Time to Spend

Sewing Loot

2012-02-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

Our Modern Quilt Guild met last Thursday; always inspiring. Our meetings are scheduled to last two hours but I have noticed lately that slowly we seem to be reluctant to call it a night!
There is just so much information, inspiration, show n tells and 'buzz' to take in; sometimes two hours just isn't enough time.
Besides it took me another hour or more once I got home .... wow. I had many quilts, colors swirling around in my mind.... I couldn't get to sleep right away.

So here it is Saturday morning, and I have laid out all my 'loot' from our guild meeting. My awesome doorprize from Happy Sew Lucky; my fat quarter swap (monthly event - so fun); my Meadowsweet fabrics from our dear Eryn Trent Fraser, plus custom designed fabric to make bunting for an upcoming Sewing show.

Just in time for Valentine's Day.... beautiful bunting from Happy Sew Lucky. This is getting sewn today! And some really sweet Anne Taintor coasters (love Anne Taintor)

I brought a few spools of Aurafil thread that I purchased at the Bent Needle in Mission BC last weekend. Aurafil thread is so lovely to sew with! I am a true fan. Besides one of my resolutions for 2012 is to learn more about threads and needles... (really).

One of our members (Eryn) is a self proclaimed fabric hoarder, who occasionally 'purges' fabrics from her vast collection. These are some of the lovelies that I have taken off her hands. LOVE.

And many members of our guild, belong to other guilds (myself included) and we do like to reach out to support each other. This is my raffle ticket for the Langley Quilters' Guild.

Happy Sewing All.

Door prizes

2012-02-07T22:28:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I placed an order of books to be shipped by mail. I seem to be getting into the habit of reading online. I said that I never would do it, but I find that I do, and all the time. But there is something satisfying about holding a book in my hands, especially a craft book!

The book "Pretty in Patchwork" was a door prize at our Modern Quilt Guild retreat which I did not win. But I was sure to include it in this order.

This is to come (in the mail!). Three of these books I have looked at front to back and they are 'keepers'. The book by Elizabeth Hartman of www.ohfransson.com fame, I am sure will not disappoint.

February quilt retreat

2012-02-05T22:01:00.000-08:00

Sunday night... so tired, but I spent the weekend at our modern quilt guild retreat. and yes, I need to put my laundry load into the dryer; unpack my sewing machine and my sewing supplies. But as I am stretched out on our sofa, laptop on hand... I am posting a few pictures. So enjoyable and now sorry that it is over.

Inspiring.

January - Goals

2012-01-30T00:40:00.000-08:00


I find myself sewing in the kitchen simply because my sewing room has become so cluttered! I made a goal to purge, re-organize, de-clutter my sewing room this month. It is almost the end of January, so this weekend I made my move.

So I spent most of Saturday emptying the cardboard boxes I had stacked in the middle of the room. There were photo albums from my parents house; all my daughter's high school memorabilia and odd and ends that really needed to go! It is a terrible misuse of this space - but I find myself dumping things in my sewing space that I just don't want to deal with. Then I run from the room closing the door behind me! I am such a procrastinator.

So nice to purge - really it is, and now that I have cleared everything that was in the way, satisfying to see what really is important to me.

I spent hours pressing, folding and wrapping all my fabrics. Sigh.... I love vintage style fabrics.

This is what my cupboard looked like after I reorganized. It is like playing 'doll house'; at least that is what it feels like. All my sewing accessories: my vintage patterns, pins, button tins & bolts of fabrics are like the 'doll house' furniture.

I may need a bigger cabinet. Happy new year all.

January vision for 2012

2012-01-22T12:49:00.000-08:00

I attended a very inspiring & fun workshop this weekend designed around envisioning your goals for the new year. We were a large and enthusiastic group.
Apparently, a big part of my vision is keeping my 'vintage vibe' strong while deciding what 'treasures' are worth keeping. If you don't get what that is about..... purging!

Being middle-aged, for me, means having alot of stuff. But you eventually must ask yourself, what is worth keeping or letting go?

My fabrics stay!

January Joys - grateful for the time I've been given

2012-01-22T12:23:00.000-08:00

It was a very snowy past week - so much snow in fact that the university where I work was closed for the week!

I made good use of the time - catching up on laundry, naps, reading and lots of sorting of fabrics and sewing.

I quilt, and have accumulated a large collection of quilt fabrics as well as scraps from past projects. The pieces aren't small enough to throw away, so I keep them.

I love every bit of the fabric purchased and like to use up every little bit! Hence I have at least a dozen large Ziploc bags filled with scraps of lovely colorful fabrics that I can't part with.

I have always been fond of 'wonky stars' or maverick stars as I have seen them described. Quilt or table runner? I haven't decided but I love these gentle little stars.

January Joy - a.k.a. Snow Day

2012-01-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

A news broadcast this evening explained that this Monday is known as Blue Monday - the saddest day of the year - something to do with lack of sunshine, winter cold & other obvious winter realities..... But today was a snow day... a big snow front moved into the valley and it snowed 40cm. The university campus where I work was closed due to weather. Awesome. I found it to be a refreshing, and unexpectedly pleasant surprise.
Sooooo, this is what I worked on today! I think I might be in love with wonky stars.

New Year 2012 is almost here

2011-12-31T10:24:00.000-08:00

My latest kitchen acquisition from Lepp Farm Market.

