Lala's Lovelys Quilting

I continue to swim with Orca Bay…

2012-02-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

I started Bonnie Hunter’s mystery quilt, Orca Bay on Christmas Eve. I know call me crazy, but I had a quiet moment & all was ready for the festivities.

Little did I realize the amount of work and the hours that go in to this quilt. I have never made anything with such small pieces and so much cutting. I started off with the string blocks as those I love to make.

Then it was on to HST’s and 2.5”blocks. At this point I have not bought any fabric but have used only scraps or stash (not sure if that is a good or bad thing, depends which way you look at it I guess). (lots of cutting)

sewing the HST’s and squares together made for beautiful blocks

test run of the layout

See the black wings on the flying geese? Well I deviated from the pattern here. I just couldn’t bring myself to cut 700 some triangles to make a pieced wing. So I went scrappy black wings instead. Sorry Bonnie!

I was finally at a point to piece it all together last week. I am so pleased with it. This is a birds eye view of it on my bed. (I am balancing on the foot board).

I have to put the borders on still, but truthfully, I was getting bored playing with black, red, and white and needed a break. I also know that I won’t be doing exactly as Bonnie’s pattern suggests for the borders. Again I can’t fathom cutting so many triangles. Plus if you know me I never seem to follow a pattern always added my own flair to it.

There is still a little bit of Christmas around here. My Poinsettias have never been this nice. Figures when I spend $30 on one it dies instantly. These were $5.99 specials from Costco and they are just as lovely as the day I got them, only bigger!!!

A couple of things I ponder about the makings of a mystery quilt. Next time, if there is, will I wait again to see the end result to start or truly make it a mystery? Will I actually follow the pattern (ha who am I kidding probably not!) Will I choose the same colour combination or go with my own choices? Something to think about.

Happy Stitching

Lee

Feeling a little dark…..

2012-02-02T07:05:00.001-07:00

It all started with this over flowing container of dark strings. If you can believe they were all squished in to this box/container. Which was starting to drive me crazy…way to messy…..

Soooo…..I turned them into these

Many 10” string blocks

Ok so maybe there are a few medium coloured strings too.

Not only was I using up all the dark strings, but using up all those half filled bobbins too!

Then it was time to audition for layouts:

In the end I went with a more traditional X layout with a black border and a piano key outside border.

Tah dah

Which left me with this….a nearly empty dark string bin.

I have the backing fabric for this, now I just need to get started on the quilting. I am not sure how to quilt this just yet. Any suggestions?

Happy Stitching!

Lee

another forgotten project....

2012-01-31T08:26:00.000-07:00

I finished this little table topper before Christmas.

This was gifted to our neighbours who dog sit for us now and then. Isn't it a cutie? I sewed on gold stars at the top of each tree!

somehow the this post got lost between my phone and the computer. Also the picture isn't very good, it really is red not pinky.

no sew day!

2012-01-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

I was a little bit busy defrosting my freezer.

Its all clean now and ready to be filled again

another forgotten project!

2012-01-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

Note pad cover and pen holder. Made for my son's girl friend.

Oops forgot these

2012-01-24T13:10:00.001-07:00

Oops I forgot to show these off!

I made a bunch of these for Christmas gifts, but only had time to take a shot of these.

They make up so quickly.

I hope to do more for other holidays or just because.

Do you have a favourite quick project?

Happy stitching

Lee

From cans...

2012-01-19T23:39:00.000-07:00

These plain soup cans had a face lift .

Into great gadget holders. Sure does tidy up my cutting/work station

First finish of 2012

2012-01-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

Commissioned by my friend for her husband's birthday!

I bet he wishes he has it already.

We went into a deep freeze last night. -25*C today with windchill of -30*C. yuck

I am staying in baking and doing laundry.

tomorrow some quilting!!

What is keeping you warm this winter? Or cool if you are so lucky?

Happy Stitching

Lee

Cover Ups!!

2012-01-12T08:48:00.001-07:00

Aren't these fantastic?

I made sleeves for a friend's iPad and tablet. (center and right)

Here are my kids Christmas morning opening up their coordinating Cover Ups!

They are so quick and easy to make.

p.s. I am linking up to Amylouwho's Sew & Tell Friday

gone sewing...

2012-01-07T10:02:00.001-07:00

My setup at guild retreat in the country. Working on Orca Bay mystery quilt.
Progress update Monday.
Have a great weekend

A year in review

2012-01-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

It always amazes me when I look back over a year to see what I have produced! 2011 was no exception!

Some conclusions:
I think all colours have been represented and not one is more dominate then another
I like using different techniques
I like small projects
5 of the projects went to charities
7 projects were commissioned pieces ($$$)

Of course there is always more that we want to finish or start, but our regular lives (whatever that is) often stands in our way of our quilting lives.

How did you do this past year with your projects?

Are you happy with what you accomplished?

Wish you could have done more?

Did too much and are now burned out!

How do you balance life and quilting?

However little time you get to spend quilting, creating and sewing in 2012 I hope you have fun with it.

Happy Stitching,

Lee

Sew Scraps Along

2012-01-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

If you have never stumbled upon Jodi at Pleasant Home, then you are missing a great blog.
The month of January she is hosting Sew Scraps Along. All month long there are tutorials, features, projects, guest bloggers all working with scraps. Go check it out, you won't be disappointed. Oh there will be some giveaways too!

I took the plunge…

2012-01-02T08:51:00.001-07:00

After much deliberation I decided join in on Bonnie Hunter’s Mystery quilt, Orca Bay.

I started on Christmas Eve, (yes I was actually so organized this year I managed to get some sewing in that day.) Most of the steps had already been posted as this mystery started 8 weeks ago, but at the time I just wasn’t able to start it with everyone else. With other Christmas projects finished I decided to ‘take the plunge’!

Since most of the steps had already been announced, I decided to start with the steps I felt most comfortable doing, string blocks.

This is Step 4 76 5.5” blocks cut on the diagonal for 128 triangles

This is step 2, more string blocks (72 - 3.5”")

Cutting of 270 - 2 1/2” squares. Part of step 5 (have to sew these to part 1 which isn’t quit finished yet)

Step 1 cutting and sewing of 448 quarter square triangles (300 done) to be made into 224 2.5” hour glass blocks. (please excuse my sorry looking ironing board cover, needs to be changed again!)

Are any of you following along on this mystery? This is my first one. I have seen the end and I am excited to get mine finished. My LQS had a 40% off fabric sale on Dec 31st so I managed to pick up the backing fabric for this already. I am also using up lots of my stash.

Happy Stitching everyone.

Lee

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T08:29:00.001-07:00

Wishing all my friends and followers, new and old, a very Happy New Year.

May all your successes of 2011 carry forward.

Cheers to good health and happiness in 2012!

Any quilting goals or resolutions for you??

Happy stitching,

Lee

After 20+ years...

2011-12-29T13:42:00.002-07:00

Hubby finally gets his own quilt.

As he said "I have seen many quilts leave the house, but now I finally have my own". I hope it keeps him warm and snuggly on a cold night watching hockey.

Made from homespun cotton. Sewn similar to to 1600 quilts using jelly rolls.

Peace…..

2011-12-24T08:54:00.001-07:00

Wishing you all much PEACE and JOY during the holiday season with your family and friends.

Safe travels as you go visiting and merry making.

May Santa be good to you too!

Merry Christmas my dear blogging friends and followers.

If you get a minute to relax I hope it is with needle and thread in a comfy chair!

Lee

p.s. this runner/wall hanging was a commissioned piece

Helpful Lily

2011-12-19T10:34:00.001-07:00

Always by my side.
I can always count on Lily to help me sandwich a quilt!

A winner has been choosen!

2011-12-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

And the winner is......

SHORTBREAD -16

that is the most popular cookie on my very random Christmas cookie survey.

followed by:

Peanut Butter cookies - 11 including Buckeyes

Gingerbread/molasses - 8

Chocolate cookies -7

Sugar or cut out cookies - 5

tied with -3

Coconut macaroons

Snowballs

Mexican wedding

tied with - 2

Mint

Oatmeal

Thumbprints

Pecan

Pizzelle

others:

Mince pies

Bourbon balls

haystacks

Brunsli

Springerlie

Kourambiedes

Italian

Cake Batter

They all sound delicous and I loved the stories behind them. Thanks for sharing.

