Looking Forward to...

the remainder of 2014.

We are well into summer now, back to school supply sales are already in full swing around here, and I feel that this is a perfect time to reflect on what I would like to accomplish during the latter half of this year.

Back in the beginning of the year, I signed up for a few monthly things such as ALYOF, and A Handmade Christmas Challenge. I haven't managed to keep up with them, some are just larger projects than I am ready for, such as the Delightful Stars Quilt Along. I've also been participating in blog hops with Mdm. Samm of Sew We Quilt. Totally loving those! These hops have been helping me to stretch creatively and as they are so much fun, I feel totally up to the challenge of making something new for each one. So much creative talent and lovely ladies cheering each other on. Love you all!

In addition to the blog hops, I've been considering some types of projects and goals I would like to work towards achieving for the end of 2014. I'm hoping to work more realistically both time and ability-wise, in order to better manage my creative time and energy.

I have been working on a re-org of my sewing, dare I call it a, studio. Really, that is a post in itself, as it is a major project, just don't expect any fancy gingham wall painting like Mdm Samm, my walls are chip board, but you'll have to wait and see LOL.

This year, I wanted to learn how to knit them and to actually complete a pair of hand knitted socks. Until now I had started two different pairs. The first pair is also in this post, and the second pair are here. I was almost finished sock 1 of the first pair when I discovered a big error. I put them aside and started the second pair. Ha, half way through sock 1 I discovered a dropped stitch, so, I frogged and began again. I have no idea how to find a dropped stitch let alone how to fix it...so, it was frogged, and I restarted the sock as it knits up pretty straightforwardly. Ha ha, I dropped a stitch again somewhere about the same place, put it aside and moved onto something else. My patience just wasn't there to deal with it, and this is supposed to be fun not frustrating, right?!

So, cleaning my studio the other day, I came across sock number 1, still on the needles, put my foot in and fell in love. Frog city, frogged yarn is not pretty, but...forging ahead! I decided to start two socks at one time and to do so many rounds on the first sock, and then to follow up with same on second sock. Now this is fun! They will both be finished around the same time, Oh, and I found a friend at my quilt guild who knits so next time I get into trouble, I have someone to ask for help. Yay! Fewer frogs here, I'm hoping. Sorry, no sneaky peakys today!

This post is getting long, but I've also always wanted to knit a sweater, a cardigan to be exact. With craftsy's flash sale, I joined the class called "My First Sweater" with Amy Ross. She has a lovely voice and such a pretty face. The laced with gray hair in a bun, glasses, and clothing, and she truly could be my sister LOL

Oh, I just love it! I've printed off the materials, and I know I've got enough yarn in my stash to do this. Yay!!

So these are my two main knitting projects that I want to work towards for the remainder of 2014. I'm gonna keep thinking about and working on the various things I'm involved in and will update my "Wanna Do" page as I figure things out. Well, lunch will be ready in a few minutes and mmmm I am hungry.

New mid-September Hop

Sign ups are open over at Carol's ~Just Let Me Quilt~ !

Woo Hoo! Mdm Samm and Carol are hosting a second blog hop in September 

with Studio E - RUSH HOUR.

Living so close to work, I no longer have to contend with Rush Hour traffic, but breakfast IS rush hour in my house every day! And this image does totally look like me in the morning LOL

These are my favourite fabrics from Studio E

Some definite ideas in mind for "rush houry" type things I would like to make, 

using Gray, Red, White, or Black fabric.

For full info, please visit Mdm Samm or Carol on how to sign up and just what's involved.

Their pom poms are stirring up a lot of inspiration!

College Days

blog hop with Soma and other awesome designers that began July 1, has me hooked...

Way back in high school, I never truly felt as though I fit in, but my senior year (Secondary five) was my best year there. Fast forwarding to college, I attended Vanier College (1989 - 1991), where I studied Natural Science - Applied Ecology option. I wanted to be a forest ranger. In college studying with others who, like me, wanted to be there, I no longer felt like a fish out of water; but, seasons in life come and go, and I left after completing only two of a three-year-program. No regrets, for without those decisions, I would not be where I am now...but, this College Hop is bringing back many great memories.

Soon, it will be time for my son to head off to college, and I hope to have this quilt completed for him when he goes. Thankfully I still have one full year left...maybe, just maybe, that will be sufficient time in which I can finish it *wink*.

This was not the first block offered, but I chose to complete it as my first.

