FORGOTTEN BLOCKS!

Since I couldn't move forward on my "Pushin Up Spring" quilt until the backing fabric was washed, I decided to plan the layout for another applique project that I had worked on over the past winter.  The pattern is called "Baltimore Bliss" and is found here.

Block 11

 

 

Block 12

These were hand appliqued using a wash-away stabilizer, and I recently spent some time adding a bit of machine stitched embroidery to each block.  Here is the border fabric that inspired the colours in the quilt blocks.

 I enjoy designing in EQ7.  I imported pictures of each of the finished blocks, and then added a picture of the border, so I could see the actual border in place!  Too much fun!
Since I was able to wash and dry the backing, along with the 15 yards of fabric that I recently purchase, I'll be spending the rest of the morning at the ironing board.

BORDERS COMPLETED

I managed to get the borders completed and pressed, then pieced the backing fabric.  Now I am waiting to wash the backing, along with the three 5 yard pieces of fabric that arrived from Connecting Threads.

 This shows the two fabrics chosen for borders 2, 3 & 4.  The blue print was left over from the backing fabric used on a quilt for DS1 & SDIL.

Here it is attached to the quilt.  Wish I had a better place for photography!  DH thinks that the borders "tone down" the scrappy floral applique blocks.
Since our electricity is billed by "time of use", I have to wait until after 7pm to wash and dry the fabric.  For those of you unfamiliar with "time of use", our electricity is billed at three different rates, depending on the time of day, and the rates differ seasonally as well.  The lowest rates are between 7pm and 7am, along with all day Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays.  This means that I usually plan all my laundry and baking for the weekend, and has changed my menu planning as well.  The medium rate starts at 5 pm during the summer season, so I don't plan any long-cooking or oven meals during the week.
The plan for the "time of use" billing was to reduce the amount of electricity everyone uses, especially during peak periods, but as far as I can see, all it has done is increase everyone's bills!

BACK TO QUILTING

My future DIL gave me a wonderful birthday gift that I have used several times already!

 This is an LED flashlight, pen sized, that has a magnetic ring around the light, and extendable handle - GREAT for picking up pins!!!!

 Here it is extended, doing a fine job!
I managed to get the second border cut and sewn onto my "Pushin Up Spring" quilt top yesterday, and hope to get the remaining two borders added today.  I haven't decided what to use for the binding yet - I'm sure I'll find something in my stash.
DH decided to vacuum and shampoo the carpets in our office today.  This is a job I usually do, so I'm feeling just a little guilty....but just a little!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

 

 I took a quick snap of the quilt centre with the first border added just before heading out of town!  I decided to continue the stars formed at the intersections of the blocks into the border to continue the design.  I have chosen two more fabrics to add more borders, but have to do some measuring to make sure I have enough before cutting!  Still trying to use my stash.  I hope to get this one finished when I return home so I can add all the fabric to my stash report! 

See what everyone is working on by linking to Judy's blog.

More unpacking on Sunday.  DH helped DS2 assemble a microwave stand that has a lovely glass-door upper cabinet with beadboard lower cabinet.  They have a fairly large kitchen for an apartment, but the building is 40 years old, so is not built for modern kitchen equipment.  I helped unpack the boxed pantry items and found a few necessary items so we could continue.  Thanks to DS2, who made a database of all his belongings as they were packed, listed with box name, so finding particular items is easy!

After lunch we went shopping - first to find an extra towel bar for the bathroom, and a chrome shelving unit for their storage area. Then we headed to the grocery store and stocked them up with 2 shopping carts of basics!  Back to the apartment and while the "girls" unpacked the groceries, the "boys" began to install the vertical blinds for the patio door.  We had to quit before they were completely finished as we were meeting a family friend for dinner.  We've know her since she was 2, and she recently graduated from the University of Guelph.  She plans to begin work on her Masters' degree in September.  She has turned into a wonderful young lady!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

"Second verse, same as the first!"  Nothing new to report since last week.  My parcel from Connecting Threads arrived at the post office, but I couldn't pick it up until after 1pm on Friday, and by then I was well on the way to Kitchener, following a Uhaul truck!

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date 120.63 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date 37.375 yards

Net used 2011  83.25 yards

Check out Judy's blog to check on others' progress.

