That's Sew Mandy!

I Love Deb Strain

2011-07-26T13:47:00.000-03:00

Well as you may remember... I recently started a Deb Strain group on Flickr... you can visit it if you like :)

I wrote Deb Strain and told her how much I loved and appreciated her work. To my surprise she offered me free stuff for you guys!

I have some Deb Strain fabric to give away... trouble is it's "somewhere in a box that's not unpacked yet" lol! I was going to do this giveaway earlier but there was a Postal strike here in Canada and I wasn't about to mail it out through a highly expensive courier.

I was hoping to have the giveaway this week but as many of you know moving is a huge task! I'm not as far along with the unpacking as I would like. So here's my deal... I'm hoping to host the giveaway next week.

Keep in touch and happy quilting... I'll be back in 7-10 days with a truly awesome give-away.

In the meantime, visit the Deb Strain group on Flickr or visit her blog... I've noticed she gives things away too :)

P.S. think of some awesome things you could do with free Deb Strain fabric that could help out your community. I might want to hear about them in a week or so...

P.P.S. tell your friends to think about what they'd do with some free Deb Strain fabric too... there might be something extra in it for you... you never know ;)

I'm BACK!!!!

2011-07-21T11:33:00.001-03:00

I'm back... at my own house... with my own sewing room...

and...

Next week... I'll be having a give-a-way to celebrate :)

Stay tuned... major updated needed ASAP.

Summer in the Big Land

2011-06-08T20:12:00.002-03:00

The grass is just starting to turn green here now. The Dafodils have started to bloom and the bulbs of tulips are just starting to open up... another week or so for tulips. Summer is slowly creeping it's way into Labrador.

I think tulips are my favourite flowers.... and gerbera daisies... and then daffodils

Summer in the Big Land comes slowly and leaves quickly. It's the price we pay for living on the 53rd parallel (well... close enough 52.8 or something like that!). We have such a long and lovely snowy winter that something has to give and that unfortunately is summer. I don't complain much though. I can't stand the heat unless I have a pool near by... there's no back-yard pools here. Just the inflatable Wal*Mart types. We could swim at one of the big lakes here... but the water is really cold... like 15C all summer. It makes my toes ache when I dip them in. It's really refreshing actually to have such a stark contrast.

Don't get me wrong, it gets quite warm here in the summer. We're inland... it's dry heat. Some days are high 30C's most of our summer is 15-25C though and that's the way I love it.

I think I'm ready for summer... the new beginnings. I adventures. I anticipate many great adventures this year. Hopefully I'll be too busy to blog about it :0)

Maybe I'll make the time anyway.

Ok... so it's been a month... and some goals for June/July 2011

2011-06-01T22:04:00.005-03:00

Yeah, I'm not hiding, I promise... Sadly, I'm not sewing a whole lot either.

I've had 2 trips away... and we're still not settled away... so I still don't have a sewing room :(

I hope to have this rendered in the next two months.

SO is finally finished university!!!! His graduation was beautiful and bittersweet... now starts our real-lives. {On a side note, I've come to hate the expression "welcome to the real world"... what the hell have I been living in prior to this point if it wasn't the real-world?} It's exciting to think about a new home, a whole lot of new stuff too. We sold all our old furniture before moving so now we need all new... and we have to paint, and decorate.... I'm sure a load of other stuff that home-ownership has failed to bring to my attention. I just hope we get a home soon... I'm so anxious waiting! Prayers that we find something soon!!!!

I have started a new projects in my make-shift sewing room aka my Momma's dining room table. It's using Deb Strain's cherish nature and a pattern from the Jelly Roll and Layer Cake pattern book. I've had the book for a couple of years and it's the first project I've made out of it. I'm actually going to make it twice in the same fabric too although a different border, backing and binding :) So... here are my goals for June/July

1) Get a house with a sewing area/room of my own :)
2) Finish the quilt top in Cherish Nature
3) Make a runner out of fall fabric for my new dining table... that I don't own yet. LMAO!

CG&GQC Update - March/April 2011

2011-04-22T23:56:00.002-03:00

Time for an update already! Where did the past two months go?

I've been kinda busy in the past two months. I made 2 quilts! Pieced, quilted, bound and loved 2 quilts. I'm gifting one tomorrow so I'll post (more) pictures of that one after (and an account of the recipient's reaction!).This is Brick by Brick... that's the pattern name and I like it so I'm keeping it that way. (As a side note I thought somebody copied this pattern and re-printed it... then I realized that this quilt is simultaneously printed in 2 magazines, one as a FQ bundle pattern {the version I made} and the other as yardage cuts... cool eh?!)

This quilt is based on a pattern from the same mag as Brick by Brick. I didn't actually make the entire pattern to plan and I haven't named it yet. I don't know what to call it. Any suggestions? This is the one I'm gifting my "grampy" tomorrow. I'll let you all know how that goes!

I also made 2 pincushions and that's it. But... I think that's a lot... 2 quilts and 2 pin cushions. It's more work than 2 & 2 sounds like. It's a nice even number... but a lot of work.
One pincushion is a wonky log cabin... my first attempt. The other is based on the Miss Rosie's Quilt Co pattern for Schnibbles Tuffets. The Tuffet was a gift for my partner in the CG&GCQ Pin Cushion Swap. I'm so excited to report that she loved it!

Happy Easter everyone... I'll be back to post again soon :)

I'm hyperventilating ....

2011-04-17T23:14:00.002-03:00

OMG! I'm sure it's no secret how much I love Deb Strain fabrics. I've pretty much shouted her praises from the roof-tops since I started quilting. My first quilt was made using her fabrics.

Well I just got an email from her and it pretty much made my week... potentially month! She seen my Flickr group in appreciation of her fabrics and she wanted permission to share the link on her blog. Well, I was delighted to say yes!

If you have a project you've made using her fabric or you appreciate her fabric collections, please join the Flickr group. You can find it here.

Two Projects

2011-04-10T16:02:00.002-03:00

A post without pictures is kinda boring I know :)

I have 2 projects happening right now. I'm currently making a quilt for my grandfather from Holly Taylor's Migration. When I get that finished I'll be posting loads and loads of pictures. It's a raw-edge applique using triangles. I got the pattern from the magazine I made Brick by Brick out of. I'm not in love with the fabric or the pattern but it's very masculine and I'm hoping it'll be very loved by my grandpa (we call him Grampy). He's had a lot of health issues in the past couple of years so I think it's just comforting to have a quilt. Hopefully it'll keep him comfy on the couch. It'll be a large throw sized. He wants something for the couch, I'm hoping this will be what he's looking for.

The second project I'm kind proud of. I'm teaching 33 high school kids (2/3 are boys) how to quilt! It's part of a Newfoundland and Labrador Studies course at the local high school. I'm volunteering my time (which included turning down substituting days) to teach them about the traditional folk-art of quilting in NL. There is a lot of crayon quilting and fabric painting in NL and that's the technique we're using. I'm challenging them to use local scenes and buildings in their designs. Things that are meaningful to them. I think they're coming up with a plan for what happens to the quilt when it's finished. I'm interesting in what they'll choose.

I'll keep you all updated on the progress of both projects :) I'm hoping to have Grampy's Quilt finished this week!

Riley Blake... I think I love you

2011-04-06T15:20:00.000-03:00

I am picky when it comes to fabric. I consider myself to be somewhat of a fabric snob. I'm sure my LQS is sick and tired of hearing me complain about their limited selection and absolutely no MODA prints. I mean they don't even carry 100% cotton solids!

Ok, so that was a digression! I usually purchase my fabric online and last year I found Burgundy Buttons. I've bought from them several times and I found a new love in Riley Blake. The first FQ bundle I ever bought was the Sublime line by Doohickey. I forgot to take a picture of it first!

On Sunday March 27th, 2011... I purchased this magazine
I loved the quilt on the front and decided I needed to make it. I had 2 FQ bundles... on in fall colours and Sublime. I chose the sublime to recreate this quilt. I started cutting and sewing on Monday, March 28th...

I sewed and sewed and sewed and on Thursday, March 31st... I finished up the binding :)

Here's my version of Brick by Brick
This is one of our kitties... Swiggles. She's usually not that into the quilting... now Puddin' she's a quilter and loves to "help" Auntie sew!
I'm not usually a pink person but the orange and brown in this quilt balance it out quite nicely.
I quilted using the steps as a guide, I quilted every second set of steps with a variegated brown thread. You can see the quilting a little better here. It really makes the quilt pop.
The pattern calls for 5 FQ's for binding... I only had 2... I did the math and I only needed 3 FQ's to go around. I went digging through my stash and found this MODA print... I guess I had to get one in there :)
I chose this milk chocolate flannel from the LQS for backing. I wanted dark chocolate but I had to settle. I didn't think it was going to match but it does!

This quilt is very snuggly and warm. I love it :) This is only the second quilt I've ever made for myself. I don't usually like pink but for some reason this pink just sings to me.

I hope you enjoy it! I'm making a second quilt in this book as a gift for a very special family member. I'll be back to share more about that soon.

My tote bag

2011-04-05T15:07:00.000-03:00

Hello friends...

remember a while ago I said I made 2 tote bags... well I made them in January actually. A couple of weeks ago, I posted about the Sunkissed one. I never had any pictures of my bag but I have some now.

The cool thing is I posted this to a Kate Spain group on Flickr and she commented on MY bag! The world is so tiny when you have the internet :)

anyway, without further adu, here is my bag made with Kate Spain's Central Park for MODA.

You can see the Kate Spain comment here... really made my day ;)

The stats are all the same for this bag as the last one... still used the free pattern from the MODA Bake Shop (the link is in the old post!)

Flickr: An Addiction

2011-04-04T15:40:00.000-03:00

I love Flickr...

You might not have known it though, I don't talk about it much. I also love Deb Strain. Like I think she's my favourite fabric designer. I buy fabric by lots of designers but there's something special about her fabric.

She has a blog now too... you can visit it here.

She has 14 fabric lines listed on the moda website... These are my absolute favourite...

But, I love them all... I really really really do. I can't wait to make some more quilts using these fabrics.

Well, I searched and searched on Flickr for a Deb Strain group... and there wasn't one... so I made one!

Won't you join me and post your beautiful Deb Strain projects in our new little group... you can find us here...

Rag Quilting...

2011-04-02T20:57:00.002-03:00

It occured to me that although Rag Quilting is really popular here in NL, it may not be so popular "out your way".

So here are my 5 tips to make a great Rag Quilt

1) I'm not sure what people have told you or what patterns you followed but it helps to cut your batting 1.5" smaller than the original square, Then I use a 1/2" seam around the squares. I use a seam guide that magnetically attaches to the throat plate of my machine.

2) I usually use flannels for these quilts, in fact I've never used anything else! Washing usually requires a shout colour catcher (or two). Also stay by your washing sink so you can clean the lint out when it's draining! This gets really gross!

3) when you dry the quilts stand by the dryer and stop every 10 mins to clean out the lint trap so your home doesn't burn down! (this is necessary for the first and second washes!)

4) you need to wash and dry the quilt 3 times before you get all the lint to an acceptable level. (The second and third time doesn't require so much diligence).

5) to get a beautiful rag, (cut with the Accuquilt die... just kidding!) make your snips 1/8" to 1/4" apart and be careful not to cut through a seam. Also using a pair of snips and not scissors will save your hand somewhat! Some are expensive but I like the $10 ones from WalMart just fine!

So, what brings on my rag quilting tips... well I made my first full-sized rag quilt. If you go deep into the archives you'll find my first quilt ever was also a rag quilt but it was for my niece. She still uses it today:)

About a year ago, I got a piece of flannel batik with moose and trees. It was navy... I loved it and I knew that I wanted to do something special with it.

In January when SO left for school I needed something to keep me busy so I started making the Rag Quilt. I decided since SO was coming home for a week shortly after Valentine's Day I would make the quilt for him and he could take it with him. I worked off and on for a month on this quilt. I used all remnants from the LQS's bin. I hardly ever buy any fabric there because it doesn't suit my needs but they have an outstanding collection of flannels... because rag quilting is so popular here. It's very homey and cabinish... I love it! It's cozy and warm! I used Warm N' Natural for the batting so it's very heavy. The colours are navy, burgundy, hunter green, cream, caramel, and brown. I quilted it using a variegated thread but it's very subtle.

SO decided he didn't want to ruin it at school so I kept it here with me to snuggle :)

Here are a few pictures!

This is on the bed... I love the plaid print and the snowflakes... I also love the trees and of course my favourite is...

This batik!!!! It was my inspiration and SO picked it out as his favourite too.
Here's a closer look at the pattern. I made it on a diagonal but there are lots of different prints so some are all the same print and some alternate in the same colour family.

One thing I learned from this quilt is all flannels aren't created equally... there is a big difference in flannel and flanette.

Flannel is high quality and I knew that so the whole top is flannel. I figured flanette would be good enough for the back... well it's fine just it piles a lot! And... that DRIVES ME CRAZY! If things like that bother you... save yourself the energy and brain thought... spend a little extra and do the whole quilt in flannels. You'll be super happy.

Oh and on a final note... if you live in a warm climate, cotton's work fine for this and you can use a layer of flanette for the batting instead of real batting. That way you have a beautiful cool summery quilt!

Happy quilting :)

Charming Girls & Guys Pincushion Swap 2011

2011-03-26T10:34:00.013-03:00

I made 2 Pincushions while I was trying to figure out what to send my partner, Debbie. I made one that is inspired by the Tuffets pattern from the Schnibbles line by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. and then I made another that is a wonky log cabin. I had a hard time figuring out which one to send to Debbie. I loved them both.

I loved them both so much that I wanted to keep them both. The cool blues, lavenders and greens screamed spring at me. While the warm yellows, oranges and purples yelled summer and sunshine.

