Quilting In The Attic.

L's Huge Sampler and more

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

This quilt has been hanging about in my studio longer then usual...my most prolific topper bumped this one for some others....she wasn't fond of it. Or more specifically she was more fond of some other quilts. Sometimes when quilts are this large it's hard to grasp it all. This has some wonderful blocks and is a very large quilt. I quilted an open feather for the body and and a veined feather for the borders. It is a great looking quilt...quilting makes it a quilt.

This next one is very metallic with golds, taupes and browns. It's quilted with a golden brown PolyNeon thread by Madeira

Fussy cut Oriental Motif

And you all thought I was taking it slow....ha!Happy Quilting,
gudrun

Outline quilting with stars for filler.

Ode to Knitters of socks

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Laugh if you like
it makes no difference to me
these are mine.
My mom made them, she doubled the heels and toes,
Some of these socks are old enough to attend school
but
never the inside of a dryer,
how blessed are we to have
heated spots perfect for wet (clean) winter socks.

gudrun

Mission Complete

2012-01-25T11:33:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, I made a log cabin quilt for my eldest son...as the story goes I worked late into thenight before Christmas because I had made a rather gross error in calculating the # of blocks required for this quilt. Then came the January sewing room clean up time. What to my wondering eyes did appear but all the blocks previous miscalculate. Hiding!! doh!Eight years later the blocks are a quilt....plus part of a tote bag (see this post)

I used a whole lot of green bits for the back.

I quilted it with a few medallions using a Circle Lord motif template, and filled with a filigree style swirl, that I wanted to try...needs work :))

I added the binding while on the long arm, and stitched it down using the Horizon with the dual feed foot.

I tried a number of stitches...liked this the best.

Sunlight these days is at a premium, so these photos don't do the quilt much justice, the colours are soft, and comfortable.

Anyway I am a happy quilter to finish my first UFO of the year.

it aint great,

it aint square

it aint going to hang anywhere,

it will make someone happy,

heck it makes me happy!

Oh yeah this quilt was done completely by machine. 'Machine bindings' yeah! I need to get a better fabric glue to assist with binding. It was a successful mission.

Happy Wednesday,

gudrun

Orca Bay Mystery Quilt

2012-01-23T05:50:00.000-05:00

I have a new sewing machine so I need a new project (ROTFL) I don't care for mystery quilts, but I do like this gal's quilts. Bonnie Hunter's latest mystery Quilt instructions and pictures are here. I am not using the same colour palette, I am using blue for most of the red and using greens for blues. I have the blue bits done! Undecided what will replace all the red as yet. I also have a few prints that speak to me of Orcsa and west coast and such sew..... quilting mojo is up. YES!

I did my first 'string' piecing. I talked with a 'string piecer' in my guild, I know she uses fabric foundation, and that's what I am going with....hate dealing with the removal of paper. It just ain't going to happen.
Happy Monday,

gudrun

Small Quilts

2012-01-22T12:17:00.001-05:00

I have quilted a number of small quilts over the past few days. One reason for this is that I have been waitingfor an order of batting since end of Dec. argh!This one is a sweet flannel; finished in time for Christmas.

This has a little Christmas panel in the centre.....nice one!

Each little block was detailed to make it look as if pieced. I think this may have been better with more definition, possibly a higher loft batting or two batts

This is a single block scrappy; many of the fabrics have circles and stars, that is how I quilted it, in an all over.

I took these pictures outside on a bright day, the extra reflection from the snow makes for interesting shadowing.

This is fat-quarter friendly quilt, (6 fq) Oriental style fabrics with a large Ginkgo leaf panto

That's it for now.... just some of what's been happening here in between all the rest of it.

My new sewing digs have been a real bonus. I love that it is warm in the room, I have been sitting down and sewing much more often....a good thing.

Happy Sunday,

gudrun

Christmas Cactus

2012-01-06T05:48:00.000-05:00

It really opened up and bloomed for many days...fading now.

Happy Friday,

gudrun

I've been busy

2012-01-05T11:02:00.001-05:00

What I did on my vacation. The room at the front of our house, isn't use except as guest room. It will continue to have a bed in it, and my stuff. I have divided my personal sewing from my business sewing and am in the process of moving personal stuff out of the attic....well most of it :) I also hope to save energy by not heating the attic as often.
This is an after picture, three days ago this closet had 'wood' wall paper on the lower half and some kind of light colour from many years ago in the top half. I am thinking it has been no less then 30 years since last painted.

Day one. I painted it in a found green which was too dark for my liking.

Day two. This found yellow is perfect.

Day three. Moving in

Still lots to do. Part of the electrical tangle is the old time floor polisher standing against the wall on the right. I need to work on the of cables... as always. Dylan taught me a word for that but it isn't one to be use in public.

Before picture of the bed with all my clothing scattered about.....and the floor polisher from the '50s But actually this is a picture of my newest tool.....Janome Horizon from the '10s.

gudrun

Live Long and Prosper

2012-01-01T10:56:00.000-05:00

Not a well kept secret.....I like Star Trek,
sew...
Live, Long, & Prosper,
is the wish for
you
from
a closet Trekkie, quilter, warrior friend,
of yours.
gudrun

What do you do for heart health?

With Purpose

2011-12-28T12:27:00.000-05:00

I was given a couple of needlepoint projects that needed to be re-purposed.I don't know how long they languished in my Tante Gundi's closet. She had many lovely pieces framed and hung in her home, and used as cushions. Short version of the story follows with a couple of pictures.I then gifted this bag to my cuz, Moe.Ha she said the straps were too functional...she's going to come up with something funkier..me thinks...good girl.Anything to give

this piece 15 minutes of fame.I hope I didn't nail those straps down too hard. There is lots of quilting thru batting, needlepoint canvas and backing...quilting was like slogging thru mud in flipflops. :))

I quilted at home and built the the bag while visiting my Mom. I wasn't able to do this on my sewing machine. As I thought about that I realized that I haven't done any sewing/piecing this year except when visiting my Mom. It's because my sewing machine sucks. It won't hold the tension, no longer repairable (well it is but it is constantly requiring repairs....like old cars when do you stop feeding it money and get a
different one) Stay tuned....
Happy Wednesday,
gudrun

2011-12-26T11:48:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a Blessed and Happy Holy Day Season, and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

gudrun

Christmas Cactus

2011-12-17T07:45:00.000-05:00

I have a friend who moved at the end of September, lots of things came my way. It didn't look like this when it was rescued but I saw potential.

Among the various things was a Christmas cactus or an Easter cactus depending (I think) on when it decides to bloom. Well I have a Christmas cactus....should be in full riotous bloom by the appointed time. It sure gives off a lot of happy :))
Happy Sunday.
gudrun

It wasn't what I expected

2011-12-15T17:50:00.000-05:00

I had a vacation, visiting with my Mom, who lives in the Pacific Northwest. This is a picture of how the days looked. This is a coloured picture....

There was one sunny moment, that I went for a short walk, it is in the 'country' making for hazardous walking...especially for this gal who has an iffy ankle.

Oh well...as Mom says what can you do?!
On my return I had the pleasure of quilting a really sweet little quilt. Pictures were taken outside, so that plus the busy pattern does not show the quilting from the front. However.....

I did a version of the floral and a squiggle through the chain.

It is a William Morris print done in Kaffe Fassett colours....yummy.
gudrun

Pictures

2011-12-14T17:41:00.000-05:00

I have a few pictures of work finished since my last post. Pictures don't do this one justice, lovely colours and piecing. The client wanted 'simple and old fashion', so SID with a
floral treatment in the border was what was decided.

I should probably check if the auto focus is on (grin)....but you get the picture (no pun here).
gudrun

Starry Starry Night

2011-11-16T06:44:00.001-05:00

I believe this is a shadow box quilt, it is to be a gift for a young grandson. It was just a charm to quilt.
Yes, I do believe I have taken the photo sideways, but I didn't want it dragging on the deck, and then I forgot to rotate the picture. Hopefully you'll get the picture.(grin)

What 10 year old won't love this one?

A simple meander with a star.

Applique - Marie Antoinette

2011-11-15T06:20:00.004-05:00

Oh boy, these are my least favourite quilts to quilt....but I do think applique is a wonderful thing. I do find all that open space intimidating. How to do the applique justice, as well as fill those big spaces... this quilt has a lot of empty space/canvas.

Well it had a lot of canvas, it is finished.