DS2's move went smoothly.  His fiancee's father and sister were there to help too, so we took a shorter time than planned to get all the boxes and furniture off the truck, and by the time we left, the bed was made, curtains were up in the bedroom and the shower curtain was hung!  She was looking a little overwhelmed by the number of boxes that have to be unpacked, as she's had very little experience with moving.  DS2, as part of a military family, has moved many times, so for him it was just another move.
The first thing he did after signing the lease and inspecting the apartment was present her with her ring!

MOVING DAY APPROACHES & FINAL BLOCK FINISHED!

The truck is being picked up at 6pm tonight for DS2's move to Kitchener.  He is hoping a few of his gaming friends arrive later to help with box/furniture loading.  We've been running around the house finding little things to add to the "last minute box" too.

His fiancee and her Dad have been to the apartment a couple of times.  It has been repainted, carpets cleaned, and appliances cleaned and serviced.  She took about half of her boxes over already, and last night checked to see if the phone was working.
This morning, her Mother announced that they were going shopping to stock the refrigerator, but she thinks she just wants to see the apartment before they move in......  She is having serious empty nest feelings, as her other daughter has been apartment hunting as well, and plans to move to Toronto soon!
We'll be heading out,  hopefully by noon on Friday, then the big "move in" begins Saturday at 9:30-1:30 (they had to book one of the elevators, so it could be put on service, just for them).
I'm so excited for them, but sad to see DS2 leaving again.  It has been wonderful to get to know him as an adult.  He's worked very hard to move forward with his life, and begin a new career, helping others.
I finished the final applique block for "Pushin' Up Spring" last night, so I hope to get the top pieced today.

Pushin' Up Spring Block 12

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

This is the bottom half of the quilt - my design wall is short because of the height of the basement ceiling!  I started work on the final block last night!

 Block 9 has violet flowers.  The darkest looks less black than in the picture, and the medium petal has metallic gold accents.

 Block 10 almost looks Christmassy--I added an additional green to this block.

 Block 11 has paisley and polka dot petals!  This has been too much fun, choosing all the fabrics for the flowers.  
Since I have decided to make this without sashing, I think I have to plan something special for the borders!  Better get to work!
Check out everyone's creations at Judy's blog.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date 120.63 yards

Added this week  0 yards

Added year to date 37.375 yards

Net used 2011 83.25 yards

My numbers are still looking pretty good.  I did order some clearance fabric this week, but I won't count it until it arrives.  I did some work on two applique quilts, but since I don't report the yardage until they are complete, I have nothing to report.  

I quilted number 4 of the 5 baby quilts for my community quilts group, and have begun on number 5, but another one was added to my list on Thursday.

We went to a BBQ/housewarming/thank you party yesterday.  Our friends' neice bought her first house this spring, and DH along with her uncle, her Dad and a friend of ours repaired and re-shingled the huge roof.  She has MS, and travelled to San Diego to undergo the "liberation" treatment.  Her health has improved remarkably since the treatment, and we are hopeful that this will continue.  She was unable to take most of the drugs prescribed to MS patients, so her symptoms were advancing quite rapidly before her treatment.  So far it has been worth all the fundraising to pay for her treatment!

Check out how others are making out in their quest to shop their stash, by visiting Judy's blog.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Hope everyone is having a great day.  We're staying home today - more packing and then a BBQ dinner.  DS2 finished his hours for his internship on Thursday, so now is finally free to head to Kitchener.  The final packing is always hard - all the little forgotten items that go in a "miscellaneous" box.
I managed to pin baste two more baby quilts yesterday, and hope to get the third one ready to sew today.  I only had 2 left from the 5 that I was asked to quilt, and then I had a phone call asking if someone could drop off another panel in need of quilting.  It saved me a trip, as I had 3 others completed to hand in.  Once I get these finished, I hope to get back to work on my own projects!
 

FAMILY VISITORS

DH has two cousins who have a farm about 1 1/2 hours from us.  They raise alpacas, and currently have a herd of 30.  One of the cousins had to come to Kingston for a medical test, and the hospital requires that she stay nearby for 24 hours.  So they are staying with us overnight, amid boxes and packing confusion.  
We're looking forward to having a nice visit and getting caught up on all their extended family news.  We usually see them at family reunions, and it is so difficult to have any quality time with anyone.  Their uncle and aunt are staying the the critters - always the most difficult thing to arrange when you have to be away from the farm.
The brought a small thank-you gift....

