Starting the Christmas Countdown...

Now that Remembrance Day is past, it's time to start thinking about Christmas preparations. I start gradually getting out decorations anytime after Nov. 11, and begin working ( if I haven't already started) on stitching ornaments and making gifts. A number of years ago I picked up some Mill Hill kits for cross-stitched and beaded old fashioned Santas. I have made probably beteween 60 and 70 of these over the last 8 years or so, and given every single one away! So - this year I have promised myself, no one gets one until I have one of each design for my own tree. So I'm sharing the first one with you today - and each Friday for the next few weeks, I'll show you another.
This first one is my favourite to do; I think I could almost stitch it without the pattern! He is called Saint Nick. He is 4.5" tall, and 2" wide at the widest part of his beard. Each Santa face is stitched on perforated paper, then beaded. I finish them by ironing a light or medium weight fusible interfacing to the back - this covers all the little thread ends, and just makes for a neater back. Then I trim away the excess paper, glue the hat to the head with a hot glue gun and add a thread hanger. Each one takes roughly 8 - 9 hours total. I'd hate to add up the hours I have spent on these over the years! It would scare me, I'm sure, but I enjoy working on something when I sit down in the evenings to "watch" TV. Plus I love giving special friends something I have made myself...
These kits may still be found in some needlework shops- or at least they could be ordered. The series is called "Charmed Santa Face" (1999) and there are 6 in this particular series. Saint Nick is # MHCSF18. Next Friday I'll show you Father Christmas.

Piece,
Linda

Family is the best part of Christmas.

Remembrance Day...

November 11. Remembrance Day. Veterans Day. Armistice Day. Whatever you call it the purpose is the same: to remember those who fought and died so that we could be free, and to honor those who survived. I found this little poem on the Internet (no mention of the author) and I like it's message. As you remember the fallen today, take a moment to also think of the veterans who are still with us, and say a prayer for those who are currently serving overseas in Afghanistan, or as peacekeepers elsewhere.



They Survived


When you pin that poppy on,
And remember those who died,
Remember too, the men who fought
Beside them, and survived.

They came home to start again
But struggled with their mind
To forget the horror of the days
And the Hell they left behind.

Wounded though they did not bleed
They cried for close friends lost,
But fought on bravely, for they knew
Freedom was worth the cost.

Though they are old and scarred for life,
They suffered for us all,
And in their dreams, the battles rage
And fallen comrades call.

So, when you hear that honor roll
The names of those who died,
Remember too the men who fought
Beside them, and survived.


Peace,
Linda


Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of the men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory. ~ George Patton

Back to Stitchin'....

Last Monday my friend Gail M issued a "challenge " of sorts- in hopes it would get both of us moving on Crazy Quilting again. Although I was away at the Retreat, I told her I would join in, although I wouldn't have anything to show before today. We both have CQ stockings we want to get back to; they have been (not so patiently?) awaiting our return...

So today I know Gail is waiting to see what I have to show. Well, perhaps I have failed the "CQ Challenge", but I do have some stitching to share. I had started this Herringbone Sampler and really wanted to finish it before I actually started back at the stocking. So here you go- this is another in my series of samplers to explore CQ stitches, showing variations, combinations and permutations of a basic stitch... Click on the photo for a closer look. I use these Samplers in my classes to help students see there are many different possibilities once you learn how to do the basic stitch. Often when I have a class, there is a wide range of skill levels. Much of my time is usually spent with the beginners helping them learn the basic stitches. These samplers help the more experienced students take their stitching to another level, by showing them lots of ideas for expansion on the basic stitch. So often you can layer, stack and combine sitches for a totally different look. The use of different colors of threads, mixing solids and variegateds, and using different weights of threads will add interest and variety.

So this is my Show and Tell for today. I am going to get back at my stocking this week and if I make good progress in the next few days, I will share a photo or two with you before next Monday. You can see some of my other samplers here, here and here.

Piece,

Linda

If I stitch fast enough, does it count as an aerobic exercise?

Another successful Retreat

Another Guild annual Retreat has come and gone. What fun we had. When you get 32 quilters together for several days, not only is there lots of chatter and laughter, there is also much accomplished. We all look forward to this getaway all year long, knowing it will be good times with good friends and also an opportunity for some serious sewing time. To be able to devote three whole days to nothing but sewing, if one chooses, is pure bliss. No phone calls, no laundry, no meals, dishes or grocery shopping, what more could a gal ask for? Of course there is a Quilt Shop nearby so one can take a little shopping break if the mood hits...

