Happy Canada Day

It seems we are going to have nice weather for the weekend.  It is certainly lovely today.  It is supposed to stay in the mid twenties celcius for the next five days.  We have a breeze  as well which keeps the bugs away.  I'm making stew in the crockpot, have the laundry done and all before 9.30.  We usually watch the news in the morning but if it going to be hot, we leave it until lunch time so we can get everything done while it is cool.
I finished designing my quilt pattern yesterday and am pleased with the result.  I will get it sent out to the testers to make sure I didn't make any dreadful-or even tiny, mistakes.
I woke early this morning and came up with a practical use for the salvages that we cut from our fabric.  I am going to see if it works and then may offer it as a free pattern.

Sun and Shade

When I get up in the morning, the first thing I do is go to my quilt room which faces east, and watch the sun coming up between the trees.  It always looks so lovely and peaceful.  I am blessed.
Have a wonderful weekend.  Stay alert if you are driving and watch for those who aren't watching you.
blessings,

Approval!

We have had good news.  The plans that my husband drew up have passed inspection.  I am quite proud of him as, other than some architectural training years ago in school, he is unskilled in such things.  The inspector had a couple of questions and hasn't given final approval yet but it looks good.
He is trying very hard, with the help of a multitude of books, to build a good, strong addition.  The majority of it will be my quilt room, and the rest a solarium.  The smaller room will also work as a sitting area for me when he is watching television and I want to read or applique.
There may be some adjustments/corrections to make as he goes along but, so far, so good.
I have been working on a new quilt design.  It isn't complicated but I am giving three construction options so working out the math was a bit of a challenge.  I am through all the difficult bits now so it should be done and ready for the testers tomorrow.  It is another scrappy which seems to be my forte' recently.
The weekend looks to be good weather wise.  We still haven't decided what we are doing.  Maybe fire works, maybe rodeo, maybe both, probably nothing.  We aren't very adventureous.
blessings,

Building Blues

I have been out of commision for a few days with a virus.  I am not often ill-although more frequently as I get older, so I don't deal with it well when I am.  Yesterday, I just slept and slept but woke up feeling better this morning.
I had planned on baking during this cooler spell but, of course, haven't got it done.  I did mange to throw together an apple crisp yesterday for my husband.  He has been working so hard on getting the addition to our home finished and then had the extra responsibility of looking after me. A friend brought me a much appreciated, fresh picked basket of strawberries so I added a few of them for colour.  Have to get the rest in the freezer today or they will go bad.
The addition has been frustrating as is any construction work here in the country.  I am sure that urban areas have the same problem but we find it is very slow getting approval for any plan.  My husband had taken his into the township office a number of weeks ago and hadn't heard anything.  Yesterday, he went in and found that they hadn't even been looked at as they were attached to something else and the inspector hadn't flipped the page! So now we wait again.  It is no wonder that some people just go ahead and build.  Theya re taking a chance that they will be told to take it down but, unless it is an environmental, encroachment or similiar problem, I've not known it to happen.
Blessings,

Quilt as You Go Scrappy-last installment

It has cooled down considerably today.  We were able to cut the grass and do some weeding.  I even sat outside for a bit and read a book.  Still had to be in the bug tent as the deer flies act like kamikaze pilots and continuously buzz around your head.
I have finally decided on the pattern for a quilt I want to make but will start it at quilt group on Monday.
Here is the final installment of the QAYG pattern.  I do hope some of you make it.  The complete pattern will be for sale on Craftsy later on. (craftsy.com)
Blessings,

Adding the Borders and Binding. 

This is a very simple step:  Lay border fabric along the right side of the top, right sides together, so it covers the end of the rows.  Sew through all the layers, open and iron

Repeat with the left side and then the top and bottom.  If necessary, trim edges to straighten. You have already done the quilting so all that is left is binding your quilt using the fabric that is left from the sashing.

Enjoy.

Hot and Green

Despite the heat, I have got quite a lot of work done today.  None of it relates to quilting other than sewing some binding but there were things that needed to get finished.
I still have to plant the rose bush I bought yesterday but I will wait until this evening when it cools down a bit or first thing tomorrow.  I need to buy some feed as well as they are heavy eaters.

