Connecting memories ....!

Many moons ago I wrote a blog entry on threads and talked about how I had inherited my maternal grandmother's thread collection.  As a quilt shop owner, I am still perplexed when customers inform me that they need to buy new thread because their collection is too old or "has expired".  Hum ....

For the record, thread does not have an expiry date.  If you take good care of your thread, that is, you keep it out of the sun etc .... there is no reason why it shouldn't last.

Today, I am hand stitching the binding on a quilt to be used as a sample for the shoppe and guess what I'm using?  My grandmother's thread.

As I stitch the binding, I think of my grandmother, Yvonne, and how I miss her so much.  I am reminded of her many talents and joie de vive.

Quilting for me is a way to reconnect with the past.  Some memories are personal and some are not.  When I use reproduction prints, I think of the women from that era and the joys and hardships they endured.  Their daily motto of make do or make without, something that is foreign to many of us today!

As I piece a quilt for someone, that individual is constantly on my mind.  The quilt becomes imbued with memories and personal energy.  When I look at that project, the stories come to mind, the same way the thread evokes memories of my grandmother.  Every quilt has a story!

This is a reminder for me to take the time to enjoy the process.  It's not a race or contest of "how many projects can I complete" but more of a slowing down and enjoying the quilt story as it unfolds and evolves with every stitch.

How is your quilt story coming along?

Plugging away ....!

How's the weather in your neck of the woods?  Here we have been getting lots of rain.  I actually had to empty out my pool again.  No complaints!  Water is good!

I've been spending some quiet evenings getting some much needed down time.  In between enjoying a good book, something I haven't taken time for in a while, and some English Paper Piecing, I managed to get this little gem finished.

I used 1/2 inch hexagons and the quilt measures 14" x 17".  Amazing how much time goes into a tiny quilt like this.  But oh .... so enjoyable to piece!  I'm in love with EPP.

The pattern is called Little Things - Hexagons - by Sue Daley.  Love, love love her paper!  As a matter of fact, that's the only English paper templates Fibre Junction sells!

So what have you been up to these days?  Thanks for stopping by my little corner in cyber space!

Back to our regular schedule programming ....!

Have you seen this cute Little Bites pattern by Miss Rosie & Co?

They allow you to work with mini charm packs!  What fun!  I love flying geese so I just had to make this cute little quilt.  I choose Daysail by Bonnie & Camille!

Onward to the piecing.

Once all pieced .... and it does go quickly .... now for the trimming!

All done!

Sew them in rows and you have this most adorable little quilt!

I call mine "Which way north"!  What I like about these mini charms is that it allows me to work with a full line .... what fun .... and without a huge investment!

Thanks for stopping by my little corner in cyber space!  So what have you been up to these days?  Cheers!

Life, the universe and ..... !

Since Pumpkin's graduation day, it has been so busy.  So much is going on that it's making me dizzy!  Not much time for quilting, that's for sure!

We have been getting some much needed rain.  Check out the pool!

We're talking 6 inches over filled!  I decided to let the sun take care of it!

Last Monday, we spent a couple of days in Geneseo for Pumpkin's orientation. What a beautiful town it is and such a wonderful community, so picturesque!  The college campus is one of my favourite .... makes me want to go back to school! lol

The campus is on a hill and over looks farm lands!  It is also know for their magnificent sunsets!

This was our view from the MacVittie College Union building as we, the parents, enjoyed an evening dessert and coffee!

The most interesting icon on campus is their sorting hat!

Don't know what you want to study?  Let the sorting hat chose for you! lol

The college has a huge Harry Potter fan base, they even have a quiddish team! lol  Being a dedicated HP fan myself, I see it as a sorting hat but if you are a Dr Seuss fan, it is also know as the Seuss Spruce!  No matter which side you view it from, it is an interesting natural phenomenon!

Thank you for stopping by!  I'm hoping that life will settle a bit and that I may get back to my "normal" life.  Cheers!

Bittersweet moment..!

Pumpkin's high school graduation as come and gone.  Last night was full of excitement, as the young graduates move on to a new life adventure! I am an extremely proud mama! Such a bittersweet moment.

This weekend will be full of celebrations, with family coming from near and far!  

On the quilting front, I continue to work on some Kim Diehl, Collection 2 projects.  I just love that line of fabric.  Here is another finish.  I call this one Hex away!

This little quilt measures 12" x 14".  It's small alright!  The pattern is called Honeycomb and kits are available from Fibre Junction here.

Thank you for stopping by my little corner in cyberspace.  I hope you have been enjoying life!  Cheers!