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

Quilting Finds in Victoria

Back from my jaunt to Victoria . . . what a breath of fresh air!

Got to a couple of my favorite haunts while I was in town.

One being Russell Books on Fort Street.

They always have a wonderful selection of new and used books.

Found a couple of used quilting books that are in perfect condition.

I have been enjoying looking through them and getting some ideas.

I also found the Satin Moon Quilt Shop also on Fort Street.

I found the store a little smaller than their previous location but none the less, found a few gems in there.  Didn't buy any fabric this time though - just a couple of patterns.

They are friendly and have a nice selection of Asian prints as wells as children's fabrics.

All in all a nice way to spend some time.

 

 

Everything was so green and lush in Victoria . . .

Flowers are already in bloom

Leaves are on the trees

People are enjoying the sunshine

 

And only a few drops of rain on my last day.

I had the privilege of enjoying a great cup of Java at my son's cafe called Heist.

It's a beautiful cafe on Courtney Street in downtown Victoria.

They do Americanos, Cappuccinos, iced coffees and various other kinds of coffee.

My son is very passionate about coffee and it was nice to see him in his element.

Graham treated me royally while I was visiting him.

One of these days, spring will come to us in Alberta. . .

 

. . .until then, I'll be thinking of my trip to Victoria.

 

Have a great day everyone!

 

Shauna

Too Cute Not to Post . . . .

Aren't these just the cutest slippers?

Perfect to take to a quilting retreat, don't you think?

Here is another work in progress . . . hoping to get some of it accomplished this afternoon.  I have been working on this for far too long . . . I think because I have struggled with the colours or something.  It is slowly coming together and I think in the end it will be cute.

And lastly I will leave you with a view from my back porch . . .

There are no words needed other than to say that we are now officially just shy of a month into Spring!

Shauna

'S' is for Spring . . .

Last week we had a huge dump of snow and it's been a little cold too

but today . . . . .

is absolutely beautiful 

The sun is shining, the snow is melting, the mountains look gorgeous 

and the birds are singing.

Can it get much better than that for a Saturday off??!!

My front door has been looking a little bare since the Christmas decorations came down.

I decided that I needed something 'springy' to hang on the door so went down to the local craft store to see what inspiration I could come up with.

I came home with a large 'S' and painted it a nice 'springy' green colour.

Then added the daisies at the bottom and a lovely bow.

Here it is hanging on the door.

Here's hoping that Spring is really around the corner and not just teasing us today!

Hope you are enjoying your weekend and all it brings!

Shauna

Oh Spring . . .

Wednesday was a beautiful balmy +17 C

Thursday started out not so bad and by the afternoon it was pouring buckets and buckets of water  . . .

then it turned to this . . .

I was worried about driving to work on Friday morning as you can see the roads look iffy but it wasn't too bad . . . 

Thankful to have snow tires still on!

Just noticed that this evergreen tree has a really wonky top . . .

what's up with that??

 

 After taking the snowy pictures I figured that one couldn't go wrong with a nice bowl of homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup and a fresh Pineapple for dessert

Here's hoping that your spring isn't as crazy as ours has been!

Enjoy your weekend!

Shauna

Spring

I think we are all waiting for Spring.  I saw these flowers at the store the other day and just had to have them to brighten up my life.  

I love the colour!

Don't you just love this fabric?

And how about these together?

So fun!!

Have a great day! 

Shauna