Stitch Lines

Almost a Friday Finish...

2012-02-10T22:01:00.000-04:00

I thought I would have a "finish" to show you tonight, but I'm not quite there. Oh it WILL be done before I go to bed, but there is not much sense in trying to get a good photo at midnight.. I much prefer natural (outdoor) light... So this is just a "tease" and I'll post a "finish" photo later tomorrow as I have a busy day lined up. This is a variation of the scrap quilt for my class later this month. It is a 20" square table centre. Although I'm not much of a "red" person (sorry Shelley D!!) I do like red and white quilts and figured something new to put on the table for Valentines might be nice... I have finished the quilting so all that remains to be done now is the binding... Stay tuned...

Peace
Linda

Every step of the journey IS the journey. ~ Zen saying

Hari-Kuyo, Festival of Broken Needles

2012-02-08T21:33:00.007-04:00

Image from Google Images

For hundreds of years, February 8 has been celebrated as Hari-Koyu - Festival of Broken Needles - in Japan. (Hari means needle and Koyu means memorial service). Seamstresses, tailors, kimono-makers, and embroiderers bring their broken and worn needles and pins to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to honour them and "lay them to rest". Prayers of thanks and respect are offered to thank the tools for their service. They are then plunged into a slab of tofu to soothe them after their hard work, and to protect their sharp points, preventing them doing any harm before they are laid to rest. By offering prayers and showing respect, it is hoped that the needle will pass it's energy to the owner and make them a better stitcher in the coming year. Priests will bless the needles and thank them for work well done. No sewing is done on this day.
There is an old Shinto belief that inanimate objects, as well as living things, have a soul and spirit, and to simply discard a tool which has been useful and served you well, would be disrespectful. The Japanese have great respect for objects in their everyday life, and believe they should be treated with care and not lost or wasted. (Perhaps there is a good lesson here for today's modern "throw-away" generation?)
I have long been fascinated with Japanese culture. I'm sure much of that comes from the fact that as a child, I had a Japanese penpal. We wrote back and forth for about 5 years I think, and I still have every one of her letters. Shizue plastered the envelopes with beautiful commemorative stamps as I collected stamps then; you can read my previous post about that here.
Through the years, my Japanese fascination has continued; I had a Japanese roommate while teaching in British Columbia, love doing Kumihimo, have tried Sashiko, and I am always amazed by the skills of Japanese quilters and the beauty of their quilts. I have long wanted to travel to Japan, but in light of last year's earthquake and tsunami damage, I don't know if that will ever happen now...
But I do love the idea of this festival, honouring needles and other sewing tools. We would all do well to spend a few minutes today thinking about how lucky we are to have such wonderful sewing and quilting tools and equipment at our disposal. And yes - perhaps we should thank our needles for their service! What better way to honour them than to give them a wonderful home? My friend Susan over at Plays With Needles has designed a beautiful needlebook and is offering an E-course. Details were revealed today. You can read all about it and sign up for the class here. Even if you do not wish to make the needlebook, have a look at Susan's other posts about Hari-Kuyo and her needlebook here, here, and here. The eye candy alone is worth the look!! :)

Peace,
Linda

"Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts? " ~ Confucius

Jimmy Rankin and The Eagles in the same weekend...woohooo!

2012-02-07T13:52:00.006-04:00

Once again I feel so fortunate to live where I do. Where else could you enjoy shows by Jimmy Rankin and the Eagles on the same weekend? I spent three wonderful days with my darlin' daughter, and we had a full agenda lined up...The bus strike in her city is really making life difficult (not to mention expensive) for students to get around... so she had "a list" of things to get accomplished while she had access to a vehicle. First up was a Thursday night concert by Jimmy Rankin at MSVU. He had just returned from a tour in western Canada with the The Rankins. (For those of you who are not from
around these parts, this is a "local" Maritime family group who incorporate many musical styles into their work, including celtic, traditional, folk, pop, country and rock. A variety of instruments, including fiddle, mandolin, guitar
and a number of percussion instruments make their sound unique - it is difficult to label - it is simply Rankin.) Jimmy has long been the group's primary songwriter and his recent 8 ECMA nominations proves he "still has it". Jimmy's solo career is going well and we caught him at his third Halifax performance, a lively evening featuring many songs from his newer albums. (Rankin images courtesy of Google Images)
Later on Friday, after grocery shopping and a few necessary errands, we headed up to the Annapolis Valley to get ready for our "Eagles encounter". (Now I know you're thinking "WHAT? The Eagles were here? I didn't hear anything about it....") No, I'm not talking about the singing Eagles. No Don Henley, Hotel California, Desperado, New Kid in Town for us... No, I mean the soaring eagles.... the bald eagle - that magnificent bird of prey ....
This year was the 20th annual Eagle Watch at Sheffield Mills, near Kentville. Hundreds of eagles frequent this area in the winter as local poultry farmers put out piles of dead chickens which would otherwise have to be disposed of. In this way, they are helping the eagle make a comeback from the endangered species list. The birds relish these free chicken dinners and return year after year. These "free meals" have had an amazing effect on mortality rates, raising chick survival rates dramatically. Young eagles which

would normally not survive a difficult winter are now reaching adulthood and returning to this area of the Annapolis Valley. This program has resulted in the largest winter population of Bald Eagles in Eastern North America, now over 500.
Laura and I rose early (a rare thing for me, I know! wink) and checked out of our motel, picked up Egg McMuffins and coffee at Mickey D's, stopped to buy batteries for Laura's camera as the overnight charging in her brand new battery charger had not worked, and headed out to Sheffield Mills. We were at the viewing site by 8a.m. The farmer arrived shortly thereafter and dumped the fresh pile of "chicken dinners" in mid-field. At that point, there were perhaps 15 eagles,
tops, waiting in the surrounding trees. Okay, I thought..... let the fun begin. (At this point I should tell you, on our way to this "official" viewing site, we passed a field that had probably 30 eagles, already on the ground feeding, and at least 25-30 more in the trees... but did we stay there to get some pics?? Noooo... we hurried on to the "real" site, to secure a good spot. So here we are - Laura and I with our 200mm. and 300 mm. telephotos, among serious photographers with lenses the size of cannons, mounted on tripods. I thought I was well dressed for the cold... )
"Okay", I'm thinking..."c'mon birdies".... Well... we waited and we waited.. and we waited and we waited some more... and those darn eagles just sat there. At first I thought, "It's not so cold.... and there's no wind" (something to truly be grateful for) and people were quietly chatting while patiently awaiting the action. But as the minutes and then hours slowly passed, I was beginning to have doubts. (WHY did we not stop longer at that first field with 50+ eagles??? And were they still there NOW???? Should we go back there?) When standing still, it doesn't take long before the toes start to feel the cold. By 10a.m. I could barely feel my toes and my fingers were starting to tingle
and go numb. Finally, after several brave seagulls "moved in" on the free lunch, the eagles decided it was time to make their grand entrance. One started soaring and when he finally landed, I could sense everyone wanted to break into applause. (I was just waiting for someone to shout "The Eagle has landed!"). It wasn't long until there were 8-10 on the ground picking at the chicken, and the clicking of shutters was constant. Others continued to gather in the trees. They swooped, they soared, they landed, they fought over lunch...I quickly forgot about my somewhat frozen extremities and did my best to get some good photos. I have to say I'm a little disappointed. Brown bird against grey sky = not that exciting... My fingers were so cold, I sometimes could not seem to depress the shutter release button. Other times, I did not get Mr. Eagle in sharp focus. But I guess for my first attempt at this type of thing, I didn't do too badly.
Wildlife photography is very different from capturing a quilt or a blossom in the garden, after all. After half an hour or so, we decided staying longer was putting ourselves at risk for hypothermia or frostbite or loss of digits. I have never loved and appreciated my car's heater as much as I did that morning! We continued on, stopping several more times for a few more shots. All in all, I think we probably saw upwards of 100 eagles, both mature and juveniles... pretty amazing! Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! It was an awesome experience, shared with my daughter- what's not to love? Would I
do anything differently? Yes - better footwear and warming packets for both hands and feet - the kind I buy my brothers at Christmas for snowmobiling... (WHY did I not think to get some for this cold day??? Duh!) The only other factor is the weather, and of course you have no control there, but a sunny clear blue sky day would have made for much better photos. It was totally clouded over and grey.. lighting was even, but flat and not real bright... Some sun for highlights on those amazing white heads, and wing edges would have been nice. But when you have
travelled a distance, and cannot hang around waiting for a better day...you have to deal with what you've got.
We passed on the nearby Pancake Breakfast as the parking lot was full and overflowing, but did stop for a Chowder or Chili lunch at a local church. They were raising funds for a Youth Mission trip to Bolivia so we were happy to help them out by warming our tummies. (Actually as I ate I was fantasizing about plunging my frozen feet and hands into a large warm bowl of .. anything.. water.. chowder.. at that point I would not have cared....) As we gradually warmed up, we toured around Wolfville and Acadia U. (my Alma Mater) and then Grand Pré (more eagles there). We headed back to Halifax and finished thawing out
in a nice warm shower. Later, we topped off the day with the movie Big Miracle. As I drove home on Sunday, a gorgeous sunny blue sky day of course, I constantly was scanning the treetops for eagles - didn't see a one.. Guess they were all out for lunch in the Valley! Hope you have enjoyed my images, and I hope I'm lucky enough to return next year for better ones! Hmmmmm, maybe next Christmas I'll ask Santa for a 1000 mm. telephoto....

Peace,
Linda

“Bird of the broad and sweeping wing,
Thy home is high in heaven,
Where wide the storms their banners fling,
And the tempest clouds are driven.”
~ James Gates Percival

TAST Week 5 - Herringbone

2012-02-05T23:58:00.020-04:00

I'm late posting my week's stitching as I have been away for 4 days (more about that tomorrow). But here it is - better late than not at all! Again, I am familiar with this week's challenge stitch - the Herringbone. I have previously done several samplers and I must admit, I struggled a little, trying to come up with something new to do this time around... First, here are my three samplers which I had completed before. The first shows just basic Herringbone, varying the spacing, the size of the stitch, tieing the stitch, stacking the stitch and breaking it.

The second sampler shows a number of Stitch Combinations with a Herringbone "base". 1st row - layered with straight stitch and french knots added. 2nd row - tied with detached chain stitch added. 3rd row - straight stitch and french knots added. 4th row - layered and vertically tied with detached chain stitch. 5th row - Herringbone (top) "married" to Chevron (bottom) , straight stitch and detached chain added. 6th row - Herringbone base with chevron layered on top, beading and detached chain added. 7th row - Tied Herringbone with straight stitch, detached chain and french knots. 8th row - Tied Herringbone and detached chain. Threads used on this sampler include perle cottons, silk Buttonhole Twist, Pearl Crown Rayon, Stef Francis fine perle and Judith Montano hand dyed silk Buttonhole Twist.

The third sampler shows more stitch combo's: Herringbone bases with additions of french knots, straight stitches, detached chain, stacking, layering, and on the last row, lacing with silk ribbon. Again I've used a variety of cotton threads, silk buttonhole twist, Pearl Crown Rayon and 4mm. silk ribbon. Sorry the lighting on this one is not great- the whole thing has a bluish cast...

The sampler I did this week reflects my limited time. I started with a "four row stack" in a variegated fine thread. I had planned to add beading in the middle of each row but ran out of time- maybe it will be added later... In the second row I played with the height of the stitch... not so sure I like that row, but not taking it out now! The third row shows five rows stacked/layered very closely together- in hind sight, I wish I had spaced them a bit more, as they have "pulled in" the fabric a bit. I added a bit of sparkle with some turquoise "Candlelight" thread (by YLI). The fourth row is two layered rows with ties at all the "intersections". And the last row is done in a Sassa Lynne perle 5 (called Blue Lagoon) with straight and detached chain stitches added in an 80 tatting thread.

That's it for Week 5! Can't wait to have a look at what everyone else has done. It's been a busy week, and with being away, I have not had time to look yet at all. Sharon has already posted the Highlights of the Week, you can see them here.

Peace,
Linda

"My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others. That is nice but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success." ~ Helen Hayes

Work In Progress Wednesday...

2012-02-01T14:40:00.003-04:00

It's another snowstorm-y day here in Freddy Beach! The third day in the last six school days for schools to be closed. The white stuff has been falling steadily all morning and it's adding up! I was out this morning for an appointment, and am glad I can just stay in (and sew) the rest of the day! The driving is NOT good at all...
I am working on a table centre, a variation for the scrap quilt class I'm teaching later this month. I'm trying to get several "variations" done for the class so students have a choice of project design and size. This piece is small so it won't take long to complete, in fact I hope to have it all together, layered and ready to quilt by tonight. I'm heading out of province tomorrow for a few days so I want this "ready to roll" when I return. The class I'm preparing is based on a simple unit called a shaded four patch, or Mary's Triangles. This term was coined by Sally Schneider of Albuquerque NM in her book ScrapMania ~ More Quick Pieced Scrap Quilts.
Teaching a method or project that someone else has designed or created brings up the whole issue of copyright. My friend Karen Neary of Sew Karen-ly Created (quilt and pattern designer, award-winning quiltmaker, author and teacher) has recently written a number of excellent posts on copyright issues. I urge you to read them all. There are ten posts, and yes, some are lengthy. But they are well written, excellent reading and contain very good info that all quilters and teachers should be aware of. Heck, any quilter who uses a pattern, magazine or book should read them!! Karen has put a huge amount of time and effort into writing up this info to "educate" us all. I strongly urge you to read it all by clicking here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.
Many people think it is difficult to contact a pattern designer or company to seek permission to teach a design, or a method, or whatever. My recent experience will show you just how easy it is... As I mentioned earlier, Sally Schneider, author of a number of scrap quilt books and patterns, came up with an easy method for making this block unit. A quick Google search gave me the info I needed to contact her. (I simply type in "Quilter Mary Jones", or whatever the name - works every time!) I emailed her telling her what I wanted to teach in a class, and asked her permission to use her method. I asked if she would require my students to purchase her patterns. She promptly replied, within a day or so, and gave me her written permission to teach her method in my class, as long as I made up my own
notes and illustrations (which I would do anyway). She was very gracious and helpful and did not require a bulk pattern purchase. I did order a ruler and another gadget from her and sent off a Money Order. Upon discovering she had been "misquoted" for the postal shipping rate, she contacted me and offered to send me one of her patterns to make up the difference that she had "overcharged" me. She also offered a generous discount on her ruler if we made an order after the class. Now how great is that? She was most pleasant and helpful, and responded quickly. Not difficult at all. SO- don't be afraid to contact a pattern designer to seek permission. After reading Karen's posts- you will know it IS the right thing to do... FAR too many quilters and teachers are breaking copyright laws these days...
On a final note, Sally's Magic Triangle Ruler arrived in today's mail. (God bless those mail carriers, out in this storm today!!) So now I'm off to try it out while I finish up my blocks. Stay tuned ....

Piece,
Linda

Success is a journey - not a destination...

Take A Stitch Tuesday Week 4...Cretan stitch

2012-01-28T15:02:00.001-04:00

Our world is white today here in Freddy Beach! Yesterday's storm has left us with a clean fresh white blanket.. I don't mind the snow, I just don't like the cold that accompanies it! Hope you enjoyed those summer blossoms I posted last night- at least they remind us that summer is on its way...
Here is this week's stitching - I finished up last night as the freezing rain beat on the window behind me. Sharon challenged us with Cretan stitch this week. It is another of my favourites. I had done a simple sampler before (right) with the basic variations - changing the length, spacing, and slant of the stitch, also layering and stacking. And this week I did another sampler (below). I can't seem to get away from the sampler idea. Guess I'm more focused on "seam treatments" than the wonderful creative things some participants are doing.. Hope you like my efforts...

In this sampler, the first two rows are "layered" Cretan - the first , two layers with the same Stef Francis hand-dyed fine perle with French knots added; the second row is done with a heavier Stef Francis hand-dyed thread on the bottom and a second layer "woven " on top with a DMC perle 8. The third row is just a very small fine Cretan done with a variegated brown Valdani, with straight stitches added in a DMC perle 8. The next row shows the Cretan done with a DMC perle 8, and straight stitches added with a variegated fine perle and a DMC perle 12. The fifth row is four rows of stacked Cretan, the top two in perle 8, the bottom two in perle 5. In the last row I have "married" Cretan first with Herringbone and then with Chevron stitch - doing "half a stitch" of each. This thread is a beautiful Sassa Lynne perle 5 hand-dyed called "Summer Forest".

And a closer view...

Click here and go to comments (at top of post) to see what others around the world have done this week with the Cretan stitch.

Peace,
Linda

"If you deny yourself commitment, what can you do with your life?" ~Harvey Fierstein

Tired of Winter?

2012-01-27T22:57:00.005-04:00

January... winter... cold... snow... ice... cold... poor driving.. cancellations.. did I mention cold? And have I mentioned I dislike winter? It's almost the end of the month and I guess, really, I shouldn't be complaining as we have gotten off fairly lucky so far. But we are getting hammered with a storm today/tonight. Snow, ice pellets, and now freezing rain. Yuch! So...... I thought if you, like me, are suffering from A.F.D. (that's Acute Flower Deprivation), and longing for warmer weather...you might enjoy a little summer memory.. here are some summer blooms to add a little color to your day. Enjoy! (Mark is enjoying 80 F temps in Miami this weekend...lucky him...)

Hope that warmed you up a bit!! Spring IS coming...eventually...

Peace,
Linda

"Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle... a seed waiting to sprout... a bulb opening to the light...a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream." ~ Barbara Winkler

How Lucky Am I ?

2012-01-25T11:30:00.003-04:00

You can probably tell I'm in my "January hibernation mode".. I haven't been posting as often lately- some days I just can't think of anything to talk about... hard to believe, I know! We have had some very cold days, and I often don't go out unless I really have to. Some days I don't make it any further than the mailbox (which is two steps from the front door haha!) Our weather has been odd though, for January in Canada. We have very little snow, and yesterday and today it is above freezing - today is sunny and quite lovely actually. (Hubby is detailing a truck right now in the garage, with the door wide open...)
So, you ask - what have I been doing? Well, I've been busy with my favourite January activities: reading, stitching and some quilting. I've finished Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult, and am almost through Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda (loving it). Next on the list is The Postmistress written by Sarah Blake. Hubby and I don't go to movies that often, but we seem to have been on a bit of a streak lately, seeing 4 movies since Christmas! Hugo,
War Horse, We Bought A Zoo and Joyful Noise. Enjoyed them all! There are two more currently playing which I hope to see as well- The Descendants (who could resist the chance to see George Clooney AND beautiful Hawaiian scenery on the same screen?) and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, a 9-11 story (I've been told to take a lot of Kleenex). Of course I'm busy stitching away with Sharon's weekly stitching challenge (this week's stitch is the Cretan) and I have another cross-stitch on the go- Heart in Hand's Christmas Medley which was back-ordered for two months - of course it would arrive after Christmas, but I'll certainly have it ready for Laura for next Christmas.
I do have to show you what a dear friend did for me recently. My friend Donna (who is a wonderful knitter) took this Silk Rumple yarn which I had purchased at least 5 years ago, and knit it up into this lovely scarf/shawl. Isn't it scrumptious? This is the second knitting project Donna has done for me recently. How lucky am I? Thanks Donna, you are a sweetheart! I am sooo lucky to have such wonderful friends...

