Public Boat Docks in Seeley's Bay

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Thank Heaven for Tutorials

Finally I am coming up for air!  Been busy with the colorful quilt I am making and if I have done my math correctly I believe I may even have solved my flying geese border problem.  I didn't think about how these geese would get around the corner, silly woman that I am and when laid out around the quilt it was quite off.  I forgot about the cornerstones!  I did figure out just how many flying geese I could place on both ends and on the sides, but came up short for each of the four corners, so, thanks to Bonnie Hunter's Square in a Square tutorial I have made the correct size cornerstones. (at least I believe I have).     Tried and true methods can always be had by going to visit Bonnie.  
Travelling along the inner black border will be the flying geese and the 4 sq. in a sq. blocks, then, I wait to hear what this quilt top has to say, another outer black border or leave alone?  I am working on assembling this next stage and hopefully I will be ready to sandwich and quilt it either next week or the week after, all depending on what life has to throw at me. 
Newsflash, Bonnie has a new book coming out soon bet you it will be another smash hit!
I did somehow finish the strings quilt, I have given it so many names I simply don't know which one to use, so Scruffy Cuddler was the name I stuck it with.   When the head of our Library System was presented with it and she read the comments from her friends and co-workers she simply cried, so I believe it was a hit.  She has two little grandsons one who is nearly 2 and he managed to get hold of it and had a great time with it and we all so enjoyed his use of g'mas new lap quilt. 
I worked on it right up to the time I had to leave home, I decided last  minute it needed binding and so that is what I just had to make and attach.  Many ouchies later I managed to sew down the last mitered corner and get myself in the car and off to where it was I was already an hour late for.  LOL 
Naturally in my haste I didn't get pictures of it, but I did manage to take a few after it was presented to her.  Here she is examining the many comments and here she is letting her tears tell us how much she liked it. 

I hope each and ever one of you had a wonderfully happy weekend and thank you for stopping by to visit with me again.  
Your comments are welcomed, so if you have something you wish to say, please be my guest and leave a comment. 


It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.  ~Edmund Hillary 

Monday, May 28, 2012

Quilters and Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day in The United States of America,
this day of remembrance and reflection has to be one of the most important of the "holidays" celebrated. 
While we wish others a Happy Memorial Day, it really is a day to bestow Honor and Respect to those men and women who were sent abroad to fight a war for their country and who returned with horrific injuries both physical and emotional.  A day set aside to honor those who never returned, who, because of their duty put themselves in harms way and never returned, leaving huge back holes in the hearts of their loved ones Stateside.
Quilters have been actively making quilts and honoring those men and women who wear the uniform since the time of the Civil War and that tradition continues in 2012.
I have been searching out sites which reflect on this very special meaning of Quilters helping others who have helped them by their service to their country.  
I discovered some visiting interesting places on the web where generous quilters have come together to honor these men and women who have served their country. Possibly you might also wish to visit these?
One such place is here whereby the introduction to the story behind the inception of Quilts Of Valor was begun, and it began  with Catherine Roberts of Anacortes, Washington.  Marianne Fons introduces us to Catherine and her idea and how it grew!   You can even watch and listen to what it is that stirred Catherine into the Quilts of Valor movement. The video walk you through not only the basic idea for Quilts of Valor, the importance of the program itself, and will show you three QOV's being made while you watch.   I highly recommend this visit for anyone interested in the total concept of sewing for such a worthwhile cause. 
Here at telegram.com you can read about the donation of 104 quilts to the Homeless Veterans Shelter in MA. this is a very touching article which confirms just what the gift of a quilt for a veteran means.  
Here at Maryland Morning Blog you can read of another touching movement, Home of the Brave project.
The last article and video I found to share is this one about the Piedmont Quilters Guild where it's president, Nancy Grogan explains to the WFMY News Reporter just what her Guilds' project to honor veterans this Memorial Day is all about!  




