tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50320082012-02-01T18:01:55.022-07:00Margaretnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-25203595553629823312012-02-01T18:01:00.003-07:002012-02-01T18:01:55.064-07:00

Why Quilts Matter -- a nine-part series that looks at the history, traditions, art and politics of quilts and quilting -- the Board of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) has revised what that organization considers an art quilt. "In a Mountain Greenery" - 2011 Layers and stitch remain essential elements, but what is layered and how it's finished now has broader scope for interpretation.

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-52902579580267994452012-02-01T13:34:00.001-07:002012-02-01T13:34:17.046-07:00

Yes, Gentle Readers, the top of my Orca Bay Mystery Quilt is finished! Full out on my kitchen floor! Corner detail Centre (on each of 2 sides) detail I confess I have no idea when I'm going to sandwich and quilt it, but it won't be soon.  :-)  I need to take a break from this project, figure out what I have on hand for backing, and check my batting supply.  I think, as Bonnie did,

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-25804019871756492902012-02-01T07:37:00.000-07:002012-02-01T07:41:00.998-07:00

Happy February! Whether or not Balzac Billy sees his shadow tomorrow (Groundhog Day), this month tends to be one of 'puff and blow; fill the ditches full of snow'. The World Wildlife Fund here in Canada is reminding everyone that there's more than one way to stay warm.  February 9th is National Sweater Day!  "Pick up your pointy sticks -- it's time to Cast On!" -- Brenda Dayne.

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-40921109419515892542012-01-31T09:33:00.000-07:002012-01-31T09:33:00.227-07:00

Or is it?!  Gosh, I had trouble with the Cretan stitch for TAST Week 4! In the end, I persevered -- with not one, not two but all three stitch reference books open at one time or another.  I managed to get the hang of the 'closed Cretan' far more easily than the open version.  I even tried "Raised Cretan".  Sigh.  In the end I tried to unify the sampler with flowers and beads, repeated in the

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-1674447384896443832012-01-28T08:18:00.001-07:002012-01-28T08:18:48.493-07:00

Here's some visual evidence of activity in the 3F studio: I've been commissioned to make a pair of 'Non-felted Slippers' (the pattern, by Yuko Nakamura, is a freebie on Ravelry) -- out of alpaca (!) because the recipient can't wear wool next to her skin.  The only stuff I hand on hand (and yes, I'm using stash yarn) I bought ages ago from elann.com, once with a sweater in mind, so it's DK (

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-20762797070822429152012-01-27T08:26:00.002-07:002012-01-28T08:31:48.695-07:00

BFA (Dramatic Arts) - 2008 Is to spend a year teaching English in Japan with the JET Programme.   He sent his application in December, and has just now received an appointment for an interview.  I don't know when it is, but if he's successful, he'll go into training in the spring and be away mid-summer, I believe.  The blessing is that he is receiving the full support of  his employer -- the

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-91780780560422001992012-01-26T09:58:00.000-07:002012-01-26T09:58:12.985-07:00

We had a snow squall last evening that left in its wake snow, with a granular layer of ice underneath.  I have to go out and shovel my walks...later.  Right now, I'm stitching, and sipping my half-caf, and liking this. P.S. Yes, those are my initials. P.P. S. If you enlarged a letter in this alphabet, and practiced hard, wouldn't it be lovely in free-motion quilting?

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-10890173509764948192012-01-23T14:18:00.000-07:002012-01-23T14:18:36.114-07:00

Tomorrow is Tuesday - Take a Stitch (on) Tuesday, to be precise.  Those of us following along will be introduced to our fourth stitch challenge.  This past week it's been all about Feather Stitch.  Just as I was beginning to work on my block, Jude posted this, which I think dovetails (pun intended!) so very nicely with this: Birdie tracks, airy fronds of under-sea plants, equally airy wisps

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-44561945064673711892012-01-21T17:42:00.000-07:002012-01-21T17:42:42.162-07:00

Today's been windy, snowy and grey, so I stayed inside and stitched.  Apparently a Chinook is moving in, but it doesn't feel like it here -- yet! First I tackled my Feather Stitch for Take A Stitch (on) Tuesday, Week 3.  This is just the start; since this photo, I've added some more to the white section in the lower right corner.  Because the tie pattern is so bold, I've decided to hold off on

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-39750979174323177452012-01-20T21:01:00.000-07:002012-01-20T21:01:20.914-07:00

I finished three things this week: a pair of socks for myself that have been on the needles since 2009 (blush); the Veil of Rosebuds socks for my daughter's friend; and this afternoon... Tat-ta-ta-da!  The centre of the Orca Bay Mystery Quilt top! Here it is on my kitchen floor.  I had to move the table and chairs in order to spread it out!  It measures 66" wide by 74.5" long -- taken

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-42081250179796011232012-01-20T10:38:00.000-07:002012-01-20T10:40:56.129-07:00

A bit of Friday Fun...and some innovative ideas:  On Facebook today, my friend and SAQA colleague, Mary Pal, shared this terrific   link: 25 clever ideas to make life easier. I was aware of some of them...but there are many of which I was unaware, and they're terrific!  In the kitchen, in the linen storage cupboard, in the garden...I might just print out the entire article and keep it

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-52744967748147045092012-01-18T09:21:00.002-07:002012-01-18T09:21:55.791-07:00

The Painted Quilt, by Linda Kemshall and her daughter, Laura.  In addition to the book, Linda and Laura have created a wonderful DVD/CD set, which they are currently selling for just under 10 GBP.  I couldn't resist the special price, and ordered it a few weeks ago.  Then...I let it sit by my computer...till last evening.  I have no idea why I was procrastinating -- and I'm delighted I finally

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-4329691835950626282012-01-17T17:04:00.000-07:002012-01-17T17:04:51.131-07:00

"Than to be in Carolina in the mo-o-o-ornin'..."* From "Seed Play" - (C) Nancy G. Cook Chapel Hill, North Carolina, that is.  With the wintry weather, how I wish I could  be there -- but more especially, to see the exhibit my friend and SAQA colleague, Nancy Cook, has in the Botanical Gardens there! "Seed Play" has just opened in the DeBerry Gallery, and runs through February 27.  

