This little bag was offered a while back from Moda. Isn't it adorable. It's made from 10 Honey Bun strips and sews up in a jiffy. My sister-law received this one for her recent birthday. You could use it to store your quilting tools, you can use it as a travel bag or even a gift bag. I added a little handle to it, tied on with ribbon so you can use it as a small purse. Gotta make some more of these with the holiday season just around the corner. It's a great gift when you just need a little something for that special someone. Monday, October 18, 2010
Sweet.......Treat Bag
This little bag was offered a while back from Moda. Isn't it adorable. It's made from 10 Honey Bun strips and sews up in a jiffy. My sister-law received this one for her recent birthday. You could use it to store your quilting tools, you can use it as a travel bag or even a gift bag. I added a little handle to it, tied on with ribbon so you can use it as a small purse. Gotta make some more of these with the holiday season just around the corner. It's a great gift when you just need a little something for that special someone. Sunday, October 17, 2010
October..Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This quilt was sent to me to longarm from Yellowknife from my customer Elizabeth. It is a beautiful quilt and has special meaning for her. The quilt is called a hokey pokey quilt -- her friend sent her the pattern. She decided to do it all in pinks for a friend and colleague of hers who is fighting breast cancer. She is in her late 30's with 3 young children. Elizabeth sent out cut out hearts so that people can write a message to her and she plans on hand appliqueing them onto the back of the quilt. She has raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer research and is presently participating in a study out of California since there is nothing else that can be offered her here in Canada. I quilted it in Angel Wings as it just seemed appropriate that someone needs to be watching over her during her difficult fight.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Stitch the Witch

Meet "Stitch the Witch", this is a doll I designed for the Halloween season. She has been offered as a doll class at Kindred Spirits Quilt Co. and the ladies in the class are doing a wonderful job of recreating her. She is perfect for quilters with her prairie point dress, strip vest, I love quilting pocket, spider pincushion, button hair, spool shoelaces and tape measure belt. Her body and face are of batik and are slightly sculpted.
Here she is visiting the local quilt shop...Patterns packages "witch" include the hair and boa for her neck are available for purchase for $15.00. Postage will vary, depending where you live. If you are interested just add a comment with your e-mail and I will contact you.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Batik Beauty
Linda, one of my favorite quilters and customer, brought me this beautiful batik quilt to long arm. The colors are so vibrant and it looks phenomenal quilted with "Happy Times". The quilt is a pattern called Pinwheel Pirouette from the book Strip Clubbung. This quilt is for Linda's niece for Christmas.....lucky girl .Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Seven Year Stitch

