Dorothy Baker Designs

Quilt Show

2012-01-31T05:55:00.000-08:00

My local quilt guild, The Oakville Quilters' Guild, is having their quilt show in May. The Sentimental Reasons Quilt show will be held on May 3, 4 & 5, at the Operating Engineers Banquet Hall on Speers Road in Oakville. The guild has a lot of very talented quilters and it should be a fabulous show. To read more about it, and to get directions visit the Guild's blog here:http://oakvillequiltersguild2012.blogspot.com/

Hope to see you there.

2012-01-01T05:25:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year.

2011-12-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas and is able to sit back and relax today.Things were a bit hectic here, and unfortunately Mom wasn't strong enough to come downstairs and join us, but we all had a good day, and Santa was good to everyone.

Virginia sent me a photo of a quilt she made using one of the patterns from my "A Little Bit More...About Bears" patterns. Isn't it adorable?

Bye for now.

Edit: Virginia has advised that the ballet slipper pattern she used in her quiltwas from the "Ballerinas" pattern by Heidi Pridemore of the Whimsical Workshop.

2011-12-18T14:15:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe Christmas is only a week away! I feel like I've been running in circles, so much to do, and getting very little accomplished.

I finally got the tree up and decorated, and thought you might like to see a few of my favorite ornaments.

Jack Frost is my daughter's favorite.

Inside the teapot, a chipmunk is decorating the tree.

This one has been on our tree for over 30 years!

My daughter gave me this Santa for Christmas last year.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas.

Vintage Tiles Revisited

2011-12-02T03:23:00.000-08:00

Well, Denise (no blog) has done it again! Here is a photo of her second block for "Vintage Tiles Revisited".
Hasn't she done a fabulous job? Does it motivate you? If any of you have missed them, blocks one and two are still available to download on Lecien's web site here http://www.lecienusa.com/home/.

I'm hoping, after the rush of the holiday season, to get started on something new. Maybe some of you that have been waiting till the New Year to get started on "Vintage Tiles Revisited" will share photos of your blocks with us. I hope so.

Well, I'd better get busy and start de-cluttering my house, or Santa won't have any room to leave our presents! lol

Bye for now.

2011-11-30T07:02:00.000-08:00

I celebrated another birthday this week and thought you might like to see some of my goodies!

My son surprised me with these lovely flowers and some of my favorite chocolate cookies!

My husband gave me this beautiful Santa to add to my collection.Isn't he fabulous? The Santa I mean, though my husband is pretty darn fantastic too!

My daughter and my Mom both gave me some spending money, in case I needed to add to my stash. I'll show you what I bought when the parcels arrive! lol

I'm still in a bit of a rut with my quilting. I know what I want to do for my next large project but I just can't decide on a background fabric. In the meantime I've been working on a few more small quilts for the quilt guild's charity group. Don't want you to think I've been goofing off. lol

I'll be back later and hope to be able to show you someone's completed "Vintage Tiles Revisited" block two.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T05:15:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to wish my American friends a Happy Thanksgiving.

Bye for now.

2011-11-19T12:06:00.000-08:00

Denise of Chatham, Ontario, sent me a photo of her completed "Vintage Tiles Revisited" block One. Isn't it fabulous!
If you have missed it, the 1st block of "Vintage Tiles Revisited" can still be downloaded at Lecien's site here

http://www.lecienusa.com/blockofmonth/

The 2nd block will be available for download sometime next week.

I would love to see photos of your blocks, if anybody would like to share them with us, email your photo to me and I will post it on my blog.

Bye for now.

Vintage Tiles Revisited

2011-11-16T07:02:00.001-08:00

I have discovered I goofed in the material requirements for the background fabric, I advised 8 yards, when it should be either 7 yds, (if you like to have some extra in case of miscuts or other mishaps), 6 1/2 if you don't. I like to have the extra, especially when the project is spread out over a year, just in case the fabric is sold out. Lecien will be correcting their files.

Please accept my apology.

Dorothy

Vintage Tiles Revisited

2011-11-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

Just thought you might like to see the new design I've been working on, using some of Lecien's fabulous taupe fabrics. This is "Vintage Tiles Revisited" and it is being offered as a free Block of the Month on Lecien's web site here http://www.lecienusa.com/home/

The first block is available now.

I still haven't been able to settle on a new winter project. I think I've lost my mojo! I hope I find it soon.

Bye for now.

Charity Quilts

2011-10-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

With everything that has been going on with Mom this past summer, I haven't been able to get myself in gear, and settle on a new winter project. I've sorted through my stash, hoping I'd find a fabric that would motivate me, but instead I came across a few "what was I thinking!" fabrics.

Since they are perfectly good fabrics, I've decided to use them to make charity quilts for the guild.

Here are photos of the first two quilt tops.

Since I'm no good at machine quilting I'm hoping someone at the guild will quilt them, and they will bring some joy to a child somewhere.

There isn't much new on the home front. Mom is doing okay, some days a bit better than others, but we are managing. Fortunately, CCAC has given me 3 hours a week, so someone comes in to stay with Mom and I am able to get out for a bit.

Thank you everyone for your emails and messages of support, and though I'm not always able to reply, it really means a lot to me.

Bye for now.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-10-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to wish my fellow Canadians a Happy Thanksgiving.

Bye for now.

2011-08-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you all know what's been happening. Mom came home from hospital about 4 weeks ago and is doing okay. She isn't very mobile, but is able to move short distances using her walker. We've got a hospital bed for her, which helps with the pain from the compression fracture in her vertabrae, and a nurse comes in to check on her 2 or 3 times a week.

The whole hospital experience was a nightmare and has left me feeling very low. I haven't had the inclination or the time to get back to my quilting but hope things will settle down soon.

Thank you everyone for your messages and well wishes, they really helped!

2011-06-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

I must apologize for being MIA again these past few weeks. My dear Mother slipped off the side of her bed last week, and broke her leg! She came through the surgery better than the doctors expected, but we have had a few hiccups since then. Wednesday night, after they moved her from ICU she had a GI bleed which caused her haemoglobin levels to drop dangerously low.

Once the doctors resolved this problem, we thought things were picking up, but then on Tuesday morning her heart started to give a few problems. The doctors are now trying to address this problem, but Mom's sensitivity to medication is complicating things.

She has been able to get up and sit in a chair for an hour, but her rehab is being delayed until these other matters are resolved.

Needless to say, I have been spending most of my time at the hospital, and will be for the next few weeks? The doctors haven't given me any idea yet, as to how long she will have to stay in the hospital.

I'll be back, I just don't know when.

Bye for now.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T05:13:00.001-07:00

Wishing you all a very happy Mother's Day.

I am grateful that I still have Mom with me to celebrate another Mother's Day. My dear son surprised me with some lovely white roses before he headed off to work, and my lovely daughter gave me a beautiful card with some spending money, to feed my quilting addiction. lol Unfortunately, I won't get to see my daughter today, as she and her husband manage a restaurant, and today is always the busiest day of the year for them. Of course, Daisy, their Chocolate Lab, is staying with us while they are busy with work.

The sun is shining today, so we will probably spend the day working in the garden, I can't believe how many weeds are out there!

Hope you all have a wonderful day. Bye for now.

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is enjoying their Easter weekend.

I've been busy working on the pink version of "Some Bunny Loves You" and hope to have a photo to show you soon.

Bye for now.

Keeping Busy

2011-03-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been posting any quilt photos lately, so, just so you don't think I've been goofing off, here are some photos of quilts I've made to donate to a charity group.

