Art in Winnipeg

OH MY GOSH --- I'm a slug this morning, and I just could not get myself out of bed. It was only when the threat of not having enough time to get what I needed done that I finally got out of bed. I guess the time change, the setup day, and everything are finally catching up to me. And then I had a dream that I had fleas. Good grief!!!

I will not have time for a walk this morning. Shoot --- but I only have myself to blame. I did get to bed at a decent time, but I needed to make up for the time I'd lost the night before. Anyway -- no need to worry -- I'll be walking around today, so all should be good. 

The weather is very decent here, so that is a good thing. The walk from the hotel to the convention center is short - about three blocks, if that! So when you have to carry a sewing machine from your room to the convention center, it's no big deal. 

There's something NEW and exciting in that big white box. I'll take a picture of it today. By the way, it's on a smart cart, so no heavy lifting required. 

Something new and exciting in that white box

We had two extra hands during setup today, and oh my goodness, it showed. We were out of there in good time. Typically, we finish just before the awards ceremony, but we had a few hours to spare, and I needed a nap. I hope my sleep schedule gets back to normal soon. 

I don't have time to point out various things on the Canadian Quilter's Website this morning, but please check it out. You can bid on the Trendtex challenge art - wall hangings and bags this year!!! And I'll point out some things tomorrow. I'll find a link to the winning quilts. 

So on my walk, I discovered some art around the city. It's always exciting to look at the Adventure Labs (geocaching) because you never know what you'll find. And can you believe - I spotted a geocaching Meet and Greet on the app as well. I think that was yesterday, or is that today? And yesterday at breakfast, I spotted a gentleman wearing a geocaching t-shirt. 

There are five stops on all Adventure Labs, but I only made it to two and was hoping to do the other three this morning. That is NOT going to happen. I will get my act together and do it tomorrow. 

Here is a piece of art. Based on the information in the app, I think it's quite controversial: it is supposed to represent a field of wheat, but given the cost and the look, not everyone agrees. Does anyone appreciate art? And there is always controversy over the price. 

Artwork representing fields of wheat

I'm not sure if you can read that, but one side is in English, and the other is in French. You can click the photo to enlarge it, or find the information online. 

The plaque for the artwork

This is the second piece of art on the tour. It's called High Five. 

High FIve

This is all you get on the plaque, but what I love about the app is that it gives you some history of the art. The one above is supposed to represent numerous things, and instead of me regurgitating it all, you can read more about it here. 

The plaque for High Five

Here is another piece of art - it's actually a water feature/fountain in the shape of a beaker. It's very cool because water is falling from the bar while steam comes out of the top. A string of lights below the bar illuminates the water. 

"emptyful" art sculpture in downtown Winnipeg 

AHA—Google AI is pretty smart, because I quickly found this description of the art piece. It's called "emptyful."

And then there are various other art pieces around the city. A lot seems to be happening around the public library. 

More art outside the library

I found these amazing bike lockers on the street. They are wedge-shaped, and there are two side by side. The narrow end of one and the wide end of the other. Together they make a rectangle. The only other place I've seen bike lockers is at the Amsterdam airport. These are outside the library. 

Bike lockers

And then you have this blast from the past. It looks like it was a candy factory at one time. Oh my gosh --- who remembers the Nutty Club candy with the red and white figure? The building was constructed in 1905 and 1907. It's called the Scott-Bathgate Building. 

The Nutty Club candy factory

OH MY—here's a very interesting story about the company. The logo is called the Can-D-Man. It stopped producing candy in 2024. There are pictures of the candy on that link, and the one I remember the most is the popcorn, where you got a prize in the box. I ate a lot of that as a kid! Check it out --- what a cool story. 

And this is the view from my hotel window. That is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. 

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

It looks like they have an interesting exhibit at the moment. It's a "quilt" that highlights the memories and truths about the residential schools. 

The building is very unusual, and the entrance, which I shared last time I was here, is very uninviting. But the subject matter within that museum is very humbling. 

I will have some downtime all day Sunday, as well as on Monday and Tuesday mornings, but I also have a couple of friends to visit, including my nephew. So I'd best get those organized, so I know how much time I have on my own. 

And oh my goodness -- I spotted this on IG the other day. Seriously??? Puzzlers have "to-do" lists as well? I'm doomed!!!! I won't ever show you my puzzle to-do list. 

Oh shoot --- I have no idea how to crop out the extra of that photo. I know how at home, but this computer deals with photos differently. Don't ask me why or how. 

A puzzler's to-do list

OH MY GOSH ---- I am a dolt. Yesterday, when I listed the classes, I forgot AGAIN about the Show-and-tell quilt from Elizabeth Hartman. I did add it yesterday, but some of you may have read the blog before I did. There are patterns all over the booths at this show. Well, I saw samples of the quilt, and that reminded me I forgot to add that to the blog post. 

If you happen to be here at Quilt Canada and plan to buy that pattern, and want some incentive and fun to get it done, watch my blog for the sew-along dates. Or if a friend buys the pattern, let them know. My sew-alongs are fun and not expensive!!! PLUS—you get a lot of extra information —it's not just about following the pattern! 

So here is the information one more time, including Show and Tell. 

I will get the dates, costs, and more links up, probably next week, but in the meantime, this gives you an idea of what is happening. This was all decided on based on the feedback I got from you! 

There is nothing to do at this point in time. I am not taking signups; I don't have dates yet, but I will get the information to you ASAP. All classes are on ZOOM - once a month, lasting for one hour. My rates are ridiculously cheap. And be sure to pass this information along to anyone who wants to know. I will be sending out emails and posting online as soon as I get a chance to put those dates in the calendar. 

Here are the classes: 

• One class is My Kinda Town - paper pieced. While I have chosen a specific pattern, I suppose you could pick any paper-pieced pattern if people absolutely wish. Will be several classes - not determined yet. 
• One class will be on scraps—9 or 10 sessions.
• One class will be an ongoing quilt with crazy blocks to work on (9 or 10 sessions) - 40 shades of grey.
• One class will be handwork - wool applique - I have a specific project in mind, but anything goes. Here is a link to the kit I highly recommend. Keep in mind that there are six kit styles, and within each kit, there are four colorways. See the picture below. If you are at Quilt Canada, I think Wonderfil will have those kits, so you may want to pick one up. Otherwise, I'll give you local resources to buy. I'm trying to see if we can kit this with some thread that you can buy at a local store. You can contact me about that one if you wish. 

My Kinda Town

40 Shades of Grey

Sue Spargo precut wool applique kits.

Show and Tell

While you may think that is a lot, it's not really, and hopefully this will help you plan. I can tell you that 40 shades of grey, the scrap quilt, and Show and Tell will be long-term projects. Starting in September and running until June - something like that. And the other two will run in a shorter time frame, which I am working on. 

Remember, as you look at the offerings, you do NOT need to take all of them. Do what you WANT to make, not because you have FOMO. 

And as I get ready for the show today, I want to remind everyone of my tips for attending a quilt show. Please read them so you aren't disappointed when you arrive at the show. Please note that they are also in the latest issue of the Canadian Quilter magazine. Happy quilt show looking today. 

I will NOT be in the booth this morning, as I am assigned to one of our sewing machine classrooms. I will be around the booth on and off this afternoon. But I should be in one of the booths (we have PFAFF, Singer, and Husqvarna VIking) tomorrow and the next day. 

And on that note, I need to get myself organized and out the door. The students in the class will be eager to get started, and we need to thread those machines!!!! I'm super excited!!!!! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!