This one is for Cathy

Here is the bottom corner of the Peter Rabbit quilt. I was able to make one that was 36" by 44" from the scraps you gave me. I combined tiny bricks and cut the yardage into 4 1/2" squares. It is a very pastel quilt, certainly not my normal. It will go to the Scrapbag group in January as we begin to build our inventory for 2014. Piecefully, Joanne

Do I need an attitude adjustment?

This charming little duffle bag is for the two year old daughter of one of my daughter's friends. It is my last sewing project for this Christmas. I sure don't have much practice with girly stuff but I did have the right colour threads for the top stitching. My grandsons and the little girl's older brother all have their own bags. They are just the right size for a sleepover at Grandma's or a friends. Room for some jammies a  couple of toys and a change of clothes. I hope she approves.
Now the attitude problem. I really do not enjoy spending time in the kitchen baking or for that matter cooking. I did in a weak moment offer to bring some Christmas cookies to our daughter's next week. I got the dough ready and chilled and then I could not get it to roll out. I think I had it too dry and too chilled. Hubby to the rescue. He played with it for a while and got it to roll out. Then he cut the shapes and I put on the sprinkles. What a team. I get frustrated almost instantly when I can't do something right in the kitchen but will sit for hours at my sewing machine trying to figure something out. So maybe it is just a partial adjustment that is needed.
The Stashbuster yahoo group has a number of members suggesting a word to live by for 2014. I am still thinking about my choice. Will it be BALANCE? FUN? COMPLETION? SCRAPS? JUST SAY NO! I have not decided. I have also noticed that there are quite a few new BOM's up or advertised as well as some Quilt Alongs. These are so tempting I just don't need or want any more UFO's in my life at the moment.
Piecefully, Joanne

Welcome blogathon visitors

Welcome Blogathon visitors. I hope you have enjoyed your cross Canada experiences this week. My name is Joanne and I live on the shores of Lake Huron. I am posting this Friday night as we are in a snow squall warning and I am not certain we will have power tomorrow morning. These three quilts were finishes for this week. They will all go to my local Scrapbag Quilters group next Wednesday. They are ready to find new homes. The scrappy one was done as a mystery with the on-line group One Stitch at a Time. I must say I have forgotten just how many years ago. It finally got the binding done and the label on. The bottom two quilts are doll quilts. We donate them to the toy drive. The white with rainbow strips was a variation of a doll quilt pattern I saw on Lyn Brown's web site last year. The other one was made using the bits that were left and stretching them to doll quilt size.
These quilts represent my style. I primarily make scrappy quilts and I am known for using up the last tiny bits of fabric. From time to time I think I would like to be a Modern Quilter but my stash doesn't contain a large number of solids. I suspect that isn't the only reason I can't call myself Modern but I will stick with that. Don't forget to go back to Jackie's (here) to link up with other Ontario Quilters. Piecefully, Joanne

Brown can be beautiful

In February this year I cut up just over 2000 brown and gold bricks for my turn at Scrapbag Quilters. I finally got my project completed from that day. There was a lot of grumbling about the brown but I was trying for guy quilts that were larger. And in that aspect I made my target. My quilt is just a lap size quilt but it should keep someone warm. Our Scrapbag group meets next week and we will be tying a few quilts that day and celebrating the season at lunch time. Piecefully, Joanne

I love a good mystery whether it is a book or a quilt

This is a mystery quilt pattern I tested for The Quilt Pattern Magazine (TQPM) an on-line quilting magazine. the designer is a Canadian, Janet Barker from Calgary. I gave the quilt to my sister this past weekend. Only a little late for a milestone birthday she had this year.
Not certain how this photo is working. The little blue patches on the border are turtles. I have a thing for turtles so thought Linda could think of me when she used the quilt.  Piecefully, Joanne