I've been trying to reduce my stash, and improve my machine applique, so these projects were perfect.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. The sun is shining beautifully here, and the snow that hit us by surprise on Wednesday is starting to melt.
Bye for now.

Wonderful Surprise!

2011-03-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

When I collected the mail today, I received a wonderful surprise!

Dear Pilar of http://cerato.wordpress.com/ sent me these scissors, all the way from Spain, to add to my scissor collection.

Aren't they cute? I haven't seen any like this before.

Pilar, you made my day! Thank you.

Start of Scissor Collection

2011-02-27T07:23:00.000-08:00

While cleaning up my sewing room, again, or should I say still, I got sidetracked admiring my small collection of needlework scissors.

I know some people collect thimbles, but I don't usually use one, so I think I'm going to start building my collection of needlework scissors from around the world.

They're small, so they won't take up too much space in my very small sewing room, but also useful. See, I already know what to say to DH when he asks "do I really need more scissors?". lol

Pilar of http://cerato.wordpress.com/ got me started last year, when she and I did an exchange and she sent me these beautiful scissors from Spain. Aren't they exquisite?

Now I know what to put on my birthday and christmas wish lists, scissors from France, Italy, Germany and other countries around the world. I've been researching it a bit and I know there are Dovo from Germany, Bohin from France, Premax from Italy. I'm sure there are others, but I haven't learned of them yet.

Any suggestions?

2011-02-10T04:42:00.000-08:00

Just thought you might like to see this quilt, that I finally finished! I really, really, don't like putting the binding on, and find I am a terrible procrastinator. lol

Thank you all for your suggestions for the name of this quilt
I've decided to call it "Some Bunny Loves You" I've been working on another smaller version of this quilt in the pink and hope to be able to show you something soon.

Bye for now.

A Few New Designs

2011-01-25T10:30:00.000-08:00

I know I've been very quiet for the past few months. As some of you know, I've been caring for my Mother for the past few years. With looking after Mom, I'm not able to get out and about too much, so I haven't had much interesting to chat about. But, I have still been quilting, and here are photos of two new designs.

This one is titled "Loves Music, Loves To Dance.

I haven't got a name for this one yet. Any suggestions?
Marina has finished her "Sweet Nostalgia" quilt top, and it looks fabulous. Why don't you pay her a visit and see for yourself. Has anyone else got any photos to share?

Edit: February 7, 2011 - Just a quick note to thank you all for your suggestions for the name of the blue bunny quilt. I've decided to name it "Some Bunny Loves You". How do you like it?

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T06:58:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Be back later. Bye for now.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

2010-12-19T10:58:00.001-08:00

A few of my favorite Santas. Have a wonderful Christmas everybody.

Christmas Quilt Show

2010-11-19T07:29:00.000-08:00

Sew Gal Cal is hosting the Christmas Quilt Show again this year. Just the thing to get us in the Christmas mood.

This is one of my favorite Christmas quilts - "A Little Bit More About Bears...It's Christmas!"

I made this quilt about 8 years ago when I was teaching an applique class. The class was making "A Little Bit More...About Bears" and I thought it might be a good incentive if I made another quilt along side of them. I didn't want to make the same quilt again so I made a few changes and changed it into a Christmas quilt.

If you have a Christmas quilt you'd like to show, click on the link at the top of this post. If you don't have a quilt to show, click on the link anyway, and have a browse at all the wonderful quilts. Maybe it will inspire you to make a Christmas quilt of your own!

Bye for now.

Blogger's Quilt Festival - Fall 2010

2010-11-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been over two months since my last post! I wish I could say my absence is because I've been too busy quilting, but alas, the truth is I've accomplished very little.

Daisy, my DD's Chocolate Lab, had her second surgery three weeks ago, and her recovery has been a bit slower for this leg. She's such a sweet natured dog, but she does like company, and as she isn't supposed to be climbing stairs, I'm back sleeping on the couch in the family room, to keep her company. We really need to get a bigger couch!! lol

Amy, of Amy's Creative Side is hosting the Blogger's Quilt Festival again, and my entry is my

Vintage Tiles - Elegance In Neutrals quilt.

Why don't you drop by Amy's blog and have a peek at some of the fantastic quilts that have been entered this time, or better yet, take a few hours, and browse them all!

Bye for now.

"Sweet Nostalgia" - The Finish

2010-08-21T09:00:00.001-07:00

I had hoped to have the top quilted before the "reveal", but I'm sorry I couldn't manage it. I will post a photo when it is quilted.

I have used Prairie Points to finish the edges of my quilt, and normally, they are not added until the top has been quilted, but I wanted you to see the effect. The Prairie Point edging is optional, and some of you may prefer to just add a binding.

Here are the links to download the Finishing Instructions for the "Sweet Nostalgia" B.O.M. from either Scribd or 4Shared. I will leave the instruction available for download until November 15th, when the last of the blocks is removed.

Please remember, each block is available as a free download for 3 months, after which it will be available to purchase. If you have missed any of the blocks and wish to purchase them, just send me an email. The link to my email is on the left hand side of the screen, or in my profile.

I hope you have enjoyed stitching these blocks along with me, and for those of you who haven't had a chance to get started on them yet, I hope you will share your photos with us later. Don't forget to check out the photos in the "Sweet Nostalgia" Flickr group.

And for those of you still looking for the Cosmo embroidery threads I just learned that Super Buzzy is now carrying the full line.

Stay tuned for my next B.O.M.

Bye for now.

"Sweet Nostalgia" - Hide and Seek

2010-08-15T06:12:00.001-07:00

It's so hard to believe a year has gone by and I'm posting the last block of my "Sweet Nostalgia" B.O.M. I hope you have enjoyed stitching these blocks as much as I did.
Thank you to Marina, Jennifer, and Hazel who have shared photos of their blocks in the "Sweet Nostalgia" Flickr group, and to Karine and Carrie who have emailed me their photos so I could share them with you. I hope more of you will share your photos over the next few months.
I'd also like to thank everyone who has taken the time to leave me a comment.
Also, I'd like to thank Nireko of the Lecien Corp. who so generously provided the wonderful Cosmo threads for this project. If you haven't tried them yet, I really hope you will have the opportunity to try them in the future. They are wonderful to work with, and have a lovely silken sheen.

A photo of the quilt and the finishing instructions for the quilt will be posted in the next few weeks.

Here are the links to download the pattern. Scribd or 4Shared

Please remember, each block is available as a free download for 3 months, after which it will be available for purchase.

On the home front, Daisy is doing fairly well, only one more week before she gets the stitches out and we can remove that horrible cone from her head. She is banging into everything with it, and I have the bruises on my legs to prove it! lol
The hardest thing is keeping her from running or trying to jump on the couch to cuddle with us.

Bye for now.

2010-08-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been M.I.A. lately, but things have been a little crazy around here.
My daughter's lovely 4 year old Chocolate Lab, Daisy, had been having a problem with one of her back legs, and the Vet decided surgery was necessary. My daughter, Alison, took her to the surgeon and a date was set for last Monday. Well, the day before the surgery, Daisy hurt her other back leg, and it was a more serious injury, so they ended up having to operate on that leg instead!
We've got her home now, but because she can't manage any stairs, or risk walking on hardwood floors, she'll be staying with us for the next few weeks. The plan is to hopefully get this leg fixed, and then they will operate on the other leg. Thank goodness for pet insurance!

Isn't she lovely? She is such a good, sweet natured dog, it just doesn't seem fair that she should be having all this trouble.

"Sweet Nostalgia" - Fun At The Beach

2010-07-15T04:20:00.000-07:00

Here are the links to download this month's "Sweet Nostalgia" block. Scribd or 4Shared.
Enjoy.