My cookie try last year!

Oh we also have a winner of the give-a-way.

Random number gadget chose #35.

Sheila (Sheila's Quilt World):
"I love shortbread cookies at Christmas, always a treat"

Thanks for becoming a new follower too Sheila. (not sure where you are from but I will be sending you an email.)

Thank you to all of you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment and for becomming new followers. I was thrilled everyday to see you had stopped by.

I will have some finishes to post later this week...but for now back to more baking!!

Until next time,

Happy Stitching, or baking, or shopping, or wrapping, or decorating or whatever you are doing!!

Lee

Blog Hop Party Giveaway….

2011-12-09T14:05:00.002-07:00

What a great time to have a giveaway. Everyone is in a festive and giving mood so I thought I would join along.
We are celebrating The Quilting Gallery’s 4th anniversary…yahoo…..such a great resource for so many things like quilting blogs, quilting stores, patterns, contests, swaps. Michele is always coming up with something new and exciting. If you have never visited, it is a must. www.quiltinggallery.com
There are over 250 participants from all over this world in this amazing blog hop party. The links will be posted on Saturday, December 9th (midnight EST). Click on this thumbnail and it will take you to the list of participants.

And now for my give away…….

I love snowmen and I hope you do to! This little wall hanging or table topper (14” square) could be yours.

For two chances to win all you have to do is:

1) leave me a comment telling me about your favourite holiday cookie. I recently surveyed my family to see what their favourite was and they all chose the same one. (Figures it was the one I like to make the least!) They all had a different second favourite, so I guess I better get baking soon.

2) why don’t you become a follower? I love hearing from fellow bloggers from all over the world, so be sure to tell me where you are from too. (leave a second comment telling me you are now a follower)

I look forward to hearing from you. I also look forward to checking out all the other BLOG PARTY participants tomorrow.

I will announce the winner on December 17th. Good luck everyone
Until next time,
Happy Stitching,

Lee
p.s. if I hit 110 followers I will add a little something extra to the giveaway!!

COMMENTS NOW CLOSED

Facebook

2011-12-04T16:19:00.003-07:00

Well after too many hours on the computer I think I have successfully made a 'page' on Facebook for Lala's Lovelys Quilting.

So if you are a Facebook user, try 'liking' my page...

I sure hope this works!

p.s. I should have been sewing instead!

Blog Hop Party

2011-12-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

I am going to be participating in the Quilting Gallery's 4th anniversary Blog Hop Party. If you have never been to this site, it is a great resource for many things quilt related, blogs, stores, patterns, etc.

so check back here on December 9th to see what I will be giving away!!!!

Until then,

Happy Stitching

Lee

another finish…

2011-11-28T21:48:00.001-07:00

I think this might be one of my most favourite quilts that I have made so far. Originally, it was meant to be just a bed runner for my sister’s guest room. However, I enjoyed making the blocks so much, it grew and it grew. She chose the colours and pattern in April when she was here visiting. I had the top done by June, but with a busy summer I didn’t get around to quilting it until October.

I quilted this more then any other quilt I have done. I loved doing these loopy flowers in the center. I also added arches/fans to the border and some stippling too.

Looking great on my antique round chair.

Lily of course has to have final inspection…..I think it passed!

I made two pillow shams from the border print as well. (oops forgot to take pictures of them).

I can’t wait to be a guest in her room!!

First quilts

2011-11-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

Bonnie Hunter over at Quiltville,(one of my favourite quilters/designer/author) is having a linky party to show case your first quilts.

according to this newspaper clipping I helped to make a quilt block in Grade 3

This should be interesting to see. We have all changed and grown in our quilting lives. I started quilting just about 20 years ago now. I had a few years where I didn't do any due to having my three kids. My hands have always been busy stitching something. I think I started when I was in grade 4 with knitting classes as a school elective. Then I did some embroidery on my own. I remember making some bibs. I took a night class in high school to learn to crochet. I took up cross stitch at college and made many of those through the years.

My real quilting journey started just before my first baby was born. I took a class at a community center. The machine I was working on was from the 50's and heavy. I had to have my husband carry it in for me. It was a sample machine that my grandfather's company was thinking of selling/making, but didn't. It really hadn't been used over the years just stored in his basement.

I made this quilt for Chris. Each snow ball was made with a template as were the corner triangles. I hand quilted it. It got trickier and harder to quilt as my belly grew and my arms got shorter!!! Each snowball has a teddy bear quilted into it. I have pulled it out of the closet now and then only to realize I must have been off on some seam allowances as they are starting to come apart already. ONe thing I do know, I am so glad they found easier and quicker ways to make snow balls!! No more cutting of triangles!!

This is my second quilt ever. I made it for a friend that was getting married. However, she called the wedding off and I ended up keeping the quilt. (she did end up marrying). I really loved making the log cabin. So simple but looks really complex.

Join Bonnie at Quiltville and post about your 'First.

Have a great weekend.

Lee

Finish #4

2011-11-24T00:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from the Silent Auction that I organized back in October. We had a very successful evening, but I must admit it did take up a lot of my time.

donations sitting at my house ready to go

my basket of jams, salsa & bread

my donation ready for bidding

close up just before binding went on

proudly displayed at the auction

lots of donations

we had over 175 items donated

I am sure glad it is all over with and I can get back to my regular daily routine....whatever that is.

Third finish... A Repair Job

2011-11-22T00:34:00.000-07:00

Now I don't claim to be a quilt restorer, but I have brought back life to a few quilts. My lastest was for my friend Sheryl. She made this quilt back in the 90's, can't you tell by the fabrics? It looks just like my 2nd quilt colours. She never quilted it, but only tied it and did a rolled edge binding. Over the years they have loved and used it alot. maybe a little too much love!

uh oh something happened

so I did a little hiding of the tear
I even found some fabric from the same vintage!

I quilted it as best I could in the ditch and around 1 square

Now they can love it for many more years!

Second Up….computer pouch and case

2011-11-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

So my good friend Ria gets to escape winter every year by leaving me and heading to Phoenix. Lucky her.
A couple of days before her departure she asks me to make her a pouch/sleeve/bag for her laptop that she would be travelling with. Let me just say she is a PINK girl through and through. She has a PINK winter coat, PINK shoes, PINK mitts, hat etc. She even has a PINK laptop.
Yep you read correctly. This funky PINK laptop needed a cool fabric and I had just the one. (sorry I am not a fabric line name knowing kind of person, I just buy what I like or what is on sale)

Doesn’t it look all cozy in it’s pouch, fits perfectly too. Although the laptop fit, all the cords and the mouse didn’t fit so ….

an accessory pouch was created, perfect for cords and mice!!! She squealed when she saw her name embroidered on.

I hope she is soaking up those desert sun rays. Snow is falling here.

First up,…. placemats

2011-11-18T12:32:00.001-07:00

As promised in yesterday’s post I have pictures of completed projects, yahoo

I actually made something for us, 6 placemats using up the rest of a honey bun and other scraps from Kansas Troubles by Moda. I used the ‘Quilt as you go’ method on some of them and some were traditionally pieced & quilted. They all have different bindings.

I hope it is warmer wherever you are. Winter has arrived in Calgary!

update

2011-11-17T09:28:00.001-07:00

Once again it has been awhile since i posted. I guess I have had some busy weeks. Since my last posting I have:

I got my hair cut a lot shorter

continue with domestic duties (they never end)

did a bit of purging around the house

finished my placemats

finished a wall hanging...only had the sleeve to hand stitch

started quilting my sister's quilt with a new to me stitch

went to Vancouver an extended weekend to university shop with #2

celebrated her 17th birthday this week (that is hard to believe)

started on a string quilt because I wanted to

finished up all the after items for the Silent Auction I organized (we raised over $16,000)

tidied up the yard for winter

survived my husband gone on a 2 week business trip

continuing to plan for our upcoming renovations, so meeting with trades etc

sewed a computer bag and matching pouch for a friend

Now I need to get some photos up of all that I have been doing. Off to take pictures, so I guess this will be a two part post......stay tuned! (oh and get some housework done)

In the meantime, answer this:

Do you ever sew just 'cause?

