The Aftermath

We were "powerless" again last evening - literally. This makes every night this week that the electricity has gone off in wake of Monday's ice storm. Thankfully, it is restored before morning so our lives can continue in normal routine. Outside is a treat for the senses, with the sun creating prisms of colour where it glistens on the ice, and the trees tinkling like broken glass in the wind. Walking through wind chimes would best describe the sensation. These pictures were taken yesterday, 3 days after the storm.

Working with silk is an equally sensual experience and yesterday I started sorting through a bag of silk blouses which I have been collecting for some time. The colours are sorted very simply into colours and light neutrals to give a light/dark shading.

As the fabrics are different weights, the flimsy ones are getting an application of a very lightweight fusible interfacing on the back. I am sewing log cabin blocks in a Courthouse Steps style, using traditional red centres.

Sewing silk is slow going; by day's end there were 4 blocks completed. At this rate, the quilt should be finished in about two week's of steady sewing.

Ice Storm

Amherst got hit hard with a major ice storm yesterday and overnight. We lost power around 9, and luckily regained it by 7 this morning. Everything is covered in ice - a total skating rink outside.
The trees are heavy with a thick coating of ice.

This male downy woodpecker was undisturbed by my presence on the back deck taking pictures. Even though I was only inches away, his only concern appeared to be that I may have been interested in sharing his suet ball.

Home sweet home isn't looking too cosy at the moment.

The UPS man arrived in the middle of all the ice to pick up the Log Canada quilt - unbelievable! He said most of the town is still without power; we are very grateful to be among the few who are not inconvenienced by this storm.

In Like a Lion...

Over the next 2 or 3 days our weather promises snow, freezing rain, ice pellets, rain...then more snow. Optimists see weather such as this as a great opportunity for handwork.
I have been working away at getting the Log Canada quilt ready to send to Houston. The label was sewn on yesterday - computer generated with the information printed neatly on treated fabric.
The hanging sleeve also had to get switched out as mine was 1/4" narrower than the show specifications.

Last night I finished up a pair of socks (for me) which have been on the go since Christmas. Admittedly, I am neither a fast nor a particularly good knitter but I certainly do enjoy both making and wearing fine wool socks. This colour I've had on hand for a couple of years; it's called "Retro Red". No doubt you can tell that my favourite colour combination is red and white. The socks are photographed on a basket whose lid was featured in a column on Seminole patchwork several years back in Quick & Easy Quilting. It makes a great knitting basket.

Mardi Gras

This week I am putting the finishing touches on several quilts: making labels, sewing hanging sleeves, writing Artist's Statements...and looking for just the perfect box in which to ship. Often it takes as long to get the paperwork completed as it does to design and make a quilt!
I am thrilled that Log Canada has been chosen as part of a special exhibit of Canadian quilts at International Quilt Festival and will be touring the U.S. in 2009 (assuming it gets there on time, of course...) Log Canada is having a good year, and has recently been featured in Canadian Heritage Quilting and even briefly on ASN's Breakfast Television. More on the exhibit as the time draws closer...The quilt is much showier in person than you see in the picture.
It's also time to get a small packet off to Halifax for the Mayflower Quilt Guild's annual show and sale in support of the I.W.K. Hospital. That's coming up in March and promises to be a wonderful event. And then there's the Trend Tex Challenge "Roots"... which I have been dragging my feet on this year. The steps in construction of this quilt have been photographed and I will post it shortly as I did for last year's entry.

Later today we will enjoy a traditional dinner of pancakes and sausages to mark Shrove Tuesday. Here's a no-fail recipe for pancakes which came from my sister Nancy:

Fluffy Pancakes

2 cups flour

1 Tbsp. sugar

4 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

2 eggs

2 cups milk

2 Tbsp. melted butter (I use olive oil)

In a large mixing bowl add dry ingredients. Blend. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, milk and oil. Pour into dry ingredients and mix well.