Happy Tuesday,

gudrun

I call it yummy......William Morris Prints

2011-11-14T06:47:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of quilting an original design using William Morris prints. This was very enjoyable to quilt.... though doing a pantograph, keeps me at the back of the machine. Long armers know this means one doesn't have as intimate a relationship with the fabrics :( When I work from the front I can really look at the fabric (So know you know my secret !) Who likes Wm. Morris prints.....me!

I am also looking forward to quilting a little Kaffee Fassett does W. Morris number hanging on my to do wall. It too is a yummy piece.
Happy Monday and Happy Quilting,
gudrun

Done is done....finished

2011-11-08T18:55:00.000-05:00

The Cowichan sweater is finished. I added an inside pocket to it, then I stuffed it into a box and mailed it...today. Whew! It should make it to Calgary before the 20th....unless it ends up going by stage coach across the prairies, eh!

While your here, take a look at the front door decor.......

CLOSER....

GRIN....

Golden Light

2011-11-02T05:30:00.001-04:00

We took a little road trip up the shore to Wiarton. (Where there happens to be lovely little quilt shop.)

It is that time of year when we get hints of winter, so on a warm and sunny day, one just has to get outside.

This is looking across the bay at the last of the golden light of fall.

We took a picnic, Parks Canada has already put away the tables. A lack of tables did not stop us from doing some excellent munching. There was something for everyone.

Those wondering how big the puppy is......He's a year old now.

I hope you all take every opportunity to enjoy the out before the on coming season of cold keeps you in....
gudrun

Snuggle Quilts

2011-11-01T11:39:00.000-04:00

This quilt is a Christmas gift. Can you just imagine yourself wrapped up in this watching a 'game' and munching some pizza! Delightful, delicious and it was fun to stitch.

Happy Tuesday,
gudrun

Work in Progress

2011-10-28T22:07:00.000-04:00

I get to work on this lovely number next. I was going to say lovely little number but that it isn't. It will take a few hours....other than outlining the applique I have no other instructions from the piecer. Check back soon to see the finished product.

Have a great weekend friends.

Split Stack

2011-10-20T10:51:00.000-04:00

So it must be getting colder eh! Here I am on the computer again! instead of being outside. Not only is it cold, it has been raining hammerheads and pitchforks. A few weeks from now it will be coming down as snow. Snow is more work....but I sure do like snow more, unless I have to go some where, you know drive.....ick.
And of course like everyone else that dislikes winter driving I'll blame my dislike on all the other drivers who don't know what they are doing :))
Okay so here's a sweet little quilt to show you on this icky day.

This is a split stack block done in batiks, wool batt and a simple flower and leaf panto. This pattern was taught at a workshop last winter, for the Community Quilts program. Several workshop participants went on to make their own versions. Batiks work very well for this pattern.

I hope she likes it :)

I can't make the underline go away...don't know why I underlined it, I sure didn't do it on purpose.

Happy Thursday,

gudrun

Comfort Quilts

2011-10-19T17:37:00.000-04:00

I sometimes quilt for the Georgian Quilters 'Guild Outreach program I enjoy doing this as I get to practice patterns that I like, & that I need to practice.....

and someone gets a quilt. This pineapple piece was made using the Exploding pineapple pattern, by Karen Hellaby.

These two quilts, have a lovely non quilting cotton in the centre, that one of our Guild members rescued. She did a lovely job, I snatched them up and got them quilted with freehand flowers and leaves. I thought I had pictures of the quilting, apparently not ....

Happy wery wet Wednesday
gudrun

Michael's sweater

2011-10-19T16:50:00.000-04:00

Michael's Grandmother knit him a beautiful Cowichan style buffalo wool sweater, and gave it to me to sew
together. I have been unable to get assistance with putting in the zipper, so I have left it in the bag...left it 'around' so to speak, hoping the sweater elves would show up. However, a reminder from Michael's grandmother has me pulling it out of the bag and leaving it about. Lulu gives it full approval and doesn't care that it isn't sewn up.
Guess what I am doing this evening :))
gudrun

October Colours

2011-10-15T16:11:00.000-04:00

Today's wind and rain storm will take care of these.

Batiks and Alpacas

2011-10-15T16:05:00.000-04:00

I completed this a few days ago. It was not a favourite of the piecer, once quilted, she liked it again. This is what usually happens, it's a good thing that happens. I enjoy the smiles that come when the quilting pulls the 'flimsy ' into a usable lovable quilt.

I had an opportunity to

work with an Alpaca & sheep wool blend batting on this quilt...a strippy quilt with great colour contrast.

I used large leaf panto, and I checked tension often.

It quilted up nicely, though the varied thickness of the batt contributed to some small tension issues in a couple of places, also contributing to tension issues was the use of selvage in the piecing. I use to leave them on as well, until someone explained how tough and different the selvage edge is to the rest of the fabric, and
how this causes problems, for machines and hands.
Well that's today's lesson.

I wonder how it will wash, when the time comes. I am of the 'don't wash them until really needed' school.

Spot cleaning and airing come first. This is a heavy quilt, it will no doubt be lovely and warm. It will be even heavier when wet, washing maybe a cumbersome job. If anyone has had experience with this type of batting do let me know.

This is what the batting looks like.

gudrun in wet & windy Ontario

Memory Quilt

2011-09-22T11:44:00.000-04:00

This is called "Plackets & Pockets". I found I was doing a lot of 'membering' while quilting this Memory quilt. I did a right angle meander, and was
able to avoid the odd bumpy bit created by a pocket or a placket. It was well constructed and sewed up nicely.

And another trip down memory lane, I entered our local Fall Fair

Here it is finished, spring of 2010.

This one is for Irene's Birthday, It was finished in time for the Fall Fair, and she hasn't had her next birthday so all is good.

Both of these quilts received prizes.

I also entered a wall hanging and table runner...more winners! I ROCK :))
Happy Day.
gudrun

Back at work....Star Sampler

2011-09-21T07:22:00.000-04:00

Summer is over in a flurry of activity and then back to quilting.....
The colours in the photo, do not do this quilt justice, the red is a very rich colour and the blue/green is one of those happy colour surprises it just don't show in these photos....

Lots of stitch in the ditch, filler stitch and filled vine in the red sashings. It's a lovely piece, on either side.

Happy Tuesday,
gudrun

What I did on my Summer Vacation

2011-08-22T08:31:00.000-04:00

I took these two characters with me

Mostly we sailed.

Absorbed the beauty of the region

It was a vacation more then satisfactory on all counts.

I hope yo'all get some time away.
Happy Birthday Andrew!

Gudrun

New Beginnings

2011-08-04T06:54:00.000-04:00

The first day of the rest of my life.. those cute sayings seem so appropriate today.
First day of having an empty nest....last one flew (no pun intended) to Sweden yesterday to start a new life as a teacher in Gavle, Gavleborg, Sweden. That's along way from Southern Georgian Bay, On., Canada.

Saturday I waited for movers, today I wait some more....other one has moved from the temporary fully furnished lodgings to a dirty apartment that has a new bed, sleeping bag, pillow and clothing, there awaiting 'stuff''. I have to say it is an Organizational crapshot....could be worse I do my thing by pointing out that one could be under a bridge with a card board box. One needs to keep oneself, 'UP" in these most annoying days.
This is really just little crap...keep smiling.
gudrun

Roses are blooming!

2011-07-19T11:54:00.000-04:00

Pictures say it all.

Have a great Tuesday,

gudrun

July 1st and Yard sale find..wahoo!

2011-07-18T08:01:00.002-04:00

July 1st is Canada Day & Parade time.....yeah I know I am a posting late :)) but I wasn't late for the parade....it goes right by our home. I like to show quilts.

And this guy was a huge hit and made lots of folks smile.

The next day, Saturday DH and I took a road trip which included a Quilt Shop. On the way, we saw a sewing machine at a yard sale. I had to look,and I had to buy.

Yes, dear it says $35. It is very dirty.

It took a couple of hours of thorough and gentle cleaning and it runs!!

A properly wound bobbin and now it runs reasonably well. Still a little tweaking required... need to read the manual.

``After`` pictures coming....

Quilts galore....

2011-07-17T14:49:00.000-04:00

Log cabins quilts are a personal favourite. This log cabin has a large open design on it. It is going to have additional Prairie Points, I wish I could see it finished.

Some sweet pansy fabric in this little quilt, it was quilted with a freehand floral pattern.

