Twas the Day Before Christmas.....

Twas the day before Christmas
And all through the house..................



Gifts are waiting to be lovingly wrapped
(hey where the he%% is the tape - no time - get me a gift bag and some tissue!!!!!!)
The stockings are waiting to be gently filled
(crap - how the heck can I shove all this stuff in these puny little stockings!!)
A few gifts that need some loving to be complete
(damn - where is the needle and thread - no time - get the steam a seam - I told you to not wait until the last minute)
But the shopping is DONE!
(OK - so I have to hit the grocery store today - what was I thinking!!!!)

There are people to visit (and drop off the gifts that one buys for THEIR children and wrapped no less)
Drinks to drink (should I have a glass of wine before the church service or after - heck they drink wine in church so I am good!)
Where is that recipe - got to make mulled wine - oh - I'll just heat up a bottle of wine - should I open it before I put it in the microwave?????
And let's not forget to take a drive around the neighbourhood to see the lights on the houses. It is always better to check out what the neighbours did (they are the ones who had to put them up and take them down - I just get to enjoy them!!!)

The kid is EXCITED and yes she is 16 - do they ever NOT be excited?????
The dogs are going crazy -
The mom has already gone crazy.


And let's not forget a visit to the gym (to make eating and drinking seem not so bad)


On that note - I am too busy to write a full blog today. I'm out of here...............

Have a great day!!!!!!!!!


Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Have a MERRY MERRY MERRY Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please be safe and DO NOT drink and drive. Hey - I have a 16 year old - a built in designated driver. I'm drinking ALL DAY!!!!!!

Tinners reveal (from Christmas Club)

Wow - in case you are wondering - yes I survived the mall. Was at the mall as it opened and I hit a couple of stores and I was out in ONE HALF HOUR!!!!   Oh yes - when you know what you want - there is NO wasting time. My biggest problem was figuring out where the stores were that I wanted. The mall has a new 3-D map that - well I should have downloaded the app that would direct me around!!!!!


Let's get onto tinners. As you know - this is a project that we have been working on all year and while I am thrilled that I participated, it became a bit of a monkey on my back. OK - it became a GORILLA on my back.

If you want to see the original post - check out this link..............   ( I am sure I had of witty comments to say about it when I was all excited!!!)

Start of the tinners project


BUT - I will be nice and repost all the original blocks HERE. There were eleven of us in the group so technically there should be ELEVEN blocks in each of the group shots below. There are a few missing - so hopefully those will get done so people can get working on their projects.

Grab a coffee - this might be long.

We can start with me!!!!   This is Randy the rooster - my theme was Randy the Rooster and his chicks, so I made a rooster to go in the bucket.

Randy

And this is Randy admiring himself!!!!!

My Randy the Rooster block. The only requirement - the backgrounds were to be black/white (I was wondering what happened to my black/white scraps - I forgot I included them in this project!!!!) and the block had to be a "chick"

  

My blocks that I received back!!!   There are some pretty cool "chicks" there!!!   Randy is in poultry heaven!!!! I believe I am still missing TWO blocks.  No worries girls - I know who you are and where you live!!!!!!!   Just don't be surprised if Randy shows up on your doorstep one day looking for his lost chick!!!!!

Karen's theme was Wine, Women and Song. We had to make a  12 inch block and use that musical note fabric somewhere in the block. 

Karen's blocks that she received (HEY - did you all note that through the magic of PhotoShop that Karen NOW has ELEVEN blocks in her show n tell, not just the NINE that were actually at the class). You just gotta love Photoshop

This block was the one that caused me the most grief. I just could NOT come up with an idea that I liked. So while quilting the other day and with the deadline LOOMING over my head and knowing that Karen was the MOST likely of anyone to work on this project, my brain went into PANIC mood. I ran to Ruti's and said I NEED fabric with women on it,  musical instruments and wine!!!   The girls scurried around seeing my stricken state and came up with exactly what I needed. Then not to be frightened by the fact that this block would be delivered the NEXT DAY - I decided that an EIGHT pointed star would be the ideal way to show case this deadly mixture of topics!!!!   I quickly drafted the pattern on EQ7 - printed it out and started cutting. I have to say that the quilting gods were on my side that night because EVERY Y seams went in like a charm!!!!!!     I think the results are super and I'm very happy with the block. Did you see that women are at the center of all things involving wine and music???   Not bad for a panic block - but should we tell Karen this?????

