Quilt Workshop

I love my quilting friends and am glad that they invite me and welcome me to come on retreats, workshops and quilting days with them. Doesn't always work since I am still working but I seem to fit in time every once in a while.

Sunday was a workshop day in a beautiful setting about 45 minutes south east of Calgary. The workshop was on learning the Judy Niemeyer technique in the form of a wall hanging.

Here's my first half of the leaf. I think it may be tricky to do the stem though.

And here is additional fabric to be used in the project.

I joined the Sew Sisters Batik Lover's Club this year and was able to use fabric from that to do this project.

As I previously said, the workshop was by Caresland overlooking the bow river. It felt so good get out of the city. Although I grew up in the city and now am back I think I really am a country girl at heart. I really love the prairies. I often wonder if I like the country so much because I spent the early part of my married life in small towns where life was simple and good. Both of my kids were born during that time.

I am slowly going though things here in the house. I have never been so motivated to go through my 'stuff'. So far I've been through my clothes and the linen closet. A huge bag of things to be donated and I feel so much lighter. I tend to be a keeper and I am surprising myself lately in what I have been able to purge. It really does feel good.

My plan this fall is to so some painting upstairs. The former owner used wallpaper downstairs so not sure how to proceed with that so may just live with beige walls for a bit longer until I get motivated or decide what I what to do.

I've been slowing trying to get my sewing room organized and am looking at rearranging things. There isn't much I can move around but am going to attempt to see if I can make it work a bit better for me.

In working on getting organized I found this cute garbage pail at the dollar store.

Still debating on what colour I will paint the walls. The other thing that I need to do in my sewing room is to get some better lighting as it's not the greatest for working on projects. It is nice for watching TV or relaxing though.

On the list is also an old dresser that former neighbours had given to us years ago. 

When we got it, it was covered in stickers and missing some hardware. 

The colour I plan to use on the body is called Inglenook by Fusion Mineral Paint and then I'll stain the top. Currently it is used for extra fabric. 

It's funny how some weeks I have lots to say, and other weeks nothing at all. 

Thanks for sticking in to the end. Hope your week is going well.

Shauna

Visit With a Sweet Friend

Earlier this summer, I had a chance to drive up from Calgary to Rocky Mountain House to visit a dear friend of mine. We figure that we have know each other for 45 - 50 years.  Now that's a long time!!

We just seem to pick up where we left off each time we have the chance to get together which isn't often enough.

 While I was there we took a drive out to Twin Lakes and went for a short walk. It's such a beautiful spot to take in the scenery and motor boats are not allowed on the lake so it was nice and quiet.

I could just sit all day and drink in this view.

I liked the way the lily pad picture turned out. I think it looks almost like a Monet painting. Would make an interesting quilted wall hanging.

It truly was a beautiful day out in the woods, enjoying nature with a dear friend. 

I wish all summer days could be like this.

 

We have had spectacular sunsets and yesterday the sun was a bright red. Probably due to the may forest fires we have going on in Alberta and BC right now. 

Hope you are enjoying your summer.

Shauna

 

A Bright Spot in the Week

Why is that the short weeks at work always seem really long? 

I can't say it has been a hard week, just lots to do at work and we are at a time right now where we are checking students to see if they have met their conditions. Sadly some haven't and it's always hard to have to send the letter to let them know that they can't attend the program that they were intending to for the Fall. Much nicer to send out offer letters than rejection letters.

We have had wicked weather this week too! Hail, heavy rain and flooding in some areas of the city. My garden in the front of my house isn't looking as good as it was at the beginning of the week. Oh well, we are at the mercy of the heavens. This is what I came home to Wednesday after work.

That being said, I have been working away on my Dresden Plates. Probably not as diligently as I could but none the less, working away at them. Definitely a bright spot in the week.

I have this lovely stack of 12 Dresden's just waiting to be sewn up.

I managed to get 2 pinned together.

And finally sewn onto the background.

I have been thinking about doing a hexagon shape for the center rather than the normal circle. I've seen one at V and Co's blog about finishing a Dresden. Gives it a unique and nice finish.

One night this week I had to dash out to the drug store. Right beside the drug store is a florist. They had a bucket with the most gorgeous roses outside the door that said 'Free Today'. So was tempted to take all but I resisted and just took one and it has graced my table for the past few days.

Isn't she lovely?

Time to get this day started. I'm off to a birthday party for my 16 year old niece. Oh to be that young again!

Have a beautiful weekend!