Gemini in Purple

It's time to share a finished quilt project with you. I wouldn't want you to think I've been lazy, in my absence! (Just the contrary, I've been busy and have lots of projects and book reviews lined up for you!)



This quilt was a Christmas gift for Mark and Maggie.

Their living room colour scheme is neutral - greys and black, and Maggie's favourite colour is purple. So when I found this Hoffman Bali Pop called Urbana (BP #612) I knew it was perfect! I added about 10 more fabrics to get the required number of strips. The purples ranged from true rich royal purples to burgundy and pinky-purples to more subdued blue-purples. The greys were lovely and there were a few very dark teal greens as well. I added a few more greys and some blacks.

The pattern by Blue Underground Studios, Inc. is called Gemini. Not sure that the pattern is still available (I don't see it on their site) but they have many more that are equally as nice! I have made it before and knew it would be quick and easy. I thought its modern look would suit their 30th floor Toronto condo. I was very pleased with how it turned out, in fact I like it much better than the one I made myself from the same pattern. Go figure...




















It was quilted by Gwenda Quilts with a grey thread, in a pattern called Wildmouse. I love the circular quilting design, it suited perfectly! Thanks Gwenda! I think you can see the quilting a bit  in these closeups...

Sometimes when I buy a precut such as a Bali Pop, there are some fabrics in the collection that I don't care for. When I first started quilting, I had to like every fabric, but I've learned over the years, that when they're all together in a  project, the ones you dislike don't stand out. The value is more important than the colour or the print. There were a few in this collection that I would not have chosen, but I did leave them in. I thought most of them were gorgeous! Of course, what's not to like about Bali batiks!! They're kind of like chocolates- not many I don't like!  :)

I found a perfect grey print for the backing, and pieced a strip of leftover bits to add some interest...
It measures 54" x 72".  

Oh yes.. they loved the quilt! 

I am linking to Linky Tuesday. Stop by there and see many more quilting projects.










Up next... Mr. Noah!

Piece!
Linda

"All the other colors are just colors. But purple seems to have a soul - when you look at it, it's looking back at you."  ~ Uniek Swain

Wet morning in the garden...

We need rain! Hard to believe after the recent flooding, but most of the province is tinder dry. We did get a little rain last night and this morning, but not near enough.. A quick walk around the garden revealed many wet tulips, some still upright, and some weighed down with droplets.
























Now that spring is finally here (it was a loooong time coming!) it seems to be moving ahead at full speed. The crocus, scilla, chionodoxa and daffodils are finished blooming, tulips are now at their peak, and I noticed today it won't be long before my beloved apple trees are in bloom as they are already budding. When visiting a friend's garden this evening, I noticed her large flowering crab is just a day or two from being in full bloom. I could already smell the blossom's sweet scent.
























Ahhh, glorious spring! There will be many more photos from the garden to come...































Peace,
Linda

"The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again." 
 ~ Sara Ban Breathnach

Spring Concert coming up!

Our Ladies Choir Spring Concert is coming up! "Show time" is 7:30 p.m. next Tuesday, May 22. This is the culmination of our tenth year, and will be our twentieth concert! If you are a local reader, tickets are available at Westminster Books on King Street and there will be tickets at the door as well. We have been working very hard to prepare a varied program. It will have a special focus this time, with some selections from the WWII era and a nod to our veterans. A portion of the concert proceeds will be donated to our local Veterans Health Unit to purchase a large flat screen tv so they can have a regular movie night.
Singing is good for the soul, not to mention your health! It has been proven to lower blood pressure and stress levels, it strengthens the immune system, is a natural anti-depressant, improves mental alertness and helps with sleep. All good things in my book! Over and above all that are the wonderful friends I have made through this group. I am a low alto, and we call our row the A team- Anita, Linda, Brenda,  Linda and Sandra. How cool is that! I've been with this choir from its inception and  it is my pleasure and an honour to sing with all these fabulous ladies. So, if you're local and you're not doing anything next Tuesday evening, why not come out and give us a listen? I promise you won't be disappointed...

Peace,
Linda

"The first breath a choir, orchestra or band takes together, a breath filled with focus, intention and emotion, a breath unified for no other reason than to make something beautiful together... that is the reason we do what we do."  ~ Eric Whitacre

I'm Back...

I'm back! My rather lengthy absence was not planned and it has lasted too long. If you are a blogger
who has ever taken a break, you know that the longer you are "away" the harder it is to get back. But I am determined to get back to regular posting. I certainly have lots to share with you and now that spring seems to finally be here, I'll be getting out with my camera much more than I have through the winter.
As I said my break was unplanned. Sometimes life just gets busy, and throws a little more at you than you would like. Several close friends have been facing very serious health challenges, and too many friends have lost siblings and parents in the last six months. My sister-in-law lost both her parents in the last little while; they lived directly behind us and have been our neighbours for 27 years. It seems odd to look out at night and see their place in darkness.

I find that sometimes life's challenges take their toll and sap my energy so something has to "give" and it was my blog. But as I said, I'm determined to be back here much more regularly. Blogging does take a lot of time, not just in the writing, but also the photography, editing photos, etc. My fav site for photo editing (Picmonkey) is no longer free so I must find another to use. I would welcome  any suggestions.
Winter as always seemed much too long, and spring was slow to arrive. My city has just experienced devastating flooding. We are safe, high and dry on a hill, but others have not been so lucky. So many have flooded basements, or flooded permanent homes or summer homes. Some summer cottages have literally floated away! It's been terrible; the cleanup will be a very long process. Life can certainly be challenging at times, can't it? My life continues to be very busy but I do hope/plan to keep up with more regular blogging... Give me some encouragement with a comment now and then, will you?

Peace,
Linda

Life is like a camera... Focus on what's important, Capture the good times, Develop from the negatives, And if things don't work out, Take another shot.