Design wall Monday April 12

I've been working on one of Judy Laquidara's quilt for an hour projects, "Freeze Frame", for the past week. It's all pieced, and just needs the plain borders sewn on. I'm happy with, both her instructions, and the way it looks. I liked the colours she used in her version, so I've sort of kept to the same, especially the yellow. And it is all stash fabric. I'd love to sit down and finish it, right now, but, I HAVE to get the last bridesmaid dress at least to the final pattern stage today. After that, I'l probably reward myself with some quilting. I really do have to figure out how to put links in these posts too. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Another start

I can't believe how long this crazy cold is hanging on. I've been to the Doctor, who says there is nothing to do but wait it out. (groan). I know antibiotics don't work on viruses, so there is no point taking any, but this is getting quite tiresome. On a positive note, I've decided that the half hexagon quilt is indeed finished. And, since I have no energy for doing anything else, I've started another quilt, as if I need an excuse to do that. It's from Judy L's site Patchwork Times, and it is her Freeze Frame, that she set up as being able to do in one hour increments. I like that format. It is all from stash fabric. I ordered a lot of fabric after Christmas, when Thousands of Bolts were having a sale, and am finally starting to use some of it. ( I really do need to figure out how to put links into my posts).
There was no way I could pass up fabric at $3.00 a yard, including shipping, and duty and Canadian taxes when it crossed the border. At least, that was my excuse. The reality is probably closer to I would have bought it anyway, just not as much. (giggle). Actually, this is my retirement savings plan - except it is fabric, not cash, I'm saving for my retirement, which does do a bit of a number on cash savings, but then, I won't need to spend it later. Oh boy, I'm really getting "out there" with the rationalizations now, aren't I? Ah well, I'm going to go play for awhile, and I guess I should throw in some laundry to go while I play.

Half hexagons finished, I think.

I've been working steadily, for the last 4 days on this Half hexagon quilt. It hasn't turned out as large as I wanted it. It shrunk quite a lot during sewing. It's 57 x 63 right now. I'm happy with it, I think. I'm just wondering, does it need another border, or should I call it finished, and bind it with the gold fabric? It was a real challenge, doing the math to get the sizes for the borders figured out. That's why the top and bottom gold borders are bigger than the sides. It was the only way I could get the half hexes to fit, without altering their sizes, or chopping them off. Not bad for an impulse of the moment quilt. Now, to decide what's next. It was nice to work on something that had a quick finish. It seems most of the stuff I have going is complex, long term projects

Design wall Monday April 5

I've spent the last couple of days, (in between sneezing and hacking and coughing- rotten cold), playing with my 5 inch charms and 2 1/2 inch scraps, and cutting half hexagons. Then, the fun part was arranging them on the wall. Looking at the picture, I can see a couple of areas where there are too many darks together. But, other than that, it is close to be ready to sew. The trick is going to be sewing it together without mixing up the placements of the fabric. I'll have to do some labeling of the pieces, I think, to make sure they stay in order as I sew. That is the next task on my list for today. I should be working on a bridesmaid dress, but my mind won't focus enough to do that. There are pattern alterations needed, which means I need to be thinking clearly, before I tackle that.

Halleluia, what a Saviour!

It is Easter Sunday, the day we take to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, our Saviour. I have a favourite Easter hymn, that is beautiful, both when it is sung, or when it is read as poetry.

Man of Sorrows, what a name
For the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim!
Halleluia, what a Saviour!

Bearing shame, and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood:
Halleluia, what a Saviour!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we,
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
Full atonement, can it be?
Halleluia, what a Saviour!

Lifted up was He to die,
"It is finished!" was His cry;
Now in heaven, exalted high:
Halleluia, what a Saviour!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew this song we'll sing:
Halleluia, what a Saviour!

Sandra's quilt done

That's one of my tasks for today done. The rest is easy.... go outside and enjoy the sun. This quilt used the pantograph "Plumage" from Willow Leaf Studios. I used Rainbows thread in the top, and a regular yellow in the bobbin.

I've got "The Crud"

Some kind soul, in the last week, or so, has shared a questionable gift with me. My throat is sore, my chest is tight, and my head is stuffed full. Yuck! This kind of gift I could well do without. (sigh & groan). However, I am determined to try and ignore it. I have a quilt on the machine that I want to finish, and then I want to get our and enjoy the glorious day. Even if it is doing nothing more than sitting and doing some hand work on "Cactus Rose". I'll post a pic of this quilt, that I am trying to finish, once it is done, and off the frame.