As usual, this Retreat did not disappoint. The meals were great, the company was exceptional and the sewing projects were inspiring. The Show and Tell on the final night was amazing! We are lucky to have several members who are great entertainers, and they kept us in continual laughter. From Nurse Willa's offer to give us all our H1N1 shot with a huge syringe attached by hose to a gallon of green "vaxine", to Marg's poem about a sex change on our beloved "mascot" Annie, there was much merriment. Laughter truly must be the best medicine, because we all leave the Retreat feeling rejuvenated and several years younger.

It's always interesting to see the variety of projects that are being worked on. I hauled out a fall wallhanging that I had started at Retreat two years ago, and not touched since. I was pleased to get the top completed except for borders. Now I'm on a search for the perfect border fabrics. Some worked on UFO's as well (that's UnFinished Objects) while others started and finished completely new projects. There was everything from king-sized bed quilts to small wallhangings, I Spy, Quilt as you Go, paper-piecing, jellyroll projects from Bali Pops, projects from diecut kits and original works. Lois brought blocks she had sewn in Florida last winter and got both put together- one king-sized, the other a queen size I believe (shown at left and above). I still love a scrap quilt and these two were beauties. My buddy Sue worked on a diecut kit project- a very colorful version of Storm at Sea - I told her she'll have to name it "Sunset Storm".

There were bright batiks and pastel prints, fuzzy flannels and preprinted panels. Sewing machines hummed from early morning till late into the wee hours. Some got caught up on rest and others did not get near enough sleep. But we all came home happy.... happy to be a part of such a great group of talented friends and happy to be addicted to quilting!
You can see a few more Retreat photos here on our Guild Blog.

Piece,

Linda

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

Happy Halloweeeeen

Hallowe'en has come and gone for another year. It's always a relief when the evening passes quietly and there don't seem to be many "hoodlums" about, causing trouble. We only get about a dozen trick-or-treaters at our door each year and it's fun to see their costumes. This year the "Cutie Pie" prize goes to the 4 year old twins who live just up the street- they were little princesses, aren't they cute?

The forecast rain held off , and it is mild yet extremely windy- it's actually warmer, at 10 pm, than it was all day... it's 18 C out right now!!

I have been working on a fall wallhanging this evening- pumpkins, sunflowers, maple leaves and flying geese. I'm hoping to get it pretty well finished up at the Retreat next week. We'll see...

I hope you all have had a safe and fun-filled Hallowe'en, and don't forget to turn back the clock tonight- an extra hour of shut eye..woohooooo

Piece,

Linda

The night is dark and the goblins are out,

The witches and black cats are prowling about.

And costumed creatures - the strangest I've seen

Are knocking on doors 'cause tonight's Hallowe'en!

Creepy Creatures....

I am so happy to tell you, I have finally finished all my outdoor work. It feels so good to know it's done for the year. All beds are now covered in thick leaf mulch and the chicken wire is on to hold it down in a windstorm! I raked and finished the last small area this afternoon. I always like to have this done before Hallowe'en night, as you never know who's roaming around. I'm just "in under the wire" this year! haha Now I can begin my hibernation - in my studio!! Yeah! I have spent some hours at my machine this week and it feels sooo good!! Next week is our Guild Annual Retreat so I am finishing up some little things for that- can't show you any pics right now, but check back on Monday- I'll show you one of the little projects (great for a Christmas idea) that all attendees will be receiving.

Getting back to my gardens- I'm always a little sad to see the end of the gardening season come. While chopping down all my perennials, I'm making mental notes of what needs moving, splitting, etc. for next year. I guess it's true what they say about gardeners- we work all summer and dream all winter.... It's always fun to look ahead to next season and think about what you'll do differently, and also to think back over this season. There seeemed to be more failures this year than usual; I'm blaming that on the poor weather and lack of sunshine.

Part way through the summer, I treated myself to a new digital SLR camera, along with a zoom lens with macro capability. So I've had fun playing with it a bit. I still have lots to learn, but thought you might enjoy seeing some of the creepy creatures that visited my garden this season. There are many creepy crawlies that I hate to see (like lily beetles, slugs and earwiggies) but those pictured here were not so bad. In fact they were quite co-operative in posing.. :) Hope you have enjoyed viewing some of my gardening efforts through the summer. I'm already counting the days till next summer and gardening season again.....

And now, I will leave you with a little poem for Hallowe'en

Hallowe'en Wishes

Since this is the time for witches and bats,

Hallowe'en spirits and ghosts and cats,
Weird happenings and witches brew,
These are the things I wish for you:

May the only spirit you chance to meet

Be the spirit of love and warm friends sweet.

May the tricks that you are asked to do

Be a trick to help you gain a friend or two.

So, by tomorrow pick three friends sweet,

And give them all a Hallowe'en treat.

You only have one day, so hurry!