Our Bridge

With all the heat and heavy rains, it is starting to look quite overgown here.  I took this photo for a magazine article and was amazed at how much everything has grown up around the trail that leads to the pond and the back of the property.
Our bird feeders have been rather quiet this week as the little ones are staying in the bush where it is cooler.  I've seen just a couple of finches and a hummingbird taking advantage of the free food.  A blackbird has been trying to figure out how to get the niger seeds from one of the feeders.  As it is specially designed for certain types of birds, he hasn't been very successful.
Happy first day of summer!
Blessings,

Another Quilt Done

Retreat Quilt

I finally finished this quilt this morning.  I won the fabric at the retreat I was at in May and the pattern was handed out there as well.  I used metallic variegated thread to quilt it.
I picked up my new glasses this morning and am now adjusting to them.  I am looking forward to getting back at my hand applique although I don't think I want to look at the work I have already done.  I am sure I will see so many mistakes that I will want to start over.
It is really hot again and another rain storm is predicted.  In fact, it has just started raining now.
I am afraid it is going to be left overs for supper tonight.  We had a fairly big lunch in Huntsville so I am not really hungry.
Blessings,

Quilt as You Go Pattern.

Here is the next step for the quilt pattern.  Enjoy. 
blessings,

Quilt as You Go Scrappy

Sewing the Rows to the Background.

Cut sashing pieces to the length of rows.

  Measure 3 inches from the top center of the backing and mark this point.  Repeat halfway between center and right edge and then the left edge.  Lightly draw a line connecting the marks.  Figure 2

Figure 2

Mark a line 3 inches from both the right and left edges.  Figure 2

Place the first row right side up on the backing fabric (wrong sides together) so the top of the row meets the line and the ends are touching the right and left lines.  Pin in a few places to hold the row in place.

Place first sashing section on the bottom of the row, right sides together and sew through all layers.

Open and press.  Top stitch the row you have just added.  I did a zigzag pattern following in the ditch of one block and then onto the next until the end. See quilt photo.

Place next row, rights sides together, on top of previous row, lining bottom edge with bottom edge of sashing, pin and sew through all layers.

Repeat for remaining rows. 

Ants

Some people seem to have all the luck.  We have had a bit of an ant problem since we moved here.  They appear to originate somewhere outside my quilt room so I have traps set on the window sill and another tucked in behind the computer.  These traps are the round tins that capture and kill the ants which isn't much of a deterrent to the others unless they start figuring out why all their friends aren't coming home.  However, it does stop the insects from crawling up my arm when I am trying to be creative.
A friend e mailed me this morning to let me know she has another solution.  A bear has been upturning her planters in an effort to reach the ants who are living beneath them.
Now why didn't I think of that!  The situation isn't funny for her, of course, although I do find it a rather odd scene picturing a massive bear feverishly hunting teeny, tiny ants for his meal!
I woke up quite early this morning and, being awake, decided to get up and go for my run.  Wee Heidi must have wondered why I was dragging her outdoors at 6.30 when all sensible people were still in bed but she joined me anyway. We trotted down the driveway and on our return, let the chickens out of their house.  They, too, must have wondered what was going on but out they popped and started pecking at the food I scattered.
It is lovely that time of morning with the sun just starting to warm the air and the birds flitting arund seeking their breakfast.  Don't think I will make a habit of rising that early though.
blessings,

My Rant

A recent news story stated that, in Canada, we pay a lot more for products than Americans.  Unfortunately, this isn't news.  What I would like to read is the 'why'.  Part of the reason, I believe, is that we don't have as big a consumer market; the same reason why Walmart can sell cheaper than your neighbourhood store.
I also believe that our wages are, as a rule, higher but I can't believe that these two factors alone account for the difference.
I try to always buy Canadian but there are times when I cannot afford to follow my own policy.
Perhaps, another part of the problem is that we Canadians don't complain enough.  Of course, we do complain but unless the right people hear you, nothing is going to change.
Consumers complain to each other, leave comments on Internet sites, and the various forms of social media but rarely does anyone send a letter to their political representative.  A protest group gathers attention but a letter writing campaign gathers action.
My thoughts for the day,
blessings,

A Rose for Saddness

My First Rose

My rose, as you can see, has bloomed.  Isn't it a glorious yellow?  I need to get a cage to support the bush as the flower stem kept drooping.  I brought the flower in last night and put it in a vase in my bedroom.  Everytime I woke up, I could smell it.  We had a heavy rainfall last night which would have knocked off the petals so glad I brought it in.
We had a sad happening last night.  One of the white hens died.  It was one of the older birds so not unexpected but sad nonetheless. 
I am sorry I missed last weeks installment of the quilt pattern.  It has been so busy around here.  I will try and finish it off this week.
Let me know if you are going to do it and I would love to see your photos.
Blessings,

Hmmmm!