Pour 1/3 cup batter for each pancake on a hot non-stick griddle. Bake until puffy and bubbly around the edges. Flip and bake other side. Serve hot with Nova Scotia maple syrup. Delicious!

Anne in Japan

The Fed Ex man left a wonderful surprise this afternoon! Tourism P.E.I. had telephoned yesterday to alert me that my Anne quilt would be returned today. This is "Simply Stated: A Portrait of Anne As A Young Girl" which went to Japan last fall to be exhibited at International Quilt Week Yokohama in Pacifiko Yokohama. Turns out the Anne exhibit was so popular that they decided to send it along elsewhere, and it ended up at International Quilt Week Fukuoka in Fukuoka Yahoo Dome.
The surprise part came when I opened the box to find some goodies inside, sent from Japan. There is a 2009 Quilt Calendar of Japanese quilts:

...and a copy of the December issue of Patchwork Quilt Tsushin.Inside, some of the quilts from the exhibit are shown, including the Anne Portrait. I have no idea what the caption reads! There are some wonderful pictures of scenery of P.E.I. taken when the editor and show organizers toured the province in October. The magazine is beautiful - so many quilts featured, and the work on the Japanese quilts is exquisite.

Best of all, there was a packet of 9 Fat Quarters of Japanese Fabrics.

I am so thrilled to have the fabric. Even though I didn't get to go to Japan with the quilt, I now have a delightful souvenir of the exhibit.

Quilty News Bits

There's a new blogger in town! Maritimers familiar with Linda Hubbard's name and lovely work will be pleased to find Linda online here. Be sure to leave a comment if you visit...and tell her Karen sent you! :)

As a special for CQA members, another of the vintage quilts shown in the book Canadian Heritage Quilting has been patterned and is featured in the Spring issue of The Canadian Quilter. My issue arrived Friday and I was so pleased to see the lovely layout editor Marsha Cleveland came up with for the article. The crib sized version was inspired by a Ship of Dreams quilt made by Diane Shink's mother back in the 1930's. I was pleased to be able to find a print very similar to one Mrs. MacLeod had used way-back-when - a soft, creamy white with cornflower blue. I believe the line was called "Threads of Time" by Moda. To emphasize the "dream" aspect in the quilt name, the border was cut in a gentle scallop.

Once the quilt was finished, more creative thought went into finding a suitable setting for the photograph. Luckily, the small lighthouse at the Nova Scotia/New Brunswick border is a perfect spot, with not too many big rocks to climb over to reach the lighthouse. You can just catch a bit of it peeking out at the top of the picture.

Bird Treats

I've been spending so much time lately making suet balls for the birds that my 12-grain breakfast cereal this morning looked suspiciously like birdseed! I told hubby this only confirms that I eat like a bird :)
This week I tried a new recipe, found in the pages of Birds and Blooms magazine, which the feathered folk in the backyard seem to be enjoying. I varied the recipe somewhat, and will give you my version if you'd like to try it. Starlings, Northern Flickers, Black-Capped Chickadees and both Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers give this two thumbs up (well...figuratively speaking. They don't really have thumbs...)

Tropical Bird Treat

1 cup lard

1 cup peanut butter (I used crunchy)

2-1/2 cups oats

2-1/2 cups cornmeal

1/3 cup coconut

Raisins, nuts (I used chopped peanuts), birdseed (optional)

Melt lard and peanut butter. Stir in other ingredients. When cool enough, shape into balls and roll in birdseed. Wrap in waxed paper and freeze. Cut a mesh onion bag into a circle, remove the waxed paper from the frozen ball and wrap ball in the mesh. Tie a string around the top of the bag for hanging. This made enough for 5 suet balls.

Chaos and Creation...