Peace,
Linda

Good friends are like stars... you don't always see them, but you know they are always there.

Take A Stitch Tuesday Week 3... Featherstitch

2012-01-21T17:15:00.007-04:00

This week's stitch in the TAST challenge is the featherstitch. It has long been my favourite stitch. Once again I have some previous work to share with you- two stitch samplers plus some feather stitch on a work in progress and on a completed project. I am posting my pics today, as I was very late last week and I don't think many TAST participants had a look... If you missed last week's TAST post (Buttonhole stitch) you can see it here. So here are my featherstitch photos for this week.
At right is my first Featherstitch Sampler, showing (top to bottom) 1. Featherstitch, 2. Double featherstitch, 3. Triple featherstitch, 4. "Freeform" featherstitch, 5. "Branched" featherstitch, 6. Maidenhair featherstitch,
7. Single featherstitch, 8. Closed featherstitch.

The second sampler (at left) shows some variations, including straight featherstitch, knotted featherstitch, a variation incorporating chain stitch and several rows of "mirror-image" straight featherstich... I love them all!

Photos of past work showing featherstitch follow - some are beaded or have French knots added, some is used to secure tatting (I love doing that - just love the look of it!), and another fav use of this stitch is to add it to floral sprays to represent greenery, fern or whatever...

My latest sampler at right, shows a "border " (top and right side) of layered featherstitch, the first (under) layer done with a heavier thread -Koigu - a hand-dyed 100% Merino wool and the second row on top is a Finca Perle 8. The next row is featherstitch chained, followed by a row of featherstitch with French knots added in a rayon thread.Then I tried my hand at a leaf - remember, in nature, not every leaf is perfect...wink... Then we have Maidenhair featherstitch with french knot "blossoms" added, and below it the same stitch with detached chain "blossoms". Then a row of straight featherstitch with straight stitch added and lastly a wide row of featherstitch with a rayon thread woven through. At the bottom, some "freeform" featherstitch...
I guess you can probably tell from the above, I love featherstitch. I wonder what stitch Sharon will choose next ?
I made brown bread and a fav soup this afternoon, (great "comfort food" on a cold January day), we have friends coming over for supper so I'd better get movin' and make a salad...
Later, peeps!

(Sunday Edit: See Sharon's Week 3 Highlights here)

Peace,
Linda

"I am prepared to go anywhere, provided it be forward." ~David Livingstone

Another Top Done...

2012-01-20T18:14:00.000-04:00

Here is my latest quilt- it's a lap size, 61" by 77". I really like the combination of blues, teals, greens and purples. MY colours! I love doing this easy block, where you make two units at once... I'm looking forward to teaching this class for my Guild later this winter. Hopefully. At this point there aren't many signed up. The weather forecast was poor on the night of our January Guild meeting, so attendance was low- therefore not many have signed up yet, but I am hopeful. I have put too much work into developing this class already, to not get an opportunity to teach it. I think I might name this quilt "Sweet Baby James".. I have always loved that line in James Taylor's song "..deep greens and blues are the colours I choose..."
Now to make a plan for the quilting.. any ideas?

Peace,
Linda

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."
~ Goethe

Another Blogger in the family.. who knew?

2012-01-19T16:48:00.000-04:00

I'm back! I've been away for a few days - literally. Son Mark is off on a big adventure, traveling across the USA. He and I left Tuesday for Bangor so that he could board a Greyhound bus early Wednesday morning, bound for the Big Apple. He meets up with his tour group there tonight and they leave NYC early tomorrow morning on a 26 day tour, ending in California. This particular tour company specializes in tours for young people, so they will all be in their 20's and early 30's. I know he will have a blast and no doubt there'll be lots of partying goin' on... but what a great adventure for him. He is not an experienced traveler (yet!) but he will be when this is over.. lol. So I bid him goodbye in Bangor yesterday at 5a.m. He has already had a few interesting "experiences" along the way. I was (okay, still am) a bit worried about how he will manage on his own... first off, in the huge metropolis of Manhattan, but he did find his way from the bus station to the hotel, and then to Madison Square Garden for his first NBA game (Knicks vs. Suns). He passed through Times Square several times last night, so saw all the lights and felt "the pulse"...It IS pretty exciting/amazing your first time there... Today he has been playing the tourist, doing a guided tour of Lower Manhattan, and hopefully he got up the Empire State Building to take in the awesome view of the city.
He has started a blog- who knew there would be another blogger in the family!!! Although by his own admission, (he thinks) he is not much of a writer, he does write with humour and I'm sure it will be entertaining to say the least, to read of his adventures. Of course it will be totally dependant on when and where he can access wifi, but I'm hoping he will keep it up. At least it will relieve my worries somewhat, knowing with each post that he is still alive... So if you'd like to follow his travels and adventures, you can find his blog here. Just remember this is a young male writing.. so it may be a slightly different "perspective" than you and I might have....and there may be some interesting language occasionally..... who knows what else? If nothing else, check it out to read about the "excitement" on the bus yesterday.. what a way to start off his trip!!! That post is titled "Quite a Start".
No photos today, sorry.. wish I could have taken a pic of the moose we saw along the highway, or the beautiful fox who "played chicken" with me yesterday on my way back.. I'm quite sure he lost some fur from his tail, as I passed over him - I didn't "hit" him as there was no thump - and I saw him jump the snowbank into the ditch in my rearview mirror - he's definitely on his second life. Lucky guy...
But do come back tomorrow for a view of my latest quilt- borders are all on, I just have to re-do two of the mitered corners to my satisfaction then the top will be done. Next task is to figure out how I will quilt it... all suggestions gratefully received...

Peace,
Linda

The joy is in the journey, not at the journey's end.

Take A Stitch Tuesday Week 2... Buttonhole stitch

2012-01-16T10:52:00.002-04:00

This week's TAST stitch was the Buttonhole stitch, sometimes called Blanket stitch. It's one I'm familiar with, as it is a basic stitch I have used many times. So I am showing you two samplers- one that I had done several years ago to use in teaching Crazy Quilt classes, the other I have completed this week. Again I have enjoyed trying some new ways to "push" the stitch and have done a few variations that are new to me. My previous sampler at right, shows (from top to bottom):
1. Basic buttonhole
2. Buttonhole, short and tall
3. Varying the heights, up and down, and varying the spacing
4. The same, up only
5. Alternating Buttonhole, on either side of "seam"
6. Two rows of Buttonhole, stacked
7. Closed Buttonhole
8. Up and Down Buttonhole, straight and angled
9. Buttonhole Bars
10. Rosette of Thorns Buttonhole

This week's sampler, at left, shows (top to bottom):
1. Basic Buttonhole, slanted
2. Up and Down Buttonhole, slanted and uneven, with addition of straight stitches and Detached Chain stitch
3. Up and Down Buttonhole, even and uneven
4. Closed buttonhole, and with single buttonhole stitch between
5. Alternating buttonhole, up and down, varying widths
6. Crossed buttonhole and knotted buttonhole
7. Buttonhole "fans" or curved buttonhole
8. Buttonhole wheels, and a rather sad attempt at a stalk of "unknown" flowers, with buttonhole bar leaves and curved buttonhole blossoms. (These definitely need more practice, but I was running short of time and wanted to finish so I could get the photos on here to show before Week 3 begins!)
9. Vertical row of buttonhole half wheels
(Following are several photos of buttonhole variations on a current WIVSP - that's a "Work In Very Slow Progress".... )
I am late getting this week's work posted, Sharon has already posted the Week 2 Highlights, which you can see here. If you want to look at more stitching from this past week, go here and click on the word "Comments" at the top of the post. Then click on the links given by the participants/commenters.
I know as this Challenge goes on, there will be weeks when I do not

have the time to do this much stitching, but right now, I'm enjoying doing these samplers as I know they will be useful tools in future classes. Students enjoy looking at actual stitching rather than (or maybe in addition to) photos in a book, and variations encourage them to go beyond just the basic stitch.
Now I'm off to get the borders on my scrap quilt. I promise a photo soon... Oh for a few more hours in each day...

Peace,
Linda

When creative juices flow, catch them on a needle...

Two of my Favourite Things...

2012-01-09T15:24:00.001-04:00

Quilting and Reading.. yep- these are two of my most favourite things- especially in January... I have just finished reading New York by Edward Rutherford. OMG!! I think I have yet ANOTHER favourite author! This is the first book of his that I have read- but it won't be the last. Have you read any of his others? If so I'm looking for suggestions/recommendations please! He writes historical fiction - in the same manner as James Michener. I LOVED New York - I learned SO much about the city and it's history. I borrowed this from a friend, but will definitely be buying my own copy so I can read it again...
Next up on my reading list? The Postmistress by Sarah Blake, and/or Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult (a Christmas gift- Thanks Barb!! :)
Today I have finished the last 18 blocks for my current quilt project. Tonight I will assemble them into the last three rows, and tomorrow I'll "get it all together".. Wait - I just remembered I have a movie date tonight with my hubby... I guess it will be another late night in the studio.... what else is new?

Peace,
Linda

The secret to contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have...

TAST Week One highlights....

2012-01-08T19:43:00.002-04:00

If you are interested in seeing some of what Sharon considers the "highlights" of the Week One efforts with Fly stitch, have a look here. Such an interesting array of work.... and yours truly is thrilled to be included...woohooo! I think two of my favs would have to be the beaded mandala done by Chris, and the doll by Nathalie at La Bastidane. And I love the dandelions here here and here.... and this fish!! Wow!
If this week is any indication, this is going to be a great challenge - bound to be a 2012 highlight... Woot!!

Peace,
Linda

"Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away...." Sammy Kahn/ Jimmy Van Heusen

Take A Stitch Tuesday Week 1... Fly stitch

2012-01-07T13:58:00.000-04:00

Here is my first TAST effort: Week One- Fly Stitch. Sharon Boggon's Take A Stitch Tuesday challenge to explore various embroidery stitches looks like it's going to be lots of fun. There are over 500 participants from all around the world (wow!) ranging from beginners to very experienced. If you'd like to see what types of things people are stitching, just visit here and click on "Comments" at the top of the post. Then as you scroll down through the comments, you can click on participant's links to see their work. I was amazed at how creative some people can be with one simple stitch. This week I have chosen to do a "stitch sampler", exploring variations of the Fly Stitch. Depending on the stitch each week, I may try other things...we'll see. The stitch samplers I do in this challenge will be added to my Stitch Sampler binder, with each row of stitch and variations noted, and threads used listed for future reference.

I had fun this week trying to see how many ways I could do the Fly stitch - by changing up the length of the tie stitch, making the stitches wider or narrower, stacking, layering, reversing, etc. Even just a change of thread weight can give a different look...
It's too late to "officially register" for this challenge, but if you are interested in improving your embroidery skills and learning some new stitches, you could do your own stitching and still follow along to see what others are doing. Sharon gives excellent instructions and step by step photos for learning each stitch. Her online stitch dictionary here is truly a gift to the stitching world! Why not pick up that needle?

Peace,
Linda

The embroidery needle- a good needle to be addicted to...

Time to Get Out the Needle

2012-01-04T14:50:00.002-04:00

Christmas is behind us now, the calendar has been changed, Laura has gone back to school, Mark finishes work this Friday. New beginnings.... It's time to take up the needle again.
I've spent a lot of time in the kitchen the last few weeks; made large batches of spaghetti sauce, chili and turkey soup so I could send back 6 tubs of each with Laura for her freezer. So I have a few "quick thaw and heat" meals on hand.... So I'm hoping the next few weeks I can spend more time stitching, sewing and reading.. the way I like to spend January!

Here is one recent finish - a cross-stitch I did for Laura for Christmas. It is another design by Heart in Hand. This one is called Snowman Medley, designed by Cecilia Turner. I had ordered the Christmas Medley to do as well, but it must be popular as it has been back-ordered twice now. Guess it will be head of the list for next year... These little snowmen will keep DD company through the winter. Cecilia's designs are quick and easy to stitch, and I love the bit of whimsey added by the buttons... (check out the crow on the head of the top snowman..)

Yesterday marked the first day of TAST 2012 - that's Take A Stitch Tuesday, run by Sharon Boggon of Pin Tangle. Sharon will present one new stitch per week - the first one being Fly stitch. I am hoping this challenge will push me to do more stitching, learn some new stitches and experiment with those I already know to vary them creatively. Experimenting with new threads, color combos, etc. should be fun. It is a commitment- and I know
there may be some weeks when I do not have the time to get it done but I am going to do my best. I'll post pics here each week of what I have done. It is interesting to read the comments of others participating, to see how they are going to proceed with this Challenge. Some are doing it as a sampler, others are adding to a piece already started, others are doing journals. I think I will do each week's stitch on a separate piece of cloth, probably Aida, and put them in a binder with accompanying notes. (The TAST logo above was stitched by Annet of Fat Quarter who has kindly allowed it to be used by all doing the challenge.)
So, check back in a few days to see what I've done with Fly Stitch for Week 1, TAST 2012.

Peace,
Linda

"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Played Out...

2012-01-02T22:59:00.002-04:00

We've been playing games. Literally. The last three nights in a row... playing games... On New Years Eve we went over to the home of friends for a visit. We sat and chatted, caught up on news and watched the evenings celebrations on several TV channels. And then we tried out our new game that hubby got for Christmas. Have you ever heard of Anomia? It was new to all of us. It's fun but you need to pay attention, and you have to think (and speak) quickly. (not so easy after a few drinks...) It's a card game and the cards have various colored symbols and written categories printed on them. Each person turns over a card and when two symbols match, those two players must call out an example of the category on the opposite person's card. Whoever gets the word out first wins the opposite players card, and whoever has the most cards in their winner pile at the end wins the round. The categories range from easy (breed of dog, flavour of ice cream) to more challenging (Super Power or name of an Opera). I know you are thinking "well that's not hard- I can name an Opera". But when you are under pressure and trying to get the words out quickly..well it's pretty funny. We noticed there was a distinct difference in the interpretation of several categories between the generations- for example- Super Power- the older generation took that to mean a country like USA - whereas the younger ones said things like "Invisibility" (obvious Harry Potter readers!) Good fun and lots of laughs.... We also played Quiddler, a card game where you must use the letters on the cards you are dealt, to make words. Also a very fun game; we've had it a while now and really enjoy it. It's a great game for two or more players.

Last night we were invited to the home of other friends for a Raclette dinner and games later... more good times. But first- good food! Are you familiar with Raclette? It originally comes from Switzerland and the Savoy region of France. The name comes from the French racler which means to scrape. The Raclette grill sits on the table and each person "cooks" their own choice of foods. The top grill section is for cooking- meats, seafood, kebobs, etc. The small pans go underneath for heating and melting- we warmed precooked veggies and melted cheese over them, and also toasted bread with garlic butter and cheese. OH SO GOOD!!! Barb had marinated beef, pork, chicken and shrimp. Veggies included potatoes, green beans, mushrooms, onions and asparagus. Garlic butter and grated cheddar made everything taste even better... What a fun and delicious way to spend a few hours with good friends.

Barb and I have been friends since she taught Laura in Grade One. At that time our sons started playing together and they have been best buds ever since- that's about 15 years now. Barb and I are now quilting buddies (that started when Barb's hubby Craig "hired" me to give Barb some quilting lessons for one of those big round number birthdays. She then joined our Guild and the rest is history as they say...) So we all enjoyed getting together, as we've been doing it for quite a while now...but most of all it was a special night for Mark and Geoff. Geoff and Mark are the first two of their "old gang" to finish their first degree; Geoff has now completed 4.5 years of study to become a Geomatic Engineer. He leaves Thursday for Calgary to begin his first job. I call him my "other son" (as Barb refers to Mark) and I think Laura thinks of him as another brother so Mark won't be the only one missing him...
Again we played Anomia. It really was fun with seven people - you certainly had to pay attention- Laura whooped us all - she was SO fast this time. It was obvious that her young brain can work more quickly than those of the parents....
Tonight we played it for the third time. Laura returns to school tomorrow so was spending this afternoon and evening with her best bud Angela. So of course we had to teach Ange how to play both Anomia and Quiddler... again, Laura whooped our butts.. Just call her Miss Smartiepants... (I think we need to make a rule that from here on, when we play, all "answers" must not have been used before... that might slow her down a little bit...)
Mark is out tonight at Geoff's "going away" party - all the guys who have hung around together since middle and high school are together to give Geoff a send-off.... I'm sure they'll be laughing over past fun times and crazy things they've done... You have to love the humour of a 22 year old. A bunch of them did the Movember thing- then decided they should carry on for a few more months- so it was Decembeard (they just shaved a few days ago), next is Januhairy (no haircuts I guess?) and then Febrowary (unibrows???)
So you can see we've been having fun around here... Mark got a fun "toy" for Christmas -
Perplexus Epic (thanks to my friend Susan Elliott for suggesting it). It's basically a large clear plastic ball with a "maze" inside- you must tilt, tip and rotate the ball to move a small steel ball through the maze- all 125 steps.. more about that another day. (besides I've only gotten to step 20 at this point- I'd like to be further along before I tell you about it...) Watch this video to see what I'm talking about..
Did you get any fun toys or games for Christmas ?

Peace
Linda

"Games lubricate the body and the mind." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T18:52:00.000-04:00

Happy New Year everyone! If you're going out tonight - be safe!
I thought I'd share a few of my favourite New Years quotes with you...

"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves." ~ Bill Vaughan

"Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right." ~ Oprah Winfrey

Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits. ~ Anonymous

"May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!" ~ Joey Adams

Peace,
Linda

Your Merry Christmas may depend on what others do for you. But your Happy New Year depends on what you do for others. ~ Anonymous

Winding Down....

2011-12-30T16:38:00.002-04:00

It's all over! You plan and work forever it seems, and then Christmas is over in the blink of an eye. It was quiet and relaxing at our house. Actually Laura had the flu for 36 hours so that kept things pretty low key... We are lucky that we don't have to travel anywhere so we just enjoy Christmas at home....
I am usually so darn tired by the time Christmas Day rolls around that once the day is over, I just veg for about a week. And that's exactly what I've been doing. I needed it.... Ollie has been vegging too- lots of naps, especially in the sunshine if he can find a spot. He follows the sun around the house, napping in the pools of warmth. Some days I am tempted to curl up beside him...