Nancy was making butter fly blocks. It was REFRESHING to get this box. The grey fabric was provided, as was the pattern. So we just had to choose four fabrics and make a couple of seams and VOILA - butterflies. Thanks Nancy!!!!! 

Nancy's blocks. Some of us made the blocks and did not sew them together (into a four patch group) - some did. 

My blocks that I made for Nancy - I was so lazy - I didn't even trim them - I think Nancy can make that happen. 

Next up was Linda. Her theme was hearts.

Linda's heart blocks. We were all trying to do a DIFFERENT style of heart and by the time I got the box, and did an internet search - a lot of  block styles were already done. THEN I quilted those two heart quilts for that customer and there were LOTS of ideas there. Shoot - could have used that quilt a LOT sooner than when I got it. Oh drat  - Ronda came late and her block is missing from the picture. We were allowed to make several sizes so I think Linda has all her blocks.

Linda VL - I am reposting the heart quilt in case you need MORE ideas!!!!!

My two heart blocks for Linda VL. 

Marlene was next with a theme of BLUE/WHITE. Ah - another nice and easy one. Well sort of - at least the colours were chosen and we could piece, not applique, but still had to choose a block and I believe the size was 10 inches

These are the blocks that Marlene received back. All of hers are there - someone made a LOT of small blocks instead of one big one. That is going to be one awesome quilt!!!!!

This is the block that I made for \Marlene

Annadele was next. Again another SUPER EASY block. I love you Annadele. She provided us with the black/white four patches. It was our job to add scraps from quilts that we had made and make a block.

The blocks that Annadele received. YES - all eleven are there. If they weren't - well that would just be BAD!!!!!

My block. That fabric in the bottom left was from the baby stuff I made for M. The cushion on the rocking chair was made from that fabric as were the bumper pads and a little quilt. Hmmm - maybe not a quilt - I don't think I made a quilt, but I made a cushion for the chair. That burgundy fabric in the top was from the FIRST quilt I made (well the first one since I seriously started to quilt). The blue vine in the top left was my BIG AMBITION quilt - I was going to make M a tumbling blocks quilt for her queen sized bed!!!   I know - I learned fast!!!!!  Never got the quilt made - well I made Ocean Waves instead. The green in the bottom left was from my SECOND quilt that I made when I got hooked. I still have both quilts. Annadele - thanks for the trip down memory lane!!!!

Suzi\s theme was houses or Home Sweet Home. Something to that effect. I don't think we had to worry about size, but the colour was very distinctive. 

The blocks she received. Looks like there is ONE missing. 

This is the block that I made. Now for some reason - this block just instilled a sense of dread. Why?????   Well - I have no idea. I picked out the fabric - had the pattern all set and yet it took MONTHS to build. I guess my point was - quality construction takes time????   Although I notice that one of the shutters is slightly askew. Oh dear - well nothing is perfect so that means it is more homey!!!!

Liz had a great theme - The Twelve Days of Christmas. I think she had provided a fabric that we were to use and  the block had to be 12 inches.

Liz's blocks. She received all of her blocks, but there is one missing since there are 12 days and we were only 11. She will have to figure out the missing block and make it up!!!!!!!!!!!

My block - guess I don't have to tell you that this was THREE FRENCH HENS.  I forgot to get a picture (maybe I took one when I made the blocks - but the wings are 3-D and the fabric on the underside of the wing is fabric that I bought when I was in Paris. I figure it would be worthy of this block. Shoot - I am not sure where that picture would be or even if I took it - I will look later. 

Kirsten's theme was SNOW. I believe there was a size required - 12 inches???

These are the blocks she received back. Hmmm - looks like one is missing. These blocks are COOL and it is going to make a gorgeous quilt. 

The block that I made - I took this from a Lydia Quigley snowman pattern.

Let's see - Oh yes - we still have Ronda

Ronda's theme was Crazy Christmas Penguins.

Here are the blocks that Ronda received and did you notice that AGAIN through the magic of PhotoShop, the block that I made for Ronda appears in this show n tell??????   I rush around like an idiot that morning to get it at least stuck down and then I couldn't find it when I arrived at the store. I got home to find the block sitting quite comfortably on my ironing board.

My funky Christmas penguin block - OK - so has NOTHING to do with Christmas, but purple is Ronda's favourite colour so I went with that!!!!   I still need to do the satin stitching. That will come after my Christmas panic of over!!!!