Now that the Quiltmaker 100 Blocks Blog Hop is Complete

I will show you the quilt I made from the blocks I tested. It is a simple nine patch setting. The fabric line is Feathered Friends from Northcott Fabrics. It had a number of directional prints and that required some thinking when I put the blocks together. I ended up quilting it myself on my 60+ year old Bernina because the person I had asked to machine quilt it could not do it when the time came to get it done. So I worried that my quilting on a domestic machine would not be up to current standards. But I think there are still a few of us out there who use our domestic machines for our own quilting.
I found the testing exercise a tremendous challenge and when asked, said I would love to stay on for volume 9. The testing has in fact started for that volume. All I can say is there are a whole lot of talented designers out there and I for one am happy to see Quiltmaker magazine giving so many of them the opportunity to shine. Piecefully, Joanne

The time of year for doll quilts

Or perhaps I should have said the time of year to finish doll quilts. I am not in any exchanges so the doll quilts that I make go to the local toy drive. The three pictured are the start for this year. The blue and green one has some of Mary from Kincardine's left overs added to some other scraps. I was able to get 8 windmill blocks and then added other pieces to make it a reasonable size. The middle one is made up of my tiny bricks in pastel colours. The one on the right has been languishing forever. It was the waste (or bonus) triangles from a mystery quilt made several years ago. I am trying to get some control back in my sewing room so every bit that gets finished and out of there is a good thing.
I hope everyone has enjoyed the Quiltmaker 100 blocks blog hop this week. The quilt I made of my tested blocks is in the magazine. I will post a picture in a post tomorrow. Piecefully, Joanne

A busy quilty week

It has been a busy quilty week at our house. Tuesday I attended a Take Four quilt workshop with the Kincardine Sunset Quilters guild. When I got home my preview copies of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 8 arrived in the mail. It looks wonderful. I tested about a dozen of the blocks so have had a bit of a sneak preview. Wednesday the Sewcializers took a road trip in the rain to visit a couple of quilt shops. Even though officially I only needed thread I did manage to boost the economy in both Markdale and Maxwell. Thursday I received an invitation to participate in the Quilt Canada Invitational quilt show to be held at Brock University next June and finally the Retired Teachers of Ontario asked me to talk about my experiences establishing a blog. Time to head out to the gym and have a reality check. Piecefully, Joanne

Something cheerful on a gray day

 This is one of the Mystery for Relay quilts. I believe it is number 30. Marge does a terrific job writing these mysteries. It is already to donate. Piecefully, Joanne

Testing Patterns for Designers

I tested this block for Alyce of Blossom Heart Quilts (here). She had hoped to post the pattern today but as often happens, at our house anyway, life got in the way. So watch for it soon. It is an 18" by 24" block and she called it Fairy Tale Castle. I fussy cut pirates for the windows so mine is called Pirate Castle. I am hoping to get mine quilted and bound this weekend.
Kristy at Quiet Play (here) has a tester group also. I recently tested a block for her that she is planning to use  next year. Lots of little pieces but it fit together well. Both of these young designers are very talented and it is a lot of fun testing their patterns for them.
Well I hope to get the last sentence typed before the power flickers again. We have had very high winds since last night. Not much fun for Trick or Treat. In fact for the fifth year in a row no one came to the door even though I was ready and had the lights on. Piecefully, Joanne

What happens at retreat, stays at retreat...but I can tell you this much

I had a terrific time. The Kincardine Sunset Quilters Guild booked the Crieff Hills Centre for a 2 1/2 day retreat. We arrived Tuesday morning and left Thursday afternoon. We all brought projects to work on. Each person had their own table. Irons were set up in the hall outside the sewing room. We were bunked in at two to a room.The food was great and the company was even better. This is me at show and tell. On the design wall behind me is a lap size double slice quilt top and I am holding up a tiny bricks baby size quilt. I got four tops assembled at the retreat. The blocks were done and I had laid them out in rows before going, so the sewing was pretty mindless. Also got a start on the Braille Quilt Along. Thanks to all the organizers for a wonderful time. that being said we thought we should be somewhat circumspect when describing the experience so we would not have too much competition for the limited number of spots next year. Yes, next year is booked already. Piecefully, Joanne

Family, where would we be without it?

