What I did yesterday

You may remember my goodbye post from last December. Puddles was the puppy we got from a friend the second summer we were in this house. She developed cancer of the facial mask and at her age it was better to put her down.

This house has now been almost a year without a dog. I don't think I have ever gone that long without a poochie. If nothing else it really gave me time to mourn the loss of my friend. Dh and I have been discussing getting a new dog for a while. This time we wanted a small dog; actually we have decided to each get our own. But we don't want puppies, and we prefer to "rescue" them.

We had a lead two weeks ago on a small poodle type, that the lady was looking for a new home for her two year old dog because she was moving into a residence and could not take it with her. I debated about whether or not we were ready, especially as we are moving into the winter season. By the time I called, the dog was already promised...but to her granddaughter, so I was pleased for them.

Moving on, I decided to check out a local shelter website that I used to visit often, but only found a German shepherd. Too big for us! Though there was mention of a yorkshire becoming available soon, so I emailed them on Wednesday, spoke to the lady on Thursday who would have brought the dog by that afternoon, but I was on my way out to work so that was impossible. Told her I would be by on the weekend.

Yesterday morning, I checked the website before we left, and now there was a picture up of a chihuahua. Dh does not like this breed, yet amazingly enough told me to check out both dogs when we got there and see if  "either one does it for me". So off we went...it is like a 45 minute drive one way. Can you believe that the yorkshire was adopted on Friday?!

So I got to meet the chihuahua. The lady at the shelter is not sure how old she is, but she seems in good form. She does not bark, she may be deaf or almost deaf (I really cannot confirm this yet). She is so very, very tiny weighing in at about 4 lbs. But she looks like a fox, and is ginger coloured. I left her in the car with my husband for 5 minutes while I went to check out a beagle (NOT happening!) and when I came back, Dh and "Ginger" had bonded. So I now have my very own chi chi! I was concerned what would happen if the original owner came looking for her, but was told highly unlikely as she had been a "drop and run" at the shelter. The lady also lowered the price as the yorkshire was gone before I got there. This ended up being perfect, as it was exactly what I needed to spend on food, leash, and dishes.

She and Harpo the cat are getting along okay. I am so glad! I got a free doggie pillow when I bought the bag of dog food...just perfect, she has spent the night there. So far though she prefers the taste of the cat's food to hers. I'll have to talk to the vet about that, as that is where I buy my kitty food...special urinary tract stuff as Harpo is prone to infection. Not cheap! but cheaper than the vet bills for sure.

Anyway...here are the two photos I snagged from the shelter's website...just until we can start taking our own. She is a cuddly little thing!

Presenting . . . Ginger

I am a proud new mom!

New Hop - WE SUPPORT YOU - signups open

You don't have to go far these days to here of someone affected by cancer.

When Mdm Samm learned of some near and dear within our quilting community were afflicted she did what she does so well 

and put forth her cry  asking if any are willing 

to create and celebrate community.   

We Support YOU ! was born.

This is the newest hop created and hosted 

by Mdm Samm of Sew We Quilt 

and organized and cheered 

by Pat Callihan of Life in the Scrapatch.

Join us in a worldwide community celebration of love and hope 

by making a 3' x 2 1/2' bra in support of those with cancer. 

Pattern designed and provided by Mdm Samm

free of charge to hop participants

Just think what you could do with this creation . . . wall hanging, tote bag, pillow, and the embellishments . . . embroidery, applique, whatever your sew creative mind can come up with! 

Think how loved and SUPPORTED 

these courageous people in your life will feel. 

Or make a great charity gift item . . . there are no limits.

Visit this link for all the information and sign up directions.

I can't wait to show MY support 

this awful disease has/is afflicting several of my friends and family.

I understand that there are still a few spots in the

Fab, fab, fabulous cross stitch - pinny - tammy bag hop.

Click on the image for the link to learn more.

Blogathon Canada 2014 - Day 5

Good day, and welcome to my little corner of Quebec!

Rawdon is a municipality located on the Ouareau River in southwestern Quebec, Canada, about 60 kilometers north of Montreal. It is the seat for the Regional County Municipality of Matawinie, in the Lanaudière region. Wikipedia   (area 193 km²)

 

Should you ever be out this way, here is a link to a list of activities.