Happy New Year Eve everyone! I have begun to shake off the turkey and Christmas baking haze! Hub & I were out yesterday afternoon getting some fresh air & running errands which included a stop at our favourite farm market, Lepps - which I recommend. Freshest fruit & vegies, a great selection of meats, cheeses, bakery goods plus kitchenware that delights me! This place really captures the magic of Abbotsford. For me at least.

Hub was kind enough to take me to a few quilt stores - and I found my heart's desire at Quilt Essentials! If you live in the vicinity - please check out the fabrics! Lots on sale too!

And I have begun to feel healthy again - I had the worst cold this past week! Thank goodness for that 'Christmas adrenaline' rush that helped get me through the Christmas festivities.... and, well I did take alot of cold medications. But I am feeling like myself once more and pulled out the sewing machine. I am completing my double hourglass quilt top. I hope to have it all pieced before the New Year begins.

Wishing you many wonderful adventures in 2012.

Countdown to Christmas - week four

2011-12-23T23:37:00.000-08:00

Baking is done.... although there is still butter on the counter.... more short bread cookies might be made in the morning.

The nativity has been carefully set up (by hub) ......

.... the tree is sporting a Santa hat this year... Gifts are wrapped, but the stockings still need to be stuffed...

But it is looking a lot like Christmas at our house! Merry, Merry All!

JOY

2011-12-18T13:21:00.000-08:00

Source: google.com via Jan on Pinterest

OK.... just one more little Pinterest post - I love that you can embed photos onto your blog, which is what I am doing in the post, but it would be cool to have this picture up as a button for the entire Christmas season.
This is so simple and sweet.
I have completed lots of Christmas baking and goodies today: Almond Roca, mincemeat tarts, white chocolate cranberry nut clusters - it was a very productive morning. I have even made our spicy meatball dish for Christmas Eve.
Now, I haven't wrapped one gift yet! But I think this upcoming week will give me enough time.... The countdown will continue...

Just a brief interlude... before the Christmas countdown continues...

2011-12-18T10:19:00.000-08:00

Source: moderndaymoms.com via Kathie on Pinterest

Saw this lovely little picture via Pinterest. I love Pinterest. Pictures really do speak volumes; as well by having access and the means to collect lovely ideas, sentiments and moments shared online - you quickly become aware of what you like and what you want. So pleasing. This little homemade mouse pad captured it for me. Simple, practical, do-able and beautiful. Elevating the 'everyday'.

Countdown to Christmas - week three

2011-12-15T12:21:00.000-08:00

Oh this month is progressing very quickly! I am crossing off events on my December calendar very quickly.... two guild December holiday celebrations - check. Family Christmas Get-together dinner - check! It seemed that I looked forward to these Christmas events for so long, and in a blink they have passed. Tomorrow will be our departments' potluck luncheon & after that Christmas break is one week away. I haven't wrapped any of my gifts nor have I completed my gift shopping! Today I am home with a bit of flu/headache, etc.... Not being very productive today. Hence this post midweek!

On a bright note, I have begun my Christmas baking, and hub is my taste tester. These lemon tarts, maybe a little tooooo tart, will be goodies for hub to eat. Good, but perhaps a little less lemon zest next batch. I have made butter tarts (& stashed them in the downstairs freezer) and up next are my whipped shortbread - always good.

Another bright note; look at this really sweet bag that Barb from our FVMQG made for me! She embroidered my name on the handle - I love it. Plus it is reversible too. And look at the sweet piece of fabric she gave me! Thirties inspired and turquoise - LOVE - LOVE 1930's fabrics and especially turquoise. Thanks Barb, now I must think of something good to spring on you in the New Year!

Christmas is definitely in the air. Merry Merry all !!

Countdown to Christmas- week two

2011-12-10T09:38:00.001-08:00

The little felt snowflake on my Advent calendar has traveled to week two of the Christmas season.
It is a grey frosty morning and I am prepping for our family Christmas dinner with our Mom in Langley. My younger brother is arranging this family event and we are all pitching in.

Some food to take this afternoon. I am looking forward to this family get-together.

Our Mom who is now wheelchair bound, will really appreciate this dinner. She was the 'queen of Christmas dinners' & this will never be forgotten. Part of my Christmas celebration each year always honours my parents. They were such generous people and loved this season.

And, no I haven't done my baking yet, but I may have something to report on that in a day or two. But in the meantime, I did pack up my sewing machine, a big step towards getting other things done,like baking! Here is a little picture of Christmas bunting! I made bunting for all my friends this year, plus some for our bookcase - a nice way to use up bits & pieces of fabrics.

Merry merry all!

Countdown to Christmas - week one

2011-12-07T07:31:00.001-08:00

This is the bunting that I have made for one of my quilt guild's Christmas meeting - it will decorate the gift table, and then become a door prize. All my other Christmas buntings have been mailed out in brown envelopes to dear friends, along with all my Christmas cards. This is worth making note - usually my cards are in the mail a week before Christmas.

I seriously have to step away from my sewing machine and get into the kitchen! I have some Christmas baking to do! Perfect opportunity - hub is working tonight. Merry merry all!

Vintage Market

2011-12-04T09:52:00.001-08:00

What a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon! Touring the Christmas Fieldstone Vintage Market plus a coffee date with a friend. I scored this beautiful old oak rocker, plus these vintage kitchen items. Love the vendors - they are all so friendly; and the prices for all of their 'one of a kind' wares are sooo reasonable.