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-31747854228687519322012-01-17T07:54:00.001-07:002012-01-17T07:54:27.815-07:00

for a little while now... Thanks to each and every one of you for visiting, following, or both! (and special thanks to LuAnn at Loose Threads,  where I found this cute button that says just what I needed to say!)

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-31289550293239515882012-01-15T12:54:00.000-07:002012-01-15T13:25:23.291-07:00

January arrived for real some time last night, with snow and blowing snow, temps of -22C with a wind chill of -31C.   My furry companion, Diesel, knows exactly how to deal with this weather: turn one's back on it and catch a few z-z-z-z-z s. Blanket Buttonhole Stitch Block - TAST Week 2 Me? I've been in the Sewing Studio.  Last evening I set my mind to this week's Crazy Quilt Block for TAST

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-79595054953502616632012-01-14T07:48:00.000-07:002012-01-14T07:48:36.166-07:00

While I hope the title -- The Last Embroiderer -- is a misnomer, I just had to share this post and it's enclosed YouTube clip with you.  All those who treasure hand embroidery, beaded embroidery, rainbows of colour and sparkle, and haut couture  will undoubtedly enjoy it. Thanks to my former teacher in contemporary hand stitch, Gail Harker, for sharing this inspirational information! The Last

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-2416892051977093482012-01-11T14:47:00.004-07:002012-01-15T13:25:51.677-07:00

is brought to you by the letters O-B-M-Q, T-A-S-T, C-Q-J-P and C&G, and the decade, 1970. Steadily, my Orca Bay Mystery Quilt top is growing, at the rate of two rows a day... At this point, I've had to rotate it so I can still pin it up on my small (4' wide by 2' deep) design wall, so if you want to see what it really looks like, rotate it 90 degrees to the left!  ;-) Take A Stitch Tuesday

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-51063414280515289242012-01-10T10:23:00.001-07:002012-01-10T10:23:13.871-07:00

on Orca Bay -- but getting ever closer to the shore.  Just a quick snapshot of where I am with the assembly of this top.  My design wall is only 4 feet wide by 2 feet deep, so I'm getting to the point where I'll have to hang it sideways to view 'next steps'. This is a pretty lively top, however far away one stands from it, so I'm pretty sure I'll have to find a home for it away from its

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-78519387765486685552012-01-10T10:12:00.001-07:002012-01-10T10:13:20.589-07:00

In the Sewing Studio, I continue to quilt and stitch and work on the C&G.  Startitis seems to have hit me here too, for since mid-November I've fallen prey to a Mystery Quilt Project, a Crazy Quilt Journal Project, and now, TAST -- Take A Stitch Tuesday!   In an attempt to achieve some sort of stitching economy, I decided to combine the Crazy Quilt Journal Project (CQJP) -- which is monthly --

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-20866486869010930612012-01-10T09:42:00.000-07:002012-01-10T09:44:30.608-07:00

I've caught startitis.  From what the Yarn Harlot says, it's a virus particular to handcrafters, and knitters can be especially vulnerable -- particularly in early January.  I'm trying to maintain an even keel and finish what I start, but it's a challenge.  Thank heavens for a deadline for at least one of my projects, or I'd be in deep trouble!  As it is, it's spread to my sewing and stitching

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-20301565710876937002012-01-05T13:52:00.001-07:002012-01-05T13:52:19.617-07:00

Despite all my education, sometimes I'm just a wee bit slow to catch on.  Yesterday afternoon I ran in to my LQS to buy more neutral thread (white and off-white).  I've been going through quite a bit of this stuff since I began the OBMQ, and needed to stock up. Now my LQS (Caroline's Homespun Seasons in Stettler -- just moved to a larger location, so no links in place yet; sorry) has a coffee/

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-30061893046962394782012-01-05T13:30:00.000-07:002012-01-05T13:30:17.800-07:00

Cathy was right.  She affirmed that once I began to sew the pieces together, the shouting of all those high-contrast colours would stop -- or at least, begin to quiet down. Two rows sewn together is definitely calmer. And three rows is calmer still. I'm starting to like this quilt again!  :-)

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-69230530694268673162012-01-04T20:23:00.001-07:002012-01-04T20:23:11.965-07:00

For the past couple of days I've been fully involved with all things textile.  Where to begin? First, with the OBMQ, which has (at least online) reached its Grand Finale with the revelation of Part 8 on New Year's Day.  Where am I with it?  Well...as of last night (10 p.m.), I'd finished the rectangles, and put a couple of blocks up on my design wall to see how they looked.  My first reaction:

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-67701172028657824832012-01-01T16:08:00.001-07:002012-01-01T21:27:26.402-07:00

a new word for 2012. Just over a year ago, I'd begun to let go of my former life, to release my hold on the past.  I entered 2011 with a new word, one in which I lacked confidence but which I knew that I had to believe, in order to finish the letting go: enough.   I'd had enough; I have enough; and most importantly, I am enough. It took me over eight months to believe this -- to turn