Actually I've had my nose in a book since Christmas night- it's my favourite thing to do after the Christmas dinner dishes are done- sit down with a new book. I'm now halfway through New York by Edward Rutherford. I've been wanting to get into it for a while, but knew I shouldn't start it until I had most of the "gift-sewing" done. It is excellent, another that I have a hard time putting down....
It's been a busy few weeks with all the Christmas prep, along with doctor and dentist appointments for Laura, passport photos and renewals for all of us, Laura has had two "parties", one a gathering of friends from elementary school and the other a surprise birthday lunch for a friend and 12 others from Kings Landing today at noon. After today, we can start getting things back to "normal"... whatever that is... and I'm heading back to my studio. I'm ready to get back at some sewing...

Peace,
Linda

At Christmas play and make good cheer, for it comes just once a year.

Peace on Earth

2011-12-25T15:36:00.000-04:00

Peace,
Linda

Jesus is the reason for the season.

Merry (White) Christmas!!

2011-12-24T12:44:00.001-04:00

The big day is just hours away now... I hope you are ready and enjoying some relaxing time with loved ones. I'm nearly ready- just last minute things to do now... frost the shortbreads, make the stuffing, set the table, and - oh yes- wrap the gifts!! It'll all get done... it always does....

It seems we will have a white Christmas after all. We've been blessed with about 6 inches of soft fluffy white stuff. It is such a beautiful magical world this morning. Cold but magical. I had to go out with my camera and try to capture it. It's a crisp clear day with a vivid blue sky - no filters or Photoshop used here - this is just the way it is. Beautiful.

Wishing all my readers the magic of Christmas. The quiet beauty of a peaceful holiday. The warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends. A season that sparkles and a new year full of blessings. Thank you, blogging friends, for enriching my life!

Peace and Love
Linda

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." ~ Norman Vincent Peale

God bless us, every one....

One Word Wednesday

2011-12-21T19:58:00.001-04:00

Anticipation....

Peace
Linda

Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle... a seed waiting to sprout.. a bulb opening to the light.. a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream.
~ Barbara Winkler

White Christmas?

2011-12-20T23:24:00.002-04:00

Yes, I am still here... I've just been very busy. I know that's not an excuse but it's the best I can do. (Are you listening JK?) The last week or so has been chock full of activities and things to get done. As well as all the usual routine, and Christmas preparations, I've had two Ladies luncheons, a birthday surprise party for a friend, our Ladies Choir concert and tonight our Choir dinner, a three day trip to Halifax to "retrieve" Laura, etc. etc. So you see, I haven't just been sitting here eating Bonbons and sugarplums! I've finished several beaded Santas, several projects which I can't tell you about until after the 25th, and a cross-stitch which I took to the framer at 10:30 a.m. today and had it back by 3:30 p.m. Now that's exactly the kind of service one needs just a few days before Christmas!
It hasn't looked like we would have a white Christmas - I was thinking the only white we would see would be this white poinsettia.... But we did get a dusting of snow last night - not even enough to really cover the ground but at least it is a suggestion of white- perhaps there will be more before the big day...

So- I am almost ready for Christmas. The decorating is pretty much done except for our tree. It is up and has the lights on. Hopefully the ornaments will go on tomorrow... You cannot imagine what a big helper Ollie is with the decorating. He is just as excited as any kid. He especially likes the garland which goes up on the stairway railing and over the kitchen cabinets. He gets so excited when that big orange bag appears- like any young child he loves playing IN the bag....
The cards and letters are done (that's a BIG woohoooo!). The baking and wrapping will get finished up over the next few days... So I am "getting there"... I'm feeling confident that all will be in place by Christmas Eve.
One of the highlights of the last week was a surprise birthday party for a good friend who was having a "significant" birthday. Her husband and I had fun "scheming" and planning for several months to pull off a get-together of about 20 close friends at their home. And we did it- she had no clue at all until she walked in the door after being taken out for brunch. What fun! You feel great when you truly pull off something like that! There were several surprise guests who had traveled from another province (one being her daughter) so that made the whole surprise even better.
I hope your Christmas preparations are going smoothly, and like me you will soon enjoy some well deserved "put up your feet" time.. I can't wait. My good book is waiting.. all I need now is some chocolate to go with it...

Peace
Linda

Santa's Wish List:
1, Wider chimneys
2. Better hours
3, Fat free cookies

TAST 2012 Challenge

2011-12-12T18:26:00.003-04:00

I have signed up for Sharon Boggon's TAST 2012 Challenge- that's Take A Stitch Tuesday. I have taken two online courses with Sharon and feel very fortunate to have spent three glorious days last April in Connecticut, soaking up all that Sharon had to offer at the CQ Adventure 2011. She is a wonderful teacher and is so very knowledgeable about all things CQ. So I just could not pass up this opportunity to learn more stitches from Sharon. This is free, folks- why not join in? The more the merrier.... You can read all about it here, and sign up is easy. I know there will likely be some weeks when I will struggle to find the required time, but that's okay- I'll do my best. I will post my stitching here for you to see. If you are a stitcher, or a Crazy Quilter, why not take up the Challenge? Come on- you know you wanna..... If you are unfamiliar with Sharon and her work, have a look at her blog Pin Tangle for some wonderful eye candy...

Peace,
Linda

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge..... " ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Ho Ho Ho...

2011-12-11T23:26:00.000-04:00

As promised, here are a few of my favourite Jim Shore Santas. They really need to be seen close up to appreciate the work on them. My True Love Gave to Me is probably the most intricate of the Santas that I have. He features all the "characters" from the song The Twelve Days of Christmas under his robe. But his back is almost as impressive - I love the rosemaling design on the back of his cape and the designs around the hem of his cloak. I should have him displayed somewhere where he could be viewed 360 degrees so you could appreciate all of him...

Isn't he handsome?

Another favourite is Naughty or Nice? Santa who is "reversible". He has the same quilt design on both sides, but in slightly different colors. Notice on the naughty side he's carrying a bundle of sticks and a satchel of coal, and his list is titled "Not So Nice". On the Nice side, his bag is overflowing with toys and he has a puppy tucked under his arm. I guess if you had young children in the house, you could use him as an indicator of how they were doing, behavior-wise. My kids are beyond that now, sadly...

Of course Santa with the kitty in his arms is a favourite of both Oliver and I. Ollie likes the kitty and I love the Log Cabin design around the bottom of his robe.... Log Cabin has always been, and probably always will be my favourite quilt design...

And lastly, below are my favourites of the smaller Santas - for no particular reason. From left to right, Irish Santa, Topiary Santa and Birdman Santa... Of course, I love all of my Jim Shore figurines. They are such fun to get out each year... once Christmas is over, I pack away the Santas and angels and get out the snowmen...

Peace,
Linda

"His eyes, how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow."
~ Clement C.Moore

Here Comes Santa Claus...

2011-12-10T16:42:00.000-04:00

I've been ignoring my blog the last few days so that I could get a grip on Christmas preparations... and I have made some good progress with shopping and decorating. Still more of both to be done, but I'm getting there. I'm down to making a list each day of what I have to accomplish before I can go to bed.. it works for me... And crossing things off that list gives me great satisfaction. Are you a "list maker"?
I thought I'd show you my Santa collection today. A few years ago I fell in love with a new man... no, not Santa.... Jim Shore. We've never met, and I don't expect to ever meet him - but I surely do love his work. I started looking for his Santas (and Angels) and before long I had collected quite a few. Here they are - I arrange them on top of my piano, since I don't have a mantle. I have one other, although he is blue and white and doesn't really "fit" with the other Santas - I call him Father Winter and I leave him out till March or April or until the snow is gone. You can see him here.

The small Santa on the far right is the very first one in my collection- I found him at the Maine Quilt Show, probably 6 or 7 (?) years ago. That was the first time I'd heard of Jim Shore. The tall one on the left is actually a nutcracker Santa. The large (chubby?) one in the middle is one of my very favourites. He is called "My True Love Gave to Me" and has all the characters from the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" on his tummy - he is really quite spectacular. Come back tomorrow for a closer look at several of my favourite Santas....
Do you have special Christmas collections?

Peace,
Linda

"He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!" ~ Clement C. Moore

Deadlines, deadlines...

2011-12-06T22:59:00.000-04:00

December is such a busy time... too many things going on, and it's darn hard to be in two places at once... you do the best you can. Tonight was one of those nights when I had two places to be, and both were important... so I split my time between both. What else can you do? I went to Choir practice first and stayed for roughly half, before I skipped out to get to the Guild Christmas Social. Meetings are so busy, and members rarely have time to chat and just socialize, so this evening is our only chance all year to have some relaxed socializing time. I missed that part, but arrived in time for the entertainment and Show and Tell.
And yes I had my quilt there to show- not 100% together, but enough to give them the idea.. I worked most of the day on it, and got 5 rows together. The last three rows will have to wait a bit now, as I must start working on making Christmas happen for my family. So here are two photos taken this morning, of my design wall. Not great photos - but enough to give you an idea of what it looks like. As you can see, it's done in "my" colours- blues, teals, greens and purples. The lights (a bit washed out here) are ivories and creams, and pale yellows, pinks, blues, greens and mauves. When it's all together, I'll take a photo outdoors with natural light- this one was taken with flash and my studio halogen lights, so not a perfect colour rendition... but you get the idea. The block is actually quite simple, made of four units, which you make two at a time. So the blocks are easy to do. Sewing them together is a little slow as there are so many seams to match up... but I was lucky and all matched every well. I'll chip away at it now, bit by bit when I have a few minutes, getting the rest of the blocks sewn into rows.. but Christmas is now number one on my "To Do" list... The fun begins...

Piece!
Linda

Dear Santa,
This year please give me a big fat bank account and a slim body. And please, don't mix those two up like you did last year. Thanks
xoxo Linda

Progress...

2011-12-05T23:32:00.001-04:00

Yes I am still here. I've been so busy sewing I haven't taken time to blog. Sorry, as I promised you updates. The quilt is progressing quite nicely... good thing, as I must have it ready in less than 24 hours now. Tomorrow night is our Guild Christmas Social, and I promised to have it there for the workshop committee. I will hopefully be teaching a class on this quilt for my Guild, so it has to be shown for "sign-ups". So - I've been burning the midnight oil, as they say. Okay, those of you who know me well know I am always burning the midnight oil. I sew late into the evening, usually past midnight most nights... I must say, my back is a little tired these last few days...
So- the progress report: All 48 pairs of light units and 48 pairs of dark units are done, and I have over half assembled into blocks. I hope to finish at least 6 more tonight before bed. I'll take a pic of my design wall tomorrow once all the blocks are up. Then of course, I have to sew them into rows, and put the rows together... Right now I'm thinkin' someone else might be makin' supper tomorrow night....
My garbage can is overflowing with trimmings and bits.. and I have emptied 8 spools of thread in the last week or so... mind you they weren't all new full spools...

Piece!
Linda

"Victory belongs to the most persevering." ~ Napoleon

December?? REALLY??!

2011-12-01T23:56:00.001-04:00

How can it already be December??!!! Eeeeeek!!! Can you detect the mounting panic? I'm trying to stay calm.. but... So much to do, so little time... The unseasonably warm weather and the green grass does nothing to get me in the Christmas mood. I guess I need snow to feel Christmasy. Now don't get me wrong. I am NOT anxious for the cold weather, but a little dusting of the white stuff would help me along with the ole Christmas spirit! I usually have most of my decorating done by now... not so this year... guess I'd better get at it this weekend... I do have my wreath on the front door...

My studio is pretty much a disaster area right now with piles of fabric everywhere- I am working on a scrap quilt. Here's a tiny view of my cutting table this morning... By tonight I was starting to assemble pieces into units, which will eventually turn into blocks. It has to be done by Tuesday night- so stay tuned for updates...

Piece,
Linda

When life hands you scraps, make quilts...

Does "Bonbon" mean Good Good??

2011-11-28T23:58:00.002-04:00

I tried a new-to-me recipe today and trust me, it's a keeper! If you like shortbreads, you'll have to try these. I have been using the same recipe for shortbreads for years but no more. It's just been replaced! This came to me from a quilter friend in Sussex. These little delights were served with the tea and cookies at their last Guild Quilt Show so I asked Vera Turner if she could track down the recipe for me, and she did! It comes from one of their members- I only know her first name is Sheila.... So THANK YOU Sheila!!
These little morsels truly melt in your mouth. I love Shortbreads and love comparing recipes- it's interesting how they vary with the ratio of flour to cornstarch to icing sugar. I think this one has hit on the perfect "formula", 'cause they sure are delicious. I love lemon too, so I really like the lemon icing. Of course you could just do a butter cream icing, or flavour it with almond or whatever your preference. They'd be good with no icing at all as well... These are called Lemon Bonbons. Since "bon" in French means "good" in English- would you translate these as Goodgoods? I think delicious would be a better choice...

Lemon Bonbons

1 cup softened butter
1/3 cup icing sugar
3/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/4 cups flour

Cream butter and icing sugar. Sift together cornstarch and flour, add to butter mixture and mix well. (Refrigerate the dough at this point, if it makes it easier to handle.) Roll into 1" balls, flatten slightly and place on baking sheet. Bake at 325F for 15 minutes. (The recipe I was given, called for 15 min. at 350F. I reduced the temp. to 325 and reduced the time a minute or two as well.) Cool and frost.

**The original recipe also called for 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans spread on a piece of waxed paper.. Dip dough balls into the nuts, then flatten slightly and place on baking sheet nut side up. I did not use nuts this time as I was taking these to a meeting tonight and did not know if someone might have a nut allergy.

Lemon Icing
1 cup sifted icing sugar
1 Tblsp. softened butter
enough lemon juice to make icing spreadable (I really like lemon so I added a bit of finely grated lemon zest as well)

Mix together and swirl or pipe on top of cookies.

Peace,
Linda

Be naughty - Save Santa a trip!

Twins!!

2011-11-27T22:20:00.000-04:00

Here they are- the latest twins. No, not babies - were you all excited? Sorry. No babies here...
I have finished the second runner. One for me, and one for a friend. Several people have asked about the pattern for this runner. Well, the good news is you really don't need a pattern. It is simply four rows of half square triangles, with a square of your background fabric in each corner. You could make the hst's any size you wish, depending on how large you would like your runner to be. Mine are 3" finished, giving a runner 12" x 36". You will need an equal number of hst's in red and green - I have used 22 of each - you could make it longer or

shorter by adding or decreasing zigzags with increments of 4 hst's. I'm sure you can do the layout just by looking at my photos. I used a variety of reds and greens, (it's a great way to use up "leftovers" ) mixing batiks and tone on tones mostly, with a few prints. My background is a Moda polka dot print from the Countdown to Christmas line. I quilted in straight lines, simply echoing the zigzag shape, the same way Ann did hers - hey, if it works why re-invent the wheel? My thanks again to Ann V. for bringing this runner to our Guild November "funday" and sharing it with us. Ann found the block in a past issue of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, and turned it into a Christmas runner, so the "design credit " goes to Ann!

Piece,
Linda

Come sit at my table and share with me - warm gingerbread
cookies and cinnamon tea....

Saturday morning rituals...

2011-11-26T23:56:00.001-04:00

Do you have a Saturday morning ritual? For me, Saturday morning means Farmer's Market... We are lucky to have a wonderful year round weekly market here in our city, and it is recognized as one of Canada's Top Ten community markets! It has been in its current location since 1951 - so this year is a 60th Anniversary year! But before that, dating back to the mid 1800's, it was held in Phoenix Square on Queen Street. My father attended market every Saturday with his father, traveling by horse and sleigh in the winter when he was a boy in the '20's. And as a child, as soon as I could walk well, my father started taking me to market with him. And that's how Saturday rituals are born... I thought you might enjoy this historical photo of market day in 1907, from the souvenir view album Fredericton, The Celestial City and the River St. John (Toronto, W.G. MacFarlane, 1907) Credit: National Gallery of Canada.
Yes the Market has changed since those days, but it is still as popular. "The Market" as it is known by locals, is a Saturday morning institution. It is THE gathering spot - for fresh food, crafts and good conversation, with stall holders, your neighbour or a local politician. It is THE place for seasonal produce like fiddleheads in the spring, just picked berries in the summer and maple syrup all year 'round.... fresher than fresh garden veggies all summer and apples in the fall... the best meats, seafoods and cheeses... fresh baked goods - breads, cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, you name it.. jams, jellies and pickles,
fresh-squeezed juices and made on the spot fruit smoothies.. you can even find wine, chocolates and specialty coffees! Not to mention photography, jewellery, stained glass, candles and other crafts.. the market has it all! And you can eat breakfast or lunch- inside or out...
And.. at this time of year, they have the smell of Christmas: fresh cut trees, wreaths and bunches of greens for decorating. This morning as I walked around in the warm sunshine, the scent of the evergreens was so wonderful. Why is it that a smell can bring back a flood of memories? This morning, there was even "live entertainment" - my great-niece Mallory was there with other Theatre New Brunswick Young Company members singing carols. They did a great job and received lots of applause. Way to go Mal!

Yes, no matter what season it is, Market is a special place. I always feel close to my Dad there, he is never far from my thoughts.. And now "the next generation" attends market... Mallory likes going with her Mom, and Laura feels "the connection" too, she loves Market and has made it a part of her Saturday tradition, when she is home. Of course, her most fav thing is the Samosas, but that's another story...

Peace,
Linda

"The merry family gatherings, the old, the very young; the strangely lovely way they harmonize in carols sung.
For Christmas is tradition time- traditions that recall the precious memories down the years, the sameness of them all. ~ Marshall

One down, One to go...

2011-11-24T23:40:00.001-04:00

I'm getting into the Christmas Spirit... we have several inches of fresh white fluffy snow, and I'm working with reds and greens. I have hung my Christmas wreath on the front door and dug out my Christmas CD's....
Here is tablerunner #1 - done. The second one is 80% quilted. I'll finish it tomorrow morning, then it'll just need binding. This is a simple and quick pattern, nothing complicated or elaborate, but I'm really happy with it. It measures roughly 12" x 36". This one is a gift for a good friend- I don't think she checks my blog too often, so hopefully she won't see this before she receives it...The second one is for me.
Thanks Ann V. for providing us with this design at our Guild workday last Saturday! Several other members were doing them too- I can't wait to see theirs.
Although I'm not terribly excited about the arrival of winter and snow, there is something magical about that first snowfall and it does tend to put one in the Christmas mood.... My backyard was so pretty today, I just had to do these photos outdoors... Have you had snow yet where you live?

Peace,
Linda

The First Snowfall

The snow had begun in the gloaming,
And busily all the night
Had been heaping field and highway
With a silence deep and white.

Every pine and fir and hemlock
Wore ermine too dear for an earl,
And the poorest twig on the elm tree
Was ridged inch deep with pearl.

~ James Russell Lowell

Novembrrrrrr...

2011-11-22T23:53:00.002-04:00

Novembrrr.. yes we're well into the Brrrr months... those ending in "ber" when we often hear "Brrrrr... " We'll likely hear it tomorrow - we've got a snowstorm coming... Wish I could say Yippeee, but I'm just not that excited for snow...
As I've said before, November is one of my least favourite months. The gardens are gone, the bright colors are gone, it's getting cold... and dark... But there is still beauty in the world - one just has to look for it. Although I don't get out as much with my camera when the weather turns cold, I do make myself go looking for "photographic opportunities". They are there - you just have to see them. I can remember Freeman Patterson saying that November is his favourite month for photography - he loves the monotones of nature... Well, I don't, BUT I can still see beauty all around. I hope you will appreciate the beauty in these images too....