A big thank you to Sew Sisters for hosting this event 3 years running...and to our other sponsors: Aurifil, Northcott, Camelot Fabrics, Robert Kaufman, Timeless Treasures ... It is great to see the Canadian quilting/blogging community come together and be outspoken at least for one week...and then return quietly to our respective corners. *wink*

And heartfelt gratitude to our two host bloggers today:

Josee of The Charming Needle, and
Janet at Cariboo Crossing Chronicles

I am a crafter, somewhat new to the quilting world. I love to knit, cross stitch, sew, and now quilt also. I read somewhere that quilters love to cut fabric apart into itty bitty pieces and then sew them back together...yup, that describes me!

I also love to participate in the sew creative and fun blog hops with Madame Samm of Sew We Quilt...it has been a year now that I've been tugging on the coattails of some very creative people...and I've been learning so much. Today is actually the last day of the the T'was the night hop...the only hop of the year that I did not participate in.

Here are a few of the things I have done this year...

Ten minute table runner for the Black Tie Boogie blog hop.

My first foray into EPP. This is a needlekeep designed by Debby Kratovil. 

This was for the Kona blog hop in January.

Door stopper

My first foray into paper piecing. I fell in love with the process!

I love to feed squirrels . . . and as a result I have many that come visit me and provide daily entertainment for peanuts (pun intended)

My first full sized quilt is a picnic blanket. Really works more like a table cloth over a picnic table as most of us cannot sit directly on the ground.

I also made my own checker board (Quebec game with 30 tokens per person); using gingham, decorated with chicken scratch stitching and a wooden dowel for the tokens.

My first fabric postcard...see this post for info on the next exchange; sign ups open till Nov. 22

A friend of mine is having a baby (actually she had a boy, named Liam just recently), and this was the baby quilt I made...

New kitchen curtains with RBD gingham, with some hand stitching.

Testing of a paper pieced bear paw for Tartankiwi. Great pattern!

A fabric travel placemat for the Black Cat Crossing blog hop.

A blackwork kitty WIP for halloween next year...to be made into a table runner.

I just love making things; and jumping from blog to blog meeting new people!

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

If you have time, take a look around...I look forward to any comments you may have.

Postcard Exchange

Woo hoo . . . another postcard exchange with Brandy Lynn Designs!

The last one was a maple leaf for Canada Day, and this one is . . .

Snowflakes!

Click on the image above to sign up between Nov. 1 - 22; 

and you can make and receive up to 5  postcards.

 

The process?

1. Sign up (click on the snowflakes for the link)

2. Make your snowflake postcard(s)

3. Take a photo of your postcard(s)

4. Email photo(s) to Brandy Lynn (for the pinterest page)

5. Receive the name(s) and address(es) of your exchange partner(s) (Brandy Lynn sends emails out in the evenings)

6. Mail your postcard(s) (in time for your partner(s) to receive before Christmas)

7. wait impatiently for your card(s) to arrive

The pinterest link with photos of all postcards sent will go live Christmas Day 

(you know . . . for that downtime ~ NOT)

Need a postcard tutorial? Go here . . . My Sweet Prairie Studio

Need postcard supplies? Go here . . . Monika Kinner-Whalen (Etsy shop)

Anything goes as long as you can mail it. 

Mail it naked (i.e. don't use an envelope) postcards are always fun to receive with the postmark. Just be very careful not to use anything that can catch in the postal machinery.

But, if you want to add lots of bling, feel free to use an envelope; there is no requirement not to.

I'd love for you to join in . . . mail is  always fun to receive, 

and really, there is little better than a homemade card!

Blogathon Canada 2014

 

Let's Celebrate Canadian Quilting Bloggers!

Find new blogs, make new friends and win amazing prizes!

Here's how it works:

 
Each day host bloggers will introduce themselves and their work on their blogs. They will include links to more blogs from their province so you can visit those blogs as well. The host bloggers will also host a giveaway of some of their favorite goodies from the Sew Sisters store so you have a chance to win every day of the week!

Not only can you win prizes from Sew Sisters on the host bloggers blogs, you can also enter giveaways on Sew Sisters blog during Blogathon week!