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-1154390830227767372011-12-31T18:40:00.000-07:002011-12-31T19:00:19.865-07:00

It's now early evening and very dark on this last day of 2011.  I've been pondering how I will summarize this year;  this is what I wrote on my SAQA Visioning Project page, earlier this afternoon: There was learning, and lots of it: About my abilities; About my limits; About my values; About my dreams. There were boosts to my confidence in the above areas -- and there were moments when I

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-89809841747221619932011-12-31T15:41:00.002-07:002011-12-31T15:41:51.097-07:00

Wacky words, that is.  The last time I posted on this topic, it was September...my goodness! Since then I've collected another great stack of "words" that are really just what I had to use to be able to comment on others' blogs.  Here's a list of some of the ones I particularly liked, whether for their possible meanings, or just the sound of 'em: pafting  mionce  sanca - like the coffee?

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-54774726956458850262011-12-31T09:54:00.000-07:002011-12-31T09:54:55.968-07:00

I have more than one idea for posts today, but each deserves its own 'page', so...here's the first: an Orca Bay Mystery Quilt update. We had a bit of a snow-blow overnight here (more blow than snow); this morning the wind continues.  I've decided to postpone my planned run till this afternoon, when the wind is supposed to die down, and to stay indoors and sew.  I've put the Christmas Day Chicken

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-50756351191644551772011-12-28T10:12:00.001-07:002011-12-28T10:12:48.911-07:00

Picture from amazon.ca Never fear!  Sock knitting proceeds apace, with the 'Veil of Rosebuds' pattern designed by Anne Hanson, from Clara Parkes' new book, given me by my daughter for Christmas.  Whoot! Needless to say, I had to get started on a pair of socks right away, and this was the perfect choice for the Patons Kroy FX yarn I had in hand.  These are a gift, so I can't show too much --

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-15577989230687053542011-12-27T11:05:00.000-07:002011-12-27T11:05:14.695-07:00

Yesterday I joined the BDSI.  Although I didn't sew the entire day, I did manage to get quite a bit accomplished, about which I'm very pleased.  So before I go back into the sewing studio for a post-BDSI session, let me bring you up to date: 1.  First, I finished these -- 350 triangles composed of HSTs and triangular 'wings', testing both my patience and my sewing precision. 2. Next I

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-39124309649398040182011-12-25T20:26:00.000-07:002011-12-25T20:26:13.646-07:00

for early this morning, I found Good St. Nick collapsed against a tree at the neighbour's home across the street!  ;-) Thankfully he recovered later in the day, and was seen waving to passers-by.  No doubt by now he's safely back at the North Pole, soaking his feet and enjoying a hot toddy before a long winter's nap. Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-26401570246035579252011-12-23T18:22:00.002-07:002011-12-23T18:23:54.488-07:00

Something I just learned...  ;-)  Enjoy! Merry Christmas, eh?

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-47367544144658771412011-12-23T07:15:00.004-07:002011-12-23T08:33:05.623-07:00

Orca Bay Assembly Line To later this morning, when I try to finish as many of the OBMQ Step 5 triangles as I can before noon! elann.com Colour #3794 - "Wine" To this afternoon, when I pick up that lovely extra ball of elann.com's 'Sonata Soft' and begin the final two dozen (or so) rows of The Christmas Sweater; To this evening, when I watch Alistair Sim be transformed

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-86240838879760123872011-12-22T07:56:00.000-07:002011-12-22T07:56:13.661-07:00

'Star Dust' My City & Guilds tutor, Linda Kemshall, and her colleagues will be closing the online 'schoolhouse' on Friday for the Christmas and New Year holiday.  I decided I'd best finish Activity 4 of Module 5, so I could make a fresh start on the next activity in the New Year. Two methods of tied quilting were required for the assignment.  Because I had only one sample, I decided to

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-26623448797683419922011-12-21T13:50:00.001-07:002011-12-21T14:00:55.222-07:00

cast a long shadow on my cutting table -- and it's not even 2 p.m.!  The shortest day of the year on this side of the planet, I've still managed to cut out all 350 of the 2 3/8" squares I need for Part 5 of the Orca Bay Mystery Quilt. Next step: slice 'em in half and sew the resulting "wings" onto the half-square triangles I made in Step 3.  I might just be able to start on this later this

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-86873039141660466092011-12-18T17:49:00.000-07:002011-12-18T17:49:10.570-07:00

St. Cyprian's, Lacombe, AlbertaEst. 1894 this morning at church,  followed by our annual turkey dinner (at mid-day) in the parish hall...turkey, ham, gravy, mashed potato, buttered carrots, mashed turnip, three kinds of salad, cranberry sauce, four kinds of pickles, dinner rolls, and innumerable desserts in the Anglican tradition: lemon pie, shortbread, light and dark fruit cakes, chocolate

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-20626142244962996272011-12-16T19:45:00.000-07:002011-12-16T19:45:10.742-07:00

Love that Red! That's the name of a lipstick from Revlon (R) (you can still buy it today -- online at Amazon.com, of all places!) that my mother used to wear.  A black-haired, blue-eyed beauty, she looked wonderful in it -- and in her other favourite Revlon (R) shade, "Cherries in the Snow". elann Sonata SoftColour #3794: Wine I've been reminded of her much of today as I've been working

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-9320577203838415592011-12-15T08:23:00.000-07:002011-12-15T08:23:53.775-07:00