Peace,
Linda

"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it." ~ Confucius

Do you smell smoke?

2011-11-21T18:43:00.000-04:00

Do you smell smoke? Not to worry- it's just me, with the pedal to the metal... It's Nov. 21st!!! That means Christmas is less than 5 weeks away!! I'm starting to feel the usual November ~~panic~~... ~~anxiety~~... pressure...call it what you wish, it's found me. As always I have so many things I want to get done in the next thirty days - sewing projects, stitching projects, plus all that "Christmas stuff".... So I've been hard at it. Our Guild had a workday on Saturday - a good number of us were there, enjoying some fellowship while we sewed. I got a good start on two Christmas runners, hope to finish putting the second one together tonight. Ollie, as usual, is being a big
help. He thinks my ironing board is just for him- a convenient and comfy (and frequently warm) place to lie and watch me sew. Here he is showing how helpful

he can be- holding my half square triangles in place so they won't run away... We frequently "compete" for who gets the most space on the board- he manages to scootch his way over to get more room, especially if I've just used the iron and the board is still warm. But I put up with him... he gives me more smiles per day than you can imagine....
Stay tuned for a "finish photo" in the next few days. Have you started your Christmas sewing yet?
Piece,
Linda

"Animals are such agreeable friends, they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." ~ George Eliot

Pins, pins and more pins...

2011-11-18T14:56:00.000-04:00

Another small "finish".. I have been wanting to make a small "quilt" on which to display my pins for some time now. Our Guild is having a UFO Challenge this year, so that's always great motivation for me so I finished this and took it to our meeting on Tuesday night. I was surprised how many pins I actually have, when I got them all together. With pins from Guilds I have taught for, Conferences and various other pins quilting-related, I have more than I realized... At least they are all in one spot now, and I should be able to find my nametag for Meeting Nights!
The fabric I used, although it is hard to see, has thread spools all over it. I quilted crosshatching with a twin needle and bound it. Simple as that. But it serves the purpose. Another one done! Now I'm starting on some Christmas projects.

Piece,
Linda

Any day spent sewing is a good day!

Am I getting old? Or just "more mature"?

2011-11-17T22:18:00.006-04:00

Salmon Bridge over Kennebecasis River

I must be getting old. I prefer to think of it as "more mature"... **wink. I find myself becoming more interested in things I never thought I would... like History. I hated History in school- guess I never had a really good History teacher who "turned me on" to the subject. At least I'll blame it on that for now.... But when I backpacked through Europe for 3.5 months after finishing University, and on many trips since, I have wished more than once that I could remember the history of the area, or significant site, or whatever... Laura's amazing trip and experience this past

Salmon Bridge over Kennebecasis River

summer in Germany and Poland has certainly made me want to learn more about WWII and the Holocaust. I have done a lot of reading since she was accepted for the MRH trip, and it has just fueled my desire to learn more. I guess that's a good thing. (By the way, for those of you who are interested and followed Laura's experience and her Blog, she has added to it recently; you may want to check it out here. AND - she is embarking on another great "venture" which I'm sure will turn into an adventure.. I'll be surprised if she doesn't write something more on her blog about it as it is related... More about that later....)

Okay, I'm getting off track here.... Back to recent developing interests... I find myself enjoying historical fiction- something my Mother loved reading. Never thought I would... And I'm more interested in things like older architecture. So, this past summer, I decided I would try to visit and photograph some things in my province which are aging and may not be around forever, like our Covered Bridges. I didn't accomplish as much as I had hoped, but at least I got a start. It will be an ongoing project.... I did acquire a "Backroads Atlas" for the Maritimes, which has all the back roads and covered bridges marked. It's a great help. Of course, you probably know that New Brunswick is famous for the longest covered bridge in the world: the Hartland Covered Bridge, built in 1901, is 1282 feet long, and in great condition. You can be sure I'll be visiting it for photos.... but we'll save that for another day.

Patrick Owens bridge over Rusagonish River

There were once more than 4,000 covered bridges in New Brunswick; currently there are about 60 remaining. Sadly they are falling victim to arsonists, vandals and natural disasters. In late August, our local paper reported that our current provincial government was considering rebuilding some of these historic structures. That thought has since fallen by the wayside... To qoute John Leroux, a local architect and historian, "They (the bridges) give us a stronger sense of our past. They're like the grain elevators to Saskatchewan. When the last one is gone, that's when we'll realize how important they were."

In the past the idea of constructing new covered bridges has been dismissed because of modern building codes and the idea that modern materials like steel and concrete would ensure more permanency. However, one only has to look at what's going on with the Saint John Harbour bridge and our own Princess Margaret bridge and how much money is being spent on repairing them and keeping them safe for the high traffic volumes they handle, to wonder if steel and concrete ARE better...?

You have to agree - covered bridges do have "something special". You get a feeling of the past... the human hand and the work that went into those hand hewn timbers. The tradition of tooting your car horn, and making a wish as you pass through - this just doesn't happen when you cross a "modern" bridge.

The first bridge I photographed for this little "project" (top photos above) was built in 1908. The Kennebecasis River #7.5 bridge or Salmon bridge as it is locally known, is 112 feet long, and is no longer in service. As you can see from the wild roses in bloom, it was a lovely June day, on our way back from Corn Hill Nursery - this bridge is not far from Sussex.

Another June day saw Laura and I out photographing lupines, and we made our way out to Rusagonish to find the covered bridge there. It's probably less than 20 miles from my home, but I had never seen it. Built in 1909, the Patrick Owens bridge (otherwise known as Rusagonish River #2 bridge) is in daily use. At 115 feet, it features something not many other cb's have - a window running the entire length of the bridge on the west side. As you can see the window is also "covered" or protected by a roof. It allows one a great view of the beautiful Rusagonish River from the bridge. It was a perfect summer day when we were there - bees were buzzing, flowers were blooming and butterflies were fluttering around. Several young people were fishing under the bridge, and no I did not take a pic of the eel he caught... sorry!
I'll continue with this photo project and share more covered bridge photos and info with you in the future.. hope you have enjoyed this little look at a piece of our past.

Peace
Linda

"History is who we are and why we are the way we are." ~ David McCullough

A New Favourite

2011-11-15T14:37:00.001-04:00

I think most people appreciate a "tested and recommended" new recipe. So here is my recommendation for today. This is a simple quick salad dressing, for which you likely have all or most of the ingredients on hand. This comes from my friend Donna H, who is a wonderful cook, and a fellow Home Economist. Donna lives in Quebec but spends time here in the summer at her cottage, so we get some time together- usually over a delicious meal. Thanks Donna, for this yummy dressing. (I think this could put Mr. Kraft right out of business!) I love it over a salad of fresh baby greens, red pepper, sliced mushrooms, red onion rings, toasted slivered almonds or pecans, dried cranberries and topped with chevre cheese. It's delicious on a Chef Salad too, with chicken, ham, hard cooked egg and cheddar on top..... Oh heck, it's delicious on any salad....

Red Onion Salad Dressing

1/2 cup oil
1/4 cup vinegar (I used half white and half cider)
2 Tblsp. water
1/3-1/2 cup white sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 small red onion, roughly chopped

Place all ingredients in food processor or blender and whir for 10 - 15 seconds. Simple as that!
I added some poppyseeds after blending this time... yummmy.....

Peace,
Linda

Friendship isn't a big thing... it's a million little things.

Shoo Fly Mini

2011-11-14T19:28:00.002-04:00

Here is my latest finish! Another Miniature, measuring 15.75" square. Before I teach my Miniatures class again, I'd like to have several new samples done, which are not quite so tiny! I find students look at my minis and want to try the tiniest one as their first effort (with half inch units). Sometimes it's hard to make people understand that it's more difficult to start really small, especially if their accuracy is not as good as it could be. So I'm attempting to get some simple ones made (good for beginners) which are a little larger. This one uses 3/4" units, yielding a 2.25" block. Again I used Thangles for the HST's.
This is machine quilted, just in the ditch. Very much quilting will easily distort a mini, so simple is best. I used a white Aurifil thread for the first time and really liked it. Between the two borders, I used

an opalescent Sulky Sliver thread to give just a little shimmer.
My inspiration for the colour choices in this piece was a piece of Moda Kidstuff striped fabric called Oodles of Poodles, designed by Cheri Strole. I was planning to use it as the border, but it just didn't work - too busy looking and overpowering for the simple blocks, I thought. Funny how something you think will be absolutely perfect just doesn't work. Oh well, I'm happy with the piece, that's what matters I guess. Laura's childhood friend Phoebe likes it too- she wanted to pose with it so here she is, below...
Come back tomorrow for an easy yummy recipe....

Piece,
Linda

The work of the hands brings forth the spirit of the heart.

Little Boy Blue...

2011-11-12T17:21:00.000-04:00

Another one crossed off the list. I can just picture some tiny blue eyed baby boy snuggling under this little quilt. It measures 18" x 24" and is backed with soft flannel, and is bound for our local hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I'll turn it in on Tuesday night at our Guild meeting along with Pink Peppermint Twist which you saw here. The design is the very simple Disappearing Nine Patch which you can read about here. Now I'm busy quilting my little Shoo Fly Miniature, hoping to have it ready for Tuesday night's Show and Tell as well. I'm on a roll... yeah - I know - it's about time!

Piece,
Linda

Snips and snails and puppy dog tails, that's what little boys are made of...

Lest We Forget

2011-11-11T07:44:00.001-04:00

Today is a special day- a day of remembrance and a day to honour our veterans and those who still serve our country. We must never forget those who give so selflessly to keep us free and safe in this wonderful country of ours. Wear your poppy proudly.

Free

(Adam Ashton)

Free to be happy
Free to be me
Free to become whatever I choose to be
Free to learn
Free to believe
Free to dream extraordinarily
Free to have hope
Free to have vision
Free to have power to change my condition
My life can become whatever I choose it to be
Because others have died so I can be free.

Pink Peppermint Twist

2011-11-10T19:43:00.001-04:00

I've been rather absent from blogland for more than a week... no excuses- just busy!! So it's good to be back. I have accomplished a few things.. all my outdoor work is now DONE- hurray - all my perennial beds are "put to bed" for the winter- cut down, covered with leaf mulch and chicken wire to hold it in place through the winter. Feels good to have that all taken care of. My sixth and last teaching trip for this fall is done.. no more classes now until February.
So I am "getting re-acquainted" with my Bernina. Our Guild is making children the focus for our community projects this year. This fall we are doing small quilts (18" x 24") for the Neonatal Intensive Care unit at the hospital. I have one finished and the second one ready to layer and quilt - you'll see it in another day or two. Shown here is number one- I used the L'il Twister templates, by CS Designs. This is such an easy quick way to make pinwheels - just sew your squares together, then use the templates to cut out your blocks, re-sew, and you're done! I decided to do one in pink and the other quilt in blue. I am just using up fabrics I have on hand - I know it's not a prizewinner by any stretch, but it's backed with flannel and will keep some precious little babe warm and cozy... that's what matters.

Peace,
Linda

It's the little things in life that matter...

One Word Wednesday

2011-11-09T20:19:00.003-04:00

Autumn!!

Peace,
Linda

"Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own." ~ Charles Dickens

Happy Hallowe'eeeen...

2011-10-31T17:27:00.003-03:00

It's Hallowe'en again! Gee, the year sure passes quickly... Here we are again getting ready to pass out treats... I've only done a few Hallowe'en /Fall quilts and I'm quite sure I've never shown this one. It is older, done in 1996 and I call it Boo! It measures 19" x 27". The design/pattern is from an early issue of Miniature Quilts, which, sadly, is no longer in publication. Although it's been around since my children were little, it's still a favourite and I enjoy hanging it each October.

Somehow I don't find Hallowe'en quite as much fun as when my kididdles were little. I can remember their excitement as they got dressed to go out... what fun.... So I thought I'd share some old photos with you, of my two kidlets - they'll get a chuckle out of these as well! The first one is from 1993 when Laura was 2 and Mark was 4, they were such a cute pair - a bunny and a tiger. More huggable than scary!

The next one is 1994 when Mark was Batman and Laura was a clown. Interestingly I had made that clown outfit for my nephew Terry when he was little- so it was about 22 years old when she wore it!! And it hung together - I was impressed! I can remember how excited she was to wear that crazy rainbow wig! I can still hear her giggles!

The last photos are from 1995 and these costumes were my all time favourites! Mark was 6 and in Grade1, Mrs. Steen's class. I can remember going in to help with the class Hallowe'en party and when they were playing Musical Chairs, Mark's tail got caught in the chair and he couldn't get up.. he was so embarassed! My friend Robyn had made these costumes for her children the year before - I cannot take credit. They were awesome and my kids LOVED wearing them. I have to say- they were pretty darn cute, don'cha think???!!!

Have a safe and Happy Hallowe'en... and, oh yes- don't eat too much candy...

Peace,
Linda

Too cute to spook...

What's that white stuff?

2011-10-30T22:58:00.004-03:00

I can't believe that we had snow today!! It's not even November yet for goodness sakes!! Luckily we did not get much - certainly we were much better off than those in New England who got upwards of two feet in some areas!! The freak storm there left 11 dead and over 3 million without power... I can't believe that two days ago I picked these last flowers from my garden! Just thought if you, like me, were NOT happy to see that white stuff today, you might enjoy these last few blooms as I did.. these are definitely the last ones for this year... a beautiful pink poppy with a bouquet of Nigella, also known as Love in a Mist, and below, a bouquet of Japanese Toad Lilies.
I stayed inside today , and made brown bread and a nice beef stew for supper... Mmmmm. I guess I'm starting to feel the need for "comfort food".. that's what the onset of cold weather does to me..
Read a great book this weekend- another one of those that once I started, just couldn't stop... Strange Fits of Passion by Anita Shreve. It's a compelling story of a young mother who has taken her infant daughter and fled from an abusive husband. She hopes to start life over in a small coastal Maine community under an assumed name, but things don't quite work out the way she had hoped... If you haven't read this book yet- you should. You won't be sorry...

Piece,
Linda

"Be like the sun and meadow, which are not in the least concerned with the coming winter." ~ George Bernard Shaw

Fall... a 4 letter "F" word...

2011-10-29T23:48:00.004-03:00

Fall is upon us. Yes, that 4 letter "F" word is here. Hallowe'en is only a few days away now, and then it will be cold, windy, dull, boring, monochromatic November. (can you tell I ~~hate~~ don't care for November? ) Ollie is keeping a close watch out the window- he's on the lookout for ghosts and goblins.... in case they come early.
Despite the less than perfect fall weather, I have been out taking photos whenever I can. Here are a few fall shots for your enjoyment...

Peace,
Linda

"How beautifully the leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days." ~ John Burroughs

Divine Stitchers

2011-10-28T22:28:00.001-03:00

In this last post about the Moncton Guild's Show, I'd like to share with you a few photos by a special group of ladies, known as The Divine Stitchers of the Yo-Yo Sistahood. This group has been together for 4.5 years now. They are all GMQG members, but joined together to challenge themselves creatively. And that they have!! Since the spring of 2007, they have done a number of projects together, and they shared four of them at the Show. Their first project, called "Slice" was inspired by a painting by Newfoundland artist Virginia Houston, titled "A Kings Road Morning". After receiving copyright
permission, they made a color copy of her painting and vertically divided it into 9 equal slices. They did a random draw for the slices, established some guidelines, and then each proceeded to repeat their slice in fabric. Here is the finished piece- the slices were not sewn together but are mounted on a "backing board".
Another project they obviously had a lot of fun with, was "Let Me Introduce Myself" in which they represented themselves in fabric. They were each given prechosen fabric and a random pattern shape, and were to create a self portrait incorporating 5 words to describe themselves. Left to right on the piece are: Jennifer, Betty, Margaret, Juanita, Carolyn, Shirley, Sue and Nancy. (Did you recognize them?)

In "Where the Wild Things Are" (at right) each participant was to depict an aspect of nature while hiding a "wild thing" somewhere on their piece - some were easy to spot and some were well hidden! Some common fabrics were used, but each quilter clearly had their own creative ideas of "wild spaces"...

Their latest project (below) is titled "Four and Twenty Blackbirds". Each participant was given a fabric pack which had to be used, and a pie shaped piece for size reference. It was fun to see how the "Sistas" each interpreted the nursery rhyme. An interesting variety of techniques was used. I particularly liked the felted blackbirds and the celtic blackbird.

A group such as this one, adds much to a guild. GMQG is lucky to have these ladies is in their midst!

Piece,
Linda

"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. " ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Seeing Stars...

2011-10-26T19:05:00.001-03:00

One of the aspects of a Quilt Show that I often enjoy the most is seeing what the Guild has done for a Challenge. They are always interesting, in their rules, limitations, requirements, etc. and it is amazing to see how creative some people can be. The Greater Moncton Guild challenged their members to a special project to celebrate their 25th year and some of the Challenge pieces were on display at last week's Show.
Here are the rules, as I understand them - each piece had to contain 25 stars- a large centre star, 20 small stars and 4 corner stars. One of the stars had to feature some silver lamé fabric.There were no size limitations.
At right is the first place winner, Beacon of Light, by Nancy Elaschuk. It is 32" x 45" and was designed in response to the decommissioning of lighthouses in Atlantic Canada. It was a beautiful piece and I loved how she subtly worked the stars into the entire piece - the sky, land and water. Once again, Nancy is certainly deserving of the first place ribbon!

Second place went to Twinkling Stars by Ardith Barron (at left). It measures 35" x 38" and features a variety of beautiful star designs. I'd love to know how long she spent piecing all those star blocks- some were quite intricate. Wonderful job, Ardith!

For some reason, I did not get the name of the third place winner, but I did get the photo!! It is shown at right, with the large Feathered Star in the centre and the colourful piano key border. Very nice! 25 Stars by Kim Larracy (below) was also an eye-catcher!
I have already shown several other Challenge pieces on previous posts, those by Jaunita Allain and Shirley Baillieul - you can see them by clicking here.

It seemed that there were stars everywhere you looked at the Show. Below are several other quilts which really caught my eye. Two Radiant Stars, the first in purples and greens, by Vivian LeBlanc, and the other in rich browns and earth tones by Martha Davidson. Both were beautifully machine quilted by Penny Bubar, and both hung so perfectly straight and flat. And in between the two, a colourful Storm at Sea by Sheila McCarthy.
What an impressive collection of work by so many talented ladies!
My next post will show you four pieces by a small group within the Moncton Guild - the Divine Stitchers of the Yo-Yo Sistahood. They are all very skilled and I know you'll enjoy seeing their group projects.