What is your 'just 'cause' reason?

Happy Stitching

Lee

Community Service Project

2011-11-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

Last October when I first joined the Guild, I took it upon myself to take a bunch of orphaned blocks home to turn into a Community Service Quilt!

(insert scratching head, what was I thinking??)

These are some of the blocks that came home with me. I had to think about how to put these together, which took a lot of time…..fast forward….

April top is completed. When my mom was here visiting, she wanted to see me ‘do’ some quilting. so i put these blocks together, sandwiched it and started to quilt it. Then life got busy and it sat. Fast forward again

October…..completed

I quilted it last week. I even managed to dive into free motion feathers. I love the look of them but was always intimated by the process. I persevered and dove in to get them done. Once I got the rhythm of the motion they weren’t too bad after all. I do need to practice some more but I now look forward to doing more. I don’t know where this quilt will end up, but I hope it brightens someone’s life.

The rest of the little 9 patches went into this preemie quilt for the neo natal unit our hospitals.

I feel good about contributing to those in need or who just need comfort. Have you done any charity stitching lately?

Happy stitching

Lee

Post Halloween

2011-11-04T00:07:00.000-06:00

Mom can you please make me a costume!

ok no Ruby slippers, this is before Dorothy gets to the Emerald City!

#2 just has to get in the picture

Goofy Dorothy!

The candy haul after 2.5 hrs of trick or treating!

Need I say anything more!

Meals on Wheels

2011-11-03T11:55:00.001-06:00

These placemats will be going, via our Guild, to the "Meals on Wheels" program here in Calgary. We make one side for everyday use and the otherside for Christmas. The top two fronts were blocks leftover from my friends test blocks. I couldn't just let them sit any longer and made them into placemats. The third one's front is left over from some potholders I made.

These are fun to make and going to a great cause. I hope they lift the spirits of someone this holiday season.

Happy stitching everyone!

Lee

Blogger’s Quilt Festival

2011-10-28T09:59:00.002-06:00

Wow can’t believe it is time for another Blogger’s Quilt Festival. Didn’t we just do one a month ago???….no it was in May…time flies doesn’t it?
I am featuring one of my last quilts I managed to finish. I think all quilts are special but this one has it’s own story.
I have a dear friend that has always been fit, runs marathons, in triathlons, does sports of all kinds. The kind of person I have envied most of my life, (I have never been athletic). So back in March I asked her if she would like to barter. If she could get me on the path of fitness I would make her a quilt. (I have made her kids all a quilt) She was delighted with this bargain. So off she went to think of work-out routines and fitness circuits for me and I was off of thinking about patterns for her. She knew the fabric she wanted hers made out of, which made it even easier for me.
I did really well this spring and summer doing my circuits twice a week and walking like crazy. My longest walk was 10km. I was feeling good and beginning to see the difference. I didn’t loose a pound which was not my goal, but rather to have better endurance. Although getting fitter is not over, (and i have fallen off the band wagon lately). Her quilt is completed and I just love it and more importantly so does she. I used a combination of patterns and my own spin on patterns. I stippled the top and free motioned loopy daisies in the white border.

To view more quilts visit Amy’s Creative Side for the Blogger’s Festival of Quilts. Tons of great quilts to view and lots of giveaways and prizes too.

Hey why don’t you follow me too! Once I get up to 100 followers I will have a surprise for you!

Until then enjoy your weekend viewing all these fabulous quilts.

Happy Stitching!

Lee

test post from phone

2011-10-25T15:59:00.001-06:00

Testing to see if I can post from my phone or not. Inserting pictures seems to be tricky.

Anyone else with a HTC windows phone know how?

In the mean time, some how my youngest roped me into making her a Dorothy costume for Halloween. So I better get cracking. Pieces are cut, now to get sewing

Until next time,

Happy stitching

***well text came out ok, just need to work on getting photos up from my phone***

Bloggers' Quilt Festival is coming soon

2011-10-23T20:38:00.003-06:00

Are you ready?

Amy's Creative Side is hosting another Quilt Festival. Hundreds of quilts will be 'on display' virtually for you to view.

I better get busy and decide which one I will be entering. Are you entering? She usually has fabulous prizes and giveaways too.

More of an update on my busy comings and goings this week, promise ;)

Now back to sewing some binding!

happy stitching

Lee

Fall Splendor Quilt Contest

2011-10-08T08:48:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone is having a great start to the fall season!

If you have a chance could you go the the Quilting Gallery's Fall Splendor Quilt Contest and vote for mine. It's called Falling Leaves (Lee). It is a rather unique quilt compared to the others. Made totally from scraps and made up as I went along.

Thanks so much

Lee

Off to Japan

2011-10-07T00:00:00.000-06:00

Not me, (i wish) but this kit is off to Japan.

The kit is being sent with many others as the second part of Quilts for Japan project called Threads of Hope to help the survivors of the tsunami.

Each kit will have instructions in Japanese to make a quilt completely by hand. This quilt is a 4" square quilt with 42 blocks, complete with batting, and backing.

I included an extra pouch so they could keep some of their supplies in it. I hope they like the colours.

Many of the survivors are still in temporary housing and are in need of something to do. These kits should help them keep their hands busy.

Happy Stitching!

2011-10-03T20:27:00.002-06:00

Busy Busy Busy!

seems to be a pattern these days in my house....always on the go.

I am still working on the Silent Auction for the daughter's dance studio (event date Oct 22nd)

I made a wall hanging and matching ballerina pillow for the auction.

oops forgot to take a finished photo

walked 10km (6.2 miles) last Monday through our beautiful provincial park just outside my door

Saucony shoes fit me best

sewed a few placemats which will be given to Meals on Wheels thru our Guild at Christmas time.

front side for everyday, back side for Christmas or vice versa

I continue to go to physio for my hip. unfortunately I am most uncomfortable when I am sitting, thus less computer and sewing time.

I got all my fall decorations out last week. Our weather has been so nice so far. I wish it would last and last.

this weekend it is Thanksgiving here in Canada. I don't have any family in town so a few friends are coming over for a small dinner. My son is coming home too, we haven't seen him since Labour Day :)

Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians near and far!

You know it has been a long time when….

2011-09-15T12:31:00.001-06:00

Your mother asks you when are you going to update your blog?

so this one is for you mom!

It has, as usual, been busy in our house with the start of school and activities. Dance is in full swing for the girls this week. Hardly seems like we stopped over the summer. #3 has decided not to play soccer this winter and do some acting/drama classes and voice classes as well as her dance. She also made the Jr. girls volleyball team. Busy! #2 is a senior with lots of homework and is doing some student teaching at the studio. She also works part-time at a dance clothing store. #1 is off at university and living in a house with 2 other guys. Haven’t heard a lot from him as he settles in, other then a text the other day, “how do I cook this chicken?” music to my ears!!!

This year I am the coordinator for the studio’s parents association’s silent auction. The planning is coming along nicely for the event, but it is taking up a good chunk of my time. I continue working out and walking and enjoying it. Sneaking in some sewing here and there. On that note, I mentioned a few posts back that I had bartered with a friend. She gets me fit and I make her a quilt. Well I am no marathon runner or Olympic athlete, but I feel better and not so sluggish (well except maybe in the morning), and i am toning up.

Although her quilt is done I know her exercise plans for me aren't!!!

She chose this fabric (April Cornell’s Spring Magic) because it reminds her of staying with her grandma. (insert warm & fuzzy feeling)

BTS

2011-08-25T00:01:00.034-06:00

For some the ritual of BTS has already begun and for some are kids are already in school. For us the first days of school aren't until September 1st and September 6th.

Hard to believe:

#1 is going into his 2nd year of university.

#2 will be in Grade 12 and graduating in the spring.

And at last we are out of elementary school with #3 going into Grade 7 & Junior High.

The following rag quilt is going to my friend's son who will be attending his 1st year of university in a couple of weeks.

Kyle.."mom why do i always get the old smelly hand-me-down blankets when i am relaxing on the couch?"