I had promised myself this year that I would finish off some of the UFO's I had stashed away. I am slowly working through my promise even though it is so difficult. I want to start new projects, but I have kept my word and am working at getting them off my list. ( I have started new projects, but they are the samples for Kindred Spirits Quilt Co.). I thought I would get going on this one, it had been in the cupboard for ages. I had it all complete except the outside 2 borders and with the autumn season in full swing I thought it would be good to finally get r' done. I had started this years ago at Gone to Pieces and it had been part of a Thimbleberries Club. You made 4 seasonal quilts and I had only finished one of the 4...how sad is that. The greater sadness was when I was trying to jog my memory as to how long I had tucked this baby away...to my shock...the sheet of instructions was clearly marked 2003....now that is sad...7 years to complete a wall hanging. Thank goodness Thimbleberries never go out of style.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
A different kind of stash
Once a month I attend a Stampin Up Club.....it's so much fun and you come home with some terrific cards and little projects that you make in an evening. It's a great way to build up a stash of cards for all occasions. It's nice to have them available when a birthday or anniversary comes up that you've forgotten. It has saved me many times. These are last month's projects. Two Christmas cards...it's never to early to build your stash of these, and a lovely congratulations card...so much fun to create
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Mystery Solved
The mystery is solved. Last month was the final installment and final clues for the Border Creek Station Mystery Quilt monthly class held at Kindred Spirit Quilt Co. Some of the ladies in the class had figured it out on their own without the final clue. I received a few calls at home trying to coerce me into divulging a clue before the class to confirm their findings. Shame on you ladies. All the quilts will be gorgeous when they are complete and I'll make sure to take pictures and post them as each one is very different. Monday, October 11, 2010
When I drink, I loose my head
I've been designing and teaching doll classes for the local quilt store, Kindred Spirits Quilt Co. First there was Garden Angel Annie, then Stitch the Witch and now I'm working on a Christmas angel. This class is a little more complex than the last two with the face being sculpted and painted. I have yet to work on her body, dress and wings. Hopefully I'll get to that tomorrow. Her head will be attached to a body that sits on this wine bottle so the angel will stand nicely. I think she turned out quite pretty and can't wait to get her finished.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
In the Doghouse
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Shopping, it's hard work but somebody's gotta do it
This would be the perfect little town to live in...3 shops side by side and what could be better than a deli, a quilt shop and a knitting boutique. You could have lunch at the deli, build up your strength to carry all the fabric stash that you purchase from the quilt store. Then it would be off to see the lastest wools and patterns at the knitting boutique. Now that would be an afternoon well spent. This is Block 5 of Tiny Town BOM by Bunny Hill Designs. It's being featured as a class at Kindred Spirits Quilt Co. and we have quite a few quilters signed up. I guess everyone loves it as much as me.
Friday, October 8, 2010
My Frank
I am really partial to this little guy. With Halloween just around the corner it's fun to get these treasures out to enjoy. When I first saw the pattern for this fellow I just had to have it. My hubby's name is Frank and that might be short for Frankenstein and I can sort of see the resemblance ...along the hairline. Thursday, October 7, 2010
NYC trip...Brooklyn beauty
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
NYC trip...only in New York
When we visited Little Italy in NYC we found that they were celebrating the Feast of San Gennaro. Mulberry Street was blocked off with the festival and vendors had shops, booths and restaurants set up. You could taste just about anything Italian. How much more Italian could you get than fried oreos??.....they coat the oreo cookie in batter and deep fry it, then dust it in powdered sugar...major low cal. But it was to die for...it was so good. Here the picture of the lovely little Italian lady making mine up fresh. They were only $1.00 each, so a bargain as well. I did the math when we got home...you can buy a package of oreos for $2.99 and you get about 30 in a package, that averages about 10 cents a cookie...it was $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00, but my hubby put his swelled foot down and wouldn't let me get the half dozen! I have a deep fryer, I think I'll try them at home.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
NYC trip....Bad Hair Day
If you've ever been to New York City you know that they have a
wonderful subway system
that can take you virtually anywhere.
Even with such a phenomenal system, as a tourist, you still walk and walk and walk. After about the 4th day of dragging hubby all over NYC, his leg and ankle started to swell up and he could barely walk. He rarely ever complains about anything so I new he was hurting when he did mention it. He was in agony. The last 2 days of the trip were spent with his leg up in bed trying to ice it to get the swelling down. ( once home and up to the doctor, turns out it is gout). I had a list of things yet to do in NYC and while I love him dearly, it's not much fun in the hotel with him watching the swelling go down. I had wanted to go to the museum of Natural History uptown, however we were staying in Brooklyn and he didn't relish the thought of me going all that way on the subway by myself. I found out that Brooklyn has a museum of it's own, and he was comfortable with me venturing there. I spent a nice afternoon exploring and came across this sculpture in the contemporary art section of the museum. It's Nick Cave's Soundsuit exhibit, but I laughed when I saw it cause it just reminded me of a really bad hair day.