These prizes are sponsored by our fabulous co-sponsors:

The Hosts:

Monday, November 17	BC	Stacey	Stacey in Stitches
Monday, November 17	BC	Jessica	Momiji Studio
Tuesday, November 18	Maritimes	Linda	Scrapmaster
Tuesday, November 18	Maritimes	Linda	Stitch Lines
Wednesday, November 19	AB	Kelsey	Everyday Fray
Wednesday, November 19	AB	Leanne	She Can Quilt
Thursday, November 20	SK	Heather	Peace.Love.Quilt
Thursday, November 20	MB	Lori	Night Owl Quilting
Friday, November 21	QC	Josée	The Charming Needle
Friday, November 21	Territories	Janet	Caribou Crossing Chronicles
Saturday, November 22	ON	Lorna	Sew Fresh Quilts
Saturday, November 22	ON	Sandy	Upstairs Hobby Room

Join the Party:

 

If you would like for the host blogger from your province or territory to link your blog in her post please write to:  connect@sew-sisters.com and they will add your blog to the list. Please note that you need to be a blogger living in Canada and your blog should have posts about quilting or crafting to be eligible.

 

Grab the Blogathon Canada Button for your blog so you can have a quick link to all the fun!

 

 

See you on Friday, November 21...as linked from The Charming Needle

 

Embarking on a new quilt adventure

Last year I joined a quilt guild for the first time. The Patchwork Guild of Rawdon meets the second Saturday of the month (9-11), and has a workshop the fourth Saturday of the month (9-3). I can tell you it is not always easy to make it when I finish work at 8 a.m. but I do my best to try anyways.

This year, they decided to do one quilt throughout the year. We will be doing Elizabeth's Sampler "Let's Begin". 

We are to learn and complete one or two blocks per month. The first two blocks that were demonstrated were Friendship Star, and Churn Dash...using the hand piecing method. Well, hand piecing is not me and so I will be machine sewing these blocks. 

The two blocks we received at the October workshop last weekend were the Sawtooth Star with appliqued heart, and the Maple Leaf.

These are the fabrics I bought for this project...

 

From right to left...

1. light background
2. main fabric (floral print)
3. Dark (rose) print
4. Medium (pink) print
5. Light Green print (contrast #1)
6. Medium-Dark green print (contrast #2)
7. Sashing Fabric
8. Posts
9. Border
9. Binding
10. Backing fabric (not pictured here)

A lady at my local quilt shop spent a good amount of time with me, assisting me in my choices. I would never have chosen these, but I totally love them and I can't wait to make this quilt (49" x 69").

Only one problem, I'm terrified to cut the fabric for fear of messing it up LOL.
I'm sure I'll get over it soon enough.

Hopping with Black Cat Crossing ~ Take Two

Woo Hoo! Good morning everyone. Welcome to those who are just joining me, and a great big thank you to those coming back (explanation post here)

Thank you again Mdm Samm and Wicked Wendy for organizing this wickedly fun hop. And a huge thank you to Maywood Studios.

I don't usually "do" Halloween anymore, no decorations here, but there was a time when I did. Working on the re-organization in my sewing studio over the summer, I found some old halloween fabric.

I bought it at Walmart (at least 3 metres, goodness knows why) back when my son was in daycare. It was the year he turned 4 (he just turned 17 this month) and he had a pillow for nap time and I decided to make him some "seasonal" pillowcases. He loved it, I was thrilled.

Now with so much fabric leftover, it has sat there stored away since. Well, some time ago a found a (fabulous to me) free pattern for a "Take-Along Place Mat" designed by Cinzia Alloca; that has sat there waiting for me to get over my phobia of zipper installation.

This pattern had easy to follow explanations and pictures...so what stumped me? The "hand sewn" binding. Guess there is a first time for everything. Can I just say that I have discovered...I DO NOT want to do it again for a while. I love this pattern and want to make many more, but I will figure out how to do a machine sewn binding or "horror of horrors" for you serious quilters who prefer hand binding, I will change up the backing fabric and turn it into a "faux" binding by pulling it around to the front.

Here is where I was when I wrote my "Take One" post...

Thanks to a very kind comment from a friend, I did not give up and leave you with the above photos. Her kindness spurred me on to complete what seemed insurmountable and overwhelming at that time. Thanks C! Look, no more clips! Though I must say that poor puppy dog has been wagging it's tail ALL NIGHT! (so much for being back quick lol)

Very proud to have persevered and love my finished mat. Unh unh...you don't get to see my horrid hand stitching...here, look instead at this...

I've already begun plans for a table runner for next year...a kitty in blackwork...now this kind of handstitching I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE *wink*

Well, people will be rising soon for breakfast so I'm gonna go check out all the lovlies who shared my day with me...oops coffee cup empty...another refill and then some hopping...