Paul McCartney coined the phrase so brilliantly (do you recognize it?)...but then again, Paul does everything brilliantly. Not literally in the backyard, but it has been both chaos and creation around here, the former from an ISP connection issue. How cut off one feels when it is no longer possible to write email, upload pictures, forward notes, blog, or fiddle on a webpage! Hubby would say it's always chaos in my workroom, but I don't know how to make things happen otherwise. It always floors me to see perfectly ordered sewing rooms, with fabric stacked neatly and threads tame and untangled. I tell hubby he is the calm in the eye of the storm...and I'm the storm :)
The creation part has been going strong and this week I have the pleasure of working with Michael Miller Fairy Frost and Mirror Ball Dot fabrics. I am just about finished, and then will send this creation off to be featured in the pages of an upcoming issue of McCall's. No sneak peeks, other than at the colourful array of fabrics being used in this project.

As for the backyard...The only chaos and creation there today was caused by a pheasant who came to check out the bird feeders, and didn't really care for a couple of crows who tagged along:

Pheasants certainly can make a lot of noise!

Another Snow Day

Here it is only Wednesday and youngest son has had two days off school already this week (coming on the heels of two days off for storms last week also!)
That means, of course, that there are lots of muscles to help with the shovelling...and there is certainly lots of that to be done in Amherst today.

These wintry days are conducive to quilting; this afternoon, I am putting the finishing touches on a dresser scarf made from recycled silk. I really love working with silk, despite the slow speed and care one must take with this fine fabric.

Yesterday I delivered some new patterns down to Dayle's, including the Yuletide Jewel. It hasn't been added to the checkout page on my website as yet (patience, I'll get there...) but if anyone is interested in ordering online, simply send an email and I'll give you the details.

Oriental Beauty

The March 2009 issue of AQS American Quilter is now out, and what a beautiful magazine it is. This is a special Asian design issue, so if you've been building a stash of Oriental prints and looking for ideas, this one certainly has lots. My Oriental Beauty is featured on page 62 of the issue. If you've attended a Maritime Beauty workshop and have been enjoying sewing New York Beauty blocks this will take you to the next level of achievement.

Roots

The fabrics for the 2009 Trend Tex Challenge through The Canadian Quilter's Association (CQA) arrived some time back. As the deadline is too quickly approaching, it's time to give some thought as to how to puzzle these pieces together. The theme this year is "Roots" and that has been ricocheting around my brain; lots of possibilities have been visited, but nothing settled on as yet. The fabrics are a varied assortment of floral print, stripe and tone-on-tones. Three are from Michael Miller, one is a Jinny Beyer and the dreamy blue is "Gypsy Princess" by Hoffman. The deadline for the quilts to arrive in Alberta is mid-March, so hopefully inspiration will hit soon. This is my 8th or 9th year participating in this challenge, and it's always lots of fun to see the entries. If you are interested in seeing the construction of my piece last year ("From The Edge") just scroll back through Older Posts at the bottom of this screen.

Imperious Emporium: Mrs. Pugsley's Patronus

A quick snap of the finished New York Beauty which has now been signed, sealed and delivered to its new owner. Later I will photograph it properly in an appropriate setting, but for now this will do as I am anxious to begin another project. The only thing better than finishing a quilt is starting a new one.

A Beast of a Beauty

Work on the New York Beauty is in the final hours, and progress has been good. Friday morning I pieced the backing and gave the top the final pressing. That's where the fun ends and the chore begins...Basting the quilt took the better part of the day (including a trip out for another 100 safety pins. They seem to keep disappearing...?) In my mind, quilt basting is one of those miserable topics suitable for a country and western song...right up there with your dog dying and your partner leaving. It's a relief when it's finished...

I worked away at the quilting over the weekend. It's fun to use a variety of threads in the work.

This is holographic thread, which picks up the light nicely. The end of the points have corkscrew motifs quilted, to make it look like sparks are flying.

Another day should bring this project pretty much to a close.