As a side note... aren't these scraps just beautiful. I won them nearly 2 years ago from AmandaJean a la Crazy Mom Quilts fame.

This is the one I chose after... the dreamy cool one with the lavender backing. There's just something about it. I know the wonky log cabin is pretty but it's a first attempt and It's huge... like $12 to mail to the USA huge. The schnibbles inspired creation that I sent is more perfect. It's sleek and filled to just the right amount. There's something about the Spring colours that just screamed "I'M the ONE!" at me too. That and my family thought it was the right one.... family is always right!

See the wonkiness... I guess it's not bad for a first try. Maybe I was being selfish in keeping the first attempt? I don't think so though... I don't think that it would have held up as long, not to mention the pins just don't slide into this one as easily.

I have to say, blogger is not being my friend today... these pictures are driving me crazy... every time I move to a new paragraph I get a donk, donk, donk where I cannot type anymore and then I have to publish my posting before actually being finished... that makes me angry, well annoyed at the very least!

Back to the pretty pin cushions... I made them by foundation piecing them onto a scrap of warm n' natural. Then I squared them up (or rectangled them up) and cut some backing fabric that suited the front. Then I sewed them and stuffed them. I like to use crushed corn cobb animal bedding/litter. It's just right in there :)

So in closing, Debbie... I really hope you like your pincushion! Spring was my inspiration and I hope it finds its way to you quickly. I've really enjoyed the process of making these. (I was watching American Idol while sewing and then the results show while stuffing them!). It was a great bit of fun deciding which one to send to you. I hope you're not disappointed with my choice in colours or style.

Wow, It's been nearly a month!

2011-03-24T08:41:00.002-03:00

Hello friends,

It's been nearly a month since my last post. I've been busy and doing nothing all at the same time. I'm liking that I don't blog too often anymore, the break has been good for me :)

I have come today to share some pictures with you guys :)

These are pictures of the SIL's tote bag I made back in January... Yeah I'm a little behind in posting :)

PLEASE NOTE: I actually made two... one for myself using Central Park by Kate Spain... I just never photographed it yet!

I used Sunkissed by Sweetwater for MODA as the fabric charms. I also used a print from the LQS that changed in value from orange to yellow across the bolt. It made for a very interesting liner and beautiful handles.

I used this tutorial from the MODA bakeshop. It's an oldie but a goodie... I've been waiting to try it for about 2 years lol! I did modify it slightly though. I used full 5" charm squares for the sides of the bag. Then I used the leftover charms to make pockets inside the bag. I also used batting that's made for oven mitts/pot holders because it's more rigid and there was no fusible interfacing at the LQS... It surprisingly worked really well. I'd use it again!

Two things I would do differently next time...

1) I would make thicker handles.... either by using more fabric and stitching more so they don't roll-up or by adding some felt/ fusible interfacing to the handles. The pattern called for denim but I didn't want to use denim. In hindsight I should have used something more supportive than cotton.

2) When making the large pocket... I'd add a button. It's kinda droopy and saggy so I need a way to keep the stuff in it.

Other than that, this was quite an easy project. The longest part was making the patchwork. I'd make these bags again!

Charming Jan/Feb Update

2011-02-28T21:26:00.002-04:00

Well hello everybody!

I feel like my everyday life is in full-speed-ahead motion and my blogging life is nearly dead. I never thought I'd be one of those 2-3 time a month blogging gals! I guess that's where I am and you know what... I'm kinda happy with it. I mean I miss reading everyone's blogs but I enjoy having a real life to live. This means I'm officially out of my University Limbo :)

I'm not going to bother updating all my goals from the last post. I'm just going to tell you all about what's been going on.

1) I have practically given up on Curves. I've been there less than 10 times in 3 months. I currently have a head cold and once that's history I'm getting back at it. I'm paying a good chunk of money every month so I'm not quitting.

2) I started WeightWatchers... Momentum again. LOL! I did the program in 2009 and had some success I just got too busy. This time SO's mom is our motivator. I'm hoping to have some great success. I'm hoping to take about 18-months to reach my weight-loss goals. We'll see how it goes. I like the idea of the new program but after paying to learn the old one, I'm not ready to pay for the new one.

3) As for sewing... I did a lot in the last 2 months. Well a lot for me anyway. I made 2 tote bags, a liner for a camping sack (think giant draw-string bag), and a rag quilt for my lover's Valentine's gift.

I made the tote bags from central park and sunkissed.

I made the liner from terrycloth

I made the rag quilt from all masculine woodsy flannel fabrics.

I have pictures but they're not on my computer yet and I have a head cold so I won't be posting them today... I'm just too contrary!

My goals for March/April

1) Start quilts for me and my aunt
2) bag catcher (as a consignment... my very first!)
3) Finally start my parents anniversary quilt
4) Finally start my grampy's quilt

I can't wait to see all your progress :)

Check out Kelly's blog for more progress entries.

Pincushion Swap

2011-02-22T19:24:00.002-04:00

I said I wasn't going to enter any SWAPS in 2011 because shipping is too expensive and after I did an ornament swap and received a couple of duds (I didn't post about it because I didn't want to spread negativity during Christmas) I felt a little disappointed by the SWAPPING experience in general.

I saw the Charming Guys & Girls Quilt Club Pincushion SWAP hosted by Dandelion Quilts and just couldn't resist!

I've always had nothing but a positive experience from the CG&GQC! I've been a member for 2 years now and I cannot wait to sign-up again for 2011-2012 (when the time comes... and if Kelly continues with the club).

Although I didn't get matched-up with a fellow Canadian, I'm going to bite the shipping bullet and ship to the USA again. I want to participate and I just hope that this will be a great experience. My partner doesn't have a blog (that I know of) so I'm hoping when I get ready to email her she'll give me some guidance on her colour preferences.

I can't wait to see what she makes me... this is the first time I've participated in a SWAP where they're not blind... I actually know who my partner is :)

Connecting with friends...

2011-02-02T23:02:00.002-04:00

If you had asked me 2 years ago if I ever thought I'd meet a stranger from the internet I probably would have laughed out a loud no, are you crazy?!

But, times have changed and Skype has come along and made these meetings easy and free!

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Joan from Ouvrages d'une Acadienne. I contacted her last week about starting a quilt guild in her hometown. I want to do something similar here. I just wanted to know how she did it and I must admit that I'm quite chatty in person so we talked about a lot more!

Joan is having a blizzard out her way and well we're still in a cold snap... so cold in fact that the battery on my car and my dad's truck just gave-up on life today :( That's going to be expensive and my car isn't even 3 years old yet.

Anyway, back from that little tangent... I'm trying to start a quilt guild here in Labrador West. There's 2 towns here about 3km's apart so we're basically all one community. I'm hoping that out of the 10,000 or so people that live here at least 20 people would like to join a quilt guild... maybe even more! She shared so much information with me. Great ideas that I never even thought about... like trying to get some government funding for helping us secure a meeting place and even some equipment.

I've decided to run an ad in our local paper to strum up some interest and put a message out on Facebook. I'm going to collect names, phone numbers and emails first. I may even start a new email just for that purpose.

It was such a great experience to meet Joan today! (Even after I almost forgot!!!!) I can't wait to do it again. I think it's a great beginning to a new friendship. Thank-you for your help so far Joan :)

Large Labrador Kind of Day...

2011-01-25T11:55:00.003-04:00

Well I look out my window today and I see a beautiful cyan sky, with thin white clouds passing by. The sun is shining and it's beautiful.

This isn't actually today but this is what it looks like :)

Then when we look at the thermometer -32C and feels like -46C with the windchill... for you American folks... that's -22F and feels like -45F with the windchill factor! It was almost this cold yesterday too.

Schools are closed for K-7 today because of the cold... 8-12 are still in school... but it's midterm week for them so I doubt they would close the school even if they made it to the -50C mark. It also means that I have no income this week because there hasn't been any school. Yesterday K-3 was closed! I bet the kids love having a cold day... we can't exactly call it a snow day... I mean it's not snowing... look at it outside!

I made two tote bags over the weekend and I want to take some pictures of them to post. One of them is at my Mom's house and I'm staying at SO's Mom's house. I think it's a little chilly to go outside when you don't have to ;)

So, hopefully it'll warm up tomorrow so I can get out and get some stuff done!

2011: New Look... New Beginnings... and a look at quilt Fabric in Canada

2011-01-16T12:42:00.003-04:00

Hello folks :)

Just thought I'd let you all know that this is post #200! I've been around for a while and I don't plan on going very far!

I'm not sure what I'll do to celibate 200 posts... I know I cannot afford another giveaway. I still have 2 spots left in my PIF... 3 if the first person who signed-up doesn't email me her mailing address etc!

I hope you all like my new look... the layout is virtually the same just a different look. I've also updated my About section and the Previous Swaps section as all my obligations have been fulfilled.

I'm also really excited because yesterday I found a great CANADIAN online Quilt Store. Typically if it's Canadian, it's too expensive to shop in but Mad About Patchwork is wonderful. Some of their books are cheaper than Chapters (American's think Barnes and Noble), their Kona Solids are only $7/y CDN and they carry mod designers like Amy Butler :) Also shipping is only $5 (under $99) and free over $100! JACKPOT!

In my quest for finding a "local" online store (I do believe in supporting the local economy if possible)... I did find many others that were mentionable... I've listed them on the left under "Canadian Quilt Stores".... I have to say some of what I saw was shocking... Moda is pretty much non-existent in Canada. If they do carry Moda... the Jelly rolls/Layer Cakes are $45-$65 each... charm packs are $12.99-$19.99 each then you have to add taxes and shipping! I was mortified. You see when I order from the USA, I typically pay $5-8 USD for a charm pack... with shipping and exchange that works out to $8-11 Canadian at my door. That's not too bad. I can't imagine paying all that for fabric... I really hope the Canadian dollar stays high, it's the only way I can afford the fabric that I like in the quantities that I want.

Where do you draw the line at being too expensive? Mine is somewhere at $12/y Canadian... and the it's too much.

Paying it Forward

2011-01-12T13:40:00.002-04:00

Last week I signed up for a Pay-it-forward in 2011... it was hosted by Andrea at Comfort Cove Designs. Oddly, her and I live in the same Canadian province!

Typically, you ask for 3 people to sign-up and then you send a little something out to them and they agree to PIF to 3 more people and the chain keeps on going.

I really like this idea and I love all of you on my blog... lately however, I've been spending more money in shipping than actually what I've sent. For example, I signed up for an ornament exchange... each ornament cost me $3... shipping was almost $6!

So, before I decide what I'm going to send, I'd like to know who I'm sending it to... originally I wanted to mail out tuffets but It seems that they will cost a fortune to mail to the USA. Do you think it's unfair for me to mail an unstuffed tuffet to the USA so the recipiant can fill it with their favourite fill? I can fit that in an envelope quite easily and it won't cost a fortune to mail.

If it's Canadian it won't really matter all that much as I can mail it for much less...

So here goes,

In 2011 I want to pay it forward... I want to mail 3 people a tuffet that I promise to create before 2012. If you're living in the USA(or another international country), I will mail it without stuffing... if you're in Canada I will stuff it for you.

The first 3 people to comment on this post will recieve a handmade gift from me! BUT... you have to repost this on your blog and agree to PIF to 3 other people too :) Spread a little sewing cheer! P.S. if you're an international friend who would rather something other than an unstuffed tuffet please let me know and I'll come up with something else!

Word-up! Beginnings!

2011-01-04T10:49:00.004-04:00

So our theme for January is to pick a word that we will reflect in our lives this year. Our Charming leader stole the idea from a fellow Charming Gal and now we're all doin' it!

My word of the year is Beginnings! This really will be a year of beginning for us and we have to believe in those beginnings.

- So will begin a new job soon
- We will begin a journey into home ownership sometime this year
- We may begin thinking about "settling down"

We have our whole lives ahead of us and this truly is just the beginning. I think more than beginning my word should be believe. I need to believe in SO, believe in myself, and believe in US, because it's only together that we will be successful.

I can't wait to hear what you gals are doing for your Word-up! I look forward to reading them and why your choosing that word.

CG&GQC January/February 2011 Goals

2011-01-04T10:31:00.003-04:00

Hello Ladies... I'm here to tell you today I have MUF. For more information please follow the link provided.

I think Kelly is brilliant! UFO's aren't really ideal... Un-finished Objects... I like the idea that they are fermenting masterpieces better. I have several masterpieces waiting to be cut into. Nothing that is started and not finished right now because I finished them for Christmas.

I have been thinking about my January/February goals and I have several that I need to tackle.

Sewing Goals
1) Make SIL's tote bag/purse
2) Aunt's quilt top/my identical qulit (going to make both lots of blocks at the same time!)
3) Grampie's Quilt top/ my identical quilt (might be teaching a class and getting this one done!)
4) Mom & Dad's 26th (supposed to be 25th) anniversary quilt
5) 3 baby quilts for the craft fare next Fall
6) 12 Christmas balls for the craft fare next Fall

Please note I don't expect to finish most of this just wanted to get a list on "paper" and tackle it... it'll over-flow into March/April for sure!

Personal Goals
1) Return to Curves 3x's a week
2) Re-visit the dietitian's goals/diet plan for me
3) Pay off my VISA (yes girls you read that right! Don't we all have these types of goals after the holidays)
4) Set-up my sewing space at my parents house.

10 goals for 2 months. It seems like a lot but I'm confident that I can get-r-done!

CG&GQC November/December 2010 Finishes

2010-12-23T10:44:00.002-04:00

Sewing Goals
1) Finish the 7 Christmas runners for presents So this is completed... all 7 of 'em! That includes one for me and there are pictures here :)

2) Finish 24 no-sew quilted Christmas balls for presents - and maybe 8 bells.. (2 bells... because I thought they were ugly lol!) So the 24 balls are done!!! and 2 bells... I think that's a success... and it leaves me with time to figure out what to do with the 6 other bells so they're not so ugly!