I would have taken photos while I was at the market, but I had my daughters little doggie tucked inside my coat. She loved the outdoor market and all the attention -but I wasn't able to reach into my bag for the camera all that easily.

And now it is the next day, and I still wished I had purchased more! Ah well, next time.

Potholder Swap with VMQG - part two

2011-12-03T09:17:00.001-08:00

oooh, my squishy parcel arrived by post yesterday! Thanks Paula! LOVE LOVE these potholders - LOVE the vintage vibe 'Cherries Jubilee' Moda fabrics, the colors, everything about them. They will look great alongside my milk-glass collection.

Love this Fat Quarter of fabric. So thoughtful.

Potholder Swap with VMQG

2011-11-30T07:20:00.001-08:00

This lovely Potholder swap that our Fraser Valley Modern Quilt guild is having with the Vancouver Modern guild has really added to the season's excitement. I mailed out my potholders early this week and now I await my potholders by mail.

Good old fashioned parcels in the mail! How sweet is that?

These are my potholders! I finished them on the Remembrance Day long weekend - I let them sit on my table for weeks!

This was my inspiration! This is a 4 inch double hourglass block....I have made so many of these blocks, all sizes. I love them and plan to make a large vintage-vibe quilt.

I love the Michael Miller 'fifties kitchen" fabric on the back!

Ooh, this is the last day of November but my Christmas spirit is in full swing. I usually start to feel it's full effects when I need it most, like the week before December 25th. That is when I need that extra inspiration to get me through all my Christmas preparations. It works for me every year.
But my Christmas spirit arrived the last week of November this year. I am glad. I really want to savour this time - from the Christmas cards, the baking, the vintage craft markets, the get-togethers; and those wonderful long letters from dear friends.

The beginning of Christmas

2011-11-27T15:48:00.001-08:00

Oh it is Grey Cup Sunday here in Canada! but I spent my day with two dear friends browsing a craft market, and unintentionally found some Christmas spirit. Our date & time to get together had been switched several times... I actually was fuming a bit but really didn't want to miss being together with these two! It is always mysterious, Christmas spirit I mean; it comes upon you in the most unexpected ways.

Sometime during our time together, our animated conversations & laughing/crying, sharing... 'ping' I was struck! I do attribute these moments to our long-standing friendship - we have been friends for decades! Old friends are like a mirror; and I usually like what I see in the reflection. It is the passing of time that confirms it - what I see in that same reflection, again and again. We have changed over the years and yet we are still those same 20-somethings we once were. This might be where my discovery of Christmas spirit has sprung - grateful to have my faith in friendship renewed again and again.
And, along with everything else that Christmas is, it's coming also signals another year's end is almost upon us. This always makes me nostalgic!

All in all, this was a good day.

Sewing Treasures

2011-11-13T11:25:00.001-08:00

I have been busy.... sewing that is! Completed 81 double hourglass blocks. This project will be an album of my bright happy fabrics.

actually.... I have made more than 85 of these 8 inch blocks

I haven't decided exactly how big this quilt will be. But it should be at least twin-sized, or maybe full. I love this pattern! I am making small ones now which are sooo sweet.


These blocks are only 4 inches. so cute!

Here is a sampling of wooden spools I won at this week's Silent Auction.


Our quilt guild in Ridge Meadows held a silent auction last Tuesday. These are some of my treasures that I bid hard for & won ~ I adore these metal bobbins, they almost make me want to pull out my old Kenmore sewing machine!

A lot of members donated old notions from their sewing rooms - I loved the old vintage instructions on this Dritz Ezy-Hem. This was a great fundraiser, alot of great old sewing notions were quickly snapped up. All proceeds are for our guild library!

I love these pieces of check fabrics - $1.00 for the three of them.

Here are more wooden spools of thread. I find looking at these very comforting. When did they stop putting thread on wooden spools anyways?

Side trips

2011-11-07T06:36:00.000-08:00

Oh I am so easily side-tracked, but at least I am on the right map! I am supposed to be piecing together my Mod Sampler but instead I have been putting together double hourglass blocks.... I saw a great tutorial for this quilt on one of my fave blogs Cluck Cluck Sew back in 2009. Alison is brilliant. It has been on my 'To Do' list ever since.

Ah well, I am still in 'quilt land', and really liking being fully immersed in sewing projects! I have sewn 80 blocks of these beauties. They are so nice to sew and really give me an opportunity to showcase many of my favourite fabrics. Lots of American Jane, Bliss & other assorted 1930's repro fabrics.

Here is another diversion - I spent last Saturday at a free motion quilting class. I may not be ready to re create this beautiful feathering, but I am ready to quilt flowers!

Modern quilt block sampler

2011-10-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

Ok this is the 3rd (third!) set of fabric choices for our Fraser Valley Quilt Guild challenge.