"Sweet Nostalgia" - Let's Play Ball

2010-06-15T03:59:00.001-07:00

Here are the links to download this month's "Sweet Nostalgia" block - Scribd or 4Shared.

Happy Stitching.

Some Show And Tell

2010-06-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that it's the 1st of June already! I guess there must be some truth to it when they say that time flies when you're having fun. And, I have been having fun designing and stitching the "Sweet Nostalgia" blocks. I finished stitching the August block last week, and have almost got the quilt assembled. I just have to finish writing up the patterns, and then I can concentrate on the new B.O.M.
Karine sent me a photo of her April block and it is wonderful. I love the little lamb she added to it.

Hazel has already posted a photo of her May block in the Flickr photo album, and Marina has posted the photo of her April block. Why don't you have a look. I'd love to see photos of your blocks too!

The 4th baby robin hatched on Saturday, and I have been watching Momma and Poppa robin flying back and forth, their beaks full of worms, trying to feed their hungry babies.

Last week, I received my quilt back from Vikki, of Subtle Creations, after she had worked her magic on it. I wish I could take a better photo so you could see the fantastic quilting she did.

Bye for now.

And Then There Were Three!

2010-05-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

Only one more to go.

We Have Babies!

2010-05-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on the Robin's nest. I checked the nest last night and there was no change, but when I checked again early this morning this is what I discovered.

Isn't nature wonderful!

Chat with you later.

Bloggers Quilt Festival

2010-05-21T05:42:00.000-07:00

Amy of Park City Girl blog is again hosting an on-line quilt festival. Each participant is to post a photo of one of their favorite quilts with a little story about it.

One of my favorite quilts, is this quilt called "All About Bears" and it was my first design.
At the time, my daughter had quite a collection of teddybears that were taking over her bedroom. I made a deal with her that if she put away some of more well worn teddies I would make her a quilt. At the time, I didn't realize the fun I would have with it.
Why don't you visit Amy's blog and check out all the wonderful quilts being showcased, and even write about one of your own. Just click on the Quilt Festival button on the right-hand side of my blog. Be forewarned though, it's addictive!
I hope all my fellow Canadian bloggers have a wonderful Victoria Day weekend and all my U.S. friends enjoy their Memorial Day next weekend.
Bye for now.

The Robins Are Back

2010-05-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, while trimming the trees, my husband discovered the robins have returned this year. In the Spring of 2007 and again in 2008, we had a robin's nest in the corner of our window sill, which I was able to see from the kitchen. If you check out my posts of May and June 2008 ,you'll see all the photos. It was absolutely wonderful and I missed them when they didn't return last year. But they're back! Not on our window sill but in the pear tree. Here are the first few photos:

Isn't the color of the eggs fabulous!

Chat with you later. Bye for now.

"Sweet Nostalgia" - How Does Your Garden Grow?

2010-05-15T06:19:00.000-07:00

Here are the links to download this month's pattern - Scribd or 4Shared

Don't forget to check out the "Sweet Nostalgia" Flickr album. Hazel, Marina, and Jennifer have been sharing photos of their blocks. I hope you will join us there. If you're not a member of Flickr, it's quite easy to join, they give you step by step directions. I really would like to see your blocks.
Happy Stitching.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day. Hope you all have a wonderful relaxing day.

New Threads From Lecien!

2010-05-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

As I was stitching away on the June "Sweet Nostalgia" block, I began to wonder what I would do as a B.O.M. when "Sweet Nostalgia" is finished. I was going to do a survey to see if stitchery, or my favorite, applique, would be preferred, but I just received a wonderful surprise in the mail, which made up my mind for me!
The wonderful Nireko of the Lecien Corp. sent me those beautiful threads to introduce their new line of variegated threads called "Seasons", which are going to be launched at Quilt Market later this month. Why don't you ask your local quilt or needlework shop to look for them at Market.

Don't they look luscious? I've got just the project in mind for them. So stay tuned.
The past few days I've been busy appliqueing the borders on my new design, "Loves Music, Loves To Dance" and hope to be able to show you a photo soon. Bye for now.

"Sweet Nostalgia" - Happy Easter

2010-04-15T04:10:00.001-07:00

Here are the links to download or print this month's pattern from Scribd or 4shared.
Enjoy.

Happy Stitching.

EDIT - April 17, 2010: For some reason, people are having trouble downloading the pattern from the Scribd site this month. I haven't been able to resolve this problem, so I suggest if you want to download the pattern to your computer just download it from 4shared. If you want to print it, just right-click on the pattern and select "Print Document". I apologize for the inconvenience.

2010-04-10T07:42:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note to show you the two quilts I recently got back from quilter extraordinaire Vikki Favreau of Subtle Creations. Vikki has been doing my long-arm quilting for a number of years and she never fails to please me! These are numbers 5 & 6 in my "A Woodland Christmas" series of designs.

Didn't she do a fantastic job? Hope you have a great weekend. Bye for now.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T03:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone.

2010-04-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

I'm afraid I've been very quiet these past few weeks. I had surgery on my stitching arm on the 15th of March, and it was a little more extensive than they expected, so I had to rest it for a bit, so no stitching or computer! I got the stitches out last week, but then had a problem with being allergic to the bandaids they had covering it!
I was able to do a little stitching this week, and have been playing around with a new applique project today. Fortunately, I've been working a little bit ahead on "Sweet Nostalgia" so I have the block ready for this month, but I still have to prepare the pattern. All being well, I should have it ready to post by the 15th.

Here are 2 more of the bunnies from the new ballerina bunny quilt I started designing last month. I managed to get the quilt top assembled and was working on the borders before I had the surgery. Hopefully, I'll be able to get it finished soon.

Bye for now.

"Sweet Nostalgia" - March Winds Doth Blow

2010-03-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

It's time for another "Sweet Nostalgia" block. Before you download this month's block pattern, March Winds Doth Blow, check out the Flickr album. Marina, Jennifer and Hazel have posted photos of their February blocks, and they are all wonderful. I hope you will share your blocks with us too!

Please remember, each block is available as a free download for 3 months, after which it will be available for purchase from me.

Here are the links to download the block pattern from Scribd or 4Shared. Happy Stitching.

Time For a Little Applique

2010-02-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

I know I've been quiet lately, there hasn't been much to chat about or to show you, but this past week I decided to take a stitching break and do a little applique. I have been working on another applique project this winter, but I can't show it to you yet, but this one is just for me, so I can.

Here are the first two blocks of a new design I think I might call "Dance To The Music".

What do you think? I'm having fun with this one.

Have you checked out the "Sweet Nostalgia" Flickr album lately? Hazel has just posted a photo of her February block and it's wonderful. I'd love to see more photos if anyone else has any to share.
Bye for now.

"Sweet Nostalgia" - February Block

2010-02-15T06:32:00.000-08:00

Here are the links to download this months block. Scribd 0r 4shared Enjoy.

Happy Stitching.

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-14T06:25:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines everyone. I hope you all have a wonderful day.

Here's a few pics of some "Sweet Nostalgia" blocks. Karine has shared her pic of January's "Snow Days" block and Karen has shared her September "Summer's Gone" block. Thank you for sharing them with us ladies.

There are more photos in the Sweet Nostalgia" Flickr group album. Jennifer, Marina and Hazel have all posted photos of their blocks. I hope you will check them out, and maybe even think of sharing your blocks with us. If you're not a member of Flickr, it's quite easy to join, they give you step by step directions. I really would like to see your blocks.

February's pattern will be posted tomorrow. See you then.