wonderful subway system
that can take you virtually anywhere.Even with such a phenomenal system, as a tourist, you still walk and walk and walk. After about the 4th day of dragging hubby all over NYC, his leg and ankle started to swell up and he could barely walk. He rarely ever complains about anything so I new he was hurting when he did mention it. He was in agony. The last 2 days of the trip were spent with his leg up in bed trying to ice it to get the swelling down. ( once home and up to the doctor, turns out it is gout). I had a list of things yet to do in NYC and while I love him dearly, it's not much fun in the hotel with him watching the swelling go down. I had wanted to go to the museum of Natural History uptown, however we were staying in Brooklyn and he didn't relish the thought of me going all that way on the subway by myself. I found out that Brooklyn has a museum of it's own, and he was comfortable with me venturing there. I spent a nice afternoon exploring and came across this sculpture in the contemporary art section of the museum. It's Nick Cave's Soundsuit exhibit, but I laughed when I saw it cause it just reminded me of a really bad hair day.
Monday, October 4, 2010
NYC Trip...What do these all have in common?
What do all these things have in common? Well if mommy agrees to go to the Yankee game, and mommy agrees to go to the New York Islander game, then daddy agrees to let mommy visit The City Quilter and mommy gets to buy stash. It's all about compromise and we're getting really good at it after 30 years of marriage. This is what I picked up at The City Quilter while we were visiting NYC last week. I've been looking for just the right yellow 30's print for a Sunbonnet Sue quilt I'm planning on doing. It's a quilt with a combination of machine embroidered BOM Sunbonnet Sue set with sashing. This yellow was perfect. The little pink apple buttons are for the trees in my Tiny Town BOM I'm working on. I've only ever seen the apples in red, so the pink ones will be perfect for that project.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
NYC Trip... The City Quilter
My hubby is always accommodating when it comes to visiting quilt stores and NYC was no exception. We took the subway from Brooklyn uptown and located The City Quilter. Nice shop in the midst of all the chaos, it almost seems out of place amidst the skyscrapers. It's a lovely little shop, well stocked. The had delightful NYC fabric and had just received a line of fabric in depicting Times Square. The shop was surprisingly busy with a good group of people attending classes during the day when I visited. Hubby was patient so I had lots of time to browse, touch the fabric and ogle at the patterns and books. I was good, only bought a couple of things... Saturday, October 2, 2010
NYC Trip - Mile High Pie
We were just blocks away from this fabulous bake shop and restaurant in Brooklyn when we visited NYC last week. It's called Juniors and it has some of the best food in Brooklyn. Breakfasts were to die for along with their baked goods. Get a look at those mile high pies in the window.....Lemon meringue....When we got off the subway at night we'd pop in and pick up a blueberry and cherry turnover for the morning with our coffee. Each turnover could have fed a family of four, but what the heck we were on holidays!Friday, October 1, 2010
NYC Trip....Martha
OMG, There's me at Chelsea Studios in NYC, with Martha.....I love Martha, I'm her biggest fan. Don't get excited, cause that's as close as I got to her. I entered the web thingy and tried to get tickets for the week we were going to be there. You were suppose to get a response about 3 weeks before the show date you had picked...and of course we got no e-mail telling us we were selected. The website also said that you had a good chance of getting standby tickets if you arrived the days of taping by 8am. Before we left on the trip, I checked the website and it indicated that she taped on Thursdays. On the Thursday morning I got my hubby up at 6:30am, we were showered, dressed and on the subway from Brooklyn by 7:15. We walked over to the studio and were there by 7:45, and I thought OMG this is great, were bound to get standby....my hubby says "look no line up yet so that's good". Not knowing exactly where to stand in line, cause there wasn't one, we asked a fellow that was near the studio entrance. He looked at me as if I had 2 heads..."she doesn't tape today, she taped Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week"...........!_#$^&@*_~@&^~^# So this was as close as I got to Martha.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
NYC trip ....Memorial Art Quilt
We visited NYC last week and this was our second trip to the World Trade Centre site. The last time, St. Paul's Chapel was closed to the public, however they have now opened it and it holds many of the tributes to the victims of 911.This is a memorial art quilt by Deborah Fell. The quilt is in response to the horrible events that changed the United States forever . It's an abstract image of the toppled WTC towers. The rubble below are photographic transfers of articles, headlines and photographs. It is organized with chaos reigning everywhere. The quilt is unfinished, batting exposed and charred and threads are not trimmed, reflecting the vast number of lives that were so unfinished when the WTC was destroyed. It was dedicated to all the victims of the WTC collapse.
It was surreal to walk through the chapel, remembering that horrific day, reading the memorials of loved ones. You couldn't help but cry, it was eerily quiet and all the memories of that day came rushing back. The quilt really showed the horror what had transpired.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Believe