The challenge.... to re-create the Modern Quilt Sampler designed by Elizabeth Hartman of "Oh Fransson" . This is a great sampler. It is beautiful, elegant, simple; lending itself to many different fabric combos.... hence my dilemma.
Don't think I don't recognize 'my dilemma' as a thinly disguised procrastination. I am a terrible procrastinator! My motto for all quilting or sewing projects should be "just sew the da** thing!".
And the first two selections for this Mod Sampler quilt? They were beautiful - the first was a lovely selection of bright oranges (Meadow Sweet a la Sandi Henderson) with white and grey solids; the 2nd was a fabulous range of Bliss fabrics with lots of pinks, reds & aquas.
The great part of this project being a Guild challenge is that I must have this top completed by next meeting - so first week of November! Stay tuned.

Mini Bolts

2011-10-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

See the bolts of fabric, to the left of the wicker basket? There is a clever idea circulating around the blogosphere lately.... a way to display and sort quilt fabrics. This method is called 'mini bolts', whereby a piece of sturdy cardstock/cardboard (approx 7" x 11") is wrapped with half a yard or more of quilting cotton. It is folded/wrapped and then I use one of my crazy quilt pins to secure it. The result .... a mini bolt of quilt fabric that is much easier to display than having everything in baskets! You know, a mini version of a bolt of fabric from a quilt shop. This reminds of playing 'house' when I was a kid, except now I can pretend my sewing room is my own fabric store. I will have to come up with a name for my store! Also, I have re-discovered fabric purchases from a year or so ago... wow I have lots of fabrics.

Fieldstone Vintage Market

2011-09-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

Oh I do hope this become an annual event! Spent Saturday morning with two dear friends at the first Fieldstone Vintage Market. It was wonderful. And it reminded me that whenever I go wandering the world (albeit via the internet) looking for my heart's desire that I really need only look in my own hometown! (... a quote from the Wizard of Oz, I think)...

Just a few of my treasures! My market bag was brimming with great finds.

Happy Autumn everyone.

This happens every September...

2011-09-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

Wow.. I can't believe almost three weeks have flown by since I last posted. This happens every September. I begin the month savouring every last bit of sunshine on the Labour Day weekend, then I start signing up / starting back to my regular activities. Like quilt guild meetings (I now belong to two guilds - Ridge Meadows in Maple Ridge & the Fraser Valley Modern Quilt Guild that meets in Abbotsford!); started going to the gym more often; am attending Pilates on my lunch breaks; signing up for a Continuing Studies course (this year I am studying Photoshop!), signed up for quilting workshops (signed up for 4!); started thinking about Christmas shopping!.... and before I know it..... summer seems like a long time ago! There must some kind of correlation between letting go of 'summer' with the rate my date calendar fills up! The busier I am, the less sad I feel about the end of another summer season.
This is what I have been up to so far...

I joined an online quilt-a-long, called Across the Sea. I loved the pattern, a Greek Cross. It is simple, bold and it really is a great way to showcase some of my bright fabrics! I have completed 56 blocks, all sewn into rows already. And I would show you the completed quilt top but I ran out of my background fabric and await my additional fabric by mail! But I am liking this quilt (my imaginings of it!) and can't wait to get it finished. Will post pictures.

And remember that I mentioned that I belong to two (2!) quilt guilds - belonging to a quilt guild brings many benefits as well as responsibilities you know. Benefits are many.... regularly brainstorming and creating, all the inspiration from seeing others create firsthand. But to belong to the guild a member must strive to learn and improve his/her craft each year.

So this was my first 'stretch' - I took part in the Kona Challenge. A quilt top, using every color (43) in the charm pack - a quilt top that was all solid (no patterned) fabric. This was a new direction for me.... as I really like vintage, reproduction fabrics, but working with just color was a great experience.... and I might do it again... just for fun.

I attended a quilt retreat earlier this month - 3 days, 2 nights of lots of sewing and hanging out with other quilters. Very fun. And I learned a lot, especially learned that I love quilting retreats! I have signed up for another coming in January!!
Last, but not least.... I found some more Vintage Rock Maple heaven pieces....

The dresser will be for my hub, as he really needs more space
for all his tees, socks and running gear.


And, look at these adorable nesting tables! beautiful set of 3.... actually I got all four pieces for an amazing price!

Happy end of summer & new beginnings everyone!

Shades of What's to Come -2011

2011-08-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

Summer is waning when the hydrangeas start to turn color. It is no secret that August is bittersweet to me. Especially this summer, as our beautiful summer weather really began at the beginning of August.

And, as I have said in past, this month should be my favourite month of the season, maybe even the year - it is my birthday month, my daughter's, my dear Dad's and my god-mother's as well. But no, I always start to feel sad once I flip the calendar to August. It signals the coming end of summer, and in this beautiful, green but rainy valley I start dreaming of summer in January. I wish summer could last six months long and they would be all June & July! That is when summer is in full swing. My favourite time.

I pout at the end of each summer, but here is one tradition that makes it a bit sweeter. At the end of season, usually in September I cut a nice selection of hydrangeas that have already started to turn color - meaning that they will dry nicely. The bunch below are all mop-heads - all originally blue but now turning green, grey and some even a nice mauve-grey.

I plan to refill one of my favourite baskets. The basket shown here is at least thirty years old! Purchased in the early 1980's in Vancouver's Chinatown. I love this basket. Wicker baskets are a great investment - always useful, alot more attractive than a plastic tote for storing household items, and don't be afraid to give them a wash! Mild soap and water, a good rinse with a hose... let them dry in the sun if you can and lastly, give your basket a good wipe down with some lemon oil polish. Your basket will look like new!