(I'll post pictures after Christmas!)

3) Finish 2 mug rugs for Christmas presents these are done

(again I'll post pictures after Christmas

4) Pick out a pattern and fabric for my SIL's birthday present... she's requested a purse! It's not until February so I just need to get thinking about it

5) Set-up a dedicated sewing space, including storage for fabric and an area for my machine
... not done... maybe in the new year?

4/5 goals completed! Success!!!

Personal Goals
1) Continue to go to Curves 3 times a week... a goal for the next two months is to learn some new moves for the rest-boards... jogging is getting boring ;)
Yeah... so I had a sinus infection and a head cold and and and and... well I took a break from Curves for December... so shoot me! But I will start again in January with my new journey to the next -20lbs!

2) Money issues... mostly paying off debt and starting to save some money
Progress is slow but it's happening!

3) Continue to purchase from the list of Christmas gifts and wrap them!!!!!
Done DONE DONE!!! and all wrapped by the 22nd to boot!

4) read something every day... even if it's just a page or two.... then update the reading blog
well... since I haven't updated my reading blog since September... I guess you know how this one went!

2/4 goals completed... not too bad for 2 very busy months :)

Merry Christmas folks!

Holiday Traditions - Decorations & Special Outings

2010-12-08T10:07:00.000-04:00

Decorations... where to begin. Since I don't own my own home yet... I'll tell you all about my Mom and Nan's houses where Christmas really happens for me.

We'll when I was a child, plastic canvas was all the rage. My house and my grandmother's house was covered from floor to ceiling in these beautiful creations that my Mom, Aunts and grandFATHER made. (I think that's where I get my craftiness from... my grandfather... he was good at everything. Or, at least I thought so anyway!)

PPS. I taught him to do plastic canvas at about 6 years old... even corrected him on the proper way to do a continental stitch so it looked right on the back lol.... yes I guess even then I was a picky teacher.

I'll have to dig out a picture of my Mom's house from a few Christmases ago. Last year my mom decided that it was time to go a little bit modern. So she only put out her favourite plastic canvas pieces and actually bought a few wooden signs and I made her a placemat set. This year she has a runner from me for the coffee table :)

My nan doesn't really want to modernize and would still have tinsel and spray snow if my aunts would let her. (Because of the way life works my Nan and 2 daughters (my aunts) live at home with my Nan! It just works for them!!!) She's struggling with what to decorate with this year because she doesn't want to let all my Grandfather's hard work sit in a box. I'm sure her house will be beautiful when it's done.

As for our Chirstmas trees. Well they're fake... or artifical... The trees in the forests here are mostly Labrador Black Spruce... they're lanky, skinny, scrawny, full of myrth, and just worse than Charlie Brown's tree. The real ones we get are usually shipped in from Nova Scotia but my family just never buys them. I think I might try one some year. Maybe anyway.

Our family usually hang lights outside of our home and we have some wooden signs that were painted and displays that we put out. When my Nan get's her's out I'll take a few pictures and post. Sometimes it's cold enough to ice the trees. That means we usually take 5 gallon buckets of water and throw at the trees after we put lights in them. It's cold enough that they freeze into icicles around the lights and makes a really cool look. Because of Global Warming we haven't been able to do this in about 5 years now, sadly.

Our special outings usually revolve around food lol. We spend Christmas Day at my Nan's house and Boxing Day at our house. Usually we take turns doing special things for New Year's Eve.

I can't wait to hear about more of your favourite holiday traditions.

Secret Santa Swap

2010-12-03T10:22:00.005-04:00

Well, It seems that substituting is feast or famine... after 3 weeks of famine... I've hit the feast. This makes me tired... but I have a prep now and I can share some sewing stuff.

I thought I'd start by sharing pictures of the pezzie I sent to my swap partner. I was inspired to make a runner after I saw the beautiful runner that Joan made for her swap partner last year. It is a GE Designs pattern. Only I never had a pattern! I found a tutorial online where a lady showed how she put her runner together but there were no directions on the fabric that needed to be purchased. So after some clever math I set about my little paternless-adventure. It helped that the LQS had a sample of the same runner (but no patterns) for me to size-up if need be.

I loved my little runner so much that I made 7! One for my partner, one for me and 5 for Christmas prezzies in my family. So without further adieu... here are some pictures.

(Please note the actual runner that's going to my partner isn't pictured as I wanted to get it in the mail quickly and I even forgot to add a lable!... I'll have to make one and mail it out for her to attach in January. It's better late than never!)

This is showing the scrappy binding... but hers is a different assortment of scraps!

This is showing the type of quilting... a fancy stitch from my machine. But again her thread colour is different... it's metallic gold. It was really hard to work with and although it's quite pretty, it skips stitches and was ultra frustrating so only 3 were quilted with it. Hers being one of them.

This last one is just a pretty shot! I thought I would share!!!

I hope you all like my runner... but most of all, I hope my partner likes it! I also sent a pease puddin' in a puddin' bag. I didn't get a picture of it, so hopefully she'll post when she gets it and show everyone what it is. Most of all I hope she likes it too :)

Two weeks ago already?

2010-11-29T11:24:00.002-04:00

Wow, sometimes life just takes over doesn't it?!

I feel like life has taken over since July this year.

I have some meaningful posts coming soon I promise but for now...

- my MMP ornaments have been in the mail since Nov 14
- my CG&GQC Secret Santa gift was posted last Tuesday/Wednesday... I haven't even had time to email Kelly or Joan yet! I guess I'll get to that today.
- I need to continue my posts for Holiday Traditions
- I need to post about my Craft Guild and new Quilt Guild

Maybe I'll be back this afternoon with some more stuff to tell! And of course I have pictures too :)

Holiday Traditions - Food Edition

2010-11-11T10:23:00.001-04:00

Our Charming Leader, Kelly has given us the theme of Holiday Traditions for November/December.

I have to say that at this point there is only one holiday left to celebrate in Canada and that's Christmas!!!!

Thanksgiving was in October, and that's not a huge deal to us here. It's not even a mandatory holiday that employers have to give off work!!! We usually have a cooked supper at my grandmother's house... this year she didn't feel up to it so that didn't even happen. I celebrated at my MIL's house with turkey, salt beef, potato, turnip, turnip greens, cabbage, carrot, parsnip, peas pudding, blueberry duff, gravy, pickled beets and cranberry sauce. We call this a "jiggs dinner" or traditional "Newfoundland boiled dinner". All the vegetables and the salt beef are boiled together in the same pot (yes it's huge) and then the peas pudding and blueberry duff are boiled in there too!

The pink fatty stuff is the salt meat! You can also see pease pudding and blueberry duff on the plate

I've linked to 3 different sites in here.... please read them all... you'll be hungry after I promise.

Now that you're back from that excursion... You can see from the two recipes that much of a boiled dinner is personal taste. We never use corned beef in the dinner... just pickled naval beef aka salt beef or even just salt meat.

Now Christmas, I'm pretty sure that's a big deal everywhere. But in Newfoundland and Labrador we like to celebrate with a party for nearly a month! Depending on where you live the party starts on Tibbs Eve... or December 23rd the eve of Christmas Eve. It's a celebration that's unique to Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Then of course on Christmas Eve there is usually a family supper (aka Dinner for you American folks!). This meal is fancy for some family's but for others it's sometimes just a favourite. Growing up we never really had a special meal on Christmas Eve but my SO's family always did. Now SO's sister usually cooks on Christmas Eve and we go there before going to church.

Christmas Eve night we go to SO's parents house for drinks and snacks. These usually include a pizza dip(we sub the pizza sauce for medium salsa), junk food, Christmas slush (scroll down to Creamscile Recipe), allouettes (a traditional French Quebec recipe), and shrimp rings!

Looks a lot like the creamsicle slush SO's mom makes!

Christmas day we have even more food. My family gets together at my Nan's house for Cold Plates. I don't think this is a common meal everywhere so basically it's cold turkey, roast, ham, bread rolls, potato salad, beet salad, mustard salad, pasta salad, shrimp rings, crab cakes, pickled beets, mustard pickles, ham with asparagus rolls, and many many other yummmy delights. Traditionally in NL we would have the Jiggs Dinner but my family finds that too hetic and we do it on Boxing Day (Note in NL boxing Day isn't a shopping day like many other places) instead!

We take it easy after boxing day until New Years Eve... We have lots of finger foods and beverages... similar to Christmas Eve at SO's house. Then on New Years Day we usually have prime rib roast at my Nan's house with home made Yorkshire Puddings.

On old Christmas Day, my Mom usually cooks a pineapple ham and we have more family over... usually my Dad's side. This hasn't happened in many years now though and I kinda miss the tradition!

That's pretty much our holiday food traditions. I'll be back with some more of our holiday celebrations soon :)

Modern Quilting

2010-11-08T09:39:00.003-04:00

To share some good news around here....

I guess it's not a secret anymore... but there's a possibility that I will be teaching a quilt course as part of the Division of Lifelong learning at a local college in January! I'm sew excited about this possibility :) I'll share more news about that as I find out more news about it. The first step is to put a "notice of interest in the paper" and then see what happens from there! I'm going to use pre-cuts and a modern ruffly squares type pattern that I wrote myself!!!! Big steps all the one time :)

Also, I'm seriously thinking about starting a branch of the Modern Quilt Guild here in Labrador West.

I was preusing the internet and I came across this definition of Modern Quilting from the Music City Modern Quilt Guild... (Please visit their site too... so they don't just think I sticky fingered their definition lol!)

What is Modern Quilting?

"Modern quilting is a new twist on the traditional art of quilting. This may mean something as simple as using a traditional quilt block and updating it in a fresh, fun new way. That includes using modern fabrics, modifying the block arrangement or even the scale of the block. The piecing could be improvisational and wonky, or it could be very exact and measured, following a pattern or creating your won. The quilting could be traditional stippling, clean straight lines, or a very "free" have fun and quilt-as-you-go style. Fabrics could be upcycled vintage sheets, custom digital printed fabric, a yummy selection from one of the new modern fabric designers, or an old fabric from an ever growing stash.

Modern quilting is sometimes difficult to define because in many ways the definition is as individual as the quilter - changing from quilter to quilter. In addition to reflecting the individual personality and personal style of the quilter, it also reflects the current aesthetic of the day.

Modern quilting is also about the attitude and the approach that modern quilters take. It respects the amazing artistry and talent of the tradition of quilting, while allowing the quilter to challenge the "rules". In fact, if there were one rule in modern quilting, it would be that there are no rules.

The concept of modern quilting is not meant to divide or segregate. It is meant to welcome new quilters, of all ages, to the world of quilting in a style that they can relate to. In many ways, modern quilting takes us back to the basics of the early quilters, when women of the day used the colors and styles of their time to express themselves creatively."

Recently, I joined the Craft Guild here... although I like it very much... I'm thinking it's not quite my style as I want to learn more about quilting and modern techniques not necessarily about all crafting in general. I'm going to do some soul searching on setting-up a new guild and see what happens!

CG&GQC November/December 2010 Goals

2010-11-06T19:29:00.003-03:00

I want to say a big thank-you to Kelly! She chose me as a winner from last month's goals draw!!!! I was so excited, with the gift certificate I chose a Layer Cake and then I bought yardage to make a quilt pattern I recently bought! I'll share as progress is made :)

Well, here's my list for November and December.... I'm going to try and keep it a little more simple these next couple of months

Sewing Goals
1) Finish the 7 Christmas runners for presents (pictures after Christmas!!!)
2) Finish 24 no-sew quilted Christmas balls for presents (and for my tree in my house that is yet to exist lmao!) - and maybe 8 bells... if time permits
3) Finish 2 mug rugs for Christmas presents
4) Pick out a pattern and fabric for my SIL's birthday present... she's requested a purse! It's not until February so I just need to get thinking about it
5) Set-up a dedicated sewing space, including storage for fabric and an area for my machine

Personal Goals
1) Continue to go to Curves 3 times a week... a goal for the next two months is to learn some new moves for the rest-boards... jogging is getting boring ;)
2) Money issues... mostly paying off debt and starting to save some money
3) Continue to purchase from the list of Christmas gifts and wrap them!!!!!
4) read something every day... even if it's just a page or two.... then update the reading blog

And, as always check Kelly's blog for more Charming Friend's goals

Blogger's Quilt Festival

2010-11-01T16:39:00.000-03:00

Well I'm so excited to be writing this post and sharing something quilty again! It's Blogger's Quilt Festival time again and Amy from Amy's creative side is organizing this event for the 4th time. This is the second time I've gotten to participate. Please click on over to her site for more info and participate if you like as there are awesome prizes to be won and wonderful friendships to be fostered.

Last time I shared about my Walter's Flower Garden quilt. It was my first bed-sized quilt in honour of my grandfather who lost his life to cancer after a valiant 6 year fight. But, I've already shared that story and thus it's time for a new one!!!

I had a tough time picking which quilt to share with you... I finally decided on sharing my Sister's Graduation Quilt with you :)

My sister "K" had a tough time in school and while in her grade 10 year she faltered a little and ended up having to "try it again." She struggled through high school and scraped by in a few courses. Not because she couldn't do it but because she thought she couldn't do it. There's a big difference!!!! She also found herself with the wrong kind of people and mixed up with a couple of boys everyone could do without. But, she preservered and I cannot tell you how proud of her I am because she graduated!

When I started making quilts she expressed an interest in receiving one. In fact she asked for a quilt a mere 6 weeks before I was due to return to university. I told her maybe for Christmas because you're crazy if you think I can make one before I leave. But it stuck with me. I came up with a plan.... a giant patchwork quilt made from 10" squares and it would be a square quilt too... a little quirky just like "K".

