Signature Quilt Finished

I cannot believe it but I have finished it on time and I am relatively pleased with how it turned out!  What do you think?

It was too windy yesterday this was the best of the pictures to share with you

Full length shot

I embroidered the recipients name on one corner and dated it on another with the remaining two cornerstones were embroidered with fun and leisure with little cars and bicycles and the other with the words "Thank You".

Folded and ready to wrap!

This fabric was used in the top, and there was enough for the back.

It measures 46" by 65", not a bad lap quilt size! There are still empty flying geese spaces for those who will be at the presentation this afternoon to sign it as well.  

I also believe I have found a place to lay my head down and sew to my hearts delight, but, pictures of where it is and what it looks like won't be share-able until tomorrow as the key is not available until then. 
I realize I have been absent from blogging for a bit, but needs must and seeking a place to move too as well as making every effort to complete this gift on time was paramount.   Coupled with all of this my Sciatica has been ever present and so painful, driving me crazy with the pain and mornings are the very worst of all but I am getting through it, I have no time to lay and suffer right now!  LOL
Now begins the rush to pack more boxes, give things away that I really do not need and to make an effort to unravel all of my needed possessions from this house as most of my things have been integrated into this household for over 20 year and also the need to find storage space all before the end of July, so please wish me luck in this endeavor. 
I have a table topper to finish and am so looking forward to completing it as it too is to be a gift.....How else can I work away at downsizing my stash if not to make these quilted items.  Only Tuesday I was sent home with another bag filled with wonderful bits of fabric (I know I should have turned it down, but my greed just wouldn't let me), with all of the fabrics I have been using I am no further ahead because now more has been added to the stash, but what fun, new to me fabrics to use up.  I really cannot wait for fall, a move, a new grand child, new sewing area and peace, how satisfying is that?
I so appreciate your being a follower, your comments are also much appreciated and I would dearly enjoy hearing from you no matter what it is you might wish to discuss.   

Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it.  ~Jacques Prévert

Bizee Quiltin

Hi everyone!


I have been quilting all day today and yesterday at the Church Hall, man was it HOT!!!!! I persevered though and am now quilting the flying geese border, hopefully I will be finished that this weekend.  Then just the binding to prepare and attach along with a label and it will be ready to gift away. 
In between the quilting I took a few short break to run and view some apartments, so far I haven't found anything but I will, given some time to devote to it full time.  The thoughts of moving spurs me on even though I dislike packing and unpacking, it unfortunately is a necessary evil.  
Will take photo's to share with you of this quilt when it is finished.  I spent all last night burying threads on the front and tomorrow will devote the evening to burying the threads on the back.  I am pleased with how it is turning out and some of you may like it, some may think it is just okay, buy hey that is what quilting is all about, some like some patterns and colors and some don't. that is what makes quilting so very special, it is personal to every quilter out there.  Here is a very interesting article about quilts and personality!  With another very interesting blog post from Frugal Quilting about quilts and personality.


Time to rest my weary bones, I have been slogging away in the heat all day and now I would love a nice cooling shower, put my jammies on and just veg out in front of the telly. 
Thank you for stopping by to see me and your patience in missing some days not posting.  See you soon.
Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.  ~Veronica A. Shoffstall

REVENANT RETURNS

Hello Everyone, have you been wondering where I have been these last many days?  I have been hunting or haunting for a new roof under which to hang my hat, gee why wasn't I called Casper?  That being able to flit here and there invisibly would be absolutely wonderful, no gas just ghostly travel!  LOL
Also since time is marching on I have been giving lots of attention to finishing this quilt.  Need to go to the Hall for more table space as my little sewing corner simply isn't cutting it...but it is just so darned hot and humid and we live here near the water with a temperature already of 32 degrees Celsius or 89.6 Fahrenheit which is in and of itself not really too bad but with it comes the humidity and makes a person all sweaty  especially being in a place without air conditioning!  Boy am I spoiled or what?
A new friend who is very talented has had one of her photo's chosen for a new book being published called "Our Canada"!  This is that picture!  Isn't it wonderful? 