"Sweet Nostalgia" - Snow Days

2010-01-14T04:34:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe we're into the middle of January already! Time seems to go by too quickly these days. It seems like Christmas was so long ago, yet I'm still putting the decorations away! lol
Now that the holiday season is over, I hope a few more of you will get time to share some of your "Sweet Nostalgia" blocks with us.
Here is a photo of Carrie's November block -Carrie has provided a wonderful tutorial on the coloring technique she has used. Thank you for sharing it with us Carrie.

Jennifer, Marina & Hazel have all posted photos of their blocks in the "Sweet Nostalgia" Flickr group album. I hope you will join us.

This months block, is titled "Snow Days" and can be found on the Scribd or 4Shared links. Happy Stitching.

Please remember, each block is available as a free download for 3 months, after which it will be available for purchase. If you have missed the September or October patterns they can be purchased from me. Just send me an e-mail.

Bye for now.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T06:13:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Be back later. Bye for now.

"Sweet Nostalgia" - Checking The List...Naughty Or Nice?

2009-12-15T06:25:00.000-08:00

It's that time again, time for the December block of the "Sweet Nostalgia" B.O.M.
This past month has gone by so quickly!
Before I post the links to the pattern I want to show you Karine's November block.
Didn't she do a fantastic job! The squirrels look almost real. Thank you for sharing it with us Karine.
Marina and Jennifer have also shared their November blocks with us in the "Sweet Nostalgia" Flickr group album here. They are wonderful.
Perhaps after the rush of Christmas a few more of you might be able to show us some of your blocks. I would really love to see them.
And now, what you are all waiting for, this month's block titled Checking The List...Naughty Or Nice?
The link to download or print the file is here and for those of you having trouble with Scribd the 4Shared link is here. Enjoy.
Remember, each block is available as a free download for 3 months, after which it will be available for purchase. The September block is no longer available for free, however if you have missed it you can purchase it from me. Just email me.

I hope you all have a very happy Christmas. Happy Stitching.

2009-12-12T08:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, the mailman arrived with a wonderful surprise for me. Carrie P. sent me this wonderful parcel.Carrie is coloring her "Sweet Nostalgia" blocks and posted a wonderful tutorial on her blog. I mentioned I'd like to try that technique on my next project and she has sent me the crayons I'll need, along with some yummy caramel chocolates, a cute hand made christmas ornament and a lovely fat quarter of Chanteclaire Christmas fabric. Thank you Carrie, what a tremendous surprise!
I've been busy this week, trying to get the house in shape for Christmas, and preparing the pattern for December's "Sweet Nostalgia" block, which will be coming next week. While I was pulling out the Christmas decorations I thought you might like to see a few of my Santa figurines and ornaments.

My husband brought the first one back from Scotland for me this year, and my DD gave me the the other one for Christmas last year.
My DD brought these cute Santa ornaments back from Scotland for me too!

I think they are a wonderful addition to my collection. Well, I'd better get back to work, still lots to do before I can get the baking started.

Bye for now. See you next week.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T04:30:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note to wish my American friends a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you have a wonderful day with your family and friends.

2009-11-20T05:27:00.000-08:00

It's been one of those weeks where I've felt like I haven't stopped but for some reason I've accomplished very little! lol With Christmas just around the corner I really need to do better! I think I need to start making lists!

Carrie P. of http://apassionforapplique.blogspot.com/ has prepared a wonderful coloring on fabric tutorial using the "Sweet Nostalgia" October block, which you can find here http://apassionforapplique.blogspot.com/2009/11/coloring-on-fabric-tutorial.html. While you're checking it out, have a look at all of her wonderful applique quilts. Thank you Carrie. She has decided to make her blocks a little smaller and to color them using Crayola crayons. Here is a photo of her September block

Doesn't it look wonderful. I think I might try that technique on my next stitchery project.

Bye for now. I'm off to start making my "must get done before Christmas" list.

Edited November 21/09 - Carrie P. just posted this photo of the October block on her blog. Doesn't it look fabulous? Thank you Carrie for sharing it with us.

"Sweet Nostalgia" - November Block

2009-11-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

It's that time again. I find it incredible how fast time goes by. There are only 40 days left till Christmas, and I still have so much left to finish! Oh well, maybe they will be ready for next Christmas. lol
For those of you that sent your prayers and good wishes for my Mother, thank you. She is home from the hospital now and working on getting some of her strength back. We are just taking it a day at a time.

Before I add the links to the new block I want to show you the October block done by Karine of http://turtlepatch62.canalblog.com/. Didn't she do a fabulous job? Thank you for sharing it with us Karine. Also, as I mentioned in my previous post, Jennifer of http://stitchanything.blogspot.com/ has very kindly set up a Flickr group for the "Sweet Nostalgia" B.O.M. So, if any of you have completed any of your blocks and would like to share them with the rest of us, please join the group and upload your photos. The link to the Flickr group is here http://www.flickr.com/groups/1229506@N24/. I really would love to see them.

And now, what you've been waiting for, here is the new block for November, titled - "Making Friends". The link to download or print the file is here.
For those of you having trouble with Scibd, I've made it available on 4Shared here.

Happy Stitching! Chat with you later.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick note to wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween. I'm afraid I've been very quiet of late, with not much to talk about. We had to rush my Mother to hospital a week ago, and things have been very stressful around here. Needless to say I haven't got much stitching done! It's a good thing I'd planned on being 2 or 3 months ahead of everybody else. Mom is still in hospital, and they're planning on doing some more tests, but I really hope I can bring her home next week.

Hazel B of http://hazel-sewcrazy.blogspot.com/ sent me a photo of her completed October block on October 16th! I couldn't believe how quickly she got it done, and it looks wonderful.

Jennifer of http://stitchanything.blogspot.com/ has started a Flickr group for "Sweet Nostalgia" so anyone who is interested can post photos of their blocks . I think this is a wonderful idea and will be posting my photos as soon as things settle down here. You can find the link to the group here http://www.flickr.com/groups/1229506@N24/ I would love to see your blocks.

Bye for now.

"Sweet Nostalgia" - October - The Witching Hour

2009-10-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

It's that time again, time for the next block in my "Sweet Nostalgia" B.O.M. series. I hope you will have fun with this one. Don't forget, I would love to see photos of your completed blocks.

The link to download or print the file is here. For those of you having trouble with Scribd, I've made the file available on 4Shared here.

Hopefully, after Quilt Market this past weekend, more shops will have discovered the wonderful Cosmo embroidery threads and it won't be so difficult for you to find.

Happy Stitching.

Fall Quilt Festival

2009-10-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

Amy of Park City Girl blog is again hosting an on-line quilt festival. Each participant is to post a photo of one of their favorite quilts with a little story about it.

One of my favorite quilts is this one I made about 5 or 6 years ago. I have always loved the look of the 1930's repro prints but I wanted to do something a little different with them. I'd never made anything with a 60 degree diamond template before so I decided to give it a try. I think it turned out pretty well. Of course I had to add some applique to the borders. lol

Why don't you visit Amy's blog and check out all the wonderful quilts being showcased, and even write about one of your own. Just click on the Quilt Festival button on the right-hand side of my blog.
I hope all my fellow Canadian bloggers have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, and all my U.S. friends enjoy their Columbus Day.

Bye for now.

The Winners Are...

2009-10-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to enter my "Sweet Nostalgia" giveaway. Your wonderful comments were very much appreciated. There were so many comments that I haven't had the time to visit you all, but I am going to try. I put all the entries in a large pot( there were a lot of them!) and I asked Mom to pick out the winners.
The grand prize winner is Comment # 115 Betweens.