Piece,
Linda

"The stars are God's dreams, thoughts remembered in the silence of the night." ~ Thoreau

Best of Show at Follow The Stars

2011-10-24T23:56:00.002-03:00

The "star of the show", so to speak, was Fundy Mermaid by Nancy Elaschuk. It won first place in the Art Quilt category, and also Best of Show (and therefore the CQA Rosette). Congrats Nancy!! Her design was adapted from a copyright free painting by W. Waterhouse and the mermaid's face is that of Nancy's daughter Kathleen. I thought the mermaid was very well done- the shading of the skin, the face, hair.. it was all wonderful! (Of course the entire piece was wonderful!!) Nancy did a lot of great thread painting, hopefully you can see it on the two detail shots. Especially impressive were the tiny "scales" on the mermaid. Nancy's work is always impressive, and I was thrilled to learn, after the judging was complete, that this mermaid was Nancy's creation.

Because this piece won Best of Show, it was moved from it's original location on the back wall, to the "front" of the Show (before the Show was open to the public). The Show Committee members decided that the ribbons would not be hung on it until the ribbon-cutting and the Show "officially opened". Then the announcement would be made (I'm sure they were anxious to surprise Nancy). I was leaving about a half hour prior to the Opening, and who do I run into in the entrance, but Nancy. She asked what I thought of their show and of course I praised it highly. As we chatted, several of the Committee members inside (through a large window) could see us chatting, and the looks on their faces were priceless- I'm sure they were worried I was telling Nancy that she had won the coveted "best" award... Nancy had her back to them, but I could see them plainly. It was all I could do not to laugh... Not to worry, ladies... I would never spoil the surprise.. I would have loved to see the look on her face, though, when the announcement was made. Next I'll show you the Guild 25th Anniversary Challenge- 25 Stars...

Piece,
Linda

"An artist is a dreamer consenting to dream of the actual world".
~George Santayana

Follow The Stars Show

2011-10-22T23:38:00.004-03:00

Whew! Four down, two to go... I'm home again, another class done. Two more to go and then I'm done travel/teaching until after Christmas. My studio looks like several bombs went off... I certainly need to tidy and organize a bit before preparing for my next class, which is next Thursday. It's been a busy week and I must say I'm rather tired tonight. (A little nap after supper sure felt good!) Along with travels and teaching, I managed to get a batch of Pickled Beets and a batch of Red Pepper Jelly done this week. I

might do one more batch of Red Pepper Jelly, as it is a small recipe and it would be nice to have some extra on hand to tuck in with Christmas gifts; then all I have left to get done is a batch of Salsa.

So, I'm thinking you might like to see more photos from the Greater Moncton Guild's 25th Anniversary Show "Follow The Stars". It really is a lovely show and I sure hope many of my local quilting friends make the effort to get over to see it before it closes tomorrow. They have many talented members and some wonderful work on exhibit. One thing that really impressed me was the good number of pieces which were hand quilted. It seems that so many pieces these days are machine quilted, and it was great to see so much quilting done by hand. Tonight I'll share photos I have of some
of the prizewinners. In the next post you'll see their Anniversary Challenge.

First up are the Large Pieced Quilt category winners: first place went to Bridget Daly for Ocean View, (at right) made for her grandson who loves the ocean and his visits to the Maritimes. I loved her additions at top and bottom - the coastal lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic, and the "ocean floor". 2nd place was A Sorted Affair (below) by Tracey Strong, the result of a paper-piecing course at The Fabric Cupboard shop. Lovely dark rich colors and wonderful piecing... Both beautiful quilts, with lovely quilting....

The Small Pieced Quilt category was won by Shirley Baillieul with her Anniversary Challenge piece. The Challenge winners were chosen before the show, by a GMQG member vote at a meeting, but this quilt missed the chance, as Shirley was still quilting on it. So it was entered in the Small Pieced category at the Show. And it won!! No wonder- it was beautifully done and featured a large amount of lovely hand quilting. (more about the Challenge on my next post)

Second place went to Jerri Burke for Diamonds in the Sun. This piece was created for the River Gallery Bali Club Challenge earlier in the year.. It also was hand quilted. Again, both solid winners.

Somehow I missed getting photos of the Large Applique category, not sure how that happened. Sorry! First place winner in the Small Applique Quilt category was Butterfly Ballet by Kim Larracy. Her applique was SO well done with such lovely smooth curves and wonderful tiny even hand quilting stitches. A beautiful piece! Second place went to Trick or Treat, machine appliqued by Samantha Robichaud. It was such a fun piece, with great fabric choices. We especially liked her owl...

The Wearable category was won by Sheila McCarthy for her stole, made for her brother, Father Michael Toner. It had a such a wonderful progression/blend of the red batiks. Father Mike is one lucky man!

Each judge got to pick a Judge's Choice from anything in the Show (i.e. we were not restricted to only the quilts entered for judging), and we all were pleased with each other's choices. They were: Carolyn Mitton's Whole Cloth quilt, Juanita Allain's 25 Star Anniversary Challenge piece, and the Guild's Raffle Quilt. All wonderful pieces- I would have been happy to take any of them home with me. (Alas- no offers lol... of course I AM going to WIN the Raffle quilt....)

That's it for tonight. Hope you've enjoyed seeing some of the "stars" of the Show. Tomorrow I'll show you the Best of Show, as well as some of the Challenge pieces. Good night!

Piece,

Linda

May the stars light your journey as you reach for the moon.

On the Road Again...

2011-10-21T23:44:00.003-03:00

I feel just like Willie Nelson these days, I seem to be on the road a lot.... I am just home from Moncton where I was one of three judges for the Greater Moncton Guild's 25th Anniversary Show "Follow The Stars". It was an honour and a privilege to judge such a fine show. There are so many exceptional pieces, and if you are reading this from my local area, you really should get yourself to Moncton this weekend to take in this wonderful exhibit of some fine quilting! It's taking place at the Lion's Club at 55 Mark Ave. Mark Ave. runs off of Collishaw, very close to the Fabric Cupboard, or you can get to it from Brandon St. off Mountain Road (Rinzler's Meat Market is on the corner). Here we are, the three judges, in front of their gorgeous raffle quilt (which I hope to win!!) L-R myself, Anne Mattie from Thistle QG in Stellarton N.S. and fellow FQG member and buddy Monica Washburn.
There are many fine pieces of work to be enjoyed, trust me. I am adding just a few photos tonight, as it is getting late and I have to be up early to drive to Woodstock to teach a class tomorrow. So here are a few of my favourites, and I will be adding more over the next few days. You will see exceptional piecing and applique work, wonderful Challenge pieces and more! You can also see a few pics here on our Guild blog.
Okay - off you go. Get yourself to Moncton. You know you waaaannnt to...

My Judge's Choice- Anniversary Challenge by Juanita Allain

1st Place, Small Pieced category, Anniversary Challenge by Shirley Baillieul

1st Place Art Quilt category, also Best of Show. "Fundy Mermaid" by Nancy Elaschuk

Detail of Fundy Mermaid, whose face is Nancy's daughter Kathleen

Piece,
Linda

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." ~ Bev Sills

Who says pink is not a Fall colour?

2011-10-20T12:04:00.001-03:00

Fall is definitely here. The reds, yellows, golds, oranges and browns are everywhere now and leaves are falling. I've been trying to get out to do some photography and get those beautiful "Fall shots". Our colours vary from year to year and they just don't seem to be as vivid this year. However, there is lots of beauty to be appreciated.

I will be sharing lots of typical autumn shots with you.. but today.. the colour is PINK!! Just look at all the pink I have found.... These photos were all taken yesterday. They have not been photoshopped or altered in any way...no filters, no colour adjustments...

Peace,
Linda

"Each moment of the year has it's own beauty - a picture that was never seen before and will never be seen again." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Quilts 4 All Seasons

2011-10-19T20:45:00.000-03:00

This past weekend, the Elm City Guild held their quilt show, titled Quilts 4 All Seasons. As usual it was an amazing display of work. I popped down on Friday evening, after returning from Amherst. I was tired, and only had an hour before they closed, but I managed to see it all, although I would have liked longer to "linger" over some pieces. It is a shame that our city does not have a good size exhibit space that is reasonably priced for shows like this. With four (yes four!!) Guilds in our area, it would sure be nice to have a spacious well lit space that would be available for a reasonable fee. You can see from these photos, that although they did an incredible job of exhibiting the quilts, and decorating for the 4 seasons, it was pretty crowded. There were many pieces that I just would have liked to see more of! But, all in all, a great show. I heard there were approximately 400 pieces shown. Wow!! Wouldn't you like to know how many total hours of work that represents?? Kudos to ECQG!

This one by Joyce Newman was one of my favourites

Peace,
Linda

"It is by what we ourselves have done, and not by what others have done for us, that we shall be remembered in after ages." ~ Francis Wyland

Awesome Amherst continued...

2011-10-17T19:53:00.003-03:00

I was having trouble with Blogger over the weekend, getting my photos to load, hence the post being delayed until Sunday. (I've now figured out the problem, I think - finally) As it was, I had to cut it short on the photos, so today here are a few more. I just had to share some of Don's amazing birdhouses with you - I do hope you went to his Facebook album to meet The Corkers - they are worth getting to know!! Edit: Be sure to visit my friend Gail's blog here to see her birdhouse pics.

Amherst is such a nice little town. As I get older (oh no) I find I'm more interested in things like local history and architecture. I couldn't resist a few pics of some of the Victorian homes. I know older homes can be a lot of work to update, and costly to heat, but I would just love to live in a sweet little house like this first one. Isn't it darling??

Bank of N.S. House, c. 1870. 192 Victoria St. East. Gothic Revival style

Dickey House, c. 1870. 169 Victoria St. East. Second Empire style

Peace,

Linda

Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, be it ever so humble there's no place like home.

Fabulous Fall Fibre Fest in Awesome Amherst

2011-10-16T19:54:00.007-03:00

My friend Gail and I are home from the Fall Fibre Fest in Amherst Nova Scotia. This was a first for both of us; we had each planned to attend last year but circumstances prevented, so we were pleased to get there this year. I feel a connection to Amherst as my maternal grandmother was born and brought up there and my Mother was born there. My great-grandmother was a Pugsley- an old Amherst surname. As well Gail and I have a blogging friend there- Karen Neary, quilter and pattern designer extraordinaire and we were anxious to reconnect with her. I have never spent any significant time there, so was looking forward to having a bit of a "look around"... It's a lovely little town and it was a-hoppin' with fibre enthusiasts. Gail and I were both anxious to take in as much as we could in our day and a half. We hit the ground runnin'...

First up was Mrs. Pugsley's Emporium, the headquarters of Fibre Fest, as we knew that's where we would find wildflower honey from the Neary Apiary, number one on our shopping list. (I had toast and honey for lunch yesterday- it was soooo good. I'm sure Winnie the Pooh would be envious...) Since the weather was threatening rain, we decided that the Fibre Walk would be our priority for the day. This is a self-guided walking tour in the downtown area to see the work of 17 local Fibre Artists displayed in windows and storefronts. We especially enjoyed the heirloom christening gowns by Celina White in the windows of Pugsley's Pharmacy (above), and the exquisite needlework of Mary Farrow Sinclair at Shear Impressions (left). In addition, we saw beautiful quilts, hooked rugs, felting and fur bears.

The noonhour found us in a full house at the Tantramar Theatre for the Brown Bag Theatre performance of Knit Picker. Well known local playwright Rev. Don Miller did it again, coming up with characters and a story that "hit the nail right on the head"... I think he must have an "in" to be able to so accurately portray the recognizable habits and quirks of those of us who are fibre enthusiasts. I'm sure the continual laughter was because we all could see ourselves and/or our friends in those onstage. Laughter is, indeed, "good medicine"....
We ended off the afternoon by visiting our friend Karen and her very own quilt show. It was a thrill to see all of her quilts together in one space, after viewing some of them on her blog. I think her New York Beauties are my favourites. I definitely have a NYB on my "to do" list. Congrats Karen, on a lovely Show! Hope you had LOTS of visitors. At right above is "Farrago", one of my favs.
We topped off the day by meeting up with our friend Carole for dinner at the Marshlands Inn in nearby Sackville. We enjoyed a beautiful meal in elegant surroundings - a perfect end to the day. The Marshlands is one of Canada's most well known Inns. Built in 1854, and furnished with beautiful antiques it has been listed in Where To Eat In Canada for over 25 consecutive years... need I say more?
On Friday our focus was the Quilt Shows. There were two shows, both by the local Guilds and both were beautifully displayed in the sanctuaries of local churches. Of course that meant the lighting was not terribly bright, so my photos are not great exposure-wise, but I think they will give you a good idea of the wonderful variety and the many talents of the Amherst quilters. We enjoyed a leisurely perusal of both shows and chatted with a few of the local quilters.

Our Fibre Fest experience ended with a visit to Don Miller's home for his Birdhouse Show and Sale. Yes this is the same Rev. Don Miller who writes the entertaining plays, and his wonderful humour is evident in his whimsical birdhouses as well. Even the "regular" houses were humourous, as he recycles and re-purposes many ordinary or antique items for use on the houses, but his "corkers" were just too funny! Visit his Facebook page to meet all the corkers. It's worth the visit, and I guarantee you'll chuckle as you read their stories. Each "Corker character" has their own story. He's called them corkers because their noses are corks or pegs which can be removed to turn them into a "habitable" birdhouse. Gail and I each bought a birdhouse - who could resist? Here I am with Don and my new birdhouse- it was SO hard to pick just one - there were at least 10 that I really liked... Guess I'll have to return.... Thanks Amherst for an awesome Fibre Fest!!
EDIT: I can't believe I forgot to mention the Zonta BaZaar
on Friday! It is a marvelous shopping experience for anyone who is "into" fibre- yarns galore, knitted goods, felted items, and many other handcrafted items. Ooooh yes, WELL worth a visit...

Peace,
Linda

Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves...
for they will never cease to be amused.

Fall is here...

2011-10-12T22:08:00.000-03:00

Despite the remaining few flowers in my perennial beds, shown on my previous post, Fall is definitely here. The days are getting shorter, (darn it!) and the temps are cooling down. We were lucky with beautiful warm weather on Thanksgiving weekend, but that is behind us now. I am still busy with outdoor work to be done; I dug out most of my carrots today, still have a half row more to get. After that there's not much left in the garden other than a few remaining beets and some weeds. I'll get it tilled up soon, and then it will lie in wait for spring to come.
No sewing happenin' here this week; I've been busy the last few days with boring stuff like making turkey soup, errands and laundry- all stuff you have to get done before going away. I'm off tomorrow to Amherst for my first ever visit to the Amherst Fibre Fest. You can read all about the exciting events here. I think it's going to be a blast. I'll be sure to post some pics when we get back.
I did finish an excellent book last night (at 1:30a.m. - just couldn't go to bed until I reached the end and "solved the mystery"). I highly recommend The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. I read another of hers a month ago - The House at Riverton - I liked this one much better. A great story with lots of suspense - check it out!

Just have to share one more photo with you this evening. As the moon rose tonight, it truly looked like the "harvest moon"- large and orangey. (actually I guess the Harvest moon was in September and this is known as the Hunter's Moon). It was so beautiful, I ran back in to get my camera and walked about a hundred feet down the street where I could get a photo between the trees on the golf course. With a long lens on, it really brought the view of the north end of our city bridge much closer (it is several miles away). It is not a perfect photo, but I knew by the time I ran back to get my tripod, the moon would be under cloud. It was casting an orange glow on the light cloud just above it- I guess you'll have to trust me when I tell you it was almost magical-looking. And several minutes later, it was totally obscured by cloud...

Peace,
Linda

Reach for the moon. If you fall short, you might land on a star.

Last Blooms of Summer... Happy Thanksgiving!!

2011-10-10T15:36:00.004-03:00

It feels like summer this weekend! How blessed we have been to have such a wonderful warm Thanksgiving weekend - it's been sunny and unseasonably warm each day- almost too hot for cooking the turkey! Hard to believe Laura drove through snow on the Cobequid Pass on Thursday night!! Yesterday reached around 25Celcius and I was baking apple pie, rolls and then my turkey! But I'm NOT complaining. No sirree... not me. I'd be happy to have this nice weather continue right up until about Dec. 23. But that won't happen, I'm quite sure.

I've been spending some time outside trying to get the fall cleanup in the garden underway. Yesterday I dumped some planters, pulled all the remaining frost-withered cucumber plants, dug out some tender bulbs, etc. This afternoon I'm starting to pull out the annuals that have been touched by the frost and I'll cut all my Chinese Lanterns. I don't have many blooms left but thought you might like to see a few last flowers- the bees and wasps were having a feast yesterday... I guess it was their version of turkey dinner..?
It's been great having Laura home for a few days. We have eaten well - turkey dinner last night, and the night before we had a wonderful barbeque with our friends Donna and Pierre at the lake. Mark has golfed three days in a row, enjoying the sunshine and trying hard to break 80. Saturday he shot 81, yesterday it was 80 so maybe today it'll be a 79!

Peace,
Linda

May the bounty of the season fill your heart and your home. Happy Thanksgiving!

Autumn Medley

2011-10-06T18:38:00.001-03:00

Just a quick post this evening to share with you a photo of my latest stitching finish. This cute little fall piece is for Laura for her apartment. She is on her way home tonight for the long weekend, and I'll surprise her with it as she has not seen it. I hope she likes it. It was fairly quick and easy; the pattern is called Autumn Medley, by Heart in Hand Needleart. I think I just might do one for myself as well! The finished (framed) size is 5.25" by 13.75". The design size is 2" by 10.75". Once I get mine done, the pattern is up for grabs. If you're interested let me know.

Peace,
Linda

"Autumn truly is what summer pretends to be: the best of all seasons."
~ Gregg Easterbrook

Busy as a Squirrel

2011-10-05T22:54:00.001-03:00

We've had a few days of overcast and rainy weather. I chuckled as I watched this squirrel yesterday, sitting in the apple tree munching on an apple. He was holding his tail right up over his back- I wonder if his back was cold? They are cute to watch. Nothing more than rats with pretty tails, but cute none the less... I feel like a squirrel some days- scurrying around with what seems like too much to get done...
I'm off tomorrow to Woodstock again for another class. I'm all packed and ready, and soon off to bed.
I do have the borders on my ShooFly but it's still waiting to be quilted. I'm happy with my final decision on the border fabrics. You'll see it soon... I will have another "finish" to show you tomorrow though...

Peace
Linda

The Squirrel

These are the brown leaves fluttering down.
This is the tall tree bare and brown.
This is the squirrel with eyes so bright
Hunting for nuts with all his might.
This is the hole where day by day
Nut after nut he stores away.
When winter comes with its cold and storm
He'll sleep curled up all snug and warm.

Shoo Fly, don't bother me...