Sometimes when I really don't have much in the way of interest to share, I wonder if it is better to skip a day or just blather on.  As you can tell, today I've chose the latter.
I have spent the morning catching up-almost, anyway, on the house work.  I have been so busy the past week or so that everything is starting to look decidedly grubby.
Yesterday morning I had a number of things to do in the village and then an appointment just before lunch.  I had a doctor's visit, a prescription to fill and a number of others things so I wasn't sure if I would get everything done in time.  I was zipping hither and thon in uncharacteristic speed for a country village.  I finished everything, got in the car to drive to my last appointment and checked the clock.  I still had 15 minutes to spare.
If I had been  living in the city, I probably would have been still sitting in the doctor's office waiting for my appointment.
So that is my blather for the day.  In six months, two weeks and five days, it will be Christmas.  Have you started making your gifts yet?
blessings,

Is That an Owl

Have you been watching the Jubilee celebrations?  I am an unapologetic monarchists so have been enjoying all the pomp.  Whether you are a royalist or not, you certainly have to admire the stamina or the Queen and Prince Phillip as they stand for hours in rain, wind, cold and conditions that would send the rest of us scurrying for our warm homes.  They are the epitome of England's much vaunted 'stiff upper lip.'
We are having a day of sunshine and warmth after nearly a week of rain.  Everything looks so green and the smell of my iris can be detected all around the property  The roses appear to be on the point of flowering but they have looked that way for a while now.  I hope they aren't going to disappoint me as they are a lovely yellow.
Last night when I took the dog for her evening walk, I heard a owl hoot a couple of times.  After the second time, I realized it wasn't an owl after all.  There is another bird that imitates it and it does a pretty good copy.  I think it is called a woodcock but I may be mistaken.
The fund raiser for my sister- in -laws medical expenses went very well with a fantastic amount of money being raised.  The two quilts I donated each were bought for more than I hoped which was gratifying. People are good and very generous to those in need.
I have started hand quilting a baby blanket.  It is just a panel but will be good for some practice as
haven't used anything but a machine for quilting in a long time.  I have another quilt that is ready for the binding and, still another, that needs to be put on the frame for quilting.  There is always something to do.
Blessings,

Scrappy Quilt As You Go Pattern

Here are the next steps for the Quilt as you Go pattern.-blessings,

Figure 1

Now we are ready to put together the rows.

Cut the sashing:  we are going to use a very narrow sashing to join the blocks so you don’t have a space between without batting.  If you prefer the look of a wider sashing, you have two options:  1-increase your seam width or 2-insert a narrow batting strip on the wrong side of the sashing after it has been sewn to the blocks.

From the sashing fabric, cut (20) strips ¾” wide X 9” long.

Cut ( 8) strips ¾” wide X 12” long

Or, cut (9) strips ¾” wide X WOF and sub cut into needed lengths.

Corner (12”X 12”) Blocks

Sew a sashing strip along one side of the block over the ends of the strips extending into the border edge.  (the border fabric will cover this extra sashing).

Repeat for each of the corner blocks.

See Figure 1

 

Outside  (12” X 9” ) Blocks

Place one outside block on top of a corner block, right sides together, border at the top, and sew to the other side of the sashing.  This joins the two blocks.

Sew another sashing piece to other side of the joined 9 X 12 block and place another outside block on the previous one, right sides together and sew to the sashing.

Repeat this last step one more time and then add another corner block.

These 5 Blocks complete the first row.

The Second, third and fourth rows, start and end with an outside block. 

Note: For these rows, the border (uncovered edge will be to the side.  The first block in the row will have border to the left and the last blocks will have the border to the right.

Row 5 is the same as row One.