(insert mom snickering as she knows I am making this for him and that his brother and sister already have ones from me)

bright and colourful to match this guy's personality

very big as he is 6'2"

Good luck Kyle on your journey through university. I hope this brings you lots of snuggles!!!

sewing lots

2011-08-24T00:02:00.000-06:00

I got on a roll the other day and wanted to have a sense of completition so I made a few of these pouches.

Actually I have made a few more sense this picture was taken.

Still one of my favourite things to make!

What is your favourite quick project to make?

Only takes a moment

2011-08-22T15:25:00.000-06:00

Hi all,
I know it only takes a moment to write on this blog, but my moments seem to be very filled these days. A re-cap of what I have been up to:

*one week in Kelowna for part vacation/part dance competion with my girls, my friend and her daughter
*get #3 ready for camp
*take #3 to camp
* #1 & 2 working summer jobs
*working in the garden
* working out and walking alot (starting to see some results too.)
* sewing now and then
* summer birthdays
*prepare for visitors
*5 family members come to visit (more on that later)
* recooperate after their visit
* on a whim send #3 to Ontario for a visit with family.
* more sewing, gardening, cleaning, life etc.
* preparing #1 to go back to university, into a house he is sharing with two others. (insert cleaned house for 5 hrs.)
Needless to say it has been busy summer and only two weeks left and BTS. It will be weird this year as I am not going back to work in the fall. I quit at the preschool last December. Of course I have been busy since and don't know how I ever found the time to work :)

On the sewing side of life I have a few finishes to show in the next couple of days. I have missed checking in with everyone.

If you think you are seeing double....it's okay....there are two quilts....almost the same. These were made for twin boys born in March, given by their Aunt!

Such a fun pattern to make and the colours were great to work with.

I love the backs almost as much as the front.

Who doesn't love polks dots?

Random straight line quilting,

I hope they keep these boys all snuggly and warm.

(p.s. their cribs are black and the floor bright green)

What are you working on?

Lee

2011-07-21T15:17:00.000-06:00

Well I am not really sure where to start since I have been gone for so long. (I hope my followers haven't disappeared entirely.) I have been lurking and peeking into other blogs now and then, but really I have been so busy.

Since mid March I was away 5 weekends and 1 week for either dance competitions or soccer tournaments. I had great visits from family members over a 6 weeks stretch. (gearing up for round 2 in 1.5 weeks.) Not too mention Mother's Day, Father's Day, anniversary, all the year end school, dance and soccer wind ups, moving our son back from university, &birthday celebrations. I now have a 19yr old, 16.5 yr old and 12 yr old. We are finally out of elementary school!!!!!

Another thing I have been busy with is exercising. I have a friend that is a marathon runner and very fit. So I bartered with her. If she got me exercising and getting fit I would make her a quilt. I wasn't after a big weight lost, but rather getting rid of the sluggishness that I always felt. So far since April I am doing fairly well. I walk about 15-20 km a week, which might not sound much to some, but great for me. I am also doing weights and a mini circuit she set me up with at home. (I don't like gyms).

I love walking along the Bow River, steps from our house!

This is her quilt top almost complete (need to take picture of completed top!!!

I started making my own bread too!! well on days it is not too hot!

Now days I am in the garden lots, trying to tackle the weeds. (think I am loosing)

Until next time,

Happy sewing or enjoying the sunshine in your backyard/patio!

promise i am around

2011-07-17T22:24:00.003-06:00

I am here and haven't forgotten you my blogging friends. I just had a super busy spring with the kids and company.
I hope to get back to blogging this week.

Tell me what have you been working on??

Happy Canada Day!

2011-07-01T09:52:00.002-06:00

Wishing all my Canadian friends and family, near and far a wonderful Canda Day.

Happy 144th birthday Canada!!

Almost back to normal

2011-06-14T09:48:00.000-06:00

Hi all,

I know I haven't been here much this spring. I have been so busy with family it is just crazy. My MIL leaves today and than no company until August.

Regular dance classes have ended for the girls. now just extra practices for the Grand Championships.

Of course there is still outdoor soccer for #3, 4 times a week.

#1 son is working hard on grounds crew at a local golf course.

#2 daughter is finished school, but still has 2 exams to write.

Slowly we are winding down and I hope to enjoy the summer a bit.

I will try to catch up with you this week, but I have another road trip coming up I need to prepare for!

Happy stitching

Lee

One got away….

2011-06-07T15:43:00.001-06:00

I managed to make 2 of these pouches last week, but one got away before I could take a picture of it. Both them went as birthday gifts to my daughters’ friends!

Happy Stitching!

p.s. I am not getting much done this week as my MIL is visiting from Ontario!

Evolution…

2011-06-02T00:24:00.000-06:00

My friend is moving later this month. She was going through her mother’s sewing supplies that she had been keeping forever. She offered to me what I wanted before they were all donated. I grabbed the zippers.

Look at the evolution of the labels on these zippers.

Love the old packaging….and their prices too! The snaps were in my mother’s sewing box!!

Happy stitching!

Peek a boo…

2011-05-31T09:58:00.002-06:00

Finally I have been able to get back to some sewing this week. Here is a sneak peek at what I am working on. I hope to have the top completed tonight.

What are you working on?

Happy stitching

Lee

Shout out for more of this fabric: FOUND SOME THANKS!!!

2011-05-30T01:17:00.001-06:00

I am looking for more of this fabric. It is from Red Rooster’s fabric line called Golden Harvest. (Style #3258 Pattern #17751-PUR1)

If anyone has any they are willing to sell or trade, please let me know. Or if you know of a place on line that still has some please direct me there.

Thanks

Happy sewing, or gardening, or relaxing or playing or whatever your day brings you!

Comments problem!!

2011-05-29T19:50:00.000-06:00

Any one else having trouble leaving comments on blogs? Every time I do it ask me for my account profile, so I select Google profile. Then it opens up a new blogger log in page, so I sign in, go back to comments and have to start the whole process again!

Very frustrating.

If this is happening to you too and you can't obviously leave a comment, send me an email. I would like to know I am not going crazy and there is a glich somewhere!!!!

Thanks

Lee

Where did the time go….????

2011-05-27T08:56:00.001-06:00

I certainly haven’t been behind my sewing machine lately! (it was actually getting dusty!)

Where have I been and what have I been up to you ask ?

A recap of the last 6 weeks:

family visiting from Ontario
high school dance production (3 nights)
competition dress rehearsal (2 nights)
out door soccer try outs
dance competition (4 days out of town)
Grade 6 science fair
mom visiting from Ontario
Easter holidays
moved #1 son home from university
dance competition #2 (all week in the city)
renovation quotes happening
dog groomed
started fitness training
dance competition #3 (4 days out of town)
regular dance classes
soccer games and practices (3 nights a week)
sister visiting from Ontario
dance competition #4 (2 mornings in town)
competition showcase of dances
son gets a job
husband on a business trip
daughter has slight fender bender (she is ok)
had an allergic reaction from full body spa treatment, (ugh itch itch)
winter tires off vehicles
numerous trips to the airport
head cold (feeling better)
clean, cook, shop, laundry, repeat
gardening (when it is not raining)
son’s 19thbirthday
class field trip
our 21st anniversary

Now you know why I haven’t been sewing!

However, yesterday I declared it a sewing day (since it is cold and rainy) and I was on a roll. I hope to have a top finished this weekend. I have another long list of things to do. i.e. bottle drive fundraiser, soccer game, dinner out with hubby, dance pictures, birthday parties etc. etc.

Sunday I hope to go to the Festival of Quilts held each year at Heritage Park here in Calgary.

What have you been up to?

Have a great weekend

Quilters are so kind

2011-05-15T13:45:00.000-06:00

About a month and a half ago I blogged about a lady here in Calgary that was gathering quilts to send to the victims of Japan's earthquake and tsunami.

I donated the first quilt. I hope it goes to a young girl and brighten her days and keep her warm at night.

To date, if you can believe, Quilts for Japan has gathered over 500 quilts and more are on their way!!! They are coming in from all over North America. Deadline for donations is May 30th.

