Getting my bags packed

 

Here's  bag number one. The most important one..... the project bag. Boy I  got a lot in there.

Next the snack bag and then the clothing etc bag.

Off for a 4 night 3 day quilt retreat at MaMi's Country Quilts, in Duck Lake Sk. 

My good friend and quilty sister Susan wonthis prize  last fall at her quilt guild show.  We have been planning ever since. We even did a road trip with hubbies to pick out what we want to learn.

 Hint is in the photo.

Of course last week I caught a cold. I feel good now just a lingering cough which happens every time a catch a cold. Coughing  is not new to me as I have Sarcoidosis in my lungs and this is just part of it for me. Fortunately we,my doctor and I,  have this under control.  If this cough persists I will check in with him.

Sew off to pack and tidy up a wee bit before I head off.

In stitches 

Annette 

Working up a pattern

 Creating a pattern for my Project Tote with double handles and a window. I even made a mini Tote to use the zipper left over. Don't want to waste anything or put into the scrap bag. Hopefully we will test it out in March  with the Sit n Stitch ladies.

Main Tote 

 

Mini Tote 

In stitches

 Annette 

A little playtime

 

With a book from the library and my sewing supplies I had a little fun and just played. One little house with 4 sides to stitch on.

The book is a Quilting Arts how to book with a large number of quilt artists.  I will have to take it out on loan again for a little more playtime and some daydreaming. 

Check out your library to see what you can find for some playtime.  Don't forget to check the online books and magazines they have too.  

Well its -40 and as a true Canadian,  I'm off  to Sit n Stitch today.  The hot chocolate will be on. 

In stitches Annette 

Happy Valentines Day

 Just a short note to wish you all a Happy Valentines Day. 

And it happens to be 14 yrs since I started blogging.  

The post cards have just been created. One features reverse applique,  the other raw edge applique.  

Happy stitching 

In stitches Annette 

Sit n Stitch

 Tuesday is the day that we gather at the senior center to Sit n Stitch.  We have only been meeting since the end of November.  We average about 5 to 6 each week. 

The ladies work on many different things.  We have rug making , quilting, embroidery, knitting,  crochet handwork and more.

It has been great  getting to know the ladies more and about the things they enjoy doing.

We have a little challenge for those who would like to participate in. We are making up a tea cozy . Each one that has been made are great and each have a story behind it. 

Here's mine. I used the fabric left over from making a quilt for Victoria Quilts.  I had used a number of fat quarters.  With these I added  lace doilies and buttons. It's a little old fashioned but I think it's cute. 

Last week I tested out a pattern for a fat quarter friendly bag.  It used 2. I also tested out a pattern for 2 flap coin purse.

Now to get caught up with the block Wednesday with Pat Sloan.  From Jan to June 26 blocks. 

 In stitches 

Annette  

Back at my machine

 Well I'm back at my machine and quilting, im even using my rotary cutter.

 My finger is healing nicely.  Very tender when doing anything that involves touching.... which happens a lot in life. You just don't realize it until you have a booboo;0)

I have been working on my project Tote as a pattern as I have had a number of ladies asking for it.

I have worked on another quilted journal.  I'm making these for a market later this year. Hope they do okay. Another little item is a mug rugs, them seam to get some interest to.

One thing to remember as you enjoy your quilting and sewing is the the dust bunnies 🐰  are out there. Take a minute and clean them out. Your machine will treat you well if you do.

Time to see what I can get busy with next.

Happy Stitching 

In stitches 

Annette 

 

A few days away.

 I spent a few days in Humboldt at the Prairie Patchworkers guild retreat.  Its was a time to work on your own projects and enjoy each other's company.  A few of us were non members getting to know a few other quilters. There were good meals , random draws and lots of sewing and some show and tell. The games lady was unable to attend sew we had more sewing time.

I did manage to finish off the sashing and borders for my National Parks quilt by Pat Sloan and start on her Grandma's Kitchen which will run for 26 weeks. 

National Parks by Pat Sloan 

I made a rope bowl to switch things up while stitching blocks. I would have gotten more sewing done but I saw another quilter who seemed to be struggling with her quilt. 

Karen is her name and she is working on a quilt made with multiple sized printed panel type blocks. Having made a few of Pat's quilts I was able to help her get a good start on her quilt. She is doing amazing as she is pretty new to quilting. I hope she now has some confidence to continue with the quilt.  The Wednesday quilters have said they would give her a hand as needed. She sure had a beautiful smile when she looked at what she has accomplished sew far. I was happy to help.  No photo as it's a surprise. 

My finger is getting better. I used a glove most of the time cutting . Sew I am getting back into the swing of things. 

In stitches 

Annette