Sigh. Years ago I bought a 4-cup coffee maker to take on the road with me to stitching retreats, for accommodation that didn't include a coffee maker in one's room.  It's a GE "Select Edition", and for the two or three times I used it, it worked beautifully (though I had to pour my coffee over the sink because the spout doesn't control the flow!) Sigh. You might recall my post a few weeks

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-87512729029743745662011-12-13T17:36:00.001-07:002011-12-13T17:36:36.663-07:00

Luminaria - Devonian Gardens, Devon, AlbertaTaken by Gina Blank, Dec. 10, 2011Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.Psalm 119:105

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-29983758147714542462011-12-13T16:45:00.000-07:002011-12-13T17:06:12.027-07:00

In this photo from Lion Brand Yarn are cabled soap cozies.  I first heard about the free pattern for them from Liz and Zontee on a recent YarnCraft podcast about last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers.  I've made a couple just like this out of some cream-coloured 100% wool mulespinner yarn I bought some years ago from nearby Custom Woollen Mills (Carstairs, Alberta).  I've decided I have to

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-25255705002969434002011-12-12T07:21:00.000-07:002011-12-12T07:21:30.586-07:00

Monday is Link-up Day over at OBMQ HQ (!), so I felt I simply had to find something to post.  :-) Although I was out of town most of the weekend, I managed to get a few of the red strippy triangles created last evening.  See those two right in front?  They were the produce of my first square, cut in half the wrong way.  Uh-huh.  In my eagerness to get 'em started, I forgot that the plan is to

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-86677936072518959462011-12-09T15:41:00.001-07:002011-12-09T15:58:33.677-07:00

It's Friday, and that means it's "next clue day" at Orca Bay Mystery Quilt Headquarters! Thankfully, I finished all my Half Square Triangles -- though some of 'em still have 'ears'.  However they, with their cousins, the Quarter Square Triangles from Part 1, were threatening to bury my cutting table in black and white.  What to do?  I solved the problem with some Styrofoam trays I'd been

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-82594810830441739292011-12-05T07:10:00.001-07:002011-12-05T07:14:25.101-07:00

at the Orca Bay Mystery Quilt site.  :-)  I love Mondays because during this Mystery Quilt project, I get to check out the progress of my quilty compatriots, and do a bit of blog visiting.  Despite a busy weekend, I've managed to finish all but 86 of my HSTs.  In other words, I used up all my triangle paper in the 1.5" finished size, and now have to turn to  my tried-and-true cut/mark/sew/slice/

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-44006147721689985112011-12-02T22:12:00.001-07:002011-12-02T22:24:45.261-07:00

Why do 'makers' make things -- textiles, furniture, pottery, paintings, clothing, home decor, jewellry...?  Why do you make?  Why do I? Why I Make is a subject tackled by a number of guests posting on the American Craft magazine website.  Among them is my SAQA friend and colleague, art quilter Jean Judd. Grab a cuppa and check out her article, and those of the other guest writers.  Have a

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-34307728982518024692011-12-02T21:30:00.001-07:002011-12-02T22:09:14.587-07:00

This blog post is brought to you today by the letters H,S,T, and by the number 48. Part 3 of the swiftly-moving Orca Bay Mystery Quilt project calls for Half-Square Triangles.  A whole whack of 'em: 350, to be precise.  For that number, I set aside my Quilter's Quarter ruler and reach for triangle paper.  As luck would have it, I had the right size in my stash.  Have had it for years -- so

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-81076519260263569552011-12-01T12:00:00.001-07:002011-12-01T12:04:55.086-07:00

Lost touch for a few hours this morning when Google/Blogger locked me out of my own account. Apparently, there was some "unauthorized activity" going on here that I didn't know about.  Why Management (i.e. Google) decides that the "Authorized User" (i.e. me) was doing Whatever It Was is beyond me, but I guess in Social Networking, it's "Guilty until proven innocent."  Sigh.  I couldn't even

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-49444068255437286782011-11-30T18:12:00.001-07:002011-11-30T18:21:47.362-07:00

72 Blues and an invitation to tea. Today I finished (1) my murder mystery; (2) my 72 strip-pieced on paper foundation 3.5" squares for Part 2 of the OBMQ; and (3) six cranberry loaves for the Mirror Library's Annual Christmas Tea and Bake Sale to be held at the library on Saturday (Dec. 3) between 1 and 3:30 p.m. The reason you see only 5 loaves in the photo is that these are the ones to

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-84603618803076957352011-11-30T05:26:00.001-07:002011-11-30T05:30:55.014-07:00

...from my daughter's book. Yesterday was my husband's 59th birthday -- 'cept he was celebrating with the angels, 'cause he left Planet Earth over 5 years ago. Yesterday was also the first time since he died that I didn't fall to pieces on his birthday.  I think he'd be happy about that -- probably think, "Finally!"  But all day, he was in my thoughts, so I just love how my daughter remembered

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-28979761721690198012011-11-28T06:44:00.001-07:002011-11-28T06:50:35.623-07:00

Beads and Buttons Galore I love beads and buttons, but confess that my left brain often interferes with my seeing their potential.  This morning, my blog reading brought this, and now I have a new game to play! P.S. If I were in Melbourne, Australia, I know I could spend many happy hours at this shop!