And this almost all white quilt, was also quilted with a floral freehand. White quilts are nerve racking....

never know if a bit of a smudge will arrive when one isn't paying full attention :))

And then I did a little challenge called

"Self Portrait"

Almost up to date with client quilts....and it is getting too warm in the attic to quilt so being up to date is a good thing.
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer or winter depending on where you are..... be here now.
gudrun

Still Quilting

2011-06-17T08:47:00.000-04:00

Mystery Quilts are challenging. I have done several, discovered that I am not fond of the process. I made two of these, (why? long story :))) and quilted several. The simple quilting and the shiney gold thread were good choices for this one. P

Quilting pattern I call "Drops", ( it has a longer name) by K. Emerson

These Sun Bonnet Sue blocks where made in the early 1950's or late 1940's by a gal who then had a family of three boys. Blocks languished for some years but are now out of the closet.....

As I quilted, I wondered about the gal who made these, and I hope she likes the results, I know her daughter in law :)), and she was happy.

gudrun

The Iris Show

2011-06-17T08:10:00.000-04:00

Small Siberian Iris fore ground

One of Three Original Iris plantings 1999

Recent addition

I planted some more yellow and blue together and now have this pretty combination....there are also rusty

coloured ones, but not near this grouping. I have no knowledge about cross pollination, and because I sometimes have 'plants' given to me, perhaps this was one that has just know favoured us with a blossom.

It is a wonderful show this year, puts a smile on my face every time I look at them.

I missed taking pictures of the orange poppies this year, they don't do well in the wind, but there are a few pink ones still blooming.

I hope these make you smile too.

Gardens

2011-06-02T08:22:00.000-04:00

I have been in the garden as much as possible, which isn't much as we have had much rain. Everything seems to bloom at once when the apple trees do their show.

Have you ever seen a butternut in bloom? Very interesting...the squirrels plant these :)) They are apparently an endangered species, which considering how many I rip out by the roots is questionable. But they are no longer in favour as they are messy, and get very large so people don't tend to plant them. The squirrels plant horse chestnut trees as well. I have donated these tree sprouts to folks with larger land holdings, keeping one and keeping it as small as possible.
More about our trees, at last count we had (after removing 4 old apple trees) 20 apple trees, 2 cherry, 1 plum and 75 other trees. Good for 1.25 acres, admittedly many are small, and another three
big ones that need to come down....a hurtful and expensive process but necessary as these trees are old and
located too close to homes. Living very close to Georgian Bay we get some amazing big winds and one needs to keep a careful eye on large old trees between homes.

Still later that same year...

2011-05-18T10:07:00.000-04:00

It has been a hectic few weeks. I flew out to British Columbia, to visit my Mom, for a couple of weeks. Back at home, friends visit for a couple of days, spring sprung and hours are whizzing by as our family gets closer to dis-assembly. Disassembly...is the only word I can find that fits. Youngest son has landed a job in Calgary, He's squeezing in a three week trip to Europe before his job starts in early July. Middle son has a job in Sweden, beginning in August. He is also doing his usual summer job for an outdoor camp, as a tripper so he has a canoe trip in July. Everything happens quickly once the parts are available, so to speak.

On another note, I didn't spend much time with Mom. Okay, I am not the only one who felt odd about this but I was 'shipped in' to look after the dog and the 'place'.
It would have been long and boring couple of weeks, excepted I had friend 'ship in,' nothing better then a best friend to have fun (VBG)

And that's the design wall at Mom's. I purchased a lovely batik block of the month kit, here are all the blocks. Well what is a gal to do when the dog gets up at 5 am (yes! Andrew, 5 comes in an AM) goes for a walk around the 'place' and by the time he gets back I am wide awake and the coffee is almost ready. So I pieced every morning for several hours. I completed the components of the quilt up to the borders, which are also pieced. The BOM group I joined to do this project with, were all amazed as this is month #1. Yeah well...it may be very much like the tortoise and the hare.

Back at it, I finished a T-shirt quilt, the shirts are from family gatherings at a cottage that featured an annual Pig Roast. I could do nothing more than just 'put it together'. The backing was a polyester and the border was a decorator cotton, and the batting was puffy and fragile. But there you have it.

Happy Wednesday folks!
gudrun

Later that same year...

2011-04-09T09:53:00.000-04:00

It's one of those "I can't believe it has been a month since I blogged" moments. Where does the time go? The university grads that call this place home, tell me that time is a concept. Sure think about that when you want a three minute egg, or the noodles 'el dente'. If this sounds like a complaint it is NOT. Those young men will soon be off to other parts of the world. When we see each other again ...well only time will tell. (grin) Son # 2 has taken a teaching position in Sweden and son #3 has a job offer in Calgary. Everyone is happy!
Anyway, time between eggs(breakfast) and noodles (dinner) I have done some quilting.
I finished this commissioned quilt(as a wedding gift)

I have pieced this pattern before, but contrary to what I thought I did not find it any faster, and only slightly boring, I think new patterns are far more fun. I like the challenge of something new.

I sent the other quilt like this one to my Mom for her birthday.

I also quilted one made with flying geese blocks. My first client quilt was very similar, but a night mare for a beginner, not knowing any better I outline a gazillion geese. This one was quick, using a favourite panto called 'popcorn'.

I have done a few other smaller quilts and will post pictures later...gotta get on with the day as company is coming for lunch.

Happy Saturday Friends,

gudrun

Villager Idiot or Smrt Girl?

2011-03-08T10:56:00.000-05:00

On my long arm sewing machine, I have the ability to follow a paper pattern (pantograph). I do this using the controls at the back of the machine, using a light (or stylus) to follow a drawing.
So why am I stitching on paper, to stitch out a hockey player? duh? Perhaps because the quilt
has a vertical pattern run rather then horizontal on the frame....you know directional.
But (insert light bulb) I can position and stitch one drawing at a time, and no paper mess.
Well duh! Pickn' up speed I am.
gudrun

A case for scraps.

2011-03-08T08:02:00.000-05:00

The scraps and trimmings on the left, came from a recent Guild work day. The small purple cushion cover arrived from I don't know where, the idea for this came from the chatter on the work day.

Sew, put the scraps in the cushion cover in such a fashion that they are flat enough to stitch a few
rows to hold it all down and there it is....a mat for the cat. This one has a zipper and
I put some cat nip in it. And to make it a big hit I put some cat nip on it as well :))

Lulu likes it.
Happy Tuesday,
gudrun

Hockey

2011-03-07T19:25:00.000-05:00

I am working on what I think of as a Boston Bruins quilt. I am quilting hockey players on it. I got this little image, and reproduced it on tracing paper, tried stitching through a printer image but there was ink transfer. Pencil seemed the better choice.

The yellow fabric is not the usual quilting cotton and requires a little caution but it's coming along. Of course there will be some paper bits to clean.
Happy Quilting,
gudrun

Colour catchers~~ product endorsement

2011-02-25T08:37:00.000-05:00

I needed to wash a quilt. (We have a puppy.) I knew it would be a night mare to wash, as just a small spill, a long time ago caused mega bleeding. I have hung it in the breeze and have had it 'dry cleaned' But I am not a fan of 'dry cleaning' So I washed it my regular way, cold water, gentle cycle. I used three sheets of "Shout" brand colour catcher, one more then recommended in the instructions. I am well pleased with the result. The picture tells it all...that is a lot of loose colour they caught.

Colour cathers rule!

gudrun

Raffle Quilt

2011-02-25T08:13:00.000-05:00

I had a great opportunity recently to quilt for a community group called the Beaver Valley Agricultural Association, they organize and hold the Beaver Valley Fall Fair each Sept.

Last year, BVAA purchased a quilt from Georgian Quilters' Guild for raffle. It happens I quilted that raffle quilt, that quilt now resides in the Philippines, but I digress. This year a BVAA member gathered together blocks from previous challenges, put them together with sashing and borders, and asked me to quilt the piece for BVAA. It came together nicely, wouldn't you say.

TGIF folks,

gudrun

Yesterday....Talking about the Long Arm

2011-02-18T12:39:00.002-05:00

I am glad yesterday is yesterday. I felt like a cat on a hot tin roof. Perhaps it was because we had a heat wave ...up to 5 from - 10) here but probably because
I gave a little talk about what I do as a long arm quilter.
I was relaxed about it until a few days ago.... thought it would be "an okay gig" It was running around in my brain that I have quilted for almost half the membership but then I started to over think the whole thing and like I said I was sooooo nervous. Apparently I did all right, had a hand-out to cover the basic requirements needed from the piecer and had some small samples to touch and examine circulating the room, answered a few questions. I hope I didn't say 'um' and 'like' a lot and I hope I wasn't slouching. Mom says I slouch.