Also this picture which was taken at the War of 1812 Re-enactment in our region.

This scene is just so wonderfully serene, even though away back in 1812 life must have been much more tenuous?  
I am sharing these with Emma's permission, and I thank you Emma for this privilege.  Maybe one of these fine days Emma will publish some of her fantastic photos for everyone to enjoy!
This is one I adore for the balance and color.  Thank you Emma!

Parcels to the rest of the Giveaway winners have all been sent so please, when they arrive at your mail box, please let me know here at the Bag Lady so I may stop worrying about them!   I hope each and everyone who received a giveaway parcel enjoyed the contents?  I will be hosting another Giveaway soon, so keep checking back. 
Seeing as it is almost officially Summer, I want to wish Spring a happy retreat and because it is my most favorite time of the year, I cannot wait for its return.  Isn't it awfully hot and humid these days?  Possibly if we all think of sending those terrible storms and weird weather away they might disappear?  You think?
Time for me to sign off for today and get on with it, this quilt will not finish itself.  LOL  Once it is finally finished I will share it with you.  I am convinced it turned out pretty darned nice.
Your comments are really appreciated when you leave them, so please do and if you have something wonderful you wish to share, that too would be appreciated.  So, please feel free to leave your comments to share with all of us.  Especially about what it is your projects are that your working on.   


Isn't this a great quote????


Maybe we should develop a Crayola bomb as our next secret weapon.  A happiness weapon.  A beauty bomb.  And every time a crisis developed, we would launch one.  It would explode high in the air - explode softly - and send thousands, millions, of little parachutes into the air.  Floating down to earth - boxes of Crayolas.  And we wouldn't go cheap, either - not little boxes of eight.  Boxes of sixty-four, with the sharpener built right in.  With silver and gold and copper, magenta and peach and lime, amber and umber and all the rest.  And people would smile and get a little funny look on their faces and cover the world with imagination.  ~Robert Fulghum

I'm Back

Sorry for not being here yesterday, a crisis arose and I just have to attend to it so this post too will be shorter than most of my usual missives! 

Today my granddaughter Mikayla turned 9, seems like yesterday she'd just begun school and was only 6 where has the time flown to?  Happy Birthday dear sweetling.

Mikayla with her best friend her brother, Brayden June 12th, 2012

Just had a thunder and lightening storm roll through and it left lots of water on that tree just outside my window.  With the sun setting and the rays of it shining on the water droplets on that tree it seems as if the heavens opened up and decorated it with diamonds.... were that it were real I would be there with my bucket and learn to climb that baby real fast!

Look how beautiful the rain and the sun have made this tree look!

After I finish these two quilts I am working on I won't be quilting for awhile, least not till August sometime because I am packing up my possessions and seeking other living accommodations.  So if you don't hear from me it will be because I am out house hunting.   Will let you know when and if I find the right place.

Thanks for stopping in to check up on me, I figured you might, so kind of you to notice I wasn't here yesterday. 

Giving up doesn't always mean you are weak.  Sometimes it means that you are strong enough to let go.  ~Author Unknown

Where'd He Go?????

Very early yesterday while searching for fabric to use as backing from my stash, I discovered a large amount of paisley fabric I had forgotten about.  Because I need to layer my quilts on the large Lions Table over at the community center, I decided I sit and sew the whole day, the first day without plans for it in a long time and so I made these log cabin blocks.
Once I get the whole thing sewn together I will still need borders, but I couldn't resist sharing with you. 