See, here is the same basket - left - circa 1985, in our son Ryan's room - filled with stuffed animals.

Here is my favourite basket, all freshly filled with this year's crop of dried hydrangeas. This is an early fall tradition. It helps me 'cross over' from summer into fall a little. And while I love fresh flowers better than dried ones - this arrangement is very pretty. It does help take the sting out of the end of August.

August and my WIP ... so far

2011-08-08T06:42:00.001-07:00


The Jane Austen tee-towel was given to me by a friend. She recently came back from a trip to Europe. "Jane" is my new sewing companion.

Here is my quilt top, without borders added. This top is approx 80 inches in length but is 50inches wide. It will need another row of pinwheel blocks added - no problem as I have lots of pinwheels!

Unfortunately, I have run out of Heather Bailey paisley and am waiting for more fabric to arrive - but it should be here any day - I like how this is coming together.

August and my WIP ...work in progress...

2011-08-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

Summer months always bring out a relaxed creativity... not sure why, but I see more possibilities during these months... Maybe it's the flip flops, the magazines carelessly left on loungers, the windows opened 24/7. Everything is alot more easy-going....

This is a quilt I started last year for my mom, a pinwheel pattern that I saw on Pleasant Home! I was so inspired. I made lots of blocks, and prepared lots more HST (half square triangles) but I just 'lost' the 'thread' so to speak. I just didn't want to sew all the blocks together... didn't like all the white (not sure what that is about) and so all my blocks just sat around my sewing room.

Then one day I was sorting through fabrics and.....

I had laid out some bright, beautiful Heather Bailey fabrics, and..........

'Ta Da'! Hello Inspiration!

I loved the brights with the pinwheel blocks. I was no longer 'stalled', and started laying out fabric and blocks all over the kitchen table.

Now my previously stalled project, is now an active WIP again!

I should have this top completed before Tuesday night! I am so excited. Yay, Heather Bailey to the rescue!

word clouds... more

2011-07-31T22:33:00.000-07:00

I already mentioned it, but I have recently discovered the www.tagxedo.com site. It is sooo fun. If you give this site some text, ie: a poem, song lyrics, speech, wedding vows, or a URL site (like a blog) the tagxedo program will 'read' the words and re-assemble them. The more times a word is 'read' - the bigger it will appear in the word cloud.

Then you have the option of changing the colour style, the shape of your word cloud, and the font. It can be quite addicting because it is sooo fun. But I enjoy reading what words appear in my word cloud.

The word cloud above is based on my blog site - containing words from my posts. I really like that the word 'share' is big!

word clouds

2011-07-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

I have discovered www.tagxedo.com.... & have been making word clouds. This is my friend Vicki's word cloud... love it!

It is nice to share...

2011-07-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

It is nice to share. A friend at work was feeling a bit blue this week, so this morning I ventured into the garden to pick her a bouquet.

This bunch is for you Rachelle !!

Hydrangeas, hydrangeas 2011

2011-07-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

I love summer and here is one reason why, I really enjoy my garden. I don't consider myself a good gardener but I do know our yard which is very shady. The perfect shrub for our yard are these hydrangeas. I love them and they are so much tougher than they look. I can transplant them; have accidentally 'broken' a shrub when digging it up and both halves always survive! One reason my collection is growing.

I have learned NOT to fuss too much with them, in other words prune very, very lightly! But they can be pruned as a way to control their size. If left unchecked and in the right situation (shade, rainfall, soil) these shrubs can grow very large!

It is dawning on me.... that I have a lot of hydrangeas! I don't want to count exactly how many shrubs we have, but almost all my garden spaces are dedicated to these lovely, homey shrubs. Here are some of my mop-headed varieties. I must have a dozen or more of these shrubs.

This little pink shrub is called 'Quick Fire', and doesn't mind the afternoon sun! And I love the pink blooms as they all have lots of creamy yellow mixed in. So pretty. This shrub is only a year old and will easily triple it's size.

Here are more mop-heads which bloom my all favorite hydrangea colors; aqua blue, lime green and purple-blues. Love them all.

Here is another Quick Fire that I purchased from the SuperStore in Chilliwack two years ago. It has tripled in size already. The stems of these pink blooms are much sturdier than my mopheads! Of course, it is lovely having fresh flowers available for inside our home too! I am cutting bunches and bunches. They are in every room.

I still have my pee-gee varieties (white flowers) and some sturdy dark purple hydrangeas to look forward to, but the blooms on those shrubs are at least a few weeks away.

I think I can consider myself a serious hydrangea fan! Have a happy week all.

French General & the alphabet

2011-07-14T22:07:00.000-07:00

Fabric arrived in the mail today, finally! That postal strike really made me wait an extra long time for this parcel. But I am very happy with this fabric. It is from the fabric line called "French General".

I didn't really appreciate the vibe from these prints at first, but I am smitten with them now! The order was a total of five yards; enough for cushion covers, some table runners & maybe a kitchen window panel. The graphics are so crisp.

I've become very interested lately in graphic design & typography. It seems a whole new world has opened up for me and I see everything in a slightly different way. Labels, signs, design graphics have all become more interesting. The picture above is a custom order from Sweetwater "hometown series"- the picture is just a proof, which still requires a bit of editing but when finished it will be a great print on the wall of our dining area. So fun to add your own personal names & places.

