Outside the Line

Stoney Creek finishing touches

2012-03-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

Well hello everyone! I just want to welcome Cathy to the blog, thanks so much for signing up! Things have been rather slow in the quilting department lately but a burst of creative energy over the weekend helped me get more work done on my Stoney Creek quilt.

Here it is, all finished - yoohoo! Even though it just looks like one large border, there are actually two borders on the quilt with a flange between them.

Here's a better look at the borders. The first fabric is a darker turquoise fabric with a rust coloured flange sewn on to it. The second border is a blue-black batik. I wanted to create the look of a heavy frame around the quilt, like you would see on a piece of art. I'm still deciding if should keep it on or not.

I'm linking up to the Needle and Thread Network for their WIP Wednesday. Be sure to stop by and see what everyone else is up to.

Cheers,
Mary-Frances

It's award season!

2012-02-21T20:25:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone! It's been a grand week, with my DD back from University, taking care of my granddaughter, a guild meeting and a gathering of my Saturday sewing sisters....oh yes, and trying to squeeze in some sewing time too! To top it all off, when I woke Sunday morning, Michele from Quilts from my crayonbox sent me an email letting me know she had nominated me for a Liebster Award...how sweet was that?

I would like to nominate the following five blogs for the award as well:

1. Linda from Linda's quiltmania

2. Mountain Quilter at My Quilting Addiction

3. Karen at Kaholly

4. Marjorie at Marjorie's busy corner

5. Erin at Missy Mac creations

I hope you'll go visit them, say hello and see what fun projects each of them is working on.

One last thing before I go check on the little one....

Finally finished my table runner...love that Kate Spain fabric.

A quick view of the quilting, simple but effective.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Design Wall Mayhem

2012-02-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Here's a peek at my messy design wall today. I agreed to make my son-in-law a quilt and I've been slowly collecting fabrics that depict his interests...country life, cowboy culture, fishing and anything related to the sea. So, now that I have this fabric, what am I going to do with it?? Good question....wish I had an answer for you!

I'm going to leave it up for a day or two and see if it inspires me, or just plain drives me crazy....;-)

Lots of tans, greens and blue tones in these fabrics, so most of them work together.

I could draw out the red from this fabric and use it as an accent colour.

I could certainly use all the shades of brown and black from this fabric...but that would probably make it too dark.

I love this fabric and the other one with the fish, but I'm not really sure I'll be able to work them in. That bright blue is the first thing that catches my eye when I look at the design wall. We all want a 'zinger' in our quilts, but I don't want this piece or the other fish fabric to become the focal point of the quilt. Time to go through my stash and see what else I have that works with these fabrics. Of course, if I can't find anything, it's off to the quilt store for me!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

A red and white finish!

2012-02-10T01:00:00.029-07:00

Hello Everyone! It feels like ages since I've taken part in TGIFF and Finish it up Friday, and I'm so glad to have one quilt finished. This is my red and white quilt, made with the help of my on-line scrap-bee friends.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

This shot is a little dark, but it does show the quilting rather well. I'm rather pleased with how this quilt turned out. I'll be submitting this one to the Heritage Park Festival of Quilts this May!

A closer look at four smaller blocks - a great way to use up your scraps.

A close up of the back (the flash makes this look much brighter than it is...really), highlighting the baptist fan pattern used to quilt it. I had this one long-armed instead of quilting it myself. I even considered hand quilting it, but realized I probably wouldn't have it done in time for the festival.

Now I just have to figure out what name I should give this quilt...

Pay-it-forward gift made it to Australia

2012-02-09T01:00:00.002-07:00

Hello Everyone! My pay-it-forward gift to Tracee of Farm Gate Creations finally arrived! I spent the summer months of 2011 working on this project for her and finally sent it off in November. It took 8 weeks to arrive and frankly, I was beginning to worry it wouldn't ever get to her. Fortunately, Tracee received her parcel on Monday and all is well. Enjoy your quilt Tracee, it was great fun working on that project for you!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

I wanted an old fashioned look for this quilt, something to suit the Robyn Pandolph Canadian Cottage fabric, so I opted for a traditional diamond grid quilting pattern.

I didn't follow a pattern for this one, as I had a pack of charm squares and thought I would just sew them together.
I did look through my Gwen Marston books and found some inspiration there, that's why I have the one near solid border running across the bottom of the quilt and the much wider floral border beneath it.