Anyway that was yesterday. Today the sun is shining, even so, the day hasn't been stellar. I had to take a tow truck ride down from the ski resort...no brakes on my car. Totally creepy. I was dropping DS off at the hill, and returning to the hospital rehab centre to get DH, when the lack of brake power in the car had me heading for the nearest parking lot at the resort hotel.
Okay that was before lunch, I am home drinking tea and having toast, all will be well, car is getting fixed and life continues ...whew. Today, I am will phone mother, tell her about my not 'another boring winter day'.

drive safely friends,
gudrun

Folded Flowers Daffodils

2011-02-06T07:53:00.000-05:00

FOLDED FLOWERS ~~~~ DAFFODILS

1. Place two template pieces RST*, sew around scant ¼” seam, leaving an opening for turning RSO. Blind stitch opening shut.

2. Applique one fabric circle (needle turned) to centre of prepared flower petal,
re: step 1.

3. Run a gathering stitch 1/8^th inch from circle...... (a significant contrast required here)

Pull gathering and gently manipulate the centre and Flower petals until it pleases you....back stitch to hold. And that is it. Easy? Yes!

Daffodil template shown on one inch graph paper, note there are six points/petals.

I do not have a finished piece using daffodils.....I am still making them. Also there is one more
tutorial using a circle...coming soon.
Happy sewing,
gudrun

Tulips

2011-02-01T17:49:00.000-05:00

It was brought to my attention, that I don't have picture of the completed 'tulips'. Sew here ya go!

These were the first few that I made, the flowers do get better looking as one makes a few. Just like a real flowers they aren't all alike...some have nice folds and pleats, some have none....how about that.

Happy Tuesday,

gudrun

Tutorial~ Folded Flowers

2011-01-30T14:09:00.001-05:00

Kumiko Sudo, is todays inspiration. I am sharing a couple of simple flowers that I learned through her publication:
Fantasies & Flowers: Origami in Fabric for Quilters.

If after trying this you are inspired...and you will see how easy it is to make fantasy flowers then I highly recommend owning a copy of this book. The book is informative and entertaining. Her flowers come with stories.
Let's start with a tulip.
gudrun
As with all instructions, I suggest you read all the way through.
Materials and other Requirements: template material, small amounts of fabric (5'" squares are ample)

FOLDED FLOWERS ~~~~ Part 1 (illustrations & template drawings below)

1. Place two template pieces RST*, sew around scant ¼” seam, leaving an opening for turning RSO. Blind stitch opening shut. Press.

2. Fold along line B

3. Fold corners B to A, pin as shown.

4. Stitch along edge of B as shown, make sure stitches are only catching A, and not going thru to C

5. Turn over, stitch B points to center line of C, again stitches should only catch C

*Pressing with a starch product, gives crisp folds and will assist you learning this, however finger pressing is sufficient. **(rst= right sides together, rso= right sides out)

#2.

#3 At this point you need to decide which colour will dominate, I decided the red would be the ‘outside’

B fold is now stitched to A, an accordion pleat is created.

#4 B corners are folded to the back, and stitched

Create another accordion pleat on both sides of A, when you fold B points to the back and stitch closed.

(accordion pleats not visible here)

Hexagonal template for Tulip (one inch graph )Possible shapes for leaves.
I leave the leaves to you and your imagination.

Remember to have a strong contrast between the background and your flowers. Here's a picture of a folded flower (foxglove) though very pretty doesn't show well because of the background.

Another shape, with a bit of gathering creates a Bleeding Heart.
Part two is a Daffodil.....coming soon.

Sewist

2011-01-22T08:36:00.000-05:00

Okay RANT time.....what is wrong with this book title. It's just too cute. duh.

Sew Liberated: 20 Stylish Projects for the Modern Sewist

Paperback

Sometimes we do need a new or 'adjusted' word. A new word for a new occupation, new discovery, new invention, new idea or perhaps a revised idea etc. Sewing is not new, the modern age began after the middle ages. So what is this 'sewist' ick. How about spew....a word that makes you want to spew, does that make me a spewist or am I still a spewer?
I know I am over reacting... sometimes I do or is that sum times I do. Language can be fun.
gudrun

Favourite Places (a challenge)

2011-01-14T17:58:00.000-05:00

I belong to a group of fibre artists. We challenge ourselves to create pieces around a theme.
We have had two challenges thus far. The previous one was done this past Sept. and based on the Elements. January's challenge was called

"Favourite Places". This tries to be representational of all the places that land (no pun intended)
in my 'favourite places' file. Sadly I was unable to come up with a way to depict the plurality of places. So this depicts two things that are in all the places I consider favourites. I love trees, and cannot be far from water.
Happy Friday,
gudrun

The Lovely Little LuLu

2011-01-10T16:06:00.000-05:00

Presenting our Lovely Little LuLu...she arrived on Saturday. She's 8 weeks old, and all the family loves her
Happy Cat
gudrun

Threads

2011-01-10T11:29:00.000-05:00

They look better 'live'...13 new cones of thread to start the new year and of course most of them are blue!
Happy Monday,
gudrun

OLD old Wedding Dress

2011-01-06T08:43:00.000-05:00

Greetings and Salutations!

I hope everyone's entry into the New Year 2011 was a pleasant event.

My DH and I went to a party, the first in several years. When the New Year
was rung in I hid in my DH's arms until all the kissing and hugging was over.
I dislike the fawning of semi inebriated men (mostly unknown) at New Years.
That's a tradition that in my not so humble opinion can go the way of the dodo bird.
That behaviour will get you a 'cold'.

Okay onto more interesting bits. While in my neighbourhood Quilt store
a few weeks ago. I witnessed the gal from the 'antique' shop trying
to give the QS owner an old wedding dress. She was repeatedly asking her if
she wanted or knew anyone who would be interested in having the
dress she was holding. Apparently, she didn't and didn't know
anyone.....so I waved my hand and said I do crazy quilting, might I have a look at it.
Aha! she said with a big grin (woman on a mission) you look it's yours and it is.

The mesh has bits of glass (not beads) melded somehow?
It disintegrated on touch

The fabric was in shreds and fell apart just looking at it....this dress has been reduced to a few pictures and

sleeve using fringes and french knots

Back of dress/french knots

some beads. The work put into this piece is mind boggling. The french knots
in this garment have opened my imagination to their possible usage.
I'd like find out how old it was....sometimes it would be good if things could talk.... (grin)
Just think of the stories this dress could tell.
Happy Thursday!
gudrun

I am in love!

2010-12-23T07:27:00.000-05:00

This 10 week old four legged fur baby belongs to Michael, my DS. Michael is living here at the moment; we discussed having a dog. Originally it was to be a smallish dog.
It is not the case however, Ares is a Lab/ English Pointer mix.
I will be remembering the Christmas of 2010 as the Christmas we got Ares. It is truly amazing how this wee creature has turned the winter grumpies into smiles. I know the novelty will wear off, but for now it is a pleasure to go outside and watch him enjoy the snow ... the big beautiful outdoors. Ah! Happiness is a warm puppy.
Merry Christmas

gudrun

Winter in Ontario

2010-12-13T09:22:00.000-05:00

Greetings and Salutations from snow covered Ontario! I'd love to post pictures of all the
snow we have had the last week. The children had 4 days off school due to snow/roads/bus situations.
I can't post pictures because blogger is not allowing me to...although perhaps it is this little netbook
I am using.

I have ordered a new computer....hehe and some of my family is shocked that I have gone to the 'darkside' purchasing a 'windows' product. I have been on a Mac, since the 80's. But there are a couple of programs I want (yes I know about being able to run windows on Mac)
The thing is my best buddy is a windows gal, and being a programmer, she will be an excellent resource, as well I have adult children who know their way around the darkside, so I am covered so to speak. And very well covered indeed.

I started writing this bit, last Monday. It's been a week as mentioned and once again we are in the middle of a winter storm it seems like one week is much like the next except that yesterday our house hold increased by one. More later

Happy Monday,
gudrun

Home Again

2010-11-26T15:11:00.000-05:00

I prefer to keep this blog a 'pleasant' place to visit... whinging is
not something I like to get into but I am going to Whinge.
A month away I am home to a dead computer. acck! Lots of plans go on immediate hold.
DH., is going to be depending on crutches for the next several weeks(months!)
Okay done. Thanks for listening :))

I have been visiting our west coast in Terrace, and Vancouver. It was wet, and cold.
Which is just how I remember November when I lived there.
I was once again very taken with the greens. Perhaps
it is the moisture in the air, that changes the intensity of some colours.
And the moss in Terrace....it's everywhere. It's green.(grin)

My 'puter came back from the doc's. Not good. My data is retrievable but the
power supply is no longer being manufactured.
I am writing on my sons wee netbook.
I may just end up with something similar.