I actually took this picture tonight....as I walked by the living room, I looked up at the window and saw the sun setting, the lighting was perfect and the shadows reflected on my "believe" sign...it was incredible to view....and then there was this perfect poem to go along with it, and it just makes you think...
I Believe by Kayla Neil
I believe that the sun shines after the rain
I believe if you don't get hurt you'll never gain
I believe in not doing things the easy way
I believe that being selfish doesn’t pay
I believe in a second chance
I believe in a life long romance
I believe there is life after death
And standing up to a life of mess
I believe in love at first sight
I believe that revenge isn’t right
I believe that first impressions last
And there is nothing better then a good laugh
I believe that dreams do come true
I believe there's destiny for me and you
I believe that good things come to those who wait
I believe love never arrives too late
I believe something good comes from something bad
I believe that for tears of happiness there are tears of sad
I believe everyone has a guardian angel
And the good you do will be rewarded well
I believe sometimes there is no explanation
I believe money can't buy people's affection
I believe you don't know what you've got until it's gone
I believe a new day arrives with every dawn
I believe a smile can be contagious
I believe in being very outrageous
I believe in living with no regrets
I believe that life is as good as it gets
I believe that God watches over us
I believe the little things are worth the fuss
I believe you have each friend for a reason
I believe you will get punished for treason
I believe that what comes first is family
I believe we should all live in harmony
I believe in making the most of a beautiful day
And it's not the end until everything's okay
I believe absence makes the heart grow fonder
I believe you will lose if you sit and wonder
I believe every experience teaches you a lesson
And nothing cures better then a drinking session
I believe everyone has one true love
I believe sometimes we need a little shove
I believe the whole world is a stage
I believe we only get better with age
I believe that to learn you have to live
I believe that to love someone you have to give
I believe one moment can change your life
And there's still help when you’re in strife
I believe everyone has one true friend
I believe love helps a broken heart mend
I believe in the power of a song
And things will change before too long
I believe living is the best experience
I believe in not laughing at other people’s expense
I believe it’s hard to watch a lover leave
And when they’re gone all you can do is breath
I believe to always look on the bright side
I believe that life is just one big ride
I believe when I die people will grieve
But it’s ok because I believe
I believe that the sun shines after the rain
I believe if you don't get hurt you'll never gain
I believe in not doing things the easy way
I believe that being selfish doesn’t pay
I believe in a second chance
I believe in a life long romance
I believe there is life after death
And standing up to a life of mess
I believe in love at first sight
I believe that revenge isn’t right
I believe that first impressions last
And there is nothing better then a good laugh
I believe that dreams do come true
I believe there's destiny for me and you
I believe that good things come to those who wait
I believe love never arrives too late
I believe something good comes from something bad
I believe that for tears of happiness there are tears of sad
I believe everyone has a guardian angel
And the good you do will be rewarded well
I believe sometimes there is no explanation
I believe money can't buy people's affection
I believe you don't know what you've got until it's gone
I believe a new day arrives with every dawn
I believe a smile can be contagious
I believe in being very outrageous
I believe in living with no regrets
I believe that life is as good as it gets
I believe that God watches over us
I believe the little things are worth the fuss
I believe you have each friend for a reason
I believe you will get punished for treason
I believe that what comes first is family
I believe we should all live in harmony
I believe in making the most of a beautiful day
And it's not the end until everything's okay
I believe absence makes the heart grow fonder
I believe you will lose if you sit and wonder
I believe every experience teaches you a lesson
And nothing cures better then a drinking session
I believe everyone has one true love
I believe sometimes we need a little shove
I believe the whole world is a stage
I believe we only get better with age
I believe that to learn you have to live
I believe that to love someone you have to give
I believe one moment can change your life
And there's still help when you’re in strife
I believe everyone has one true friend
I believe love helps a broken heart mend
I believe in the power of a song
And things will change before too long
I believe living is the best experience
I believe in not laughing at other people’s expense
I believe it’s hard to watch a lover leave
And when they’re gone all you can do is breath
I believe to always look on the bright side
I believe that life is just one big ride
I believe when I die people will grieve
But it’s ok because I believe
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Hey Mr. Postman

