January 2011 in review!!

Well, this was not a big sewing month for me.

But I did manage to finish a few projects.

I got my first UFO done! Yeah!!! That feels really good.

I also made a little hanging heart.

I love this one.

And a little bag.

And a mug rug.

I helped my kids make the placemats. Plus I quilted and bound them.

I got 2 bee blocks done too.



Okay, well maybe I did better than I originally thought.

LOL!!!

I guess that's why it's always good to look back at our projects, eh!!!

I also did some work on my hexagon star quilt.

I got another 1.5 rows of stars hand pieced.

I'm trying to get a few more rows stitched to the main body of the quilt.

I really want to show you how big it's getting.

Well, I'm glad I had a look back at my month.

It made me feel much better.

Hugs

Two blocks done.....

three more to go!!

I'm behind on my bee blocks again.

So, I got caught up with Sarah's blocks this morning.

Here they are.

A liberated Churn Dash Block and...

A signature house block.

I have to take my oldest to the doctors this afternoon.

Hopefully I can get the other 3 done today and in the mail too.

I'm glad to be off work today and tomorrow.

It's nice to be able to sleep in until at least 7:30 am.

Getting up at 5:00 am is a little early for me.

Have a good day!!

Hugs



More Blocks done!!!

More blocks done for the Sew Modern Bee.

These two blocks are for Sylvia.

It's 2:20 am and I'm blogging.

What do you do when you can't sleep?

SEW!!!!

Hugs

Ariane

August Bee Sew Modern Blocks

Hi everyone, I finished my August Bee Sew Modern Blocks. These were quick and easy to make. Alison asked for three simple pinwheel blocks. She had already cut the fabric, so all we had to do was sew. It was very nice. She is going to be making a version of this quilt, but larger. I can't wait to see it all done. Here are my blocks.

Well, I just finished working my second night shift this morning. I'm still really tired. The humidity was so bad the last two nights. It made for two very long shifts. I'm off the next two days, but I'm heading back to the cottage. I don't plan to do too much more than just relax. I'm exhausted. I hope you all have a great couple of days.

Hugs

Ariane

A block for the Sew Modern Bee

Hi everyone, I hope you all are having a good day. I was thinking about the blocks I want for my month of the Sew Modern Bee. The first block I made was 16.5 inches square. It was nice, but I wasn't too sure I liked the size of it. So, I made a smaller 12.5 inch block last night. I used a pattern I got from the Quilter's Cache for the center. It is a 7 inch block. Then I added a half inch white border and the coal grey border. The inner block is centered. I like this better. I am a traditionalist at heart. But I love modern fabrics. So, I think my style is more like that of Modify traditions blog. She makes traditional blocks using modern fabrics. I really love that look. It's more "Me". So, I think that is what I'm going to ask for my month. A smaller traditional block, bordered by the white and coal solid fabric. What do you think? I hope they like this idea.

I am very disappointed in myself. I missed my quilt guild meeting last night and I was home. I remembered at 9:00 pm. I was so disappointed. I guess I just have too many things on the go. I'm forgetting things. Oh well, I must remember the next one, because it's the last one of the season.

I have to work night shift for the next three nights. I prepared one of my Schnibbles quilt to hand quilt during those wee hours of the night. Don't tell though.....I need to stay awake. It keeps me going. So when I'm on break I just quilt. Hopefully I can get quite a bit of it done.

Have a great Mother's day weekend.

Hugs

Ariane

A few blocks...

I worked on my May block for the Sew Modern Bee today and got it all done. I hope she likes it. I had run out of the off-white material. But I managed to find some at a LQS. I'm very pleased with the way it turned out.

I also worked on a pattern for my months of blocks. I wanted to try something I hadn't done before. This is something I came up with myself. I call it the subway tile block. That's where I got the inspiration. I really like it. I struggle a bit more when I'm using modern fabrics. So, I'm really proud of how it turned out. I don't expect the other Bee members to make this block. This is just an idea of what I'm looking for. I hope you like it.

Hugs

Ariane

A bit of catching up....

