New Quilt Store

Thank you for all your kind comments regarding my little wall hanging and I am glad you liked it's title.  When I flipped the middle row of geese and saw the effect, I was reminded of someone who is obviously lost but wasn't going to admit to it.
I am tired this evening but it was a good day.  A group of friends and I went to another community where one had to take her machine for repair.  We took the opportunity to check out a new quilt shop that had opened recently.  It is a small store but we were impressed by the selection, reasonable prices and her wonderful attitude.  I can see that Quilting in Muskoka will soon be a favourite for all those of us who love to wallow in fabric.
We also stopped at the huge new Fabricland store in the same community and a discount shop.  It was a really nice day.  It is always good being with friends and made even better when you are all quilters.
I got home in time to tend the chickens and make supper.  Hubby was continuing to work at making our years supply of maple syrup so I served a big plate of homemade spaghetti to help him regain his energy.
The sun is going to be shining all week so the last of the snow should be replaced by flowers.
Blessings,

I am not Lost

April's Island Batik project was to reinterpret an old pattern.  Flying Geese is one of the oldest patterns in use.  Folk lore has it that it was part of the Underground Railroad patterns and it has appeared  in many other quilts both traditional and modern.  However, it has never been a favourite of mine as I don't like making the geese.  I have tried a number of methods and they all produce good results but I still don't like making them.  

I recently bought a book by Jo Morton and this little wall hanging was in it.  I used her method for making the geese and my wonderful Island Batik fabrics.  I still don't think FG will be one of my favourites but the quilt went together quickly.  My modern interpretation was to reverse one row and to add machine embroidery. I used a medium blue Masterpiece thread from Superior for the embroidery and quilting.

I have named this little quilt: I am Not Lost.  I Don't Need to Look at the Map.
Blessings,

The Deer are Back

I got one tiny cape made today.  My first Barbie article.  I want to do a dress to go with it and that will be it until Christmas.

We have had quite a few deer wandering around the property lately.  They make an awful mess of the snow so it is difficult to go for a walk but are fun to watch.  We haven't had any deer around for a couple of years so it is nice to see them again.

The weather was wonderful today.  Snow is melting and the shrubs are starting to get a few buds.  I am looking forward to seeing some green.

Blessings,

Tiny Clothes

Once again it looks as though spring may make an appearance this year.  As this week draws to a close the kind folk in the weather bureau are predicting temperatures in the double digits. This time, they are on the plus side of zero.  I can't wait to start complaining about the heat and blackflies!
I didn't get much sewing finished today but I have got half of next weeks assignments finished.  I am hand sewing the binding on a little wall hanging which I have tentatively named: No, I Don't Need to Ask for Directions.
Are you participating in the quilting challenge for Humboldt?  Two members of our Hands to Hearts yahoo group have each made one.  I always find it very interesting to see how the same pattern can look so different depending of the fabrics used or the layout.  I am sure both will bring comfort to the recipients.
I am continuing to work on my charity quilts and have started making some Barbie clothes for my granddaughter.  My goodness they are small.

Hope you are starting to see signs of spring in your area.
blessings,

Please Move Over

What a weekend for nasty weather.  We were fortunate in not getting much of the freezing rain but the snow added a few more inches to what was already there.  It was much worse south of us with a lot of vehicles in minor collisions or ending up in the ditch.  Fortunately, no serious injuries or death.
A friend returning home to this area had the same problem that hubby and I did when we were away at Christmas.  They encountered a driver going a half the speed of everyone else.  The traffic which had been nicely spread out began to bunch up.
I understand that some people are very nervous when driving in less than ideal conditions.  I also understand that they may have to be on the road.  However, please, if you are one of those people, move over so other divers can pass.  It is not only courteous but a safety measure.
I spent most of today (as is usual now) working on my course but I did also get some quilting done and talked to my dear sisters on Skype.
Tomorrow, off for a medical test and then shopping.  The weather is supposed to start warming up by the end of the week and it will be nice to see some move toward spring.
Blessings,

Ready for the Mud.

I have been working on a Jo Morton pattern which is, basically, 3 rows of flying geese divided by plain strips.  A friend really likes her patterns and after I looked through one of her books, I can see why.  The patterns themselves (at least in the book I have) aren't unusual but her instructions are very easy to follow.  I am going to order another book.  This one is appliqued flower blocks.  She uses the same applique methods as I do which makes it even nicer.
I am still plugging away at my web course.  I am finding it easier now although I still run into bits that make me wonder why I am doing this.
The sap has finally started running in our maple bush and hubby thinks we may have 60 gallons so far.  That isn't much but it is a start.
I got a lovely handmade birthday card from the grandchildren this week which will be added to the others.  It is so wonderful having grandchildren.  I didn't understand the reaction of other grannies before but now I am bragging just as much as anyone else.
Hope you aren't in an area that is predicted to get the freezing rain.  I am ready for the mud of spring.
Blessings,

Quilters Support Humboldt

 
I am sure that, like me, you heart has been touched by the terrible bus collision in Humboldt, Sask.  As with all other tragedies, there is a desire to do what you can to help.  There was a post on Facebook today reaching out to quilters.  Those who wish are asked to send a block, top or quilt in the requested pattern/colours.  The link to further information is below.


https://saskatoonmqg.com/quilts-for-broncos/

Just before I sat down to write, Heidi and I were watching  four deer in the back yard.  They are nice and healthy looking so I guess they were able to find lots of food during the winter.  There are a number of people in the area who feed them which is both good and bad.  Good because it helps them survive.  Bad because it upsets nature's balance, means more deer on the road and lessens their fear of people.  Still, like everyone else, I enjoy being  able to watch them.
Blessings

Merry April

We had a bit of a snowfall yesterday.  There was at least 2 feet of snow that I had to remove from the front and side of the car so I could move it this morning.  Our driveway hadn't been plowed so hubby led the way down the driveway in the van as we both had appointments.
When I got back, the plow guy still hadn't been I got about half way and then shovelled tracks for the tires so I could get to the house.  Hubby came home about half an hour later and later that day the driveway was plowed.
I took this photo this morning.  It really looked lovely out but I enjoy it more in February than April.  Hopefully, it doesn't last so we can get on with gathering our sap.
I finished a couple of small sewing projects in between other stuff today.  I am certainly not quilting as much as I normally do but things are getting done.
Blessings,

I Pet Fabric

The weather forecast was accurate.  We had nearly a foot of snow.  Poor Heidi couldn't find a place to squat so I had to rush out and shovel an area for her.
I finished this weeks assignment for the course and got some sewing done so I feel I have accomplished something.
This was on Facebook.  I don't leave my ironing board up as I have pad on the top of a cupboard that I use.  It is wider than the regular ironing surface.




Blessings,

Weather Warnings

We have a severe weather warning for a lot of Ontario-some for snow (us) and others freezing rain.  It is supposed to arrive tonight so we will have to wait and see how accurate the forecasters are.  I had to make a dental appointment and I figured Thursday looked safe.
I worked on my course today and got some sewing done.  I need to start thinking about my next Island Batik project but also finishing another charity quilt.
There never seems to be a shortage of things to do, is there.
I hope everyone had a blessed Easter weekend.  We went to hubby's sister where much of the family gathered.  It was a lovely day and it was nice to see how the great nieces and nephews had grown.  There are all lovely children; no fighting or teasing each other.
Of course, we were both tired yesterday from the long day and drive but I got to quilting and was able to put in a full day there.  Lately, I have had to leave at lunch to be home in time to watch the on line part of my course.
I hope the hydro stays on tomorrow but, if not, I have a book to read.
Blessings,