All About Bears

Back in April I posted a photo of Carolyn V. W.'s "All About Bears" quilt.  She emailed me yesterday to let me know she had entered it in the recent Auckland Festival of Quilts and won a 2nd place ribbon in the Large Bed Quilts category.  Congratulations Carolyn!
Here are some photos of Carolyn and her prize-winning quilt.

This was Carolyn's first applique project, which she started in 2009 and completed earlier this year.
I think she did an amazing job and I admire her perseverance!
It's got me thinking about a few old projects that need finishing!

Bye for now.

A Centenary Celebration

As I mentioned in my post of September 28, I was asked to design a project for Lecien to celebrate the
20th anniversary of Yoko Saito's Centenary Collection.  I had some fun with this one, going with a more modern look, using more blue than I usually do, and I even added some Swarovski crystals to give it some sparkle.

A Centenary Celebration quilted by Irene Brayne

I'm hoping to get a photo of it hanging in Lecien's booth at quilt market that took place in Houston this past weekend.
Fore those of you that might be interested, you can find the pattern here http://www.lecien.co.jp/en/hobby/patterns/index.html

Bye for now.

Nireko's Roses

Carrying on with my love for the Japanese Taupes, here is my latest design, that I just got back from the quilter.  I called this one "Nireko's Roses", as it was Nireko, who used to be the "go-to" lady at Lecien when they were in the US, who got me started using their taupes, and who so generously sent me a bunch of samples of their discontinued yarn dyed fabrics.  I love using the yarn-dyes in my quilts, as they add another interest to the quilt.  I made this one using up a lot of the left-over fabrics from "Vintage Tiles Revisited" and the yarn-dyes.

It was quilted by Irene of Brayne Waves Quilting.
Of course, I still haven't got the binding sewn on, but if I waited till then you might never see it! lol

I hope everyone has enjoyed their long weekend, Thanksgiving for us Canadians and Columbus Day for my American friends.

Bye for now.

When checking my email this morning, I received a pleasant surprise .  Elma Richmond of Lochwinnoch, Scotland sent me this photo of her version of my "Vintage Tiles Revisited" design.  It really is lovely!

Elma Richmond's "Vintage Tiles Revisited"

I love how everyone adds their own personal touches to their quilts which makes them unique.

It is the Thanksgiving long weekend here in Canada, and the weather this weekend has been lovely.

My husband's cousin and his family are here for the week, from Scotland, so I hope the sunshine and mild temps continue!

Bye for now.  Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians.

Thought you might like to see Ayden's baby quilt.  I finally finished sewing on the binding, the sleeve, in case they want to hang it, and the label.  The pattern is called "Grow With Me" and it was designed by Deb Strain, Katie Strain  and Arrin Turnmire.  I found it here http://blog.modafabrics.com/funfree/free-patterns/.  I changed it just a little, by using Pinwheel blocks instead of the block used in the design.

Ayden's quilt - "Monkey Business"

It was beautifully quilted by Irene of Braynewaves Quilting.

Bye for now.

Another Winner!

Marilyn H. of North Carolina emailed me to let me know she won a "Best Of Show" ribbon at the Quilting In The Pines quilt show on the weekend.  I am so excited for her.  The photo doesn't do her quilt justice.

Marilyn H. & her  "Vintage Tiles Revisited" 

It was beautifully quilted by Linda of Sewgrateful Quilts and you can see some closeup photos of her quilting on this quilt at http://sewgratefulquilts.wordpress.com/2014/07/25/beautiful-applique-quilt/  Linda also won the Best Longarm quilting ribbon.
Congratulations Marilyn!  Congratulations Linda!

I'm thrilled when someone sends me a photo of a quilt they have made from one of my designs, and always ask if I can post it on my blog so all of you can see, and this quilt is no exception. Nancy Payne of Oregon sent me this photo of her version of my "Vintage Tiles Revisited" which she called "Never Again". She made some changes to her quilt to add her own touch to the design.  I love how she added the butterflies in the corners of the border.  Nancy assured me the "Never Again" title didn't mean she was put off doing any more hand applique quilts, she was just going to take a break.
Unfortunately, the quilting doesn't show up in the photo, but Nancy asked me to acknowledge Lisa Taylor of Waldport,Oregon who did a fabulous job on the machine quilting.

Nancy Payne's version of "Vintage Tiles Revisited"

On the home front, I've been busy trying to get a project made for Lecien to showcase their 20th anniversary collection of Yoko Saito's Centenary Collection. I can't show you any photos until after Quilt Market, but will post it when I can.

I got the baby quilt I made for Ayden back from the quilter on Thursday and have already got the binding sewn on the front.  I know, it's so out of character! lol
I just have to hand stitch it down and I'll be able to show you a photo.  It's hard to believe Ayden is already 6 months old.  His parents had him at the pediatrician last week for his 6 month checkup and everything is fine.  He is slowly but steadily gaining weight and now weighs in at a healthy 13 pounds, 6 ounces.

Bye for now.

This is the last of the quilts I made last year trying to use up my stash of 1930s reproduction fabrics.  It was beautifully quilted by Irene Brayne of Braynewave Quilting.  I only have to add the binding and I'll have another finish to add to the list.