I purchased some great regional fabrics while in Terrace.
I will post pictures as computer issues are resolved, sigh.

Wishing all those celebrating Harvest and Light Festivals a safe and happy time.
gudrun
(who is getting festive with a first string of lights)

House Keeping

2010-10-15T15:17:00.000-04:00

Housekeeping translates to house cleaning for a lot of that 'keeping', does it not?
I have a young capable male hanging his hat here, and he was put to work, on Tuesday
after a long lazy Thanksgiving weekend... and he was efficient.

The carpets have been shampooed, which means the furniture was all cleared off,
(I got the pleasure of cleaning all the klinkerlitz.) and moved away from the walls.
Which meant the woodwork was available ?? for cleaning, as was the furniture??
Boy does it look polished in here. Now for some window cleaning before cold and
grey sets in....nothing more depressing then looking at miserable weather through
skunked up windows.

And just when I thought I had a handle on all the cleaning. I noticed something else that
requires attention and this looks like the best method. Check it out :))

Hope it doesn't die when I do this.
gudrun

Valley Tour

2010-10-14T08:44:00.000-04:00

One thing I like to do is tour the valley for colours.

View of Old Baldy from Talisman

That's the tour for today, back to the attic and quilting,

Happy Thursday,

gudrun

A bit more about the "Attic".

2010-10-13T20:05:00.000-04:00

(In answer to Teresa's comment)
Discovering this space was the best! I realize I have been blessed.

My sweetie calls it the 'Quiltorium'. This space would not work for anyone taller,
there are a couple of spots where I feel the 'ceiling. I am 5'4",
The slant walls or knee walls in the 'alley' where I have the Beast fit me well enough, and
it is big enough on the far end to get around without wacking myself on something :)
I am not the most graceful of creatures :))
The alley width is also more generous then it appears, I have a small shelf in one corner
and and old sheet music cupboard for pantos in the other corner. I am
guess-timating the alley is about 8 ft. wide, and I have a 14' frame.

The first consideration I had was getting the poles for the frame up into the attic. We thought of hoisting them through a window, but luckily it wasn't required.

We did not do much to make this space serviceable mostly organization and elbow grease
It is a work in progress. I am keen on it :)

gudrun

Happy Thanksgiving Studio Tour

2010-10-12T12:17:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a pleasant Thanksgiving weekend. I had my 'boys' home!
It was just lovely, I even enjoyed all the cooking...huh!

Thanksgiving weekend in my neighbourhood is traditionally a 'studio tour' weekend.
Various artists open their studios for viewing and promotion/sale of wares or services.
I think these tours are great. Artist friends who participate, tell me these tours leave them exhausted.
Perhaps that is why sometimes several people show out of one studio.
My studio is located in the attic of our family home. Because of my location,
(and other reasons) I see clients by appointment. A studio tour is a wonderful way to
see what & where artists create.

I just can not see myself joining as a tour stop. I don't see myself committing
to 2 full days of a tour event. A few hours of open house I can, and have done.
I can also give my friends a jpeg tour of my space.

Come on in...

Please enter through the front door up, continue up a straight staircase, down a hallway,
past a number of doors to another flight of stairs. I warn clients about stair climbing, those unable to are accommodated in my living room. (Need much advance notice for this.)

looking down past the stained glass

second stair case

At the top of the stairs, left

Here's the 'Beast' I call him Lenni, now APQS
put out a model called Lenni, he needs a name change!

Design Wall

Closer view of my apple ladder quilt holder :))

Well folks that's it! You really don't want to see the work tables...trust me you really don't.
Next post is a tour of my valley.

gudrun
ps I give up trying to get these pics in the order I want.

Small Quilts

2010-10-07T11:11:00.000-04:00

Long armers are the perfect match for large quilts so we get a lot of them. It is such fun to
get some small ones. This was done in a heart meander.

Scrappy Bingo

The next one is for our Community Quilt Program.

Happy Thursday,

gudrun

Another Fall Fair Win

2010-10-06T12:53:00.000-04:00

The quilt from a previous post, "Some Days are Diamonds" where I explained how I adjusted
a full border on a quilt based on the pattern "I Had A Dream". I am so pleased that this method
worked well, well enough to give the piecer a 'second place' in her category at
the Great Northern Exhibit, Fall Fair .
You go Sandy!!
gudrun
(I have the remnants of a cold and some annoying allergies, only George and I here today, so I am blogging, and surfing instead of quilting. Later I'll go outside for a bit.... see how the spider webs are doing :))

Sewflakes

2010-10-06T09:51:00.001-04:00

I purchased a new quilting technique book last evening at a Guild gathering. I just could not help myself. A much better purchase then my last book, but that's another story.
The author did an excellent Powerpoint presentation, as well as a trunk show of the journey that took her to writing a book about papercut-applique quilts.
Kathy K Wylie. The book is called Sewflakes, and for those who enjoy applique I think
this book is a treasure. I am still on the fence about applique.

Cheers,
gudrun

Pictures, by request.

2010-10-06T09:35:00.000-04:00

I was asked for pictures of the too-small mixer-cover-giant-teapot cover.
I am having a little trouble with I (stupid) Photo. This program restarts at # 1 when you get to
9999, so now I have number duplications and it won't let me add pictures to files it wants to
replace pictures. If anyone knows how to fix this I'd be more then happy to hear from you.
In the mean time I am muddling along.....

How is this flat thing suppose to fit over a large kitchen aid mixer?
Made from 50's seed sack.

Played with flower drawing

A strange still life to illustrate the size of the teapot
(that's an average size peach beside it)

We have since adjusted the style, by rolling the bottom up, in
Canadian toque rolling fashion...imagine it with a big rim from the inside fabric.

Inside fabric, also 50's grain sack.

That's the story,

Happy Wednesday

gudrun

Some Days are Diamonds....

2010-09-27T17:01:00.000-04:00

I recently quilted this large quilt called "I had a Dream". I am unaware who is the pattern designer. This was fun to quilt till I got to the borders. My my....

If you look closely you will see the wee pleats I made to gather in the fullness. They haven't been appliqued down, so they are not flat and neat, yet! But looking decent already...lots of spray starch to help.

Fullness in Border.

I 've arrived in the season of fullness, here's another quilt with fullness in the centre.

This one of three 'same' quilts in different colour ways. The piecing is lovely except for what ever happened in the centre?? There was some fullness that I ended up carrying along to the border. When I got to this point on the first quilt, I re-examination of the other two quilts...same thing. The piecer took them home and worked on the problem. The next one I worked on was substancially
flatter, a hit of spray starch, and of course tape on the tiny loose border, it finished off well. The last one is not as well behaved :)) However, spray starch, extra batting and careful stitching should keep the fullness from traveling to the borders. Stay tuned.
Hope your Monday is a good one,
gudrun

Greetings, from the Village Idiot.

2010-09-26T07:04:00.000-04:00

Greetings,from the Village Idiot.

I am having a series of serious of duh days.

I sent Lesley's pillow cases off, after I photographed them,first having to purchase a new set of rechargeable batteries, and charger...and promptly can't locate where I put the file of pics after I downloaded them? What?

I made a cover for a mixer unit, which stands in the corner on the counter (not because it's bad, cuz I dislike getting it out of a cupboard). Because I have previously made a cover like this I just grabbed my notes went along my merry way and when it was too late realized I hadn't made it dimensional...just flat.

So now I have a really pretty fry pan cover? It does sorta fit over a very large teapot, and because it is made out of wonderful old seed sack, and quilted so prettily it will cover that stupid t-pot and sit on top of the stupid fridge.

And I'll go back to the drawing board. Speaking of drawing board, my eldest son use to have my drawing table when he was 'drafting'. Recently I got it back. It's covered with 'stuff' perhaps using it will help with the idiot syndrome.

Wishing you some sun in your Sunday

gudrun

My Second Interpretive Challenge

2010-09-17T12:18:00.000-04:00

I spent more time reading various philosophies based
on the four earthly elements, than I did creating my
interpretation.

4 elements

I kept coming back to a philosophy that equates air with thought, fire with passion water with serenity and earth as maturity. Musings:
fire does not pass through water,
fire is reflected in water,
thought feeds passion
passion falters with serenity
thought is in serenity,
thought slows and then, no more.

Loose threads, attached with help of wash-away interfacing. on a snippet style background.

I had difficulty with the photographing, what doesn't show well here is the yellow thread 'of air' running through the piece.
It was fun :))
gudrun

Congratulations Lesley, Oh and me too!