 Our daughter and "the boys" taking it easy early Sunday morning. So not my usual quilting post but such a fun photo I couldn't pass it up.  Piecefully, Joanne

Brenda P and Dear Jane in Bennington Vermont

Brenda Papadakis gave an informative and entertaining talk of Friday evening at the Bennington Museum in Bennington Vermont. She described how she had come across the now famous Dear Jane quilt and how she ended up drafting the designs for the blocks found in the quilt. After her talk we had the opportunity to see the original quilt. I was amazed by its condition (excellent) and the depth of colour that was still present after 150 years. Yes this is the 150th anniversary of the quilt.
I often wonder  how my work will stand up after 20 years let alone 150. It would appear that the Dear Jane quilt wasn't actually used. There is a lot that is unknown about the quilt and its maker and this allows one to speculate and fill in the blanks on your own.

This is one section of the quilt. You could not stand back far enough to capture the full quilt in one shot. The Museum puts it on display for 6 weeks a year and we were there during that time.
On Saturday I attended a workshop given by Brenda. We first introduced ourselves and I was surprised to see that four people in attendance had come from Calgary and another attendee was from Australia. We did a couple of the more challenging blocks. It was so much fun to get out and do some serious sewing with like minded people. One woman at the workshop had completed one Dear Jane quilt in traditional colours and was now working on one in modern brights. Quite a contrast.
Piecefully, Joanne

Sashiko Workshop in Kincardine

We were fortunate to have Renske Helmuth come to the Kincardine Sunset Quilters Guild this week and teach a beginner Sashiko workshop. I was one of the lucky ones to get signed up. I finished one square at the workshop and have a good start on my second block. Renske started us off with paper so that we could easily see the progression of the stitches and how simple straight stitches can build up to the final pattern. We did both square designs and round ones. She also had some resources for us to look at and some beautiful finished quilts with Shasiko designs incorporated into the quilt. She will be teaching this workshop at Quilt Canada next June so watch for the sign up if this is something you may find interesting. Renske is an excellent teacher. I had a great time and it was certainly good to be back stitching.  Piecefully, Joanne

Kincardine Sunset Quilters Guild starts a new year

Mary Coates the guild past co-chair finished her quilt from the Scrap quilt workshop I taught last May. It is a hit with all her family and I can see why. Ann Finlayson our incoming co-chair is on the right. She was part of the measuring team. This year our Guild is joining the Walk to Niagara Challenge from the Canadian Quilters Association. So after show and tell the quilt or project goes to the measurement table for a measurement. We did not have a large number of items at this meeting.
The Executive has done a marvelous job of lining up workshops and programs for the coming year. There is a good variety, as they say, something for everyone. Piecefully, Joanne

A life well lived but ended far too soon

Our son-in-law passed away very suddenly two weeks ago. He was due to return from his two and a half years working in Virginia the following weekend. Mike was just 37. We have been doing what little we can to help our daughter and the boys during this incredibly challenging time. She has a wonderful group of friends and they have been a blessing. Mike's colleagues in Virginia were shocked too. They packed up what he had left in his apartment and drove his car back to Ontario thus sparing Jennifer a long weekend on the road.
My creative energies have gone into hibernation and I hope they are allowed to wake up soon. The only sewing I have done has been some mindless scrap quilt block components.
I saw a nifty (or at least I thought it was nifty) Quilt Along. It is called the Braille Quilt Along and can be found here. Piecefully, Joanne