Hollyhock Tote Bags

I got a bit behind, but we're all entitled to a sick day once in awhile, right? Here's what I came up with for the gorgeous fabric from Dayle's. Working with this fabric, which was designed by Stephanie Brandenburg of Fern Hill, was like sewing a watercolour painting; the Seminole patchwork on the top of the bag blends so softly with the print. There's still a bit left, but having got this out of my system I can go back to working on the New York Beauty. It's ready to baste, a chore I always drag my feet on...

New fabric

Oh my...Dayle's got new fabric...what's a girl to do but buy some...
This gorgeous red print and coordinates are from the Hollyhock collection from Camelot Cottons. Doreen from Dayle's had mentioned to me that she had it on order and called yesterday when it arrived; I rushed right down. My sons think it is funny that a store would call me when they have new fabric in stock, but I think it's wonderful - truly one of the perks of living in a small town.
Not sure what anyone else does when they get new fabric, but I can't wait to iron it. Then I spread it out to admire, and dream of the design possibilities. Today it will go in the washer, and then I have the pleasure of ironing it again. Most folk seem to begrudge ironing as a chore, but I take it as a time to focus on the fabric, feel the hand, enjoy the richness of the colours. I guess this is why the fabric store has me on speed dial...they literally "have my number". :)

More Beauties

Here's another Maritime Beauty, sent in by Sharon from Oxford, N.S. This was made for a Christmas gift, and she has chosen colours to match the recipient's home. Done with only two colours in the centre, this version has a very classy, uncluttered look.

Sharon had previously sent a picture of her first centrepiece; if you scroll down through the blog postings to December 10th, you will see that one. Shortly, I will have the pictures all collected and posted on Sew and Tell , but there are so many other fun things calling my name at present...including some new silk...

My own latest NYB still needs about a dozen blocks, and then I'll start to piece the borders. Naturally, I have left the most detailed blocks to the last, but it is coming nicely and has been a pleasure to stitch.
It's important for us to take breaks, and find time to play...

Welcome 2009!

In the lyrics to one of their songs, Newfoundland band Great Big Sea sings: "this is my one small step, this is my walk on the moon..." That pretty much sums up 2008 for me, a year which saw so many dreams come true. How fitting that the year ended in a very dramatic blizzard here in Nova Scotia.

2009 is shaping up to be a busy one. Quilt It For Keepsakes by Quilter's Newsletter Magazine hits the stands soon and one of my projects is featured:
"The Day The Stork Arrived" shows an easy way to make a quilt ahead of time to have ready to personalize with the baby's name, weight, date and time of birth. Printing on treated photo sheets is a terrific way to have the quilt ready for the big moment. I wish you all a wonderful and prosperous 2009, with many days set aside for the pleasures of quilting.

Clara's Beauties

Today is the annual Christmas Bird Count, and our backyard is once again on the list of spots to visit. The cardinals were here briefly in early November, but have not made their return to stay as yet. It's normally about Christmas when that happens, so it could be any time. Last year they came on the actual day of the bird count - how did they know? Yesterday's snow should make the feeders busy today.
When the representative called yesterday she mentioned that Baltimore Orioles have been spotted in Amherst, which is very unusual. I am hopeful that we will get to see one at our feeders. P.E.I. is also reporting new feathered residents: Snowy Owls. This makes for great opportunities for birders in our area to see species not normally spotted here.

In the mail this morning are pictures of two Maritime Beauties stitched by Clara from Fredericton, New Brunswick. Clara travelled down in October to attend a workshop held during FibreFest. This top one is made from a colourful assortment of batiks:
The colour choice in this one really makes the spikes spin around the perimeter. Beautiful work, Clara; we thank you for sharing.

And a P.S. on the bird count: we received a call that the cardinals were spotted in our back yard. Yah!