Hey Mr. Postman, look and see, is there a letter in your bag for me.....
Remember that oldie but goodie?...I love that song and block 4 of Tiny Town reminds me so much of it. I am just in love with this BOM quilt. I've been cheating with the lettering. It's
supposed to be hand embroidery but I'm not great at it, nor have the time to sit so I cheat and do it on my embroidery machine. It's been working out for me, so I'm sticking with it.
Remember that oldie but goodie?...I love that song and block 4 of Tiny Town reminds me so much of it. I am just in love with this BOM quilt. I've been cheating with the lettering. It's
supposed to be hand embroidery but I'm not great at it, nor have the time to sit so I cheat and do it on my embroidery machine. It's been working out for me, so I'm sticking with it.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Special Friend Pincushion

Recently one of my best friends celebrated her birthday....I could tell you how old she is but true best friends don't mention the numbers...all I'll say is that she's old...LOL. She loves crafty things and makes all kinds off beautiful creations herself. Included in her birthday care package was this pincushion I made for her. The wording on the base just fit perfectly as she really is a bright light in my life and I love her for keeping me grounded as to what is really important. When I think I have it rough, I think of her and her struggles and count my blessings. I especially like the little tag and the stamp is one of my favorite sets from "Stampin Up" called Puns from the past. I found these wonderful heart pins to go along with it at Joann's.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
If I only had a brain

I designed this little "scarecrow" hangup, but have not had a chance to get the pattern pack together. Guess I should with fall just around the corner. He's designed to hang in the 12X 14 frame from Ackfeld. It's very versatile and so nice to change up monthly or as the seasons change. I like these as they are quick projects to do and you can use up lots of your "little" stash to complete them.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Toad-ally adorable
I just love this little guy. I was lucky enough to see him at Homesense and knew I had to have him. What would be the chances of an avid quilter, shopping at Homesense and finding a little frog complete with a quilt block on his chest...it had to be a million to one...it was fate!He now proudly sits in my sewing room.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Top row complete
The first row of Tiny Town is complete. It looks so sweet
now that the three sections are together. I love the little houses with their windows. There is even a shed along with a bird house. Sunbonnet Sue is out for a walk with her dog and the mailboxes are all lined up waiting for a letter delivery. I am very excited to start block 4 and can't wait for the next row to progress.
now that the three sections are together. I love the little houses with their windows. There is even a shed along with a bird house. Sunbonnet Sue is out for a walk with her dog and the mailboxes are all lined up waiting for a letter delivery. I am very excited to start block 4 and can't wait for the next row to progress.
This is being offered as a BOM program at Kindred Spirits Quilt Co. and I am the very lucky person that is teaching it and making the store sample.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Life is "ruff"
I get lots of company when I long arm quilt. Our 9 year old Westie " Jock" loves to sit on top of the sofa and watch. I'm at the machine most days so I guess he figures it's the best way to get some attention. He''s the type of dog that needs to be close to his family. Where ever you are, Jock is too. If I'm sitting at my sewing machine, he's at my feet. If my husband is on the computer, Jock's there too. He has a "ruff" life just lazing around all day, but he's good company. Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Susie Q Quilts
This is my friend Susan's first quilt. I think she did amazing. What is even more amazing is that Sue struggles with MS so quilting can be a challenge. The funny thing is that I tried to get Sue to quilt months before she accomplished this beauty. I took her to a class with me and she was very frustrated and just couldn't grasp the cutting or piecing. I felt really bad and encouraged her to try again, but she just wouldn't agree. Months went by when she finally said "come over and see my quilt". I was shocked...she had on her own, signed up for a beginners class, gone faithfully and completed, with precision, her first quilt. There is no stopping her now. I have recently long armed 4 more for her and they are all beautiful. Her points are perfect and they are wonderfully square. The quilting has been great therapy for her as she battles her MS and I am so proud of what she has accomplished.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Beginner Bliss
This is the sample I made for the beginners class at Kindred Spirit Quilt Co. I taught a lovely group of students this project over a 6 week period and they all did amazing. The quilt is from It's Elementary by Eleanor Burns. The students made a slightly smaller quilt with just 5 blocks as apposed to my 8. I had extra fabric left that was enough to squeeze out a couple more. Their quilts were a very nice table top size. I was amazed to see the progress they all made and how wonderful each and every one turned out. Monday, September 20, 2010
Bird Brain Idea