2011-10-02T19:56:00.000-03:00

Wasn't that the first line of a song? I remember that from long ago..."Shoo fly don't bother me" (repeated 3 times), then "I belong to somebody..."
Here is my little ShooFly, minus borders. Each time I teach a Miniatures class, I try to have at least one new Miniature done. I decided I really should do up a few fairly simple ones that aren't too teeny, as "possibilities" for the students to try. (I let them choose their own project in this class.) So I will finish this one up, with borders and some fairly simple quilting. I think I'll also do a small Churn Dash and maybe another one or two.. eventually... I give the students a list of fairly simple blocks that I suggest they choose from, so I really should have a few little quilts to go along with that "possible block choices" list. So I'll work away at that over the winter...
These blocks are 2.25" finished size. The HST's are 3/4 " and I used Thangles to do them. I've been debating over what to do for borders. I have a border print that I thought I might use, but still not sure it's the look I want. I hope to finish this up this week so I'll be sure to show you a photo when it's done, don't worry. What are you working on these days?

Peace,
Linda

"Be what you are. This is the first step toward becoming better than you are." ~ Julius Charles Hart

Long week, wet weekend...

2011-10-01T23:00:00.007-03:00

This seemed to be a looong week, and I am tired! But I have accomplished a good deal, so it's all worth it. My teaching travels have begun again, with two classes this week, both out of town. On Thursday I did a Miniatures class for a great group of gals at a private home, upriver. We had such fun and I think I may have created a few new Miniature addicts like myself! lol Thanks Kathy and to all the group, for a fun day. I have about six new "Miniature wanna-do's" swimming around in my head now.. just what I needed - more to add to the growing list! :0)
Today I taught a Fundamentals class for the Woodstock Guild- again a great group of keen ladies. It was a good day, and other than my annoying cough, I think it went well. Thanks Ladies, for a great day! Two down, three to go. As you probably know, I'm a nighthawk and NOT a "bounce out of bed at an early hour" type, so being on the highway before 7:45a.m. is a bit of a stretch for me!! Thank God for the radio to keep me awake...
I have no photos tonight, but promise a few tomorrow. I have finished my Autumn stitchery piece- you may not see it until it's framed (next week). I have the blocks sashed and together on the latest Miniature - it's a Shoo-Fly. I promise you a pic tomorrow, whether I get the borders on or not. In fact I may be looking for some opinions... Other accomplishments this week are not significant, but feel good, nonetheless. Things like a big batch of Turkey Soup and lots of stewed tomaters in the freezer. Yummmm...
Oops - almost forgot to tell you, in case you were waiting with baited breath - Queen Elizabeth II's coronation gown is NOT in town, as we were led to believe. What we did see on Wednesday afternoon was the current exhibit of Royal portraits, and one small sample of the embroidery that was on her gown. It was framed and not much bigger than 8"x10". The designer, Hartnell, did a number of samples for Elizabeth's approval during the design process and it was one of these that we saw. You might be interested in visiting my friend Susan's blog - Plays with Needles - here - she did a lovely writeup a while back on the coronation gown, while she was making a "Queen" herself. Do go have a look and see the 3500 hours worth of embroidery, done by the Royal School of Needlework. The sample that she shows in that post is the one we saw, I believe, or very close to it.... It was spectacular, and very interesting to see, but a bit disappointing I must say, when we thought we were going to see the entire gown!!! :(
I'm being totally lazy tonight, lounging on the couch with a good book - The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. My quote below is a line I read about an hour ago - loved it... Okay, gotta go! Kate Morton is calling me back...

Peace,
Linda

"The happiest folk are those that are busy, for their minds are starved of time to seek out woe."
~ Kate Morton in The Forgotten Garden

"You say To-may-to...

2011-09-27T13:51:00.001-03:00

..and I say To-mah-to".. Isn't that how the song goes? Well anyway, I'm (happily) up to my eyeballs in tomatoes today. My garden crop was a total failure- lost them all to blight. I don't think I got more than a half dozen good tomatoes this year- the rest turned black and rotted in a very short time. How frustrating after nursing them along all summer. So I purchased a 22 pound box from my favourite friendly farmer at the Market on Saturday. I made one more batch of Ratatouille and am stewing and freezing the rest today. I love having a good supply of tomatoes on hand in the freezer- I use them all year long, for spaghetti sauce, chili, salsa, etc. Your own "home grown" just taste SOO much better than those from a can... (If any of my local readers should happen to know of someone with an excess of garden tomatoes that they're trying to get rid of.. PLEASE let me know. :)
I'm also busy gearing up for another "teaching season". I have six classes scheduled for this fall, all out of town. Three are within the next 10 days, all different. So, that takes some prep time plus I'm trying to get one more Miniature done, since the class this Thursday is on Miniatures. I will have the top done, but it won't be quilted - I'll have to take it as a "flimsy". You'll see it in another day or two. I'm just sashing the blocks now...
In the evenings when I finally sit down, I'm stitching away on a new little Autumn piece- it's nearing completion too.
Last night was our first Embroiderers' Guild meeting, and tomorrow we are fortunate to go on a tour at our local Beaverbrook Art Gallery. As well as seeing the gallery's collection of tapestries, needlepoint and other embroidery-related exhibit pieces, we will be able to see Queen Elizabeth's coronation gown!! You can be sure I'll be taking some photos, IF they are allowed. Stay tuned....

Peace,
Linda

Gardeners are down to earth.

Spiced Apple Jelly Recipe

2011-09-26T00:48:00.006-03:00

Several readers asked for the Apple Jelly recipe, so here you go. First, I should tell you that jelly is a rather finicky thing to make, so if you have never tried jelly before, I strongly recommend doing it with an experienced jelly-maker for the first time or two, as it is something that's hard to do just from written instructions. Much better to have someone "show you" - especially when it comes to knowing when the juice has cooked long enough and is ready for bottling. I speak from experience - I have undercooked and overcooked, it can be hard to get it "just right".
This is an old family recipe- from my Grandmother Kelly. Her name was Lil, short for Lillian. I barely remember her- the only thing I can clearly remember is that she always kept maple buds (chocolate candy) on the top shelf in her kitchen cupboard, for treating her grandchildren. And she was a great cook! Funny what kids remember, eh?
Of course you will need a jelly bag- you can purchase a stand with a bag to use, or you can make your own from unbleached muslin or an old pillowcase which is what I did. Choose a clean pillowcase you no longer use, but make sure the fabric is still strong and it has NO holes. I simply cut several slits in the hemmed end, and threaded through a strong string or cord- I actually used a length of double fold bias tape - the length you need will be determined by where you are going to hang your bag, and how high it will need to be. I hang mine in the basement from a nail driven in a floor joist, and the large bowl under it sits on top of my freezer. It's out of the way and can hang undisturbed for a day or two. It would be wise to figure out where you will hang your jelly bag before you begin, and make your drawstring ties the appropriate length.

Lil's Spiced Apple Jelly:

Ingredients: Apples or crabapples or a combination of both - firm, not too ripe
water and white vinegar
2 or 3 cinnamon sticks
1 Tblsp. whole cloves
white sugar

I usually use a combination of crabapples and apples. I try to find crabs with nice red skins, so I get good red color. This year I picked up a 3 litre basket at the farmer's market. I add at least 10-12 large apples, usually Paula Reds or Macs- again, I choose apples with nice red skins if possible. The ripeness of the fruit is important- they cannot be under-ripe or over-ripe. (Degree of ripeness affects the level of pectin in the fruit- VERY important when making jelly as pectin is what makes it gel.) I usually make an apple pie the same day (Gravensteins) and I add those peels and cores with seeds to the apple mixture as well, ensuring I will have lots of pectin.
Wash the apples and crabs, and cut up into your stockpot. Remove stem and blossom end, but use everything else- leave skins on and core and seeds go into the pot as well. The small crabs I just cut in half- the large apples I cut into eighths. Add equal amounts of water and white vinegar until you can just see the liquid through the apples. Add cinnamon sticks and cloves. Bring to a boil, then boil gently until all apple pieces are softened, stirring often to prevent scorching on the bottom. Do not overcook. Wet your jelly bag and wring out, place it in bowl you will use to catch the juice. Ladle or pour the hot apple mixture into your jelly bag, (juice will start to run through bag immediately) and hang to drip overnight. (it is really great to have a second pair of hands to help you hang your bag as it will be HOT!!) Use the largest bowl you own to catch all that beautiful red juice.
Day Two: (My Mum always told me- never boil jelly on a rainy day- wait for a dry day, so you can store the juice in refrigerator for a few days, if need be, while you wait for a dry day.) Wash and prepare your bottles for sterilizing. I use 250 ml. (1 cup) jelly jars, the type with sealer caps and rings. See photo with Sept. 21 post. Take down your jelly bag, being careful not to dip it into the juice. (I put all the "apple mash" into my compost pile.) Measure the juice exactly and place in large pot or stockpot. (If you have a good amount of juice, divide it into two batches- don't boil more than about 5 cups of juice at a time- otherwise it takes too long.) Measure an equal amount of white sugar- place into another large bowl and put in your oven at 200-225F to warm. Bring juice to a full rolling boil and time for 8 minutes. Skim off any foam that forms. After 8 minutes add the warmed sugar, stirring well. Place bottles in oven to sterilize. Return juice to full rolling boil, continuing to skim off any foam. Knowing when it is done is the crucial ( and tricky!) part. I do not use a thermometer although I am considering getting one. Consulting an experienced jelly-maker at this point would be invaluable..... I use the "drops from the spoon" test: at first the drip from your spoon will be light and syrupy - running in one drop. As it cooks and thickens, it will eventually form two drops along the edge of the spoon. When those two drops come together and fall as a single drop, it is done! [ The required cooking time will vary depending on the type of fruit used, the amount of pectin (degree of ripeness), the amount of sugar and the amount of juice you are cooking (more juice = longer time). It may range from 8 - 30 minutes.]
Remove hot bottles from oven and fill with the hot juice, to within 1/2 " of top. I place a metal spoon in the bottle to absorb some of the heat, as I fill each bottle. I seal my jelly with paraffin wax, then top with the sealer tops and rings. Let sit until completely cool - I actually let them sit in the same spot for at least a day, before storing in the coldroom. Good Luck!

Peace,
Linda

"The preparation of good food is merely another expression of art, one of the joys of civilized living."
~Dione Lucas

Teeny Tiny Twister

2011-09-23T13:40:00.000-03:00

Here it is- finally finished! It's a teeny tiny Twister. It measures 6" x 7.5". My buddy Sue bought both sizes of the Twister templates, and tried them out, using the smaller size. When she finished I asked her for the leftover "bits" so I could try doing a miniature version of hers. I wanted to challenge myself to see how small I could go - the finished blocks are slightly under 3/4 ".
Twisters are a lot of fun. The templates are very easy to use- you sew either 5" or 10" squares together, then use the template to cut out the twister blocks. I am working on one now for a Community Projects quilt for Guild- it will go to the Neonatal unit at our local hospital. I just cut a variety of pink prints - for someone's precious baby girl, and will do one in blues as well. It's a fun quick project.

Peace
Linda

Sewing mends the soul.

Apple Jelly...yummm

2011-09-21T23:43:00.004-03:00

Today was a beautiful day- sunny and warm, and I really wanted to spend the entire day outside working in the garden. It's time to start cutting things down and getting ready for wi... oh, I can't say that word!! You know what I mean - that cold season that will soon be upon us... But instead I stayed indoors and bottled my apple jelly this afternoon. The next few days will supposedly be rainy and my Mother always said you should boil jelly on a dry day, so I decided today was the day! I think of my Mum most days, but I always think of her and wish she was here each and every time I make jelly. I just wish she was here to consult- have I cooked it long enough? A little longer? It's always a tough call. Not long enough and it won't be properly gelled. Too long and it will be gummy - I did that once- it wasn't pretty! Just like rubber! I nearly cried.
Anyway, here it is- done for another year. Fourteen bottles. I just did a single batch this year- I think I did a double batch last year and still have some left. This jelly, my paternal grandmother's recipe, is an old Kelly family favourite. Whereas most people like cranberries with their turkey or roast chicken, in my family, we have this Spiced Apple Jelly. If there is no jelly, well there's just no sense in having turkey or chicken. It just won't taste the same! So I make it now that Mum's gone, and give some to my brothers. I use a combination of crabapples, apples, spices (cinnamon sticks and whole cloves) and I usually make an apple pie the same day so I can throw in the peels and cores from the Gravensteins as well - that way I am sure there will be lots of pectin. This batch is a gorgeous ruby red color- a deeper red than this photo suggests.
Tomorrow I'm spending some time in the studio, finishing up a very small miniature quilt. Stay tuned!

Peace
Linda

"Autumn...makes a double demand. It asks that we prepare for the future--that we be wise in the ways of garnering and keeping. But it also asks that we learn to let go--to acknowledge the beauty of sparseness."
~ Bonaro W. Overstreet

A Few Finishes Feel Fine!

2011-09-18T19:28:00.001-03:00

Framed piece is about 5" by 8"

Don't you love seeing projects through to completion? Whether it's a batch of pickles (finished my 14 day crock pickles this week) or a quilt or piece of needlework - it just feels good to be able to cross them off the list!
I have had several small pieces laying around a long while, waiting for me to get them to the framer. When hubby had something he needed framed quickly last week, for a gift, I rounded up some of my pieces and took them along. So here they are - two pieces of cross stitch and two H'mong applique. You may remember me showing the first H'mong piece before here, I was trying to decide whether to border it and frame it, make it into a pillow, or whatever.. I finally decided there was so much "motion" in the piece that it just needed a simple treatment, so I chose a simple black molding for both. These incredible appliques are done by the H'mong women of the Golden Triangle- an area of northern Thailand where it meets Burma and Laos. They call these works pa'ndau, pronounced "pan dow", often translated as "flower cloth" - a style of reverse applique that decorates many items used by

Framed piece is 7" by 8.5"

traditional H'mong families. The H'mong people have no written language, so rituals and artistry have been vital in
keeping their culture alive. Extraordinary needlework has long been a part of that culture. H'mong girls traditionally begin to learn the stitches for pa'ndau embroidery as young as five years old! (info from Tammachat website and blog here. Tammachat is a Nova Scotia business run by Ellen Agger and Alleson Kase. They import high quality fairly traded environmentally friendly handcrafted textiles from women artisans in Thailand and Laos. Imagine my delight, when reading back through their travel blog, I found mention of Laurie Swim! How serendipitous! Ellen and Alleson had presented Panmai weavers in northeastern Thailand with one of Laurie's photo cards. They had previously taken several Panmai weavers to Laurie's website to show them why we cut up their beautiful silks into small pieces- for art quilts! )

Framed piece is 9.75" by 10"

I purchased the second pa'ndau this past summer in the Merchant's Mall at Maine Quilts. The workmanship on these pieces is amazing- below is a photo of the back side. Their stitches are tiny and oh so neat and even! I'd love to know what size needles they use???!!
I am amazed at the precision and perfection of this applique- the very narrow strips of fabric (about 1/8" on this first piece) are so even and straight. I couldn't do this if my life depended on it! Wow!
And the second piece, below, is equally impressive- look at the smoothness of those curves, and again the consistency of the width of the pieces. I'd love to meet the ladies who did these...and know how many years they have been doing this wonderful work...
And you just know they are not working with Ott lights and John James needles....

Framed piece is 10.5" square

Piece,
Linda

"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." ~ John Quincy Adams

Class with Laurie

2011-09-17T21:48:00.004-03:00

Laurie Swim was born and brought up in Lockeport, Nova Scotia. She has worked as an artist for more than 40 years, honing her skills and developing techniques specific to her landscape/pictorial wall quilts. I feel so fortunate to have been able to spend two days learning from her and soaking up her tips and techniques.
Laurie offers workshops to students of intermediate level and beyond. I must admit I went with fairly low expectations for myself - landscape quilts are not really my thing. I did not want to have to try to "create a masterpiece" - you know how that just works much better in your own familiar surroundings. In a class you are always wishing you had brought those other fabrics or whatever... I wanted to just learn some of Laurie's techniques and work on small samples.
As we neared Lunenburg a message came through on the Blackberry that there was a change of venue - we would be in Laurie's studio rather than the previously arranged Lunenburg Academy. I immediately said to the other two gals- "Maybe it will be just the three of us! How great would THAT be!" And I was right!! We had Laurie all to ourselves for two whole days. Her studio is upstairs over her inspiring Gallery (a MUST VISIT if you are EVER in Lunenburg). The view is inspiring, looking out on Front Harbour and over to the golf course- we all wondered how she ever gets work done with such a "distraction" right in front of her. I find a view of the water is mesmorizing.. I could watch it all day long...

Anyway, we had a wonderful two days- doing just exactly what I had wished for - learning new techniques and making small samples. We painted skies and water, made cobweb lace, we learned Laurie's trick for easy applique, her finishing techniques and more. Laurie was warm and welcoming, supportive and helpful, and happy to answer our every question. Her class was well paced and organized and we appreciated her notes and the prep she had done for us. Thanks Laurie, it was wonderful!!
You can visit Laurie's website here . Be sure to have a look at her quilts, notecards and her latest book Rags to Riches- The Quilt as Art. Laurie's quilts can be found in many public and private collections, as well as in her own Gallery at 138 Lincoln Street in Lunenburg. She has also been very involved in initiating and carrying out the "building" of a number of large scale "community quilts" created with the help of volunteers. These large pieces have been done as memorials and historical records, some addressing social issues such as workplace safety.
Breaking Ground, The Hogg's Hollow Disaster, 1960 measures seven feet by twenty feet and is permanently installed in the York Mills subway station in Toronto. It is a tribute to five Italian immigrant workers who lost their lives while digging a tunnel for a water main

Left - Right, Sue, Laurie, Marty and I

under the Don River in northern Toronto. I will definitely be making a trip to see it next time I'm in Toronto. The Canadian Young Workers Memorial Quilt is a memorial to 100 young workers, aged 15-24, killed on the job. It was completed in 2003 and measures nine feet by eighteen feet. We felt a connection to Laurie because of her work on this quilt, as one of the young people commemorated on it is my buddy Sue's niece, TerriLynn Stewart.
If you are looking for a special workshop set in a magical little town by the ocean - this is it! Get in touch with Laurie and book your spot. Alternately, Laurie is on the teaching faculty when Quilt Canada 2012 comes to Halifax N.S. next spring. You can see more info on that here.
Just down the road several miles from Lunenburg is a picturesque little spot known as Blue Rocks. I'll leave you with these last few photos taken there. Is it any wonder I love Nova Scotia? I can't wait to return to Lunenburg and just spend several days doing nothing but photography... and maybe eating a little seafood, of course... (Okay, that's not a maybe, that's a definite...)

Piece,
Linda

Near the sea, we forget to count the days.

