St. Patrick's Day and International Quilting Day!

 Woohoo!

Time for some green Quilts! LOL! Not often that these two days land on the same weekend.

I finally finished one of my UFOs (unfinished objects).  It's only been 3 years...  AND it was completed before St. Patrick Day. 

When shopping for Disney fabric in the USA, I fell in love with this one.  So I bought enough to make a wall quilt.  But what to put on it?  A book I saw about Celtic knots and this pretty ribbon made up my mind.  Add a cute charm then quilt with embroidery thread in the current big-stitch popularity and here we go!

Quilting more blocks

 Hello!

I've been working on another blog about the Quilt For Canada that was made for Canada's 125th birthday.  Check it out and share with all you know!

Personally, I continued with my monthly projects:

The Esther Block  Sew Along for February:

I have been LOVING the Tinsel wool applique by Sue Spargo and embroidery with the Cotton Harvest.  Here's blocks #1 &2:

And I've been plugging away on my blackwork stitch alongs with Peppermint Purple too.  I have some catching up to do....

This is the 2024 52 week stitch along (its free to join in!):

This is a temperature black work recording the high temperatures of each day this year:

Do Not Get Sick!

 I cannot recommend getting sick.

From 2 weeks before Christmas to last week, it has not been fun... I will however NEVER forget this Christmas season.  LOL!

I've added 1 more block to my Esther Block stitch a long. 
This is my December Block, picking a fabric that had a line in the large center piece along the edge.

This is the January block, cutting one of the pieces into smaller pieces. I did the center jewels.

I finished my 2023 weekly  blackwork from Peppermint Purple:

What's next?

- a 2024 weekly blackwork with Peppermint Purple
- a 2024 temperature bookshelf from Peppermint Purple
- a stitched block of the month with Cotton Harvest called Tinsel by Sue Spargo
- continuing the Esther Block of the month
- getting ready to go to Edmonton in June for Quilt Canada!

Check out my other blog page about the Quilt for Canada!

How about you?

New Project for 2024

 I've been involved with the Canadian Quilters Association (CQA) for quite a few years now.  I've lived in different provinces and regions all across Canada and am a proud Canadian, as I do not really have a 'hometown'.  We moved around too much for that!

In that capacity, I was asked questions and then researched to find out more information about 'A Quilt For Canada'.  This was NOT a project of the CQA, but some people associated this project with them.  

It took a while, but I eventually, through luck found out all about it!  

It was 1990 and Canada's  125th Anniversary was coming up.  Deborrah Sherman who published her own quilting magazine had an idea to collect blocks from across Canada and create a large quilt to celebrate Canada!  I love projects that promote Canada....

By the time the project was complete, there was a total of 464 blocks sent in from all the provinces, the USA and abroad.  All Canadians, all ages, all abilities put stitches in the final sandwich pieces that were then connected into one quilt.  The finished size is 15' x 17'.  That's FEET! It was displayed in Ottawa and then toured Canada a bit with Eaton's and also the Creative Sewing and Needlework festivals.  

I have since received permission to share images of the blocks and the project.  Deborrah still has the quilt , as no one in the 90's wanted to take possession of it.  I'd love to see this beautiful work displayed again.  We are hoping to find a permanent home for this LARGE quilt, so I started another blog about it.  Check out A Quilt for Canada.  

I will be posting blocks each week and more information about the project.  It will take me the year to post all of them, so please be patient! LOL! Some of the block descriptions do not have a photo.   If you have pictures of the block you or someone you know made and we do not, please share! 

Making of A Christmas Card

 I have been making our Christmas Cards for almost 30 years now.  These are from 2011 and 2013

I still make my mom cards each year to send to her family and friends.  It's a perfect birthday present, and she does not have to buy cards.  This is this year's:

Most of the time they were stamped and coloured.  Lately though I have been thinking that this much work was not too appreciated.  So I started dabbling in digital cards.  That is, create it on the computer and then get them printed to send out.  This year I went a step further and just made postcards.  They are usually recycled anyway.  But they have photos of me, my hubby and our dog, Shadow if they wish to keep them.  I photographed a background:

Then placed it in my digital program and had them printed by Forever.  Got them a couple weeks later and they look great!  This is also the company I send my scrapbooks to be printed.

I hope Christmas is a happy one for you all.  

Crafty Gifts

 So I like to give crafty gifts. (NOOO!!!) 

BUT I am generally careful who I give these gifts to.  In the past, like most of you, I have given crafty or unique gifts that were not appreciated, or discarded.  Yes, once you give a gift, it is out of your hands what they do with it.  I have however placed quite a bit of time in making this item for YOU.  Because I thought YOU would like it.

That said, one of my friends is crazy for giraffes like I am.  When I saw this blackwork pattern I had to make it.  As I was making it, her name kept coming into my brain.  So I decided it was to be given to her.  I can make myself one later. She got it this past weekend.

