Musings of a Creative Mind

Again, it's been a long time! I'm really not sure where this year has gone. 

I have been watching Raiders of the Lost Art on NetFlix and have enjoyed learning about artists of times past. Some, of course, I like better than others but there is always some great stories that emerge. I find it interesting that most artists don't enjoy the fruits (monetarily speaking) of their labour while they are alive. Often times their style changes as they emerge as an artist and can take a while to unearth their unique style.

This made me muse about my quilting. I think when I first started, I was really into more traditional patterns and darker colours. I still really like them and find pleasure in most of my older quilts. 

 

Lately though, I find that the farther down this quilting road I go that I lean more towards a modern, happy bright colours. 

I can just see one of my quilts selling for cool 154 million dollars hundreds of years after I'm gone (haha, tongue in cheek of course). The auctioneer will lift up one of my quilts saying this was one of Shauna's earlier quilts done in the early 2000's. It's a rare piece as she moved towards the modern movement later on in her life. She studied under the tutelage on the internet of such works of Elizabeth Hartman, AmandaJean from Crazy Mom Quilts or Red Pepper Quilts. 

Too sad what one thinks about when they've been off work for too long!! Chances are my quilts will never be finished before I'm gone - too many WIP's hanging around. I'm not sure they will be worth anything other than family heirlooms.

Enough of my musings . . .

I have been working hard on my Aviatrix Medallion Quilt. So enjoying this journey. This quilt really does make my heart sing! 

Border three is attached.

 Border four is on.

Working on Border five. So much fun, so much colour!
 

I also worked on my Film at Five quilt. The top is finished. I have the backing and batting so now need to put together.

 

Since last reporting, I've also done up three pillowcases for a friend. Can't show you yet until I hear that I can put out pictures. 

Looks like I'll be heading back to work on a gradual basis starting August 2. Looking forward to getting into a routine and putting this cancer journey in the past.

Hope all is well in your world . . .

Shauna

 

Aviatrix Journey

One can always find something to make their heart sing. Quilting, friends, iced coffee, homemade iced tea and gardening are just a few. What makes your heart sing??

I have had a little of bit of time lately to work on my Aviatrix quilt. I just love all of the bright colours but I'm not going to lie, it has been a challenge!

I made myself a chart which was very helpful and would recommend if you plan to take on this quilt or any other that has lots of colours.

What I have liked about working on this quilt is that you pretty well cut out all of the pieces ahead of time. Then when you sit down to sew, you can sew.

Not perfect by any means and I must admit it does irk me a little but I'm trying to let it go.

Here's a picture of with the first border - a variation of grays. Not the best picture or lighting.




Then the second border with nice bright and cheery colours. I'm liking it a lot!!

I started on the third border . . . I can tell, it's going to be another fun one.

A friend come over this week  to help me with my yard work. It seemed daunting to me and I don't have any of the necessary tools. I should keep my eyes open for a shovel and a rake at garage sales this summer. So once we got it whipped into shape a little better, I bought a couple of perennials that I put into the ground. The more perennials that I get in the less it will cost as the years go by (I'm hoping). I like low maintenance!! If I had my way, I'd do what my neighbour did and just have a big patio. For now though, I'll continue to work with what I have.

I went from this . . . .

To this  . . .
 

Today was beautiful so once I got the plants in I sat and read while sipping my homemade iced tea.

Hope your weekend is going as nicely as mine is.

Shauna

Too Long and Lots of Water Under the Bridge . . . .

Okay, it's been too long when you have to think long and hard about what you password is. 

Sheesh . . .

I've had a busy couple of months but not doing 'fun' stuff like quilting. In early January, I found out some not so nice news, had surgery in February, am recovering and awaiting further treatments. Yes that's right, I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. Unfortunately for me, it runs in my family!! My mom is a survivor and I have a whole new appreciation of the things she went through about 15 years ago. 

Hence, the lack of quilting and fun around here. Just this past week I pulled out the aviatrix medallion quilt kit that I got for my birthday last year. 