It's not the fanciest quilt I've ever made (or seen) and it's not the most beautiful quilt either! It is a symbol of my pride in her though.... I'm the oldest and we older siblings always feel like we helped raise the younger ones. It's made with bright berry fabrics and is just simply cozy and comfy. It's a quilt that will get used and become thread bare. I'm sure she'll drag it where ever she goes. It's currently on her bed along with 2 matching pillow cases (that were MIA in the mail for 3+ weeks! I was really nervous!!!). I'll take pride in patching it if necessary and I just love knowing that it's being used and loved.

Now, I will share some pictures (To see all of the pictures... click here to see my Facebook photo album)

This is the backing Fabric! Lots of Cherries
Quilting is simple but fitting for this quilt.

Matching pillowcases
Just a pretty picture :) You can see the yellow binding fabric is the same as the green backing fabric on this quilt.

This is the quilt top... It's not the most beautiful but it's very special!

CG&GQC September/October 2010 Update

2010-10-31T20:17:00.006-03:00

I guess it's time to share my progress :) In some areas there has been much progress and in others not sew much!

Sewing Goals
1) Get the blocks completed for my Mom and Dad's Anniversary Quilt
I've decided that this Anniversary quilt will happen... but just not this year! I guess happy 26th anniversary will be ok too right? It's the thought that counts! I haven't even located the fabric I bought for this quilt yet. I should probably do that soon!

2) Get the quilt top completed for my Grandfather's Christmas present
I've decided that this will make a nice Birthday present for April... that's a more realistic goal right now!

3) Pick out some simple projects for Christmas gifts this year
I've decided to make some braided runners from this tutorial at Idaho Quilter. I have completed 3 tops and I need to complete 4 more. I've also decided to make some Christmas balls for family this year. They are far more work and expense than I ever imagined but they are worth the effort! I'll do a whole post on them when I get some pictures... which will be soon.

I haven't made one in this exact pattern yet... this isn't mine though I just "borrowed" it from Jenean Morrison... I really loved it! Isn't it pretty?

4) Set-up a dedicated sewing space, including storage for fabric and an area for my machine
I'm still working on this! I have set-up temporarily at my Grandmother's house. It's working for now and I expect to be there until after Christmas. Then I will hopefully have my own place at home. Which will be at my parent's house and not at SO's as he's returning to school in January... again, that's a whole other post in its self!

Life Goals
1) Un-pack all the important things I packed up before the move (done!)

2) Find homes for all that important stuff (done!)

3) Join Curves and dedicate 3-4 times a week of fitness time
So this might be the biggest accomplishment thus far! I've already lost 7.5lbs at Curves for a 19.5lb loss total since May. I've been going 3 times a week (well a couple of weeks I only made it twice! But it's ok too as I haven't gained anything in months!) I also talked my grandmother into joining Curves and now one of my sisters is interested!!!

4) Volunteer at local schools
I have added my name to the lists but have yet to be called... that's ok too because I've been pretty busy!

5) Meet with the VP's at local schools to try and increase the subbing time
There are the most subs here in 7 years! With that being said it's been ok... I've had mostly 2-3 days a week of subbing. Last week I only had one day but there's slow weeks in every year! Here's to a raging flu season and lots of maternity positions... I mean hopefully it'll pick up soon... as I'd love to have 3-4 days a week faithfully.
6) If subbing hasn't picked-up by mid-october, look for meaningful employment to pay bills :(
It's slowly picking up... my bank account has a small surplus for the first time in nearly 6 months... It's not a lot of breathing room but I'm slowly getting back on my feet.

7) Work on setting up a budget
I haven't even thought about this yet... I think I'll have to re-add this one to my list!

8) Make a list of Christmas gifts and start purchasing/making them as available/funds allow
I'm actually getting this done :) SO and I have made an electronic list and as we purchase stuff we hilight it and as I make stuff we hilight that too... It's slowly getting done!!!!

9) read something every day... even if it's just a page or two.... then update the reading blog
This is an area I've failed at again! I think I've lost my reading mojo... I don't know what to do... I have so many wonderful books I want to read but I need to get to them! It'll happen I'm sure when more things settle down :)

So these were my goals for the past 2 months! As you can see I failed pretty miserably in the sewing department... 1/4 goals completed and the life department is blooming. I've finished 7/9 goals.... I think 8/13 is admirable for 2 months! I've been through some pretty big life changes. I look forward to getting more goals met in November/December.

To see other CG&GQC finishes for September/October... please visit Kelly's blog!

Still Sewing!

2010-10-21T10:45:00.002-03:00

Well I'm off to sew for another day. I'm creating Christmas runners... 7 of them! I'm going to use them for my family members. I still need to come up with something smaller and less expensive for other family members. I think I'm going to try and make some ornaments out of the scraps left over from the runners.

I have a couple of patterns in mind. What have you used in the past for ornament patterns? I'd love to see them!!!!

P.S. I'm bringing my camera today too!!!! So I'll have pictures to share tomorrow of the progress so far.

OMG! I'm in love!!!!

2010-10-17T22:31:00.002-03:00

Today marks the 7th year SO and I have been together... but that's not what I came to post about. Although it's pretty clear that SO and I are in love... I have a new love in the quilting world too...

I'm talking about my Grandmother's Accuquilt Go! I know you shouldn't covet thy neighbours goods... but when it's a family member you can share right?

I used it for the first time yesterday. Saturday October 16th will be a new anniversary for me.... the day I fell in love with the Go. I used the 1.5" strip, 2.5" strip and 3.5" strip.

I'm making Christmas Presents from a pattern I found using Google... at Idaho Quilter. I liked the look of a similar pattern from GE Designs, I couldn't afford it so I decided to look for something similar and free.

I've never seen the GE Design so it may be really similar but I'm fining ignorance. After all, I think we all do it, we all pass around our favourite pattern or share a design with a quilting friend. I'm not saying it's right I'm just saying.

Do you that too?

Our God is an Awesome God

2010-10-13T19:51:00.003-03:00

Truly, anybody who is out there in the world and doesn't believe cannot see the miracles that happen in front of our eyes!

I am not a faithful church goer or even bible reader but I have faith in my heart and a fire that burns in my soul to do right by Jesus.

Watching the news coverage of those 33 miners and all those dedicated rescuers is amazing. People from all over the world have come together to pray and hope... different races, different religions, different everything with a common goal... to see these men again be with their families and live a happy life.

The hugs they are getting from family members is a testament of hope and perseverance.

I had the pleasure of teaching today in a local high school. The questions these children had were hilarious, serious and lead me to a new perspective. While I augmented the lesson plans to include live video coverage of the events on the smartboard, I don't think the teacher will mind. We watched History as it was literally made.

Like September 11th, Hurricane Katrina and many other disasters with not so happy endings, I can honestly say I will remember this very happy day... the day 33 miners were rescued after 69 days of peril.

My hope is that the news coverage can refrain from sensationalism. Who really needed to know that one miner had a mistress? I'm sure his family was embarrassed enough without the world knowing. We just needed to see that they were safe and healthy... and maybe even their happiness. I'm sure as time moves on there will be books and movies about this event but we can all wait to see them. I think the best thing the world can do for these 33 families is give them space and time to heal.

I'm a miner's daughter myself... I thank God every day that my Dad comes home... also that he works in an open pit mine... they are much safer as a rule. I worked there myself as a summer student.

Join me tonight in prayer for these families our even just a kind thought... I think they will need lots of them in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Update Time :)

2010-10-11T18:37:00.003-03:00

Hello everyone :)

I was thrilled to get my partner for the CG&GQC Christmas Swap today :) Now I have to browse my partner's blog and get a feel for what she likes. We really only have a month to get it in the mail as my partner lives in the USA and it'll take 3-4 weeks at holiday time to get the parcel to her.

Also, some of you may have remembered that I recently joined Curves. A month ago to be exact and I'm doing ok with it. It's part of my self-care plan. Kelly really sparked my passion for taking care of me in July.

So just to share my happy news with you... I lost 6.5lbs and 2" last month... and for those of you familiar with Curves, I increased my PI 17 points!!! I think that's a successful month.

Today is also Thanksgiving here in Canada. So for supper we had Turkey and all of the Newfoundland traditional trimmings :) I am stuffed beyond belief. I think because I knew I did so well at Curves this month I allowed myself to eat a little extra and well it was WAY too much. Now I feel a little queasy. I guess I'll take it easy for the rest of the night... I'm also pre-booked for 2 days work this week.

Dad also had the time to plaster, prime and do the first coat of paint in my room. It's going to be really weird living at home after Christmas while SO's at school but at least it'll feel like my own space. We (and by we, I mean mostly my Dad) has to do the second coat of paint, put down new baseboards and install a new ceiling fan. (Yeah, my dad is a pretty handy fella!)

I guess life is going pretty good lately. Hopefully I'll be able to sew soon too :)

oh and share my good news with you.... lol! And It's good news.... I think it is anyway...

Also, I'm looking for 3 people to send me their home address for a little quilting chain mail. It only gave me a week to resend my envelopes and I'm working on week #2 so If you want to send me your address please do so ASAP :)

I have...

2010-10-07T20:59:00.002-03:00

good news that I'm dying to share but I'm afraid if I spill the beans before the i's are dotted and the t's crossed it'll fall through.

So I will ask for your quilting prayers that my plans work out!!! Also, when I can share I will. Sorry for being so evasive but I want to share my happiness :)

New Template...

2010-10-04T08:16:00.000-03:00

Just a little fall update...

after 3-4 templates, I think I've finally found one that I like. I love LeeLou Designs <3!!!!

Wahoo! News to report...

2010-10-03T12:36:00.002-03:00

Still waiting on the painting and unpacking to get sewing :(

Although it's going slowly, it's going so hopefully that'll be all clued up soon!!!! My dad is working a lot so his spare time is limited. He's gracious enough to plaster and paint so I guess I'll be waiting on his schedule. I offered to help but apparently my lack of expertise was undesirable and the thought of having to "fix" what I had done was also undesirable lol!!! So it's my parents house and they will do it in their own time. When I have my own house then I can do things my way. I'm learning to "let it go"

I've also signed-up for the Charming Guys and Girls Christmas Swap! over at Joan's blog, Ouvrages d'une Acadienne.

Now I have to wait to see who my partner is, then I can pick out a pretty project for her. I'm thinking a table runner would be nice. I don't have a whole lot of extra cash so I'm going to try and make this from things I already own :) We'll see how that goes lol!

So Charmin' Girls... who else is swappin?

Quilting the Quilt - CG&GQC Theme

2010-09-19T11:30:00.002-03:00

Quilting the Quilt...

this is an interesting question... "How do you quilt your quilt" well quite simply I use thread and just kinda do it.

But, there really is more to it than that isn't there?

First of all, I always (well 95% of the time) use 100% cotton fabric and batting that hasn't been pre-washed so my methods may not turn out the same as yours.

I always use 505 Spray basting, unless it's really a small project and I find that the batting and backing and top usually stick to each other well enough to just keep together by hand.
I always use Warm n' White (or Warm n' Natural) batting (the alternative is polyester and I just don't like it... and I don't know of anyone who carries Hobbs locally). It lays flat and I find this makes it easier to maneuver the quilt sandwich. It's also very warm and heavy so it makes a warm and cuddly quilt to use when you're done. It's also not so thick that you can double it up if you want it a little fluffier. I've never tried it but I've heard it is really nice.

Then there is the issue of thread. I have always used a cotton thread from Gutterman or Coats & Clarke. If you didn't already know, polyester thread is stronger than cotton. Therefore if you use a polyester thread on a cotton quilt the tread can tear through the fabric eventually. Likewise, if you use a cotton thread on a polyester/poly-blend project, the fabric can tear the tread eventually and the seam can let go. I think the brand isn't as important as the actual material. Keep your polys for poly projects and keep your cottons for cotton projects.

Using different feet on your sewing machine. For straight-line quilting and attaching the binding I use my walking foot. It feeds the fabric in nicely and allows for a nice even feed. It also saves on the arms a bunch. Because I spray baste, I don't have to start quilting in the middle of the quilt, but I usually do to avoid puckers. I still get some but not usually many which is nice.

Then there is that issue of Free Motion Quilting. I have tried FMQ and I love it but I'm not good at it, yet! I use a darning foot attachment for my Singer and I lower the feed dogs. I prepare the quilt sandwich as usual and just hope for the best! I've learned that I have to take my tension off of automatic and move it slightly to the right... whatever that means I'm not sure, but it works-for-me. I've done a quilt and a couple of bags FMQ and they're getting better. My problem is I can never get clouds, just fingers. If you've ever tried FMQ you'd understand that too lol!

This is how I go about quilting my projects... I look forward to hearing about how you do it too :)

FYI

2010-09-16T23:14:00.002-03:00

New sewing room being painted a colour called "shay butter" it's a creamy soft yet bright yellow... pictures to follow

new bedroom being painted a colour called "giggles" it's sorta light sky blue... I have a brown/tan/blue bedset :) Pictures of that to follow too :)

Just thought you'd like to know

September/October Goals

2010-09-15T18:54:00.000-03:00

Well goals for the next couple of months... and sadly there will be no pictures because getting to my camera is quite the task for the next little while.

Sewing Goals
1) Get the blocks completed for my Mom and Dad's Anniversary Quilt
2) Get the quilt top completed for my Grandfather's Christmas present
3) Pick out some simple projects for Christmas gifts this year
4) Set-up a dedicated sewing space, including storage for fabric and an area for my machiene

Life Goals
1) Un-pack all the important things I packed up before the move
2) Find homes for all that important stuff
3) Join Curves and dedicate 3-4 times a week of fitness time
4) Volunteer at local schools
5) Meet with the VP's at local schools to try and increase the subbing time
6) If subbing hasn't picked-up by mid-october, look for meaningful employment to pay bills :(
7) Work on setting up a budget
8) Make a list of Christmas gifts and start purchasing/making them as available/funds allow
9) read something every day... even if it's just a page or two.... then update the reading blog

I know that's a tall list of goals and really if I don't make it then it'll be ok. I'm just listing all the things I need to do and if I get to them I do and if I don't... I don't...