These are but some of the articles I found and wish to share with you.
On whole, the world over, Quilters make a significant impact for a multitude of causes.  
AS quilters not only in The United States of America, but the world over are a generous and giving collection of people with HUGE hearts filled with a tremendous love of others that make horrific events a little easier to deal with, when the gift they give is given with deep heartfelt love and which says, someone cares about you, about this horrible situation and I want you to know it with this Quilt I made especially for you!  
While in this post I am singling out Memorial Quilts for those who serve, there are the hundred and hundreds of other causes which quilters lend themselves to.
If you as a quilter ever wondered how another person will receive your quilt you made to ease someones' pain or suffering I can tell you it made a HUGE difference. You care!
Enjoy this Memorial Day with your family and friends about you, and remember those who gave of themselves because of their Service.
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.  ~Marcel Proust





Saturday, May 26, 2012

Gotta Fly

Good Saturday morning everyone out there in cyberspace, from where it is I sit by my computer and sewing machine I can see it is shaping up to be a glorious day.  I finally managed to pull my old and stiff joints from bed and have begun full tilt at finishing off this quilt, but before I can do too much I must make my way to a place where one of our tiny Library Branches is located and help out with what it has been called for a few years now "That Spring Thing" is happening.
Friends of the Library of which I am one are always seeking methods by which to fund raise and support our many needs projects.  Today is no exception and it has taken a great deal of planning and work to bring it all to fruition.  Wish us a good one this year, our projects really can use an infusion of the monetary kind. 
I went to "The Shabby"  blog this morning, (you know, Shabby Fabrics) oh my goodness you have to see what it is they are giving away - ohhhhhhhhhhhh pretties!!!!!!!  You just have to go and give yourselves an opportunity to win... If you scroll down just a titch you will see photographed there a picture of the Sweetheart Houses Quilt in the spotlight at International Quilt Market, it is so stunning.  Of course I oogled and awed, houses and quilts with houses are my favorites, I just kick myself every time I get excited as I simply haven't made one like forever!  I keep promising myself but all of the other "need to do's" keep getting into my way....LOL 
Treat yourselves and go see it, I do not think you will be sorry you did. Oh well, maybe someday!
Look what I made over two nights knitting it looks like it should be on a Cabbage Patch doll, but the pattern assured it was meant for a newborn from 6 to 7 1/2 pounds.  I made a matching newborn hat too.  It really looks like I am playing with dolls, these items are so tiny!  You know I haven't held a newborn in so long I have forgotten just how tiny these wonderful angels are.  LOL  Anyway this if for my new granddaughter which is expected to come to us in October.   I am excited about the prospects of holding this tiny person, but I still have many months of practice time ahead of me.  
Just as I have a huge fabric stash, so do I have a very large yarn/wool stash so what better use than something for baby?  Long as these are tiny items to know or crochet I can handle them, my arthritic fingers do protest at the holding of needles...LOL
Don't Forget to visit The Quilting Gallery - remember Miska is holding a Giveaway and you could be one of those lucky winners!
Thank you so very much for coming by to visit with me, I wish you all a happy and wonderful day today, take care and what ever it is your doing do on this Memorial Day long weekend and do it safely.....and have a fantastic time doing it.  Now I must fly otherwise I really will not get to Escott and back home again and this quilt will never get finished with no one working on it....Gotta Fly


Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.  ~Dr. Seuss



Friday, May 25, 2012

I Flunked "Time Management"

The importance of learning a very basic word seems to have alluded me!  Here it is Friday again and I still haven't finished quilting the String Stars.   Seems there are many who just need a few moments of my time and how can I say "No" !   You would think I may have learned this at a much earlier age, but that lesson simply never took!  Maybe that is why I am not great at Time Management, ya think????
I thought I had only until today to complete this baby, but I have been provided with a very nice reprieve hopefully I will manage to get the binding sewn down Saturday evening - hey, that is tomorrow!!  The event for this presentation will not take place until Sunday, so I have a grace period for certain. 
I am care giving this evening, I have messages to get done this afternoon (you know, groceries, bank, post office, etc.)  and even with me living so close to these amenities, I never seem to make the time to get there as often as I really should, why? Because other things just happen and I haven't learned to say NO!  LOL
Once the quilting on this baby is finished I still want to throw it into the washer and get the grubbies off it, so that its scent is fresh and it looks nicely crumpled as a quilt of this type should look, imo..
My best friends daughter is doing well after that last operation, and if all goes according to Hoyle, she will be going home tomorrow or Sunday.  Rather Saturday than Sunday, progress is being made and already she has been up and about on her crutches.  Thank you all who said a special little healing prayer for her, it is so very much appreciated.
I shall need a good long rest when this summer is over with I have a to do list that is far too long.  Once the String Stars has been dealt with there is the other quilt to be made ready, I hope to collect all of the signature blocks this week and begin assembling that top.  It isn't the quilting or the piecing that gets me because these are such pleasurable tasks, it is that time never stands still long enough for me to catch up. 
Have you been to visit at The Quilting Gallery?  Well if you haven't you might like to visit there today or this coming weekend.  Miska has made changes to the Quilting Bloggers Directory, wonderful changes where you can actually see the Blog Roll of each registered blogger.  Thank you Miska to me this is my Information Station. 
Small Quilting Bloggers Logo 
Is throwing a GIVEAWAY and you won't want to miss a chance of winning one of two 6 month certificates to The Quilt Show with Alex Anderson and Ricky Timms  or one of two six packs of hand dyed fabrics.........WHOO HOO  don't stop, head on over to the Gallery and get your entry in! 
Must say cheerio for the time being and get done what is necessary today and finish this quilt.....
Thanks for stopping by this afternoon, don't forget to check out The Quilting Gallery there is so much there for you.  To those celebrating Memorial Day have a safe and happy fun filled weekend, and to those of us who are not, have a safe and happy weekend. 