 

I chose to add a bit of backstitch to the 101 as well..

 

And it wasn't until I completed the block that I punfully thought of "school of fish". You can shake your head and groan at that one, my son certainly did. Oh and he is totally aware of this block, and will be of future ones as well, he just has no idea what I am doing or that it will eventually be for him. What fun it will be to have had his input all along LOL

 

Here is the list of designers we've seen so far, plus, Soma's up tomorrow . . .

The Designers -

1. 07/01 Ruthie, Ruthie quilts! And quilts…

2. 07/02 Esther, ipatchandquilt

3. 07/03 Alida, TweLoQ

4. 07/04 Michelle, misha29

5. 07/07 Cheryl, Meadow Mist Designs

6. 07/08 Alyce, Blossom Heart Quilts

7. 07/09 Janine, Rainbow Hare

8. 07/10 Soma, Whims And Fancies

Canada Day ~ Fete du Canada

 

Photo Courtesy: http://www.montrealfamilies.ca/Montreal-Families/July-2012/Canada-Day-Festivities-in-Montreal/ 

The First Canada Day Parade in Montreal

 "Montreal began hosting a Canada Day Parade in 1977, just months after the separatist political party, Le Parti Québécois, first came to power back in November 1976. Initiated by Montreal cardiologist Roopnarine Singh, the first Canada Day Parade in Montreal was no more than a few cars tooting their horns around the city, a pale comparison to Canada Day festivities outside of the province and a conspicuous reflection of Quebec's political division: the sovereigntists versus the federalists. But this didn't stop the parade from carrying on. Its processional size and public participation grew as several of Montreal's ethnic communities showed a strong presence: Chinese, German, Armenian, Indian, Hungarian, Iranian, Greek, Italian, Turk, Indonesian, Polish, Philippino, Danish, Malagasy, Dutch, Sri Lankan, Irish and Japanese are just some of the cultures represented. And the grass roots parade keeps growing, with crowds of 40,000 or more attending one of Montreal's most beautiful parades."

Courtesy: http://montreal.about.com/od/attractionsbyholiday/a/canada_day_parade_montreal_defile_fete_du_canada.htm

"On July 1st, 2014, Montreal Canada Day organizers in charge of Old Port activities promise an assortment of freebies perfect for families (and non-families too), from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., including an opening ceremony featuring a Canadian Forces parade and brass brand.

MONTREAL CANADA DAY: 2014 OLD PORT HIGHLIGHTS

• giant cake (usually 2,000 portions, served at noon)
• traditional gun salute (cannon shot every minute for 21 minutes as of noon)
• cosom hockey (games start every 15 minutes from noon to 8 p.m.)
• inflatable games for kids (from noon to 8 p.m.)
• DJ workshops (start every hour from noon to 8 p.m.)
• dreamcatcher and bracelet making workshops (start every 20 minutes from noon to 8 p.m.)
• street entertainment (from noon to 8 p.m.)
• fireworks (start at 10:15 p.m.)
• food trucks might be on location

All of the above activities are held at the Old Port. Just get off at Place d'Armes Metro and follow the crowd. For a full schedule of activities, consult the Canada Day website"

Courtesy: http://montreal.about.com/od/attractionsbyholiday/a/montreal_canada_day_in_montreal_parade_events.htm

 Courtesy: http://fineartamerica.com/products/canada-day-fireworks-celebration-in-montreal-city-pierre-leclerc-greeting-card.html

I participated in a Postcard exchange this year . . . see this post . . . and here is my first ever hand made postcard . . .

Using a piece of muslin cut to size, I used Setacolour fabric paint in yellow to paint the fabric. Then using some maple leaves from a tree in my backyard, I adhered the largest leaf with temporary stencil glue and painted all with orange. Adhered the next two leaves, and painted over with red. Then made some green blotches. I used a decorative stitch with my sewing machine to sew a border...green thread on top, and yellow in the bobbin. Apparently I painted with a bit of a heavy hand as the paint seeped under the leaves, but I am happy with the overall result. It was a lot of fun to make a fabric postcard, and I foresee a few more in my future.

For the backing I used some pre-made ones from Monika Kinner-Whalen. of My Sweet Prairie. Available here in her Etsy Shop.

I haven't received mine yet, but with two holidays back to back here in Quebec, the post office develops a bit of a back log. It should be arriving any day now. Plus, I have to admit to being a little nervous about sending this "naked" without an envelope. The suspense is rather exciting lol.