You can hear more about this endeavour be following this link: http://www.quiltsforjapan.ca/News/quiltsforjapaninthelocalnews

Quilters are truly amazing and generous people and I am proud to be one. Hats off to Bev Rogan for her time, energy, resourcefulness and love. The recepients of these quilts will be truly blessed!

Blogger’s Quilt Festival entry:

2011-05-13T10:53:00.003-06:00

I couldn’t decide which quilt to enter into Amy’s Blogger Quilt Festival. (which by the way is amazing to view). Really choosing just one quilt to feature!!! nearly impossible.
After much humming and hawing, I decided to show you one of the quilts I made this winter to help break up the January blues and that it was going to a very special lady.
Here is it’s story:

Have you ever had someone in your life, that is not a family member, but has influenced you and guided you and helped you in so many ways? Well I have! This lady lived two doors down from us, in a different neighbourhood from where we are now. I first met her in 1993-4 when they moved in. We bonded with both of them right away. They were in their 60’s then and recently retired. They have 7 kids, 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren now. Through the years she taught me so much about gardening, sewing, canning etc. It was like having Martha Stewart close by. She adored my babies and spoiled them with tea parties and cookies. He too was great at helping with household advice and lending of tools etc. In essence they were our family, our surrogate parents/grandparents since ours all lived 3000km away. We still see them on occasion, but not nearly enough. In January it was her 79th birthday. She also had to have surgery then. I thought a quilt might help her speed up her recovery and because she is so deserving of it. She is always giving. (Still spoils our kids with birthday gifts and Christmas bags). I surprised her when I gave her this quilt. She was very touchedand said it was too good to use, but proudly lays it on the back of the chair in the living room. I am sure it brightened her days of recovery.

I hope you have enjoyed stopping by my blog. Consider following me so we can get sewing together!

Enjoy browsing through all the blogger quilt festival entries!

looking forward to...

2011-05-11T08:27:00.000-06:00

...the bloggers quilt festival hosted by Amys Creative Side.

This is the kind of quilt show I love, you don't have to travel anywhere or even get out of your pj's!! Just sit at your computer and soak up all the wonderful quilts.

Take the time to browse through 100's of bloggers quilt for some inspiration!

Are you joing in?

Starts May 13th!

Moving feet

2011-05-05T04:00:00.001-06:00

ballet pointe shoes

lyrical footwear

tap shoes

jazz shoes

Once again this weekend (well starting on Thursday) I will be watching my girls dance in our last big competition of the season!!

whew!

I will try to get some photos of them in their costumes and makeup.

Hope you all have a great weekend and if you are spending it with your mom,

Happy Mother's Day!!!

p.s. I can't wait to show you what I got for an early Mother's Day gift!!!

Oh sew busy….

2011-04-29T07:52:00.000-06:00

It is crazy busy in our house these days:

one out of town dance competition completed
visit from BIL
Visit from niece
Grandma visiting
#1 son moved back home from university
deep in the second dance competition, in town
weather is miserable with snow showers
son gets wisdom teeth out
3rd out of town dance competition next week

are you tired yet, I am exhausted!

Not much sewing being done with this crazy schedule, but I did manage to finally get this quilt finished.

This quilt was started back in the fall, taking inspiration from the falling leaves. I used up all my brown, green, cheddar and brick red scraps to make the crumb squares. I played and played with the layout until I came up with this. I stippled around the cheddar borders, and stitched in the ditch around each block. the larger crumb blocks I stitched crazy straight lines (oops didn’t take a close up of that). I free motioned a vine of leaves in the brown border.

This project was very liberating and something really outside what I usually do. I think I will have to make another one.

Be sure to check out other Friday finishes on Amylouwho’s Sew & Tell. She has some incredible little finishes featured that are sew cute.

One down, two to go….

2011-04-20T14:28:00.002-06:00

… dance competitions I am talking about!

The girls did fabulous at the first competition in Red Deer. Both had numbers in the Dance Off Showcase. So proud of them. This year they are doing a jazz duet together. Now I am double nervous watching!!

In between dance numbers, back at the hotel, I managed to finish free motioning the borders of this quilt. It is a little bit of challenge sewing in a hotel room!!! I forgot my long ruler, I improvised with a small mat and brochure to cut the binding fabric. It worked! Now to hand sew it down.

a few of the costumes all ready to go!!!

Time to get ready for my mother’s arrival. She will be visiting us for 10 days. Coming to watch the girls dance and celebrate Easter.

I hope the sun is shining where ever you are!!!!

Happy Easter

Finish #7 and a break

2011-04-11T05:27:00.000-06:00

This is the last of my finishes for awhile.

You see I am coming up to dance competition season with my girls. Needless to say there won’t be any stitching time behind the machine happening. However I will be taking my hexies on the road as there is always waiting time.

We also have family coming from Ontario to watch the girls dance, so we will have a busy hectic household for the next few weeks.

My last finish: well I can’t show you it entirely or it will ruin the surprise. Right now it is on it’s way to Australia to my Easter Swap partner, Julie. I hope it arrives in time for Easter!

I will still be around blog land but probably not too active. Now time to get the guests beds ready!!

Happy Stitching everyone!

Finish #6

2011-04-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

Whew I have been busy!

Back on March 26th, Katie and I went to visit Lakeside Quilters in Chestermere, AB. They were having a community sew day. Members of their guild and the public were getting together to sew rag quilts for charity. I think in all they made 7 in one day. Katie and I managed to finish this small girl’s rag quilt. One side is denim and the other a whimsical fabric. This is sure to keep a little one warm in a stroller!

Finish #5

2011-04-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

I have been doing so much sewing I am actually emptying thread spools!!!

DD#2 and I worked together on this bag. She chose the fabrics from my stash and cut the rectangles out on the GO cutter, then stitched them together. I assembled the bag. She has already used it twice on sleepovers this past weekend.

She would love to hear from you over at her blog: kreationsbykatied

drop in and say hi

Finish #4

2011-04-07T05:00:00.005-06:00

Aren’t these adorable?

It was announced at Guild the other night that one of the hospitals is looking for quilts for the Neonatal unit. These will be used to cover the isolettes in NICU. They help to keep the light out and can be used to warm the babies too. I used up some orphan blocks to make these. There is certain criteria we had to follow to make them.

I hope these will warm the hearts of the families and help the babies grow.

Finish #3

2011-04-06T05:06:00.000-06:00

During our retreat to the mountains over spring break, hubby and the girls went skiing one day. That left me to amuse myself around the resort. I went for a couple of long walks, read the paper and of course did some stitching.

Delta Lodge @ Kanananskis

Kanananskis Country

view out our hotel room the first morning

chair in the lodge or a quilt pattern?

project on the go (more about this in another post)

mountain hexies

Finish #2

2011-04-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

Love working with LazyGirlDesigns. This one is the wonder wallet. Her patterns are so easy to follow and straight forward.

I don’t know about you but my wallet was bulging from all the loyalty cards every retailer seems to have these days. So I have put this little WonderWallet to my purse to hold all those cards. I have actually made 4 but 3 disappeared to some friends already. I am definitely making more of these.

Don’t forget if you have a chance to visit my daughter’s blog kreationsbykatied.

A week of finishes…..

2011-04-04T11:41:00.003-06:00

I have been busy sewing lately, but just haven’t been showing much. So this week I will post a picture a day of some finishes that have been happening around here.

Last week we were on spring break, so hubby, the girls and I escaped to the Kananaskis for three nights in the mountains. The scenery was gorgeous and the service, food and accommodations were amazing. It was a welcome break from the usual and hectic routine.

Before we get to a finish, here is what we woke up to on Sunday morning. It snowed all day Saturday leaving us with 21cm of heavy, wet, record breaking snow. It truly was beautiful, but I would rather it in December not APRIL. Lily was out enjoying the snow this morning.!!

Finish #1:

Remember this quilt? I was having difficulty with the red bobbin thread popping through. Well I did fiddle with tensions etc. but could never get it just right, so I decided what the heck, leave it as is. Best part it was all made from my stash!

I further embellished it with some blanket stitching on the appliques and some embroidered hearts in the ‘blank’ blocks.

I just LOVE this one!