The runners up are #106 - Carrie P., # 88 - Gran and # 46 - Jenny of Elefantz

Congratulations to the winners. Please email me your snail mail addresses so I can get the parcels off to you.

I'd again like to thank Nireko of the Lecien Corp. for providing these wonderful threads for the giveaway.

Bye for now.

2009-09-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

I had a slight mishap a week ago, and have been a little under the weather since. I was walking Daisy (DD's Chocolate Lab) when something must have spooked her and she took off! I landed flat on the sidewalk and ended up with a fractured sternum, a loose tooth, bruised and cut face and hands. But I didn't lose Daisy! What a mess! lol You can just imagine my husband's and daughter's reaction when they arrived home from Scotland the next day.

Needless to say I haven't been getting too much done of my stitching or quilting.
But I do have some photos to show you. HazelB of http://hazel-sewcrazy.blogspot.com/and Jennifer of http://stitchanything.blogspot.com/ sent me photos of their completed September blocks.

Don't they look great!

There is one day left before the cutoff for the giveaway so if you haven't entered yet just leave a comment on the September 4th post.

Bye for now.

"Sweet Nostalgia" - September Block.

2009-09-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

I think I've kept you waiting long enough, so without any more teasers, here is the first of the "Sweet Nostalgia" blocks. This is the September block titled - "Summer's Gone".

This project will have 12 blocks in total, with one block being released around the 15th of each month until August 15, 2010. If you choose to use the blocks as I have planned, the quilt will measure approx. 53" x 67". The finishing instructions will be provided in August 2010, with the final block. Each block will be available for download for 3 months, i.e. when the December block is released the September block will be removed. I hope you will get as much enjoyment from stitching these blocks as I have.

The Cosmo embroidery threads for this project were generously provided by Nireko, of the Lecien Corporation, http://www.lecien.co.jp/en/hobby/cosmo25/index.html and I encourage you to try them if at all possible.

I have not included instructions for the embroidery stitches, as there are many on-line references available. Two excellent reference sites are Sharon b's Dictionary of Stitches, here http://inaminuteago.com/stitchindex.html and Rissa's Pieces Stitch Dictionary, here http://www.prettyimpressivestuff.com/stitches/index.htm.

Without further ado, the pattern for this month can be found here.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I would love to hear from you and see your progress with the blocks.

The response to my "Sweet Nostalgia" giveaway has been wonderful, so much so that I'm thinking a few more prizes may be in order. Stay tuned. If you haven't entered yet, there's still time, just leave a comment on the previous post.

Bye for now.

For those of you having difficulty downloading the file from Scribd you can download the pattern here

Edited September 21/09 - I've added 3 more prizes to the giveaway for the runners-up, so if you haven't entered yet, there's still time. Just leave a comment on the previous post.

"Sweet Nostalgia" Giveaway

2009-09-04T06:53:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited about launching my new free B.O.M. "Sweet Nostalgia", so much so, that I think I just might launch it early! So stay tuned.
To celebrate I'm having another giveaway and I hope you will join in on the fun. This time, there are 10 colors of the wonderful Cosmo Marble thread, so generously provided by Nireko of the Lecien Corp., 4 Fat Quarters of the repro 30's fabrics, a Clover embroidery hoop, John James Embroidery Needles, and a marking pen.

To be in the draw for these gifts, I'd like you to do two things. First, leave a comment on this post - that will give you one entry in the draw. Second, put the Sweet Nostalgia BOM button on your blog and tell your blog readers about it! You can find the button on the right hand side of my blog. That will give you an extra 2 entries!

I will draw the winner on September 30, 2009. Hope to hear from you. Bye for now.

Edited September 21/09 - The response to my new B.O.M. and Giveaway has been absolutely tremendous and so, to improve your odds of winning I have decided to add 3 more prizes for the runners-up. The wonderful Nireko of The Lecien Corporation has generously donated the packages of 10 colours each of their lucsious Cosmo embroidery thread which have been added to the 6 fat quarters of these 30's reproduction fabrics from my stash.
I've tried to respond to each comment that has been left but for those of you who do not have an e-mail address provided, please know I appreciate you dropping by and joining in on the fun. Good luck with the draw.

2009-08-31T05:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in my giveaway. I asked DH to choose a number between 1 & 31 (the number of people who left a comment) and he chose #25. Ivory Spring is the winner!

There will be another opportunity to win some of these wonderful Cosmo Marble Threads and a few other goodies, as I will be holding another giveaway to celebrate the start of my new B.O.M. "Sweet Nostalgia". More details will come in a few days so please check back later.

In the meantime, here is a sneak peak at October's block.

Chat with you later.

2009-08-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

We've been having some pretty severe weather here this past week, but fortunately the tornados that went through southern Ontario missed us.

I've been busy trying to get the files for the September block of "Sweet Nostalgia" ready to go, but not being too proficient on the computer it's been a bit frustrating. I think I've got the .pdf file ready, now I just have to figure out how to get it on or linked to my blog for you to download.

Between battles with the computer, I redid the border around the center block of my Vintage Tiles quilt. I was so anxious to get it finished, I didn't listen to the little voice inside my head that told me it was too heavy, and it nagged at me until I changed it.

It was a bit of work but I think it was worth it. What do you think? Better?

There's still a week left to enter my giveaway of those lucious Cosmo Marble Threads, so if you're interested leave a comment on the previous post.

Bye for now.

"Sweet Nostalgia" Sneak Peak & Giveaway

2009-08-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe we're into August already! We've had a very wet summer so far, not that I'm complaining, more time to stay indoors and stitch. lol The Cosmo embroidery threads, so generously provided for this project by Nireko of The Lecien Corporation http://www.lecien.co.jp/en/hobby/index.html , have been a dream to work with.
The color range is fantastic and the threads look and feel so silky. Even stitching on a 200 thread count cotton, there has been no fraying and breaking of threads!

"Sweet Nostalgia" is a free stitchery BOM that will begin here on September 15, 2009, with a new block being posted on the 15th of each month, give or take a few days, until August 15, 2010, at which time the finishing instructions will also be provided. More details will be available in September.
Here is a sneak peak of September's block.

Are you intrigued? I hope you will join me on this adventure.

Now it's time for the giveaway. If you would like to play all you need to do is leave a comment on this post by 12:00 p.m. on August 30, 2009, after which time my assistant(DH) will draw the name of the lucky winner. Here's what the lucky winner will receive.

The Cosmo Marble threads are a luscious variegated thread that is wonderful to work with. Each card contains 15 meters of 6 stranded cotton embroidery floss. I would again like to thank Nireko of The Lecien Corp. for so generously providing the threads.

I just recently discovered the Clover embroidery hoop, and I love it! The outer hoop has a screw cover so the threads don't get tangled on the screw.

Hope to hear from you. Bye for now.

2009-07-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

My BIL is leaving for home today, and life will start to get back to "normal" again. Whatever "normal" may be.
I'm afraid I didn't get much done while he was here, but I am making some progress on the "Sweet Nostalgia" blocks. I have finished designing all 12 of the blocks (unless I change my mind again,lol) and have embroidered 2 of them. I will be able to show you a sneak peak soon.

One thing I did accomplish was to replace the inner border on my "Roses In Dresden" quilt.
Remember, I had sent the quilt up to Vikki to be quilted a while ago, but due to some unforseen events she was delayed in quilting it, fortunately! I had never been happy with the red inner border I had used, and the more I thought about it, the more I disliked it. So, back it came, and some serious "unsewing" was done.

Here are photos of the before and after.