Leave a treat on the doorstep, then flee in a hurry!

~ Author unknown

Happy Halloweeeeeen

Linda

"Autumn is a second spring, where every leaf's a flower".

~Albert Camus

A great Christmas idea..

If you are looking for a great idea for a special child on your Christmas list, I have a suggestion. If you are anything like me, you would far rather give a child a book than yet another toy. I want to tell you of a new children's Christmas book, which hit the market about 10 days ago, titled "No Room - A Read-Aloud Story of Christmas". It is published by CCB Publishing of British Columbia, and the author and illustrator are both Maritimers, from Nova Scotia. The author is Peter Riddle, a retired Prof. from Acadia University, and the illustrator is a personal friend of mine, Shelley Hustins. Shelley, a small animal veterinarian, lives on a dairy farm just outside Wolfville with her husband and two children. Drawing is her life-long hobby and over 350 friends look forward to her hand drawn Christmas card each year. The three photos here show what a talented artist Shelley is. Above is the front cover, below are two illustrations from inside... (I do have permission from author and illustrator, by the way, to quote a verse and show these illustrations).
After seeing her collection of Christmas card drawings a few years ago, Peter Riddle approached Shelley and asked her if she would be interested in illustrating a children's book. After some thought, she agreed and it has been three years "in the making", as they say. Since seeing all the original drawings for the book this summer when we visited Shelley and Dana, we have been almost as excited about this whole project as they are!! We ordered 50 books from Shelley, received them this weekend and have only a few left.

The story is told in rhyme, and is appropriate for all ages. The family in the story (based on Shelley's family) discovers the rewards of kindness when a stray cat appears outside their home on a snowy Christmas Eve. The oldest boy wants to bring the cat in, but Father says no. "We haven't got room", Father said, "for another. We already have seven pets, and your brother". Before bedtime, Father reads the Christmas story to the family, telling of Mary and Joseph being turned away from the inn because there was no room. What happens next...well, you'll have to read it to see... With it's beautiful poetry and wonderful illustrations, No Room brings a message of kindness and compassion for readers of all ages. This book is bound to be a Christmas favourite, to be read year after year. I am proud to add it to my collection of children's Christmas books. It is already one of my favourites!

If you live in my local area and would like an autographed copy, let me know (as we'll be getting more in). The cost is $13.95. If you live further afield, you can order from Amazon, or, as we are hoping a number of bookstores will pick it up, you could "help the cause" by asking for it at your favourite local bookshop.....

Peace,
Linda

The best thing you can do for a child is get them hooked on books....

I LOVE mail!!

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to win the Birthday drawing on Marie Alton's Blog. (You can visit Marie here.) The package arrived today - look at my goodies - eight skeins of Vicki Clayton's hand-dyed #12 silks from Marie's personal stash. Thanks so much Marie!! I can't wait to use them. You can see more of Vikki's wonderful hand dyed threads here.

I'm off to Moncton today, to teach a class tomorrow at The Covered Bridge Quiltery, one of my favourite shops to visit. I'll be back soon...

Piece,
Linda

"For all the advances in medicine, there is still no cure for the common birthday". ~ John Glenn

Jailbird and cellmate...

A week has flown by.... I have been busy as you no doubt guessed, from my absence here! I'm trying to finish up all the outdoor garden work- emptying pots and planters, cutting down my perennial beds, spreading a little slug bait and compost, etc. before the weather turns any colder.

Our Guild has just had Karen Henry of Dartmouth NS here for 4 days, 3 days of workshops and a Trunk Show Tuesday night for our monthly Guild meeting. Karen stayed with me for 2 nights, and I was thrilled to have her. We enjoyed getting to know each other, as we will be roommates in Calgary for Quilt Canada 2010. There's no doubt in my mind that we will have lots of fun together. She very quickly labelled us "Jailbird and Cellmate"... yep - we're gonna have lots of laughs.....

Karen is an exceptionally talented self-taught quilt artist. I so enjoyed the 2 workshops I took, and regretted not being able to do the third one as well. Karen has a very easy going, friendly and enthusiastic manner and everyone enjoyed her immensely. Her Trunk Show was a wonderful cross-section of her pictorial quilts - landscapes, animal portraits, commissioned pieces, flora and fauna wallhangings, (see "My Father's Dahlias" above) people quilts and still life- you name it, Karen has done it! I was most impressed with her "composite" quilts. She has put such careful thought into not only the composition and design, but also the colour, balance and detail. I would have to say my favourite was "Snowbird 1 Alpha - Pete Henry", (above) made for her husband to celebrate his term as a pilot with the Snowbird aerial team. I remember seeing this quilt in the 1999 National Juried Show in Charlottetown and it blew me away then! My other "most" favourite (because they were ALL favourites!!) was one of her tree quilts. The golden tree just seemed to glow. Karen's color sense is wonderful and her technical skills are second to none. Her use of a variety of techniques - a "woven background", confetti applique, bobbinwork, use of tulle and organza, etc. makes for such interesting pieces. We were so fortunate to have Karen with us and it's a shame more people did not take advantage of the opportunity to take her classes. You can enjoy more of Karens' work here.