I had this bird brain idea to do another pincushion using a vintage find from a thrift store. I love the way the mother hen is chasing her little chicks around the egg. I think it turned out cute and I'm having a blast making them. I have a feeling that the sister who lives on the farm and raises hens that lay eggs will be begging for this little number as well.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Kindred Spirits Quilt Co. Store
If you haven't ventured into Kindred Spirits Quilt Co. Store in St.Catharines, Ontario, it's worth the trip. I'm very lucky to be able to work with Michelle the owner (that's her cutting fabric)and teach at the store. She's encouraged me to design dolls for the store classes and you can see Garden Annie hanging around. The store is fabulous with a great selection of fabric, patterns and books plus an array of classes to choose from. I am very fortunate to be a part of it. The unfortunate piece is that as a teacher, you are at the store quite frequently, and everytime I'm there I see another project I want to do, or fabric I can't live without. I have to use all my will power to resist the temptation and believe me it doesn't always work!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Scrumptious Saturday
These were fun to bake and make and so scrumptious. The flowers on top are a simple trick with marshmallows. You simply take a large marshmallow, cut it in 5 slices with scissors, lay the pieces out on a plate and dust with sugar crystals. Once they dry a bit you arrange them on your cupcake in a circle slightly overlapping them a bit, then put more sprinkles on. Looks like you fussed all day.....just don't tell anyone you simple secret!Friday, September 17, 2010
The little monkey turns one

I can't believe that the little monkey turns one in a month. Our grandson Ayden is having his first birthday...where did that year go. My daughter asked me to make his invitations as she couldn't find anything she really liked at the stores. His parents decided that his birthday party would be a Halloween theme as it's so close to the 31st.
I used my new Stampin Up Sock Monkey set and hand colored the wagon, hat and monkey. I had to use my "stamp a ma jig" to get the monkey lined up properly in the wagon. I even stamped a little banana on the envelopes. We are rather partial to the sock monkey as Ayden's nursery was all done in the sock monkey theme. Everything from the quilt, to the change table cover to the pictures on the wall were sock monkeys, so it seems natural that his invitations would be that theme as well. Can't wait it should be so much fun!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The mystery continues

The mystery continues with the Mystery Quilt Club at Kindred Spirits Quilt Co. shop. Next month is the last class and all the clues will be revealed. The ladies in the class are slowly putting together their pieces and have "uncovered" the mystery of the center blocks which are placed on point and added to appliqued pieces. Carol in the picture shows off one of her center blocks...hers will look amazing when finished and will be perfect for a young lady. Next month we will have the final reveal and I'll make sure I show you how we have solved the mystery.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Never trust a skinny chef

Never trust a skinny chef, and no chef will be skinnier than this 5 year old. One of my best friends' granddaughter just celebrated her 5th birthday. Her gift was an assortment of crafty things like markers, crayons, sidewalk chalk, super bubbles, animal scissors and an apron specifically made with her in mind. This little apron was purchased at Joann's, but then personalized with her name and some flower trim compliments of my embroidery machine. Her grandma loved it and tells me that Makayla will use it when they cook together. I can't wait to see her in it and taste some of the creations she'll come up with, maybe someday she'll be a master chef.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Let's get cracking

I made this for my sister's up and coming birthday. She celebrates her birthday on Halloween, how fun is that. The cute thing about this pin cushion is that my sister also lives on a farm and raises chickens that lay eggs. When I saw this little treasure at a local thrift shop I had to get it. I felted wool for the main rounded pincushion shape, but before I stuffed it I appliqued the yolk onto the top. I think it turned out perfectly and she will get a laugh out of it...she will get the yolk ...joke.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Cold and rainy camping trip, but worth it