What do you think?

2009-07-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

Another week has just flown by, and I've finally finished 3 of my U.F.O.'s. Finished, in that they are ready to go up to Vikki for quilting! Now I can concentrate on "Sweet Nostalgia"
I've also been working away on the September block and will be able to show you a sneak peak soon.

Here are photos of the projects I just completed.

These are the 5th and 6th of the Woodland Christmas Series. The first one is called "Reindeer Games" and the other one is titled "Have You Been Naughty Or Nice?".

I have no idea why I made the next one, except that I had the navy surround made for another project and changed my mind and had to use it up. I think it's pretty cute, though I'm not a big fan of blue.

I have company coming next week from Scotland so I might not be able to post for a while, but I'll be back as soon as I can, with a sneak peak of Sweet Nostalgia and a giveaway of some of Lecien's lucious Cosmo Marble embroidery threads. Bye for now.

2009-06-24T04:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted and I'm sorry I don't have anything new to show you. My work on "Sweet Nostalgia" stalled while I was waiting for some more threads to arrive. It is really hard choosing colors from your PC monitor!
In the meantime we've celebrated two family birthdays and I've been trying to finish up a few UFOs. Hopefully I'll have some photos next post.
Kaaren at http://thepaintedquilt.blogspot.com/ is having a wonderful 4th of July giveaway. She is incredibly talented which you'll discover when you see what she is giving away. Why don't you pop over and pay her a visit.?
Chat with you later.

"Sweet Nostalgia"

2009-06-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to offer a B.O.M. on my blog for a while but couldn't decide on a project. I thought applique might be too limiting, as it's not everybody's favorite technique, so I've decided to design a quilt with 12 months of embroidered blocks. I've always been drawn to vintage illustrations and thanks to my Mom and Aunt have a collection of old cards and postcards which I'm using for my inspiration. I'm calling the design "Sweet Nostalgia" and am planning to have it start sometime in September, probably around the 15th.

I'd like to thank Nireko and the Lecien Corporation http://www.lecien.co.jp/en/hobby/cosmo25/index.html for so generously providing these luscious Cosmo embroidery threads for the project. They arrived today and I've got the first block ready to start stitching! I think I've got my mojo back! lol

Stay tuned for a sneak peak of the block, and a giveaway of some of Lecien's wonderful Cosmo Marble threads.

2009-06-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

It's been a trying couple of weeks since I last posted, and I haven't anything new in the quilting area to share with you. I've had a few false starts but just haven't been able to get motivated. I hate it when I get "stuck" like this. I've even gone back to try and finish a few UFO's, but I just can't achieve lift off. lol

On a brighter note I just won a copy of this magazine from Carrie of http://apassionforapplique.blogspot.com/.

Carrie has a wonderful blog with lots and lots of eye candy. Thank you Carrie. Maybe this will give me the boost I need. I can only hope! lol

DD and her husband are off to Jamaica on Monday and I will be dogsitting their lovely Chocolate Lab, Daisy. This is a picture of her at Christmas.

Isn't she lovely.

Bye for now. Hopefully I'll have more to share next time.

2009-05-20T04:28:00.000-07:00

I received my "Vintage Tiles - Elegance In Neutrals" quilt back from the quilter on Friday and have been trying to get a good photo to show you since then. The first shots were taken right after I unpacked the quilt and all the fold lines were showing. The second shots were taken the next day but the sun was too bright and the colours were washed out. The third set bit the dust because the sun was too bright behind the quilt and you could see my husband's and son's shadows behind the quilt! I think I've finally got it! I took the quilt outside at 6:30 a.m. this morning, when it was still a bit overcast and I think it worked. Finally!

Didn't Vikki do a fantastic job of the quilting?

I used to think there was something wrong with the cameras I was using because I could never get good photos, but I'm on my third, quite expensive camera and I'm coming to the realization that the problem isn't the camera. lol

Chat with you later.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all my blogger friends. I'm fortunate that I still have my Mom with me. She hasn't been very well for the past few years, and had to move in with us, much to her dismay,(she has always been very independent!) but I am grateful for this special time we have with her. DD is especially close to her "Nana" and they share a fondness for their "dopey-soapys", particularly "The Young and Restless". lol

It's finally finished! Only 2 weeks behind schedule, but the Vintage Tiles quilt top is finally complete! I was hoping to get a better photo and it was quite windy, but I had to make the most of having my son and his friend being available to hold it for me.

I've already started planning my next project. I'm going to try something a bit different, for me anyway, a quilt with stitchery instead of applique. I've got the first seven blocks drawn, and have planned the layout on graph paper. I hope to have something to show you soon.

Chat with you later.

2009-04-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

During the recent Bloggers Quilt Festival I was browsing some wonderful, new to me blogs, and read about Lecien fabrics and their embroidery floss, COSMO. I hadn't heard of either before and went on Lecien's web site at http://www.lecien.co.jp/en/hobby/30s/index.html to investigate. Their fabrics just blew me away, particuarly their Mrs. March's Collection of the 30s fabrics. It would be perfect for a new design I am working on. I tried to email them but it wouldn't go through for some reason, so if anyone knows of a shop that carries this line of fabrics and threads would you please let me know. As far as I know they aren't in Canada yet.

I've almost finished the borders for the Vintage Tiles quilt, so I hope to be able to show it to you within the next week.
I also got a pleasant surprise on the weekend, I won a $50.00 Gift Certificate from the Fat Quarter Shop http://www.fatquartershop.com/. It was a draw for the Bloggers Quilt Festival and my number got picked! They have so much lovely fabric it's hard to choose.
If you didn't get a chance to sign up for Amy's Bloggers Quilt Festival this time, she will be organizing another one in the Fall, so watch for it. http://parkcitygirl.blogspot.com/

Bye for now. Chat with you later.

Quilt Show Photos

2009-04-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

As promised here are a few photos of quilts displayed at the Quilt Show last weekend.

Please excuse the quality, but I have a new camera that I'm trying to get used to.

Blogger Quilt Festival

2009-04-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

Amy at http://parkcitygirl.blogspot.com/2009/04/quilt-festival-spring-2009.html has organized the first on-line Blogger's Quilt Festival. I am suppose to post a photo of my favorite quilt and tell the story behind it. I think my favorite has to be "A Little Bit More...About Bears". I designed and made this quilt in 2001 after a number of people complained that my "All About Bears" quilt was too big. I used softer colors for this one, which I prefer.

Here is a link to her blog. There are over 250 quilters signed on already, so there is a lot to enjoy.

Quilt Show

2009-04-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

I just got home from the Mississauga Quilt Guild's show and was so excited I had to show you a photo of my friend's quilt. A few years ago Maxine offered to test my "Roses In Dresden" quilt pattern, which she finished this past year as a wedding gift for her son and his wife.
She has won 2 ribbons - A President's Choice ribbon and the Canadian Quilter's Association Ribbon! Didn't she do a fantastic job! Her colors are wonderful.

I guess I'll have to get the pattern ready for publishing now. My "Roses In Dresden" quilt is still out at the quilters, but hopefully I'll have it back soon.

I have more photos from the show which I'll try to post on the weekend, after I resize them.

Chat with you later.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T04:20:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today to wish everyone a very Happy Easter.

More later.

2009-04-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

I've had a busy week since I last posted, though I haven't anything new to show you with the Vintage Tiles quilt.

A friend asked me a while ago if I would judge the entries to her Quilt Guilds Challenge. When I said " sure, no problem", I had no idea how difficult it would be. All the entries were wonderful, though, as in any competition, some were better than others, and someone has to win and someone has to lose. I guess what I found hard was having to critique another quilter's work, in writing! I tried to keep my comments positive and any criticism constructive so I hope I haven't offended anyone. Hopefully, I will be able to post some photos after the guild's show later this month.