Lovely Lunenburg

2011-09-14T23:22:00.010-03:00

Okay, let's continue down the south shore to Lunenburg. Founded in 1753, Old Town Lunenburg was recently named to the UNESCO World Heritage List. It has also been designated as a national historic district by our federal government, both fitting honours recognizing the rich heritage of the town. Lunenburg was settled by German, Swiss and French immigrants who followed in the footsteps of earlier Mikmaq and Acadian inhabitants


View from our window at the Spinnaker Inn at 7a.m.

of the area. A vibrant economy was built on farming, fishing, ship building and other ocean-based commerce, all of which continue today. A view of today's waterfront reveals many well established marine industries, including High Liner Foods, the Lunenburg Foundry, Adams and Knickle (world famous scallop fishers) and the Lunenburg Shipyard to name just a few. (And by the way, Lunenburg has not one but TWO harbours!) Three famous tall ships call Lunenburg home: the Picton Castle was in her berth, just a block from where we stayed at the Spinnaker Inn. The world famous racing schooner the Bluenose was built here at the Lunenburg Shipyard, where currently her daughter Bluenose II is being rebuilt. You can watch her progress here. Having a sail on her next summer when she's back in the water is on my Bucket list.

I loved strolling the waterfront- there is so much going on. From a visit to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, to fine dining, to deep sea fishing, whale watching excursions or a short harbour tour - they've got it all. And it's wise to keep one's eyes peeled- you might rub shoulders with a movie star- many movies have been filmed in and around Lunenburg, most recently Jumping the Broom with Angela Basset and the scifi TV series Haven. (Currently The Disappeared is being filmed on Lunenburg Bay.)
But Lunenburg is so much more than it's waterfront: a charming town with no strip malls, no big box stores, no fast food drive-throughs, not even a Tim Hortons, and we didn't miss them at all. It's full of history, incredible architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene - more artists, galleries, charming shops and music than one can absorb on a short stay. Lunenburg is committed to preserving it's history and heritage and this is evident when you stroll the streets. It's architecture is unique and there is literally history around every corner. For example- the local elementary school is the Lunenburg Academy below, a stunning example of Second Empire architecture, built in the late 1800's and lovingly restored between 1998-2000.
Perched on top of Gallow's Hill, and visible for miles around, it has been designated a Municipal, Provincial and Federal Heritage site. (This was where our 2 day class with Laurie Swim was scheduled to take place, but the venue was changed. More on that later.) Can you imagine attending school in such a beautiful building?
Other buildings in town truly create a smorgasbord of building styles. In several short blocks you can find a simple Saltbox, a Cape Cod more than two centuries old, a classic Queen Anne Revival, a grand Victorian and a revised Gothic church. Everywhere you look you see evidence of the extraordinary carpentry skills of the early inhabitants - intricate Gingerbread trim, extra wide corner boards, widow's walks, and the unique "Lunenburg Bump" - an extended five sided Scottish dormer. Some elegant homes once had their intricate trim painted to match the colours of the owner's schooner.

Lunenburg's churches are equally fascinating. Probably the most well known is St. John's Anglican, the second oldest Anglican church in British North America. It is undeniably one of the finest examples of "Carpenter Gothic" architecture in Canada. A devastating fire in 2001 caused significant damage, and led to a four year restoration project which is indicative of the love and dedication of it's congregation and the Lunenburg community. Nearby St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church features a spire topped by a five and a half foot codfish weathervane! How fitting for a town so centered around the fishing industry. Or perhaps it's a reminder to us all that early Christians represented Jesus with the symbol of a fish, and that several of his disciples were fishermen.

In my next post I'll tell you about our time with the wonderful Laurie Swim, master quilter, and take you down the shore a few miles to beautiful Blue Rocks. I'll leave you with several views at harbourside (below) as the full moon lit the sky. Sooo very beautiful.....

Peace,
Linda

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Moonrise over Adams and Knickle

Sunset behind the Picton Castle

Farewell to Nova Scotia, the seabound coast...

2011-09-13T23:58:00.001-03:00

I cannot help but feel sad, each time I leave Nova Scotia. It is SUCH a beautiful province. Don't get me wrong, I do love my home province. But Nova Scotia holds a very special place in my heart, for sure. Each time I cross the Missaguash River at the border and see those Nova Scotia flags snapping in the breeze, and the lighthouse at the Tourist Bureau, my heart does a little flippy flop. I spent last weekend in one of the most beautiful spots on the south shore. I have not been to Lunenburg for a number of years, and what a pleasant surprise - it was even more beautiful than I remember. Or perhaps I just appreciate it more now?
Before I tell you about the fun we had in Lunenburg with quilter extraordinaire Laurie Swim, you might like to come with me on a visit to Suttles and Seawinds of Mahone Bay. One must pass through scenic Mahone Bay to get to Lunenburg, and..well, if you're passing through, you may as well stop in, right? After our long drive, we were ready to stretch our legs anyway.. wink wink***
It's been quite a while since I visited the South Shore, but I had no trouble remembering that one must stop at The Teazer. It's a wonderful gift shop- well worth the visit. And then, we made

our way to Suttles and Seawinds. If you are not familiar with this name, let me acquaint you: Suttles and Seawinds began as a cottage industry of sorts, when Nova Scotia designer (and fellow Acadia grad) Vicki Lynn Bardon returned home after studying design in New York City and founded this business to employ rural women. Initially the products were quilts and home decor items such as pillows, placemats, runners, etc. Gradually the line expanded to include clothing items which were pieced, appliqued and quilted. The business grew, and eventually moved from the small village of New Germany to the charming seaside town of Mahone Bay.

Today's offerings include beautifully crafted quilts, clothing, nighties, placemats, tea cosies, cosmetic bags and more, all still made by local women. Also one can find a wide selection of fashion, jewelry, accessories, home decor items, gifts and hooked rugs selected from the best suppliers across Canada and global markets. I have been a fan of Suttles and Seawinds since the 70's (okay, I'm dating myself here, aren't I?) and I still love her quilts. Now of course, you can purchase fabrics as well, so what were three gals to do- we HAD to go in... The fashionwear and
accessories are found in a large pink Victorian mansion on Main Street (above, left) and the quilts, rugs and fabrics are next door in the charming barn (above, right).. you KNOW where I headed... The photos here will give you a little taste of Suttles.... "Suttles", by the way, is the local name for fabric scraps used for making quilts and Seawinds refers to the link between generations of Nova Scotians and the sea. We could have spent much longer, but as it was, we kept the gal past their usual closing time. Just cause for another visit, I'd say...
Next I'll take you to Lunenburg...

Piece,
Linda

So farewell, farewell to Nova Scotia's charms
For it's early in the morning and I'm far, far away...

How many days 'til Christmas?

2011-09-09T08:00:00.002-03:00

In early August, I wrote about some gals doing "Christmas in July" projects. It seems I am always working on something Christmas-y... I showed you the beaded Santas I had underway and promised to update you at end of August.. and... I forgot! So, here they are. I finished seven over July and August. One has already flown off to Newfoundland to Jackie P. who won the giveaway.... Here are the rest, (plus two left from last year: on the bottom row- Father Christmas and St. Nicholas). All I have left to do is add the hangers.
By the time you are reading this, these ornaments and I will be on our way to Lunenburg Nova Scotia. I'm taking a 2 day class there this weekend, along with my buddy Sue and her sister-in-law from Toronto. SIL Marty is anxious to have one of my Santas, so she will get to choose which one she prefers.
Hope everyone has a great weekend. I'll be back here in a few days... Ta ta for now...

Peace
Linda

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year.
~ Charles Dickens

Small Finish

2011-09-08T16:27:00.000-03:00

It felt good to spend some time in my studio yesterday, even though I did not accomplish anything big. But, I did complete two small projects that are long overdue. Two more pillowcases- for my nephew's children. Nathan plays hockey all winter and baseball all summer. He loved the hockey pillowcase I gave him for Christmas last year so I was on the lookout for baseball fabric in my travels this summer. It was an easy find, but fabric to suit Mallory was tougher- she plays volleyball and is into drama - neither of which the fabric designers have done. I looked high and low, to no avail. So I ended up with ladybugs- she has had a love affair with ladybugs since she was a toddler, so I hope she thinks this is cool. Her room is purple, so that was my choice for the accent band, and I thought the yellow polka dots went well with the dotty ladybugs! I will deliver these this evening.
These pillowcases are so quick and easy to do and all seams are enclosed. Click on the hockey pillowcase link above to see the measurements I use.

Piece,
Linda

To be in your children's memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today.

Feelin' Blue...

2011-09-07T12:52:00.001-03:00

I'm feeling a little blue these days.... It could be from the blueberry pie I've been eating... mmm... LOVE blueberry pie. It's one of hubby's favourites too. Each August when the fresh blueberries are available at our Farmer's Market, I buy one or more 5 pound boxes from Tuddenham's and put them in the freezer. That keeps me going through the winter for pie, blueberry muffins, blueberry crisp, etc. And since I had made several raspberry pies (MY fav but NOT his), I had to do a fresh blueberry pie for the hubster. This photo was taken in July at my friend Donna's cottage at the lake, just a few days before the birds totally cleaned her blueberry bushes... the little varmints!! I know they have to eat too, but it IS most annoying when they take your whole crop!
But probably my feeling blue is because my darlin' daughter is now back at University. The summer went by way too quickly and there were so many things we had wanted to do together, that just didn't get done. I miss her already. But she is looking forward to another year - remember that "first day of school excitement" - when you have all new binders, fresh paper, sharp pencils, new crayons...? Well, okay, she's past the crayon stage for sure, but each new school year always holds great promise and excitement. I'm hoping she has a better experience this year. It will be a tough year work-wise, with a full course load plus an Honours thesis to write. She will earn a little pocket money again by working at the DalPlex, hopefully she can be a note-taker for disabled students again too, as she did last year. She has already written an article for the first issue of the student newspaper and has applied for another "writing job" for a provincial association's quarterly newsletter. SO I daresay she's not going to be bored and looking for things to do... Her apartment is all set up now and looking "homey"... snug and cozy. Miss you hon! Sending big hugs your way....

I never know what I'm going to see when I look out my kitchen window. This morning as I ate breakfast I was watching Mr. Woodpecker, once again drilling my apple tree for his breakfast... But look who was passing through the backyard a few days ago - Mr. Foxy Loxy! Bold as anything - at 3 in the afternoon - he was just out for a stroll. He looks thin, but his coat is in beautiful shape.... My paternal grandfather was a fox rancher for a number of years, selling the pelts to the Hudson Bay Company. You can read the story of the great fire that destroyed all of that, here... So foxes on our property is nothing new... For those of you who have never been close to a fox - they have an "odour" all their own.. very similar to a skunk.... yuch!
Guess where I'm spending the afternoon today? In my studio!! YES! It feels so good to be "back at it"... One might think I have forgotten how to sew by now- there sure hasn't been much of it going on through the summer. Just boring stuff like mending jeans knees for Mark, repairing clothing and a few sewing jobs for Laura's apartment (curtains, etc.) So now it's full speed ahead. Lots of quilting and sewing projects to get back to, classes to prepare for, etc. Whooo- hooo! Can't wait!

Piece,
Linda

"Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate accomplishments." ~ Napoleon Hill

More long weekend fun...

2011-09-04T23:57:00.006-03:00

The Joslin Farm

Labor Day weekend around here also means a special weekend at Kings Landing- it's Agricultural Fair time. This is one of Laura's favourite "special event" weekends, albeit a bittersweet one. It not only means the end of her summer job for another year and saying Goodbye to her KL "family", it also means some good ole fashioned competitive fun with her co-workers. Handicrafts and baked goods made by the KL staff are on display at the Exhibit Hall. Laura was thrilled to win four ribbons this year- two each for her knitting and sewing - three "seconds" and a "first"! The public can also get in on the fun with the opportunity to try some of the games and friendly competitions that the villagers

would have enjoyed in the 1800's, such as corn husking and eating, the log toss and cross-cut saw competition, tug-of war, wool carding and woolwinding, the dishwater toss, the laundry competition, childrens' games and so on. I'm not sure who has more fun, those competing, or those watching.

As well there are a number of interesting displays around the village - a number of carriages and wagons, heritage vegetables, herbs and their medicinal uses, spinning and straw-braiding demos, and so on. There's something going on everywhere you look! And the day finishes off with a barn dance- well okay, this time it was a "street dance" as the barn was in use... I even joined in and kicked up my heels a bit. Yes believe it or not, I know how to do the Grand Chain, Promenade, Do Si Do and a few other sweet moves of the 1800's! lol Enjoy some of my photos of the faces and places at the Landing... better still, get yourself up to Kings Landing tomorrow and experience it for yourself!!

Peace
Linda

Kings Landing is "History Well Told"...

Laura with Lewis, the Ox Teamster

Could these three ladies be gossiping?

Noah

The Morehouse garden and Scarecrow

Wagon and Carriages near the Morehouse House

One of this year's lambs

Window at the Heustis House

Graham in the Cooper Shop

Musicians waiting for the dance to begin

Dancing the "Tucker"

The last Hollyhock...

Labour Day weekend fun...

2011-09-02T23:27:00.003-03:00

September already! How can it be? Labour Day weekend is upon us, and in this town that means several things: the start of school is imminent, the FREX is here again, and it's time for another NB Crafts Council Fine Craft Festival. The FREX (Fredericton Exhibition) is our annual fall exhibition with midway, entertainment, livestock shows and harness racing, provincial 4H Show and horticultural, craft and "domestic" exhibits. In it's 184th year, the Frex has seen many changes over that timespan and I must admit, my interest in it has changed too. One visit is enough for me now - I just go to see the quilts and needlework, photography and floral displays. I usually know a few of the ribbon winners, so that's always fun! It's on my list for some evening next week.The photo you see above is the Old Exhibition Palace (built in 1864?) which stood on the current Exhibition grounds until it burned in 1877. It was, reportedly, "one of the greatest works of wooden architecture that Canada has ever seen". The dome was 86 feet in diameter. Naturally lit by day, evening illumination was from 650 gas-burning fixtures and lamps. Can't you just picture that? What a grand spectacle it must have been in those days...
This afternoon I visited the NB Craft Festival, held downtown in historic Officers' Square. This Festival is over 30 years old, and has seen it's share of changes too, but continues to be an exhibit of the fine work of the many skilled craftspeople of our province. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, the perfect type of day for browsing around the various booths. Pottery, jewellery, textiles, wrought ironwork, glass.. you name it- you can find it there.
I am not a huge lover of pottery, but I do have one favourite potter,and she was there today. I love the work of Rachel Morouney of Hidden House Pottery of Otter Creek (near Port Elgin). Rachel was working on an amazing piece in the Demo area and I enjoyed chatting with her again. (I tell her I am her biggest Fredericton fan...) Being a lover of blue and white, you can see why I love her work. I don't know which I like better- the floral designs or the dragonflies. Both are so beautifully done- she has a magical touch when she gets the brush in her hand...

Below are a few other pics I took today at the Craft Festival. If you are a local reader, make sure you visit this special event, running until Sunday at 5. You'll be sorry if you miss it...

Peace,
Linda

"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures."
~ Henry Ward Beecher

Feelin' Peachy

2011-08-30T22:57:00.001-03:00

Well, Irene is behind us now. "Good Night Irene" is right! Good riddance! Actually we got off easy, compared to Vermont and some other areas. We had lots of wind and rain, but no major damage. Some trees down in the neighbourhood, but not on our property. Laura did get home on Sunday night, despite the wind and rain. She was lucky to get bumped up to an earlier flight- good thing as her original flight was canceled, as I expected. For those of you who have followed her journey with the March of Remembrance and Hope since March, she is still posting on her blog http://pilgrimagetopoland.blogspot.com/ Her journey continues.... You can click here to read her latest posts.
So, my weekend in the kitchen yielded the Lady Ashburnham pickles, a batch of ratatouille and blueberries in the freezer, this Peach Jam, and now I have a large batch of sweet pickles underway. It's a new recipe for me so we'll see how it turns out. It takes 14 days.... I picked 22 large cucumbers from my garden today, and still have more... they're multiplying like bunnies....
My Peach Jam recipe originally came from either Chatelaine or Canadian Living magazine- I can't remember which one. I have modified it slightly to make it a little quicker/easier. Here it is:

Brandied Peach Jam

9 cups peeled and sliced peaches (pretty much a 4 liter basket)
9 cups w. sugar
4 medium oranges
1 lemon
1 cup slivered almonds
1 6oz. bottle maraschino cherries, drained and quartered
1/4 cup peach brandy (I have also used apricot brandy if I couldn't find peach, or Peach Schnapps)

Wash jars or bottles, rinse and place in oven to sterilize. Prepare sealer tops and screw bands for sterilizing.

Remove skin from peaches by plunging into simmering water for several minutes, then peeling. Slice peaches into large preserving kettle or stockpot. Mash with potato masher. Add sugar, stir. Place over low heat to begin warming while you prepare the citrus.
Wash oranges and lemon. Grate the zest of each, and squeeze the juice. If oranges are large or peaches are particularly juicy, as they are some years, I use only 3 oranges. I add any of the orange fiber that I can scrape from skins as well. Add juices and zest to peach mixture. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook, uncovered, at a brisk simmer until peaches are translucent (about an hour). Stir frequently, especially near the end of cooking time, to prevent scorching.
(If you cannot find the small bottle of cherries, I use about 1/2 cup, once chopped up.) Add cherries and almonds, cook for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and add brandy or schnapps. Stir. Ladle into hot sterilized jars, seal with melted paraffin and add tops and screw bands. This recipe makes roughly 12 8 oz. jars. Yummy!! A favourite of mine on croissants for Christmas morning breakfast...

Peace,
Linda

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.

Are you in a pickle?

2011-08-29T16:20:00.002-03:00

At the request of several readers, here is my recipe for Lady Ashburnham pickles. I didn't realize they are a favourite with so many people!! I guess I didn't realize they are so famous far and wide! lol
Before I give you the recipe- here's my best pickling tip of the day. I love making pickles but don't enjoy chopping the onions. No doubt I'm not alone. So here's what I do to make the job bearable: I take my largest cutting board, sharp knife and onions outside into our attached garage (right off my kitchen). I set up on my hubby's workbench and turn on the fan which sits there. It blows at my face and blows away all those onion "fumes". Works like a charm! I have brought the fan into the kitchen and that's not bad either, but I think being "outside" with more fresh air circulating around in a larger area seems to work even better. So there you go. I do this whenever I have a good amount of onions to chop...

Lady Ashburnham Pickles

6-8 large cucumbers, peeled and seeds removed
1/4 cup coarse salt
4 cups finely chopped onions
optional- finely chopped celery and/or finely chopped red and/or green peppers
2 cups vinegar
2 cups w. sugar
4 Tblsp. flour
1 Tblsp. dry mustard
1 Tblsp. turmeric
1 tsp. mustard seed
1 tsp. celery seed

Chop cucumbers finely, as for relish, into large stockpot. Add salt and let sit overnight. Drain in the morning, do not rinse cucumbers. Add chopped onions (and celery and peppers if desired). Mix together sugar, flour, mustard, turmeric, mustard seed and celery seed and add to cucumbers along with vinegar. Stir well.. Cook until cucumbers are translucent, probably 45 minutes or so, stirring often to prevent burning to the bottom of pot. Pour into hot sterilized jars, and seal. (I am assuming readers know how to clean and sterilize jars and tops, etc.) Let cool. Store in cool place. Easy peasy!! Makes approx. 5 pint mason jars.

