that I have way, way, way too much time on my hands, and you might be right on both accounts. However, I cut pieces of the scrape fabric into small triangles, squares, etc. with my pinking shears (note to myself to purchase a rotary cutter blade to make this task a lot easier). Using "Wonder Under"and a top layer of tulle to hold all of the pieces in place, in three afternoon's I made a 15" x 20" picture, 95% of which is from my IOP scrapes. At the present time I am in the process of quilting it, and instead of make a wall hanging, I think I might just frame it. What do you think?


A working title right now is "IOP Garbage Garden", can you come up with another name?


Jacqui, another IOP quilter is using Kaffe Fassett fabric, I am now in possession of some her scrapes, will have to put my thinking cap on to come up with something to do with them. It will have to be a subject that is very colourful, don't you think, maybe a Phoenix, fairies, parrots or toadstools.
Enjoy.
Patricia

Eighty three......

After finishing more Indian Orange Peel arcs this afternoon I am now up to 83. I need to make 120 so only 37 left to complete, getting there slow but sure.
I want to get most of them finished, hopefully this weekend, so that I can start on another quilting project and also start painting my guest bedroom.
We are currently having a few days of mild temperatures, which is melting some of the snow. It's about time!! Along the side of my garage I have a small strip of garden, where the snow has melted I can see some soil and tulips poking theirs leaves up. Spring is here? Now I am not getting too excited because the forecast for the start of next week...... you guessed it more snow. Ukkkkkk.
Patricia

The Season between Winter and Spring....

In the area where I live we are entering the season called "Pothole".

The sun has a lot of heat in it these days and starts to melt the snow, the water enters cracks and crevices in the streets and roads, then at night the temperature goes down below the freezing mark and it turns to ice which expands in the cracks. This constant cycle and the traffic causes the holes to appear, each day getting bigger and bigger, so that eventually they swallow your car. A bit of exaggeration there but they feel as if they are that big.

Then our city workers come along and fill the holes, but it just a band aid fix as they have to do it numerous times until the warmer weather arrives and stays.

Later this week our forecast is for warmer temps and possibly some rain, so if you don't hear from me for awhile you know that I am like Alice in Wonderland and I have fallen down a hole somewhere having a tea party.

Have a great day.

Patricia

I am building arcs......

No, I am not expecting a flood of biblical proportions I am making arcs not arks. But, we may need an ark next week, a warm spell (we are talking 5-7 degrees C above zero) and rain is predicted, so our snow will start melting.

I mentioned previously myself, along with a number of my guild quilters are making the Indian Orange Peel quilt. I have 69 completed, the ones on the left are the warm coloured arcs and cool coloured points, on the right cool arcs and warm points.

The coloures look a bit washed out because of the flash.

Patricia

Willkommen

I arrived home a couple hours ago from a lovely weekend away with a friend. We went to Frankenmuth, Michigan. Frankenmuth, is known as Little Bavaria, with the most authentic Bavarian architecture in America. It's famous for it's food, especially Zehnder's Chicken dinners and Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. We apparently picked a good time to go, the weather was perfect, cold but no wind so it didn't feel very cold, dressing properly was the secret. The hotel was clean and close to everything and there was a Snowfest festival going on all weekend. There was some beautiful snow and ice scuptures displayed throughout the entire town. We did some shopping and more shopping, found a quilting shop (of course), and I purchased some more fabric for my Indian Orange Peel quilt. We had some delicious dinners, melt in the mouth prime rib and one of Zehnders Chicken entrees.

I also bought myself a gift, do you want to see her? She is called "Sew Angel" isn't she beautiful?

It was a bit more than I was planning on spending, but I'm worth don't you think. Can't you tell that I am trying to convince myself and you that it was OK to spend these $$$'s on something so frivolous.

What do you think?

Hope you all had a good weekend.