The Giving Quilt, my version

This is my version of The Giving Quilt all done and ready to donate. I loved Jennifer Chiaverini's book of the same title. In my opinion she does a wonderful job of character description. After the book came out she published the directions for the quilt. As a scrap quilter I had to make some slight alterations. As an example the outer border is not quite the same as the pattern but I was (as usual) working with donated bits of this and that and had to figure out just what I could do to add the border. I keep hoping this figuring out is good for my brain and will replace Crossword puzzles as a brain stimulant.
Yesterday we had lots of excitement on our tiny street as the neighbours hosted a private concert with John McDermott. They had been the successful bidders at a charity auction and last evening was the result. We were a little nervous about how our grandsons would take this event because it was an adult occasion but they amazed us. Sat in the very front row and did not move until intermission. They told us the singing was good and the guitars were good too.
I am in the final stretch with my Quiltmaker's 100 blocks Volume 8 Sampler quilt. I have only see a few of the blocks from this upcoming issue but I believe it will not disappoint.
Piecefully, Joanne

A few quilts are getting finished

This pattern is called Sugar and Spice and is from Joan Ford's book Cut the Scraps. It was the sample quilt I used for my Scrap Quilt workshop earlier this spring. When I was dealing with the worst of the tendonitis one of my Scrapbag friends quilted it for me and then I added the binding and a label. The fabrics were samples given to us by the local quilt store owner when she was closing one location and moving to another. The finished size is 60" by 76". It feels good to get something finished and ready to donate. Piecefully, Joanne

Purple strings ready to donate

A friend quilted this for me as my shoulder tendonitis is making that task difficult. I added the label and the binding and washed the finished quilt. It is now ready to donate when needed. It was made with fabric another friend gave me and features dancing cows and frogs mixed in with pink and pastel green. The centre string colour was selected because of the purple challenge from the Heartstrings Yahoo group earlier this year. It was a lot of fun to make. Piecefully, Joanne

Mother Nature 1, Playhouse 0

Dylan is inspecting what remains of the kids playhouse. There were fierce winds yesterday and their playhouse was destroyed. Fortunately it didn't cause any damage to neighbouring homes as it blew away. Grandpa has taken one truck of remains to the dump and the second load is on its way here to see if anything can be rigged up at our place. Piecefully, Joanne

Lantern Along a new quilt along

 This is the first lantern from the current quilt along called Lantern Along by Jessica at  quiltyhabit. Lots of straight stitching. It took me longer to pick out my pieces for the rows than it did to sew them together.
It has been oppresively hot here this week. Grandson number one is here for the week and has been attending Art Camp being held in the local public school. They have had a lesson each day and he is making a book. today was perspective. Not bad for a 7 yr old. Piecefully, Joanne

If it is not one distraction its another

Today we had to set up the newly purchased tent to ensure that all required parts were in the package. And they were so tent is now down. We are hoping the boys will be able to spend the night in the tent in a couple of weeks when they are back for their next visit. They were out in a nasty storm a couple of years ago and the older one has declared he is not going to sleep outside. This tent is huge so hopefully he will be OK. We can keep the garage door open and he can scoot in if he feels the need.
I have taken a bit of time away from my machine and done some reading. One book I found particularly interesting was Frozen in Time by Mitchell Zuckoff. It is a true story set in two different time periods, World War II and last year. A testament to character and perseverance.
Tendonitis is still a problem for my shoulder. One of my Scrapbag friends offered to midarm some of the bigger quilts that need finishing. It still takes a long time to piece a backing. I got three done and delivered to her this week. I will be more than happy to tackle the binding when they are done.
I have an applique block to test for Quiltmaker magazine and I really dislike applique so have been putting it off. It must get done this weekend. Piecefully, Joanne

Fun with Felt at Flora's

Yesterday afternoon our Loose Threads group had a relaxing time at Flora's cottage. Someone had given her a huge stack of felt and so we played with felt for a while. I made the little owl and Fran made the Valentine Voodoo doll. Fran found a significant number of felt craft ideas on line and I googled felt crafts for kids. I suspect grandson number one would be able to do simple stitches. He has made me promise to show him how to use my sewing machine this summer. He is coming for a week in July so I think I know what we will be doing some of the time.
We had a potluck supper. Flora told us ahead of time she was making a pot of chili. We really did have pot luck. Two loaves of bread and a lot of fruit.Last year Flora was unable to have us at the cottage as she was not well so it was an extra special treat to be able to be there. We also talked about possible plans for next year. In the past we have done group quilts and I think we laid the ground work for another one for the coming year. Piecefully, Joanne