More alphabet influences.....I have been playing with our 'Christmas' letters.... you know those country looking blocks that spell out "Merry Christmas" "Peace" Believe" & "Joy"... well I pulled them from the cupboard to try spelling 'summer' words. I came up with a few, but I have never been a good scrabble player. I am trying to come up with more; actually I really like the idea of 'spelling' words and might just buy more letters to work with.

So fabric, blocks, graphics & the alphabet.... Somehow this path will lead me back to quilting and sewing... but I am enjoying the wander....Have a great weekend all.

Saturday morning & dishes

2011-07-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

Over a month ago, hub took me to Langley and bought me a china hutch I had been admiring. I had been wanting to stack my dishes in it for awhile, this morning was finally the day to arrange them. I have a large collection of "Petite Fleur" by Villeroy & Boch. I love them and have been collecting over the years. As well, I have dishes from my mom's house, her 'Old Country Rose' set.

My mother became very ill over a year ago and it was necessary for her to move to a nursing home for continual care; and so we packed up most of her personal belongings to be stored. Her 'Old Country Rose' dishes were a source of pride . Her china was only used for special occasions, always hand-washed, and remind me of Christmas or Easter, & especially my mother whenever I see this pattern.

I wrapped each piece and packed them with great care when her home was sold last year. I tried to entice each of my sisters to 'adopt' this china, but no one would take them. The boxes filled with my mom's china have sat in my laundry room for more than a year.

So, this morning I decided to set up my china hutch...

What a fun task... Saturday morning, fresh-brewed coffee to enjoy while I re-arrange my china hutch! But I kept thinking about my mom's dishes downstairs in bubble wrap....

So I brought up all six boxes and unwrapped each item.

There are a lot a great memories wrapped up with those 'Old Country Rose' dishes.

I must admit it is a very lovely pattern, very dainty, very pretty. And it feels good having them in a place of their own.

July Long Weekend

2011-07-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

This was a lovely long weekend.... extra long as I booked Monday off work - four days without real obligation, nice! The theme of the weekend seemed to be about birthdays.

Before the weekend, we celebrated a dear coworker's big birthday!

This weekend we were invited to a family birthday, for a three year old! Hub & I loved the drive to sunny White Rock.... loved the tour through my cousins Craftsmen home (an original!) Loved all the signs of young family living:

Sigh, I really miss children birthday parties... The noise, the excitement, the cake, the clutter and everything else. Wonderful.

Hope you all had a great long weekend!

Outer Order adds to Inner Calm

2011-06-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

Working on house projects... & enjoying putting finishing touches on our 'library' (aka our old dining-room, kid's computer room) but hub & I now realize that we need more shelving - as there are lots more books to shelve yet. I enjoy sorting through the books we stored away - never to be given away - like Goosebumps & The Babysitter's Club chapter books. Volumes of memories... However there are a couple of very messy closets that I have pledged to clean out this coming month so further puttering with our book collections will have to wait!

But this afternoon I am savoring our library books collected over the years.

Productive week

2011-05-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

Booked a week off from work to work on some house projects. The project list is long. What can I say? I always envision getting more accomplished than I can, but it was a productive week.

Didn't really think I would get through my long list, not in one week, just the same it is fun to look back at our progress.

First, the process of elimination of the paint colour - there were three contenders; our final choice was nothing too wild this time around (Benjamin Moore "Old Prairie"), actually the most neutral color choice in decades.

Then always a favourite part of the job, taking the room apart. Love doing that! It is probably because we have lived in the same house so long (25 years) and this is close to simulating that 'new house' feel. You know, the empty rooms that echo when you talk, & blank walls waiting for you to make your move.

Hub is a good sport about my re-decorating bug, mostly. Motorhead fans aren't normally occupied with decorating ideas. He never really sees the need, but is great about moving furniture from floor to floor of the house. My grand plan always unfolds while in progress - I begin with a notion and then let it take us wherever it goes.

So this week, we had a notion to go to IKEA - always good for ideas. We really enjoy seeing the young couples and families shopping for home stuff. I really liked these Jennylund chairs, especially the one hub is sitting in - but he wasn't as enchanted as I was.

I really liked these Jennylund chairs, especially the one hub is sitting in - but he wasn't as enchanted as I was.

Our big IKEA purchase this week were these Vallvik shelves - however we managed to fill them up very quickly, (shhhh!) we really should've bought at least another two sections. There are still boxes of books & all our CD's that we aren't ready to part with yet.....Oh well, next time.

We did stop by my favourite furniture store in Langley and hub bought this beautiful hutch for all of my dishes.

Photo Display

2011-05-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

eclectic staircase design by birmingham interior designer Tracery Interiors

I have been spending alot of my free time looking at, scanning and thinking about photography. Old family photos the ones with alot of stories behind the images; the ones that are from early to mid-twentieth century. And I have also been looking at my immediate family history which includes a lot of photos of our dear children from the 1980's & 90's. Besides looking at what hub & I looked like back then.... All of it very dear to me, so it stands to reason that I would like to display some of these images - they seem very important to us.

If I haven't mentioned this site before, www.houzz.com is the best online site for decorating inspirations. There are thousands of images to browse! Have a happy week all.

eclectic living room design by los angeles media and blogs Lisa Borgnes Giramonti

Vintage Rock Maple Heaven

2011-05-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

This has been a great start to what I hope will be a very productive week at home.Yesterday I scored a great buy of drapery panels on clearance! and today hub & I picked up these sweet living-room tables.

