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

Happy New Year

I am beginning to add some links on my side bar. Perhaps a few more to come. Enjoyed the Rose Bowl Parade this morning while sewing down the last row of binding on a quilt. Wishing each and everyone of you a happy, healthy New Year. Piecefully, Joanne