I'm the king of the castle, briefly

Very limited stitching happening due to tendonitis in my right shoulder. The physio is improving things so as they say, soon, very soon. Everyone was up for a Father's Day visit. This is grandson number 1 climbing on a rock pile at the neighbours. It was a beautiful day and the boys had a lot of fun. Piecefully, Joanne

Trying to capture some summer colour

My husband is the gardener in the family. I love irises and he has planted several clumps in a variety of colours. This purple one especially caught my eye today. Piecefully, Joanne

Kincardine Sunset Quilters wrap up another year

Two of the women who took my Scrap Quilt Workshop in May brought their tops for show and share. I couldn't resist taking a photo. I thought they did a terrific job.
It was a busy meeting. Draws were made for the various blocks of the month. I was sad not to win any of the draws but in a way relieved because it meant I did not have to find a block and make the kits for the same month next year. We had a terrific pot luck lunch. Many delicious salads. I love that as you can have a taste of so many different things. Several quinoa salads made an appearance this year. After lunch was done and cleaned up and the tables and chairs put away so that the Bridge players could take over for the afternoon we went on a little fabric acquisition road trip. There are Mennonite shops in the area and I did not know much about them. One car lead the way and the second car followed. There is no electricity in the shops so determining exact colour matches can be a challenge. I found a few pieces of fabric that decided they would be better off with me than staying at the shops.
And I won a GiveAway on Sharon Vrooman's blog. She was giving away some charm packs and had two designed for the US and two for International. Since I was unfamiliar with all of them I said in my "comment" that whatever was available should I win would be fine. I was delighted to get an Avalon charm pack and a happy-go-lucky charm pack.
Piecefully, Joanne

A Quilt Retreat was exactly what I needed

This was the scene over the past weekend. 14 of us gathered in Tobermory at the Trails End Lodge for an extended weekend of quilting, visiting, good food and overall great fun. As you can see from the photo we each had our own sewing space. Gayle and Cathy are becoming very proficient at organizing these events. They handle the food and the main projects and developing a theme for the event. We can stitch the projects or bring our own UFO's. This year I did a little of each. I finished up the blocks from a mystery and from my second sample for the Scrap Workshop I lead at Kincardine. Both now move to the needs to be quilted pile. At this retreat I showed how to make a small folded star block that would make a coaster or a Christmas decoration. The picture shows some of the finished or almost finished little stars. I had some tricks for reducing the bulk on the outside edges as this finishes about 4".
This was the third annual retreat and I for one hope there will be a fourth annual retreat.
It is refreshing to get away and share a laugh or two with so many like minded souls. I also love to see the colours people select for their projects as it always gives me new ideas for things to put together.
On the home front our daughter is moved into her new place and the boys each have their own rooms. One has chosen a hockey theme and the other wants a pirate theme. Grandma (me) has made curtains for each room and next longer term project is a pirate themed quilt. I need to start collecting fabrics for that task. Good excuse to visit some quilts shops. Piecefully, Joanne

A great day in Kincardine

Yesterday was the sunset Quilt Guild in Kincardine. It was the day for the big reveal of our monthly banners. The whole guild was divided into small groups and each group picked a month. Ours was July. The patterns for this project were by Kim Schaeffer and American designer so July was fireworks and the fourth of July. So we had to redesign the project for our Canadian audience. All the hangings are being donated to the new Community Living building next month. I must say we have a talented and creative group.
One of the regular features of the guild is "The Survey" held each May. The survey seeks feedback on guild members quilting background and interests as well as what aspects of the guild members participated in. Then asks for ideas for future speakers, programs or workshops. The Survey results are presented in June and my observation is that this is used to influence the program and Guild activities the following year. Our group had too much to say so we didn't finish all the questions. But most groups did finish.
My scrap quilt workshop is happening next week as is our daughter's move into the new townhouse. Grandpa will head down to help with the move. Who knew last September when we set the workshop date that it would be such a crazy spring. Piecefully, Joanne

