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

 

Scrappy

My scrap pile just keeps growing and to be honest I wasn't sure how to use my scraps up and what would go together so I just kept adding to the pile. 

On the weekend I decided that I should take a look at my scraps and start with a plan. I pulled out several different fabrics that I thought might work together and started a string quilt. 

The jury is still out whether or not it all goes but I jumped in with both feet anyway and made a block.

I had bought a sheet from Ikea and that is what I using for my foundation. I cut my square at 12 inches and then squaring it up to 11 inches. My plan is to put the gold colour down the middle on each square.

So nice that summer is here and I can sit outside enjoying the sunshine and dream of the next quilt. What could be better than that?

 Enjoy your week where ever it may take you.

Crazy, Beautiful, Love Filled Summer

I see again that it has been for-ev-er since I have posted!

How does that happen?!

 

This has been the most wonderful summer for a long time.

It started in June with a lovely visit with my son in Victoria.

I had time to get away on holidays in early July with my parents.

Was wonderful to reunite with family in July and again in August for a wedding.

 

My sister and I went to see Michael W Smith in concert.  So fun!!

I spent time with my lovely daughter throughout the summer.

I helped as she got ready to head off to do her Masters in Toronto at Ryerson.

Watched beautiful summer sunsets. 

That meant little time for sewing but that's okay.

I did, however, manage a day away with friends and a couple of days at a friends house to quilt.

So still working away on the same quilt. 

Perhaps next week I can say I have finished this quilt top.

 

Different seasons in life.  

Life would be too boring if we did the same thing over and over.

There were some very hard and sad moments this summer but all in all, I wouldn't trade it.

At the end of it all there is always a rainbow of hope.

Hope your summer was good.  

I'm looking forward to fall and some time for quilting.

 

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

Summer and Thinking of Christmas

 Don't you just love summer!  These were actually from last year but there were so cheery I just had to post them.

More summer cheer

Reminds me so much of the prairies

Well, August is now half over and I have been thinking about what I had made last year for Christmas for each of my sisters and what I should do this year.  I have lots of ideas floating around in my head but haven't settled on one thing yet.

For inspiration I'll show you what I did last year.  Each of my two sisters got a table runner.  I enjoyed putting these together and wouldn't you know it I don't have one for myself.

I just loved the back on this one.  The fabric was from the Dr. Suess collection.  It was just the right shade of red and fun.

This one was for my other sister.  It was so fun to do the dresden plate pattern again (this was my second one like this - just different colours). . . and I would do this again. 

So the question remains . . .  what to do for this Christmas this year??