All Over the Place

I commented to a friend this week that I must have ADD when it comes to quilting . . .

I'm all over the place and this week I don't have much to show for my efforts or lack thereof.

I got myself a library card . . . great deal!! as I can't afford to indulge in any new quilting magazines and books right now so have found a treasure trove at the library.   

It's fun too 'cause one can browse through the books and then when you want to purchase, you've made an informed decision. 

I have two finishes this week,  one I can't show as it is for a friend and the other finish that I do have, has nothing to do with quilting . . .

I am slowly getting some of pictures framed from my Europe trip 

and this lovely picture has made the cut.

I love the frame that I found for this picture.  To me it is very french and suits the picture well.  I loved being in Europe and among all of the wonderful history that is there.  Being in London, then Paris and Bologna, I was really captivated with French architecture and Versailles very interesting and opulent.  Where I live in western Canada, it's too new to have that kind of history - interesting for sure, but very different.

On to fabric . . . 

I have a quilting retreat coming up shortly so have been going through my stash to see what I should work on.  I have someone close to me who is going through cancer right now and is doing treatments so want to make a lap quilt for her.

Here is what I have pulled from my stash.

Aren't these just the most beautiful colours.  I'm really excited to get started on this quilt and will try to get a good portion of it cut out before the retreat so that I can sew, sew, sew!

I even have backing fabric in my stash so it should come together quickly.  I find it interesting that we have what we need when we need it and this is proving to be the case in this situation.

 . . . and people laugh at me for buying fabric and stashing it!!! Can you believe that?!

 

Speaking of sewing, I purchased a smaller Janome to take to retreats with me.  

The one that I have at home and love is soooo heavy to cart around so I am looking forward to putting less strain on my arm and shoulder.

Also at the retreat we are going to be making Neonatal quilts for the hospital and I was very pleased at the material that I found.  I'm looking forward to working on this too.  

As I post this, I am listening to a French station from Paris . . . I find it rather soothing while I do other things, like post, cut fabric or sew.  

I guess I am hoping that I'll pick up French by osmosis.  

Don't think it's going to happen though!  :)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and that the sun shines where you are 

 - if not outside, at least in your heart!

I'm linking up with AmandaJean as I technically have a quilting finish (even though I can't show right now) and a picture framed.

Shauna

My Grandma and Quilting

I have always been in love with quilts. 

This is a picture of my Grandma's sewing machine.  Nothing fancy or complicated but boy could she sew.  She would make quilts for everyone in the family as well as the MCC (Mennonite Central Committee).  Many people have be fortunate to have a quilt or pillow made by my Grandma.  I've had my quilt from Grandma for almost 50 years now!!  Sure it's tattered in places but it has been loved and is one of my most cherished possessions.  Grandma's quilts were never made from elaborate patterns nor did they have fancy applique on them, but they were made with love.

I was not a quilter while Grandma was alive and that is sad to me.   I would love to sit and chat with her and learn all of her tricks.  She was a master at picking out colours and putting squares together.  Her mitered corners are next to none!

Inspiration for my quilting has come from my Grandma as well as the myriad of books that I love to look at and read and blogs that inspire me.  I have a niece who is now learning to sew and hopefully one day I can share some of the things that I have learned along the way with her.  That would make my Grandma proud!