Sunday, December 30, 2012

the week after Christmas

We have all had a very enjoyable Christmas here in our house, with friends and family some visiting and of course some good meals shared with them all.
Next week will bring in the new year ... new beginnings ,new projects, and new opportunities for us all. I do wish all the best to you all for 2013.
I would like to share with you a very special gift sent to me from Sheila from Sheila's Quilt World. We have become friends over the last couple of years through the land of blog and have had the gift of meeting last summer.

She has made me this lovely penny rug stitchery for Christmas this year I love the phrase on it
" All Hearts Come Home for Christmas" which is sew true as if  you can not make it home you often connect with those at home on Christmas. Thank you sew very much.

This is a little item made for the Holidays as a gift, the colors are more burgundy than purple but that is just how the camera picked it up. And of course there is a little fabric left over and another project waiting I am sure.

I did manage to get my 2012 FMQ challenge done a put together a little slide show ..... a learning curve for me but I had some great help with my dd. Now to put what I have learned with the FMQing into practice with a few of the quilts waiting to be quilted.  A new list for 2013 I am sure.

The weather is starting to warm up a little and the sun is shining, sew it will be nice and bright outside today.....perfect for a walk. WE have had a lot of fog sew the trees have been all deck out with frost ...just picture perfect ...except I did not get any taken.

I hope to get a little sewing done today as well...
I want to get a start on my next blog hop items as well as getting the backing ready for our son's quilt.
Sew that's all for now.... off to sew a little
in stitches
and Happy New Year
Annette

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

2012 FMQ Final entry

All good things come to and end ... or maybe it's just the beginning.
I have a little slide show of my samples to show you. I have done samples of each month and also did up the sampler quilt.

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow
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I will be practicing more in the new year.... that a given.
I have enjoyed learning the different techniques and using a variety of threads.
Thread can add more color and details to your quilt and not just the pretty stitches.
I have really enjoyed learning more about how to quilt borders.As they are the last step before the binding on a quilt and are the perfect space to show case some special stitching. I find that sometimes I just do some meandering  free motion quilting just to get the quilt done. But now I will give it more thought and planing.
I thought this was a great way to learn more about the many techniques taught and learn more about the threads and battings that are out there waiting for us to give them a try.
I would like to thank SewCalGal and all the experts as well the the sponsors that helped make this all possible for us all year long.
Enjoy your families this holiday season.
in stitches
Annette
I have to thank my daughter for helping me with the smilebox slideshow :0)

2012 FMQ challenge

This is the last of the FMQ challenges and what a great lesson it was with Patsy Thompson
I have checked her blog in the past but have never done anything with the ideas shared there ... sew I must say thank you for sharing this with us and showing us all what we can do with a little practice.
Here is my pillow that I have done with a few of the borders 
pillow needed a little more stuffing
sew I went out and bought a new pillow for the cover
It is now in use on the couch

and here is the flip side where you can see more of what is going on. I know that doing sew much work on a print is missed but I had fun doing this and learning a little more along the way

Here  is  my sample quilt with a few different sample borders on it.

Now I am off to fry out the bonus lesson. I have it printed onto fabric and now to get it ready to quilt.

This has been a fun challenge to be apart of and learning along with all of you has been a blast..... just seeing what everyone has done with the lessons.
Now to Link up with SewCalgal and this months finishes.
Happy Holidays
In stitches
Annette

Thursday, December 20, 2012

W.I.P 3-D Quilt Hollow Cubes

Well this weeks work is almost done ...... Over 2000 pieces , 88 x 108 inches.  I just have to piece the backing and do the quilting... in the new year. ( Monday night the center andTuesday night the borders :0)  )

I did have enough blocks left over to build a mini quilt just the right size for a baby. I thought with the primary colors it would do nicely. What do you think? I think they went together just fine. ( Wed morning )
took this pic out on the snow  .....brrrrrr


Nothing like getting some of the left overs worked up right away.

Well  I am not sure how much other quilting  / sewing I will get done this month. I do plan to finish this months lesson from SewCalGal's site, with the FMQ Challenge. She has had a lot of great teachers through out the year, and we have learned a lot of new techniques and skills. Thanks sew much to you all.