I hope you are all well. I have survived my first two 12.75 hour night shifts. I got up this afternoon around 3:00 pm, and it was absolutely gorgeous out. I took one of my hand quilting projects and sat out on the front porch to work on it. I'm still tired, but in good spirits.

I did to some sewing on the weekend, but didn't seem to find the time to blog about it. I made 3 more blocks for my Red and Cream quilt. I love these blocks. I have 5 done, 15 more to go.

I also made a block for a friend who is putting a quilt together. I used the block 7 of Rachel's of P.S. i quilt tutorial of pinwheel blocks. I really love this block too.

I participated in Potholder Pass 2 Swap. One of the girls, Krista from Poppyprints didn't receive any potholders so I offered to be an Angel and make some for her. She received them today and loved them. I am so glad. I actually cut in to my beloved Amy Butler fabric for this project. But I was sure she would like it, so I didn't mind.

Also, my sister Michele has been crafting up a storm. She makes the most unique crafts. I tell yah! She is so creative. Go check out her new blog. She already has like 5 posts up.

So, that is a bit of what I have been working on. I have more, but I thought I would keep it for tomorrow. Have a good night.

Hugs

Ariane

Guild meeting, some blocks...and more

Hi everyone! I hope you had a great night. I went to my local guild meeting tonight. I invited my sister to come. It was so nice to have her come with me. She has always been a big supporter of my quilting. We had a great time and she loved it. I made my two blocks for my guild swaps. I really like the bright block I made, I am not so fond of the country block. I did not like the instructions given for this block. I was very careful with my seams and my block was off by quite a bit. I even checked my needle position to see if it was off. But everything was in order, my seams measured 1/4 inch. So, I ended up taking some seams out and cutting bigger pieces. I will not be making that block again.

We had a guest speaker at the meeting. Her name is Joyce McConnell. She teaches how to make Bargello quilts. She brought so many wonderful quilts. Some were just unbelievably gorgeous. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take pictures of those. But I did get pictures of a few of her quilts. Here they are:

I also took a picture of this guild quilt. It's a Terry Atkinson pattern. The guild members all made blocks for this quilt in 2008/2009. It was just completed by one of the guild members. It is so beautiful. I love it. I'm going to have to make one like this. Another one to add to my list of quilts to make. I just love star patterns. They are my favorite.

And finally, I received a wonderful gift from Michelle aka Dresden Quilter. She surprised me with a little beaded scissor fob. It even has a little friendship star block at the end. Isn't it adorable? She bought it at the Lancaster Show for me. It is a birthday gift. I am so happy. And look at the sweet card! What a great friend she is!!! She was even thinking about me when she was at the quilt show. I was really touched by it. Thanks Michelle. You are the best!!!

Well, I had a really great day. It started a bit rough since I didn't feel good, then the hot water tank broke. But it ended so wonderfully, that I'm now going to bed with a big smile on my face.

Hugs

Ariane

Some mail, gifts, stitching......

Hi everyone! I hope you are all well. I got some great mail today from my partner of the Potholder Pass 2 swap. miesmama sent me two wonderful potholders and a matching tea towel. Aren't they all adorable? I love them. Thank you so much!! This was another great swap.

I went to my sisters for an Easter dinner on Saturday. Our families don't get together often enough. It was so nice to spend the evening together. She surprised me with a birthday gift. She gave me some fabric, a roll of Steam & Seam and a nice long ruler. I was very excited. I love all of it. Thanks Sis!!!

I was bored the other night and decided I wanted to do some applique. I just had to use the Steam & Seam! LOL! A little spring block that I just put together. I'm not done yet. Not sure what I will do with it. It just kind of popped in my head and I had to make it.

I have also been trying to finish the Woodland Bloom Quilt. I have it all quilted. The binding is sewn on to the front. I have two full sides stitched to the back. So only half the binding left to stitch and I'm done. I can't wait. My daughter wanted to put it on her bed tonight. But I was still working on it. Hopefully it will be done tomorrow.

That's all for today.