A bar of alpaca felted soap!  Here is a picture of one of their babies

 

Pesto Recipe

I had some requests for my pesto recipe.  I can't find the link to the one I use, but here is one that is similar.  Click here.

My recipe uses the same method, but also includes some Italian parsley and slightly different amounts of the same ingredients, and is by the same chef, Michael Chiarello.   The blanching is a pain, but the results are wonderful!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Here's 8 of the 12 "Pushin Up Spring" blocks.  Block 9 is about half stitched, and the last three are prepared - pattern traced onto the back of the block ready for back basting, and fabrics chosen.  Now to find some quiet time to stitch.
Here's a close-up of Block 8

DH keeps asking "What are you making this quilt for?"  As if you need a reason to make a quilt!
I have also begun the embellishment stitching on the 12 applique blocks that I completed over the winter.  The pattern I used was "Baltimore Bliss" by Fat Cat Patterns.  I actually had to head to my local quilt shop, Quilt and Stitch, to pick up some thread - didn't have the right colour in any of my 4 thread caddies!  I saved my receipt, as they collect them at my guild, and get shop credit toward book purchases for the guild library.
See what other quilters are working on at Judy's blog here.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

I managed to use 3 yards this week - 2 to make my Trifecta purse, and the 3rd yard was gifted to my friend to make a Christmas tablerunner.
She spent Wednesday morning in my sewing room, basting and quilting the runner we made at her home last week, and completing another runner, as well as basting and quilting it.  She also did the quilting on the fabric for a binder cover.  She has been unable to find a walking foot for her vintage Kenmore machine - so she does all her machine quilting here.  She is trying to get some Christmas gifts finished as they are heading out to visit distant family in 2 weeks, and she wants to take their gifts along.  When she returns we'll be working on some more  runners, as well as a couple of small quilt projects.

Used this week   3 yards

Used year to date   120.63 yards

Added this week    0 yards

Added year to date    37.375 yards

Net Used 2011    83.25 yards

Check out Judy's blog to see everyone's stash report this week.

BAKING DAY

Since we have "time of use billing" for our electricity, weekends, which are charged at the lowest rate, have become the baking/laundry days each week.
So far today DS2 & I have made a dozen bran with raisin muffins, a dozen orange blueberry muffins, 

a sour cream coffee cake, 

and a pound cake, which is currently baking.  DS2 plans to make a large pan of turtle bars after the pound cake is finished.

I noticed that my basil was getting a bit leggy, and a few stems were trying to bloom, so I harvested 3 packed cups of leaves, and made some fresh pesto - looking forward to dinnertime!  I use a recipe that I saw on TV, with the basil and parsley being blanched for 15 seconds, then chilled in ice water before processing.  It keeps the bright green colour and doesn't affect the taste at all.  Later in the season, I'll freeze some for use over the winter. 

I MADE A PURSE!

My favourite purse for travel was looking a little worse for wear, and I decided to replace it - easier said than done!  I finally found a pattern I liked, called Trifecta from Studio Kat Designs.

 My outer fabric is a sandy beach print, with a tan interior and green accents.  I chose to add the pocket to the front - handy for keys, pen etc.

It has a magnetic closure, and two large pouch areas, with a centre zippered area as well.

 I chose to add the "core insert" into the zippered area, with space for cards on the side - probably my library card, etc.  I made the zippered core, so that I'll have another safe place to stash stuff!

With the purse opened up, you can see all the different areas to stow items.  I like to be organized.  It is very versatile for a smaller purse (9" x 10" x 5").
The pattern was interesting to make, and the instructions were fairly easy to follow.  I'll make this again, but with a little more creativity next time.  I also plan to find a "purse zipper" as well - much better than the regular one that I used, as it would have two zipper pulls, closing in the centre of the purse instead of at one side.

QUILT SHOW IN 2012

I'll be sharing information about my guild's next show from time to time.  This is the first draft of our info poster.    We are in a new location this time, which requires that our group make or buy around 100 quilt stands!  The executive meeting was full of information about stands, with pictures of them from lots of different quilt shows.  We will be able to borrow/rent stands from a couple of guilds, but the plan is to manufacture 100 stands before next June!