One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks.  ~Jack Penn






  








Wednesday, May 23, 2012

BIZZEE

Finally some time in front of the computer!  I am waiting word on the outcome of my best friends daughters' operation, once again she's had to succumb to having her hip operated on, that girl hasn't had any respite from the onslaught of that joint not growing.  Last year near this time there was the 3rd operation which we all anticipated would be the last, but unfortunately the bone grafting was not generating new growth, so today, it is a different type of operation whereby the doctor will be doing something different.  When it was described to me in dutch I really did not understand all of the technological terminology, but suffice is to say that Orthopedic surgeon is doing his very best for her and in spirit I am there in the operating theater with her.  If time permits with you, please send up a little prayer 
that this is the operation what works and that finally she will mend and be free of pain and discomfort for ever more.  Thank you! 
My children were on their way to a Lake over our long weekend
and after the long weekend of family fun was over with they headed to Las Vegas to celebrate a milestone with other family and friends. 
Isn't it wonderful how people travel these days, I sometimes wish I had been as adventuresome away back in the olden days!  LOL   
On the grand baby front my dear daughter-in-law is expecting to give her and my son a daughter, 
my sons' first child, and her third.  How simply marvelous!  We haven't welcomed any girls into the family  for such a long, long time.   I know her sister and brother are as excited as I am and cannot wait for her arrival.   To celebrate her coming I have begun what grandmothers have done for centuries, knitting!   
My arthritic fingers do not make knitting an easy pastime, but I have time to finish, lots of time, seeing as she isn't due until sometime in October.....I am sure to have it finished by then, ya think?  LOL
I have steadfastly working on the String Stars quilt, I need it completed by this Friday evening.  In order to accomplish this I have cancelled the Stitch 'N' Chat sessions for tomorrow, as today is almost a total wipe out for me!
I have my Lions Club meeting this evening and my friend from Hong Kong arrives in later this evening and yours truly will be travelling to go and collect him from the bus which he will take from the Toronto International Airport up to our neck of the woods.  
I have to check on a number or items to make certain he at least has the wherewith all for his morning cuppa and a bite with it as his mother is 90 and has memory problems which I believe to be Alzheimer's but which as yet is to be properly diagnosed.  
The time I am not in front of the sewing machine is time away from completing this quilt. 
Seeing as no one other than GWEN commented or even made efforts at guessing as to what it is I did those many days ago  I will be sending her the GIVEAWAY products which were offered.  SO GWEN please send me your correct snail mail address at  mitzjidebos@yahoo.ca and I will see your parcel goes out to you.  ALSO to KAREN your parcel has yet to be mailed, unfortunately, I left it in the other room and didn't notice it until the other day.  I will advise when these two parcels hit the mail system. 
Here in Canada we have just passed the Victoria Day long weekend and are heading into the summer season.
Seeing as those who are American will be celebrating their Memorial Day this coming weekend.  SO in advance may I wish you and yours a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend. 
I would like to thank you for stopping by and visiting with me, it certainly is appreciated.  Your following or even reading now and again is the reason for my Giveaways, a way to thank you for your time, curiosity and interest in the crazy things I say and do.
Have yourselves a happy and safe day today and I hope to share with you again tomorrow. 


Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.  ~G.B. Stern

Friday, May 18, 2012

Hey,hey, Hey Check these out!

For those of us home on this long weekend both here in Canada and the U.S.A. check out these really nice Giveaways from the various Quilting or Quilters Blogs....
Quilters Newsletter Magazine on its QN Blog a sampling for those of us not able to go to Market...
Then head on over and see what Sherri from A Quilting Life is having one of her sponsors giveaway to one of Sherri's readers.
If you go and visit Amy from Diary Of A Quilter you can make a new handbag/tote from her new free tutorial and see what else is going on through her blog which takes you to around to other bloggers and the summer sewing contest.
Then too there is the fun happening over at Sew Mama Sew you will really enjoy what is being offered. 
Lastly go visit Blog Giveaways a Blog you'll really love the list.
What colorful ideas, patterns and giveaways await you at many of these blogs.
No sewing accomplished today, and only two ladies came to sewing club yesterday afternoon and last night I locked up early because no one showed....Guess my idea isn't such a great one after all.
Off to soak in a hot shower after an extremely stressful day.  
Now where is my yellow duckie???????????
I have three secrets to tell you all about, but there are a few things that much happen for this all to come about, sew stay tuned and remember I still have items to giveaway, it isn't too late to tell me about your summer plans, as it is only Gwen has tried guessing which isn't necessary anymore but fun none-the-less and it only takes a comment. 


If you don't think every day is a good day, just try missing one.  ~Cavett Robert















Thursday, May 17, 2012

No Guesses Required to Win the GIVEAWAY

Lots going on around my house lately, too much actually.  I have made some decisions this month which are taking time away from my so called normal routines.  
I have discovered that I really must relocate and it is out of necessity, ( it isn't easy residing full time with elder parents, is it?)   The other day I began in earnest to divest myself of many of my personal possessions I know that I really can live without and won't have to pay a fortune to a mover to take with me.  Needless to say I may be missing in action on and off but I promise to make every effort to get back to posting daily as soon as it is possible.  
I have begun searching for just the right living quarters for me and admit there isn't too much on the market that I have seen that fit my needs, but, I will continue to search.  Heaven only knows just how long the search will take!
Now, have any of you visited MY QUILT PLACE  brought to Quilters everywhere by the American Quilters Society?  Possibly a visit might interest you in joining, it seems like an interesting all around place!
This afternoon is Stitch 'N' Chat so I leave you now to get myself there and get the door open for visitors, if there are any today?  Not many interested in it around here even though I will continue for another while to be there should anyone decide they might have an interest in joining. 
This afternoon I will be working on my quilting of the string stars quilt top and possibly finishing a set of place mats which the Library can make use of in the silent auction.  
Until tomorrow, I thank you for visiting my blog today and hope something here may be of interest to you. 
I do have a Giveaway going on, but so far only one real comment so if anyone wishes to win the items shown in the GUESS CORRECTLY, WIN THE PRIZE post than please do.  I revised the necessity for guessing to your just telling me what your summer plans are this year.  You do not have to make any guesses! 
Have a simply super fantastic day today and hopefully I will have more to say tomorrow.