The colors are red with green paisley print with unbleached muslin. (why don't digital cameras give true colors?) 
It will measure 58" by 58" once the last huge block is attached.  Then a nice wide border and it too will be ready to sandwich.
Log cabins are so quick and easy to sew up, the cutting is what takes a bit of time.  A huge pile of 2.5" strips and Bob's your uncle!  A Log Cabin quilt top.  Of course it will look so much nicer once the border is sewn on don't you think?
I am pleased with the layout, I didn't like the staggered look, nor the fields and furrows, I thought this looked good to me with good space for quilting.
I have lots of the paisley print left so I can have nice wide borders.
I think I could make some piping using the unbleached muslin along the paisley border, it might just look all right?  Have you ever used piping to enhance your quilts?
Getting this far was great but I was finally so tired and decided that I could cut and sew the borders this weekend.  
There wasn't much on tv so I went web surfing and stumbled across  Cathy Miller, the Singing Quilter.  I confess I had heard of her some years ago but never really went looking for her, but my web surfing led me to her web site. She's a good read and her travels are so interesting and the people she knows in the Quilting world is astounding. If you have time and want to meet this interesting woman, you can find her real easy just click here!  If you haven't met her before your infor a real treat, I decided she was someone I wanted to follow, so that means I get to be informed of all her adventures, she's actually making ready to go to Australia. 
For the most part my camera is always at the ready, I got these pictures of the storm last night.  What weird and wacky weather patterns we seem to be experiencing lately..... 

just before a loud clap of thunder this is what the sky outside looked like.   Then just as it happened on Wednesday evening another rainbow appeared above the Bay, only this one larger and more colorful than on Wednesday evening.  Can you believe it?  

Then, me being me, I just had to get myself out there to find that pesky leprechaun to see where he was going to hide that pot of gold, I figured two fantastically beautiful rainbows can't be happening all that often so there much be a leprechaun very near at hand, I was going to find him with that pot of gold this time and finally become rich!!!  For my foolishness all I got for my trouble was a good soaking, no hide nor hair of him or his pot of gold!!!! Sneaky little man disappeared into those sparkling green trees, and I lost him!  

Drat and double drat, but I did manage to snap off this beautiful picture of another much larger rainbow and a soaking......LOL Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by to visit with me today, I sincerely hope your day will be filled with sunlight and laughter.
Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.  ~Guilaume Apollinaire

Time ....Well Spent

I opened the Stitch 'N' Chat today and not one person showed up.  I guess it just isn't going to take off, possibly I should recognize that it is time to throw in the towel and admit that this sewing/quilting/crafting club isn't going to take.
I used the time there to my benefit and finally finished the top to this latest quilt. 
I got this far this afternoon 

This evening I completed it

 I believe the black has done its job, making the colors pop. What do you think of it? 
I was so worried that I had measured incorrectly and would be short on each round of flying geese needed for the border, but, for once I actually did it right.  Now it needs to be sandwiched and quilted.  So happy I didn't mess it up, many of you out there know me by now, I am prone to second guessing myself.... LOL
Now I'm off to hunt for the perfect back!
Thank you for making time to visit with me today, I sincerely wish you well and hope you will take time to stop by tomorrow.


Problems are only opportunities with thorns on them.  ~Hugh Miller 

It Came, It Conquered, It Left

I just have to share these pictures with you.  One hour is all it actually took to come through and leave.  Last night at dinnertime the sun was shining so brightly and all of a sudden it began raining!  I am forever taking pictures of cloud formations and this afternoons' panorama made me run and grab my camera.  I realize there are trees, houses, hydro poles and wires in some of these, it cannot be avoided from my vantage point upstairs, but, I can never get enough of clouds and the vistas some of these pre-storm formations which send my imagination soaring.    As a child I would make up stories about those far off places I could envision in those cloud formations,  just before a storm, or, when sitting in the back seat of my fathers' vehicle seeing those beautiful cloud lands in the distance as we traveled home.  
Last night looking beyond the horizon I saw clouds that looked like mountains and blue sky that looked like a body of water patiently waiting for people to sail on it, well, that was my imagination working, what it was was a a heavy cloud formation bring with it a heavy rain storm.  I also heard thunder in the distance so I knew these were a prelude to what was on its way, we were in for a thunder storm, so I decided to take it in its progression.  I took over 100 photo's and these are but a few.

There in the back, can you see those mountains I saw?

After I took the picture above there came such a heavy loud boom of thunder that it made me jump, I wasn't expecting it to be so close.

Then the rain came so fast and so heavy I could hardly see through it.