Yesterday, DD took me on a shopping trip across the border. The weather was terrible, windy and pouring rain, but my sister came to spend the day with Mom so we could get away, so we did!
First stop was JoAnn's where I purchased a few needlework supplies, but I completely forgot the bobbin holder I wanted for my Frostings threads! (a senior moment, lol) Next stop was a lovely little quilt shop called Auntie's Attic in Niagara Falls, N.Y. where I purchased a few fat quarters to add to my 30s reproduction fabrics.

DD isn't very interested in quilting or needlework, (though she does love to have quilts for her bed), so we made stops at T.J. Mex and Boulevard Mall, where she found a few treasures. Then another JoAnn's where I purchased this Die-Cutter.

It was a totally impulse buy, but I thought it would be useful for cutting little embellishments out of UltraSuede for my quilts. I'll let you know how I make out with it.

Last stop was Wegmans where I topped up my supply of these! LOL
All in all, it's been a good week. Chat with you later.

2009-03-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

It's been a good week since I last posted and I've accomplished quite a bit on my Vintage Tiles quilt. Only 2 more blocks to applique!

I had a little setback, again, when I started to assemble the quilt, but I think I can work around it by adding a border around the centre block. At least I hope I can! I don't know where my head was at when I was drafting this one out. LOL
Here's a photo of the centre block.

I think the end of March for completion might have been too optimistic, so I'm aiming for the end of April. Here's hoping I don't encounter any more obstacles. (read goofs) lol

It's a beautiful, mild sunny day today so I'm going to try and get out and work in the garden for a bit. Maybe the fresh air will clear out the cobwebs!

Bye for now. Chat with you later.

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-03-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of Spring and my Mom's 89th birthday. Happy Birthday Mom.

I've been busy working on the Vintage Tiles quilt but don't have anything new to show you.
Instead here's a photo of the quilt I made Mom for her 80th birthday. It was all done in flannels.

And look what I got!

My sister had a friend vacationing in Florida and she had her bring these back for me. These should last me at least a month. LOL

Chat with you later.

2009-03-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

I've finally finished preparing the last block for the Vintage Tiles quilt. Yippee! This one was like pulling teeth, I just couldn't get it right. The first color I chose for the curlycues in the background just didn't work and I had to start over, but it's finally done. Now I've got to get busy with the sewing.

It's a sunny, but cold day here today. My DD has gone on a daytrip across the border with a few friends, and I'm babysitting Daisy (her Chocolate Lab). I couldn't go with them this time, but I sent her on a mission to find me some Russell Stover Caramel Easter Bunnies! The shops here used to bring the Russell Stover chocolate in for special occassions like Valentines, Easter, Halloween etc., but there haven't been any since Christmas and I'm going through withdrawal! LOL
Bye for now. Chat with you later.

February Blahs!

2009-02-22T12:55:00.000-08:00

I'm afraid I slacked off a little bit this past week, I just wasn't in the mood. The grey, dreary days and the cold weather are getting to me. It's hard to get motivated. I really need some sunshine! Does anyone else feel like winter is just dragging on? Maybe it's because we got so much snow, so early this year.
I did manage to get two more of the Vintage Tiles blocks prepared for applique, and now have just one more to go! I won't know what to do for the borders until I get it sewn together, but it will probably involve some applique.

Frustration Is...

2009-02-12T09:28:00.000-08:00

I was so pleased when I finished preparing the setting triangles for the centre block of my new(old) Vintage Tiles quilt. I took some photos to show you, and discovered I had the stripes going in the wrong direction on two of the triangles! I couldn't believe I'd been so stupid!! It's a good job Mom was in the next room or the air would have been blue! LOL Luckily, they were only glued and not sewn yet, but it was still really frustrating. I swear, I think I am spatially challenged! I always found geometry difficult when I was in school, and maybe that was the reason.
Here are the photos, and as you can see, the yellow rose background has the stripe going horizontally instead of vertically!

I'll have to peel the applique pieces off, and recut the background fabric. Here's hoping I have enough fabric.
I've still got a few more blocks to design for this quilt, but I would really like to finish it by the end of March. Here's hoping.
Bye for now. Chat with you later

2009-02-05T14:30:00.000-08:00

A week has gone by since my last post, and I'm afraid I got very little quilting accomplished, so I've nothing new in the Vintage Tiles design to show you.
Instead, here's a photo of a quilt I made a few years ago. I was trying to challenge myself to use brighter colors. I think it turned out okay. I don't have any grandchildren yet, but I think this

quilt would be wonderful for a little boy. What do you think?

Chat with you later. Bye for now

2009-01-25T10:21:00.000-08:00

Another week has gone by, and luckily, there was no more snow. More time for applique!
I thought housework could wait, but Daisy (DD's Chocolate Lab) went under the bed for something and came out resembling a sheep, so I had to give in and do some dusting and vacuuming to get rid of all those dust bunnies. As a result, these blocks are only glued.

The colors are starting to grow on me, I think I might like this design after all! I still have 4 more blocks to design, and the setting triangles, so I don't think it'll be finished anytime soon.

Last month I joined Lindi's Get It Done Challenge here: http://gidchallenge.blogspot.com/ and am hoping it will spur me on to finish a couple of projects I started before I began designing my own patterns, 10 years ago! I have 8 blocks of Brandywines' Twelve Days Of Christmas completed and am hoping I will be able to finish it this year. I'll keep you updated on my progress(I hope!)
Bye for now. Happy Stitching.

More Snow, and Applique

2009-01-13T06:38:00.000-08:00

I've just come in from shovelling, again!! It's getting beyond a joke, enough is enough!! On a more positive note though, I am getting a good workout.
With the miserable weather, I've spent more time indoors working on my applique, and I have 3 more blocks of the new(old) Vintage Tiles blocks sewn. I think it's growing on me! LOL
I've changed the layout, yet again, and I'll need to come up with a few more blocks, but I think it'll be okay.
Here are the new ones:

What do you think?

Snow, Snow and More Snow!

2009-01-08T04:24:00.000-08:00

I can't remember when we've had as much snow as we have had this winter. I spent 2 hours yesterday shovelling the driveway, and they're calling for more today! I hate it and I'm aching all over! LOL DH went out this morning, before he left for work, to clear around the side and back of the house, so the delivery men can bring in the new washer and dryer. They're supposed to leave the old ones on the curb to be picked up, but they'll have to leave them on top of the piles of snow!
On the quilting front, I decided to try and finish a few old projects. These blocks were for the Vintage Tiles quilt I was designing last year, but I changed my mind about the colours and shelved them. Since I had 8 blocks glued and ready for applique I decided to try and finish them. I have no idea how I'm going to put this one together, but for now it's something I can do while resting my weary bones, after shovelling! LOL

What do you think? I think I still prefer the look of the neutrals, but I might change my mind by the time I get this one put together.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone.
More later.
Bye for now.

Happy Christmas

2008-12-26T07:27:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas.

Getting Ready For Christmas

2008-12-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

I can't believe there is less than 2 weeks left before Christmas! I still have some baking to do.
Thank goodness for M&M's. LOL Their Macaroon Madness is wonderful.
The tree is decorated and the livingroom & diningroom are ready. DD and I decorated the Gingerbread House yesterday. I think DD ate more of the candy than ended up on the house! LOL
A while ago, JoAnn at http://piecefulquillting.blogspot.com/ posted photos of some of her Santa collection, and I thought I might follow her lead and post photos of a few of mine.