From the self-care of the past couple of months I've realized that stress, an overburdened schedule and doing things that I don't like have made me crazy and ill. I'm feeling better lately, losing a little weight (not a lot but it's a start) and just taking care of me. I'm planning on keeping it that way too.

CG&GQC July/August Update... I know I'm 3 weeks late!

2010-09-14T18:40:00.002-03:00

Well better late than never right? I'm just getting settled in so I'm a little behind... well a lot actually in the blog front. But, slowly I'll catch up.

So the update on my goals which were originally posted here.

Goal 1) Finish my sister's wedding quilt pillowcases - Achieved :)
Goal 2) Finish my sister's birthday surprise - Achieved :)
Goal 3) Start the blocks for my parents anniversary quilt - not even started :(
Goal 4) Finish my last two undergrad courses - Achieved :) and B+ averages to boot!
Goal 5) Sell all our furniture - Achieved sort of... we sold most of it and gave the rest to charity so yeah it's gone! that's a success!!!!
Goal 6) Pack up all of our important stuff - Achieved... a lot of work too
Goal 7) Move 2000km's - Achieved!!! and it was quite a journey... that's a post for another day
Goal 8) Find work to pay back the student loan - In progress.... some subbing days booked but nothing permanent yet.

6.5/8 that's not too bad! I think there was a lot of work in there. I don't think I want to relieve those months either! They were so hectic and chaotic it was very intense. I'll be back tomorrow with my goals for September/October 2010 :) They're probably late too but that's ok... as I'm done with deadlines for the next little while and just living in the moment. It's less stressful that way!

Putting out Small Fires

2010-09-14T00:59:00.002-03:00

Have you ever lost your quilting mojo? (Hang with me for a few... and yeah this post is kinda all over the place)...

I think I've found mine but it's different than it use to be. We've recently relocated as you all know and now we're finally getting settled in. I'm hoping for a successful year of subbing but that's yet to start. (Got a few days booked for the coming weeks though!)

I've joined Curves since I've been home and I'm working on getting my sewing space set-up. I actually don't know where most of my quilting stuff is and that kinda sucks.

I've been a negligent member of the Charming Guys and Gals Quilt Club and I need to fix that up! I think I've missed the deadline for September's goals and that's ok but that just means that I need to be back in order for November.

Kelly talked about self-care way back in July and I've really been on a self-care journey the past 8-12 weeks and now there will be much more to come in the coming 8-12 weeks. This has been a very transitional year. I've struggled with what and how much of my personal life to share on this blog.

I think I've come to terms with y'all need to know that I'm
1) In my 20's
2) I'm a teacher
3) I love to quilt
4) I have an SO that loves me
5) I live in Canada, specifically the north east region

I'm really ok with sharing these 5 points... other than that I'm not sure I'm willing to share and/or my family is weary of me sharing. You have issues with that too?

Not to get too philosophical in a single post so... what else is going on? Well there's a lot of preggo peeps my age... so that means I'll be making a lot of baby blankies in the near future!!! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYYA a great reason to sew.

I'll also be catching up with you guys properly in the very near future. I'm going to try and post 2 times a week (maybe more but at least 2!)

P.S. I've fixed my blog template... that's another fire I didn't need... now I'm off to fix my reading blog :( Photobucket really made this a pain in the arse!

Update: Get yourself a coffee :)

2010-08-29T00:22:00.003-03:00

Well we've been home for a week now and that time has just flown by. We're about 70% settled away at SO's house and I have so much work left to do at my house it's ridiculous!

While traveling, I left my computer in it's trusty case and everything seemed perfect. However, the battery died on the way... no problem just plug it in right? Well not so, apparently it "bit the big one" and I had to order a new one. It won't be here until September 8th-ish. It makes me mad too because my computer is only 2 years old and for a MacBook that's still in its youth. SO's MacBook is a full year older than mine and the battery is going strong.

I'm hoping it arrives sooner rather than later!

I'm setting up my sewing space at my parents house and that's going to take me a while to do. I have so much stuff packed into one tiny room that it might take me months to get it cleaned out. I sure wish I had one of those crews you see on TLC lol!

I don't have much to share with you on the creative front but I will say I hope you're enjoying your summer. We had an impromptu campfire in SO's family fire-pit tonight and it was so relaxing. Wieners and dried capelin on the fire were so yummy.

I got my marks back this week too... I got B+ in both courses. I've long given up on getting A's... they're no better in the end as you get the same diploma and the same job with the same pay... I'm more than happy with it! It was a celebration of its own... the last two undergraduate courses I will ever take... and I'm not kidding. I'm so done with University for now.

Well this has been a mumbo-jumbo report of nothing specific and nothing terribly interesting. Take Care all :)

HOME :)

2010-08-22T23:27:00.002-03:00

We're home and we're trying to unpack... it's a long process since we don't have our own place. We need to take out what we can fit into our bedroom.

YIKES!

It might be a while before I can update again, but there's lots of new things happening just not enough time to write about it :(

Take Care!

On our way!

2010-08-14T15:54:00.003-03:00

Well, a lot has happened since the last time I've posted. I've finished my second degree, written my final exams and moved out of my apartment!

We're now on our way home. We spent a day with my granparents, a day with SO's grandparents and now we're working our way to the mainland. We'll spend a few days vacationing before heading back home.

I'm not sure I'll get to check in again but I'm still around and cooking up some big ideas for this fall :)

Cheers!!!!

New Page...

2010-08-04T12:47:00.003-03:00

Hey guys,

Still can't sew... sold the kitchen table lol! So I've been making small improvements. I think you'll see big things from me in the near future :)

For now, you can check out the new tutorials and patterns page I've added to the linkbar on top!

None of the patterns or tutorials are mine... yet! But if you have suggestions for tutorials to add to the list, please pass them along :)

Some Musical Inspiration :)

2010-07-31T22:36:00.000-03:00

Just thought I'd share a little piece of home with all of you :)

Here is some traditional Newfoundland music. I find myself turning it on when I'm working, it's calming.

Google these artists for more great music!

Between me and Home...

2010-07-30T01:08:00.001-03:00

there stands... one 5 page paper and 2 final exams... 11 days and it will all be done :)

Then I get to move, ah crumba! There's always something eh? I guess I'll get to sew in September lol!

Can't sleep.... and it's already 1am in NL

2010-07-28T00:28:00.000-03:00

This is my good friend's husband... when I'm up late and can't sleep I listen to this. It is really soothing.... night world <3

Patches 4 Lissa

2010-07-27T12:30:00.001-03:00

Well, I spent Monday evening sewing even though I should be writing papers/studying/packing.... but it was for a great cause! Promise :)

I get a lot of comments from my many loving "mommies" out there and I appreciate all of your kind words and encouragement! Please don't take offense if I call you "mom" lol! I mean it in a "I'm glad that you care so much about me and my future" kind of way, honest!!!!!!

I made these blocks for the Patches 4 Lissa quilt! Just click on the big square to the left for more details or read the post directly below this one :)

I just hope my creams aren't too yellow (because they really are a pale yellow), my greens aren't too yellow... because they sometimes look yellow to me... and my lack of purple isn't too noticeable.

For a gal who's favourite colour is purple, I have a severe lack of purple fabric... I may have to work on that when the $$$ situation improves lol ;)

Also, I hope I haven't broken some cardinal rule, I didn't square up my blocks. I thought it would be best for the person who is making the actual 16 patches to do this so they are all the same size in the end? Was I wrong to think this? I hope not!

So where are your blocks? Don't forget to post them to the Flickr group so we can see what everyone has created. I know that this is going to be a big quilt... there seems to be many people participating. It's nice to see so many people who care.

The Quilt that Love Made...

2010-07-26T10:27:00.002-03:00

Maybe you'd like to join me?

It's five 5" squares, 3 straight lines on the ol' betsy, and 3 mins to scribble a nice thought, prayer or just your stats....

In the 10 mins it takes you to complete this block, you will help make a woman feel very loved and not so alone in the hospital. I think that's not too much to ask.

I'll be setting-up my sewing machine one last time before I move to sew this one block... the hardest part will be picking out the fabric or maybe making my name look legible lol :)

Hope to see your name there too :)

Small Improvements

2010-07-24T12:28:00.003-03:00

Because I can't sew and I need to have some free time, I've been tinkering with the ol' Blogger platform a little.

I now have an RSS feed... which I didn't know how it worked or anything about it until today! I hope if you're using a reader you'll find this helpful for visiting me :) Next I'm going to figure out how to implement the subscribe to have the most recent post emailed to you option... but I'm still learning and just happy to have learned this much :) Just click the button on the side!

I have added a link to my Facebook account. I recently set-up a new Facebook account for only my blogging friends. I will post all my quilting pictures and keep in touch there. I like it much better than Twitter... I tried Twitter before and it's just not for me! So If you and I aren't friends on Facebook yet... click on the button to the left!

I created a BlogFrog community for That's Sew Mandy readers.... I'm not sure I'll keep this one up but I figered I'd give it a shot and see how it all works... we'll see what happens! Check it out and let me know what you think

I added LinkedWithin to my blog so new readers might be enticed to jump around and stay a while. It's free and I kinda like it! I've seen several other bloggers use it and I figured why not give it a try too?!

I've also added the search function. It's right at the bottom for now but I'll find away to make it more attractive and easy to use.

And... I've started cleaning out my Blogrolls... they were getting unruly! I'm waiting for the Charming Guys & Girls Quilt Club to be updated on Kelly's blog so I can link to them for this year (I was left off by accident) so when she get's it all finalized I'm going to update my list and delete my old one. I also want to go through my current blogs and sort them a little better... they're too clumped in for me and I can't keep them all straight... I may even "pair down" a little... just blogs that haven't posted in months or ones that I don't particularly enjoy any more (no offense if that happens to be your blog! A girl can only read so much in a day!). This is going to take me a while! So It's going to be messy over there for a while longer... bare with me as I make the changes.

I don't use a reader when I follow blogs... I just add them to the blogroll and visit your actual page. Therefore the blogroll works better for me. What do you use?

I now interrupt this scheduled break...

2010-07-21T15:46:00.002-03:00

BECAUSE THERE ARE NO SMARTIES IN THE USA! WTF?! No Smarties? You call powered candies that we call rockets smarties??? They are not!

These are Smarties...
like M&M's but with better chocolate. Then I realized you also don't have Aero Bars...
or Big Turk Bars
or Pineapple Crush...
or Birch Beer Crush
This is something that needs to be fixed! Like ASAP ;)

Now back to studying and writing... and thinking about packing...

Blogging Break

2010-07-20T13:53:00.003-03:00

I may pop in to say hi in the next month (or 6 weeks) but because I have final exams and we're moving it's been too crazy to sew and blog too.

I'll be around but don't be disappointed if it takes a while to answer or if I don't answer at all. I'll be back and sharing all of my quilting goodness soon enough.

Cheers!

Really great new blog....

2010-07-15T18:58:00.002-03:00

I found a great blog today that melds two of my loves, photography and quilting. Quilting is probably something I'm better at but I do own a DSLR that I'm slowly learning how to use. Every now and then I get a great picture to share.

The new blog in question is "Sew Picture Perfect" and is written by Jodi from Pleasant Home. (I've come across Pleasant Home a couple of times but it wasn't a blog that I regularly followed... I think that's going to change.) I think written is kinda wrong... she posts pictures of quilts, and thread and other quilting goodness!

As an incentive to keep coming back she's having a give-a-way... a Birdie Jelly Roll! Now, who wouldn't love to have a jelly roll? I would love to have it!
(Since she's borrowing photos for her new blog... I hope she doesn't mind that I borrowed hers!)

So why not hop on over and say hi, become a follower and heck... you might even win that Jelly Roll

**** As shameless self-promotion... don't forget to take the poll to the right or comment on the post below about the potential pillow-case swap ****

Anybody Wanna SWAP?

2010-07-13T23:27:00.003-03:00

I've been thinking about this for a while now...

I'm thinking about hosting my first swap in September.

I'm thinking that we'll make 2 pillowcases and swap with a partner. They can be the burrito/taco kind that's really popular or a method that you choose. Of course, these would be personalized for your partner.

I'm debating if I'm going to do this. If there's interest then I'll get it all set up in August and the deadline to mail out will be sometime in Sept/Oct.

I'd like to have some feedback though! I have a poll on the right-side, you can select your answer.

Also, leave some comments here like if you think there should be fabric requirements, participation limits. Tips, tricks, and links to great tutorials too :)

Please spread the word too... I'm honestly wondering how much interest there would be. I think as long as there's 10 people who want to swap I'll organize it. I'm still debating on what my upper limit will be.

I'll give you 2 weeks to decide :)

Toooooo hot...

2010-07-12T18:33:00.002-03:00

Maybe all you American folk are use to 25-30C (77-86F) but I really get uncomfortable once the temp climbs over 22-23C (72-73F).... plus the humidity, it has been over 85% and usually over 90% for the past week.

We don't have airconditioning... neither do the very old buildings on campus. It was so warm in school today I felt like I was going to... well you can fill that in. My teacher cancelled our class due to heat and her seasonal allergies.

It is gross trying to sleep. I just feel so sticky! All I want to do is lie in a pool of ice. I'm dreaming about January when the temp goes to -55C (-67F) or lower. It is a real chore to do the dishes, cook, and clean in this heat for me. I'd even settle on a good down-pour of rain right now. That would cool us off nicely.