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-8955718141894454602011-11-27T06:36:00.001-07:002011-11-27T07:12:22.269-07:00

Bonnie, over at Quiltville, thought it would be fun to share 'first quilts', so last evening I dug mine out.  Currently it resides in the closet in my back room, wherein I keep almost all of the family memorabilia -- mainly photos, framed and in albums, but also cases of news articles (like the lunar landing and Canada's Centennial Year), a quartet of my favourite childhood toys (teddy bear,

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-56734558480383339732011-11-26T19:21:00.001-07:002011-11-26T19:40:34.821-07:00

All the QSTs! I finished Part 1 of the OBMQ early this morning, and moved on to Part 2.  Though we have to end up with 72  3.5" squares, this section of the project is almost restful compared to the first; it consists of flip-and-stitch strip sewing on paper foundations -- something I can do! Some of the blues, ready to sew Part 2 is a study in blues, which is great practice for designing

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-19248792055577807162011-11-25T07:27:00.001-07:002011-11-25T07:33:15.756-07:00

Puddles of colour await assembly into my next wee sample. Module 5 - Activity 3

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-17612037407414573952011-11-24T18:34:00.001-07:002011-11-24T18:45:33.032-07:00

of  'Wovember'. How could I have let this slip by?  I mean, I knew about it weeks ago and didn't post about it.  Shame!  For shame! I've been knitting since I was 8 (a very long time ago), and spinning for the past 3 years...and I almost missed it! Not that I haven't been knitting -- I always have something on the needles, and usually more than one "something" -- or spinning (see this) --

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-11725369721618526772011-11-22T08:37:00.001-07:002011-11-22T08:39:40.845-07:00

Thanks again to Robert Genn...

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-14863744876810373302011-11-21T19:56:00.001-07:002011-11-21T20:19:36.007-07:00

Reporting from Orca Bay Mystery Quilt Outpost, Mirror, Alberta:   Here are the hour glass units that passed muster from today's work -- all 52 of them.  There were supposed to be 60, but eight went into the 2.325" square stack instead.*  I must have had a moment of weakness or fatigue, and just not taken enough care to stitch that hair's width inside the sewing lines on those ones.  Sigh.  Ah

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-56570356588417869752011-11-21T19:31:00.001-07:002011-11-21T19:54:06.167-07:00

Or, defeated by the consumer culture -- again. Some of you might remember when my television died in January.  Actually, a storm shorted out the satellite receiver, taking the television with it -- and repairs would have equalled the cost of a new television.  I opted for neither, and took the TV and receiver etc. to my local electronics recycler. Now it looks like I'll be visiting them again

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-9660508363351298312011-11-21T08:10:00.001-07:002011-11-21T08:35:30.119-07:00

Around here, anyway.  I managed to get the lights up on the cedar next to my front door, just before the snow hit on Thursday (and yes, they're LED lights!)  Since then, I've hibernated from the snow and cold with a variety of projects, including these: Baby Owen's First Christmasneeded a stocking! Hanten - frontwaiting to be hemmed This is the Japanese-style hanten jacket I've been

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-88060266823058428602011-11-19T18:41:00.001-07:002011-11-19T18:57:59.637-07:00

...or thank Heaven for Trish Stuart!  I was fussing in my earlier post today that I had 9 hour glass units that were each 1/8" too small for the OBMQ -- and I was sighing and saying, "Enough for today!"  But something about this little 'problem' was irresistible;  I had to figure it out before I could make more units.  I tootled around Google and came up with a great little video produced by

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-16223851063487756572011-11-19T13:54:00.001-07:002011-11-19T14:13:12.738-07:00

...I think.  Having decided, due to the wind chill (-29C and it hasn't budged all day) to play hooky from my monthly volunteering at the Stettler thrift store, I have now cut out and sewed up my second batch of hour glass units, working a bit at a time between about 8 a.m. and now (2 p.m.). Sleeve #1 awaits a fitting Maybe God's rapping my knuckles for staying home.  Out of a potential total

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-84707142703439878392011-11-18T20:02:00.001-07:002011-11-18T20:20:31.269-07:00

Half-squares lined up to become Hour Glass units (figuratively speaking, that is!)   The Orca Bay Mystery Quilt officially began today.  I meant to work on it this afternoon, but after shovelling out my back sidewalk, parking pad and driveway behind the garage, I came in and had a nap instead!  That left me this evening, and I was determined to get started. I thought I had one of the triangle

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-71891248523536548122011-11-18T08:11:00.001-07:002011-11-18T10:14:43.461-07:00

Isn't he cute?! I've picked my colours, washed those pieces that -- till now -- had not been washed -- and it's a good thing I did!  One of the reds ran a bit, so a couple of B&W scraps are now very pale pink B&W.  Ah well -- if the pieces are small, it won't make any difference. Fabric collection for the OBMQ I've now printed off the Intro and Part 1 and put them in a binder

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-15102549937162255732011-11-17T08:15:00.001-07:002011-11-17T08:29:45.749-07:00

it's snowin' and blowin' to beat the band this morning (started over night), and I'm getting into hibernate-in-the-studio mode! Yes, I am working on a mosaic patchwork (aka English Paper Piecing) sample for my C&G, and a Christmas stocking for yet another new baby (not the same parents as last year's baby!)...and now...well, I just read Cathy Tomm's blog...and she mentioned that there happens

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-58063358778676627372011-11-14T16:53:00.001-07:002011-11-14T17:02:41.659-07:00

Activity 1 of Module 5 in my C&G had me doing a wee colour study of one of the objects I put in My Box of Things 'way back in Activity 1, Module 1.  You can see clearly that the objects I selected were largely monochromatic.  How then, to do a colour study?! I selected the only item with more than one colour to it: the silk eyeglass case left me by my mother, which I now use to hold pencils

