APPLIQUE THURSDAY

I only participate from time to time, but I managed to finish the embroidery on my Southwest tree of life project.

 Of course, after I took the picture, I realized that I had forgotten to stitch the spines on the cactus!  Guess I'll be working on that tonight...
My next job will be to find fabric for the borders - off to hunt through the stash.
Check out everyone's applique projects here.

BORDERS COMPLETED

I managed to get the borders sewn onto the half-log cabin quilt.  

I find it hard to work in my sewing area for any length of time when we first return from Florida, as the basement room has only a small window, and I can't even see the sky - I miss my wrap-around windows!  I deal by working for short periods of time, then returning upstairs for some sunshine therapy.

My design wall is small (but at least I have one!)  It is difficult to take pictures of a large quilt,  as I have to deal with low ceiling height, and a room full of furniture.

I don't mean to sound like I'm whining......I'm fortunate to have a great space for working and playing!

Now I have to find some more hand sewing work to do, as I need something to keep busy with while watching movies with DH in the evenings.  I've been trying my hand at some beading - using beads purchased about 35 years ago.  They are well travelled, as they have moved many times across the country from east to west and north to south!  My first project looks like it, but I've learned a few things, so the second is a bit better.  I'll get some picture taken soon.

Now I've had my break, I'm back to work.  Maybe I'll continue with some more spring cleaning!

LATE SPRING FLOWERS

 We are still celebrating spring in southern Ontario, although we've had some very hot and humid days.


Most of my irises are of the purple, blue variety, but this rust one is my favourite.  While the others spread fairly quickly, this one is slow growing, but the few flowers are well worth the wait.

I planted a clematis vine to grow on a trellis so that it would hide our air conditioner unit.  The original vine has flowers mostly near the bottom - doubles that will eventually look like a powder puff.
Since this plant was very slow growing, I planted a second clematis of the same colour, but only large single flowers.
Now it has become a wonderful spring show in the garden.  I think it will get a serious pruning in the fall...

Since we live in a townhouse, I only have a small garden in the front and back, but try to cram in as much colour as possible.  I have lots of perennials, but also add some annuals for extra colour.
The bonus of having a small garden is the time it takes to care for it, although keeping the soil moist is a challenge.  Our community is automatically on water restrictions from June until September.  During the past week, all the large lawn areas in the complex changed from lush green to brownish yellow.  Since there is a ban on weed killer, the dandelions have taken over in force!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

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I spent some time, in between loads of laundry, preparing all the borders for my half-log cabin quilt.  Since I had designed the project using Electric Quilt, I was able to cut all the pieces, and mark the centre of each strip, ready to sew onto the quilt. 

 I used the formula in Judy Laquidara's book, "60 Pieced Borders ", to figure out the size of the first two borders, so that my pieced border would fit correctly.  It worked wonderfully!

For inspiration, check out the links at Judy's blog here!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date  89.675 yards

Added this week  0 yards

Added year to date  108.875 yards

Net used 2012    -19.25 yards

I don't know where the week went.  I finished the top on the X-block quilt, as well as preparing the binding.  Now I have to find some backing fabric to go with the top.
I've also been working on the borders of the blue half-log cabin, working on the pieced border first, and trying to use some of my scraps.

The rest of the time has been spent chasing the destructive squirrels from my garden.  They have been digging up the plants as fast as I can plant them.  They even dig up the plants in pots on the patio (say that 3 times fast!)

Check out everyone's progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

While helping my friend make sun hats last week, she showed me a pattern and ruler that she had on loan.  Thought I'd give it a quick try.

 This was made from instructions for the X-block ruler.  I made 9-patch blocks, then cut them to form the angled block.  I made 10 blocks from the first set of strips, then decided to make another set of 10 and cut them in a mirrored fashion.  As you can see, I haven't sewn them together  yet!  The triangle units on the right were made by sewing the cut-off portions together.  I still haven't figured out the border yet.....

This fabric was the one disappointment in internet shopping - the colours were not true on the site.  I've been hanging onto it for several years, but finally decided to use it or lose it, and I hate to throw anything away.  I'm trying to decide if I want to add another colour into the mix - either green or medium blue.  Time will tell!

Check out what other creative quilters are working on at Judy's blog.

STASH REPORT

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date  89.675 yards

Added this week  0 yards

Added year to date  108.875 yards

Net used 2012    -19.25 yards

I've kept busy adding labels and hanging sleeves to my 6 entries for the Quilts Kingston 2012 show, June 8, 9 & 10.  I had removed the sleeves from all the bed quilts after the last show, so I just had to cut them to length, hem the ends and hand stitch them to the tops of my quilts.
I also had to make labels for my cloth bags, required by the show, for each quilt.  Since I sell a couple of the show quilts each year, my collection of bags has been shrinking.  I'll have to make new ones for the next show!

DH and I have also been visiting all the plant nurseries in the area, as this is our "safe from frost" weekend to get all the tender plants in the ground and/or pots.  I have 2 tomato plants in the garden, and 2 grape tomato plants in pots.  I use most of the pots for herbs, especially basil, rosemary and parsley.  We are not supposed to plant veggies in our small area of the condo, but I sneak them in among the flowers!