Christmas preparations are well under way with shopping almost done and maybe one or two more items to bake, just might wait for the kids to come home and do some baking with them.
How's your holiday prep going??
Stockings hanging on our door
 
Well I hope to get a little more editing done but it ( this post ) just will not let me rigth now
Sew, now I will link up with The Needle and Thread Network  stop in and see what everyone has been up to.
take care and Merry Christmas
in stitches
Annette

Monday, December 17, 2012

update

At supper time I have all but 9 block worked into the quilt . And sewn in to rows - 18 rows by 13 blocks, and I have started to sew the rows together sew far 6 rows complete.
It will be a queen / king size when finished.
Off to sew a few more rows together... who know maybe the border will go on tonight too.
In stitches
Annette

further update  @9 p.m..... after what felt like a marathon of sewing the, borders are left to do , the center is finished :) they will keep for another day.
good night all

off to the design wall

....... with some assembly required  .....
 Blocks are all make to the half block stage and the background pieces are cut. I cut 2 full sets of blocks just to have enough and sew that I would not have any leftovers.( a small quilt might be made from anything left right away)

 Now to sew the strips sets together and then join those to make the top. There are no Y seams in this quilt sew I think I could have it almost all put together today..... fingers cross and machine threaded and away I will go to the design wall to get-r-done..... I hope.

We did have a lot of fog this weekend and some beautiful frost yesterday... sorry no pics but it was picture perfect. I did get some baking done for the holidays and I might get a couple more things baked ...... not sure as the kids keep telling me not to bake sew much sew maybe I'll listen  ;)

Have a great day and if I get it done I'll show the quilt top off.
ta ta for now.
in stitches
Annette

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Flurries still

Snow, snow and more snow.... we are going to definitely have a white Christmas in our neck of the woods....... And I love it!
I know that means there is a lot to shovel and walk through but it also means the kids will have snowball fights and sledding and just having fun playing in the snow. And if it warms up a little there will be snowmen not doubt.
I have been busy making the 3-D blocks for our son's quilt, 30 more to make and then I can start to build the quilt.
I have also been working on my FMQ lesson for December from the challenge on SewCalGal.
Sew it's just a short note for now ... I am off to work on a few more of those blocks and watch a Christmas movie while I work.
Take care out there and happy stitching on your Christmas projects.
in stitches
Annette

Thursday, December 6, 2012

W.I.P.

Well the quilt is still on the wall but the number of blocks are growing I know have 60 blocks made and want to make another 60 and then see where it takes the quilt for the finished size . I know that I want it bigger than the pattern. I know that I would like it to have a few more rows in both directions and then I will frame it up in black and then a print border. Sew I know I will be busy as I still plan on having the top built before Christmas. A little here and there and I know it will get done.
I do have the next strip sets all cut and ready to organize and sew. Sew that will be today's step.

We made some fresh sausage yesterday and used up the last of last years deer meat. It's always nice to have sausage on hand for a quick meal. Sew far the deer have been safe from our guys, only 2 days left in the season. We also had a good snowfall again yesterday sew there is a lot of fresh snow covering the fields that they will be hunting in. We definitely have a lot of snow so far this winter. The kids should be happy as it will be perfect to go tobogganing, or snowshoeing, and snowman building.

I'm to late to link up with The Needle and Thread Network but I thought I would share.
Be sure to check out Sew WE Quilt aka Stash Manicure ..... this months feature is Books for Women  by Women. There has been some great reviews sew far , some great books to get us all thinking, about ourselves and others.
That's all for now
Hope you are having a great week, remember to take some time for your selves okay.
in stitches
Annette

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Holiday Lane Hop Winners

Well today is the day that I will draw the winning comments

.......... drum roll....... Farm Quilter
and I did a bonus draw, just because I could...   :) and Christmas is in the air,
                                 Julie in WA
Now just to wait for addresses to send off the prizes.
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by on the Holiday Lane Pillow Hop.