I have an overwhelming regard for daily bloggers

Honestly I don't know how they keep up with life and write a blog too.The last three weeks have been a little more stressful than I prefer. At the left is a picture of Sue and Lorraine diligently working away on the Scrapbag project I organized for March. I will look forward to seeing the assembled tops when we have our April get together.
We had much better news on our Grandson's health after his visit to the oncology clinic at McMaster yesterday. Oh my, what a relief. Now all that remains is to get the family relocated by the first of June.
I have been doing some sewing but not finishing much in the last little while. So as the saying goes many works in progress. I am thrilled to say I am a Block Tester for Quiltmaker magazine for their 100 Blocks magazine. We are currently testing blocks for the fall issue of the magazine. The retired teachers of Ontario magazine Renaissance came out last week and I am included as one of the members whose hobbies and pastimes are featured.
I spent some time at the local hospital too. They care for you well in our small Emergency Department. It's not too bad during the winter months but once the snow birds return and the summer people settle in you can barely find a place to park let alone get a number to be looked after. They are looking at expansion but there is only so much that can be done. At our house we can't say enough positive things about the group that work there.
I am looking forward to spending some time with "the girls" sewing next week. Just one small interruption for an MRI but that should only take a morning away from the fun. Piecefully, Joanne

What keeps me busy

These are the two young men  who will occupy a little more of my time than usual over the next couple of months. Their Mom will be packing up and getting ready for the second move in a year. Not something I would wish on anyone. Hopefully it will be the last move for a while.
But it is not all babysitting. Friday and Saturday I went to Toronto and attended the Ontario Home Economics Association Annual General Meeting and Conference. I was a founding member of the Association over 30 years ago and have maintained my membership over the years. I met some bright and articulate and well informed younger members this year. It made me feel the Association is in good hands. One young home economist maintains a web site and a blog here . She has a wealth of information about sodium and other hidden ingredients in your food. Well worth investigating. I have my kits all ready for Scrap Bag day on Wednesday this week. So let another week begin.  Piecefully, Joanne

A bucket of bricks

So I am wondering how many bricks a bucket can hold. I feel like I have been cutting for weeks although it is only a couple of days. I now need organize these into piles of approximately 400 per baggie for my turn at Scrap Bag quilters next week. We are going to try for some slightly larger guyish quilts. Piecefully, Joanne

A little string quilt finished

This little string quilt is approximately 46" square. The centre string is a very light gray and the other strings are coral and a light steel blue. The quilt will go to our Scrap Bag group for donation. I have been sitting at my computer more than sewing for the last couple of days. Also getting my project ready for the next Scrap Bag meeting. I am making lots of bricks. So the scraps get pressed then cut into 2 1/2" strips and then sub cut into 4 1/2" bricks. We are going to be working with lots of browns, greens and golds on this project. Piecefully, Joanne

a small paper pieced Retro Fridge

This is a small paper pieced retro fridge designed by Kristy of Quietplay She has a number of small and clever designs available through Craftsy. She also has a free for one month, Block of the Month happening this year on a sewing theme. The last time she asked for volunteers to test patterns I volunteered and the fridge is the one I have done for this time. It is part of a wall hanging with features from a retro kitchen. In fact it is the second wallhanging she has done on that theme. The pattern had many very tiny pieces but went together beautifully. Tomorrow is Kincardine Sunset Quilters Guild as we say weather permitting. they are talking about some snow but hopefully not enough to make it impossible to get there. Piecefully, Joanne

Testing patterns for other designers

This is a pattern I tested for The Quilt Pattern Magazine (here) . It is available as part of the current issue. My photo is not terrific. I tested a mystery for them that will start in their May issue. It looks great. I have been doing some testing for other designers and it is an interesting process. You make the project following their directions and then provide feed back, identify areas of weakness or typos etc.