A Breath of Fresh Air

2011-03-31T23:45:00.001-06:00

Welcome to my blog if you are visiting for the first time from Madame Samm’s Stash Manicure, I hope you will visit often and we become great quilting friends.

Let me tell you how thrilled I was to have this very special quilt be chosen as part of the April banner. (insert happy dance and the biggest grin).

I made this in the depth of a cold and snowy January, when we all could use some warm sunshine (well it is now April and we still have lots of snow in Alberta!!). It was made for a very special lady that has played an important role in my adult life. Mat, the recipient of this quilt, lived 2 doors down from us in our old neighbourhood. She and her husband, both retired, moved in about a year after we did. Well we couldn’t have asked for better neighbours. They were our surrogate parents as all our family lives 3000km away. Mat showed me so many domestic tricks and tips. We would can tomatoes together, make pies, share garden plants, recipes, tea, advice, sewing tips. (although not a quilter a great seamstress). I could always run to her for help or to borrow something. (my very own Martha Stewart). As our children came along they were there for them too. Mat always had crafts for the kids or dolls and tea parties. Her garden was to die for too. There was an open back door to their house for our family. We moved away from them in 2000, but have kept in constant contact with them. At Christmas time she told me she was having surgery in January, (luckily nothing serious). Right away I knew I had to make her a quilt to brighten her recovery days. I surprised her with it on her 78th birthday! She was shocked.

I am pleased to say she loved her quilt, but said it was too beautiful to use. She also recovered well from her surgery!

I used April Cornell’s Spring Magic fabric. I used my new Accuquilt Go Cutter I got for Christmas. An all over loopy flower free motion pattern was quilted on it. I enjoyed making this quilt for such a beautiful, loving and caring women.

Thanks for stopping by and reading about my quilt.

p.s. If you are a Canadian quilter and would like to help the people of Japan that have been devastated by the tsunami and earthquake, then follow this link: http://www.quiltsforjapan.ca/home
Bev Rogan of Calgary has arranged for a container to be shipped over to Japan. Her wish is to fill it with quilts lovingly made by us. I donated one, I know you can too!!

http://www.quiltsforjapan.ca/

Totally scrappy!

2011-03-28T12:38:00.000-06:00

totally scrappy

totally fun to make

used scrap thread too!

Brown Bag Quilt Contest Finished!

Quilts for Japan

2011-03-25T09:30:00.001-06:00

Hello my friends,
If you are Canadian and are looking for a way to help the Japanese crisis by donating quilts there is a solution:

Bev Rogan in Calgary is organzing a way to send quilts to Japan. Go to her face book page for more information. QuiltsforJapan.
there is now a new website to support this effort
http://www.quiltsforjapan.ca/home

Quilts received will be distributed in Japan by "Grace Christian Fellowship" on behalf of "Christian Relief, Assistance, Support and Hope "(CRASH) Ome-shi, Japan.http://www.crashjapan.com/

Personally I will be donating this quilt. It is just sitting on my shelf and I am sure it will keep someone warm.

Sorry

2011-03-23T06:27:00.001-06:00

Sorry I can't come to the computer right now.

I am busy quilting.

Should have a finish soon!

What are you working on?

My apprentice

2011-03-19T15:55:00.004-06:00

If you, my trusty followers or new friends, have a minute head over to my DD#2's new blog:

kreations by katie.

She has been very creative lately and getting very friendly with the sewing machine (my old one not the new one). I told her not everyone starts out with a Rolls Royce you have to learn on a good ole machine first.

She is busily making clothes for Barbie in her own unique style. She loves to sketch fashions and proclaims she will be a fashion designer when she is older.

Leave her a comment please. (remember when you first started and how thrilled you were to have a comment)

happy :) and sad :(

2011-03-18T09:06:00.000-06:00

I am happy I have completed all the stars for this top, (actually I made 8 more after the picture was taken) Hopefully I can find time this weekend to get the rows together.

I am making this quilt as part of the Brown Bag/Ugly quilt contest. Partners exchanged "ugly" to them fabrics and our task was to use them in a quilt, adding from our stash if needed.

CAN YOU FIGURE OUT WHICH ONES ARE THE "UGLIES" (hint there are only two!)

I am sad as we have to attend two funerals today:( I am glad to see the sun shining to help brighten the families for their lost(s)

If you are passing thru Claresholm, AB

2011-03-15T09:01:00.001-06:00

and you are a quilter then you might want to check out this great LQS: 3B Quilting and Fabric (click to get directions)

Bonnie is such a delight to visit with and has a great selection of fabrics to choose from. Her store is located at the back of her beautiful home. She offers classes too. If you love minky/snuggle fabrics she is the place to go!

Until the end of March she is having a

Customer Appreciation sale.

Everything in the store!!!!!

Buy 2 get 1 FREE

(Free item must be of equal or lesser value)

Doesn’t matter if its fabric, notions, or patterns!

Since this is her home based business, you should call ahead to be sure she is in 403-625-4821 she might be busy playing with her grand kids!

Tell her I sent you!!!

I will be back...

2011-03-14T09:17:00.000-06:00

Nothing really new to post about today.

I did mange some sewing over the weekend, but nothing new.

Today I will be doing chores and maybe a bit of sewing.

What is on your sewing table?

Hope you have a great start to the week!

Dilemma

2011-03-10T12:39:00.001-07:00

I started quilting this quilt today, finally.

I decided to stitch in the ditch around each block and the inner border

Then I wanted to free motion quilt on all the white blocks. I am using a white thread on top and a pinkish one on the back. (oops forgot to show the back, but it is pink and red). Trouble is the pinkish thread is shows through on the white.

Do I leave it like this?

Do I change to white thread on the back, which has no white in the fabric?

Do I not FM the blocks?

What to do? Help me out please! I would love to hear your comments and advice on this dilemma.

Thanks

The weeks are flying by….

2011-03-09T09:26:00.001-07:00

It is getting busier and busier in our household. After our return from Florida I have been going none stop:

I finished this quilt, this was my first made to order quilt. :

Here is what the little girl’s mom had to say about it:

“I just wanted to say again, a huge thank you. The quilt is absolutely beautiful. I showed Megyn when I got home and she took off with it right away and just wanted to be wrapped up in it. It looks really great in her room too. I am glad you did it a bit bigger as well, because the size works wonderfully.”

My DD#2 celebrated her confirmation

We had a lovely dinner using Great Grandma’s dishes for the special occasion.

Then we were off to Edmonton (3 hr drive north) for the weekend for a soccer tournament. The girls placed 3rd in their group’s division. It was a great weekend, but tiresome too.

I did manage to squeeze in visits to two quilting stores while there; Earthly Goods Quilting and Lori’s Country Cottage both are great stores with their own personalities. I also got two hexies completed too. If you want to see more hexies pop over to the One Flower Wednesday group to see more.This week I hope to play a bit of catch up. I finally sandwiched my Valentine’s quilt last night. I have also been working on these scrappy stars.

What have you been doing?

A little shopping

2011-03-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

Of course before I left for FL I had to research for the LQS. Wouldn’t you know there was on just 5 minutes from the marina, yahoo.

Off we went to visit the Jam Patch, Stuart, FL. What a great shop, the ladies were so friendly and happy to help.

I couldn’t resist these brights!

DD picked out this collection. The store doesn’t keep collections together so we had to hunt through the bolts to put these together. Kind of like a scavenger hunt

A few reproductions for my GFG

I had to pick up Tonya’s book while in the her neighbourhood. Can’t wait to read through it and start creating. I wanted to meet up with her, but she recently had double knee surgery so wasn’t getting out too much.

I just love Lazy Girl patterns, they are so easy. I have already made one of the mini wallets for all those extra loyalty cards that cram one’s wallets!

What have you purchased lately?

Life’s a beach

2011-02-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

Or a least I wish I was back on the beach

missing the warm Florida sun

2011-02-27T08:30:00.001-07:00

On Feb 14th, DD#2 and I headed off to Florida to visit Papa and June! We had to fly via Houston so we had a long day of travel.

But we left this…. and came to this…..

Remember these? Well they went to Florida to brighten up the dining room table and bar area…

on board this boat!

DD and papa loved riding around in the dinghy too. She loved the speed and wind in her ears!