I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing.  ~Agatha Christie



Tuesday, May 15, 2012

YESTERDAY, TODAY and GIVEAWAY

There are some days that are gruesome to get through and other days which are truly miraculous.  I spent such a day yesterday.  Lately I have been sleeping poorly, for some strange reason I am wakened near 3 a.m. and cannot get myself convinced to go back to sleep.  Here I am once again this morning not being able to sleep at 5:30 so here I am writing!
Yesterday began in a similar way, up in the wee hours of the morning, still dark outside, feeling tired but sleep simply avoided me and I was scheduled to work all day, and after work attend a Lions Charter event far from home.  This didn't bode well when I found myself dragging and having to make the effort not to show others just how bedraggled I felt!
I took a hand project with me yesterday while on Senior care duty, but I didn't have the energy to thread the needle, so I made up my mind to just enjoy the day with my charge instead. 
Now my lady lives at waters edge. and it is while sitting our front and getting the sunshine or looking out of her windows during lunch or dinner hours that we always see something new and exciting.  Yesterday we caught a glimpse of Mother Robin sitting in her nest above the doorway patiently awaiting the arrival of her babies,
then we spied what we thought initially to be a muskrat, which turned out to be a young mink soon to become a Mother Mink.  Obviously she is new to our area because no mink 
who was wise to the neighborhood would sun themselves on the dock where two very mischievous and adventuresome Dachshunds live.   Their names are Red and Rock,  and you really cannot tell them apart, even though they are not twins their so alike as to be confusing. they are always together
and when not following their master everywhere can be seen and heard patrolling the neighborhood keeping intruders like squirrels and chipmunks, muskrats and the stray cats away from their territory.  It was a treat to see this little Mink sunning itself out on the dock.  Only when one of the larger Starlings came too close did it head off into the water.
Now not only were we privileged to see at a Mink, but we also saw the return of the Oriels and one sang its heart out while I made a huge effort to get a picture of it.
To top it all off, Mrs. Frog is back in the window well again, she was there last year and brought her babies into the world knowing no other animal would get her down in there. 
Can you see her?   She blends in so very well with her surroundings.
After such a start to my day all of these creatures made me feel so much better and of course relaxed because I was resting while watching.  It turned into such a happy day.  Nature is such a large part of who I am and I confess I could sit for hours just watching and being entertained by nature. 


Today it is all about sewing, as our Library fundraiser event takes place in two weeks!  I am always busy before each fundraiser and while I sound like a procrastinator, it is because sometimes these events are not planned well in advance, they just sort of evolve. 
So for this event I am planning to sew several small project items which may generate a few dollars and a few large tote bags for the Silent Auction!
SEW today is Donation sewing day, hopefully I can generate enough items that I can say is enough and go back to quilting on the String Stars gift quilt  

I would like to remind you of my Giveaway (comment here), and all you have to do to become a possible winner is to tell me what your planning to do this summer, and, should you also wish to guess what it is that I did last week and what it is I need a special book for well, then you can guess at that too for one extra entry.  WHO knows you might guess right!  
These are the items you could win:
 There are packets of Rick Rack in three different widths all the same color, a Heart in Hand needle holder, two fabric marking pencils (one red and one white) two packages of flower appliques, a set of Prym Top Stitch Zipper guides and four iron on Designer Applique shapes together with a piece of this fabric which measures 38" X 26" piece of Victoria Scatter Garden patterned fabric by Debbie Beaves of the Violet Patch for RJR Fabrics.  
WHY not give it a try, all it will cost you is a comment and for two entries, add your guess as to this thing that I did!
CLUE 1>  which is bigger than a bread basket;
CLUE 2> something I need a special book for;
CLUE 3> and I will get it in a few months!


Thank you for allowing me to share my yesterday with you, I hope it hasn't been too boring and while not quilt related, the GIVEAWAY is, so do take a chance and help me rid myself of all the extras in my huge stash that I have been gathering up to share with others.


Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson



Saturday, May 12, 2012

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY & GIVEAWAY MADE SIMPLER

I believe my question for you to guess at for the Giveaway was really too vague!
TO make it simpler, leave me your comments and tell me what it is you may have planned for your summer?  There now, that is all you have to do.
Once I have answers Mr. Random will choose the lucky winner of this GIVEAWAY.  
The Giveaway is open from May 12th until Friday, May 18th midnight Central at which time a winner will be chosen at random and announced on Saturday, May 19th.
A  friend had me drive her across the border this morning and I bought a few tiny things because the sale was too darned good to pass up, oh boy, is my new summer handbag a hum dinger!  Last year I chose pumpkin, this year coral with more orange in it than pink, and a lovely dress ring of Mother of Pearl surrounded with silver for my mum for Mothers' Day tomorrow.  My 89 year old mum believe she`s a fasionista and adores costume jewelry and of course accessories to match her various outfits. 
I am also collecting as many things as I can, time permitting to put on the yard sale table.  You see several towns and villages have agreed to hold town wide yard sales to celebrate the return of Spring.
I have begun quilting the String Stars (or maybe I should name it strung out stars) and I haven`t really made a decision as to how I should quilt it, so far I am letting the quilt just speak to me. At any rate I have begun it, hopefully I won`t agonize over it too long and have it finished this week.¸