Last, but not least is Linda P.

Linda's theme was autumn and she included scads of yummy fabrics. We had to make a 15  inch block. 

These are the blocks she received back. Nice blocks. I think only one is missing. 

This is the block that I made and yes I had to BUTTON HOLE stitch around all those edges. 

And there you have it - the results of our tinners project from Christmas Club - had NOTHING to do with Christmas Club, just that most of the participants were also in Christmas Club.

Can you see why I am NOT doing any exchanges this coming year. The blocks are time consuming. Now just making the block, but figuring out what to make, then choosing the pattern, getting fabric. Well it is not so bad if you are doing one, but at one point, I was doing THREE every month - just too much and I burned myself out with this. So I am taking a well deserved break.

My thanks to everyone for the WONDERFUL blocks I received. As much as I complained about this - I did enjoy it and I LOVED seeing what everyone did!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Hmmm - just did a count - not as bad as I thought - there are FOUR incomplete boxes - three are missing ONE block and OOOPS - mine is missing TWO. Randy and I will be patiently waiting for the missing chicks to come home. Those young chicks - don't want to come home!!!!!


Have fun putting them together.  Perhaps we should set a deadline as to the completion date?????   How about at the next show n tell of Christmas Club in December 2013 - have your tinner quilt done!!!!!


Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who is this child????

The pressure is off!!!!!!    The last customer quilt came off the machine yesterday!!!!

Customer quilt (hey - do you remember - this is the one that I finished putting together for her!!!)

Detail of quilting

In the afternoon, we went to Flo's for tea!!!!  Unfortunately I had an appointment that I could not miss, so I dropped the quilt off (in hopes that some of the girls would grab the needles and thread I provided and start hand stitching down the binding since the owner is not able) and my goodies (that M made for me!!!)

When I finally arrived back at the tea party - well the quilt was still sitting there, so I grabbed it and Daphne sat with me and we had a grand chat while we bound. She stitches in the opposite direction that I do so we met in the middle!!!!!

Elaine (me) and Daphne binding the quilt at the tea party!!!!!

 We got more than 1/4 done so that was good, but then I was informed when I arrived at the party that the quilt is NO LONGER required for Christmas Day. WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    Although I would have made the deadline, I was happy to hear the pressure is off.

Now I just have things to get ready for the family and so if it isn't completely done no big deal, but I really really really want to get everything done and I don't see any problem in making that happen.

Flo had different teas all laid out for us to try. I was boring and just took regular tea. But after looking at this (and are her teapots not amazing!!!) I think we should have a tea tasting. Flo - are you up for a tea tasting?????

After everyone left, Flo and I (by the way - MARGIE - the mother of the puppies is HOME!!!!!) And Muffin, Flo's other dog was SO HAPPY. The two of them were bouncing around the house - amazing how "sad" the dogs are when their friend is not there. Last time I saw Muffin, she was moping around the house. This time - well she was BOUNCING!!!!

Anyway - after everyone left, Flo got out the wine and well - her and I solved the world's problems until her husband came home and I realized how late it was!!!!!!!!!!!    In the mean time, my kid texts me a grocery list. Things that she NEEDS in order to make dinner. WHAT??????   Make dinner and things like capers and spinach are on the list. WHO SENT THIS TEXT?????

This from a child who would ONLY eat broccoli tops. I mean what is going on?????   However she now eats vegetables like no tomorrow. She cuts them up and even takes them in a reusable container with her. My child who used to eat NOTHING but junk food?????

Caroline and M making dinner

And there was our dinner. Actually very good!!!!!   Spinach, capers, sauce?  All things my child would never eat!!!!!!!!!

Plus she made my goodies for the tea, except we were short a few cranberries as I had left the bag on the counter and DH thought they would be good in his yogurt. So - I didn't have time to get more so lots of white chocolate in the goodies and not enough cranberries!!!!    Regardless they were great!!!!!

Now I am wondering if M is being so helpful because Christmas is right around the corner and she knows I am not done shopping or she is just trying to be helpful??????


After dinner, M and Caroline exchanged their gifts.

Getting ready to exchange the gifts

Pretty funny because they both bought each other a number of small things and they EACH wrapped them individually and put them in a GREAT BIG box. Boy they must be reading the same magazines!!!!