Last week we travelled to Watkins Glen, camping. Usually the first week of September is warm and camping would be good, however last week was quite a bit cooler with rain and drizzle. Needless to say, less than perfect camping conditions. We stayed at Watkins Glen KOA, a very nice campground with an indoor pool and hot tub, so we were able to make use of that. We did get to sit out and have a few campfires before the rain started each evening. Even though it was not the best camping trip we've had, it was worth it, because dear hubby took me into town to O'Susannah's Quilt Shop and I was able to pick up a few new patterns. It's a very nice shop, well stocked with a good selection of fabric lines. They have a nice selection of felted wool as well. I was really good, just purchased patterns and no fabric, even though I really really wanted to. It took all my will power just to buy the patterns and not fabric. I just kept telling myself how much stash and UFO projects I had at home. It was really really tough though! We had dinner one night at a lovely restaurant called Seneca Harbour Station that over looked the harbour and lake. It was very pretty and I had the most amazing spinach and feta cream soup. I asked the waitress if the chef would give the recipe out and she said she would ask....it was quite comical when she came back told us the chef indicated it was from a dry mix package they order in. I'll just have to try and duplicate it on my own, because it was amazing.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Ladder Safety?

Did you know that there are actual safety rules for the use of ladders? I thought that I should make sure my ladder fit the bill, can never be too careful you know....so I went through the ladder safety checklist
•Make sure the ladder is suited for the type of job you plan to do. Household ladders are for light-duty with a load capacity of 200 pounds -Yes it's suited, quilt only weights at the max 20 pounds
•Before using a ladder, especially a ladder that has been stored in the garage for a while, inspect it for cracks or broken joints - Yep did that, it painted up beautifully
•Place your ladder on a stable, even, flat surface. Never place a ladder on top of another object -Yes, it's on a flat surface, how much flatter can you get than a wall?
•Use the 1:4 ratio to ensure a stable working platform. Place the base of the ladder 1 foot away of whatever it leans against for every 4 feet of height to the point where the ladder contacts at the top -yada, yada, yada, 4 to 1, it's gonna look great
•If climbing onto another surface, make sure the ladder extends at least three feet past the platform you're climbing onto -Sounds like you have to be a math whiz, so obviously that won't apply
•Secure tall ladders by lashing or fastening the ladder to prevent movement -Yep, secured with plugs and hooks
•Always face the ladder when climbing or descending -you bet ya, every time I go up or down the stairs I take a peak at that beauty
•Keep both feet on the ladder - never put one foot on a rung and the other foot on a different surface - not feet but eyes, so I guess that applies
•Never leave ladders unattended - kids love them... I have a small sign posted that says "unattended children will be eaten" so that should cover that!
I found this old wooden ladder at a barn sale when I was visiting my sister up near Tweed, she lives on a farm in the country. I think I paid about $15 for it. Brought it home, painted it barn red and found the perfect place to hang it and one of my favorite quilts.
•Make sure the ladder is suited for the type of job you plan to do. Household ladders are for light-duty with a load capacity of 200 pounds -Yes it's suited, quilt only weights at the max 20 pounds
•Before using a ladder, especially a ladder that has been stored in the garage for a while, inspect it for cracks or broken joints - Yep did that, it painted up beautifully
•Place your ladder on a stable, even, flat surface. Never place a ladder on top of another object -Yes, it's on a flat surface, how much flatter can you get than a wall?
•Use the 1:4 ratio to ensure a stable working platform. Place the base of the ladder 1 foot away of whatever it leans against for every 4 feet of height to the point where the ladder contacts at the top -yada, yada, yada, 4 to 1, it's gonna look great
•If climbing onto another surface, make sure the ladder extends at least three feet past the platform you're climbing onto -Sounds like you have to be a math whiz, so obviously that won't apply
•Secure tall ladders by lashing or fastening the ladder to prevent movement -Yep, secured with plugs and hooks
•Always face the ladder when climbing or descending -you bet ya, every time I go up or down the stairs I take a peak at that beauty
•Keep both feet on the ladder - never put one foot on a rung and the other foot on a different surface - not feet but eyes, so I guess that applies
•Never leave ladders unattended - kids love them... I have a small sign posted that says "unattended children will be eaten" so that should cover that!
I found this old wooden ladder at a barn sale when I was visiting my sister up near Tweed, she lives on a farm in the country. I think I paid about $15 for it. Brought it home, painted it barn red and found the perfect place to hang it and one of my favorite quilts.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Tiny Town....so Tweet!