2010-09-16T19:42:00.000-04:00

The Lucky Lesley from our lovely West Coast will be receiving
a set of pillow cases I made. In her email she sounded
more excited then any pillow cases I have know are able to
excite....and I was right. As it happens she was also
just hired as a teacher in her neighbourhood.
She'll be teaching music to children from k to 4.
Her first job in her field of training. Wow!

The Fall Fair season is upon us here in Ontario. I was convinced by friends, I should
participate in my towns Fair so I did. I entered a new category "long arm quilting' and the
floral section. I received two firsts and 2 seconds in the long arm category, the quilt at the top of the
page took a first.
I recd a second in a challenge called " I made it form my old jeans" click this link to see the quilt I used.

I entered four florals and took two firsts in the florals category. I didn't take a picture of the cosmos I entered but the Pic below is of a design challenge called "No Blooms".

All in all a wonderful Fair for me :))

"No Blooms" is sitting on top of canning, I did the day before the fair.

Floral arrangement " No Blooms"

Antipasto 2010

Here's a really good picture of the work that day. I had lots of help. DH and DS pitched in with chopping and stirring .....

Antipasto Inspector and Assistant

Happy Thursday,
gudrun

Time to 'Give it away'

2010-09-09T21:28:00.000-04:00

First, this day is special to me because it is the birth date of my first born.

Second, the give away' is a set of standard size pillow cases, I made. My youngest son, choose a number
and the number is 21. The twenty first comment was made by Lesley.
Lesley please contact me.
I'll post a picture of the pillow cases on the morrow.... it's way past my time to retire for the day.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment. I don't dwell on this, but I do wonder
who is dropping by to visit my 'world'.
Cheers,
gudrun

Blogging can be fun.

2010-09-01T14:18:00.000-04:00

I have read blogs where things are given away. Some very nice
things. It sounds like a simple thing to do for fun. And I am curious about this whole process so,
I am going to do ' a giveaway' in celebration of....
my 100th blog post.
it is a sunny day
it is the first of September
I am happy
I have family I love
I have friends near and far
I have a home.
There is reason to celebrate.

What should I give away? My heart is given but I will give you
something from the heart.
You need to leave a comment. I do the usual and someone will get a surprise in the mail.
I will post the what & who on Sept. 9th (an important date to me).
(it's a surprise so why would I tell you what it is?)

Yes ! This could be fun.
gudrun

NQR (not quilting related) but how cool is this!

2010-09-01T13:12:00.000-04:00

I am not a fan of spiders, but as long as they aren't in my face I let them be.
If they get in my face I freak...it is a strange relationship.

Last year I was amazed by a web high above my back door (I am short :))
and the lack of flies getting into the house....no screen door here. Charlotte '09
is no longer above the back door but, this year, I found this spider's
tunnel home at my back door, where I have a flower garden and rock collection
and a few other odds and ends.

Back door home for Charlotte's friend.

Close up of Spidey's Place.

Is it not interesting? Imagine if Alice fell down the spider hole
Argh I am freaking myself out here :)

Happy Wednesday!
gudrun

A 1 minute lesson on Wool Batting

2010-08-31T14:21:00.001-04:00

Let's talk batting. I have recently taken to recommending wool batts in quilts. Wool batting is marvelous. It's my favourite. It costs more the a cotton batt or a poly batt. However, I think one gets a bargain considering all great properties of wool.

What I have learned about wool....

Wool fiber has a natural crimp due to its unique structure. This allows the fiber to bend and turn, giving wool an inherent three-dimensional crimp. Because it is naturally elastic and resilient, wool has rapid wrinkle recovery, durability, bulk, loft, warmth and resistance to abrasion.

Wool is a year-round fiber. Wool easily absorbs up to 30 percent of its weight in moisture without feeling damp or clammy. This ability to absorb moisture makes it comfortable in warm and cold conditions. By absorbing perspiration, wool enhances the body’s own cooling system, keeping the skin dry. This characteristic makes wool a versatile all-season fabric.

Wool keeps you warm in the winter by absorbing perspiration, allowing the body to generate heat faster than heat is lost.

Because wool contains moisture in every fiber, it resists flame without chemical treatment. Instead of burning freely when touched by flame, wool chars and stops burning when it is removed from the source of the flame. Wool is self-extinguishing; it will not support combustion. This is why wool blankets are recommended for use in extinguishing small fires.

Amazing eh!

Happy Tuesday,

gudrun

Quilting a 36 patch

2010-08-24T15:02:00.000-04:00

The season is the reason I have been absent from the blogosphere :)) I am having
a wonderful summer. I try to spend as much of it outside as possible, and on vacation
as much as I can get away. I spent two weeks visiting a friend, a couple of weekends
on Georgian Bay sailing, have had friends for weekends and just have not had
time for media. ( Except for the radio.) I am back, the season is winding down...work waited only
a little while.
Look at this delight.

I like scrappy and this is great pattern for scraps. The 9 patch blocks are 3.5" . This lovely 4x9 patch, uses a solid soft beige in the plain blocks. The result is surprisingly restful.

I am off to do a little more gardening, it's perennial dividing and conquering time on southern Georgian Bay.

Happy Sunny Tuesday,

gudrun

New York Beauties

2010-07-24T09:14:00.000-04:00

Another New York Beauty I had the pleasure of quilting. There are folded fabric points in the construction method. This does not allow for quilting edge to edge.

The second picture shows what I mean. I used a grey thread with a shine. I was surprised at how

much the thread blended into the colours making it a challenge to see.
Pictures of previous NYB I quilted.....

Sew...I need to finish the one I have started constructing. Of course I have no intention of setting the blocks like the quilts above. Although how to set them, is yet to be determined.
gudrun

Preserves

2010-07-10T06:32:00.009-04:00

It's been an exceptional year for rhubarb. This year I made 18 - 1 cup jars of various versions of rhubarb jam...rhubarb & blueberries, rhubarb & cherries and everyones' favourite rhubarb & strawberries.

The strawberries where fresh, the blueberries frozen and the cherries where a can of pie filling. I don't use pectin, half the usual amount of sugar, Knox brand gelatin and yes I put glass jars in the freezer.

So I am thinking I can't really call this jam. The jam police say it doesn't have enough sugar (and what's with the gelatin) to call it jam....fruit spread? Fruit compote?

Well let me assure you the fruit compote spread is yummy, especially on ice cream and perhaps a waffle.

gudrun

Vacation Time

2010-07-09T06:00:00.016-04:00

I am a fortunate person, able to have a summer vacation in a very beautiful place. Have a look...

I call this spot Baby Bear Bay, two years ago we were fortunate to see a wee brown bear here...from the safety of the sailboat :)) This is the view off the the bow, and below is the view from the stern. An old non functioning light house, of course I call this as Old Lighthouse point. You are looking at places on northern Georgian Bay known for its 30,000 islands. So who counted them, and when, and should they be counted again? Water level in the Bay is down significantly. I know of at least one more island that has arisen in the last couple years

Stay cool,

gudrun

SURE FOOTED GEORGE

2010-07-08T05:56:00.003-04:00

It's a good thing George is a cat, because the railing on this upper deck is not to code, it's only
about 2 feet high. I am not sure what I would do with this upper deck if we had youngsters living here.
gudrun

Baby Quilts

2010-07-07T08:25:00.001-04:00

Good Day from a very warm Ontario. A perfect day to stay put and do quiet things.

I quilted this wee quilt with spirals in the body, and continuous curves in the border. Apparently in the corners where I did the arcs to finish, one corner has more arcs....sheesh. Better an extra (which can be removed) then not enough I say :))

This is a quilt I made for a couple expecting their first. The papa was a favourite school teacher of my children. The baby arrived a few days ago, the quilt wrapped and ready is still sitting on the sideboard. I am just not sure when it would be good to drop in on the new parents.
I don't care to phone ahead, as I don't wish to either visit or create anxiety by announcing that I am arriving. I remember being a new mother. It was a long time ago, yet it feels like yesterday when I get to thinking about it.

This is my first attempt at a bargello style quilt. I see another one in my future.
I used what I learned from Jamie Walden's "ThreadFusion " to quilt a hearts meander on it. I neglected to take a 'back' picture, ha I am not unwrapping it to do so, the back is a turquoise blue with multi coloured hearts.
Happy Hump Day
gudrun

Quilt Guild Auction

2010-07-06T06:49:00.001-04:00

Last February, I had the pleasure of doing a happy dance when I acquired a stack of fabric for a stack of pennies.