Wednesday, October 22

Creatin' in the Sticks

 

(you are here...) Living With Purpose

Moose Stash Quilting

The Quilted Cat

Lines, Color, and Art

Hopping with Black Cat Crossing ~ Take One

Thank you Mdm Samm and Wicked Wendy for organizing this wickedly fun hop. And a huge thank you to Maywood Studios for producing such a beautiful line of fabric!

Due to my seeming non ability to complete a project with a respectful amount of time prior to due date (how did I ever work in administration??!!), I am currently experiencing technical difficulties with some very important binding...how do you seasoned quilters manage this with such ease it's like wrestling a cat at bathtime?!

In the meantime, please enjoy the following tune...I am going completely batty at this moment (a temporary setback I assure you)

and then please visit the super workmanship of those wonderfully creative people I am sharing my day with...

Wednesday, October 22

Creatin' in the Sticks

 

(you are here...) Living With Purpose

Moose Stash Quilting

The Quilted Cat

Lines, Color, and Art

 

I'll be back in a few shakes of a puppy dog's tail!

Calling all Whovians . . .

and especially lovers of cross-stitch. There is a new Doctor in town.

 

Via the Craftsy platform I came across a designer with various versions, in cross stitch of the 9th, 10th, 11th, and now the 12h Doctor. Even, Jack Harkness . . .

Kate Gatti, aka Hornswoggle, has many beautiful patterns, and can be found on Craftsy, Etsy, and Facebook.

I have no affiliation, other than as a consumer *wink*, but I love her work! And I am now the proud owner of a 12th Doctor x-stitch pattern that I'm going to begin sewing as I eagerly watch each week.

F.Y.I. sorry son, this one is to be mine! Though, there is to be a 2nd version coming out in a couple of weeks that will be more complicated and have more colours; and I will probably feel the need to get that one too, so maybe this one will be yours after all . . . wait and see.

RUSH HOUR ~ A final look...

Every day I refill the feeders, and I've taken to spreading some sunflower seeds 

on the ground for the squirrels to forage. 

They are fun to watch prancing through the grass, sometimes digging to hide them, 

though something tells me they will have trouble reaching these ones once the ground freezes 

and the snow comes . . . silly squirrels.

Since I've taken to spreading the seed this way, I've had anywhere between 8 and 10 squirrels at a time. Hence . . .

Around the World Blog Hop

I've been tagged in the Around the World blog hop by Kris loves fabric... Kris has been faithfully working on a labour of love for her son; a beautiful Dr. Who quilt (which is on my perpetually growing "to do" list) and so I've been spending quite a bit of time following her progress and getting to know her along the way.

1. What am I working on?

     Many fun and varied projects. I love to collect patterns and periodically, I even finish them. I love to join in the fun blog hops with Madam Samm of Sew We Quilt. The current one, Rush Hour, has one more day (there have been a lot of wonderful projects using that lovely Studio E "Rush Hour" fabric), and then in October it will be Black Cat Crossing cheered by Wicked Wendy of Why-Know-Kwilt. So of course I am working (secretly of course) towards that one. I love paper piecing and recently completed a test pattern for Juliet at The TartanKiwi . . .

I have my own Dr. Who quilt in the works for my son...as you can see by the date in the photo, I've been working on it for a while now. The Doctors are complete, and I am working on adding the most used quote by each one.

I am having lots of fun learning to quilt, but I really love to dabble in several crafty things . . . knitting (socks, slipper, dishcloths), cross stitch, chicken scratch, embroidery, oh and a newly developed love of paper piecing.

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I guess you could say I'm a "wannabe". I love to try new things, and am not adverse to letting it go as a UFO when I decide I've had enough. I'm not drawn to finish just for finishing sake. Can't say I feel I'm really unique; I haven't really decided on a genre . . . I kind of like to jump in the river and let the current take me. Let you know where I end up when I get there LOL

3. Why do I write/create what I do?

Just to see if I can. I have a drive to learn . . . a drive to see what new thing I am able to wrap my mind around. And I love being able to do so in the comfort of my own home.

4. How does my writing/creating process work?

My process is very slow. Sometimes I swear my brain flows slower than molasses in January. But, when I get on a roll, look out I cannot stop until I am done; or until I just cannot keep my eyes open any more. All else takes a back seat.

I am supposed to tag some others, but was unable to do so. Any reader that would like to take up this dropped baton, please email me for the info! I'd love to add your link below!

1.

2.

3.