I have booked a week off work so that I can devote time for some house projects. Both exciting & tiring, as once a house project becomes 'my project', meaning that I am really focused on it - I can be relentless. My hub dreads this phenomena, as he fears the 'domino effect', you know.... all the other resulting projects ( & expenses) that are sure to unfold once you have finally gotten down to dismantling a bedroom, or kitchen, or entire main floor!

I never simply repaint any room & then put everything back in it's original place.... oh no, that never happens, once everything has been taken down/apart, it always lead to another project...like new furniture or draperies or shelving or lighting. As my biggest project for this week is to repaint the interior of our house, there is lots of potential for the dreaded domino effect!

But I really wanted to share some photos of my latest acquisitions. I have fallen in love with this lovely second-hand set of rock maple tables that I scored last week. They are probably from the 1970's, but they have that lovely 1950's vibe - I just adore them! And I think they are going to be very happy at our house too!

I am smitten with them. I haven't found anything in the entire Pottery Barn catalog that has turned my head as much as these beauties.

They are almost in perfect condition and are full of vintage appeal.

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day.

To celebrate & observe this day I have posted a few pictures of my own dear mom; I think it may be worth noting that I really had to look through many folders before finding a picture of her with some of her children.... Do you know what I mean?

Sure there are lovely snapshots of her and my father when they were young & newly married or new parents, but after the 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th child..... well my Mom seemed to disappear from the front of the camera..... Perhaps you have noticed the same phenomenon when you look through your own family albums. I can see dozens of pictures of myself with my siblings, cousins, aunts & uncles but I can't find my mother in any photograph! I know she was there..... of course she was there... she was behind the camera.

Here's to you Mom. Happy Mother's Day!

Luckily, I did find this picture, from the 1970's. My mom is peaking around the corner to the left.

This photo was taken during the 1990's when my parents traveled to Ontario to visit family.

This photo is of my mother when she was a little girl during early 1940's, taken in Ontario where she lived.

Vintage Vegas

2011-05-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a fun little getaway to Vegas. What an amazing place. There is a 'Vegas' experience to suit everyone....

I loved the many vintage images to be found.


I just love "Bettie Page".

This is for a friend. Her dad was a high roller, when the Flamingo was in it's 'heyday'. I wish I had visited it then.


There were many, many beautiful works of art to be found everywhere. This is a snap of blown glass artwork by Dale Chilhuly.

Easter

2011-04-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

This black & white photo of my sister and I was taken in Verdun Quebec, 1962 .

I have been scanning all the photographs from my mothers' house this past month. I meant to have scanned them all last summer but I kept putting it off.

It has been a very inspiring project and a very thought-provoking experience as well. Although I am not finished I feel good about recording these images (hundreds & hundreds) from the last five or more decades. I have seen pictures of family members that I have never met, but have heard many stories about. So nice to have a face to put to the name.

This picture is a snapshot of a sunny afternoon at a city park, and when you live in the city it is a treat to go to the park to play, lovely. Besides I really love our shoes & dresses. Our mother always dressed us with such care.

Happy Easter. Happy spring.

I think this is what 'Happiness' looks like

2011-04-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that I am scanning old family photos? I really enjoy the tour through the decades. Here is a vintage 1959 pic of my mother and father with me as a toddler. Love the tie pin, the dresses and really love the draperies and lamp. But it is the expression on my parents faces that stays with me.

Mini Salvage Scrap Project

2011-04-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

I just love this! I saw it today on Flickr, and immediately put it on my To-Do list. That is how To-Do lists get so long.


FreezeFrame03 on Flickr I made a small quilt last year using this block; my spools were all from scraps of fabrics. This example uses salvage edges of quilting fabrics! I love the idea of the 'spool pattern' being used so creatively. I especially like the buttons added to this block.

These are some of the blocks I made last year. Very fun.

Years May Go By

2011-04-03T23:01:00.000-07:00

I just love this photo of my grandmother (standing on the left) from the 1930's; maybe it is the cotton dresses or the women's fresh faces, or maybe it's the humble home and the flowers on the window sill. It draws me in. Her name was Beatrice!

I have been sorting and scanning old family photographs. I intend to scan all of our family photos to create digital copies for everyone (brothers, sisters, cousins & aunts, uncles....) so I better start. It really is alot more time-consuming than I first imagined.

But these pictures really take me places....right out of this time zone and into another realm. It must be the flashes of family resemblances that I see in so many of the faces - making the pictures all seem so familiar.
And easy to imagine living in another decade or century.

Quilt in Progress

2011-04-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

Another ode to Saturday mornings - this one a very rainy, grey and drizzly one. Nevertheless I am home, in my pajamas all day, recuperating from a flu bug. But I won't give in, instead have been getting to bed really early all week, and have opted to stay home all day today as well.
But laying around is very boring, and so I couldn't resist sewing up a few of my blocks for my latest quilting project. I am using up the remaining yardage from my "Hello Betty" stash. So except for a bit of scraps, it is time to move on to a new line.... I am sure I will be able to find something I like. But I do hope that the rain stops soon, a bit of sunshine would be a nice change.

These blocks are big! The quilt only called for nine (see below) but I opted for twelve. Making this a perfect fit for a twin bed someday.