Quick Christmas Project: Patchwork Sachet

Patchwork Sachet

Here’s a quick and simple idea that can be used to dress up a package, a tree, or as a sachet in a room or drawer. This one is made from cotton and lamé and filled with scented rose hips; hung on hooks or doorknobs, it will impart a Christmassy scent throughout your house.
I buy the rose hips every year at Mrs. Pugsley’s Emporium, located on Victoria Street in Amherst. These rose hips are one of the few scented things that don’t make me sneeze! At Mrs. Pugsley, the rose hips are kept in a big enamel bowl on the front counter. They are scooped out and sold by the pound.


Finished Size of Sachet: 3-1/2” square
Materials Required:
Gold lamé centre: 1-1/2” sq
6 strips green, 1” x 4” long
3 strips cream 1” 4” long
4" square backing (I used lamé to match centre)
10” thin gold cord
1 tassel
Sewing thread to match
The block is constructed in the manner of a Courthouse Steps Log Cabin. Sew a green 1” strip to top and bottom of 1-1/2” gold centre square. Trim ends. Press.

Sew green 1” strips to both sides of gold centre. Trim and press as before. Add cream strips next in same order - top/bottom then sides, trimming square after each addition.

Continue in this manner, adding the second strip of green to the outside in the same order as before. Trim ends even and press block.

Lay block face down on backing. Sew together on 3 sides, leaving 3” opening on 4th side to turn. Turn right side out. Fill with rose hips.

Hand sew opening closed. Tie cord into a loop. Attach tassel and hanging loop to opposite corners of the block with a few hand stitches. I used a tassel cut from a length of braid.

Ta da!

Another Beauty

Look what arrived in the email this morning! Sharon from Oxford, N.S. attended a fall workshop on Maritime Beauties and wowed us all that day when we learned she was a beginning quilter. She zoomed right through this, encountering no obstacles to slow her down. Sharon writes that she is working now on another, in blues and golds. Won't that be gorgeous?
Here's a peek at some blocks on my design wall. This is a fun, relaxing piece for me, adding patches here and there as time permits. I am working away on a baby quilt for a magazine, which has a Monday deadline, and trying to sneak stitches in on the QT for a pair of socks in time for Christmas. Shhhh...

Moncton signings and Show and Tell

Moncton turned on the sunshine in full force yesterday for the book signing. It was a great day, first at Chapters and then at Coles in Champlain Place. Moncton has a reputation for being a very friendly city, and lived up to that yesterday as many folks stopped to chat and share quilt stories. Several members of the Moncton Quilt Guild arrived including Jerri who brought along her latest Maritime Beauty to show. We had a hard time getting a good picture in all that sunshine; in person the colours are lush shades of lavender, mauve and purple: very, very pretty. It's always a treat to see quilts and I appreciate Jerri's thoughtfulness in bringing it along.

If you have yet to pick up your copy of Canadian Heritage Quilting, signed copies are available at most of the Chapters/Coles stores I have visited as well as at Mrs. Pugsley's Emporium in Amherst where you can still enter your name to win one of the quilts shown in the book. Those outside the local area perhaps can connect with Diane at one of her appearances. If you'd like a copy mailed, I'd be pleased to do that; please email for postage rates.

Nothing quilty planned for today as youngest has two band concerts at the high school. We will sit back and (proudly) be entertained.

Book Signings

The book signings last Saturday in Halifax were very busy, and a big thank you to all who turned out to make the day a success. It was a wonderful time to connect with friends and family I hadn't seen for awhile and also to meet up with quilters. Folks from several area Guilds stopped by to say hello as well as Bev Crouse from The Quilter's Net. One of the best parts of the day was meeting up with Jane, whom I had "met" virtually on a Cyberquilters list. She was so helpful in supplying precise driving directions to both the Halifax bookstore locations; a great time (and frustration) saver.

This coming Saturday, December 6th, I will be in Dieppe at the Coles and Chapters stores: 12-2 at Chapters and 3-5 at Coles in Champlain Place. If you happen to be in the Moncton area on Saturday, I do hope you will drop in to say hi.