Hope everyone had a fun and successful week reducing their stash.  Check it out at Judy's blog - Patchwork Times

APPLIQUE THURSDAY

I haven't been posting much lately.  Too much going on...

I've been stitching away on the tree of life pattern, and have everything stitched down except the last two angels on the upper right side.  If you look closely, you'll see my needle with thread attached in the angel with the blue dress. It still looks so unfinished, so I can't wait to start adding all the accent stitching!

I delivered all my items for the consignment table at my guild's June quilt show.  It took a while to double check the list and write and attach all the price tags, with washing instructions and fiber content labels.  Now I am trying to get all the labels finished and the hanging sleeves attached to the quilts that will be part of the exhibit.  I also have to make labels for the cloth bags that they are required to be in for delivery.  I made a bunch a few years ago, but since I have sold some of my exhibited work, the bags go with the buyer.  
 
DS2's wedding last Saturday was wonderful!  The weather cooperated with lovely sunshine and not too much wind.  It was a small family wedding - just 19 sat down to eat in the afternoon.  It was great having time to talk with each and every guest.  Unfortunately, we only a took a couple of pictures, so we'll have to wait until the official ones are delivered!

This table was set up at the reception with the cake, made by a good friend (hope you can see the dragonflies).  The large mat on the framed photo was used for guest to sign, and the DVD player ran a slide show of their engagement pictures.











Click here to see what other applique projects are in the works this week.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 22 yards

Used year to date  89.675 yards

Added this week  0 yards

Added year to date  108.875 yards

Net used 2012    -19.25 yards

 I'm still in the red, but heading in the right direction.  I managed to finish the quilting on my kaleidoscope quilt in time to sleep under it before heading to Kitchener for DS2's wedding!

My favourite "Hooked on Feathers" in the final border.

Some ribbon hooks in the half hexagon border areas.
I didn't have time to take a good picture of the whole quilt!








Check out everyone's progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

WEDDING DAY APPROACHING

I can't believe how quickly the week is passing - tomorrow we'll be heading out to Kitchener for DS2's wedding to the girl of his dreams.

 It is always amazing to think how quickly your children grow up.  DS2 has had some bumps along the way, and has waited a long time to find the person who is perfect for him, but it was worth the wait!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

My design wall still has the half log cabin top on it!  I discovered that I had twisted one of the blocks (along the edge thank heavens!), so I'll have to take it out and place it correctly before I continue on.....
I've been busy quilt my kaleidoscope quilt - still have the borders to figure out, as well as some other small areas.  I am torn between getting it finished, and adding lots more quilting.

My sewing area has been taken up with wedding dress preparations. 

 I decided to make a white stretch lace sweater for the bride in case it is cool.  She had been ill for a long time, and is still a bit delicate.  She calls my son the "penguin" as he loves the cool temperatures, but she is usually bundled in a sweater and a quilt over her lap!

 Here is a sneak preview of the dress and cape.  The dress is white crepe backed satin.  The lace has a silver thread running through the stitching which picks up the light with a little subtle sparkle....

Only 5 more days until the wedding.  DH and I are heading out this morning to hunt for a few last minute items.

Next week I have to get all my items for the quilt show consignment booth labelled and delivered, then hopefully I can get back to a more normal schedule.

Check out what everyone is working on at Judy's blog.....
 

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

No change from last week again....

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date  67.675 yards

Added this week  7 yards

Added year to date  108.875 yards

Net used 2012    -41.25 yards

 

I've been working hard trying to get the quilting finished on my kaleidoscope quilt.  I have all the "stitch in the ditch" quilting done, and I have almost all the kaleidoscope areas quilted with lovely Glitter thread from Superior Threads.

 

  I find it annoying that a thread that is so sparkly in person doesn't photograph well!  You can see the thread if you enlarge the photo.

Hope everyone made good progress on their stash reports.  Check it out at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

BUSY GUILD MEETING

It was fun greeting old friends at the Limestone Quilters Guild meeting last night.  Heading south for the winter has its drawbacks, and missing all the fun and friendship at the guild is one of them.

Our quilt show is quickly approaching, so there were lots of sign-up sheets.  They still need volunteers for the lunchroom, white glove etc.  There were also sign-up sheets for 4 different workshops.  Two will be held on the show weekend.
Then there was the sign-up for providing sweets, bars, cookies, loaves, to be used as desserts in the lunch room.
This was followed by sign-ups for our annual spring luncheon in June!

They also had the acceptance letters for all the quilt entries.  They were able to accept all the quilts that were entered - my hats are off to the show designers - plus the fact that we are in a new venue this year!!!!

I'm planning to get back to work on one of the large quilts that I basted before heading home this spring.  Then tomorrow, I'll begin preparing my quilts for the show.  Have to add a hanging sleeve, make a cloth bag for each, add tags to the ones that will be for sale, etc.  They are very particular about the way the quilt is folded, so that it gets minimal handling when it is being hung at the show.  I also have to find small rods to hang my wall hanging entries.  

Off to sew!