Next: Peach Jam. It's peachy!!

Peace,
Linda

Law of Gardening: You get the most of what you need the least. (like cucumbers!)

The Story Behind the Pickle...

2011-08-27T17:30:00.013-03:00

Painting of Ashburnham House by Fernando Poyatos

Mmmmmm, I love the smell of pickles cooking.. Can you smell them from where you are? I just finished a batch of Lady Ashburnham pickles. If you live in my area you know what they are - to everyone else, I guess you would call it a mustard pickle relish. It's an old local recipe, supposedly the favourite of Lady Ashburnham of the early 1900's. Fredericton has many heritage buildings, and anyone who has lived here for very long knew Ashburnham House of 163-165 Brunswick St. (sadly, it was recently torn down.) It was originally two buildings, one an old inn and the other the residence of a city alderman. It's most famous occupants were Maria "Rye" Anderson and Thomas Ashburnham, the youngest son of Lord Ashburnham, the head of one of England's oldest families. As the fifth son, there was no expectation that Thomas would ever assume the title; after an army career and a decoration for bravery, he was sent to Canada, arriving in Fredericton as a typical remittance man, living on an allowance provided by the family.

Lady Ashburnham

Here Thomas fell in love with Rye Anderson, a common telephone operator and they married in 1903. Ashburnham purchased the two buildings on Brunswick Street and they were joined by a glassed-in conservatory forming a porte cochere which provided access to the back of the house and the beautiful lawns and gardens. Thomas resided in one house and his wife in the other. (Hmmm, not sure why....perhaps he didn't like her pickles??)
Unexpectedly in 1913, Thomas received word that his last surviving brother had died childless and that he was now Lord Ashburnham. His wife "the Telephone Girl" became the mistress of a vast estate, including a 100 room mansion. Her stay in jolly old England was not that enjoyable as she was not accepted by his family so they moved back to Fredericton in 1914 and became the "centre of an elite social life in the community". Apparently these pickles frequently graced the table when they entertained, but they were made by Lady A's sister Lucy; Lady A. herself was not terribly devoted to "things domestic". Lord A. continued to spend part of the year in Fredericton and part of the year in England, until his death in 1924. Lady A. lived on Brunswick Street until her death in 1938. (Info taken from Impressions of Historic Fredericton by Fernando Poyatos with text by William Spray.)
EDIT, Sept. 1 One of my commentors has sent me a link to an article on Lady Ashburnham, originally published in the Saint John Telegraph Journal, August 2010. Very interesting story... click here to read it.
Sorry... sometimes I get carried away with a story... just thought my local readers might enjoy that snippet of local history... anyway, my pickles are done and cooling; tonight I will make a batch of Ratatouille. Can't do the Peach Jam yet as the peaches need to ripen/soften a bit more...

I went to our wonderful Saturday morning Farmers Market today. Came home laden with lots of fresh local goodies.. fresh picked corn for supper, fresh crunchy early apples, 5 lbs. of blueberries, red and green peppers, broccoli, beets... is your mouth watering yet? I love August and September when the produce is local and so fresh...
Several of you have inquired how my brother Wayne is doing. He is doing just fine, thanks for asking. His last visit to the surgeon went very well and he was told no more visits were required unless he had a problem. The foot has healed well and the bones are continuing to strengthen. He is walking albeit with a slight limp, and his foot tires easily but, hey, he still has the foot..and can walk again! We're not complaining. Today is his 45th wedding anniversary! Congrats Wayne and Shirley! What a wonderful choice you both made 45 years ago...
Love you both...

Peace,
Linda

Rest in Peace, Jack

August busy-ness...

2011-08-26T21:54:00.003-03:00

August always seems to be such a busy month. Trying to keep ahead of all the yummy fresh veggies in the garden, getting pickles and jam done, produce and berries into the freezer and now getting ready for "back to ~~school~~ university". I'm starting the "stock the freezer with easy meals" routine this week- at least it's only for ONE returning student this year! So far- lots of berries (for smoothies), meatballs, and banana breads. In this next week I'll make spaghetti sauce and chili. If I'm lucky (or should I say if SHE'S lucky?) some homemade soup as well. That will give Laura a good start for her freezer, and some easy meals for the days when she has classes all day and comes home too tired to want to do much meal prep. We had a bumper crop of raspberries this year (12 qts. in the freezer) and now I'm trying to stay ahead of the cukes, beans and peas. I have LOTs of tomatoes but they are slow in ripening... I got a batch of pickles cut up tonight, will cook them in the morning. Then next up is my Peach Jam. I sure hope Hurricane Irene does not interfere with my plans with a power outage or some such thing... Also hoping to get a batch of Ratatouille done in the next few days too (see my recipe here). Laura likes it so I guess she'll get a few containers of that too... So, you can see things are busy here at Casa Linda.... No rest for the weary as they say...
Laura is in Ontario this weekend, for a reunion with MRH participants. It is a Leadership Retreat weekend and most of the group were planning to attend. I expect Irene is going to mess up her return flight plans.. we'll see...
Sorry no photos today..hopefully tomorrow I'll have some pickle pics! lol Hope you all have a good weekend and stay safe. Do take this coming storm seriously ....

Peace
Linda

Gardeners know the best dirt...

Backyard Visitors

2011-08-24T20:53:00.000-03:00

It seems we have a new family in the neighbourhood.... a family of woodpeckers. It's not unusual for me to see a woodpecker on the apple trees in my backyard, but today as I went out onto the deck to hang out yet another load of laundry, there were three on the same tree. That's a first... I think at least two of them were juveniles as they were smaller and the feathers on their breasts still looked somewhat "downy" - like immature feathers..? So I quickly came back in, grabbed my camera and quietly stepped back out the door. By then they all had separated.. would they come back together for a "family portrait"? Of course not. The larger one (Mama perhaps?) flew to a tree further away, the shy one had headed up higher in the tree and was pretty much hidden by foliage, and I was left with just one - the keener. He had listened well to his Mama's lessons - he was pecking away at a furious pace - remember Woody Woodpecker, and how the chips of wood flew? Well this little guy was almost the same; I guess our trees must be full of juicy little insects. Of the dozen or so pics I snapped quickly, many were out of focus. His little head never stopped... They must have migraines by the end of day...

As I look at my perennial beds, I can see that summer is drawing to a close. I feel ripped off - in some ways it seems we haven't had much summer at all. Some plants have done well- those that like lots of rain. Many others have not fluorished. My purple coneflower is doing well right now, and is attracting lots of bees...
How are your gardens this summer?
I recently finished a great read- the first I have read by Kate Morton. I thoroughly enjoyed The House at Riverton, and am looking forward to The Forgotten Garden, also by Morton- it has been highly recommended to me by several friends... Right now I'm reading No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod. What are you reading this summer?

Peace
Linda

"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." ~ John Muir

R.I.P. Jack

2011-08-22T23:36:00.000-03:00

Canada lost a good man today- Jack Layton, leader of the N.D.P. party, and Official Leader of the Opposition.
Rest in Peace Jack.

Peace
Linda

"Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world." ~ Jack Layton

Happy Birthday and a Half..?

2011-08-22T20:37:00.002-03:00

My friend Barb's birthday is in early February and this year I did not have any wonderful ideas for her gift. At that time our Guild was hand-quilting a Raffle Quilt, which was set up in a frame in my living room. Barb came several times to hand quilt on it, hoping to get some help/instruction/advice from more experienced hand quilters. Both times when she came, due to poor weather and other reasons, no one else showed up and it was just the two of us. Since I have little experience, I wasn't much help to her.
It was at that time that I came up with an idea for her birthday gift. I would "hire" Trudy, another Guild member and a beautiful hand-quilter, to give the two of us a private lesson. Barb thought this was a great idea and we both were looking forward to it. Then Trudy had a fall and did serious damage to her shoulder... Months of little movement, and rehab therapy followed... Long story short, we just had our private lesson today, six and a half months later. It was wonderful!! We both think we now have the idea and with some practice (OK, maybe LOTS of practice), we'll have decent looking small even stitches. Having individual attention and someone showing you exactly how to hold the needle, how to insert the needle vertically, and how to use the underneath finger and the top thumb to make the ""hill"...makes all the difference. It seems so much easier now! Each of my stitches now go through all three layers - a problem we were both having before, not always catching the backing fabric... It's really not all that hard, once you know how to do it correctly!!
It was pouring rain this morning, so it was the perfect day to be indoors, with two friends, quilting!! We teased Barb telling her it was her "Birthday and a Half".... we didn't sing Happy Birthday, but we did enjoy a lovely lunch after our lesson. I didn't take any photos, but perhaps I'll share one of my block, once I finish the quilting. I must say, it doesn't look too bad at this point ( it's a feathered heart).

So, next time you are struggling for a birthday gift idea for a friend, consider giving your friend a "lesson"... in whatever.. a shared activity is always fun...

Peace,
Linda

Friends fill your life with joy, your soul with sunshine and your heart with love.

Off to a Quilt Show...

2011-08-20T11:30:00.003-03:00

Several weekends ago, hubby and I visited Cambridge Narrows, a small community about 45 minutes away, during their summer community festival weekend "Life at the Lakes". We wanted to visit our friends Wendy and Grant to see the progress on the new home they are building right on the shores of beautiful Washademoak Lake. I had a second purpose in mind as well - a quilt show! The small Guild there, Akerley Area Quilters' Guild, was putting on a Show and Tea called Stories Behind the Quilts. Many quilts had a short write-up telling the "story" of the quilt, and many were hand-quilted - so nice to see.We were a little late getting there, and time was short so my photos were rushed and are not fantastic, but I love seeing quilts displayed over pews in a church. This was a lovely small country church, and I'm guessing you would like to see this display too. So here they are....

Great job, Akerley Quilters!!

Piece,
Linda

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.

Girls' Trip....

2011-08-19T22:35:00.002-03:00

A change is as good as a rest, they say... As you no doubt have guessed, I've been away again. Darlin' daughter and I had a short "girls' trip". We headed down to Nova Scotia for a few days and got some things done in her apartment so things will be pretty much ready for her to move in, in several weeks time. Cleaning, organizing shopping, etc - all good. Since it was so great to finally have a few days of sunny warm weather, we decided to take a little jaunt down to Peggy's Cove, as Laura had only been there once before. It was such a beautiful day with blue skies and rolling surf. I could have stayed on those weather-worn rocks all day long, watching the pounding surf. What is it about watching the ocean? It's mesmorising, just like watching a bonfire, or campfire. I love the smell of the ocean, listening to the surf, watching the ever-present seagulls glide and soar on the air currents... It was a great afternoon. Since Peggy's Cove is such a well known "representative" image when one thinks of Nova Scotia, I thought you might like to see a few of my photos from our visit...

As you leave the Cove, on your left you will see a wonderful carved mural in a granite outcrop. As you can see from the above photos, this entire area is sheer rock. (I'm amazed there is even enough soil for grass and weeds to grow.) What would you do with a 90 foot granite outcrop in your backyard? Artist William deGarthe decided to do a carving as a tribute to the community and people he loved- the hard-working fishermen of Peggy's Cove. At age 70, (in 1977) he began, with chisel and power tools to, as he put it, "release the figures sleeping in the rock for over 10 million years". Granite is not an easy rock to work with, as it is as hard as ordinary steel. So after years of study and planning, and some basic sketches, he began by outlining the figures with dark oil paint on the rock. Then he drilled holes along the outlines to weaken the rock, then used chisels and other tools to "reveal and refine" the figures. Over the next 6 years he carved 30 figures in the granite. He divided the work into three distinct sections, called Work, Bounty and Grace.

Work is the largest section, on the right- depicting the local fishermen hard at work, hauling nets, pulling a dory and using other tools of the trade to acquire their catch. Bounty, the middle section, celebrates the riches of the sea- the fish so essential to the survival of the community. The young woman carrrying the basket seen here is the famous "Peggy" who some say inspired the name of the cove.
The section on the far left, Grace, features a guardian angel watching over a fisherman and his family. (The seagull you see there on the far left, is Joe, deGarthe's pet seagull.) Sadly, deGarthe died in 1983 before his monument was completed, but what he left behind is a work of art- a tribute to him as an artist, and to the community he loved. Be sure to see it, if you ever visit Peggy's Cove.
Many people wonder who Peggy was? One legend tells the tale of a young woman named Margaret who after being rescued from a shipwreck, settled here and fell in love with one of her rescuers. Nicknamed Peggy, this legendary woman was a source of inspiration for deGarthe.
Peggy's Cove.. a beautiful spot (as is all of Nova Scotia.) These photos have not been altered or enhanced in any way- these are the colours as we saw them that day....ah, the ocean blue!

Peace,
Linda

"The voice of the sea speaks to the soul." ~Kate Chopin

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose...

2011-08-14T23:31:00.001-03:00

Not long ago I had the pleasure of attending a delightful Garden Party. It was a hot and humid day and we all thought we would melt but it didn't stop us from enjoying the beautiful gardens or the scrumptious desserts. Each July my friends Barb and George host the most wonderful Garden Party for neighbours and friends. Not only are their gardens spectacular, but Barb knocks herself out for days ahead making the most wonderful desserts - luscious cheesecakes, wonderful pies and cakes, and her specialty Snow Pudding. I feel so fortunate to be invited - it is a Must Attend Event!!

Their gardens are extensive and seem to be at their peak each year for this lovely afternoon. There is always lots of color as the perennial beds put on their best show. With so much variety in the garden it is difficult to pick favourites but I know the rose bed is a favourite with both Barb and George so I thought I'd share some of the photos I took that day of their roses. Perhaps another day I'll share some other garden party photos with you. They live in a beautiful neighbourhood of elegant old Victorian homes - as a child I dreamed of living on this street when I grew up.... For today- take time to enjoy the roses.

Peace
Linda

"I'd rather have roses on my table, than diamonds on my neck." ~ Emma Goldman

One of Those Moments...

2011-08-13T16:31:00.005-03:00

I have to share this photo of my darling daughter and the group who participated in An Evening of Education and Inspiration this past Thursday. DD worked so hard to get this all organized, advertised and promoted. The turnout was not quite what we had hoped for, but I guess that's summer for you. People don't want to commit to things on a summer evening. Regardless, it was an impressive evening. The three girls who were March of Remembrance and Hope participants spoke so genuinely of their experiences, the trip and all it's emotions - not an easy thing to do. I was proud of all of them. But most of all, I was so proud of Laura. It was one of those moments when your heart swells, knowing your little girl is not so little anymore - and she's turning into a fine young woman. She stood up and spoke with such confidence, ease and genuine sincerity. The entire evening flowed smoothly and she was clearly "in charge". Well done my darling.
The guest speakers added a great deal to the evening as well. Dr. Lisa Todd, a professor at U.N.B., gave an excellent brief "overview" of events leading up to WWII and the Holocaust to help us understand how it came about. Our Mayor spoke of his trip to Germany and Poland and his experiences and impressions, similar to the MRH trip. And finally we heard from Dr. Israel Unger, also a professor, but more importantly, a survivor of Auschwitz. I felt humbled and honoured to be in his presence. As my closest friend said to me later, "We have lived such sheltered and uncomplicated lives by comparison." Indeed...
A big Thank You to all who attended this event, as well as those who helped out.
In the photo, l. to r. are Victoria Clowater (MRH '11), Erin Legare (MRH '06), Laura (MRH '11), Mayor Brad Woodside, Dr. Israel Unger and Dr. Lisa Todd.

Peace,
Linda

"While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about."
~Angela Schwindt

Giveaway Winner!

2011-08-13T10:51:00.012-03:00

My 400th Post celebratory giveaway is now closed and we have a winner!! Yeah!! I have to say I'm a little disappointed in the small number of entries- but - that gives each of the entrants a better chance of winning, right? So without further ramblings......

Could we have a drumroll please?

The winner........

is...........

JACKIE PHILPOTT in Pasadena Newfoundland!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations Jackie!! Santa Claus will be in the mail to you the first of the week. I'll be in touch for your address...

Sorry you couldn't all win!! Here's a big bouquet from my garden to you all....

Peace,
Linda

If you do not change what you're doing today, your tomorrow will be no different than yesterday.

Up for the Challenge?

2011-08-12T19:06:00.019-03:00

This is my last post about the fabulous Maine Quilt Show. I always look forward to seeing all the "Chapter Challenges" at this show. They are always so varied and show great creativity. (I guess I'm a little envious of the great work I see here, as I consider myself "challenged" when it comes to challenges...)
The Challenges which really grabbed my attention this year were those by the Clamshell Quilters of Damariscotta area, Maine. Twenty Clamshell members, in groups of five, worked to produce four beautiful local scenes. Using photos by Paula Roberts, each quilter was given a slice of the photo (11" x 36") to reproduce, in fabric and thread, their part of the scene. The five "slices" were later combined to complete the total picture. I thought all four of these were exceptional, it would be impossible to choose a favourite. The first one, above right, is the Lighthouse at Pemaquid Point. The second, below, is a scene at Damariscotta Mills. The third is Fort William Henry and the final one is a scene of Damariscotta. Aren't they great?

Another interesting Challenge was done by Art Quilts Maine, statewide. Members were to use a favourite children's book or author as the inspiration for their Challenge piece. They were to create a unique and original design, which represented the book's spirit, message, or visual appeal. I really liked this one, titled "Katje, the Windmill Cat". I'm not familiar with the book, but being a cat lover and a Storm at Sea lover as well... you can see why it caught my eye. The cat appeared to be totally made of thread... impressive....
(See the closeup shot below.)
Other challenges were equally as interesting. Some were quite specific in their directions, others were "looser". They ranged from a Black and White Challenge (use black and white fabrics, plus add one other colour), Mystery Quilts, Design your own Wholecloth quilt, and a Nature theme (use of a 5.5" square of bright green silk) to more challenging requirements. A Paint Chip Challenge was fun: Each quilter had to choose three paint chips with color names corresponding to their three initials, then use fabric colours which matched the chips to make a quilt of her choosing. The Coastal Quilters of Camden/Rockport area did a Grocery Challenge: They were to pick a packaged food or beverage item from the grocery store and make a 20.5" square quilt using colours from the package and one motif or element from the item, on the front of the quilt. These were displayed with package labels and viewers could guess which quilt represented which food or beverage item. The two you see below represented Forelli sardines(left) and on the right Heinz ketchup. What a fun project! Who comes up with these Challenge ideas???
I think one of the wackiest was Orange You Creative (done by Calico Quilters of Yarmouth): each quilt had to use a black and orange Hallowe'en fabric, but also had to contain an item from a hardware store and orange ricrac, it had to show one item in silhouette and had to be 12x36 and vertically oriented. Now that's a list!! What fun!! You just never know what you will see at Maine Quilts! Can't wait to go again next year. Will I see you there?

Piece,
Linda

"But out of limitations comes creativity."
~ Debbie Allen