I got a lot of sewing done (well I got some sewing done) after dinner (I told the girls I would clean up the kitchen since they made dinner - OH boy - that was a mistake!!!!! However I cannot show you what I was working on. Big secrets. You will have to be patient and wait until after Christmas which is just DAYS away.


On that note - I have to hit the mall today!!!   I know - what the heck was I thinking to leave it to the last minute and I have to go to Square One no less - a mall that I try to avoid at the best of times. Oh well  - it opens at 9:30 and I'm leaving in a few minutes to ensure that I get a parking space somewhat close to a door. Got my list, got my running shoes one and my elbows ready. I doubt it will take that long - at least I know what I am going for. (thanks to M's intricately detailed Christmas list!)


Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joshua Creek Heritage Art Center

OK - confession time. I guess the deadlines are not that bad or I am NOT worried about them because after I delivered some stuff, I took a couple of hours and went on a field trip.

My friend Elaine S came and picked me up and we started by having a great lunch at Panera Bread. Yummy sandwiches and amazing soup.

Then we hopped back in the car (no time for lingering at Panera as people were waiting to sit down). And within MINUTES we had arrived at our destination.

Joshua Creek Heritage Art Center

This is the main gallery

The porch (this is the left side of the building in the above picture)

The main door of the gallery and in the background is the house and the studios

Joshua Creek Heritage Art Center



Check out their web site. The facility is owned by Sybil Rampen. As we were viewing the exhibit, Sybil wandered in and we spent a LOT of time over a cup of tea getting to know the story of the facility. All I can say is that Sybil is BRILLIANT. If I ever won the lottery, I would do exactly what she has done. She repaired a dilapidated barn and added to it (that is the gallery), then she converted the garage to make several studios and then an addition was built onto the house connecting to the garage. We got to tour the garage, the gallery AND the house. It was FABULOUS. I am NOT going to remember all the dates, but the buildings date back to the 1800`s. The house was AMAZING and the rooms just seemed to go on and on.

AND I want to LIVE THERE.

This is one of the studio`s!!!!   Can you imagine having that view when you are working????????   OH MY GOD - we were just in awe as we turned each corner

This is one of the rooms in the addition to the house. OH MY GOD - do you not want to move in????????????

I have to FIND a reason to go there on a regular basis!!!!!!!!!!!   It is just to die for and I LOVE SYBIL. She is feisty, she loves life, she knows what she wants, she has vision - I was so impressed by her.


Well the real reason we went to the Center was to view a quilt exhibit. I don't see the information about the exhibit on the web site, but this was a collection of quilts made by Canadians that also traveled to France. I will try to find more details. But the quilts came from all over Canada. I am only going to show you one (yes I had permission to take the photo provided I also listed the artist information). You will have to go and see the show yourself. It is free (donations are welcome). Loads of free parking - and if you are not into quilts - you should go just to see the building. It is AMAZING.

One of the quilts in the display

Detail of quilt

Artist information

And then it was time to come home.

What was really interesting is that when I go to see these kind of exhibits, I get inspired, I get motivated - I want to work. I was talking to another lady and she said just the opposite. Seeing all these beautiful works made her want to go home and pack up all her stuff. Thinking that she would never be able to replicate these works. WOW - what a waste!!!!   I will not be able to make THESE quilts, but they should be inspiration to make something. So many of them were VERY DOABLE!!!!!!



So refreshing to see that this kind of place exists. I just LOVE IT!!!!!   And I could very easily ride my bike there - it is less than 10 K away - well maybe a bit more, but not much. I know - it has been around for a while, and about 6 months that I knew it existed and only now did I get there. Obviously I am NOT in the loop!!!!!


Made good progress on the LAST customer quilt after I came home. Should be able to finish it up in a couple of hours this morning. And made good progress on Easy Street while I sewed on a project - something I haven't done is AGES. If was great. I have realized that I have a COUPLE of things that are sitting here that NEED to be done for Christmas. Presents - oh well - I am NOT IN A PANIC. Matter of fact, I am pretty relaxed and I'm LOVING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


On that note - I am out of here. Another busy day, but not too busy. Hey - I might even start sewing something on that huge pile sitting on the table!!!!!!!!!!!   Oh yeah - I can do ANYTHING!!!!!!!!   That is the only problem with going to the gym in the morning - your endorphins kick in and well - that's what gets me into trouble!!!!!!!!!!!!


Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!