This past Guild meeting I bought another stack of fabric, for a stack of dollars, but a bargain all the same. This lovely Hawaiian batik was among my bargains (yummy yes?!) a couple of audio tapes (silly me I 've heard them). I also took The Canadian Quilters, summer 2010 from the Guild library. I really like this magazine, and I think this last issue is great.

I don't have summer sewing plans in place....I always have projects it is a matter of choosing and getting on with it.

Happy Summer.
gudrun

Happy Canada Day!

2010-07-06T06:39:00.000-04:00

Wishing you a Happy Canada Day! Yes I am late...Canada Day was last Thursday. I was here Canada Day, watching our celebration parade from my lower deck. (Then I ran off for the rest of the weekend to go sailing)To be festive, on the top deck I hung a number of quilts. I heard many ohhhs and awws and lots very positive commentary. Really, really good marketing don'tcha think?
Happy Tuesday,
gudrun

Cat Quilt

2010-06-22T13:13:00.000-04:00

Oh my yes a rainy day, two postings and another cat quilt! This piece started out as
a set of place mats using the bits & pieces of 'cat fabric'.
I was scrap busting! Then along came a yard sale where several more pieces
of cat fabric jumped into my arms.

This is called 'Ode to Cats'. I have yet to add some more to the cat silhouettes,

what more I have yet to decide.
Recently, I was chatting about how quilts look when the sun is shining

through them. I love what happens. The quilting is not noticeable on most of the front,
but on a plain portion of the back, the outline quilting shows up very nicely. This scrap
quilt took much longer then I thought it should but as I had no plan....just kept sewing, cuttingsewingcutting, and then I stopped. It needs a label. It's for sale.
Happy Wednesday,
gudrun

Scissors

2010-06-22T09:25:00.000-04:00

It is a rainy day today. I am pleased it's raining. Yesterday I did
some planting....many of the gardening shops have sales.
The 'sale babies' need to be planted quickly, that's what I did
yesterday. I am trying cabbages this year. I am a big fan of 'slaws'.
I planted them near by and hope soapy water on them now and again,
will deter worms and such.

I've had some fun since I last blogged.
A friend sent me a pair of scissors, a duplicate of a pair
she sent previously, that I rave about. I in fact, panic
when I miss lay them. The gold has been lovingly used up.
Thanks Donna, your the best!! Now I have a pair near each
sewing machine.
gudrun

Garden Pictures

2010-06-03T12:33:00.000-04:00

The back yard view

Orange Poppies and lupines

looking at the poppies through the spruce

a new colour, neither pink nor orange, growing near barn door

Okay that's enough garden for today gotta go get some quilting done. Happy Thursday folks

He's almost a real person now....that's a quote.

2010-06-03T12:15:00.000-04:00

Grant's Hall & Class of 2010 Engineers Queens University June 1, 2010, Kingston On.

and the reason I attended.
gudrun

LOTS O' BAGS

2010-05-18T07:04:00.001-04:00

I found an amazing site, look (top) RIGHT at the side bar for a link to " DIY"
many many tutorials for bags. Awesome! I have many bag patterns and
now this resource. Time to make a new bag or five.

gudrun

BIG QUILTS

2010-05-17T10:45:00.000-04:00

This quilt measures 122" x 107". I mentioned in a previous blog, quilts are getting bigger. Families are acquiring large pillow topped mattresses. I can remember when a larger bed may have been useful in my home...3 kids and pets, but this nest is empty now.
I had to fold top edge, in order to photograph it...didn't want the all white back to find any dust bunnies (rhinos) behind the bed. It took a long time to quilt or so it seemed, one row took 2 + bobbins. The bobbin winder got a workout (smile)

Wishing you all a happy Monday,
gudrun

Hidden Treasurers

2010-05-15T13:56:00.000-04:00

I belong to a small group of like-minded fibre artists. We work around a theme and challenge
ourselves to step out of our 'boxes' .This is where you will find us.
I invite you to have a look at our first completed challenge.
Happy Saturday
gudrun

Hand made Buttons

2010-05-11T08:16:00.000-04:00

Just a little bit of interest...
I have been known to do 'crazy quilting', and so have collected bits and bobs to that end.
Look what I found. They were not what I was looking for, but I am glad I ran across them.

Happy Tuesday~
gudrun

Log Cabin Hearts.... no more trouble here.

2010-05-09T18:49:00.000-04:00

No more trouble here, and I didn't have to frog. (ripit ripit) Whew! That was too close for comfort, ripping stitches out is a very tedious chore, as I am sure you either know or can imagine.

I am so pleased that the quilt turned out as nice as it did. No reason it should not have, really. It started out pretty and though it was smaller through the middle than at the ends, and yes I created an additional headache for myself...it is a really pretty quilt soon to be bound in a soft pink...wish it was mine.

Happy Sunday,
gudrun

There's trouble here!

2010-05-06T09:26:00.000-04:00

Ohmigosh! The back of a lovely "Log Cabin Hearts"
quilt. I was working very carefully watching the
issues on the front. (that's my poor excuse) I took it off the frame to turn it. Look Gudrun look! What to my wondering eyes I did see...ohmigosh. Now what?
Not so happy this Thursday.
gudrun

What's in a phrase?

2010-05-05T08:49:00.001-04:00

I know I am not unique, really I am not :)) Therefore, there are others that have a problem with certain use of words and phrases. I am not thinking curse words here.
So here's my little rant on the phrase 'don't forget.....'.
When I hear 'don't' the first thing I think is 'now what?' It puts my back up, so to speak.
I resent the fact that the speaker thinks I have or will forget. I might but 'you' don't have
to make me feel bad about my ability to remember. As far as 'you' know, I may choose to forget.
It would be so much more positive to hear 'please remember'
Well! since you asked so nicely, I certainly will.
Thanks for listening/reading.

Happy Wednesday
gudrun

Big Quilts

2010-05-04T09:11:00.000-04:00

Quilts are getting larger. Perhaps it is the pillow top mattresses, whatever the cause I just finished quilting
a 115 X 97 in. panel quilt. Client said to do as I liked but to keep it in the basic panto budget. I was unable to come up with a pantograph that I thought would do the panels justice. So the end result was more custom quilting...SID (stitch in the ditch) using the panel frames. I made templates of two different eagles and added those with an open meander in the open spaces. It took a long time :)) Not in the basic panto budget but that's my problem.

Back showing the outline of one of the eagle silhouettes.

This quilt measures 100X100 inches. It was a kit, I purchased in 2006 while visiting my Mom and Dad.

I will never purchase a full quilt kit again...I have no idea what I was thinking. I hope I can sell this one.
The purchaser will need a fondness for green.

Preferably, a fondness for Bright green! I had to use the flash for the quilting close up, making an
incredible difference in the pictures. However,
it's still green.
Happy quilting
gudrun

Scrap Happy

2010-04-22T07:11:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I mailed a quilt to my Mom's friend Alex. This gentleman is truly
a gentleman, he treats my Mom with respect and kindness and jumps
to assist in any way he can. I recently took on the maintenance of her home.
She does not care to move but does want to deal with all the problems
associated with homeownership. In a nutshell, I am the new landlady,
she calls me with problems. So far all is fine, I am about 4000 kilometers
away but hey that is just a detail.
Gentlemen are disgusted when you offer payment for work, and I am
talking plumbing...a necessary. So I made him a quilt as I noticed

he has a threadbare old blanket on his lazy boy. Since I know him to be one of the original
recyclers, I know he will appreciate that this only cost me the postage to send it.
Sew.... made from scraps, quilted with random spirals and circles.

Backed with a flannel back(note to self directional patterns are not a lot of fun on the back)

from LQS where I had a coupon. And a pieced wool batt.

Once again the pictures don't do it justice even if I say so myself :)) I hope he likes it.
gudrun

Post Office Quilt

2010-04-19T10:17:00.000-04:00

This quilt is called "Post Office" I am guessing that the blocks
represent mailboxes and stamps. This is the second one of these
I have had the pleasure of quilting, the first piecer said it reminded her
of tissue boxes. Both quilts were made from batiks, too busy to see

much of the quilting except of course on the back. This was quilted using a medium
browns variegated thread and an oak leaf panto, the thread looks very light here
but that is just the effect of a bright sunny day and an unskilled photographer.

Two post in one day what's with that eh?
gudrun

New York Beauty

2010-04-19T10:03:00.001-04:00

It never fails to amaze me how many days slip by between blogs.
I am sure you've all heard that line before. (smile)
I have quilted three of this style "New York Beauty" quilts,
where the points are created by folding the fabric. Because of
this construct method the points do not lie flat and

care has to be taken quilting around them. It was a windy day which
should explain this strange picture of the entire quilt.