Even the wild rose bushes (guess they should be called trees now) were left with broken branches. 

In less than 5 minutes it went from really dark to light again leaving behind a a freshness to the greenery that was sparkling.  And above us a rainbow which needless to say I just had to take a photo of to share.

The storm has not entirely left us and was still rumbling out there but it seemed like it was moving eastward away from us.  I have to say all of my mothers' beautiful,  full and luscious peonies are well and truly destroyed.  Every year mother falls head over heels in love with those beautiful peonies and in a matter of days after flowering a heavy rain comes along to obliterate them.

After it all we were treated to a very pretty sunset.  Guess if the old refrain of red skies at night is true, then today should be a beautiful day.

Hoping all is well in your area and that you experience no flooding as this particular storm sure dumped alot of water on us in such a very short span of time. 

Our Town has had work done over the past year with storm sewers and sidewalks and new road paving undertaken, I can only hope that the damage a heavy rain such as we just had last evening will no longer be a flood threat to those along the route where the work has been done and I believe finished as it applies to the storm sewers and proper drainage.  I do know that my car got a good washing and the gardens and lawns in our Town certainly received that life giving nutrition from the heavens and even with some destruction to those heavy headed peonies, it was worth it.  I have been seeking a rain barrel for the collection of rain water, so far I have not found one (their so expensive)and I want one for free!  Can you imagine the amount of  free water I could have collected last night?

I am off to sewing club today, taking this quilt along and hope to have all borders finally attached.   Please, cross your fingers that one or two more people show up and that this club may eventually take form and shape.  If  the club does not grow a little more by the end of July I will have to admit defeat and shelve it for the summer and try again this fall.

Don't let anyone steal your dream.  It's your dream, not theirs.  ~Dan Zadra

Oh boy have I been a busy gal since last posting.  Mother was away overnight and I finally got my opportunity to empty out the entire downstairs rooms and redo the floors.  Now that I have finally finished I must admit they look fantastic and while stiff and sore I am a happy camper.  To make them look fantastic I had to vacum, wash, rinse, dry and then apply a new product called Rejuvenate.  I bought it at my local hardware supplier and am crossing my fingers that the floors stay nice during the next six months worth of wash and care!  I am hoping that I haven't made a huge mistake using this product!  Because I did not have the right type of applicator I managed to do the floors on my knees and boy am I paying for that exercise now, I am so stiff and sore that moving is quite a chore.


After all of the actual cleaning I have been doing I made time to work on the next quilt which needs finished before the end of this month.  I have completed the two longest sides of the quilt which are the flying geese blocks and am now finishing off the top and bottom flying geese borders. 

Coming along nicely, don't you think?  
I believe another 2.5" border of black will set this off just great.  What do you think?  
I was worried that I may have taken Kaffee Fassetts' "Plaids Squared" pattern too far and possibly ruined it.  It does look rather busy, possibly the planned additional outer black border edge may just make it all right. 
I am getting excited to see how it will all look once I have the top finished.  Then comes the agony of choosing a back, I always have problems choosing the backing for my quilts, each fabric I pull I agonize over, but in the end well, the choices don't look too terrible at all.  Hopefully this will be ready to sandwich and quilt next week! 
Being booked for several days of senior care this month means no real sewing time while away from the house, but, with the current progress I believe I will have it finished in time. 
I had a horrible nights' sleep and am feeling a tad groggy this morning so if I sound funny you will understand why, lack of a proper nights sleep!  
Thanks for coming by for a visit with me.  I'm off to open all of the windows and let the wonderful air in, the rain is no longer and the sun is shining and the air smells wonderfully fresh.  I wish you all a wonderful day.