This quilt has been so much fun to do......and it is so tweet. The fabrics just make the quilt and Bunny Hill's attention to detail in the pattern is incredible. This is block three and completes the top row of the quilt. I'm already starting on four as we speak, I can't seem to put it down.
This is a BOM offer at Kindred Spirits Quilt Co. store starting this fall....Mary needs to make this for her new grandbaby that's on the way!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
You know when autumn is on it's way when...
Customers start bringing you their fall quilts! This is a lovely quilt of my customer Carol Ann. The pattern is from the book Thimbleberries Collection of Classic quilts and is called Midnight Sky. We quilted it in the panto pattern Lush Leaves. I think she did a great job of it and it will look wonderful this fall in her home.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Storybrook farm-fall edition
This is McKenna Ryan's Storybook Farm. The original was mostly in purple tones, however since fall is my favorite season I opted to change the colors of the leaves to oranges and browns. I also changed the color of the cows and the fields. It was a great deal of fun to long arm quilt because you could just go crazy with freehand. My goal is to make one of Mckenna Ryan's patterns for each of my four children as a legacy quilt. This one is complete and I'm still working on two others and a fourth I have to choose yet. 
Monday, September 6, 2010
It reads like a murder mystery

These are the ladies from the mystery class at Kindred Spirits Quilt Co. They meet the first Friday of the month and are working on their mystery quilts with the pattern design from Border Creek Station Pattern Co. When you start the project you have no idea what your quilt will look like and each month you get clues for cutting and sewing and the mystery soon reveals itself. These are what they are starting to see come to fruition. It is starting to feel like a murder mystery because at this point we want to kill ourselves due to the fact that we have made a total of 384 half square triangles. It's sort of like playing clue, because you just don't know what it will turn out to be in the end. Is it Pat in the kitchen with the meat cleaver, Debbie in the library with the candlestick, Mary in the bedroom with the rope, Barb in the bathroom with the lead pipe, Kathleen in the garden with the revolver or Carol in her sewing room with a rotary cutter!Keep posted to the blog to see the final episode unfold.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Herbs in the burbs

With summer coming to an end, I'll no longer
be able to go out onto our back deck to pick my fresh herbs....
be able to go out onto our back deck to pick my fresh herbs....
Now that's sad....I grew thyme, basil , chives and parsley in old clay wine coolers. Each had it's own marker which was a silver spoon, banged flat then marked with permanent marker. I forget what book or where I saw the idea now, but I really liked it and they turned out ok. I wish we could have this kind of weather all year long that allows for such luxury as fresh herbs daily, but alas we live above the 46th parallel.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Felt like fall today
It felt like fall today... cool , windy and a bit of a drizzle throughout the day. You can see the corn in the fields ready to be harvested. There's a change that signals summer is almost over and the next season is on it's way.Today reminded me of this paper piece pattern I did a few years back. It reminds me of today, flowers still blooming, but the fields are ready for harvest...hard to believe that winter is just around the corner...summer went awfully quick this year.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Teacup fun stuff
I made this little teacup as a giveaway for my Mystery Quilt Club ladies. The class is held at Kindred Spirits Quilt Co. store the first Friday of every month. The idea behind mystery club is that you come and quilt each month and you have no idea what quilt you are making. The store helps you select your fabric as they know what the final quilt will look like. Each month you come and sew from a new set of clues you get. As the months progress you see your mystery quilt coming alive. The last month all the clues have been handed out and the final quilt is revealed. The Mystery quilt is designed by Border Creek Station. I have the best group of ladies in my class and we have so much fun each month. Each month I draw names to see who will win that months' giveaway and this is the giveaway for September. I really love the little tag which reads " In the crazy quilt of life, I'm glad you're in my block of friends". The stamp is a collection from Stampin Up.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
On the street where you live
This is Block Two of Tiny Town by Bunny Hill Designs.It's turning out so wonderfully and is so much fun to see the little houses and sheds take shape. This is the sample for Kindred Spirits Co. Quilt Shop. The quilt will be offered as a BOM.
I'm pretty sure that it will find a loving home in a little granddaughter's room one day. We have a grandson, but I'm sure he will have a sister soon and this will be a perfect wall hanging for a girly, girly room.
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