Hugs

Ariane

Jack the Pulpit block# 2

I hope everyone had a good day. I worked again today. It was a quieter day for me. Which was nice. I did sew my second block for my Jack the Pulpit quilt. I hope you like it. It is fun to work with all the reds in my stash.

Ariane :o)

Just a few blocks...

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a good day. I worked today. I was really tired when I got home, but my hubby had the table all set and dinner ready to be served when I walked through the door. Isn't he the sweetest. I was so relieved. And it all tasted great. I did take a nap after supper. But I decided that I wanted to do a bit of sewing.

So, I decided to start working on a quilt that I need to make for my best friend from High School. She is getting married this summer and I am giving her a quilt. It took me a long time to decide what pattern to use. I went through so many magazines and books. But I finally settled on one of my favorites. It is called "Jack the Pulpit" from the McCalls Quilting magazine: Celebrate your Stash Spring 2009. This is one of my favorite issues. There are three other patterns I want to make from that issue. Anyways, I love the colors in this quilt and I think my girlfriend will love it too. It is going to be a red and white/cream quilt. It will have many different fabrics from my stash in it. I thought I would stick to what I love the most for this one. I love scrappy quilts and red is my favorite color. So everytime she sees this quilt it will remind her of me. We don't see each other very often because she lives back home in Northern Ontario. But we are still best of friends. I am going to try really hard to get this top done in a timely manner. I don't want to be too pressured at the end. So I am going to try to make a block every night. If I miss a night, then I will make two the next. We will see how that goes.

I also sharing two blocks I made for my two guild swaps. One is for the county block swap and the other for the brights block. I hope you like them. Well, I must go to bed. I have to work in the morning.

Hugs

Ariane

OPAM finishes for February, a gift in the mail and more......

I am finally posting my February OPAM finishes. I only have two little potholders. Not a very productive month for me. Oh well!!! I hope to do better next month.

I also received a wonderful gift in the mail.

 I actually won a giveaway on Jeannette`s blog, Serendipity Designs.

It is one of the Red Delicious blocks she made. I love it. I will make it into a lovely wall hanging.

Thank you so much Jeannette!!!

My mother-in-law asked me if I could make a baby quilt for her to give as a gift. She wanted it to be lime green and blue, since her friends baby room was to be decorated in those colors. Good thing I had bought some of those colors online earlier, because they are not popular in the local stores. I have made four blocks using the Cluck, Cluck, Sew! tutorial for double hour-glass blocks.

On another note, I just want to congratulate all the Canadian Athletes who participated in the Olympic Games. The games were amazing. The performances by all the athletes from all over the world was just wonderful. The winter games were so well presented, and really made me proud to be Canadian.

I started my Sunday`s Best quilt top!

I decided to start my Sunday`s Best quilt top tonight. I decided to make these blocks bigger. I wanted a nice big everyday quilt that I could use on a bed or as a sofa quilt. This is going to be a scrappy quilt. I am only using fabrics from my stash to make it. I have the first four blocks sewn together. What do you think? It is very much my style. These blocks come together very easily. I love that!! I have not been in the mood to sew as much lately. But starting a new project has gotten me a bit more into the groove again. I have to go to bed now. I have to work in the morning.

My daughters quilt top progress, a bag and my siggy blocks!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful day. I did get some sewing done today. First, I adjusted the sleeves on my MIL`s new winter coat. The sleeves were too long and the opening too big. So, I fixed it for her. She was very happy.

After she left, I started working on a little bag. I was still working on it when my daughter got home from school. She wanted to keep working on her Blush quilt top that she had started the night before. She had 36 rail blocks sewn and just needed to start sewing them into rows with the plain blocks. She did all the sewing on these blocks herself. She did do some of the ironing, but I did have to go over the blocks too myself. I cut out all the strips for her. I am not yet comfortable with her using my rotary cutter. I want her to keep all her fingers. She sewed all the blocks in rows. All she has to do is sew the rows together. I think she is doing really well. She is so excited about sewing with me. We were like two peas in a pod, last night and today. Two sewing machines on the table and us sewing at the same time. She talked non-stop the entire time and I had a big smile on my face. It was a lot of fun. So here are the rows she sewed today.