Patricia

The King's Speech

Today I did something that I have never done before, I went to see a film by myself. Yes, I know it sounds as if I have lived a very sheltered life, but I have always gone with friends or my late DH.
Seeing a film in a theatre is something I don't do often, going only if the film has had rave reviews and looks as if it is one I would be interested in. I enjoy it more than sitting at home with a DVD, it must be the vibes from others in the theatre. The reviews for The King's Speech have been great and it has numerous award nominations, so this afternoon I went to see it.
If you are not familiar with the story it's about George VI reluctantly taking the throne of England when his brother Edward abdicates in 1936. George VI turns to a speech therapist to help overcome his stutter, and the two forge a lasting friendship. It was a lovely story and thoroughly enjoyed it. I give it two thumbs up and it is worthy of all the "Bests" that it has been given.
Consequently, there was no sewing done today, we are suppose to have another dumping of snow, this weekend. Reports give conflicting amounts we can expect, whether its alot or a little there is no need for me to go out, so I will be sewing this weekend.
Patricia

Wedding Quilt

Today I finished the second and final border on my grand daughter's wedding quilt. She was married in October, so she used a fall colour scheme of reds and burgundy's, so I also chose to use the same colours. Sorry for poor photo.

Happy with the results, so it is ready for the quilting.

Today we woke to another layer of snow, not sure how much, but any depth that causes me to make a sweeping indentation in the snow on my front deck when I open the door is way too much. I am so thankful to my neighbour as he cleared the snow from my driveway again. There is also a cold wind today which makes it feel a lot colder that it actually is. Roll on Spring... I am afraid it is a long way off yet.

Patricia

Walking and Sewing

Yesterday, I did a 4km walk around the arena's indoor walking track, it was a bit icy on the sidewalk so didn't want to chance slipping and falling. Tomorrow will do 5 kms and continue every Mon, Wed and Fri to do the same. I had so much more energy afterwards, and got a lot done, which included working on my grand daughter's wedding quilt. Only the outer border to sew on on two sides then I can arrange for it to go to the quilter.

Today was an all day sewing day, at Pat's with some "girls" from the guild, and we all worked on the arcs for the IOPQ's we are doing. I have never done any paper piecing so had a lot of problems with the first one I did. With a brief lesson and some timely tips I did get six completed... without having to do any froggy sewing........Yahoo, I can now paper piece. Now that I know what I am doing ..I like it, I love the look of all those precise points, I could become addicted to this. It's a good thing because most of the quilt is paper pieced. My plan is to do some more tomorrow so when taking a picture of gd's quilt I will show some arcs... how exciting is that?

It started snowing again late this afternoon and it is still coming down, wonder how much we will have on the ground in the morning. Hey, it's January, so can't expect much different weather for awhile.

Hope everyone had a great day.
Patricia

Quilting night in Canada

Last night I joined five other quilters for a QINC to work on our Orange Peel Quilts. Some have been able to get a lot of cutting and sewing done, however, I am just starting to get my act together. Last night I cut some of my fabric into the five inch squares for the four patch blocks., and some into the 2 inch strips for the arcs. Tomorrow is an afternoon of sewing.


Resolution up date--
I did 3 kms on the walking track in our city's arena.
All the meals today were healthy and full of fruit and veg, dinner included a lean pork chop.
Now this is where I slipped a little. To get the full effect of the Orange Peel Quilt, it is necessary to use a large number of different fabrics. So..... to complete some of my colour combinations some purchases were required...but they were all on sale.
Two out of three is not too bad.

Today was lovely and sunny but cold. I feel so much better when the sun is shining, (does anyone else feel this way?) often wonder if I have a very mild case of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

Patricia

Guild Dinner..

Last night was our Quilt Guild holiday dinner, we all enjoyed a lovely meal, (and no I did not have dessert), great conversation, some of it quilt related, of course, and gift exchange.

My secret Santa was "B.D." she gave me four beautiful fat quarters, the photo does not do them justice, a purse size note book in a green case (my favourite colour) a pen, and a Blessing Coin. On the front is an angel, and written on the back "May you life be filled with Blessings as you walk your path each day". Thank you so much "B" for everything.