Don't forget to stop by Sew We Quilt  for the month of December for a fun month full of give aways and other goodies.

Hard to believe that it is December all ready. Time is sure flying I will have to get at my shopping next week and I do have a start on some baking but after hearing everyone favorites I am not sure what I should make this year......

I hope you all have a great weekend and get some quilting/sewing done for the holidays.
in stitches
Annette

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Free Motiong Quilting Challenge November

It's hard to believe that this year is almost done and that we only have one more challenge ahead of us.We sure have had some great teachers sharing with us this year .... thank you to all of them and to Darlene for organizing this challenge and all the lovely prizes. I still have to check out all the bounus classes and give them a try too. I think I should try one a week and see how that goes. I do know that the more I do the better I feel I am getting with my FMQ. Fingers crossed to see if I can get that done , I'll try.

Well for November it was a swrill pattern and ways to adapt it. It was a great class with hand out sheets for practicing. Our teacher was Sarrah Vedeler, I thought she did a wonderful job with the online tut/class.


I have done some paracticing and then quilted a logcabin block and a card trick block. I do like how they stitched out .


I will be linking up with SewCalGal   here  , as the  month is almost over and anyone following knows that means you have to get yours in before the next month begins.

I did get a couple little aprons made using tea towels and a little cotton fabric for the ties.On one I added a band at the bottom to give it some extra lenght.
 I thought they turned out cute I just might have to get a few more tea towels and make some to have on hand for gifts.
Have a great Day
in stitches
Annette

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Holiday Lane Pillow Hop - Flurries in the forcast

It's Thursday Novemeber 29  ............. Sew .........
 

Welcome to my little post with the Holiday Lane Pillow Hop.
lots of snow + kids = snowmen
The snow if falling and we have been shoveling for a few weeks already.
Winter is here for sure. It is a wonderful season filled with fun and laughter as the kids play in the snow.


the flat version
It is a season that is very busy with baking and shopping and a little decorating, and a lot of last minute sewing

ready for a cuddle


This little pillow helps in the decorating area I have it on the back of my couch with a Christmas quilt, my only decorating to date. I love how they go together. Just waiting for someone to curl up with a good book and snuggle under the quilt.
My version of Holiday Lane has a slight snow fall happening , just the touch it needed for my corner of the world.
just one more picture to show it off a little better

Many Thanks to Madame Samm and Pauline for getting us started with these cute pillows and also thank you to Jill for the pattern to make them with.
Be sure to stop on  by and see what the other Lanes look like this Holiday season. Here are the link for today's blogs


Crazy for Candles
 
I will have a give away of one of my favorite patterns of my own designs,Crazy for Candles .... a candle/ table mat. Hope it becomes yours  too. And a few fat quarters to help you get started.
You can play with your machine with this one and see what all those fun stitches look like..... you know the ones that we never seam to use very often.I just heard that a gal in my October class that I taught a few weeks ago has made at least 7 sew far and is still having fun with the pattern.
Just leave me a comment on my blog. ( let me know that you want to be included in the give away. Please leave me a way to contact you if you are a non reply commenter.)
In your comment let me know what your favorite Christmas treat was/is .....
I have always love the home made fudge we made as kids right around Christmas .... I'll have to look for the recipe and share it with you.

 Now a days I am changing up a few of our family favorites as I am gluten free and that dose  not always end with eatable goodies. But sometimes you just have to make it for the family and nibble on something else. Which works for me, it limits the amount of extras I eat over the Holiday season.

Just a note I was unable to find white wool sew I fused two layers of white fannel and used that in the area for the snow. I was happy with the thickness and feel it has, and I thought it work rather nice as the snow.

Draw date will be December 1st.
Now stop on by and visit the other blogger's today and do not forget Friday is the last day of the hop sew I have included  those gals too
Thursday November 29
             In Stitches and Seams That's me
Elaine - that other blog

Friday November 30
Linda - that other blog
 
I hope you all have enjoyed the hop and all the work that Mdme Samm and Pauline have done to keep it going for us. I do also hope that Pauline is felling better to.  We could not have all these great connetction with out the time and effort you put into it for us...... Thank You both Sew very much......And a big Thank you to Jill for the great pattern that gave us all some play time.
 