Our previous location, Kingston's Olympic Harbor Site,  had an open framework of metal beams across the ceiling, so we used metal rods and wire to hang almost all the quilts.  It required two scaffolds, with people willing to spend their time high in the air!

For our last show in 2008, my family photographed every quilt in the show, then produced a CD available during the show, which included a file with all the "artist statements".  Our program has only the quilt number, name, and quilter's name listed.  We sold almost 300 CD's for $5 each, so I'll be repeating the process for this show as well.

Last time, we didn't begin photography until 11am, and finished at 6:30.  Then we began the editing, with my son and myself working; I began at the top of the file and my son at the bottom, and around 3:30am we discovered that we had met in the middle!  DH then got up and began burning CD's on our two computers, and continued to do so for the whole length of the show.  

This time, I plan to take a computer to the venue on set-up day, and begin editing the photos as they are taken.  This way we will eliminate blurry pictures etc., and hopefully will be finished a bit earlier!  We also plan to have more people on the photography team - it went much faster with some extra hands to hold quilts square at the bottom, and even to hold back quilts so the photographer can get a good angle for the shot.  I'm hoping this will make the process smoother next time!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I have 2 blocks to show today, blocks 5 and 6 of "Pushin' Up Spring".  I've enjoyed choosing the flower colours for each block, trying to use different fabrics, to keep them scrappy to go with the borders of each block.  I am using the same 2 greens in each, to make the blocks "belong" to each other!

 Back to more packing for DS2.  We work around his schedule, as he is trying to finish an internship to finalize a course he took last summer.  This will make him more marketable in his chosen field.  He's been making noises about returning to school part-time, but I hope he doesn't take on too much right away.  Moving, moving in with a fiancee, finding a job in a new city, are all huge stressors, and we want his future to be successful.  I guess all we can do is be supportive.........

Check out all the wonderful work of others at Judy's blog.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Nothing new to report stash-wise this week!

Used this week                   0 yards
Used year to date      117.63 yards
Added this week                0 yards
Added year to date   37.375 yards
Net Used 2011            80.25 yards

 I did manage to quilt and bind three more quilts for my guild's community quilts program.  (The small paper bag holds safety pins to be returned).
I also spent several hours at my friend's place, helping her to pin baste a baby quilt, and then design and piece a table runner for one of her Christmas gifts this year.  She is not a regular quilter, but became involved with her church's prayer quilt ministry.  Since she had a collection of Christmas fabrics, I suggested making some table runners for her extensive family gift list this year.
Time was also spent helping DS2 inventory each box as he was packing, and shopping for some needed items that were missing on his list of belongings.
Saturday, we drove 3 hours to Toronto, met with DS1 and his wife, and DS2's fiancee, and had a celebratory lunch for DS1's birthday and Father's Day.  Then we headed to our favourite kitchen/bath warehouse shop, and we treated to some "needed" items for all of us.  This has become a once or twice a year shopping trip, but we are getting less and less as our kitchens fill up to capacity!
I got a 4 cup glass measure, (my 43 year old one has no paint left on it),  a new timer to replace the one that DH melted on a hot burner, and a set of salad servers (DH likes the scissor type that can be used one-handed).  My needs are only for replacement, not new items these days!  
Hope everyone had a productive week.  Check things out at Judy's blog! 

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

My design wall hasn't been very inspiring lately.  I have been busy helping DS2 pack for his upcoming move, gardening and machine quilting for my guild's community quilts program.  My only other work is to do some applique on the "Pushin' Up Spring" blocks.  I finished block 4 this week....

Pushin' Up Spring Block 4

 Back to quilting and packing - I alternate between the two, helping DH2 make an inventory of all his stuff, both for insurance purposes, and to share the files with his fiancee, so they can see what they still need to set up house.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Since I was quilting two quilts for Community Quilts, I decided to quilt my last scrappy project at the same time.  Of course, I finished my own project first!

Used this week            9.375 yards
Used year to date      117.63 yards
Added this week                0 yards
Added year to date   37.375 yards
Net Used 2011                  80.25 yards

My "Scrappy Hourglass Twist" finished at 52x64 inches.