This is the first in an experiment that I want to combine blackwork or cross-stitch into wall quilts.  And these two gave my skills a work out!  I found out that I haven't been threading my machine right for quilting, so that is why the thread kept breaking!  It does not lie as flat as I would like, but it is still nice.  I even stitched some hearts into the border fabric.  Yes, I used furry fabric (probably shouldn't have but I wanted to make it special)

So here it is, my first of hopefully a series of such quilts.  

More Christmas Postcards

 

A couple weeks ago I showed the fabric postcards I made last year.  This year I stepped up my game and made more after the initial swap was done.  My swap friend got this one:

And these went to some other quilty friends that would appreciate the work...

Basically these are 5x6" with the top being fabric blocks or scraps, embellished with anything I like. (usually from the dollar store) Machine or hand stitching embellishment.  Then add a layer of Peltex and then a backing fabric.  Then zigzag the edges to keep it all together.

These are addictive, and I have another batch being readied for more friends...

EPP Block of the Month

 So in September I Joined a couple ladies I me in Halifax for an English Paper Piecing block of the month.  The Esther Block.  These two sisters were very interesting to hear speak and their presentation was very good!  I've always said that take a pattern and no two will be the same due to the differences in the maker.  The samples Laura and Sara showed in Halifax of the same pattern done by each of them well showed that!  

The Esther Block is named after their mother and this monthly challenge is just that.  Check it out if you're interested in playing with us!  The November challenge took me a bit to figure out with the fabrics I chose, but I got it.  

These were the fabrics I chose:

The September prompt is to use that piece of fabric you are most excited to cut into. 

October's prompt is to use a strong design element in the large half hexagon in the outer border.

November's prompt is to create a flower motif using both the large central motif and the large half hexis in the outer border.

We were given our choice of sizes to work with and I of course went with the largest blocks.  This means one of the sides of the hexagon is 1.5".  Why?  Because I'd never done it before... Always getting myself into odd situations.  Warning, the blocks will be HUGE!  Each block finishes at 16"x18".  I THOUGHT i was going to make a wall hanging with it, but I figure it will make a nice lap quilt at the end of the year with only 12 blocks....

Christmas is coming!

 I've been working away on my Christmas cards lately.  Just because making regular cards was not time consuming enough... I decided to up my game and make fabric postcards too.  

I was introduced to this idea last year.  So I entered a swap with my guild and made these.

The darker one was swapped along with the start ornament.  My mom got the Noel card.  Both were appreciated. 

This year I'm making one to swap that has been sent and finishing up 12 more to give away!

Hugs!

Learning New Skills

 I love learning.  As I get older, I seem to want to learn more....History, nature, and especially different hand work.  Another friend of mine offered classes on hand embroidery.  I'd always wanted to learn properly and to add this to my other work on cards and and quilts.  6 weeks in her home and we learned about cotton, wool and silk threads.  Which needles to use and how to achieve the look we want.

As we worked on our pin cushion, I would also practice the stitches on a needle book as well.  This way I had two finished projects that were also useful by the end of the classes.  

As usual I am hooked and have signed up for another stitch along starting in December with Sue Spargo.  Looking so forward to this!

Cindy

Remember

 There are a few things I am passionate about.  Among them Disney, quilting, crafting, family, Canada, I can go on.... One of them is remembering why we have the freedoms we do.  I am thankful that I can do anything I want and will not be jailed for my opinions.  One reason for this is the sacrifices that were made before I was born.  

I have uncles, aunts and cousins who have and are still serving in our armed forces.  I've thanked them and I thank you too, if you also protect our rights and freedoms around the world.

So I've started to make a wall hanging to show a small bit of my appreciation.  

I loved this pattern as soon as I saw it.  This is a pattern from Peppermint Purple.  A portion of the proceeds to this pattern are donated to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.  Saturday is Canada's Remembrance Day.  Please take a moment at 11am to remember.  

I was introduced to her in 2020 during covid. I posted about her at the end of 2020 when I finished her stitch along. I recently finished another of her patterns which I will also be turning into a wall hanging. As you can see, I'm auditioning some fabric and embellishments for that. Which fabric would you use?

Have a great week.  

And THANK YOU!

You've Got A Friend In Me

 Last year I became part of a chat group that meets weekly on Zoom for an hour to discuss our quilting and other topics that interests us... books, films, kids, just a social hour.  I have benefited from these friendships very much and cannot say how much I appreciate these ladies.  When I first joined, the moderator was creating a block of the month for people to join.  I helped test these patterns and I assembled as instructed, but I wasn't happy with it.  

I wanted to make a wall hanging instead of a lap quilt.  Again precise piecing, but I persevered.  So I took it apart and reassembled with the blocks I liked best.  The rest were used on the back.  I love the end result!  When I look at it, it reminds me of the these ladies.  