I have no idea how people in "the south" function once the mercury climbs over 25!

Needless to say, I haven't done any sewing... I can't even bare the thought of plugging in the iron and feeling that steam.

I'm off to slowly melt...

My threads...

2010-07-09T20:03:00.005-03:00

Sew Mama Sew is having a little contest... and all you have to do is answer these questions. The prize is a box of Amy Butler thread or a box of Kaffe thread. Wicked, awesome good... right?!

How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?
I buy what I like... and I love variegated threads for quilting :)

Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?
No, often I use a colour that's contrasting or a shade that's a little off. Lots of times I use variegated thread. Most often I use white cotton for piecing! and that regardless of what colour the fabric I'm working with is.

Do you ever use contrasting thread?
Yes... I like it when I'm topstitching and I want it to pop. You can look at the baby quilts that I made my niece for an example

Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?
Usually, but not always! When I made my sister's wedding quilt, I used black in the bottom and a red/pink variegated for the top.

What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?
I often use a colour that's close or again a variegated... I see a theme in my thread choice lol!

Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?
I always use cotton! That's my preference but I find that all cotton washes better and wears better. Poly thread can tear your cotton fabric over time. That being said, when I use poly-cottons (which is mostly never!) I use poly thread. The cotton tread will break in poly-cotton fabric over time because the fabric will be stronger than it.

Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?
There's not much of a collection... it's just in a tub! But... you can look below to see the most recent additions to my collection... what do you think? Have you used these before?

Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?
Yes! See these... total impulse... and well they were only $8/each... is that a good price in your area?

(I used my older camera so the colours aren't as vibrant as they should be)

Do you “invest” in thread?
I only use cotton, usually Guterman but recently I've gotten into Coats & Clarke... I haven't tried it yet though. The lady at my LQS says it's crap... but they also don't carry the Coats & Clarke so we'll have to wait and see. I think that a cotton thread is a cotton thread... unless your getting into the expensive King Tut's or something like that (Which by the way is not available here!). I have a few cheap spools of poly thread that I got when I first started but now I'm a pretty big cotton snob so I'm not sure if/when they'll be used!

What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)
I don't have anything too fancy... just cottons and a few poly's but I do indulge with the variegated threads :)

In the Mail today...

2010-07-08T13:52:00.002-03:00

My parents recieved this in the mail today....
And, now... I have to wait until August 20th to see it for myself!!!!!

I want to say a big thanks to my partner Jen from Miss Punkie Pie She put a lot of hard work and love into my special bag and I can't wait to use it. I feel so blessed!

I love that purple looking anti-bac... I can't wait to smell it... and I love lip-gloss... addicted may be a more accurate description lol.

Everything just looks so lovely I can't wait to touch and love it.

Now, the big question, why did it go to Labrador? Well, the shipping deadline isn't until July 31st. So if my partner lived in Australia and mailed it to me in St. John's, I'd already be left the city to move by the time it arrived 2-5 weeks later. So I sent my new address along with my info and now I'm being tortured and teased by this beautiful package sitting at home.

I also have 3-4 orders of fabric and a couple of patterns waiting for me at home. I can't wait to dig in... I also can't wait to get home and get settled so I can see what I've got and what I'll NEED to pick up lol ;)

Thanks sew much Jen! I love it already :)

TLC Junkie

2010-07-07T21:46:00.002-03:00

I think I have a problem...

I'm a full blown TLC addict.

I <3 cake boss, kate plus 8, pregnant and didn't know it, little couple, little people big world, 19 and counting, table for 12 and almost all of their specials... right now I'm watching 70 and pregnant.

one I don't like is toddlers and tiaras... I think those parents have warped morals and terrible ethics... if a teen or adult wants to parade around all dolled up fine, they can make that choice but really what are they teaching their children?! Of course they like it, who wouldn't like it... but what does it really teach them?

Well that was a tangent! What do you think about TLC? What's your favourite show?

I also have a dirty little secret... I really like Showtime... Dexter, Weeds, Californication, and Secret Diary of a Call girl are all great... my only beef is they don't air in Canada (only on the Movie Network) so I buy them on dvd. These are a little "off-colour" comedy and probably not very great for family viewing but I think as an adult I can fully enjoy them because I know they're not real and I can enjoy them as great fictional works.

What are your dirty little tv secrets?

Charming Girls and Guys Quilt Club July and August Goals

2010-07-03T13:45:00.002-03:00

Well that title was quite the mouthful dontcha think?

My goals for the next two months are going to be a little wonky... this post might get a little long... so stick with me :)

1) Finish 2 Pillowcases to match my sister's wedding quilt

2)Finish a surprise for my sister's Birthday this month

3) Start the blocks for my parent's 25th anniversary quilt (This is using In the Woods by Holy Taylor... I still need to find some flannel from this line for a backing... about 6 yards of it! Yikes!)

THIS IS WHERE IT GETS WONKY FOLKS!

4) Finish the last two undergraduate courses I will ever complete! Inrto to Guidance Counseling and Intro to Career Counseling

5) Sell all our furniture (futon, bed, coffee and end tables, kitchette, deep-freezer, microwave stand, dressers, small appliances, old electronics etc...)

6) Pack-up all the important stuff in our lives (clothing, dishes, linens, electronics, sewing gear etc...)

7) Move permanently over 2000km's away! From St. John's, NL to Labrador City, NL / Wabush, NL (This is a picture of Signal Hill... the arrows tell you how far away you are from other major Cities in the world)

8) Find work to pay back the student loan... well that may take longer than 2 months but I need to get started now!

Well that's 8 goals in two months but as you can see they are major life changes. I'd be lying to say that I'm feeling ok with all of this... the truth is I'm terrified! I have no idea when I'll have my own place. I don't know how I'll pay my loan on a substitute's salary. I will miss St. John's for the experiences but I won't miss the weather! I can't wait to see the northern lights again and to hear the train whistles from IOC.

Did you know there are no trains on the island of Newfoundland? Well it's true! There isn't!!! And I grew up around trains... my heart misses those whistles.

And... the winner is...

2010-06-30T22:19:00.000-03:00

**** EDIT **** sorry guys! I had this scheduled for June 30th and accidently put it in for July 30th! I should have just posted it when I wrote it but I was learning how to schedule and thought that would be fun! Oopsies! I thought this was up.

First, let me say thank-you to everyone who stopped by to visit! It was wonderful to visit all of your blogs. I have even found some new favourites to add to my blogrolls :)

I very much appreciated all the kind things you had to say! I wish I could give every one of you a wonderful prize. Please give yourself a giant cyber-hug from me to you.

Now... the moment we're all waiting for

Well I used Random.org for this draw as I wasn't about to print all those entries out!

The winner was chosen and I couldn't believe what happened... you see there was 123 entries :)

and I kid you not... this is what happened.

(I can't get this to copy and paste right and post... I don't know how you all get it to work lol!)

It picked number 24!

The lucky winner is... a fellow Charming Girls Quilt Club member

Michelle said...

Congrats on your 1st year!

I've been a follower for awhile and enjoy reading your blog. I will be doing a post to let everyone know about your giveaway. And since I don't do bags, please don't include me in the drawing...more chances for everyone else! lol!

JUNE 26, 2010 8:41 PM

This is why I wasn't kidding!!!! When I got this comment I replied to Michelle saying...

On Sun, Jun 27, 2010 at 9:03 AM, <thatssewmandy@hotmail.com> wrote:

Oh Michelle! You can make anything you want with that mini honey bun!!! I bet you could include it in a quilt or table topper too :)

You stopped by so of course I'll count you in! And in the end if you win you can always PIF or RAK if you don't like/want it :) Then you can pass along more of the bloggy spirit!

She replied to that too...

You are so right! Count me in! LOL!

How funny is this! What were the odds... I guess 1 in 123 lol but really I mean... isn't that just too funny for words?!

So Michelle, I hope you really like the fabric and I can't wait to see what you use it for :) There's definitely more than enough fabric for something seriously cute!

HAPPY BLOG-A-VERSARY CELEBRATION!

2010-06-26T09:00:00.003-03:00

**** EDIT **** Contest closed! Thanks for all the comments. The winner will be announced in the AM via automatic posting. The winner has been contacted and accepted the prize through a series of skill testing questions... just kidding ;) but she was really excited :)

Well I've been in blogland via That's Sew Mandy for a year now! I did have other blogs but they were lame lol. I can't believe how much I've learned in the past year.

I made 4 friendship bags, countless sets of coasters and placemats, participated in swaps, made 3 bed sized quilts, 4 baby quilts, bag catchers, tuffets, pillowcases, and to finish off the year... Mill House Inn Tote bags!

The best part was getting to "meet" all of you! You're all sew inspiring and the tutorials you post are fantastic.

So for the celebrating!!!!

Do you like the black, white and red combo in my version of the Mill House Inn Bags?

How would you like to have enough fabric to make the entire outter portion of the bag and a little extra for stash purposes?

Well tell what's your favourite part of visiting That's Sew Mandy and this could be yours!

That's a 14 strip mini honey bun, the tie for the bag, the loop closure, the straps, and the bottom!!! All you need is some batting, a lining and maybe a pocket or two... and oh yeah... a button!

When I was cutting out the strips I was thinking of all of you! I made two mini honey buns... one for my partner and one for one of you...

So how do you win?

Leave a comment telling your favourite part of visiting That's Sew Mandy (1 chance!)
Blog about this on your blog and then comment again (1 chance!)
Become a follower/tell me that your already a follower (1 chance!)
Become a contact of mine on Flickr and tell me(1 chance!)
Join my Flickr group and tell me(1 chance!)
Add pictures of your handmade pillowcases to the Flickr group and tell me (1 chance!)

That's up to 6 chances each! And if I get 100 followers I have a special addition to the giveaway... 2 FQ's of beautiful Batiks I'll only post the picture if I get the followers :)

Please comment for each chance individually. I will cut off the chances on Wednesday June 30th @ 11:59pm NL (10:29pm Eastern!) time and announce the winner on Thursday... CANADA DAY :) The Red/white/black is very patriotic!

It's been so much fun with all of you! Here's to another great year :)

EDIT: Notice the change in dates!!!!!!

Tote Bag Swap

2010-06-24T14:17:00.003-03:00

Today I feel really productive! I actually made something and it's cute. It's not perfect but it's cute!
My partner said she liked, black, white and bright... especially lime... well the LQS's never had any lime... but they had these fabrics and I was inspired.

My partner said she didn't mind if it was a purse or a tote... this is a hybrid! It's a tiny tote that's sew cute as a purse. I made 3 of these... and they're all similar... the one I kept for myself is the prototype and it shows lol! We all have to practice to get perfect. The tie on the bag gave me the most grief! I just couldn't get it to sew down and look cute. This one looks the cutest well 2 of them are the same. I have something special in mind for the third bag... but that's a secret.

Do you think my American friend will be angry that the beaver print has Canadian flags on it? I thought it was cute... so hopefully she does too!

So what do you think? Is it too early to mail it? Probably not eh?! I'll get it in the mail next week :)

HouseCleaning

2010-06-22T11:32:00.002-03:00

There is something wrong with my title bar... it keeps translating into chinese/japanese/scribbles! So bare with me while I wait for Blogger to fix itself... because I ain't messing with it.

I just wanted to let you all know that I have taken the Slow Poke Pledge! You can read about it here...

Now that you're back, I guess some of you will be Slow Poke's too :) I really enjoy quilting and because I'm so new I'm often slow. Jack-the-ripper and I are good friends and that's ok. In fact I'm hoping to have a date with my sewing machine today :) (I really should name the old gal... any thoughts?)

I also thought I'd address some of the no-reply commenter I've been having lately... I've wanted to respond but just can't! And, I don't like to post more than once a day because people who just get the feed usually only read the most recent post and sometimes miss out on my hard work! I'm guilty of no going threw other peoples older stuff when their shiny new post is on top. So I found this great tutorial on how to change from a no-reply blogger। I really didn't know how to fix that either! There's great pictures and everything.

I also think I'm on my way out of the dog-house. SO is slowly coming to terms that what I did wasn't that bad and maybe I really was just that nieve about what he'd think! Oopsie!

Anyways... have a great day. I'll be back soon with some quilty goodness!

Blog-a-versary in T-10 days :)

2010-06-16T22:12:00.002-03:00

Stay tuned next week for some celebrations :)

This week I'm finishing up my practicum for my special education degree. Please pray for my strength in compiling a binder that's worth 90% of my mark! I'm almost finished... It's due on Tuesday... then the celebrations can really begin. I'll have a week off to do some sewing :)

In the Mail this week....

2010-06-12T10:37:00.002-03:00

Wow! It seems like I got a lot of mail this week :)

I FINALLY recieved these in the mail...
and I also got this one...
I ordered them in April... and yes you read that right... April. They were pre-ordered before their release date in Canada. I couldn't wait. In fact I bought these two for my Nan for her Mother's Day present because they were originally supposed to be delivered by MAY 7th!

Nearly a month after they were due to arrive and didn't even ship, I canceled the orders and replaced them only to have them ship out the next day?! I cursed to myself for not doing that earlier! It would seem that our pre-orders got lost in their system some how.

Either way their safe in my home now :)

I also got some Fabric in the mail... that's never un-welcomed! I ordered some of Holly Taylor's Migration from Green Fairy Quilts. There was a layer cake and dessert roll on for a great price so I picked them both up. Also, they have these great section for "end of the bolt" fabrics. I get a lot of great binding fabric that way. You should check them out if you haven't before... I find they have the best prices for pre-cuts. Although, I find Crazy-Girl-Quilts has the best prices for yardage. Between these two shops, I find most everything I want. If not then I may look to the Fat Quarter Shop but they're really pricey!

Anyway, I don't think I'll get much sewing done this weekend!

Take Care :)

Oh MY GOODnESSSSSSSS!!!!