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-81621779722011749772011-11-12T11:36:00.001-07:002011-11-12T12:15:06.658-07:00

The weather here the past couple of days has been distinctly November-ish: cold, damp, a skiff of snow and when there's been a breeze, it's been bone-chilling.  Though I've managed my daily jog (a.m.) and walks (p.m.),  I am quite happy to sit indoors and stitch, listening to music or watching The Quilt Show as I do. [Last night I even caught up on a couple of early episodes from the webcast

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-32272351278279602372011-11-11T07:45:00.001-07:002011-11-11T07:49:30.827-07:00

Remembering: My step-grandfather:   Private Walter Daniel, Quebec Regiment 841200, 42nd Batallion, killed in France, interred Barlin Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, B: April 24, 1883 - D: February 23, 1918. My father: Major John Gillies Rennie, Canadian Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), BAOR, wounded in Germany, B: November 14, 1904 - D: February 13, 1952

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-65902775535662761782011-11-09T08:44:00.000-07:002011-11-09T08:44:14.187-07:00

...as a young fellow with whom I used to work would say.  Yesterday I "scored" big while cleaning up after the fund-raising second-hand book sale at the Library.  This beautiful tome was mineminemine for our going price: twenty-five cents! Thanks to my recent subscription to The Quilt Show, I'd purchased a past show featuring Virginia Avery -- and I was smitten.  Her work is beautiful, her

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-26937605330891985722011-11-06T08:04:00.000-07:002011-11-06T08:04:09.729-07:00

Casket Cover #11 - 2009Mary Sullivan Holdgrafer I mentioned that a Selection from the Cheongiu Exhibit was coming to Lacombe for a brief display at the Lacombe Memorial Centre (aka the LMC).  It came, it displayed, and it left.  Its whereabouts was so little mentioned that when I wanted to view it, at first I couldn't find it.  Fortunately, a couple of days before it was to be taken down, I

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-49141419990612353692011-11-03T19:02:00.000-06:002011-11-03T19:34:24.195-06:00

do well at the Houston International Quilt Association Festival! Kathy Wylie of Whitby, Ontario, won the Founders' Award with her beautiful piece, "Flourish", inspired by the New Testament scripture passage from John 15:5: I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. Comfort, beauty, clarity, elegance

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-72579606632039481812011-11-03T09:47:00.000-06:002011-11-03T09:50:00.093-06:00

Dr. Frederick Banting, Nov. 14, 1891 - Feb. 21, 1941 is National Diabetes Awareness Month in Canada.  Mid-month (the 14th) marks the birthday of  Dr.Frederick Banting, the Canadian who, with his colleagues, Dr. John James Rickard Macleod and Dr. Charles Best, is credited as one of the main discoverers of insulin, the substance which, now created artificially, is administered to people with

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-38915539479472172082011-10-27T19:45:00.001-06:002011-11-03T09:23:53.375-06:00

I'm a Fan of the Yarn Harlot! No; I've never met her. BUT I have read all of her books (and own them all) EXCEPT for her new one. KIDS: This one sits  next to Clara Parkes' Knitter's Book of Socks on the  I WANT IT Christmas wish list. Love, MOM **Original post editted November 3, 2011.  Somehow, the other photo (i.e. same photo, but with a caption) had its link broken.  

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-54233241045391657572011-10-27T18:28:00.000-06:002011-10-27T18:28:02.404-06:00

Opened last night at the Sandman Inn, Lethbridge, AB I'm driving down tomorrow to see the performance m'self. Yep, that's MY BOY in the profile above as the lead, and dipping his Leading Lady... If you're in the area (or have to drive in from Calgary!) GO FOR IT! and enjoy!

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-15448397874506188212011-10-27T09:00:00.000-06:002011-10-27T09:00:11.226-06:00

Quilt: Fan Pattern - ca. 1900 from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, and it's American paintings and sculpture curator: "Not every work that gives you pleasure is necessarily major or important." -- Barbara Weinberg

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-33479737187083752182011-10-23T17:17:00.004-06:002011-10-23T17:17:32.556-06:00

This week I worked on the last 'Activity' in Module 4 of my Creative Techniques: Quilting, and sent several series of photos off to Linda.  Why a series?  Well.... Photo courtesy Victorian Embroidery and Crafts This Activity continued thoughts about line____________________, and added a bit about texture, too, with the introduction of creating line with couching.  (Thanks to Sharon B,

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-1289456557112345742011-10-21T08:56:00.001-06:002011-10-21T08:56:22.483-06:00

Memories of Gombe - Mary Pal Mary Pal, of Ottawa, Ontario, has had her quilt, "Memories of Gombe", accepted in the forthcoming exhibit, Art Quilt Elements 2012, beginning March 30, 2012 and running through May 13. at the Wayne Art Centre in Pennsylvania. The competition included over 270 applicants, and the three jurors had to view over 660 images from 42 US states and 11 countries! I

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-2295586330357808902011-10-20T18:53:00.001-06:002011-10-20T18:53:44.373-06:00

Stephanie, that is; i.e., Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, aka the Yarn Harlot....who's currently on a tour promoting (well, signing, actually -- she's so wonderful that the promoting bit is automatic) her new book. She just left Baltimore for Chicago...and recorded her Baltimore experience; Yarn Harlot: In which Baltimore Brings It* Most of it is Essential YH -- i.e., a twist on what happened in