Wonky disappearing nine-patch done

2012-02-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! It's that time of the week again - work in progress wednesday. Time to link up with everyone at The Needle & Thread Network today. Be sure to check out what everyone else is working on - there's some amazing stuff out there!

I managed to sew all 12 of my wonky disappearing nine-patch blocks together yesterday and quickly added a 3 1/2 inch border around it. Yoohoo! I just might get this done in time for Valentine's day. :-)

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Here's my wonky nine-patch baby quilt top
done and ready to be quilted.

I tried to use as many different reds as I could. Here's a closer look at one of my faves - a red batik with a heart motif.

Disappearing nine-patch tutorial - wonky version

2012-02-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Found some time to play in my sewing room this week and wanted to share a new tutorial with you. I'm working on a quilt for my little valentine and I'm using a wonky version of the disappearing nine-patch.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Begin with two 12 inch squares in contrasting fabric.

Place one square on top of the other, both pieces of fabric must be right side up (not right sides together as we normally do).

Take your ruler and make two random vertical cuts. Then make two random horizontal cuts.

Switch the bottom fabric on four squares as shown in the photo - this is your wonky nine-patch.

Sew pieces together as you would for a normal nine-patch block, making sure to press your seam toward the darker fabric.

When you are done, you will have two wonky nine-patch blocks.

Take the time to square up your blocks. I trimmed these blocks down to 10 3/4 inches.

Find the center of your block - in this case it was 5 3/8 inches - and make a vertical and then a horizontal cut.

You now have four smaller blocks.
Take your upper right hand block and turn twice to the right - your small corner square will now be in the upper right side.
Take your lower left hand block and turn twice to the right - your small corner square will now be in the lower left side.

Sew your four small blocks together and you now have your first wonky disappearing nine-patch block!

Here's a sneak peak at the quilt I'm making...I should have the top done for next week's WIP Wednesday!

It's a long, long, long, process...

2012-01-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

....divorce, that is. It will be over soon, or so I keep telling myself. In the meantime, I managed to squeeze in some time to finish my placemat. What a cheery way to start the morning, having my Lucky Charms (or oatmeal if I'm feeling like a grownup) on a little something I made.

One made and one more to go!

Gratuitous shot of the back - kept the quilting very simple.

Since I took this photo last October, I've made the quilt sandwich, quilted most of the top, decided that I really don't like the quilting after all and am now in the process of picking out the stitches...fun times!

This was meant to be the center medallion on my divorce quilt, but I don't really feel like doing anything more with it. Time to put it away...on to better things, right? ;-)

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

A little something for WIP wednesday

2012-01-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

My first WIP project for the year is a small one, but rather cheery if I do say so myself. After making a few more string blocks the other day, I decided to make a table runner and two place mats for myself instead of a lap quilt. It has been so cold lately, I think this fabric will certainly add a little warmth to the kitchen table.

For the place mats, I took four 6-inch string blocks and sewed them together, then added two 2-3/4 x 12 inch strip of white fabric.

I had some of this fabric in my stash and thought it would suit as a backing - this fabric is also by Kate Spain from her Fandango line.

Here are the 6 large blocks put together for the table runner.

Backing fabric, also from the Fandango line. I just have to cut it up and then make the quilt sandwich and I'm ready to go!

I'm linking up to the Needle and Thread network for the WIP Wednesday extravaganza! Be sure to check in with all the other quilters and fiber artists and see what they are up to!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

And I'm off...like a herd of turtles!!

2012-01-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

Well hello everyone! To say I've been moving like the proverbial tortoise this year would be an understatement...yesterday was the first day I spent working on a quilt project..yikes! Guess I just needed some downtime to chill and get those creative juices flowing again..if only I could have done that while sipping margaritas on a warm sandy beach somewhere...oh well, maybe next year, right? :-)

Thanks to Sue for inviting me over for a sewing Saturday, I finally dusted the cobwebs off my little Janome and did some sewing - hooray! A few more squares added to my string quilt.

Even though I haven't done anything much in the way of sewing, I have been busy perusing the quilting books at my local library. I love this book - I think I need to find one for my own bookshelf.

I've always wanted to make a spiderweb quilt, but I think I'm going to work on a diamond string quilt instead...I'm loving this one and have already sorted through my fabric strips. I definitely have enough to make this...one more for the 'to do' list!

I stopped in for a visit at my LQS and couldn't resist this beauty from Robert Kauffman...love, love, love it! Oh yes, I signed up for a mystery quilt class as well - have never done anything like that, so we'll see how it goes. It's scheduled for the end of March. Should be fun!