Here's a few more.

Decorating the tree brings back so many memories. I'm lucky to have a few ornaments from our tree when I was little. (A long time ago!) LOL They are a little the worse for wear but they are special to me and go on our tree every year.

The bird has lost his tail, and the little church has discolored with age, but they still fit right in with the newer ornaments.
DD, who got married 2 years ago, has scooped some of the ornaments for their tree, but these ones are staying put!

Bye for now.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to wish all my American Blogger friends a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you have a wonderful day with your family and friends.

On the quilting front, I've finished the applique on another Woodland Christmas block. This one will be called "Have You Been Naughty or Nice?", and will be the 6th in the series. I'm not sure what I'm going to do for the border yet. Probably something pieced.

Chat with you later.

I Got Side-Tracked

2008-11-18T06:36:00.000-08:00

I know I said I was going to clean up my messy sewing room, but, what can I say, I got side-tracked. I took one look at the mess, and decided I couldn't deal with it right now, so I just shut the door! LOL Take a look at the photos and you'll know what I mean.!

This is what I did instead.

I had these Mill Hill kits that I had bought a number of years ago, and decided to get them made up for Christmas presents this year. I still need to get a frame made for one of them, but that's 2 gifts off my list!

I'm going to try and tackle the room today. The sun is shining so I'm hoping it will help to keep me motivated. We'll see! LOL

Chat with you later. Bye for now.

2008-11-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

Do you ever get those days when everything is an effort! That's what last week was like for me.
I can't blame the weather, because it was gorgeous, just like Spring, but I just couldn't get going. lol
I couldn't decide on a border for the Woodland Christmas design I'd been working on, so I put it aside and started another Woodland Christmas pattern. Then I couldn't decide on the fabrics, and now my sewing room looks like it blew up! I've got piles of fabric and bins everywhere!

Today's job is to try and get it tidied up so I can find things.

I don't have much to show you, but for now, here is a photo of "A Woodland Christmas - Reindeer Games" minus the borders.

Let's hope this week is a bit more productive! Chat with you later.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

It's been a beautiful mild day today, just perfect for the children going out for Halloween.
We don't usually get too many children in our neighborhood, but it's fun to see the little ones all decked out in their costumes.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween.

Bye for now.

Quilt Show Photos

2008-10-20T07:18:00.001-07:00

Marisa of http://www.quiltotaku.blogspot.com/ has very generously posted a fantastic slideshow of quilts from the 2008 Pacific International Quilt Festival as well as photos from some of the previous years' shows. If you have a bit of time to spare, grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea and check it out! Thankyou Marisa.

Now that I've finished the Vintage Tiles quilt I had some time to start working on my next pattern for the "Woodland Christmas" series. Here's a sneak peak!

Hopefully, I will have a bit more to show you in my next post.
Chat with you later.

Vintage Tiles Quilt

2008-10-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

I did it! I finally finished the quilt top for my new design. Yippee!! I feel almost giddy. LOL
I'm not sure what I'll name it, but for now, here is a photo of "Vintage Tiles in Neutrals", before Vikki works her magic on it.

What do you think? Any suggestions for a name?

Happy Thanksgiving.

2008-10-12T05:25:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to wish my fellow Canadian bloggers a Happy Thanksgiving.

2008-09-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since I posted! DH and DD have been to Scotland and returned home yesterday, (with my Cadbury's Dairy Milk). The weather wasn't great, lots of rain, but they had a good time regardless. SIL managed to get in 6 games of golf, between the raindrops.
Fortunately, they were able to fly down to England and attend my Aunt's funeral. Mom would have been even more upset if no family members had been there.
While they were away I was dogsitting DD's chocolate lab, Daisy, so I was out walking a bit more than usual, which is probably a good thing, but my knees are complaining! lol

I've managed to get the Vintage Tiles quilt assembled and am now working on the borders. I purchased the new 1/4" foot for my Bernina machine, and it is wonderful! The guide really makes a difference. Hopefully I'll have a picture for you in my next post.

Chat with you later.

And The Winner Is...

2008-09-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

As in previous giveaways I asked DH to pick a number from 1 - 5 (the number of comments) and the winner is number 5! Margaret, congratulations, the teddybear patterns are yours. Would you please email me your "snail mail" address, so I can get them in the mail to you. Nobody seemed interested in the embroidery kits so I will have to find another home for them.

I have more patterns needing new homes so stay tuned.

I'm afraid I wasn't too productive this week, so I've nothing new to show you.
We got word from England that my dear Aunt Dorothy wasn't well, and a lot of time has been spent on the phone calling the hospital and her caregivers. Mom, her only surviving sibling, is distraught, and it has been a very rough week.
Sorry for the negativity!

Chat with you later.
___________________________

We've just been notified that my dear Aunt has passed away. She was a lovely lady, in every sense of the word and we will miss her terribly.

New Month - New Giveaway

2008-09-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

September is the start of a new quilting season here, with Quilt Guilds coming back from their summer hiatus and Quilt Shops starting their new classes, so I thought it might be a good time for another giveaway.
This time I will have 2 categories, one for needlework and the other for quilting, so please state your preference in your comment.

Anyone interested in winning can leave a comment telling us their preferred method of quilting, (i.e. piecing, applique, paper piecing) or embroidery
Anyone leaving a comment between now and Saturday, September 6, 2008 will be eligible to win.
As in previous giveaways I will have DH draw the numbers of the winners.

For all you quilters, these cute patterns by Heidi & Else Jeppesen are the prize.

I'm afraid I can't show you a finished quilt as I never got around to making these. I think a friend brought them back from Australia for me, but by then I was all "teddybeared out"!

For those of you interested in the embroidery, this is the "giveaway".

I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Bye for now.

Sneak Peak

2008-08-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

I must confess! I got side-tracked this week and started something new, again! I've been toying with the idea for this design for quite awhile, and I wasn't in the mood to do any applique, so I decided to get it started. What can I say, I have a short attention span! LOL It's always fun beginning a new project, pulling and playing with different fabrics, until you get just the right combination. Here's a sneak peak.

This part is only glued, ready to sew, so I don't know when I'll be able to show you the whole thing, as I really need to be disciplined and get back to the Vintage Tiles. I want to have it finished, ready for quilting, sometime in September.

I thought I would have a lot of sewing time when DH and DD were in Scotland next month, but last night we found out that Zoom Airlines has stopped operating, and all flights have been cancelled. Hopefully we will recover the money we paid for their fares, it's in the hands of the credit card company now. We checked the other airlines this morning for available seats but they all seem to be sold out for September. I have a very disappointed family right now. We'll have to see if they can reschedule their holidays and maybe go over in October.

Have a good weekend everyone. Bye for now.

2008-08-25T05:17:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today. This past week has just flown by, and I don't know where the time has gone! I didn't get nearly as much accomplished as I would have liked, but I did finish two more of the Vintage Tiles blocks.

I'm almost ready to start putting it all together. Normally, at this point, I know what the border will be, but I keep changing my mind on this one. I think I will have to get it together before I'll be able to decide.

DH and DD are getting excited about their trip to Scotland, and I'm trying to figure out how to talk them into picking up some fabric paints for me. I've been hearing some great reports on fabric paints by Stewart Gill http://www.stewartgill.com/ They are located in Fife, Scotland, and since SIL and BIL are planning to golf at St. Andrews it wouldn't be out of the way for them to stop there. Don't you like my logic? Do you think it will work? I'm hoping it will, I'd really like to try out these paints.
Bye for now.