2010-06-11T12:17:00.000-03:00

My Nan (for those of you who don't know that's the traditional Newfoundland and Labrador name for Grandmother) just left this note on my facebook...

Just want you to know I see alot of quilting in our future this winter.I just ordered the Accuquilt Go today.Can't wait to get it so I can have it all figured out before you get home.

(Yes my grandmother quilts and she uses a computer... she's only in her 60's!)

What she ordered is this...

The Accuquilt Go! Mix and Match Kit for... are you ready for this... $495 CANADIAN!

The same kit in the USA is $581.90.... umm if you do the exchange on that... it's still more than $495!

Although I would prefer the dies included in the Go! Strip starter kit, they aren't available to order from the Canadian site.

So now, I have to figure out where is cheapest to buy the 5" square, tumbler, 1.5", 2.5" and 3.5" strips, apple core and both rag square dies. Once I have those I will be happy... as I just called my nan and she is graciously letting me share her Go!

It's like Christmas in June and it's not even my gift!

This situation calls for a plethora of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The worst part is, I don't get to play until September :(

New Adventure!

2010-06-10T19:02:00.003-03:00

Well I was looking through Flickr for a group for my handmade pillowcases. THERE WASN'T ONE!

So I made one... and I'm hoping you'll join me on Flikr and post your pictures of your finished pillowcases.

It's simply called Handmade Pillowcases.

Please ask all of your friends to join too :)

Pillowcases :)

2010-06-09T07:20:00.000-03:00

Today I used a tutorial from Lazy Girl Designs to make Pillowcases. I've seen these around but until I read her tut with the pictures I didn't understand how to do it. I just didn't get how the tube worked... quite frankly how you managed not to sew the body on in the process.

These are really simple with a body and cuff no fancy band or anything. The thing I liked learning was how to do a French seam.

What I will do differently is change the measurements. The tutorials I've seen all call for 25-27" for the body and 9-11" for the cuff. Maybe the pillows in the USA are shorter or something but if these shrink at all they're going to be too short!

I think I'm going to make the body 30" next time and the cuff 12" as this time I used 26" and 11". That will give me 4-5" extra in the end and that's what I want. It's really easy to make one of these for a body pillow too. You just need to measure how long you want the pillow and cut that length! I'd keep the cuff at 12" from now on.

Here are a few pictures of the first attempt. They're for my sister and they match her Graduation Quilt that I made her.

Summer Tote Swap...

2010-06-08T13:18:00.003-03:00

Hey bloggy friends!

I have good news to share today... I'm not diabetic and I don't have a problem with my thyroid... I also have great B12 and iron levels... also my yearly testing revealed I have no S*T*D's... which is fantastic since It's just SO and I LMAO! I do have hypertension though and so I've started to take a little orange pill for it... and we'll see what happens! So I guess that hoofla from 2 weeks ago was a little over-rated. The doctor who basically told me I was diabetic nearly ate her words when she said that I was "healthy as a horse." I guess prayers are answered. But I still need to lose weight... and that's something that I have decided to accomplish! It will happen because I'm a strong willed and independent woman... I'll just keep on chanting that too lol!

Anyway, in celebration of my good news... I provided myself with some retail therapy today. I picked-up the fabric for my Summer Tote Swap!

My partner mention she liked black, white and lime green in her info. I don't think she reads this blog but realistically that could be anyone lol!

I couldn't find any lime green around that I liked... so I went with a black/white/red theme... these are my fabrics... whadda think?
I plan on using the Mill House Inn bag pattern from the Moda Bake Shop. Our Swap Mama, Kris from Dandelion Quilts also made these bags! Of course, I will have to add a pocket but all the other essentials are there! Pockets will be a new thing for me... but I'm excited to learn them!

I thought I'd also share the rest of my retail therapy with you! I bought some thread today...

$10/spool... that's 1097m! It's Coats and Clark which I've never used before but It should be alright?!
My trusty old friend was on for $7/spool
and... I couldn't leave without these beauties... they're 1m cuts... and I'm thinking that I will use these in a 1 year blog-a-versary in a couple of weeks. We'll have to wait and see!!!!!

On it's way!!!

2010-06-06T15:24:00.003-03:00

Well today, even though I have mounds of other school related work to do... I sewed! The first time since I left home... over a month ago :(

I finished the Embroidery Mini Swap. I have to say it tried my patients a lot! I'm not sure that I really enjoy embroidery. It's far from perfect! I hope my partner (who is a quilt shop owner!) likes it imperfections and all. I hope it's a reminder to always try new things (before you decide you don't like them) and challenge yourself to be better every day and to learn something new.

I know the binding isn't perfect, there are no french knots, and the hanging sleeve isn't perfect either. But, I still like it and I would put it on my wall too. She listed herself as an intermediate quilter... I forget what I said... advanced beginner I think is more accurate for me, so I hope it's still at a quality that she'll appreciate.

June Goals

2010-06-05T12:16:00.000-03:00

I feel like if I don't post some goals, I'm not going to make anything!

1) Start the blocks for Mom and Dad's 25th Anniversary quilt

2) Get the Embroidery Mini in the Mail (already emailed swap mama about being a little late!)

3) Make the pillowcases for my sisters to match their quilts (possibly be their birthday presents!)

4) Start the blocks for my quilt... more info on that soon!

Re-structuring!

2010-06-04T12:05:00.001-03:00

Kelly at Charming Chatter (you may know her as the Charming Guys and Girls Quilt Club's Momma!) is tyding up her life and living for what is most important... Studly and her children.

Why do I care you ask? Well she's downsizing her shop a little to spend more time with them and doing the things she loves.

So, I took advantage of some of her fantastic sales! I picked-up the rest of the fabric to make Sugar Twist by The Pattern Basket

It calls for 9 FQ's of light background... I bought 1/2 yard cuts of 6 or 7 fabrics (so yeah I'll have some extra!)... some of it was Bella Cotton, I've never used it before... is it good?

I also picked up 5 yards for the back and 4 yards for the top... I already had the layer cake.

The most fantastic part... It was Glace by 3 Sisters!!!! I was looking for this for a while and couldn't find any. I'd suggest you drop by Kelly's Shop (Cotton Charm Quilts) or her blog to read about her recent revelations... then take advantage of her mid-life revelations at her store... she has 10-40% off a lot of her stock!

Mad Giveaway!

2010-06-03T14:54:00.002-03:00

Well I usually don't post about other people's give-a-ways... not that I'm selfish just because I'm in school and every post takes time to write... I know you all know that lol!

But, this one is fabulous... 20 FQ's (from Meters... not yards!)... and the special part...

the fabric is Heather Ross, Far Far Away Part II!!!

Jennifer of Sugar Stitches is a new-to-me-blogger. But, I'll be visiting her more often! She designs quilts and seems like a very genuine soul. I was tres impressed with her blog. It's simply beautiful. Drop by for your chance to win too :)

Summer Tote Swap!

2010-05-31T23:06:00.002-03:00

I haven't completed the last swap (Embroidery Mini Swap) and I've already signed up for another one!!!!

Hopefully she'll let me in. I've sent my email and now I just have to wait-and-see for the reply.

You should check it out too!!!

You can pick what ever pattern and fabric you want! Actually she said... and I quote... directly from her site... so yeah it's kinda plagiarism... I hope she doesn't mind...

The bag you make should have:

quilt shop quality fabrics
stabilizer or fusible fleece
stabilized handles
at least one pocket
a finished lining (no raw seams)

But, you don't have to stop there! (Optional) Feel free to add:

magnetic snap closures
extra pockets
embellishments
material flowers
cute buttons
quilting
pleats
tucks
accessories (lip balm, tissues, gum)

Love getting MAIL!

2010-05-31T21:27:00.002-03:00

Today I had a nice little pick me up :)

It was really nice because I'm still feeling kinda gross... I took today off from Practicum... and from University! I hope none of them mind... but I truly feel awful.

I received a beautiful magnet, 2 FQ's and some rickrack from Mel at Mel's Own Place!

I won prize number 3 and It's absolutely beautiful <3! It's sew bright and cherry... I'm really glad that I won that prize too... I have some Tweet Tweet Fabric already and I'm not sure I'd know what to do with those ladies lol... It's like I was meant to own that fabric! The polka-dots are divine, I can't wait to make something with it. I just need to figure out what.

(I hope she doesn't mind me borrowing her picture!!! My camera is MIA right now... that means I need to dig out my apartment to find it hahah!)

I've been MIA

2010-05-30T13:34:00.003-03:00

I've been away for a while. I have some personal stuff happening.

Currently I'm completing my practicum in Special Education. That means that I'm doing an internship and it's long and hard work.

This week I went for my "yearly check-up" and as fun as that was (that part actually wasn't that bad) my doctor is concerned about my weight, possible hypertension, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. I had to get a bunch of blood-work and I have to follow-up in a couple of weeks.

Honestly I really hope there's nothing wrong... I could use the prayers now ;)

I do have to get my weight under control and my blood pressure too. According to my doctor I need to lose 60lbs in a year and then we can talk about a goal weight! I think I have about 80-90lbs in total to lose and that's fantastic to say but doing it is much harder. I'm going to give weight watchers another try and SO and I are going back to the gym. We have an appointment at 8pm tomorrow to get that straightened away.

To top all this off, on Friday I started feeling a little yucky. Yesterday I woke with a terrible head cold. Today it's mostly on my chest. I'm hoping this will pass quickly.

I don't have much sewing completed! I'm hoping to get everything in order in the next couple of weeks... it took a long time to reach this point and I'm not reluctant to change but I feel like I need a log of support now. I can't do it on my own. Thank goodness SO's going to eat what I eat and exercise when I do too.

I'm going to hold myself accountable now... this morning I weighed in at 257lbs... this time next year... my goal is to be 200lbs. It's time to get to it!

Embroidery Woes

2010-05-24T17:19:00.002-03:00

I'm not sure I'm liking this and that's why it's not done.... It has to be in the mail by next Tuesday! YIKES!!!! I can't believe I'm saying this, but I might be a week late :(

I'm going to use some Lila Tuller Soiree for the boarder... but I don't have a backing or binding yet... I also think that I'm going to opt for corners for a dowel rather than tabs... I think it'll look nicer.

I took these pics with my computer so they're not great. But what do you think about the beads. (Note, because they were taken with my computer... it's a mirrored image, I didn't copy it backwards!)

Blogger's Quilt Festival!

2010-05-21T10:25:00.002-03:00

I am very new to the Blogger's Quilt Festival. This is the first time I have participated... and I'm kinda excited!

The goal is to share a quilt with you and the story behind it (and It doesn't have to be a new quilt).

I have chosen to share Walter's Flower Garden with you again... but this time, I'm going to talk about Walter.
Walter was my grandfather... yes you read that right... past tense. You see he was diagnossed with cancer while I was in Jr. High school... it was at such an early state that taking chemo was optional. He took it anyway. He was fine and life moved on.There was a scare 3 years later when they found a new tumor in his lung... it was cancerous but it wasn't from his original cancer. Usually re-occurring cancer comes from cancer cells being left behind and traveling somewhere new to set-up shop. However, he had been exposed to a lot of Silica in his work as a miner... he developed Silicosis... and that was the cause of the lung cancer... the cure was to take out part of his lung and life would move on. Hunky Dory... and it did!
Right before my High School graduation (exactly 6 years ago), Poppy went for his 5 year check-up. He was supposed to be declared cancer free... after 5 years of remission (the lung episode didn't count... different cancer). They found 5 tumors in his liver, more in what was left of his colon and it was spreading quickly. Stage 4... the end. He had some surgery and treatment and made it home right before my graduation. He was much more at peace than I was or any of my family. The doctors gave him 6 months.
They weren't that far off. Pop turned 65 in September... he recieved one old age pension cheque. He was admitted to the hospital in October... he came home a couple of times but nothing for very long. At the time I was going to a community college taking first year university courses. When it was time for our final exams, I had to write 5. My last one was on December 16th, 2004. Poppy died on December 15th, 2004.

Now you ask what does this have to do with a quilt? Well, my Pop was an avid gardener and crafter. You might find this a little funny but after he retired, he moved into his cottage and would only return to town for supplies. In the night time when he wasn't out enjoying nature or logging (he did this mostly for fire wood for the cabin), he would do plastic canvas. I taught him as a 6-7 year old, he very quickly surpassed my abilities! He always wanted my Nan to teach him how to quilt. He was very supportive of her quilting.

When I found this fabric, I knew it was special. It captured something in my heart. It wasn't until I was nearly finished the quilt that I started calling it Walter's flower garden. The Tulips reminded me of the first blooms that often peeked through a snow covered lawn and let us know spring was here.
I thought about doing a giveaway with the scraps that was left-over from the quilt. I just couldn't bare to part with them. I made this mini-quilt instead. I'll use it as a table topper... or keep it close to touch. Maybe some day I'll have a special reason to part with it.

To read more special stories of special quilts, you can join the Blogger's Quilt Festival too!

There's a Mr. Linky that you can sign with your post. There's also a Flikr Group Pool where you can post your pictures or view the pictures that others have posted.

HABS fan or not...

2010-05-18T19:14:00.006-03:00

EDIT: CHANGED THE SIZE OF THE VIDEO!

I'm a die hard Leafs fan... but even I have to admit that the Habs have something really special happening this play-off season. As the only Canadian team left in the playoff's the Montreal Canadiens are who I'm cheering for. (I'm sure my Pop has a smile about that).

They were the 8th place team (in the Eastern division) just scraping into the playoffs and they put out the Washington Capitals... the 1st place team in all of the NHL. Then they took on the defending Stanley Cup Champions and put them out too!

Big players like Ovechkin and Syd the kid are now golfing... and it's just something special to watch.