Today I had to pay some bills, (how come they don't take a holiday), on the way home I stopped at a local thrift shop to browse. Nothing seem to be of interest to me until I spotted these two beauties. The red and green lids and the dividers inside indicate that they were designed to store Christmas tree decorations, but I have other ideas for these. Each one has a snap on lid and two snap on compartments. The best thing was the price, only $3.00 each.

I took out the cardboard dividers and a 12 1/2 quilt block fits perfectly inside.

Some of our guild members, including myself are making an Orange Peel Quilt. These containers will be perfect to keep my "cool" colours in one layer and "warm" ones in another, completed arcs in the others. I am going to be the most organized OPQ'er, all I have to do now is get it started, which I am hoping to do tonight when I go to guild member "J"'s house to work on it.

My world turned from green to white overnight as we had 1 1/2 inches of snow. The temps are suppose to be just above the zero mark so some of it could melt during the day.

Hope everyone is having a great day.

Patricia

Simmering "Tom".........

On Christmas day I rescued the turkey carcass from a premature burial in the garbage after dinner at my grand daughter's. Can you believe she was going to throw all of that good stuff in the garbage.!!!!
Today "Tom" is has been simmering away in a pot , it smelt so good, and now I have some lovely turkey vegetable soup, a welcome lunch on a cold January day.

Resolution update, All three meals I have had today have been healthy, a trip to the grocery store was a must but only bought what was on my list and I went for a 30 minute walk.
When I returned home, a huge hawk was in my back garden and sorry to say was eating a dove that it had just caught. It has been in our neighbourhood for several Winters as most of my neighbours and I have bird feeders which attract many small birds and is a smorgasbord for the hawk.

Tomorrow, the decorations that I put up are coming down, it is going to be nice to get into a regular routine again. In the evening the quilt guild I belong to is having our holiday dinner and gift exchange, looking forward to seeing everyone and the updates on our Orange Peel Quilt, that several members including myself are making. Not much progress had been made on mine, however, hope to get working on it this coming week.
Patricia

Happy New Year to everyone visiting me today....

Yesterday, New Years Eve day I gave my house a good clean, don't know why, but I feel a lot better if I start the New Year with a clean house. I have done this since as far back as I can remember. I had a quiet New Year's Eve, I had a glass of red wine that was left over from Christmas (left over wine, how did that happen), watched a rented movie as there was nothing on TV, and was in bed prior to midnight.
Now it's time once again to make some New Year's resolutions, mine are predictable, and will likely be the same ones I have made and broken on previous New Year's. Loose weight, eat healthy, get more fit and curb my spending and not necessarily in that order of importance. Normally slipping back into my old ways after a couple of months, I am going to approach this New Year's a little different.
This is what I am planning, and this approach should take care of all my resolutions. Curb my spending -- I will save money on gasoline, if I walk to and from the grocery store, its 5 km or more from my house. I will get fit lugging all those bags back home. I will buy healthy food products that are not too heavy to carry, (lettuce). I will be eating all that lettuce so I will loose weight. Looks good in the written word but.........do I need that extra money? I am quite fit aren't I? I eat all of the food groups don't I? I am not fat, just a little overly padded here or there am I not? .... maybe I'll forget making resolutions this year they get broken any way.
Remember all the snow we had in December, for the past couple of days we have had a mild spell, which is usually par for the course at this time of the year for us. Yesterday, the temp was on the plus side of 0 C. and we had a few showers in the pm. When I woke this morning, most of the snow has disappeared and it is 9C and raining. We are going to be in for a slippery time if this water doesn't soak away before the temps drop below freezing tomorrow night.
Today is going to be another quiet day, so I think it will be a day of sewing. Lord only knows the number of projects I have on the go.
1. Grand daughters wedding quilt.
2. Orange Peel quilt.
3. Two baby quilts for my nephew's twin grand babies scheduled to be born Jan 5th.
4. Two wall hangings that I have in my mind to create.

Have a great day.
Patricia