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

 

  

Working Hard or Hardly Working

I don't have much to show for all the work I have been doing.

I have been working away on my double wedding ring quilt.

It seems that if you start working on a stage and have it figured out,

 you should keep working away at it before you loose your skills.

Doesn't look like much but this picture represents a few hours of work.

 I think I have half the amount of melons needed for a second row.

I also took time this past week to caulk my bathtub.  

 had to go online and review a youtube video 

which was most helpful and got the job done.

About a year and half ago, I went to visit my daughter in London, England.

I had heard about Liberty London and took a trip down there by myself and just 

gawked at all of the pretty fabric and other items in the store.

I was on limited funds back then and came away with nothing.

Then on my last day in London, I went back with my daughter 

and she encouraged me to buy 'something'

or I would regret it.

I found this little pack of hexigons with 50 different fabrics and papers.

I brought them home with me and have been sitting down here and there to work away on them.

The colours and patterns are all so diverse.

This one is such a cutie!

Wouldn't you agree?

I hope that one of these days that I will have a finish to show.

I bought backing at the last quilting retreat
for my Tessellating Crosses quilt so am going to stretch it out
and put it under the machine to quilt.

 I guess I like having quilts at all stages. 
I like having the choice of different projects to work on,
or maybe I deceive myself and really only have ADD.

I am enjoying my long weekend and I hope you are too if it's a long one for you too!

Shauna

Hexagons Revisited

I forgot how incredibly relaxing and rewarding working on my hexagons could be.

I've had a little bit of time this weekend to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air while dreaming, reading and working on my hexagons.

 As you can see I have it really good; 

iced coffee and the perfect bag to hold all of my supplies 

made by Jenn at Glinda Quilts.  

If you haven't visited her blog, take a peek around.

 I'm trying to be real random in sewing them together.

I have one row together and a good start on the second.

It's starting to look good.  The blank spots will have a neutral background with embroidery in the center.  Looking forward to getting all of my supplies out to pick out colours.  I haven't embroidered for a while - well actually a few years now.  

I used to be a hard core crossstitcher in my former life!!

It has been busy around here with kids home and two weddings.

Lovin' it though!

I even talked my son into mowing the lawn for me . . . it took all of 5 minutes!!

I am so blessed to have two very wonderful kids 

and I miss them when they aren't around!!

 . . . but am so grateful that they have grown into very independent 

and incredible members of society.

Who could ask for more?

Thought I'd finish with a couple of flower pictures from my summer.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend so far.

Shauna

Working Hard or Hardly Working . . . .

I've been revisiting a couple of the projects that I have on the go.

It looks like I am starting to making headway on both of them.

I have 33 of these blocks done up.  When I calculate I think I will need 36 blocks to make this quilt on point.  I've been wanting to make a Christmas quilt for some time time now so am glad that I've gotten this far.  

I'm either behind or well ahead of schedule for the holidays!

I prefer to think the later.

I will need to purchase fabric for sashing and also for the set in triangles.  

Any ideas as to what colour I should use?  

I've also been sitting and working on my hexies in the evenings and finding it quite relaxing.

I now have 38 of these completed.

I love them because they are so cheery and can brighten up a dreary winter evening.

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend!

Shauna

26 and Counting

 26 and only a zillion more to go . . .

I love the variety!

 

I'm awaiting the arrival of my son from Victoria later today.  I'm so excited that he is able to come for a few days.  Life is good when you can spend time with your kids.

I'm still on a kick about clouds - they continue to be so beautiful.  

Isn't it wonderful this world that God has created for us to enjoy?!

My daughter's blog also mentions the beauty of the clouds.  

Check it out if you have a moment.

Canadian Tire had their Dahlia's on sale last week so I picked one up for the deck. 

Aren't they beautiful and such a lovely shade of pink!

Blessings on your day,

Shauna

Summer Time

 I can't believe that it has been so long since I have blogged.  The days seem to be going so fast.

Lots of upcoming changes in my life.  Some good and some not so good but that's what life is made up of.  We sold our house in two weeks, much faster than anticipated.  So now to pack, move and get settled into a new life and place.

If any of you know me at all, you know that I am a huge Winnie the Pooh fan - there seems to be a fair amount of wisdom in that old bear.

"What day is it ?"  asked Pooh

"It's today," squeaked Piglet

"My favorite day," said Pooh

I am learning that there are no guarantees with life so to take everyday as it comes is the best.  If you look hard enough you will find the good in every day so then it can become your 'favorite day'.

 

The clouds in our area have been so spectacular lately so I had to snap few pictures.

What a display.

I am still working on my quilt called Three in a Box.  Only have 7 more blocks to do.  Not sure why I always feel the need that bigger is better, however, that's where I am right now.  By the time this is all put together it should be queen size.  I'm loving it!

I find that summer time is the best time to work on my hexies and I was able to make some progress the other day.

Hope you all are enjoying your summer so far.  

Shauna

The Makings of a Hexagon Quilt

I think the picture speaks for itself . . .

Shauna