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-20099076235667926742011-10-19T07:13:00.002-06:002011-10-19T07:14:49.041-06:00

You made my day! Circle Play - 2011 All of the work I viewed exhibited high artistic quality, and I found myself initially choosing way more than my allotment of 50. I then faced the agonizing task of deselecting many pieces I appreciated.*  *Michael Solomon, in his comments about judging the 268 pieces submitted to SAQA's 2011 Trunk Show, "This is a Quilt!" As my piece was one of the ones

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-69090401831255122292011-10-18T18:14:00.000-06:002011-10-18T18:23:07.768-06:00

On Sunday afternoon I hiked on up to Leduc -- just south of Edmonton and the site of the Big Oil Strike in February of 1947 that put Alberta on the map, and gave birth to an industry that, while controversial, has kept generations of Canadians warm in our less-than-hospitable winters. I was in search of warmth-providing gold of a different kind -- the 'quilty' kind, that is -- and I found it

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-7625646244647097832011-10-16T06:57:00.002-06:002011-10-16T06:59:20.923-06:00

Autumn has been beautiful here this year, the colours so striking and so plentiful that I've found myself running for my camera more often than ever before. As the days grow shorter, I've been up early enough to witness spectacular September sunrises, and with the recent spate of warmer afternoons, have found myself hauling out a lawn chair to sit, stitch and stare at the beauty all around me.

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-35638463777559471722011-10-14T09:38:00.001-06:002011-10-18T07:47:13.336-06:00

arlee barr is part of the textile artist group, Contextural -- and their exhibit, "Have Work, Will Travel" is currently showing as part of the "Living in a Material World" exhibit at the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts in Calgary.  The show is in the Window Galleries across from the Max Bell Theatre, so can be viewed any time the building is open -- you don't need to be going to a

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-29461935618800296562011-10-13T07:23:00.000-06:002011-10-13T07:23:25.780-06:00

That's the nickname folks have given to knitter and yarn expert, Clara Parkes, founder of Knitter's Review and author of two classics: The Knitter's Book of Yarn and The Knitter's Book of Wool. This week knitters everywhere are celebrating the birth of her latest: The Knitter's Book of Socks.  Oh...... Sock Heaven!  A former sufferer of Serious Second Sock Syndrome (SSSS), I have been deeply in

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-78590596146153701742011-10-07T20:44:00.000-06:002011-10-07T20:44:15.170-06:00

This is the weekend we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada.  Officially, it's the Second Sunday in October, followed by the Second Monday. Some of us feast on the one; some, on the other.  It is a quieter celebration than that of our Neighbours to the South (i.e., the USA)...because, in large part, it is born of a different tradition: thanks for the harvest, but not thanks for liberation from the

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-18630578426743380712011-10-06T07:53:00.000-06:002011-10-06T07:53:11.621-06:00

Thank you, Mr. Jobs, for blessing us with your imagination, your energy, and your wisdom.

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-74989995473311976012011-10-05T17:07:00.000-06:002011-10-05T17:07:08.518-06:00

... Or at least that seems to be how it's turning out this week. I'd really like to get into a more consistent routine, and now that the Siren Song of Summer Sunshine no longer beckons, perhaps I can do just that. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, The Yarn Harlot, used to say, "Tuesdays are for spinning".  I'd like to incorporate that into my schedule too, thus: Mondays are for Lacombe (the City of,

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-50576835321799716192011-10-04T19:29:00.003-06:002011-10-04T19:44:19.322-06:00

Photo credit:  vendoluzes.com Folks have been asking, so I spent some time today tidying up my space, and I'm pleased to announce that as of now, my online art gallery is once again open for business! When you click on the 3F Creations page, you'll find yourself in the foyer, with 3 "departments" from which to choose: My Newest Work (completed between December 2010 to the present); Work

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-48631664430864410892011-10-02T08:11:00.000-06:002011-10-02T08:14:43.098-06:00

My cyber-friend and quilting colleague, Linda Miller, recently donated a couple of small pieces to the newly-created Texas Quilt Museum. I too answered the call, and this week mailed a trio of quilted post-cards to Karey down in La Grange. I took them out of the frames in which I'd placed them for the Lacombe Art Show last spring, popped them in an envelope and was able to send them easily

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-19379347905539343852011-10-02T07:40:00.000-06:002011-10-02T07:40:13.184-06:00

Oh, be still my heart!  Yesterday, on the way home from Calgary, I popped in at Out of Hand, a shop that sells supplies, just like the  Wooly Ladies  that Laura* described on her blog this morning.  With the weather here continuing to turn autumnal, who wouldn't want to spend a cloudy, cool afternoon stutching yummy hand-dyed wool into exquisite applique? *'via Blog this'

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-27850273810224589152011-09-29T07:38:00.000-06:002011-09-29T07:38:29.736-06:00

Cheongju Selection Travelling Art Exhibit opens in Lacombe, Oct 6 | ArtRubicon Visual Arts Magazine: 'via Blog this'.  If you're in the area between October 6th and 26th, do take some time to enjoy this magnificent exhibit.  I know I will! At left: The Messenger - a piece on exhibit in the Cheongiu Selection.

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-79055225234883880512011-09-28T21:14:00.000-06:002011-09-28T21:14:43.093-06:00

I've been playing with inserts... narrow folded fabric Frayed linen flaps, staggered sizes Frayed cotton fabric, alternating directions And generally having fun! Odd Man Out* *All from Module 4, Activity 2, Level 2 Certificate program in Creative Techniques: Quilting - online with Linda Kemshall of Design Matters.  