Thanks for stopping by, I sincerely hope you will now join in on the giveaway and while your at it, enjoy this wonderful weekend and the fuss that your family will make over you this Mother`s Day!   To all of you who are moms`I send you this virtual Floral Bouquet, sorry you cannot enjoy the scents of it, but never-the-less, it is pretty.
Wishing you all a Happy Mothers`Day


Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love.  ~Mildred B. Vermont

















Friday, May 11, 2012

DAY ONE FIRST CLUE IN GIVEAWAY

TODAY begins the GIVEAWAY.  It really is just a fun guessing game, only because I am excited about what it is that I bought the other day.   The hint when I announced this giveaway was that it was BIGGER THAN A BREAD BASKET... 
SECOND HINT I will need to use a special book!
NO, it isn't a Library Book!  You may enter your comments in the GUESS CORRECTLY, WIN THE PRIZE GIVEAWAY here!!!
Enter as many times as you like, I will let you know if your cold, warm or hot!
Speaking of Library at the end of this month there is a Fundraiser event planned at Springfield House.....
This is the building that houses one of our Library branches and is also the house that has the Antique Quilts...do you recall seeing this one?
This Crazy Quilt bears the date of 1892 on it but unfortunately not the name of the maker....which is kind of sad as it would be wonderful to give it's creator a name to pass along to other generations.  Hmmm I wonder if it is worth $70,000.00??? Did you see the article written in 2010 and being written about in this June/July Quilters Newsletter Magazine?  I was thrilled to read that article, it is wonderful when quilters no matter the genre are paid for their works.
For this events' Silent Auction I am making a Quilted Tote with handles long enough to be carried over the shoulder, zippered closure with lots of pockets.   I hope it fetches a decent price!
I continually make those travel tissue holders (from my scraps) which sit in baskets on the Librarians' desk and people purchase for a small donation.  I fill the holders with a packet of Kleenex to make it worth a dollar or two.
Okay, today and over the weekend I am working on this quilt, it is sandwiched and ready for quilting.  Wish me luck that I do a decent quilting job!!
©2012
Do any of you have a Tablet?   My girlfriend in Holland was given an I-Pad for her birthday, make me jealous to say the very least, but, my other friend has a Toshiba tablet and loves it, carries it in her purse, it is lightweight and handy for picture taking as well as contact or seeking information right there in her bag!   
I know it will take me quite awhile to save for one cause I used every penny for my Ella (sewing machine)!  Oh why isn't there a money tree in my garden?
Do I save for the Apple, Toshiba, Samsung or the Sony ???  Each have wonderful features but the I-pad has access to all those wonderful apps!  
Oh well, I can dream can't I?
I wish we could all have a money tree. 

Thanks for stopping in and sharing some of your time with me today.  I hope you will enter into what I am thinking is my fun giveaway this week. 
“Sometimes things become possible if we want them bad enough.” 
― T.S. Eliot







Thursday, May 10, 2012

GUESS CORRECTLY, WIN THE PRIZE!

Okay, I did it!  yup, yesterday!  Can you guess what it is I did?  IT is most definitely larger than a bread basket and I am thrilled about the decision! 
I am taking this opportunity to turn this into a GUESS WHAT IT IS GIVEAWAY!!!
So come on, take your best shot and possibly, if your at all interested you could win this nice collection of items I am using as the prize.  I will send international, so please do not let that stop you from putting in your best guess.


First correct answer receives this collection of stash goodies I am giving away!
Six Packages of same color green RICK RACK in three different widths;
One Heart in Hand needle holder;
Two 2 Fabric Marking pencils (one white, one red); 
Two flower appliques; 
Four Designer Iron ons' consisting of an pink elephant, a green teddy bear, a pink heart and a pink sail boat;
One package of Prym Top Stitch Zipper guides....
TOGETHER WITH THIS
A 38" X 26" piece of Victoria Scatter Garden patterned fabric by Debbie Beaves of the Violet Patch for RJR Fabrics.  
C'mon now, put on your thinking/good guess caps and see who might be the first to collect this prize!
You have from tomorrow May 11th until Friday, May 18th midnight Central time to send me your guesses, I will comment on whether your cold, warm or hot!

