Being Intentional

It has been a while again since I've posted anything. Last I did I was in the midst of getting well from my breast cancer scare. I am so glad that 2016 is finally over and done with and I have the hope and promise of 2017. Also glad that I have been cured. I don't take it lightly as I know many who are walking the cancer road. Not much fun!

 

 My chosen word for 2017 is 'Intentional'. I hope to do things with great intention this year. I hope to be an encouragement to those I know and those who I meet. I'm not perfect, just working on it! 

We've had such a cold snap the last couple of weeks and finally it's warming up considerably. This is great news since I have been walking to and from work. Have to watch the sidewalks though, because warmer weather means more icy sections. The sunrises have been spectacular though and I often find myself stopping and taking a photo or two despite the cold.

Last year, I did finish my Aviatrix Medallion quilt top and have yet to sandwich it together. I'm just trying to decide how I should really quilt it. I'm not the best at top stitching and thinking I should save up to have it done. It was such a fun journey in the midst of health challenges. I have to say this IS my favourite quilt to date!!!

Through out last summer I did up a few more hexagons. The quilt itself is starting to take shape. It is another that will be bright and cheery.

Last October I had the privilege of getting out to Victoria to visit my son Graham. It had been a long while between visits. It's always nice to see your children in their elements. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of us together but it was a really nice trip. I'm always happy when I can be by the ocean. It just seems right for me!

December found me celebrating Christmas with both of my children at my parents house. Elyse has moved back to Calgary and is currently living with me and Graham grabbed a last minute flight from Victoria to Calgary to join with the family. So nice to have both of them around. 

I made a small wall hanging for my living room to hang up for Christmas. Very pleased with the colours and the results. I used my Quick Curve Ruler.

I am now currently preparing some projects for my annual quilting retreat at the end of this month. Next posting I will show you what I've got planned once I have them ready.

Enjoy the upcoming week and live intentionally.

Shauna

 

  

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