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-42219007449566744092011-09-27T14:55:00.003-06:002011-09-27T14:55:49.731-06:00

My son just let me know he's snagged the lead in the Playgoers production of "Send Me No Flowers" opening in Lethbridge -- dinner theatre at the Sandman Inn -- on October 26.  You bet I'll be there!

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-21926165982437858842011-09-24T16:07:00.001-06:002011-09-24T16:08:11.016-06:00

I just received word that my donatation to the 2011 SAQA Benefit Auction, "Picked for the Ripening", has been sold.  Whoo hoo!  It feels great to contribute to the success of an organization that has given me so much pleasure, education and opportunities.

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-32334899523373080122011-09-21T09:37:00.000-06:002011-09-21T09:37:10.307-06:00

I began my twenties as a reluctant driver.  I didn't learn till I was 24, with the wonderful folks at the local AMA (Alberta Motor Association) driving school and a very patient husband.  To this day I have my driving idiosyncrasies:  I drive only a five-speed, standard transmission small car (currently a nine-year-old red Toyota Echo that I've named "Cutie Pie"); if I don't have to drive in

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-83283405187626647682011-09-18T05:34:00.000-06:002011-09-18T05:34:17.481-06:00

As Elaine says, the quilts on page two of the 2011 SAQA Benefit Auction go up for bid tomorrow (September 19).  Her piece is on Page 2b; mine is on Page 2a. Needless to say, I am thrilled and honoured to be in such illustrious company.  Do check out all the fabulous work!

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-9554313399578387382011-09-14T16:54:00.000-06:002011-09-14T16:54:19.146-06:00

Judy Martin, a Canadian quilt artist, has once again introduced me to a bit of Canadian art quilting history of which I was totally ignorant.  She just introduced me to the work of Joyce Wieland, (1932-1998), whose work is remembered in this online supplement to Canadian Art magazine.  Two words: Oh. My. A third: Enjoy.

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-4233771943912350252011-09-14T10:32:00.001-06:002011-09-14T10:32:51.911-06:00

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson, a Brit now living in the US.  It is particularly delicious if you "read" it via the audio-book version, read by Peter Altschuler, an actor able to do voices for a variety of characters and who portrays the quintessential upper-crust Briton with flare. Yes, you can read it in hard cover, or as an e-book, or on a Kindle or whatever, but if you want

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-26626834560869837802011-09-12T08:17:00.002-06:002011-09-12T08:17:55.931-06:00

The SAQA Benefit Auction 2011 starts today at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (that would be noon here in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies).   This year, several of us have become 'virtual curators', putting together Dream Collections that express our tastes and highlight favourites within the wide range of styles and expressions on offer.  Knowing how I love my outdoor Summer Studio, it'll

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-86747267169528152032011-09-11T20:25:00.000-06:002011-09-11T20:25:37.573-06:00

All in all, it's been a grand weekend.  Saturday dawned as hot and sunny as the day before, and I was off to visit the last two shops on my Northern Shop Hop tour.  First I went to the south Edmonton location of Quilter's Dream, where I added a bit of fabric to my stash -- purchasing a third FQ in the feature fabric, and 1/2 metre of orange tone-on-tone as an accent (there turned out to be no

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-26750733583039149332011-09-09T17:01:00.000-06:002011-09-09T17:01:50.581-06:00

because I'm posting from my DD's computer, but I cleared the first 60% of the Northern Shop Hop today.  I hopped -- and yes, I shopped.  But moderately.  Seriously.  I'm poor as a church mouse and have a stash large enough to open my own teeny shop.  But I felt badly not buying anything (aside from the $6 CAD entry fee, which gave me my 'Passport' and a free swatch of the Hop's selected fabric),

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-4941501031721929022011-09-09T07:51:00.000-06:002011-09-09T07:58:06.729-06:00

With 30C and sunshine here (that's in the 80s for you non-metric folks), it's been a mixed week. I've finished up the set of 3 mohair shawlettes for my church's prayer shawl ministry, and a wee embroidered sampler with a garden theme. I've also prepared my fabric for Activities 11/12 of my City & Guilds program, and need to get it finished and submitted soon, before Linda sends out a search party

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-46202485995242565272011-09-06T08:05:00.001-06:002011-09-06T08:09:51.447-06:00

Martha Sielman and Kate Themel, who helped me add the SAQA Benefit Auction 2011 slideshow on my right sidebar.  What?!  You haven't looked yet?!  What are you waiting for?  Grab a cuppa and enjoy! P.S. To the left is my contribution...

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-83040598312381797882011-09-05T10:48:00.000-06:002011-09-05T10:48:33.907-06:00

Until yesterday, the weather has been a bit more like fall than not, so I've spent some more time sewing.  Here's Section 2 of that "Sunrise/Sunset" quilt top, and here's Sections 1 and 2 attached to each other, taking up my entire design wall -- and then some! Section 3 requires that I make more blocks, some of which I will have to create from scratch as my friend, it seems, didn't

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032008.post-26840620779734061462011-09-03T09:36:00.000-06:002011-09-03T09:37:25.651-06:00

Last week, I ate The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  I couldn't absorb it fast enough.  I had to 'read, mark, learn and inwardly digest' it. I'd borrowed it from the library, so I couldn't do make my usual margin notes, add my usual sticky notes to bookmark pages I'd want to re-read. I might just have to buy a copy, or maybe one of the kids will get it for my birthday (hint, hint). ;-

Margaretnoreply@blogger.com2