I found this little gem of a box at Homesense and thought it would be perfect to store some of my fabric in. I bought two boxes, but I guess I should have bought that third one after all. ;-)

I did spend some down time in my sewing room, working on this puzzle my daughters bought me for Christmas.

Like many of you, I'm also an avid reader - so far I've read:

Death at Pemberley, by P.D. James - for the Jane Austen fan

V is for Vengeance, by Sue Grafton - Kinsey solves another one

Home, by Bill Bryson (listened to this on audio tape) - pretty fascinating stuff, if you like trivia and history that is

The Scottish Prisoner, by Diana Gabaldon - stopped reading after 200 pages...sorry Diana, this one didn't hold my interest

When God was a Rabbit, by Sarah Winman - interesting story, well written, look forward to more from this author

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Out with the old and in with the new - a 2012 wish

2012-01-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me an email the other day, pointing out that 2011 had been a year of one emotional punch to the gut after another for me...and you know what? She’s absolutely right. 2011 was my very own Annus Horribilis...a horrible year indeed.

And yet, when I look back, I see how much good there truly was...because of the breakdown of my marriage, my relationship with my daughters has grown and we have become closer than I ever thought possible. I helped them through this trying year and they have done the same for me.

Christmas self-portrait - even the dog wanted in on the action!

I no longer have that male voice reminding me of my imperfections, how I am not pretty enough, young enough, smart enough or good enough...and I relish the silence.

A granddaughter was born...what a reason to celebrate! A beautiful little bundle of love...she helped remind me of the goodness in this world.

Existing friendships evolved, some ended, new ones made, here and in blogland...how wonderful to know other people appreciate and value who I am. I travelled on my own, with family and with friends...new adventures, good and bad, but always a learning experience.

Good times in San Francisco.

Through it all, I quilted, I planned projects, I searched for fabric, I cut, sewed, cut some more and sewed more, piece by piece, discovering my likes, dislikes, who I am as a quilter, as a mother, as a friend and as a human being.

So, goodbye 2011. Thank you for all the lessons you’ve taught me, but I don’t really want any more learning experiences or times of personal growth. My greatest wish for 2012 is to live in peace. Sounds simple enough, and yet...

I hope we all find ways to spend more time in our sewing room this year, more time sharing quilt stories and tips, and more laughter with friends and family, yes, definitely more laughter and joy in 2012.

May you be filled with gentle loving kindness

May you be well

May you be peaceful and at ease

Mary-Frances

Blog Hop Giveaway winners!

2011-12-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! The blog hop is done and the winners notified. What fun this was - thank you all so much for stopping by and leaving comments. It was so good to discover all your favourite carols, some of my favourites too and a few new ones to listen to as well.

The fat quarters and creativity cards go to Nancy Sue.

Debbie won the green batiks and owl fabric.

Gwen won the pink strata.

Salem Momma won the turquoise strata.

Lisa Cox won the purple strata.

Thanks again to all those who entered the giveaway!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

A few Christmas finishes

2011-12-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! I've finally managed to finish a few little things and just in time for Christmas...can you believe there are only 9 sewing days left! Wow!

Speaking of Wow! Thank you so much for your overwhelming response to my giveaway...I've never done this before...mmmh, I just might have to do this again! ;-) The last day to leave a comment for the giveaway is tomorrow, I'll close the comments section at 5 pm Mountain time.

Ok...now on to the few little things I've finished up this week...

Finished these up just in time, one for each daughter and one for my little granddaughter too. Projects like these are great for practicing your quilting - either straight line quilting (like I did on the red and gold stockings) or free motion.

I'm still working on mine with only one half of the stocking finished...

Here's a look at my quilting - I'm just doing a little outline quilting with the darning foot.

Be sure to check out all the other great projects over at Finish it up Friday!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

2011 Scrap-bee blocks overview

2011-12-12T01:00:00.094-07:00

Hi Everyone! Oh my goodness, I am simply overwhelmed with all the responses I've received for my giveaway!! Everyone is so incredibly kind to stop by and leave a comment...I truly appreciate it. Thank you and welcome to all those who have signed up to follow!

Here's a look at all the blocks made this past year using 'made' fabric for the quilting bee hosted by Victoria at http://www.15minutesplay.com/ .

Our first block of the year was big and bold with an awesome slash of red to tie it all together.