I made a little bag while she was sewing. Its nice to make little projects that can be done in one day. I used some Jennifer Paganelli -Dance with me, fabric to make the bag. It is so bright and cheery. I really like it. I used a vintage button on it. It adds a little bling to the bag.

Last night, I worked on my modern siggy blocks. I have half of them done. These are so cute. I just love these blocks. I think I am going to make myself more blocks like this for a more vintage quilt. These are so fast to make. I love them.

I have enjoyed my two days off. I have one more to go, then back to work for 6 days. hopefully I will have the chance to sew a bit more tomorrow. I have a lot of stuff to do though. So, we will see.

Ariane

Another Block done and a few cute ornaments

On the weekend, I spent some time with my daughter making some Christmas ornaments. This is a tradition for our family. I always make some simple decorations with the kids to put on the tree. The boys were not as interested so my daughter and I went ahead and made some. She painted some simple wooden ornaments with an aqua color. This is her favorite color. I had bought a Martha Stewart stamp and glitter starter kit (on sale 30% off). I also bought some cheap Christmas stamps. These were $1.50 each. We had fun using the glue and glitter to decorate these ornaments. I just have to glue the ribbon to the back in order to hang them on the tree. Aren't these cute!!!

I also finished another Shabby Roses Block. Only 3 more blocks to make. Yeah!!

I have to work evenings tonight. Have a great day.

Happy Stitching!!

Hugs Ariane

Finished Block 5,6 and 7 of Shabby Roses BOM

I hope you are all having a nice day!
I finished a few blocks the last couple of days.

They are for my Shabby Roses BOM.
I finished block 5, 6, and 7.
I'm very happy about that.

Now I have the first 8 blocks done.
Only 4 more to go. Yeah!!!

I'm feeling much better today.

Thanks to all of you who commented about that.

I had some kind of stomach virus. It was not pretty.

 But I'm over it now. I'm so glad.

 I had a really good day today. The kids all had planned activities today.

 So, my husband and I were left on our own.

We spent some time together and went out to a concert tonight.

We had a great time.  I hope you all a great day.

Happy Stitching!!!

Hugs Ariane

Another Shabby Roses Block done!!

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a good day.

Today I worked day shift. It was a good day,
but I had a really bad headache.

It got so bad that I ended up having to rest for a
few hours when I got home.

But then when I got up again I was better.

I didn't feel like working on my Picnic quilt tonight,

so I decided to finish one of my Shabby Roses Blocks.
This is block #8. I haven't done block 5,6 or 7.
But I really liked this one so I jumped ahead.
Now it's done.

 I really like it. I have to get a few more of these ready
so that I can work on them. This is one of the projects
I'm hoping to get done before the end of the year.

Well, I have to work again in the morning.

So I have to go to bed now. Have a good night!!!

Hugs Ariane

Shabby Roses Blocks 2 and 3 done!!

Hi everyone! How are you all doing? I'm doing well. It was a very, very hot, humid day in Eastern Ontario. I worked today and it was almost unbearable. But I survived. I've been working on my Shabby Roses BOM the last couple of days. I have Block 2 and 3 done. I'm almost done block 4. But I'll show you that one later. I hope you like them.

Happy Stitching!!

Ariane :o)

Shabby Roses block 1 and I received my giveaway package!!

Hi everyone, I finally am off from work today. I worked evenings last night and it was so hot. The humidity was unbearable. My face was beat red from the heat and I really struggled most of the night. When I got home I just went right to bed. I was so tired. But I'm off work today and tomorrow. I'm going to take it easy.

Yesterday morning I finished the first block from Elephantz - Shabby Roses BOM. I really love these blocks. I'm not going to put them together the same way she is, but I'm going to use them in a bigger quilt with other blocks that I piece together. Here is my first block.

I also received my giveaway package that I won from Aunt Spicy. I'm so excited. I love these fabrics. I can't wait to use them in a project. Thanks Aunt Spicy!!!!

I hope everyone has a great day. I have such a headache this morning. I think it's just because of the heat last night. I hope it goes away soon. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Happy Stitching!!

Ariane :o)