This is my inspiration! A quilt pattern by Heather Mulder Peterson called "Fresh Linens". I love it.

Gosh I love Walmart

2011-04-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

There is alot of pleasure to be realized when shopping at Walmart. I am talking about browsing the store without any one thing in mind. For everyday household items like Pyrex pie plates, Corningware casserole sets, kitchen utensils or Rubbermaid containers for storage - it can't be outdone. For some unknown reason, wandering the aisles of Walmart is very soothing. When I come across a good bargain and it is something useful as well - then it was time well spent!

The same experience can be realized when combing through thrift stores or garage sales, but the discoveries may be of a different sort.

These are a few of the Libbey brand glasses that I purchased yesterday; this was a set of 16 & total cost came to approx 91 cents a glass! Amazing. And the matching pitcher - the third I have purchased, was only $6.97 - deal! It is the design that drew me in - very mid 20th century looking - vintage! The name of the design on the box EXCLAMATION ! perfect.

Quilt Retreat ....Outcomes

2011-03-22T23:51:00.000-07:00

My essential tools.

This past weekend was spent at my first quilting retreat - I loved the experience. My one regret, that I was unable to absorb of all the great information that was flying around the workroom.... the best thread; great quilting teachers; the project discussions..... it was phenomenal! But I was so determined to complete the blocks for my 'Basket Case" quilt pattern that I dare not leave my chair. Oh and it was humbling to see some of the talent! Such talent in that room! Quilting retreats are about more than just quilting! There were so many impromptu sewing demonstrations, tips, advice, more, more, more than I could have imagined! Wonderful.

But I tried to remember what my goal was, to complete a 'vintage' inspired quilt top, in a pattern that I loved, all the while trying to forgive myself for my sewing errors! See the picture of my inspiration below! Next retreat, I promise to make time to learn more!

This pattern is called Basket Case from Cluck Cluck Sew.

Signs of Spring

2011-03-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

Oh if I have already purchased my first pair of summer sandals and a sweet new summer purse, can spring be far behind? I think the answer is 'no'.

These purchases were on clearance - 75 to 80% off! This happy-looking, soft wicker purse with the bright orange trim must have been waiting for me all winter in the store, it was love at first sight and it cost $12.49. I can't wait to start using it - only the weather must be at least 10-15 degrees warmer.... All this after stopping by the cosmetic counter for the Estee Lauder gift with purchase; which led to alot of wandering up and down the cosmetic counters to sniff the perfumes ...(really like the light pink version of Burberry Brit - fresh!) These sandals were worn all around the house when I got home - oh my toenails really do need some polish. Ah Spring rituals.... Can't wait for the warm weather to get here!

More Scrap Happy quilting inspirations

2011-03-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

What a lovely age to live in - I refer to our easy access to the blogosphere of course. In the past few years, thousands of creative sewers/quilters are posting projects for all of us to enjoy. Just look at some of the lovely inspirations to be found - and one leads to another, then another as one blog will list his/her favorite sites and that leads to more and more places to visit.

Happy quilting all.

Look at this beautiful Kaleidescope from Cluck Cluck Sew

Found on Naturemom on Flickr

Look at this charmer from Comfort Stitching.


MollyFlanders.blogspot.com

Sweet Retreat - what will you be working on ?

2011-03-05T15:00:00.000-08:00

Our Fraser Valley Modern Quilt Guild will be hosting its' first annual Quilting Retreat from March 18th 'til 20th. An entire weekend (Friday evening until Sunday afternoon) dedicated to quilting, sewing, as well as a creative idea exchange. Of course all types of creative endeavors are welcome - scrap-booking, knitting, hand-sewing, but I plan to finish an entire quilt top! Now yes, it would also be a good idea to bring along a 'WIP" (work in progress) and get it finished... yes it would..... Nah, I really want to work on something fresh and challenging! How often will I have a full weekend without any meals to prepare, laundry to do or errands to run? So here's to drinking lots of coffee/tea; sewing in my PJs; hanging out with a fabulous group of creative women and getting very familiar with my sewing machine.

I am still deciding which project to bring as it would be a good idea to have all fabrics ready (cut), bobbins filled and supplies packed! Here are a few inspirations & links to look at...What will you be working on?


I just love this scrappy beauty! 1930's fabrics !!

Spotted on the blog Diary of a Quilter Click on the link for more pictures, pattern and tutorial.

Here is another fresh one - from Any Butler's website. Lots of free patterns available.

Can't remember where I first saw this, but I love this pattern. Anyone know its' name?

Vintagey & modern - Heather Mulder Peterson.

Think Spring

2011-02-26T21:34:00.000-08:00

Cute graphics from graphicsfairy.blogspot.com

What else can I say? Currently it is snowing, with subzero temperatures... Whah!

Ode to sunny Saturday mornings

2011-02-19T11:53:00.000-08:00

I have said it many times, but I love Saturday mornings! Today is a sunny one which is an extra nice treat. Something about having a whole day to do whatever I like - puttering, baking, gardening or household cleaning. I love it all. The joy of Saturday morning is that it follows a full week of work - and I love going to work - each weekday morning focusing on getting ready for my workday. It is the change of purpose the weekend brings that I enjoy so much. ... And Saturday is followed by Sunday... another favourite day of the week.