Keep smiling - it makes people wonder what you've been up to.  ~Author Unknown

My Town Represented in Jubliee Flotilla

Todays post a teensy bit different in that I am going to be bragging about our Towns' involvement in the British Monarchs' Jubliee celebrations. 
But First may I introduce you to the JUBILEE QUILT BLOCK 

presented to us by Ludlow Quilt And Sew which provides instructions on how to make this 13" planned block to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee year.  This is a pretty block and looks like it would make a wonderful quilt.   Loris Bogue writing for Penny Halgren's How to Quilt Blog is more than happy to explain this block and the reasoning behind it, which you might find very interesting. 
IF you take a good look at this block maybe you might agree with me, I think it looks almost like the Floatilla planned to take place on the Thames tomorrow morning,  with it's dark to light features on a background of white.
Thus this block brings me to telling you about our very own entry into the Queens' Jubilee celebrational events in London, England!
 How, well, through the Canadian Canoe Museum and its Executive Director and noted author James Raffan and avid canoeist will be paddling along side other Canadians chosen to paddle this Canoe the Canada One in the Flotilla on the Thames tomorrow morning.  Paddle Canada with Canoe One will be the olny canoe in this historic Flotilla.....YIPPEE
We here in the Bay are so proud of this event and the fact that our very own will be among the paddlers is exciting.  I have included the link so that if you might be remotely interested you can read all about it.

Canada One Canoe aboard a Canadian Air Force Transport headed for London, England to take part in the Jubilee Floatilla.
Canada One was refurbished and just in time to take place in this auspicious event and our very own Peter Mansbridge, CBC Newsanchor will hopefully also take a paddle with the team as they perform another practice run. 

Excerpt from CBC Live Events

On Sunday, 1,000 boats will sail along an 11-kilometre stretch of the River Thames to commemmorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The Queen and other members of the Royal Family will participate in the procession in the Royal Barge.

Watch the video above for a close-up look at the route and the landmarks the procession will pass. 

Needless to say we here in the Bay are so excited about being represented in this auspicious occasion which we will not see again, not in our lifetime.   The last Jubliee celebrations were held over 115 years ago for Queen Victoria. 
Thank you so very much for sharing some of your time with me today, I hope I have pointed out to you just how special these events taking place in England are to us here in Canada.  Being a member of the Commonwealth makes us all members of the large family that are celebrating our Queens' achievement.  You must admit be you a Royal Watcher or not, this lady has fortitude and deserves to celebrate the task which was handed to her over 60 years ago.  
Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.  ~Guilaume Apollinaire

DO YOU DEVIATE?

Can you believe it, it is Friday once again, I feel like it was just Friday yesterday!  Feels like "Groundhog Day"!
Yesterday was Stitch 'N' Chat day, only 2 ladies showed up for the afternoon session and no one at all for the evening session.  I did however get uninterrupted sewing time last night though.  That helps as I have a total of 84 flying geese blocks to finish up and thought I had enough, obviously I haven't been paying close enough attention to what I envisioned, and I always manage to deviate when it comes to the measurements!  I am a Deviator, and not a good one at that as I sometimes even deviate from the pattern which doesn't make it any easier for me to follow through with my visions as I think it will when first I began the project.  Some years ago I was led to a very good article written for Sewing/Needlework@Suite101 by Corrine Shibley whose article was titled "Are You Thinking About Making A Quilt?".  In that article she speaks to Accuracy!   Seems it is time to go back and refresh myself on accuracy as well as measuring.  One of these fine days I may even learn how to follow the pattern instead of veering off and attempting to do my own thing.  It would mean less frustration on my part to be certain. 

Seeing as copyright is such an important feature to many patterns, I tend to want to change things up more and more, so a general idea is good for me, but I seem to become lazy or possibly you could say sloppy at times.  That is the time I make those horrible mistakes, sew I guess it is time that I got back to the classroom and rethink on how best to get my pieces done without messing them about by not being accurate!
How about you?  Do you adhere strictly to the pattern, or, are you a teensy bit like me and veer to the left instead of strictly staying right?
Today is a day away from sewing and computing for me.  


Let me know how well you adhere to instructions in putting some of your quilt tops together.  Do you deviate or do you stick strictly to the pattern?  It is an interesting subject isn't it?


Thank you so very much for sharing some of your precious time with me today.  I do hope your planning a wonderful weekend for yourselves. 


Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still.  ~Chinese Proverb