In stitches
Annette

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

2012 Chirstmas Quilt Show

Well here's a first for me a on line quilt show featuring quilts for the holidays and winter themes.
If you would like to join in on the fun go to here 2012 Christmas Quilt Show to find out more and see the show.
Here is one of my latest Christmas designs I call it Silent Night , Holy Night
 And here is one of the Christmas stockings I made for a friend this year. I am having some fun with this funky little tree.
Sew if you are able to join in on the fun and see some great quits and leave some comments to show the quilters you are enjoying their work. And even better yet would be to add your talent to the show too!
Enjoy the show.
In stitches
Annette
 sorry for the repeat in the items shown but I just found out about the show and wanted to share these in the show :)

Works in Progress ..... Silent Night


I seam to always have something on the ironing board or at the sewing machine.

The last few days I have been working out a idea I had for a Christmas wall hanging. I wanted to make something special for my Prayer Partner at church for the Christmas gift exchange next week.
I looked at a few of my patterns on hand and then thought maybe I would design something that would do the trick.
The next morning I had an idea in my head and sketched it out and I now have it sewn and quilted and only need to do a label for it.
I call it Silent Night, Holy Night, I have done it up two ways one with a little embroidery and the other with an extra window in the church. You gotta have options.
I may do up a pattern for it as well but that would be for next year. Sew with out further adieu here they are

Hope you like how they have turned out, I hope my Prayer Partner likes it too.
I will be linking up with The Needle and Thread Network stop in and check out what the others have been up to as well.
 I will be posting in the Holiday Lane Blog Hope on Friday. There have been some great pillows sew far.
Have a great week stay in stitches, I know I will. I still have a few more gifts to make.
  in stitches
Annette

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

W.I.P. Wednesdays and other stuff

Well  I have finally got s good start on the Christmas stockings I have had on the back burner for a little while... I am working on the last one now.
here's a peek
Stocking for our great nephew


last one under construction
note.... at the time of this posting I have them all done :)

I still have to decide on a project for my prayer partner and have it ready for the 3rd of December.I do have a couple ideas I just have to make a decision and get a move on.
I will be linking up with The Needle and Thread Network those ladies amaze me each and every week with all the talent they share with us. Thank you Monika for making this all possible.

I won a give away in the last hop Wicked on Sew We Quilt, All the way form England .... Thanks sew much Lyndsey

a little bundle of goodies in a cute little tote
This is my second post of the day as I was asked to participate in the Canadian Blogger hosted by Sew Sisters Quilt Shop .They are going province by province with a host blogger that links you up to other bloggers from her province and of course there are some great give aways too.
 Take care and enjoy some sewing today/tonight
in stitches
Annette

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Canadian Bloggers Connect

 November 21

SewSistersQuiltShop
Well today the links will all be from Saskatchewan. Sew grab yourself a cup of tea and have a visit with the blogger's for today.
I have called this province home all my life.I love the skies... they are alive..... and you should see them at night with the northern lights that dance through the night.

I have been a blogger for almost 2 years and a quilter for about 30. I have grown as a quilter a lot over the years and hope to continue to grow with new ideas and skills in the years to come.
 It is not a hobby it is a way of life!

I have been designing a few patterns for almost 10 years and teaching those patterns and others to many new quilters.
This year has been a bit of a blur.... you never know where one quilt will lead you..
I took my designing to a new level this year by entering a Challenge with Haus of Stitches for the 10th anniversary of the Stitches Conference.... a first for me. I designed a quilt I call Jewels of the Night.
I was amazed to have won the large quilt category as well as viewers choice. This was the first time I have entered anything with my quilts. I have donated to charities in the past, but this was all new to me.
Jewels of the Night

I also used the same quilt Jewels of the Night to enter a challenge on line with McCall's Quilting
for the Quilt Design Star 2012. This entry led to a busy summer of designing and making quilts. I was lucky enough to be designing right to the finials with the contest. I feel I was in great company all the way through and would encourage all of you to try you hand at designing and enter next year. ( watch for the May/June issue of McCall's Quilting, or check the web site, for more information)
                                        "If you don't try you'll never know"
this is was I said about myself in the beginning and I am sew glad that I did. Here are my entries for the different challenges that we had this year. Check out their web site to see what everyone created and to see the bio pages on us as well..... There where 3 Canadians in the finals this year!!!And one of the winners came  from Ontario. Way to go Lisette!
    