We even managed a little quilt exhibit at a local museum! I just cracked up at the these jail birds! And the pineapple quilt is so lovely with just two colours!

I wish these were blooming in our backyard, but no we are back to –20*C temperatures and more snow in the forecast.

More on our trip and some finishes too later!

Hope you are having a lovely Sunday!

catching up

2011-02-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I am just returning from a week in sunny, warm Florida with my daughter, visiting my Dad and his wife on their boat.

So needless to say I am playing catch up around the house. hope to be back to quilting tomorrow as I have a few tasks that must get done!

pretty in pink

2011-02-19T04:30:00.000-07:00

Another quilt top awaiting batting.

So cheery! This will make a cute 18 month old very happy in her new big girl bed!

‘Seeing Stars’

2011-02-17T04:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a project I started as I am a waiting for my batting to arrive from Connecting Threads to finish off the other tops I have on the go.

The pattern is from Bonnie Hunter’s Scraps and Shirttails bookof Quiltville.com

Since I now have a AccuQuilt GO Cutter and the 2.5” strip cutter, these are so easy to make. Can’t wait to finish these.

I started this project to use the fabric I got from my Brown Bag Quilt Contest partner. Can you spot the uglies?

Breath of spring!

2011-02-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

You’ll never guess where these fun placemats are going!!!

Or can you?

Happy Valentine’s Day

2011-02-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have a great day with your sweeties!

Hexagon Tuturial

2011-02-09T18:00:00.003-07:00

(If you are visiting me from the AQS Facebook link, leave me a comment to say hi! I would love to know where you are from and what you are working on. Thanks for stopping by. )

At our last guild meeting the program director asked if I would give a demonstration on making hexagon flowers. First I was flattered and then I was nervous. With some encouragement of fellow bloggers I have put together a tutorial of how I make my flowers. What I have figured out when I was learning to make them, was that there are dozens of ways to make them. I think you just have to find out what you are comfortable with and go for it.
Here goes:

Hexies

This is a great website about the history of the hexagon flowers: http://www.womenfolk.com/quilt_pattern_history/mosaic.htm
1. Determine the size of hexagon you would like to work with. Mine are 1.5” hexagons (measured on the outside edge). You can download templates for hexagons or buy pre-cut hexagons at your LQS. When I run out I cut my own by tracing onto card stock and cutting them out. There are also plastic templates.
2. You need 7 hexagons to make a flower. You can use more depending on how many rounds you want your flowers to be. I am using just two fabrics, one for the center and another for the outside ‘petals’.
3. Cut your fabric into squares wide enough to have ¼” over your hexagon. For my example 3.5”squares work well. (also one of my Accuquilt Go cutter dies) You can also cut the fabric into hexagon shapes, but I find squares faster to cut.
4. Place the paper hexagon in the center of the square on the wrong side of the fabric. Some people will use a bit of glue or a pin in the center to hold in place, I just squeeze harder.
5. With an alternate colour thread (an ugly one you aren’t using) you are going to baste around the hexie. You can knot your thread or not, you decide. Holding a 1/4” fabric over the edge, I come up from the back in the middle of the straight side, through the paper and the ¼” folded over the paper. Go down at the corner which has been folded over the corner of the paper and held down by your thumb

6. Continue in this way all around the hexagon. Cut thread and continue with the next hexie. .
Once you have all your hexies basted you are ready to make them into a flower. (Oops missed taking a picture of the center hexie)

7. Take one center hexie and one petal right side together (or two petals). Using a matching thread, knot one end. Starting at a corner go through both hexies very close to the edge. This time DO NOT go through the paper. Make two close stitches together to secure corner.

The object is not to see your stitches on the front side. (After you do a ~~hundred~~ few you’ll get the hang of it!). So you want to take tiny stitches as close to the top edge as possible. Continue whip stitching along the top edge to the other side.
8. Stop, grab another hexie, right sides together with the center hexie and continue stitching with tiny stitches, catching just the back few threads. After that side is stitched you will have to go back and close up the side between two petals in the same manner.
9. Grab another hexie and attach it to the others until all the hexies are stitched together. When attaching the last one you may need to bend the paper in order to get the sides flat together, try not to crease the paper too much.
10. After all the hexies are together you may remove the basting stitches of the center hexie only and remove the paper. The remaining papers must stay in until they are either surrounded by other hexies or you use them. (the papers can then be reused)
11. Since I have used squares of fabric there are some extra ‘points’ of fabric that you may choose to trim to ¼” to tidy up the back.

And Voila you have successfully made your first hexagon!

You can join your flowers together in many different patterns. Use them as an applique on bags, placemats, patches, blocks, or as a pincushion.

Sweet Canadian treat

2011-02-07T20:47:00.001-07:00

Blogging friends Dana over at Old Red Barn Co and Jodi over at Pleasant Home have been posting some delicious recipes lately.

I thought I would join them. For those that don’t know, Butter Tarts are a very unique Canadian dessert; flaky pastry filled with a golden sugary filling of raisins and/or nuts. Sometimes these can be tricky to make, and time consuming.

Years ago I found a recipe in Chatelaine magazine for Butter Tart muffins. (it actually won the 1997 muffin of the year!).

These are so delicious and so easy to make and the taste is wonderful .

Here is the recipe:

Butter Tart Muffins

1 1/2 cup raisins

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter or margarine cut into chunks

2 eggs beaten

1/2 c. milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cup flour

1 tsp soda

1/2 cup walnuts (optional)

maple syrup

Preheat oven to 375*F. Place raisins, sugar, butter, eggs, milk and vanilla in a pan over medium heat. Cook stirring frequently, until mix is hot and slightly thickened, about 4-5 min. Cool slightly, uncovered in the fridge (or outside these days). Line muffin cups with papers.

Stir dry ingredients together & make a well. Add cooled raisin mixture and mix well. Stir in nuts if using. Fill muffin cups.

Bake for 15-17 min. Let cool in muffin pan on rack. Drizzle with some maple syrup.

Makes 12 muffins.

Let me know if you make these and like them!

Play, relax, work!

2011-02-04T09:03:00.001-07:00

Well that is Lily’s philosophy.

As soon as I go down to my sewing area, I have to play fetch with this very squeaky toy for a least 15 min. She drops it right by the pedal, so I have no choice. But if we play long enough then she will sleep and give me time to sew. (just like a kid!)

I did manage to finish this little table topper that will go on my kitchen island!

Enjoy your weekend!

Jewell’s Easter Swap

2011-02-01T04:20:00.000-07:00

I am choosing my swaps very carefully this year so I don’t get overwhelmed and stressed about deadlines.

My newest follower Cheryll alerted me to this fun Easter swap from Australia, but open to all countries. Sign up open until Feb 28th.

Head over to Jewells blog if you want to sign up.

A sweet finish

2011-01-30T11:32:00.001-07:00

This little table runner is completed. I wish I could say the same for the quilt, but I am still waiting on my batting. Oh well at least my table looks good! (I have since added a large red pillar candle in the center). Wish I had some red dishes or place mats to complete the look…umm something to think about for next year!.

Right now I am working on a string quilt for a little girl, (pictures to follow, don’t want her mama to see it quite yet). I completed the top this morning (Sunday) but again waiting on the batting. I am going to have so many hours behind the machine when the batting does come in!

I went to guild last Wednesday and showed off a few of my projects to them. Everyone was so pleased and ooohed and awwwed over them. That made me feel good. The program coordinator saw my Hexies and wants me to give a demo in February. I am not sure if I am ready for this or not? I have learned by watching videos and searching blogs for tutorials. Who knows if I am doing it right or not?

What are you working on?

Have a great Sunday.

P.S. We are back to winter, at least 8”of snow fell in the last 36 hrs. and it is down to –20*C again. On Thursday it was 13*C breaking a 77yr old record!

One pile of hexies!

2011-01-25T22:44:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I joined everyone over at One Flower Wednesday. It is not for lack of progress with my hexies, just lack of time to post about them.

Finally I gathered them all together to see how my garden is growing, of course Lily has to get in on the display too.