Today was a Project Linus sewing day in Kincardine. Proceeds from the quilt raffle at the show last fall have been earmarked for community outreach projects. It was a real treat to sew with new big pieces of fabric instead of assembling many different scraps to make a quilt. Last Wednesday we had a Scrap Bag Quilters meeting. I had my top assembled before it was time to go home. I am blaming my table mate for that. She was absent so I had no distractions.

The Grandsons have both been ill and fortunately Grandpa has been able to go and do a day or two of babysitting here and there. Hopefully if we get some nice warm weather everyone will start to feel better.  Piecefully, Joanne

Where does the time go?

This quilt is ready to go to the Scrapbag group on Wednesday this week. It was a Mystery quilt started on the Mystery for Relay yahoo group. Believe it or not I still have blue scraps after finishing this one. Marge ran this again as a New Year's Mystery so there are likely many of them around. I like the simple clean lines.

The Mystery quilt on the right is not quilted but it is assembled. The Kincardine Sunset Quilt guild had a Mystery class for this one. I sewed all day long and did not think I was anywhere near finished. Got everything out the next day and surprised myself with how close I actually was to being finished.

Today I sent in my final binding numbers for the cross Canada adventure with the Canadian Quilters Association. This fun activity went on for 6 months and the goal was to see if members and member guilds could sew enough binding to cross Canada. My final total for the 6 month activity was 4602 inches or approximately 128 yards.

I had the pleasure of seeing an article I wrote in the most recent issue of the Canadian Quilter. I wrote about Virtual Groups and what they might offer to some specific quilters. I have enjoyed getting back to doing a little writing. Keeps my mind active if nothing else. Piecefully, Joanne

The Giving Quilt

It has been a busy week in the quilting department. I have finally assembled my top based on The Giving Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini. It is bright and cheerful and hopefully will be just the ticket for some child needing a Project Linus quilt later this year. I still have a little time to get it quilted before Cathy returns. The challenge was to make one before she returned from Florida.
Tuesday the Kincardine Sunset Guild had a Mystery Quilt workshop. Denise taught the class and she was so well organized. I got a large chunk of the work done at the workshop and finished the blocks yesterday. I have the rows to sew together next.
We did not get as big a storm as family a couple of hours south of us. When we used to live in Guelph a true sign of a snow day was when the University shut down. It was closed on Friday. Today the sun is shining and it feels as though all is right with the world. Piecefully, Joanne

Another scrappy top

This pattern is called Sugar and Spice and is from Joan Ford's book Cut the Scraps. To tame her scraps she cuts them to specific sizes and then has developed several quilt patterns that use those sizes of squares. It is an interesting philosophy and I am looking forward to her next book Scraps Plus One due for publication in April. This particular top was made using samples donated to the Scrapbag group by Wendy from Mother's Fabrics in Wiarton. She was clearing out prior to her move into downtown Wiarton. Wiarton is home to the semi-famous rodent Wiarton Willie cousin so to speak of Puxatawny Phil. Sorry Phil if I misspelled your name. Willie decreed yesterday that it would be an early spring. I am suspicious about that forecast as I wondered with the amount of snow we have had in the last two weeks whether Willie would even get out of his burrow, let alone make a forecast. It has been good weather to stay inside and sew. Piecefully, Joanne

Celtic knot duvet cover done and on the bed

This project has taken far too long to finish. I cannot remember how long ago I made the top. A couple of years ago at least. It was presented as a mystery on a blog with a new section every couple of weeks. Deborah Cohen in Australia created the original design. I believe a pattern can be purchased that has different sizes. This one is a queen size. We wanted to make it a duvet cover. So I "quilted" the finished top to a layer of cotton, no batting between the layers. For the back of the duvet cover I used some extra wide quilt backing. I joined the front and back with a zipper so it will be easy to take off the bed and laundered as needed. It is "scrappy" in that the pinks, whites and blacks are various pieces. The mottled grey with pink in it was the only piece of fabric that was used consistently throughout the entire quilt. I am happy with it. The other bed upstairs also needs a new duvet cover so I need to keep working.  Piecefully, Joanne