I'm off to Stitch 'N' Chat this afternoon and have several projects to work on, major projects are the two gift quilts. 
There is so very much going on around here that I literally fear I will forget something, my appointment schedule looks wicked full. 
By the way, in Today in my e-mail, there was mention of the story about the Australian Lady who sold her Crazy Quilt for $70,000.00, this Article will come out in the June/July issue of Quilter's Newsletter Magazine.  Thinking you might be interested in this you can read about some of it here written September of 2010. WOW is all I can say and GOOD FOR HER!
Thank you for stopping by to see what it is I am up to or getting into today, I hope your day is fantastic!  AND............HAPPY BIRTHDAY FEM HOPE YOUR HAVING A SUPER FANTASTIC SPECIAL DAY TODAY!!!!!


I've got dreams in hidden places and extra smiles for when I'm blue.  ~Author Unknown





Sunday, May 6, 2012

Catching Up....

It was Wednesday when last I posted, seems so very long ago doesn't it?  I have been busy doing Senior duty these past many days and getting behind with my own time.  
Last Thursday I opened up the Hall again for the Stitch 'N' Chat but only one lady came and that was my friend Liz.  So far not many ladies are coming, but, I said I would give it a good trial period, then, if no one bothers, I guess it will be time to admit defeat, but first I must give it a good trial, don't you think?
I have offered to teach a very easy quilt project, but so far no takers.   Quilt clubs or guilds are not built overnight, so patience here is the theme.
As I was saying, Liz came over on Thursday afternoon and brought her lovely quilt top (camera was absent then) and needed help with figuring out which fabrics of those she'd brought along would do for her borders and for her back.  We measured and measured and finally came up with the solution which seemed to be best for her pretty purple and white quilt top.  Next week I will ask her to bring it along again so that I might take a picture of it to show off. 
Since showing you the final border on one of the gifting quilts, I haven't done much on that one I took backing and batting, laid it out and discovered there was not enough of the fabric I chose.  Since then I have been auditioning fabrics which I think may do justice to the theme of the overall quilt top.  I plan, if all goes well to finally sandwich and if possible begin the quilting on that one next Thursday.
The other one is still awaiting the signature flying geese, those I hope to have gathered up next week. 
Friday was hair appointment day for two of my seniors! One who has yet to be properly diagnosed, some form of dementia or Alzheimer's, but it is rather difficult working with her when she becomes obstinate.  One moment she was fine about getting a hair cut and the next not so!  After a half hour of talking and being patient she finally agreed to get her hair cut and moments later forgot all about it and loved her new do!  The other lady, my mother is also beginning to suffer forgetfulness (but my mothers' really just a tad forgetful, my mother still remembers and thinks well on her own), whereas her friend does not.  While at the hairdressers she had another lady there also suffering from very progressed Alzheimer's so I have to tell you the hairdresser and I had our combined hands full.  I was exhausted when I returned then home.
Yesterday I happily hid away in my own space and began my day with sleeping in longer than my usual, then after a few household chores spent time in my favorite place, in from of the my new friend Ella who helped me put together a few little pyramid bags, and a pencil bag. I just love my new sewing machine!  I decided something easy and relaxed would help me get my bearings back and it did!
I made these yesterday, what say you, aren't these too cute?

These tiny projects will go into the Village Yard sale happening this upcoming Victoria Day weekend.  Our little town is putting on quite the celebration all in aid of introducing kayak and canoe enthusiasts to the Towns' latest recreational addition which is a new Paddling Station. The committee has worked long and hard this year to put this together and on the Town map!
With these hard economic times our provincial and federal governments are cutting back man hours to save money, our region with its Rideau Canal along the St. Lawrence has been hit by that cost saving maneuver too so our Town must do all that it can to keep the tourist trade we have and hopefully entice others that it is the place to come and visit.  
Two summers ago our Town entered and fought hard to win the Ultimate Fishing Town contest, we won, but lost out due to the fact that our town didn't have cable services - HUH!  Now our neighboring town is fighting for that privilege.  All of our Towns in this region are fighting tooth and nail to remain alive and vibrant as we were before the world got hit in the face with its hard times.
STAY TUNED I will be introducing another GIVEAWAY next week and you could be a winner, so do drop in, won't you?
Have a fantastic wonderful Sunday and thank you all for stopping in and catching up on my life with me, I sincerely appreciate your company and I would so very much enjoy your comments too!
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.  ~Marcel Proust.......................





Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Today's' Tidbits...........