I continue to play with the layout of this quilt top. Random or coloured rows? White garden path between the flowers or flowers next to each other? Help me to decide please!

there are 42 hexies here.

Happy sewing

Lee

Advice needed please

2011-01-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get through a few UFO’s this winter before the busy(ier) dance season of my girls starts in April with multiple dance competitions out of town.

Some of the reasons these UFO’s aren’t completed is because I am questioning what to do next, how to finish them, quilt them, back them etc. So for my next couple of blog entries I will be asking your advice.

I started this one back in the fall. Blogged about here. I had taken inspiration from all the falling leaves at the time. If I took inspiration now it would be an all white quilt! I didn’t follow any pattern, just made it up as I went along, using only stash fabrics.

I have since assembled the top and added a border with crumb corner stones. Do you think I need to add another border?

As soon as something is laid on the floor Lily is there to check it out, like an inspector. I don’t know how she can hear a quilt being laid out when she is a whole floor away? Yet she can’t come in from outside when we call her.

Happy Sewing!

Lee

Seeing Red

2011-01-24T08:36:00.002-07:00

I am seeing red, and pink and white all over my cutting counter.

While resting from my root canal on Friday (still have a sore mouth), I started playing with red, white and pink fabrics to make something for Valentine’s Day. I continued on Saturday and this is what i made:
I was happy to have used everything from my stash. Of course I still have to quilt them, but I am waiting for my batting to arrive from Connecting Threads. They are having a great sale on batting right now. At least it is great for us Canadians and their shipping is reasonable.
Do you think I should put more hearts on the blank rectangles or not?

Off to make some yummy lemon blueberry muffins and do laundry. Call me weird but I only do laundry on Mondays. If it is not in the laundry room Sunday night it doesn’t get done!!

p.s. the batting didn't arrive until Feb 12th, needless to say the quilt didn't get completed for Valentines, or the SoScrappy colour challenge but I will get it done. The table runner was completed and enjoyed all month long.

Ouch!

2011-01-21T09:24:00.001-07:00

Home from my first root canal and a little sore to say the least. Come on pain killers kick in! Time for a nap since I was in the chair at 7:00am

mmmm mmmmm Good

2011-01-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

Last night after returning from taking D#2 to soccer practice I came home to a house smelling like chocolate. D#1 with no school (exam break) and no dance, decided to bake:

Chocolate lovers cookies
Chocolate banana brownies
Chocolate surprise cupcakes

Now which would you choose, the fruit in the basket or the chocolate goodness?

#2 for a Special Lady

2011-01-16T09:45:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had someone in your life, that is not a family member, but has influenced you and guided you and helped you in so many ways? Well I have! This lady lived two doors down from us, in a different neighbourhood from where we are now. I first met her in 1993-4 when they moved in. We bonded with both of them right away. They were in their 60’s then and recently retired. They have 7 kids, 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren now. Through the years she taught me so much about gardening, sewing, canning etc. It was like having Martha Stewart close by. She adored my babies and spoiled them with tea parties and cookies. He too was great at help with household advice and lending of tools etc. In essence they were our family, our surrogate parents/grandparents since ours all lived 3000km away. We still see them on occasion, but not nearly enough. Yesterday was her 79th birthday. She also has to have surgery on Monday. I thought a quilt might help her speed up her recovery and because she is so deserving of it. She is always giving. (Still spoils our kids with birthday gifts and Christmas bags). I surprised her at the restaurant she was having dinner at last night and gave her this quilt. I hope it brightens her days of recovery.

Have a great day everyone!

It’s Pretty…

2011-01-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

It’s pretty darn cold here: This morning it was –25*C and with the wind chill that makes it –35*C. but life must go on so you bundle up really well, hope the garage door opens and the van starts.

This is also pretty:

Made and sold for a sweet baby girl. I love this one and it sure does brighten up this gloomy winter day. Backed with flannel to make it extra cozy. I free motioned the flowers in the border and stippled the rest, bound it with a cute polka dot. It is also my first finish for 2011! (need to make a new tab, category etc)
I am off to finish another quilt for a friend that is going in for surgery! It is these nasty winter days that I enjoy curling up in a chair and sewing on a binding!
Since most of North America has some form of the frozen white stuff….keep warm and keep quilting, that will warm your heart!

Have a great weekend all!

My creations for 2010

2011-01-09T09:29:00.003-07:00

My creations for 2010
Originally uploaded by Lala216

A year in review of all the projects I made in 2010. Wow looking back I really did do a lot. I enjoyed making them all.

1. Fall View, 2. Shopping Buddies!, 3. Rag quilt for baby boy, 4. Winter, 5. Baby girl , 6. Eva's rag quilt, 7. Spring time swap, 8. Easter runner, 9. Spring Tulips, 10. country pinwheel, 11. String Fling completed, 12. for mother's day, 13. Hot Rock - front, 14. string cards, 15. summer runner, 16. runner, 17. Haley's own, 18. Summer placemats, 19. DSC_9137, 20. whimiscal runner, 21. Traditional Christmas runner, 22. Bridge anyone?, 23. table runner, 24. Rag quilt for Mitchell, 25. Red & Aqua, 26. Pinwheel mayhem, 27. Easter runner, 28. baby boy quilt, 29. Hexies are multiplying, 30. for Donny, 31. Merry, 32. shopping bags, 33. Inspector Lily, 34. pillow for Chris, 35. Bec's new apron

Created with fd's Flickr Toys

You have to read this article...

2011-01-07T17:00:00.001-07:00

This article will surely bring a smile to your face: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/facts-and-arguments/quilting-has-taken-over-my-family/article1859110/ (thanks Peg)

Athough I only have a corner of our basement, I have always dreamed of having my own quilt/sewing studio with a door and lots of storage.

More of an update on life and the new year next week. let's just say I had a fabulous day of sewing today.

Have a great weekend!

Lee

Merry Christmas one and all

2010-12-24T14:39:00.001-07:00

Wishing all of my virtual friends a wonderful Merry Christmas with your family and friends

Travel safely, eat lots and indulge in the happy days.

From our house to yours Merry Christmas!

(now I better get in the shower and get ready for the festivities)

Getting there

2010-12-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready for the holidays but I seem to be behind this year. I have been busy preparing; baking decorating, shopping, wrapping, shipping packages etc. It all takes so much time.

News on the home front:

D#1 got her driver’s license on Saturday. She is already making her way across the city to school. It is going to seem really strange not driving her to and from the bus (15 minutes there).

D#2 will be appearing in the Wizard of Oz production that is touring across North America. They are performing here in Calgary, Dec 28-Jan 2. She will be one of the 12 Munchkins.

S#1 will be home next week from university. I am looking forward to having him in the house again. He is looking forward to home cooked meals.

I have made two quilts in two weeks. I am exhausted but was so worth it. My brother is going through some issues and since I don’t live near him to give him a hug I thought one of my quilts might help. I used a Jelly Roll for the first time as well as some other fabric from my stash.

Every year my husband’s department supports a family in need. This year a silent auction was organized to help raise funds to buy the family some grocery gift cards etc. I donated this wall hanging. I like it so much I might have to make myself one.

I have just returned from the dentist and half my mouth is frozen. I am trying to eat some porridge without it running down my face. I hope wherever you are, your preparations for the holidays are coming along well.

Lee

It’s beginning to look and smell like Christmas!!

2010-12-05T08:34:00.001-07:00

Remember this pile of bins in my living room. Well they are slowly starting to disappear. (although they are back in the basket waiting be put away again). Now it is starting to look a lot more like Christmas around the house.

Oh and one little finish for my girlfriend that loves snow flakes, real or fake!!

And the kids, big and little, were happy I finally started some Christmas baking….first up Snickerdoodles. Actually D#2 said “Don’t bother with decorating the house, just start baking!!!”

I hope wherever you are it is looking more festive!

Snow flowers

2010-12-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

It is not everyday you see beautiful flowers in the winter snow!!! Don’t they just pop on the bed of white snow? You can see more lovely flowers blooming all over the world over at Karen’s One Flower Wednesday.
A special greeting to all my Nederland friends who will be celebrating the arrival of Sinterklaas soon. He left a few snoepjes in our schoentjes this morning. Goede Sint alles!