Even if you don't like hockey... this is a fantastic video. It's made by a Montreal group and it truly captures the glowing feeling that has swept over Habs fans and even just hockey fans in general.

What sports do you like to watch?

Too Busy to Sew :(

2010-05-12T19:58:00.002-03:00

I'm actually too busy to sew :(

I can't find anything in my apartment yet... so tonight I'm going to wash dishes and then organize my sewing stuff :)

Then I can sew again...

First on my list is the Embroidery swap! I haven't even started. It would be terrible if it was late but it might just end up that way :(

I'm going to get on that ASAP!

P.S. pics of my "university stash" to follow

The Super Secret Grad Quilt...

2010-05-08T22:07:00.003-03:00

I made it back to the island today :)

The flight was great and it was so nice to be back with SO... it was a very long 10 days without him!

I decided to give my sister her graduation present at a family supper just before I left. Her graduation is on the 22nd but I obviously won't be there. She was very surprised to get the quilt.

It was the first time I made a true patchwork quilt. I used two layer cakes in a 9x9 layout... it's a monster square quilt and is about 85" x 85". Oh Cherry Oh and Berry Delicious made a delightfully girly and summery quilt. I wanted to have perfect backing and binding for this thing and found it at a local "catch-all" store... they have everything from lumber and plumbing supplies to liquor and fabric!

(Please ignore the very obvious bad hair day I had in this photo!)

I found a Mary Engelbert (sp?) print from 2000 and I think it was called Time for Tea. The cherry print was absolutely perfect for the quilt. I got it in a lemon for the binding and in a lime for the back.
I quilted it in straight lines about 1/4" from the seam on both sides... very simple but elegant!

I got kinda artsy with the photography on this one! I just couldn't get enough of all those cherries and berries!

Here's a really great look at the binding and backing fabric...
and even though you think there's a lot of pictures of this quilt in this post... there are many more on my Flikr account! If you're so inclined to look there is a link to the left that will bring you to my Flikr account.

Charming Stash, Swap & Sale!!!

2010-05-06T20:51:00.002-03:00

This is a link to the list of sales happening at the CG&GQC this month! You never know what you'll find at a virtual "yard sale"... hope to see you there :)

A little of this and that....

2010-04-28T23:33:00.002-03:00

These last 3 weeks have been kinda wonky...

I have a bunch of stuff to tell you about but I'm tired so I'm going to keep it short...

SO and his Dad are leaving to drive back to the island tomorrow... it'll take them roughly 3 days to get there. (You may remember better if you go back and read this post about our journey home in December). I was supposed to go too but I've been on replacement for a lady who broke her arm. It's in Jr. High Math and English... as a Primary/Elementary teacher and Special Ed teacher... Jr High is quite a bit different! But I'm liking it too.

Anyway, I obviously can't leave tomorrow with them because I'm still working. My first class for the summer semester isn't until May 10th so I'm flying to the island on Saturday the 8th. It's a 4.5 hour flight but because I'm a teacher I saved a bunch on my ticket :)

I feel like I'm getting a head clod/flu... I hope not but you never know this time of year. The nights are still below freezing while the days are often cool but springish... I guess that's what happens when you live in the north.

I also won an awesome giveaway today :)

I woke-up to find out that I won the Mel's Own Place giveaway! I have a fantastic prize on it's way and I can't wait to use it up :) I think I may make a tote bag out of it for this summer. I seen a really cute design online and I think I'm going to try and re-create it myself without measurements lol.... we'll see how that goes... perhaps a few prototypes are in order first.

Well I'm actually "pooped" and I'm off to bed. My sewing machine is leaving tomorrow in the car so not a whole lot of sewing stuff will be happening here for the next week or two... but I'll keep in touch.

In the meantime, I've updated my Flickr account... so feel free to browse if you like :)

Bag Catchers...

2010-04-26T18:09:00.003-03:00

I gave my Mom her Mother's Day present a little early this year... because we are getting ready to trek back to the island for the summer, I figured now was close enough. I made a bag catcher for my sister (originaly for her birthday but I thought she could use it now)... and one for myself too. I used this tutorial on Moda Bakeshop by Rachel Griffith of p.s. i quilt fame.

I made a small adjustment to the original pattern... I added an extra row, or 4 more squares. With my method you can made 2 bag catchers from a single charm pack. You'll need to add 5" on to the measurement for the lining and the batting. All the other measurements are the same... and of course I added some rick rack (Thanks Deb!!!). I thought this was a better size for our family, knowing the use and abuse our current bag catcher recieved... (it was made by my sister as a child in curch youth group... mom finally retired it today lol!).

This is mom's bag catcher... made from Whimsy

Mine and Meaghan's... her's from Whimsy and mine from Objects of Desire (Left-overs from the tuffets... note you can make 3 tuffets and a bag catcher from a single charm pack!)

The fronts of the bags....

and the backs of the bags....

The Table Topper

2010-04-25T21:15:00.001-03:00

This is a table topper I made from the Walter's Flower Garden Scraps... it's an un-official finish for the CG&GQC for April.

Quilting Blogger's Gallery

2010-04-24T10:42:00.001-03:00

Hey guys!

This week I entered my bag catcher in the Earth Day contest, for reducing, reusing and recycling!

What's better than a quilted bag catcher? I thought it fit perfect in the contest! If you like it too, please vote for me... and even if you don't like it, there's lots of other pretty quilts to vote for too :)

CG&GQC Finishes for April

2010-04-23T21:13:00.004-03:00

This month I actually got quite a lot done :)

I have quilted and bound the wedding quilt (1 finish)

I have pieced the super secret quilt (1 finish)

I have quilted and bound the super secret quilt (1 finish) --> This one is 85"x85" and very pretty!

{At the risk of my sister seeing her graduation present before graduation, please visit this Flickr album for pictures of the Super Secret Grad Quilt}

I have made a bag catcher for my Mom's Mother's Day present (1 finish) and one for my sister for her birthday and one for me too :)

{The pictures for the bag catcher (I haven't photographed the other 2 yet!) are located in this Flickr Album... feel free to drop by}

I also finished a little table topper that wasn't on my to do list... It's made with my Fresh scraps from Walter's Flower Garden.

I'm going to try and take some photos of it soon as it's left at my Grandmother's house!!!!

So that's 6 official finishes and 1 unoficial finish for this month :)

Please visit Joan's blog for other CG&GQC finishes for April!

Tragedy Remembered....

2010-04-22T22:41:00.002-03:00

(Click on the photo to read about my Neighbour and Family Friend... and then please hug your loved ones and pray!)

Eldon was one of the most caring and kind people I have ever met. For 15 years, my family has had the pleasure of being neighbours and sharing friendship with the Perry family. I cannot express how deeply saddened I was to hear of his death. I cannot fathom the pain that his family suffers daily knowing that inadequate medical services in our community played a large part in his passing. It is my hope that Eldon hasn't died in vein but his legacy will live on. His death was unnecessary and a result of a government that only cares about parts of our province. It's time that our local hospital is equipped with proper medical equipment to deal with possible medical situations that match the industry here. They need to stop robbing Peter to pay Paul and put services here to ensure this NEVER happens again.

My thoughts and prayers will forever be with the Perry family.

... just when you thought your community had it rough... there's always someone, somewhere with it worse... so my American friends, healthcare reform... is sometimes a positive thing and sometimes not... it really can be worse! This is what you get when your healthcare is paid for in sole my tax payers dollars!

Giveaway Time :)

2010-04-20T07:48:00.002-03:00

Mel's Own Place, a fellow blogging Charmin Sista is having a fantabolous giveaway!

Since I'm working on a mini-replacement (2-3 weeks for the same teacher) there hasn't been much sewing happening at my house :(

So for some sewing goodness, check out her blog and you may even win something!!!

P.S. don't forget to tell everyone because she's giving away more stuff for every 20 people that visits and comments on her post!!!!!!

CG&GQC Tag for April

2010-04-18T10:48:00.003-03:00

Well hello Ladies (and gentleman),

I'm here today to talk to you about my 2010 magazine subscriptions... Joan asked us to answer the following questions about them...

1. if you can relate to this, which magazines do you prefer? and

The only magazine I subscribe to is Quilter's Connection. It's a brand new Canadian Quilting mag and I'm in love with it. Plus the lady who publishes it is actually the person you get on the phone when you call. I love that. I had to move and they were very accommodating with making sure my mag got to where it needed to :)
I also browse the newstands monthly and buy a scattered mag from there. I like Quick Quilts, American Patchwork and McCall's. But they're so expensive that I only buy them if I love everything in them.

2. have you ever made any projects from those magazines? and

I haven't made any projects yet! But I've only started sewing about 10 months ago so I think I need to get up the courage to do that! I have several things I'd like to make though :)

3. maybe you want to show us the project(s)?

I would if I had some to show lol! We'll see what happens over this summer ;)

GO VOTE :)

2010-04-16T16:41:00.003-03:00

Hey guys! You can vote for the Wedding Quilt today at the Quilting Gallery....

It's my version of a disappearing-nine patch and it's free-motioned quilted!

2 Things....

2010-04-12T15:55:00.002-03:00

Jaybird Quilts is having an awesome giveaway! Just go on over and check it out!!! This is what's up for grabbs!

And, I'd really love to have all of your support this week. I've entered the wedding quilt in the Quilt Gallery's weekly contest. This week's entry is for scrappy quilts! I know mine probably won't be the best one there but it's worth your time to skip on over and take a looksie... if you like mine best, please vote for it!!! Voting starts on Friday so I'll try to remember to post the direct link then... until Friday, you can read the blog post here!

April CG&GQC Finishes

2010-04-09T19:17:00.003-03:00

It's Friday, April 9th, 2010

I have quilted and bound the wedding quilt (1 finish)

I have pieced the super secret quilt (1 finish)

I have quilted and bound the super secret quilt (1 finish) --> This one is 85"x85" and very pretty!

I have made a bag catcher for my Mom's Mother's Day present (1 finish)

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In addition to this, I've pieced tops for two more bag catchers... and I think I'll have them done by the end of this month too!

This is the first time I've been productive in 2 moths I'd say. Feels great to be quilting again :)

I can't post pictures on here because I'm afraid that they may stumble on here before it's time and then ruin their surprises but rest-assured! They are beautiful

P.S. I've added some pictures to my Flickr account recently... so if you have me on there (That's Sew Mandy, you can check that out too!)

Oh lord, I might need to be committed!

2010-04-09T10:06:00.002-03:00

Well, I took the plunge and joined the latest swap at the Quilting Gallery. I missed the last swap (winter theme) because I was committed to a personal swap and my partner just dropped off of the face of the earth! I haven't heard from her since January and we were supposed to swap in February. I'm kinda glad now that I didn't mail it. But, I have a mini that I have no idea what to do with?! It's made from the same fabric as the wedding quilt so it's super cute too!

I have no idea how to embroider but with the great tut's online and at the swap, I'm confident I can finish the little stitchery in time.

I have an idea about what I'd like to do, so I hope my partner likes purple and yellow!!!

It is only a little mite of a thing but it has to have a hanger on the back... I guess I gotta figure out what to do there. It's so tiny, I might just hand-stitch a plastic loop on the back... or maybe I'll go all out and figure out the corners?! Who knows! We have a couple of months to figure it out anyway!

Wedding Quilt Update....

2010-04-06T21:27:00.005-03:00

Disappearing Nine Patch --> CONQUERED!

Sister and husband love it --> score

Lessons learned

1) Free motion quilting for the first time turned out ok... tension needs to be adjusted from the factory setting for this. Also, the feed dogs make a big difference to ease of quilting.

2) You need to put the feed dogs back up to attach the binding! LOL!

3) Mitered corners are super easy when you use this tutorial.... It's not the one I originally used (because I can't find it) but it's the same method and I recommend it!

4) You can't screw up free-motion quilting... even if you cross-over a line or it's not round or you get a point in it, when it's washed and crinkly it looks better! It's very forgiving.

I also pieced a top for the super-secret project :)

April Goals!

2010-04-03T10:57:00.002-03:00

FINISH the Wedding Quilt! I feel like it's hanging over my head!

Finish the top-secret quilt top... and possibly quilt it?! (that's two goals!)

Get Mom's mother's day gift all done before I go....

I hate not being able to share pictures but just-in-case I'm being extra careful!

This is going to be a tough month, SO and I are going back to University for the summer and we have to leave the last part of this month... so I better get cracking! My last school assignment is due on Tuesday which gives me a full week off to sew. Here our Easter break starts on Good Friday and goes for 10 days after that. It's pretty nice for the kids but for me it means a week without work :(

This is ok because I did really well in the week leading-up to Easter so I'm hoping I won't notice so much in the long-term with my pay.

On another nice note, the CDN dollar is almost at parity with the USD... that means when I buy fabric now, it really is cheap! Like more than 1/2 price of what I'd get here.

Can you do me a favour?!

2010-04-02T21:26:00.002-03:00

My Dad loves old trucking movies... and I wanted to get White Line Fever for him for his birthday

but it's not available in Canada... If any of my American Friends can find it at a local store, Blockbuster, Wal-Mart... whatever... I will gladly Pay-Pal you the $$$$ if you will purchase it and mail it to me!

Pul-heeezzzeeeee!!!!!

I was going to buy it from Amazon but because it's from the marketplace, the shipping is almost as much as the movie! I know that if one of you were to drop it into an envelope and mail it as a "gift" it would be much cheaper :)

So if anyone is willing... please let me know!!!

Thanks :)

Spring Cleaning

2010-03-29T20:20:00.000-03:00

Things were getting kinda cluttered so I googled "How to add tabs to your blog" and this is what I've come up with.

It was easier than I expected but I did find a few great websites... none of which I bookmarked lol... I just kinda did it as I went, hoping I wouldn't lose anything or ruin anything too much ;)

Whadda think??? Should I de-clutter more?