Guide Me Safely Home


Flutteryby's in My Garden
Holding On..





I am always doing some type of sewing / quilting and love to share what I know with others and I have even been a guest speaker at a guild this month. This was another first for me.... some how I thought it would be very hard to do. The ladies made it very easy for me to feel comfortable and show them what I had been up to this summer.

 I do have a couple tuts on my blog and hope to do up a few more this winter, just to share some ideas I have come up with. Sew you are welcome to stop by anytime to see what's new.

Now I am trying to get a few items made up to give as gifts this holiday season..... just like the rest of you I'll be busy right up until Christmas getting caught up.

I love how we all can get to know sew many more quilters through the blogs and I have created some very special friendships here too.

Sew I hope you enjoyed learning a wee bit about me and stop by and check out the other blogger's with today's links
Here's the schedule
 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 our store so you have a chance to win every day of the week!

The host blogs!



Sunday, November 18
Kick-off!
Michele
Monday, November 19
BC
Felicity
Monday, November 19
BC
Cathy
Tuesday, November 20
NS
Jeanette
Tuesday, November 20
NB
Holly
Wednesday, November 21
AB
Shena
Wednesday, November 21
SK
Patti
Thursday, November 22
QC
Marika
Thursday, November 22
MB
Heather
Friday, November 23
YT
Vivian
Friday, November 23
YT
Janet
Saturday, November 24
ON
Cathi
Saturday, November 24
ON
Cara
Saturday, November 24
ON
Kaye
In stitches
Annette

Thursday, November 15, 2012

5 weeks ... but who's counting

I just can not believe how fast time is flying by.
Just over 5 weeks until Christmas and I have to get started on sew many things to get ready for the Holiday.
I did get my Holiday Lane Pillow finished to be posted on the 29 th if my memory is right ( I'll be double checking that today)
I have 8 more set of half blocks made for my son's quilt and many many more to go( my goal is to have it pieced by the holidays and maybe quilted to )and 3 Christmas stockings to make as well as a Prayer Partner Christmas gift .... glad I have ideas for these already.
I will do a little baking as we do not seam to eat as much of the goodies any more ( might just be me as I  am gluten free) I always make a favorite for each member of our family.( full flour for them ).

I have to take both my sewing machine and serger back to the store to be serviced again they have ordered a new mother board for the sewing machine and the serger is still out of whack I have tried new needles / re threading/ different needles/ different thread/ different fabric all with the same results. I will be sew happy when they are both running like new again. I have been making baby undershirts for a friend to take with her on her mission trip coming in February as well as for Lutheran World Relief  Canada - Baby Bundles.
Well I hope you did not mind I did not get any photos in the post I will next time
I wish you all a great day filled with love and laughter and a little sew too
In stitches
Annette


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

WIP Wednesday

Well it seams like forever since I posted. And I do not feel that I have had much sewing time.

ready to use
But I did get a charming scarf finished  this morning
 I have gotten a couple  Baby bundles ready for Lutheran World Relief
ready to wrap and pin sew
 they will be on their way soon to
 some little one in need

and I have made a couple extra samples, for tonight show and tell over in Davidson.
Tonight is the First time that I am a guest speaker..... I have never thought of myself as such, but I am willing to give it a try....... quilting is something I know and love to do sew I think it will go okay. Hubby will be driving me over to the Davidson quilt guild meeting.
I did get a start on my Holiday Lane pillow for the hop coming soon......
just a peak

Well I best get myself organized and off to Davidson. but first I will be linking up with http://needleandthreadnetwork.blogspot.ca
sew stop on by and see what the others have been up to.
in stitches
Annette