I used Meerkat Shweshwe fabric from South Africa in three colours and only a very few solids where necessary.  Each block is representative of connecting through Zoom and in spite of the restrictions of Covid 19.  I also used my new embroidery skills I have been learning from another friend.  I'll have to show you my first embroidery project soon....

I had a chance to meet these ladies in Halifax this past June at Quilt Canada.  I hope to be able to meet them in person again soon!  Meanwhile we have our regular social hour....

Cindy

Losing My Muchness

 Hello!

You probably thought you lost me...or you never noticed... that's ok.

I recently read an article on Owlcation about 10 life lessons from Alice in Wonderland.  It struck a chord with me, so this falls under #2: Life Can Be Much More Muchier.

I've mentioned before that I am a HUGE Alive in Wonderland fan. (also a Tinkerbell fan, Disney fan, I can go on...) I recently started a block of the month with a designer and quilter, Matt from Art East Quilt Company titled the Mad Quilt Party.  

I am NOT a fan of precise piecing little pieced of fabric, but decided to try again...after all, this IS Alice!  This time, I decided I will do my best, but I will not fret if it is not 'perfect'.  After all, who is perfect?  I want to have FUN in this hobby.  Not stress myself out.  This is the first two chapters (out of 12) Alice, and the White Rabbit.

First I had to get rid of a couple other issues that were stressing me out.   That done and working on taking care of me, I have started again. Another one of my favourites, Anne of Green Gables, mentioned: "Tomorrow is another day with no mistakes in it.. yet"  Hopefully I can continue regularly.  after all, I have some catching up to do is showing you what I've been up to.  Enjoy!

Cindy

Time Flies!

 It's June! Almost July!

I have just come back from Quilt Canada in Vancouver.  

This is a show that highlights the best juried quilts across Canada.  If you have a quilt you'd like to submit, you fill in the application at the beginning of the year.  If the Jury (experts in quilting) deems it the best of the best, you get to submit it and have it professionally judged and shown at this yearly show.  I have not had a quilt accepted yet, but hope to one day.  

This was the Best in Show quilt

The detail in her work is AMAZING!  Quilted and thread painted, including beading, then cut out around the beading.  WOW! 

The show changes location each year and is held in the month of June.  This year was in Vancouver at the Convention Centre in downtown Vancouver.  Next year is in Halifax, Nova Scotia!  

Here is my remade quilted jean jacket I finished in time to wear to this show.  I got to meet Dawn Piasta in person after chatting with her online for a year....

I had so much fun!  Do come to a Quilt Canada if you are ever able!  SO worth it!

Hugs!

Creative time

 Hi!

This year, my health took a priority.  
My weight has been steadily climbing since we got married in 1994.
Despite many attempts, nothing really worked.
So after a summer of a new fat flushing medication, calorie control and exercise, I enrolled in a program with the Bariatric clinic of Sudbury.  
3 months of only Optifast shakes 4 times a day.
My poor man!  Grumpy is not the only word, but the only one I can use here!
Since February 2021 I have lost 75 pounds. and I hope to keep it off.

The point of this is I spent a LOT of time in my craft room, distracting myself.
So for the next bit I'll show you what I've made...

First up is this cute mermaid wall hanging.

I got the pattern from a sew along I joined. 
It is called Ocean Child by Laura Strickland.

I have been swapping 2.5" strips with the ladies of my guild for the last two years and decided I need to start using some of them.
The background is some of the blue ones I received.

Have a great and safe New Year's Eve!

Hugs!
Cindy

It's Christmas time!

 Hello!

I love Christmas. 
So nice to hear from family and friends, lots of good cheer and secret making, but also SOOO chaotic!
In the past few years though it's been hard to get into the jolly time of year.
So if you too are having a hard time, hang in there!  
There will be a better day!
That's all we can do.  Just keep trying.

I made my mom's Christmas cards in time for her October birthday again this year.  
She like cutesy and Suzy's Zoo by Susy Spafford. 
So I took some wrapping paper I bought last year and fashioned some cards for her and my seester!  (that's not a typo, just the way we call each other)

Then a friend asked me for some cards for her business, so I made her some fun ones.

And finally I finished mine in early December. 
I used the same background paper on all of them and the same greeting inside, but used up all the stray embellishments I had collected over the years.

We sent them out a little later that I prefer, but there you go. 

Just aim for done and not perfection! 
I learned that this year! 
How about you?  What did you learn this year?

Happy Christmas everyone and keep safe!

Hugs!
Cindy

Fabric postcards

Hi!

 I participated in a fabric postcard swap this year.
It took me a while to find the Pellon Peltex 9292F Stabilizer, but once I got into the groove, it was fun!

My first ones are quite plain, but I got to play with the font feature on my sewing machine and spent a happy afternoon playing and adding decorative stitches with gold thread.

That's a paper pieced ornament next to it.  I sent it to my swap partner too.

The second one gets given to someone special.

Next year I understand we may do it again, so I'm gathering ideas to make more elaborate ones!

Hugs!

Cindy