Thanks Karen, for all the inspiration, and I promise - next time, there'll be no "bushwacking"!

Piece,

Linda

Life is like a cup of tea; it's all in how you make it.

The Wedding, Part 2

Weddings are much like Christmas...you spend so long preparing, anticipating, looking after the tiniest details to make sure everything is perfect... then all of a sudden, it's over. Within a few short hours the entire thing is over and all you have left are the memories. And hopefully some good photos.

But it's worth all the effort and preparation, when everyone gathers together to witness the happy event and surround the couple with love. We were so happy to finally meet many of the good friends we have heard about for so long. Three of the four attendants travelled considerable distances from Montreal, northern Ontario and Alberta to be with Ian and Tiff for their special day. All four attendants are best friends from High School days or earlier. It was evident from the speeches given that they all share a very special bond of loyalty and close friendship that has endured for years, and will no doubt continue to do so.

One can't help but wonder where the time goes, when seeing one's own child grown and taking on the responsibilities of marriage. It seems like just yesterday that 10 year old Ian was wearing a cute little tux at our wedding. Time is moving too fast, methinks....

I cannot believe that I didn't get a family photo with me in it- I guess that's what happens when you're the person with the camera... at least the "real" photographer took several of our family- we'll have to wait a few weeks to see those.

Since it was Thanksgiving weekend, the wedding meal was a full turkey dinner. The first course was a delicious Harvest Squash cream soup and the warm Chocolate Almond Coconut Cake for dessert was a fine way to finish off ! And then, of course, there were the Truffles...
My favourite moment of the day? Watching Ian's eyes "fill up" when Tiff came down the aisle....

Peace,

Linda

Love is patient, love is kind; love never ends.

Introducing my new Daughter-in-Law

And what a sweetie she is! Yes the wedding is over and all went well, except for the rain all day long. However we all know you can't control the weather, so you just have to go with the flow! (Sorry, bad pun...) Ian, being a Meteorologist, took lots of ribbing for the poor weather. "Can't you DO something about this? Have you no "drag" at all?" "No, I just report it, I don't make it...." Anyway, all went well. The day went off without a hitch, other than their ruined plans for photos at the Halifax Public Gardens.

The wedding took place in the Compass Room at the Halifax Casino. It was a small intimate group of family and close friends. The ceremony was short and sweet and there were no surprises- even the four year old ring bearer and flower girl performed their duties flawlessly. It was very difficult... no, it was impossible for me to get any good photos during the ceremony. I did not have an "aisle seat", and the lighting was low. The room is round and one whole side is windows facing out over the harbour. So when you combine low light and windows which throw everyone in front into shadow, actually pretty much silhouette... well many of my "inside pics " are not great.

There was a short break in the rain around 4:30, so after the photographer finished all the indoor posed photos with the wedding party and families, we dashed outside and managed to get some shots behind the Casino and along Purdy's Wharf. So the photos you see above were taken then. (You can click on these photos for a closer look.)

Here are Mark and Laura posing with Frank, Sammy and Dean outside the Compass Room. (Yes! It's true! The Rat Pack were at the wedding ! lol) Laura is not quite old enough to go into the Casino, so this is as close as she could get.

So, we are now lucky to have another daughter. Tiffany is a sweetheart and a fine partner for Ian. They complement each other and we are thrillled to have her as a part of our family. WelcomeTiff! We love you!

I'll show you a few more pics tomorrow...

Peace,

Linda

The road is bright before us, as hand in hand we start. We'll travel on together, one mind, one soul, one heart.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone

Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers! I came across this poem about being thankful, and I think it has a very good message. We are often thankful for all the wonderful things in our lives, but this poem suggests other things we should also be thankful for. I hope you like it. Have a wonderful weekend with family and friends and may the bounty of the season fill your hearts and your home. May your Thanksgiving truly be blessed

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something

for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

Its during those times that you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations

because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge

because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary.

It means you've made a difference.

Its easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those

who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles

and they can become your blessings.

Peace,

Linda

Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is the special occasion.

Wordless Wednesday

Peace,
Linda

"We had gone to bed in summer, and we awoke in autumn; for summer passes into autumn in some imaginable point in time, like the turning of a leaf." ~ Henry David Thoreau