We haven't seen weather like this for a couple of years

A little ray of sunshine. It has been snowing since late Saturday. Hubby went to babysit the grandsons and I stayed home for an eye doctor appointment. He is stuck where he is and I am stuck where I am. three days of snow squalls. I am going to miss Scrapbag quilters tomorrow because I can't get out of the driveway. This quilt is all ready to donate. It is black centred strings with every bright scrap I could find. Piecefully, Joanne

This looks like a good idea for today

Peeking out from under a quilt I made for my sister is Dewey her cat. It is always nice to know that your handiwork is appreciated.
I have been getting my sample ready for the Scrap Quilt Workshop I am doing in May for the Kincardine Sunset Guild. It has lots of little steps but I expect to have the blocks finished before lunch today. I am thinking that if I do not quilt it then people can look at the back for the seam pressing directions. Will have to think about that one a bit.
It is cold here today and we are in a snow squall watch so a good book and/or a working sewing machine are in order. The foot pedal on my machine decided to pack it in and on the same day my shredder died. I am feeling technologically challenged. Or maybe that is challenged by technology. Piecefully, Joanne

Every day is a good day to quilt, Wednesdays are especially good

Yesterday was Kincardine Sunset Quilt Guild meeting. The weather was good and we got there and back with no problems. I do so enjoy that group. The quilt in today's photo is a recent finish. It is for the Scrapbag group. Cathy made the kits for us and she has a wonderful sense of colour. My quilt is very "manly" with fish and deer and forest scenes scattered through the browns and greens. It was made with 2 1/2" strips.
Wednesday does seem to be special quilting day with the Scrapbag Quilters meeting on Wednesdays and my Sewcializer group meets Wednesday. Fortunately they share the time so there are no conflicts.
I had an interview before Christmas for a magazine article for Renaissance magazine. It is a magazine for retired elementary teachers in Ontario. The theme for the upcoming issue is Popular Pastimes and Hobbies.
My sister visited her wheelchair bound friend and gave her the little lap quilt I made. Apparently it was a big hit as she loves purple and this one was primarily mauves and soft colours. She is going to let Linda know how it works for her so I can eventually get feed back on the size and the ties I added.
The boys are coming up tonight as there are more labour issues in the schools and at this time it looks like a one day strike tomorrow. It is being called a study session or some such thing.
Have a pieceful weekend.  Joanne

It's been a busy week

This is a small baby size quilt. 40" by 40". Often what we make is determined by how much we have to work with. this started out as a very little bit of the Mickey Mouse fabric. It is the disappearing nine patch pattern.

The weather decided on our behalf that we would not go to the quilting bee in Kincardine on Friday. After we decided not to risk it we heard there were many cars in the ditch south of town so decided we had made a good call. I have been working on the hand sewing part of bindings this week while the college football games roll on and on. There have been some close and interesting games.

The boys came up for a little overnight trip. We are being threatened by 5-10 cm of snow this afternoon so Grandpa took them home a little early. Xavier, the older one has come to the conclusion that making quilts is my "work". 

We are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather will cooperate and we can get to Kincardine for Quilt Guild on Wednesday. Piecefully, Joanne

The first finish for 2013

This quilt is for a friend of ours who is having cancer surgery shortly. It was started in November at a jelly roll workshop and the design was called Pandora's Box. It was a very easy to assemble pattern and I would be tempted to make another one. The quilt is roughly 47" by 62". My hubby thought it should be larger than the original size so I used the bits left from the workshop and cut a couple of 2 1/2" strips from a couple of fat quarters to make the extra blocks. Piecefully, Joanne