This one will be a challenge for sure. Lots of little pieces and I haven't really worked with templates too much so it will be interesting. But just look at all the luscious colours!

 This is my attempt to organize all those little pieces.

I took an afternoon awhile back to make up my bias binding and sew it onto my wedding ring quilt. Still working on hand sewing it down on the back. It sure will be nice to have it finished and on the bed where it truly belongs. I love bias binding! Have you tried it?

I have been given such a wonderful gift from a friend that I met down in the Vulcan area and on the January retreat that I was at. She gifted me a beautiful embroidery machine that was unused. Thanks Ev! I tried it out just a couple of days ago and created this. I can think of many possibilities for this little machine.

Spring has sprung early in our neck of the woods. Generally, we don't really get nice warm weather until after the long weekend in May. Last Fall I planted some irises as they are one of my long time favourites. I was surprised when I saw them coming up because a few years ago I planted tulips and not one popped up. I guess I was lucky this this round.

Weeds and all . . . those thistles always seem to pop up too! Wonder how that happens?!

Just look at how much my rhubarb has grown. I can see stewed rhubarb and rhubarb pie in my future.

Well, I have to say that the hope of spring is very real for me this year. I have made it through surgery and just a round of radiation to go in late May. Looking forward to getting on to the next few months and life in general.

Have a great weekend!!

Shauna

January Retreat

I cannot believe how fast January has whipped by ... it seems I am saying that more and more these days. 

There were a group of us that used to go to a retreat every January and then the place that we had our retreat no longer was available. I think it's been a couple of years since we were able to get together. What a lovely group of ladies who gathered. Each one was so very talented and offered so much to the group.

I started off by making valentines but still have to put them together. Have been debating what to do for sashing therefore I haven't finished it. There are nine and should make a lovely wall hanging.

Then I worked from start to finish on a Christmas quilt that I have had for a while. It was a kit and I took the time to cut out all of the fabric before I went. I love that it old fashioned.

The camp we were at is in a beautiful setting. Just before we got there they had just had snow. It warmed up considerably and was very windy and most of the snow disappeared. There is something beautiful about winter photography landscapes.

I also got another swoon block completed. It's happy as usual. I think I have 4 completed now.

I was really productive at the retreat. Felt so good to just sit and sew. I also started to put together a kit that I've also had for a very long time. It is not really colours I gravitate to now but it is a lovely quilt and I will finish it. Perhaps it will be one to donate or gift.

The setting was just perfect for taking pictures of quilts outside and could not resist taking a picture of my dresden plate. It just looked so wonderful with

the colour against the backdrop of drabness.

 

Well, this entry has been long enough. I will leave you with a picture that was greeting me as I drove back to my place. Always nice to get away, but always nice to land back at home.

Have a wonderful week!

Shauna

Post Christmas / Holiday Cheer

I can't believe that we are already into 2016. Where has the time gone?!

I am pleased as punch that I have my first finish of 2016. 

 

It has been a fun journey from start to finish. This was a project started with my friend Wendy. We had been collecting red and white fabric to use in a quilt. It took us a while to decide what block we wanted to do and eventually settled on a Dresden Plate. 

This has been one of the easiest and most satisfying quilts to make. 

It truly went together relatively quickly and easily. Who doesn't love a Dresden Plate?

The blocks are a decent size so it makes for a good size quilt in no time.

  
These are a couple with my favourite centers. I decided to deviate a bit adding the aqua and black colour for a splash to both the centers and the corner block to break up the scrappy sashing.

This was a pretty good stash buster too - Bonus!!

Is this not the cutest and most adorable stocking?! I just got it in the mail from Jen over at Glinda Quilts. She has become a great blogger friend. Check out what she has accomplished.

I've had a glorious 10 1/2 days off work. I have enjoyed recharging, relaxing and having a great time with family over the Christmas break. Christmas day was one of the most fun that we've had for a long time. We laughed until it hurt. 

I trust that your 2016 is wonderful and blessed!

Shauna