A Wasted Trip-Sort Of

We had to go to Huntsville today to do some government stuff.  Got to the office and it was closed.  Very frustrating.  So, we did a bit of shopping.  I bought fabric (naturally) for a quilt I've designed and we got a few groceries.
Once I got back home I phoned to find out when the office would be open and discovered we went to the wrong place.  Back to Huntsville we go on Tuesday.  It is only open two days a week. 
Ah well.  Could be worse.  At least, we have a vehicle and fuel.
I forgot to mention yesterday when talking about quilting gifts that I got a book from my sister that has patterns which help you develop your colour skills.  I think many quilters have a problem with determining which colour looks best for a border, binding or even in the quilt top itself.  I generally play it safe but it would be nice to be a little more confident.  This author combines colours that I wouldn't choose but she does write in a way that is easy to understand.
Of course, colour preference is such a subjective thing, isn't it.  Some people like pink and red together whereas I really dislike it.  I also have a bit of a problem with blue/yellow combinations.  I have got a bit more adventuresome over the years mainly because I have started doing scrappies.
Quilting is something that has a continuous learning curve which is one of the reason's I enjoy it so much.
Be sure to check my web page tomorrow for the contest rules.
Blessings,

Gifts and a Contest

It is another lovely day here in the backwoods.  The sun is shining, geese are on the pond and I am in my quilt room.  Does life get any better? 
Thank you for all the lovely comments about my dear husband and my birthday party.  It is one of those events that has created a book full of memories.
I mentioned yesterday that I was going to tell you about my quilty gifts today.  The ladies in my quilt group gave me enough fabric (Thimbleberries, yahoo) to make a good sized quilt and all in my colours-deep blue, brown and beige.  I may use some of the beige in a applique wall hanging that is on my to do list.  I think the colour is just right for the background.
My sister, who lives in England, gave me some splendid English fabrics; again enough to make a quilt.  These prints, which are co ordinated,  consist of various sized flowers and I would rather not cut them into small pieces.   I have, therefore,  been mentally designing a pattern for them.  I have come up with overlapped, on point squares set in vertical rows separated by strips.  I am thinking of something like a Victorian wall paper look.  It will mean dealing with Y seams or I may  simply applique the square assembly. Cutting the fabric into smaller sections would be easier but I want to retain as much of the whole flowers as possible.
And now, for you, as a thank you for your encouragement and faithfulness; a preview of my contest.  You are going to be asked to  make a 12 1/2" shoo fly block.  But, I don't want you to just follow the pattern.  Use the shapes and put them together as you wish, use unusual fabric, make it as original as you can.
When finished, send me the block.  The winner will receive the blocks plus an additional prize.  There will also be a second and third place price.
All this information will be on my web page on Friday along with the pattern. All entries must be received by May 31st so put on your thinking cap. 
Blessings,

Wow! That Was a Celebration

I think my head is getting back to dealing with my usual activities.  My husband and I spent most of Friday cleaning house and getting ready for my birthday celebration.  I didn't know what was happening other than people were coming.  I knew my brother and his wife had previous plans and the same was true with my husbands family.  I was disappointed that they wouldn't be there but realized that everyone has a life.
Just before eleven, people started arriving and kept coming until around two.  The house was full and a number of people were outside as we had lovely weather.  This, as it turned out, was a factor in Roger's plans.  At one, I was told I had to go outside as something was going to happen.  And it did.  In the distance, I could hear the wonderful sound of a piper.  It got closer until he reached our yard and continued to play for another half hour.  Many of my favourite tunes were included: Dark Island, Scotland the Brave, Flower of Scotland, Amazing Grace etc.  and, of course, Happy Birthday.  It was one of the most amazing moments of my life.  I love the bagpipes and frequently listen to them on cd but nothing, nothing takes the place of hearing them live especially when surrounded by nature.  I will never forget the thoughtfulness and love of my husband.
And, yes, my brother and sister-in-law and many of my husbands family came as did my son, sister from England, church and quilting friends, neighbours and other friends. It was a wonderful, wonderful day.  Most people don't have their lives celebrated until they have died.  Mine was celebrated on my 65th birthday.  I am truly blessed and very fortunate.  I will tell you, tomorrow,  about the quilting things I received.
Blessings