Saturday, November 3, 2012

My Wicked blog hop Winner

is ........ comment number
                                   111..... Leah
I had sent her a note to get her mailing address and her package will be in the mail soon.
Thank you to all who stopped by on the Wicked post by all the bloggers. This was a fun hop and I was inspired over and over again by all the creativity out there that was shared through the hop.
I tried to reply to each comment but if you were a non-reply comment I was unable to ....sorry.... but I did include you in the draw . Still some things for me to figure out with doing give a away .... but I will keep trying.
Have a great week end .... I think mine will be spent doing some much needed cleaning. But I hope to start on my Holiday Lane Pillow ;)
stay in stitches
Annette

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Last day of the Wicked Hop

                                                                  Happy Halloween

(if you like this guy , he is in a quilt one post back )
well all good wicked things must come to an end but first check out the last day of the Wicked hop.
Wednesday, October 31st









Hope you had the chance to stop by most of the blogs .... there were a lot of treats given away during this hop and it might not be to late to be included.
Thanks to all the creative minds that put together such a great hop for Halloween. Stay tuned to see what will be next. I know the next one I will be in  on is Holiday Lane Pillows in just a few weeks.... I best get busy with that.
I did get my FMQ challenge sample done ..... it was a fun tut playing with doodling and your name, all done in thread thanks to Teri Lucas and Darlene  for getting this one set up for us. I still have to check out the bonus tuts. It has been a great year for learning different ways to do our free motion quilting. Here are my samples.
my practice piece


and now on the sample quilt







I'll be linking up with SewCalGal pop over to see how everyone else did up their names.
As for my works in progress just some of the same ones just trying to give them some time. And working on my FMQing.
Pop over to The Needle and Thread Network  to see what the others have been up to.
Happy Halloween and happy stitching this week
in stitches

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Something Wicked this way comes..........

October 26 ...... It's my turn for ........
 

Welcome to the Wicked Blog Hop, we want to say thanks to  Wendy and Madam Samm ( the head sorcerers )  for get us all in the Halloween Spirit with our blocks and other goodies that we conjured up in the last little while.
I just know the hop will be a spook- tacular  success . I can smell the cauldrons cooking
Here is the line up for today's creations ..... be sure to check them all out. You do not want to miss any of the creations they have cooked up of all of us to view. There might even be a treat included with the postings.
Friday, October 26th

                        In Stitches & Seams   (you are here)












Robin - That Other Blog


Sew now it is on with my post and what I would like to share with you all out there
To get warmed up and in the spirit of Halloween I made a D9P  aka Disappearing 9 Patch, using Halloween themed fabrics. Just thought, it would be nice for the season as short as it is .... and the fact that I have been collecting a few pieces here and there ( some are very large pieces ) and it was time to get to work on them. I'll be using some of the bigger pieces to make the backing for this one.

Next the blocks that I had conjured up and now to make them up out of fabric. Seeing that this was leading to more and I could not decide on just one sew I whipped up 4 - 10 1/2 in blocks.




I could not leave them unfinished sew I added stripped sashings and 9 patch corner stones followed with a wonderful Boo fabric for the finial border.

Not sure but I think I will call it Beware of  things that go "Bump in the Night"
I am working on getting it quilted before Halloween and hopefully before my turn with Wicked.

                                               my giveaway treat for the lucky  blog hopper
                                         a little pack of squares from Moda's Harvest Moon
                                                       (2 1/2") long tweezers for your FMQ
                                                              and a Halloween mug mat
                                                 ( I shrunk my Candle mat pattern  for the mug mat )

And now for the last part of my post I would love to give a little treat to a lucky follower of the hop, leave me a comment with what your favorite part of Halloween is...... now my favorite part is seeing the kids come to the door all dressed in their favorite costumes. I sure hope the weather holds for them again this year.  At this point the kids are not snow lucky......
I'll make the draw on all hallows eve........ Oct. 31.....
Now off you go and check out the other sites to see what else was conjured up for you to view.
in stitches
Annette