This is what I did today !

 Have you ever tried Free Motion Quilting , well today I had the priviledge to take part in a free motion quilting workshop with Deb Plestid who is a wonderful fibre artist and an extremely good instructor . We had a choice of subjects to work on and I chose this grided picture that when done shows the lilies . I am REALLY new to this so was rather slow and I  am far from finished but to tell you the truth my back couldn't take any more ;-)
 Opps I see the photo is upside down and the lighting is rather poor as well but you can get the general idea of what we did . The first thing we did was draw the grid and sew around that to stablize everything then we went around the lilies before starting the different types of designs of free motion . Oh it was fun but man I need LOTS of practise!!

 Here are a couple of close ups , that is rather dangerous as it will show you just how inexperienced I am with this work but hey you have to start somewhere right ;-) Those blocks in the corner really were a challenge for me , my brain just couldn't get around that square the right way , it did get better by the time I got to the last one but they are far from perfect . The pebbles were rather easy compared to those squares and well my squiggly lines could have been more squiggly but I know I can improve on that one .
 

This is the last section I worked on , the little chicken feet , they were kind of fun and not too difficult but again I could definitely improve with some practise .  Lots more to do but not today , it will be  a little easier here at home at my own sewing table with more space and  everything in reach ,however I sure enjoyed my day and would take this class again as there is lots I didn't get to try and I'd like to have Deb close by to give me some direction as to how these different stitches are achieved .
 How did you spend your day ? Thanks so much for stopping by .
 hugs Sheila

All of my crazy quilting blocks!

Just thought you might like to see how many crazy blocks I have made now , I have separated them into two possible quilts , the lighter shades and the darker blocks so I think I will make at least five more of the light and will see how that looks before I decide how many dark I will need .
I also want to say how devasting the news is for the southern states , all those lives lost and the devastation is unreal , it is heart wrenching to say the least . My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this terrible disaster .
hugs Sheila

Crazy Quilting Friday and a Finish

This week I made two blocks to make up for last week and I really love both of them, both softer colors in spring shades . Thanks to Betsy of Quilting Fiesta for hosting this event each week , why don't you join us!
  I also finished this cute little bag a pattern byAtkinson Designs called Zippy Strippy , such fun to make and so cute . My friend Linda was kind enough to share her bali prints for this bag and they sure are gorgeous ! Thanks so much Linda you're so kind. I can see me making more of these as they would make lovely gifts .

 Tomorrow I am off to a workshop ,what kind of workshop you might be asking , well it is a Free Motion Machine Quilting workshop , this is a whole new ballgame for me, I have done some very simple free motion but nothing like we are going to attempt tomorrow ,however we have a really tremendous instructor , Deb Plestid who is a very talented quilt artist as well as an accomplished free motion quilter so I know we are in good hands and will learn lots . I have to double check to see that I have everything I need and get myself up early to get there and get set up before the class ,don't want to be late .

 Have yourself a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by.

 Hugs Sheila

One Christmas Item a month

This month I finished this redwork for the Christmas Item of the month .I really enjoy doing redwork and this pattern was a free download from Kaaren of the Painted Quilt ,if you have never visited her blog you really should it is so interesting, she is so talented and so willing to share her gifts of creativity ,check out the list for Friday Freebies ,lots of great patterns .
Thanks to Narelle for hosting the one Christmas item a month and to see more creative projects check here on Narelle's blog for the list of those participating this month .

I managed to make the Henrietta Whiskers block for this month still need to add some eyes and some embroidery for the pumpkins but the rest is finished , these are such fun blocks and I am using up some scraps to make this so it is a win win situation. I had good reason for not getting much sewing done on the weekend , we had visitors , the very best kind , our youngest son Chad and his family . It was wonderful to have Nila and Elise for a couple of days they sure fill the house with joy and laughter .  I love having them around ,it is non stop fun ;-) I hope you had a wonderful Easter as well , thanks so much for stopping by .

hugs Sheila

Brown Bag Challenge

In February I showed you a sneak peak of the project I was making for a Brown Bag challenge that our quilt guild was having .Those who participated placed three to four fat quarters in a brown lunch bag with just your name inside so the person who recieved it would know who they would be making something for , this was to be kept a secret until last evening when we had our April meeting  The runner on my design wall is what I made for my partner Marlene ,this pattern was designed by Kim Van Rossum of Harbour Quilt Company here in Nova Scotia .

I was very pleased , no excited to open my brown bag when  it was revealed that Anne had worked on my Brown Bag fabrics and here is what she made , isn't it just gorgeous . I mean wow I was thrilled to say the least and it has a nice spring look so will be placed on my table for Easter .Thank you so much Anne I love it!!!!

I almost forgot to mention that last night at the meeting I won these scissors by Scissor Lite, they are pretty cool as they light up so even if the power goes off now I can continue to cut ;-)  As a fund raiser each month we have something to sell tickets on and these scissors were actually donated by one of our very kind members Carolyn . The funny thing was last night I was doing the  program and my talk was on the ergonomics of sewing and how important it is to use the correct height for your sewing table or desk as well as  your  seating position when sewing to avoid stress on the body and along with those facts the tools we use should also be ergonomic and these scissors are perfect as the handle is ergonomic . Needless to say I was thrilled to win and I went home with a beautiful new table topper and a nice pair of scissors .

Since this is Easter weekend I want to wish each and everyone a very Blessed and Happy Easter . I will not have a crazy quilt block tomorrow since it is Good Friday but will make two next week to make up . Thanks so much for stopping by and have yourself a wonderful day .

hugs Sheila