2022

It’s a New Year and I’m looking ahead and there have been many changes since my last post in 2017.

Here I am in my sewing room in Lloydminster, Alberta where we now reside.  We moved back here after living in Victoria, BC for 12 years.  One day I’ll share the reasons why we made our way back here but for now let me say it’s been a good move for all the right reasons.  I’m hoping to share my thoughts and crafty  indulgences on a regular basis once again.

And Sew This Happened

My quilt "Frosty Christmas" and I made it to the 2017 National Juried Show and it truly one of those surreal moments in the life of a quilter.  My hubby and I flew to Toronto on June 14 and returned on the 17th.  Our time was spent between the hotel room and the quilt show which was a quick taxi ride away or about 25 min. on foot.  Though we walked to it once and back twice with the temp and high humidity making it 37 C we probably should've melted, yet I noticed the extra padding is still there, wink, wink.

I was too nervous to eat our first morning but once we made it to the show and I finally saw the quilt hanging all nervousness vanished and I felt like I could enjoy the rest of my time there.  My most memorable moment not including seeing my quilt hung at a major quilt show was when I received a big hug from one of the white glove ladies who was in charge of the area my quilt was displayed in.  She was so enthusiastic to see one of the creators of this quilt (Jennifer Watson being the other) and the fact that this was my first ever major quilt show that she spontaneously gave me a big bear hug.  I will never forget that moment and it brought me to tears!  Sandy you'll never know how much that eased my nervousness and what a great gift you gave me that day!  Though the quilt didn't win a ribbon at this quilt show I still feel very blessed to have been selected from a possible 300 entries to the 126 that were finally chosen, what an honour that was to be in such an elite group of quilters.

 Thanks for reading my ramblings and hopefully I'll see you back here when I share some pictures of my trip of a quilter's lifetime!

What's been going on

Wow, my last post was from Christmas and March is on our doorstep so what have I been up to?

 From Christmas scraps I was able to make two of these tumbler quilts so now they're ready for quilting.

 My  Buttermilk Basin 2016 Mystery BOM is also done and I'm pretty pleased with actually finishing the top!

 My progress on the Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt is inching along and keep your fingers crossed that I can make it happen this year.

 This was a lap quilt made for my MIL for Christmas, the backing is of her husband's PJ's.  My FIL passed away last February and unfortunately she also passed this February as well.

 Another Buttermilk basin pattern which I find is more doable for myself as it's small and not so intimidating.

 Blocks from my swoon quilt are now put together also waiting to be quilted.  I wasn't so happy with my color choices on this one but I know the quilting will add tons to it's overall appearance.

I'll leave everyone with this thought, "dance to your own music" and remember never let anyone steal your happiness!

Merry Christmas Everyone

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year.

A Quick Getaway

About three weeks ago we decided to visit Leavenworth, Washington for a quick getaway and enjoyed our time immensely.  It's a touristy town but done well in the Bavarian theme, though we missed he Oktoberfest weekends it was very much in evidence.

 Waiting for our ferry from Sydney pictured above which will take us to Anacortes WA, it ended being just over a 3 hr sailing and was very relaxing and therefore I got in some great hexie time.

 

 This is at the top of Stevens Pass and yes our heads were in the clouds but so picturesque and fortunately no snow, whew!

 Here is our bed for the next three nights, The Bavarian Lodge and we decided on it because of how centrally located to all the happenings.

 Views from our walkabout.

 Oh yes, I would've loved to bring this home but at $110.00 I left it behind.

 Now for those who don't now I'm a Snoopy aka Peanuts fan from my childhood and it's stayed with me so this brought a big smile to my face.

 So cute for anyone who is talented in this type of craft.

 All I bought was this pack of cards but at least I could say I helped support the store in my small way.

 We decided to browse through a couple antique malls in Cashmere, WA which isn't far from Leavenworth and had a great time.

 Many quilts to view but I wasn't in the market for any, prices were also a little high for my Canadian dollar too.

 

After a long day or browsing it was time to think of dinner and we decided on this amazing place which was over the top delicious if you like Southern BBQ.  Everything looked so good on their menu we couldn't decide so they offered us a sampling of the BBQ pulled pork and Beef Brisket, sold!

 We also visited the Nutcracker museum back in Leavenworth before we left which was over the top and you were't allowed to take pictures except for a select few.

 We enjoyed a 11:00 AM wine tasting thinking it's 5:00 PM somewhere and a couple of bottles came home with us.  I found a little quilt shop and secured three fat quarters, prices not great but new designs that caught my eye.

 A friend who had previously visited this Oil and Vinegar shop asked if we could pick up a couple of bottles for her and they were safely tucked away for transportation.

Well, time for my daily walk so will go breath in some fresh air so I can quilt the rest of the day.

Two Important Things Happened

The first important thing, at least to my oldest Granddaughter is that she's now officially taller than me!  She will be twelve in January 2017 and she's loves to draw, swim, read and so much more.

Secondly I've gotten back to working on my Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt blocks and I think the time away has worked in my favor as they don't seem to frustrate me as "much".  Here's a sampling of the blocks and I can't wait for the day when I can finally put the binding on it.

 Have a great Tuesday and I hope you get to do something today that makes you smile and takes you to your happy place.