Door prizes

It has been awhile since I placed an order of books to be shipped by mail.  I seem to be getting into the habit of reading online.  I said that I never would do it, but I find that I do, and all the time. But there is something satisfying about holding a book in my hands, especially a craft book!

The book "Pretty in Patchwork" was a door prize at our Modern Quilt Guild retreat which I did not win. But I was sure to include it in this order.

This is to come (in the mail!). Three of these books I have looked at front to back and they are 'keepers'.  The book by Elizabeth Hartman of www.ohfransson.com fame, I am sure will not disappoint.

February quilt retreat

 Sunday night... so tired, but I spent the weekend at our modern quilt guild retreat.  and yes, I need to put my laundry load into the dryer; unpack my sewing machine and my sewing supplies. But as I am stretched out on our sofa, laptop on hand... I am posting a few pictures. So enjoyable and now sorry that it is over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Inspiring.

This happens every September...

Wow.. I can't believe almost three weeks have flown by since I last posted.  This happens every September.  I begin the month savouring every last bit of sunshine on the Labour Day weekend, then I start signing up / starting back to my regular activities. Like quilt guild meetings (I now belong to two guilds - Ridge Meadows in Maple Ridge & the Fraser Valley Modern Quilt Guild that meets in Abbotsford!); started going to the gym more often; am attending Pilates on my lunch breaks; signing up for a Continuing Studies course (this year I am studying Photoshop!), signed up for quilting workshops (signed up for 4!); started thinking about Christmas shopping!.... and before I know it..... summer seems like a long time ago!  There must some kind of correlation between letting go of 'summer' with the rate my date calendar fills up! The busier I am, the less sad I feel about the end of another summer season.
This is what I have been up to so far...

I joined an online quilt-a-long, called Across the Sea.  I loved the pattern, a Greek Cross. It is simple, bold and it really is a great way to showcase some of my bright fabrics!  I have completed 56 blocks, all sewn into rows already.  And I would show you the completed quilt top but I ran out of my background fabric and await my additional fabric by mail! But I am liking this quilt (my imaginings of it!) and can't wait to get it finished.  Will post pictures.

And remember that I mentioned that I belong to two (2!) quilt guilds -  belonging to a quilt guild brings many benefits as well as responsibilities you know.   Benefits are many.... regularly brainstorming and creating, all the inspiration from seeing others create firsthand.  But  to belong to the guild a member must strive to learn and improve his/her craft each year.

So this was my first 'stretch' -  I took part in the Kona Challenge.  A quilt top, using every color (43) in the charm pack - a quilt top that was all solid (no patterned) fabric. This was a new direction for me.... as I really like vintage, reproduction fabrics, but working with just color was a great experience.... and I might do it again... just for fun.

I attended a quilt retreat earlier this month - 3 days, 2 nights of lots of sewing and hanging out with other quilters.  Very fun.  And I learned a lot,  especially learned that I love quilting retreats!  I have signed up for another coming in January!!
Last, but not least.... I found some more Vintage Rock Maple heaven pieces....

The dresser will be for my hub, as he really needs more space
for all his tees, socks and running gear.

And, look at these adorable nesting tables!  beautiful set of 3.... actually I got all four pieces for an amazing price!

Happy end of summer & new beginnings everyone!

Quilt Retreat ....Outcomes

My essential tools.

 This past weekend was spent at my first quilting retreat - I loved the experience. My one regret, that I was unable to absorb of all the great information that was flying around the workroom....  the best  thread; great quilting teachers; the project discussions..... it was phenomenal!  But I was so determined to complete the blocks for my 'Basket Case" quilt pattern that I dare not leave my chair.  Oh and it was humbling to see some of the talent! Such talent in that room! Quilting retreats are about more than just quilting! There were so many impromptu sewing demonstrations, tips, advice, more, more, more than I could have imagined! Wonderful.

But I tried to remember what my goal was, to complete a 'vintage' inspired quilt top, in a pattern that I loved, all the while trying to forgive myself for my sewing errors! See the picture of my inspiration below! Next retreat, I promise to make time to learn more!

This pattern is called Basket Case from Cluck Cluck Sew.

Sweet Retreat - what will you be working on ?

Our Fraser Valley Modern Quilt Guild  will be hosting its' first annual Quilting Retreat from March 18th 'til 20th.  An entire weekend (Friday evening until Sunday afternoon) dedicated to quilting, sewing,  as well as a creative idea exchange. Of course all types of creative endeavors are welcome - scrap-booking, knitting, hand-sewing, but I plan to finish an entire quilt top!  Now yes, it would also be a good idea to bring along a 'WIP" (work in progress) and get it finished... yes it would..... Nah, I really want to work on something fresh and challenging!  How often will I have a full weekend without any meals to prepare, laundry to do or errands to run? So here's to drinking lots of coffee/tea; sewing in my PJs; hanging out with a fabulous group of creative women and getting very familiar with my sewing machine. 

I am still deciding which project to bring as it would be a good idea to have all fabrics ready (cut), bobbins filled and supplies packed!  Here are a few inspirations & links to look at...What will you be working on?

I just love this scrappy beauty! 1930's fabrics !!

Spotted on the blog Diary of a Quilter Click on the link for more pictures, pattern and tutorial.

Here is another fresh one - from Any Butler's website. Lots of free patterns available.

Can't remember where I first saw this, but I love this pattern. Anyone know its' name?

Vintagey & modern - Heather Mulder Peterson.

The More Productive I am.....

This is my mantra for the week:

The more productive I am, the luckier I will become.

OK, if you are wondering... what is up with the quote?   Well currently I am hooked into looking up a new mantra each week based on this posting: 

http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/01/17/52-monday-morning-stress-reduction-mantras/ 

I probably need more explanation,  like about the 'luckier' part,  but you know what??  It is a New Year, and I am just going to go with it.  I have saved this posting where I re-read it each week.   I just scan down the list and pick what looks good to me.... there are 52 of them!  What does amaze me is that whatever I choose always seems to fit!  Trusting my instincts.

Besides, I am 'jazzed up' about the whole notion of productivity and the 'practical', especially after this past weekend's workshop, and I like the word 'Practical',  perhaps because the word 'practice' is built right in! 

Practice is great!

On that note but before I go.... I wanted to post a few photos of inspirations/aspirations as a dear friend and sewing companion is planning a Quilting Retreat for this coming March (so excited) I think I have found my project to work on at the retreat.... 

Check it out!!

This pattern just 'speaks' to me; and it is saying "Sew me!"

I love this pattern, as it is 'scrappy' ( lots of different fabrics, in small pieces) which entails sharing of fabrics amongst sewing friends! That in itself will make this project special. This will probably be 'it'!

But I am looking at this pattern too! I just love this pattern, it is an 'American Jane' pattern (aka Sandy Klop design). I love all things 'American Jane' especially her fabric lines.  So vintagey! 

Happy sewing and productivity Everyone!!