Bye for now.

Stash Sale

As mentioned in my previous post,  I am down-sizing and have listed a few patterns, fabrics and threads for sale.  I have started listing things on my Stash Sale Page.  Please send me an email if there is anything that interests you.  All the patterns that have been listed have never been used, unless specified, and come from a smoke free home.

Bye for now.

A discussion on one of the quilting forums I follow, and the sudden death of a quilting acquaintance has been on my mind... a lot!.  The discussion in the forum was about what would your family do with your quilting or crafts stash if you were to die suddenly or be incapacitated.  I know this sounds a bit morbid but it really got me thinking!  I don't want my husband or daughter (not a quilter) to have to sort through my stash trying to decide how to dispose of it, but on the other hand, I don't want it just going in the trash!   Neither of them would have any idea of the value.  So...I've been busy sorting through the muddle that is my sewing room and trying to decide what I should keep and what can go.  I hope I will be able to continue designing and quilting for a long time yet, but.....     I have collected way too much "stuff" over the past few years and am going to make a conscience effort to eliminate some of it.  I have too many purchased patterns that I know I won't make,or make again, too many embroidery threads and way too much fabric!!

So stay tuned as I'm going to start selling them at bargain prices on a first come basis. I figure I can use the proceeds to help offset the cost of having my "Roses In Dresden" quilt top custom quilted. It's been folded up in the closet way too long! lol

On a brighter note, a good friend of mine, Maxine, entered her "Vintage Tiles Revisited" quilt in the recent Canadian Quilter's Assoc. National juried quilt show and she won a 1st price in the Traditional Wallquilt/Bedquilt from a book or pattern category.
Here is a photo of her quilt.  Didn't she do a fabulous job?  It was  beautifully quilted by Karen Power of Oakville.

Here is the link to see the other prize winners.http://www.canadianquilter.com/photo-gallery/national-jury-show.php?year=2014

Bye for now.  I'll be back soon.

Thought you might like to see another finish.  I made this quilt, I called "Buttons & Bows", in 2013 and it was beautifully quilted by Kathy Mundy of Oakville earlier this year.  I finally finished sewing on the binding so I can add another finish to my list.

Just as I was feeling good about finishing all those bindings, Irene sent me an email to tell me the last of my 2013 quilts is ready to be picked up.  Oh no, another binding job to be done!  I really must be disciplined about this, I can't let them pile up again.

DH and I were busy in the garden yesterday, planting some new Hostas, a lilac, and a few other bushes, the names of which I can't remember.  It's starting to look quite nice.  I'll try to get some photos later, that is if they survive. Gardening doesn't come naturally to me, it's more a trial and error kind of thing, mostly error! lol

Hope you all have a great weekend.  Bye for now.

I finally have some photos to show you.  After much procrastination, I finished sewing the binding on three of the quilts I made last year.  I still have one more to go, and another one that is still at the quilters.
I always make the binding when I finish the quilt top, thinking it won't take me so long to get it finished when I get it back from the quilters, but it isn't working!  These have been sitting around since January. lol

This is the front and the back of the quilt I made for my brother.
The last time he came for a visit he complained that I've never made him a quilt, so here it is!

This is the front and the back of another log cabin quilt I made, trying to use up some of the neutrals I've collected over the years.  Both of these quilts were beautifully quilted by Irene Brayne of Braynewave Quilting.

This last quilt is yet another one trying to use up my stash of 1930s reproduction fabrics.  Kathy Mundy quilted this one, and it looks fabulous!

I still have 3 quilt tops folded up in the closet waiting to be quilted, but they need custom quilting so I'll have to save up a few more pennies before I can get them done.

Bye for now.  Hope you all have a great weekend.

I had a wonderful surprise this morning when I opened my email. Carolyn V. W. of New Zealand (no Blog) emailed me to let me know that she had finally completed her "All About Bears" quilt, the patterns for which, she had purchased in 2009. At the time, Carolyn had never attempted hand applique, and this quilt was to be her first attempt. Well, what do you think? Isn't it fabulous!

If you want to see more photos of her quilt, here is the link to her photo album https://www.flickr.com/photos/67119440@N03/sets/72157632465572363/.

On the home front, my new little grandson is doing well, and has gained a little more weight, and has finally reached the 6 lb. mark.

If the weather will co-operate  I hope to have some photos of my recent quilts in my next post.

Bye for now.

I'm a Grandma!

I just want to share this photo of my grandson with you.

Ayden James was born on March 9th. He was in such a hurry to enter this world, arriving 8 weeks early, he gave us all quite a scare. He had a rough start but is home now and is doing well. I've been busy working on a baby quilt for him and hope to have a photo to show you soon.
Chat with you later.

Spring Has Sprung...

Today is the 1st day of Spring and would have been my dear Mom's 94th birthday. I still miss her terribly, and have found the past months long and hard. I have tried to get motivated and do some quilting but it has been a struggle, though I've managed to get a few things done and will try to post some photos soon.

DH has suggested my daughter, sister and I go out for dinner tonight to celebrate Mom's birthday and her memory, so I'm looking forward to that.

 Hope to be back soon with some photos and a cheerier disposition! lol Bye for now.