Happy Monday!
gudrun

Was it a Vacation?

2010-03-24T09:59:00.000-04:00

I have been visiting with my mother, in northwest B. C. for the past couple of weeks, which is (mostly) why the blog has been quiet.
The last two years my mom has been struggling with the loss of her husband and the maintenance of her home. This past visit she acknowledged what she does and doesn't want, to make a long story short, I am now her property manager. The past two weeks were spent

working on her back yard. The edges and the 'wayback' have been sadly neglected for a long time. Also my father was a 'saver' he brought back as much from the dump as he took to it. :))

His daughter sends her apologizes for getting rid of the collections, but she has absolutely no idea what to do with them...happily she found others that did have uses for some treasures, the rest went to the landfill.
The before and after pictures tell the story. What several able bodied people with shovels and rakes could do in a few days was done by one able bodied man and his landscaping machines did in a day and half.
Sort of like hand quilting and machine quilting eh!
Even though it is early to be planting I threw in a wack of grass, clover and wild flower seeds...it will be what it will be. I am positive it will be a lot better then what was there. Devil clubs are not a good landscaping choice. The next project is the new water line for township water (which came to the street last fall)....wahoo no more pump/well and water pressure issues.
Happy hump day folks!
gudrun

We Are More by Shane Koyczan

2010-02-22T17:49:00.000-05:00

The Gentleman's reading of a poem at the 2010 Olympiad opening ceremonies

was a...a spine tingling experience. Really liked his effort here is his poem. Hope you like it
well enough to read it all the way through :) eh I am a patriot.

We Are More

by Shane Koyczan

When defining Canada

you might list some statistics

you might mention our tallest building

or biggest lake

you might shake a tree in the fall

and call a red leaf Canada

you might rattle off some celebrities

might mention Buffy Sainte-Marie

might even mention the fact that we've got a few

Barenaked Ladies

or that we made these crazy things

like zippers

electric cars

and washing machines

when defining Canada

it seems the world's anthem has been

"been there done that"

and maybe that's where we used to be at

it's true

we've done and we've been

we've seen

all the great themes get swallowed up by the machine

and turned into theme parks

but when defining Canada

don't forget to mention that we have set sparks

we are not just fishing stories

about the one that got away

we do more than sit around and say "eh?"

and yes

we are the home of the Rocket and the Great One

who inspired little number nines

and little number ninety-nines

but we're more than just hockey and fishing lines

off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes

and some say what defines us

is something as simple as please and thank you

and as for you're welcome

well we say that too

but we are more

than genteel or civilized

we are an idea in the process

of being realized

we are young

we are cultures strung together

then woven into a tapestry

and the design

is what makes us more

than the sum total of our history

we are an experiment going right for a change

with influences that range from a to zed

and yes we say zed instead of zee

we are the colours of Chinatown and the coffee of Little Italy

we dream so big that there are those

who would call our ambition an industry

because we are more than sticky maple syrup and clean snow

we do more than grow wheat and brew beer

we are vineyards of good year after good year

we reforest what we clear

because we believe in generations beyond our own

knowing now that so many of us

have grown past what used to be

we can stand here today

filled with all the hope people have

when they say things like "someday"

someday we'll be great

someday we'll be this

or that

someday we'll be at a point

when someday was yesterday

and all of our aspirations will pay the way

for those who on that day

look towards tomorrow

and still they say someday

we will reach the goals we set

and we will get interest on our inspiration

because we are more than a nation of whale watchers and lumberjacks

more than backpacks and hiking trails

we are hammers and nails building bridges

towards those who are willing to walk across

we are the lost-and-found for all those who might find themselves at a loss

we are not the see-through gloss or glamour

of those who clamour for the failings of others

we are fathers brothers sisters and mothers

uncles and nephews aunts and nieces

we are cousins

we are found missing puzzle pieces

we are families with room at the table for newcomers

we are more than summers and winters

more than on and off seasons

we are the reasons people have for wanting to stay

because we are more than what we say or do

we live to get past what we go through

and learn who we are

we are students

students who study the studiousness of studying

so we know what as well as why

we don't have all the answers

but we try

and the effort is what makes us more

we don't all know what it is in life we're looking for

so keep exploring

go far and wide

or go inside but go deep

go deep

as if James Cameron was filming a sequel to The Abyss

and suddenly there was this location scout

trying to figure some way out

to get inside you

because you've been through hell and high water

and you went deep

keep exploring

because we are more

than a laundry list of things to do and places to see

we are more than hills to ski

or countryside ponds to skate

we are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait

we are first-rate greasy-spoon diners and healthy-living cafes

a country that is all the ways you choose to live

a land that can give you variety

because we are choices

we are millions upon millions of voices shouting

"keep exploring... we are more"

we are the surprise the world has in store for you

it's true

Canada is the "what" in "what's new?"

so don't say "been there done that"

unless you've sat on the sidewalk

while chalk artists draw still lifes

on the concrete of a kid in the street

beatboxing to Neil Young for fun

don't say you've been there done that

unless you've been here doing it

let this country be your first-aid kit

for all the times you get sick of the same old same old

let us be the story told to your friends

and when that story ends

leave chapters for the next time you'll come back

next time pack for all the things

you didn't pack for the first time

but don't let your luggage define your travels

each life unravels differently

and experiences are what make up

the colours of our tapestry

we are the true north

strong and free

and what's more

is that we didn't just say it

we made it be.

-Shane Koyczan

Fabric and the Happy Dance

2010-02-20T10:22:00.000-05:00

Fabric has a wonderful affect on me....even more wonderful when I get a bargain.

My guild had a silent auction and for a twoonie and some change I came away with this...
What is the effect you ask? I am again pleased with the world,
happy to have saved this mostly basement scented pile of scruffy looking fabric.
It's not basement scented anymore, just a bit scruffy.
I have a wimm that calls for stripes so lucky happy me.
It's off to the attic with the fabric (to get an attic scent) and I am
back to viewing the Olympics...go world go.
gudrun
wimm=workinmymind

Scrappy

2010-02-18T07:24:00.000-05:00

Here is a scrappy quilt, described by the customer as an everyday quilt, no need to concern oneself with dogs or children (jumping?) on the bed. I admit I don't get excited about basic scrappy quilts, and as you know if you read this blog, I don't care for the colours beige or brown. I am slowly becoming a convert.

Basic beige backing, gold thread, simple meander, and the result is what I hope the client asked for when she said, 'do whatever..... '

Happy Thursday
gudrun

A Landscape Quilts

2010-02-16T06:48:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of quilting this little landscape quilt. It took longer to do than I thought. ( It's these little ones that are deceiving.) Lots of thread colour changes, and due to the fusible I put the threads to the back with the intention of dealing with them from the back. Then I had a brain traf...called the client/friend and asked if she wanted to save money at the
'long armer'? She said sure and now she's dealing with the thread ends.
Good stuff!! The one thing I wasn't able to convince her was to use a different back on this piece. She used the left over fabric bits from this kit and pieced a sweet back. This is what's going to hang up against a wall. Hey! I am just saying....I too have used pieced backs. Not small block piecing though. That's the story.

The Question is

2010-02-13T08:14:00.000-05:00

What is a real art quilt? Someone said 'my first real art quilt' in reference to creating...my first real art quilt.
I mused on that for a while took the idea of bedding out stitching out to several layers of fabrics to more then two layers of fiber that took care of quilt, now the 'real art' part. Got stuck endless loop of real not real art not art.
gudrun

Olympics!!!

2010-02-13T08:13:00.000-05:00

Just have to add a note about Television....I am not a television person, (when the boys left the house, we
disconnect the cable (not internet). I had an anal discussion with the person on the phone when I attempted to disconnect, one that went in circles about my not wanting television, and she insisting that basic was
a good option, but not if you don't want cable :) It has been disconnected for about 4 years. Discovered a few weeks ago that we get several channels without connecting. Who knew? But I am sure
pleased to have this medium for the Olympics!! I hung on till midnight watching the opening ceremony.
Wahoo! So sad it isn't cold and snowy on the coast but heh nothing new there, eh.
I am going to see if I have a Canada toque somewhere! I recently bought a baby blue beanie, I like it but
it isn't 'patriotic'.
Lots of 'patriotic stuff.... I had to smile at the adverts that suggested ' we are nice, we are friendly, welcome, come on, get your ass kicked'
Bring it on, and lets pray no one else dies.
gudrun