Phew!!! I've been putting on the last border of the string quilt I have worked on this past month.  I found what I thought was a nice match and while usually I over think these decisions sometimes this time I grabbed it when I saw it and just went for it.  I think it looks just right!  What do you think?
I am so fortunate that I more or less tidied up my stash and that my stash is diversified enough to have found the perfect solution for this quilt.  Now all I have to do is to sandwich and quilt it which I will begin tomorrow.  
The gift quilt awaits the flying geese signature blocks in order to get the final borders readied and attached.
Look what I found in my e-mail this morning, isn't it the truth!
Sometimes my friends send me the cutest idioms about life and I found this one worth sharing with you today.
I have been searching for an easy pattern to make up for my new grandchild coming to us in October of this year, all babies need to be warmly welcomed when they arrive, so thanks to Crafts By Starlight I found just the perfect pattern as well as an instructional video on how to complete it and from g'ma's point of view, just right for him or her! 
Thinking it might be nice done up in soft variegated baby yarn.  Thanks Starlight for this free pattern and your terrific instructional video. 
Now all I must find is my huge collection of crochet hooks, I know their somewhere around here but so far I haven't seen them even in my tidy up.  I have far too much of everything and I really am making an effort to use it.  Goodness me, what if I die before I can use it all?  
My son would be google-eyed from shock at all he would have to clear out.  LOL
I have given you a smattering of my chat today, but in all sincerity I would dearly love to hear from some of my readers.  
Where do you live?
Do you have a large crafting community in your neck of the woods?
Do you take in craft shows or quilt shows?
What is your favorite type of craft?
How much time do you have to spend on working your crafts?
These are questions I think of from time to time when I am sitting here thinking about what to say and just how to say it, wondering if I am boring or too repetitive?
Here is hoping you have something to say and hopefully you will say it here, I invite your opinions and your comments.
Thank you for stopping at my blog today and reading what it is I had to share with you. I wish you an absolutely fantastic day and hope to see or read from you tomorrow.


How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong.  Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.  ~George Washington Carver...........................................



Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Stash Clean Up Finished for Now...

Finally, I am back online and logged into my Google accounts!  I just dislike this word verification method many programs use to make sure I am who I say I am!  I have such problems reading those stupid words!  Anyhow, finally I am back and apologize for not being here sooner. 
I have however made a huge dent in my clean up and am happy to report while it isn't perfect (only because I finally got tired yesterday) it is at least manageable again.  What I wouldn't give for a large space which can be delegated to my quilting everything instead of a bit here and a bit there!  If your like me you must be thinking the same thing every once in awhile? Yes?
Here is the cupboard, as tidy as the space will allow for the amount of fabrics and scraps I have managed to accumulate. 
The pile at left corner of picture has still to find a home but  these are UFO's
Well, this isn't as neat as it could be,but it will get sorted out  over time

Then there are the drawers I confiscated
And a set of those plastic drawers for the top of the stairway in the hall, dig my red moose!
So I can attest to having put time in on clearing up my fabric stash with as much creativity as I could scrounge up for this time being.  I am going to be seeking those plastic totes that provide under the bed storage solutions, and will put the spill over (from the cardboard boxes in my cupboard) into those and eliminate the use of cardboard boxes for more floor space in my walk in closet.  In my NewBrunswick sewing room everything has a home and I didn't have to invent new hiding places for my supplies of any type, but in this home I am extremely limited in my space so needs must don't you agree?  If any of you can come up with a better solution, I would sincerely love to hear it.  I need all of the help I can get adapting to my untidy and disjointed fabric storage situation.
I still have not heard from any of the St. Patrick's Day blog winners, have you received your parcels?  All except for Karen, Karen I will mail yours this week, I simply haven't had time to get out of here to do that!
I have been kept busy these past several days and today is no exception, but, this evening is going to be a nice evening out for me.  I and a friend are attending an awards ceremony in another Town for a new friend we have met who will be receiving an award for saving the life of a young boy.  Then after the awards ceremony is over, we three will head out and enjoy a meal together, won't that be fun, something totally different from the norm for me.  I promise to take a few snaps to share with you. 
Thank you for stopping in to visit with me I so hope your day is going well.


You can avoid having ulcers by adapting to the situation:  If you fall in the mud puddle, check your pockets for fish.  ~Author Unknown