Scrappy Hourglass Twist

 Check out everyone's stash report at Judy's blog.

COMMUNITY QUILTS

After attending the community quilts workshop, I brought home 2 more pin-basted quilts to work on.  I spent some time over the past two days doing some basic stitch-in-the-ditch quilting, and sewing on the binding.  Hopefully today I'll get the rest of the quilting finished!

These two were made from the BOM blocks from last summer.  Over 600 scrappy blocks were given to community quilts.  We have another challenge this summer, using another simple block design, and they are hoping to out-do last summer's haul!  One member keeps her leftover fabrics together after finishing each quilt, so she is using up the already coordinated prints to make blocks.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Pushin' Up Spring Block 3

I have finished block 3 of Pushin' Up Spring, but I don't like my choice of fabric for the petals.....  I plan to add some thread embroidery embellishments to all the appliques, so I'll wait until the rest of the blocks are complete before I decide whether to replace the petals, or just live with them.....
I've been washing a lot of kitchen items over the past couple of days.  Items that looked clean when packed 3 years ago, are showing their grimy spots after 3 years in a hot/freezing garage.  Since we are making an inventory for DS2's move, we decided to clean everything that needed it so they don't have to do it while unpacking.
Now off to prepare block 4 for applique.  I love the "back basting" method of applique, but don't use it exclusively.  My method depends on the final use of the item - I still do satin stitch applique on fused fabric, from time to time, as well as "invisible applique by machine" using monofilament thread and a tiny blind hem stitch.
I also hope to get one of my waiting quilt tops basted tomorrow, before finishing another baby quilt for my guild's community quilts group.
Check out what others have designed this week at Judy's blog.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

I have a bit of fabric to report this week, as I finished my miniature quilt. 

My Path  10.5 x 10.5 inches

 Most of the week has been spent helping DS2 pack and inventory all his stuff.  We've been taking pictures of furniture with dimension to send to his fiancee, so she can see what he has, and try to figure out how to fit it into their new apartment.  They have a floor plan, but don't know how accurate the measurements are......

Fabric used this week           1.2  yards
Fabric used year to date       108.25 yards
Fabric added this week         0 yards
Fabric added year to date     37.375 yards
Net fabric used 2011            70.875 yards!

Check out everyone's progress at Judy's blog.

FINISHED MY MINIATURE QUILT

I just put the final stitches into the binding of "My Path", and took its official portrait.

 My little quilt finished at 10 1/2 inches square.  The drunkard's path segments finished at 5/8 inch.  I plan to make more miniatures, using this method.  I found a collection of blocks made from drunkard's path block units, so I plan to make a sampler quilt,  to show off the variations.
Here is a close-up of the machine quilting......

I also completed the quilting and binding on one of the panel baby quilts for my guild's community quilts program.  That makes 2 down, and 3 to go!

GUILD PRESIDENT'S CHALLENGE RESULTS

Our president was finishing her term of office, and since it is the 20th anniversary of our guild, her challenge was to use an 8 inch schoolhouse block and make a quilt no larger than 30x40 inches.  The schoolhouse block with a few changes is our guild's logo.
Here are the 12 entries to the challenge.  There was no judging,  just a draw for 3 prizes.

 As you can see, the entries were varied from binder cover, tote bag to stained glass schoolhouse.  They will be exhibited at the show in June  2012.
Our end of season dinner was lovely, catered by the executive again.  They always have a great variety of salads, and even homemade pickles!  There were lots of door prizes, and when they ran out, the next names won one of the gerbera daisy plants that decorated each table.
Our guild honoured 6 members who have served on the executive for 10 years, working on various committees - thanks ladies!
Community Quilts had a draw for a lovely wall hanging, kit donated by a LQS, and stitched by the 2 organizers.  They put names in a basket, for each quilt or part of quilt, or day at workshop that everyone worked, and I won the quilt!  It is pieced and appliqued and has lovely machine quilting, with a great label with all its info on the back!
One of our members, Bethany Garner, was honoured by the Canadian Quilters' Association as teacher of the year!  A person from the nominating committee told us about the work the did to nominate her, and she was presented with her award at the CQA show in London ON., last week.
That, along with a trunk show by Lyne Lusk, a wonderful quilter from Wellington ON., rounded out the evening and the end of our guild season.