Pre-Birthday Celebration

I am late in getting at my blog today.  I spent the day in Orillia (a city a ninety minutes from here) visiting with my sister and doing some shopping.  Helen has come from England to see her son and family (think I told you this yesterday) and to help me celebrate my milestone birthday.  We wanted to have some time to chat and so, met for lunch.  We had a lovely time talking family stuff and other things.  It is always special when you can have some time with a family member and this is especially so when they live so far away. 
Helen gave me a nice bundle of English quilting cottons as well as a book with patterns and recipes.  I love the fabrics as they really do look English with the delicate colours and flowers. As an extra bonus, they all co ordinate.  Helen isn't a quilter but she does paint and do photography so she has an artists eye.  I am going to have to use them in a special quilt.
Just a short posting today.  I bottled the maple syrup after I got home so still need to do some cleaning before going to bed.
Blessings,

Spinning Blocks

This is my latest pattern to be for sale on my web page.  It is not there just yet but should be by tomorrow.  I expect to have another free block either today or tomorrow as well and a contest announcement.
Lots of action going on. 
A couple of months ago, I was considering applying for a government grant available to small business people who live in the north.  When I looked at the application, I saw it only applied to those whose job was full time and realized I didn't qualify.  Now, when I think of the hours I do put in on the designing, making etc., I believe I may have misjudged my time commitment. 
Of course, I can stop to do other things if I wish and sometimes I do.  Tomorrow, I am going to Orillia to meet my sister who is here from England to visit her son's family and help me celebrate my birthday.  We wanted to have a bit of time for ourselves and my husband needs me to be gone so he can make some of his preperations for the big party.
He is still busy making maple syrup although I think he is just about finished.  We are going to have a nice stash this year.  I am trying to show my appreciation for all the hard work he is doing by making special meals.
It does look as though the weather is going to be nice today.  The predictions change everytime you look at the weather map.  Not sure why we blame the weather reporters for that. I have to do out and do spring dog clean up so a bit of sun makes that task more pleasant.  Glad I don't have to do the same for the deer droppings!
Blessings,

Sounds of Spring

Spring sure is having a hard time getting settled in, isn't it?  A lot of our snow has left but there are still large patches throughout the bush and in our yard.  The maritime provinces have had yet another snow storm.  Still, it is getting warmer.  I wore my shoes to church on Sunday and also to quilt group.  However, boots are still are necessity here in the backwoods until the mud has dried.  It isn't as bad as other years but still there.
On Saturday, I got to hear one of my favourite sounds of spring.  I hung  a few items of laundry; towels, nightwear on the clothes line.  I didn't expect them to dry but I was looking forward to them smelling of the outdoors once again.  As I moved the line along to add another item, it squeaked.  This is a sound which, to me, means spring. 
I like hearing the geese and song birds but a creaking clothes line means that it is warm enough to quit using the dryer.   When I took the clothes in just before supper, much to my surprise, they were dry.  And smelling wonderfully.
Blessings,

The Saps a-Pourin'

This is the quilt I have been working on.  I have to add the half blocks and the border.  As you can see, it is quite colourful.  You might not be able to tell with the sections unsewn, but the blocks make a windmill pattern as well as a bowtie and a butterfly.
The pattern should be all done and ready for sale by the end of next week. It is a foundation pieced.
My husband has been out doing the maple syrup today.  The sap was flowing quickly this morning although it is tapering off now.  We might be coming to the end of the season but we are very pleased with our yield.  We should double what we did last year.  I have helped where I can-emptying the smaller containers, stirring sap, but mostly I do the lunch and thermos of tea.  Once the syrup comes into the house for bottling my real job starts.
Come on over for a cup of tea later next month and I will sweeten it with our own maple syrup.  Or perhaps you would like some on a bowl of ice cream.
Blessings,