For February's block, we were asked to make a block using no more than five large pieces of fabric from our scraps.

March brought a request for scrappy neutral blocks.

April was my month and I asked everyone to make a 6.5 inch red block with a slash of white.

The request for May was truly unique...a green "field" with a "lake" ....

The fabric cut from the scrappy green block then became an "island" on a blue fabric background.

In June we were asked to make leaves...any kind and any size.

In July we could choose our favourite colour and make a block and then make a same sized block using neutral fabric..

Place one block on top of the other, make two random cuts, switch the two middle pieces of fabric, sew...and voila! Two blocks.

August brought a request for appliqued hearts.

September brought a new challenge. We were asked to make fabric in a colour of our choice, then we had to cut them into recognizable objects. That blue object at the bottom is supposed to be a cloud...:-)

October's block was a modern take on a Grandmother's Fan block.

November saw us seeing stars...any size, shape and colour as long as it was on a white or black background. This was a perfect opportunity to try out a LeMoyne star and work on those y-seams!

This is the last block of the year...a much brighter star using red, yellow and of course some made fabric.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

How to stay warm in Calgary - sung to O Fortuna

2011-12-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Here's something a little silly for those of you trying to stay warm this winter. Sung by the Calgary Philharmonic chorus, silly lyrics set to dramatic music...must have been fun for them all to sing.

What to do with your scraps - December block

2011-12-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Here it is, the last of my scrap-bee blocks made and ready to send off. In case you're unfamiliar with the whole "made" fabric movement and are wondering what I'm talking about, go check out the great tutorial on how to make fabric from scraps over at Victoria's blog.

I'd like to welcome Annette to the blog - so nice of you to sign up!

Here is the block Alexis requested for her quilt.

She asked that we begin with a 6.5 inch block of made fabric...I used larger pieces of scraps this time but it still works I think.

Here are all the other elements to the star - twelve 2.5 inch hst blocks, 4 corner blocks and two rectangles to go on the sides. Here's the link to Alexis' instructions if you want to try this out yourself - December scrap-bee block.

Trimmed the center square and am ready to put it all together.

All done!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Blog hop giveaway

2011-12-09T01:00:00.057-07:00

Welcome everyone! Michele over at the Quilting Gallery is hosting a Blog hop party with give-aways and I decided to join in on the fun! There are well over 200 bloggers participating in the blog hop, so get ready for some serious hopping folks! Lots of goodies to be won.

To thank all those who have signed up as followers I'm giving away some of my Stoney Creek strata -

six pieces of the the pinks,

six pieces of the turquoise,

six pieces of the purples, and

four pieces of the greens, and some of the owl batik as well.

I'm also giving away a deck of creativity cards for quilters and five cheery fat quarters.

I'll select the 5 winners on December 17th, so be sure to sign up if you haven't already and leave a comment. I will ship internationally, so don't worry about that. Let me know what your favourite Christmas carol is and what gift you would like to win the most!

Until then, happy quilting!

Mary-Frances

There's a hole in the middle of my Stoney Creek!

2011-12-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

Well hello everyone! It's that time of the week again when we get to share what we've been working on at the Needle and Thread Network - yoohoo! Also, a big welcome to Brenda, Sheila and Victoria. So nice of you to sign up!

Be sure to visit me on Friday of this week as I have a surprise in store for my followers...let's just say someone will have a scrap happy holiday... :-)

Now, on to Stoney Creek...

Aaargh! When I began putting the four large pieces together, I realized I had sewn on two of my strata incorrectly. Instead of having only a quarter inch of fabric between the purple end of the triangle and the owl fabric in the center, I have half an inch. So, looks like I'll be making good use of my seam ripper this weekend...;-)

Here's a few close-ups of my fabric as a few of you have requested.

This is the inner portion of the triangle.

The two top strips of fabric are more turquoise than they appear in the photo, this is the top portion of the outside strata.

The is the bottom portion of the outer strata. My favourite fabric in this section is the spider web fabric under the dotted fabric.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

The Farmer's Wife - new project for 2012

2011-12-05T01:00:00.047-07:00

Hello Everyone! I bought The Farmer's Wife Sampler quilt book a while ago and have been meaning to get started on it. Thanks to Linda, I've decided to join her Farmer's Wife quilt-a-long in the new year.  It's time to get going on this project!

There are lots of groups already on flickr, so you can see the different fabric choices people have made and how their quilts are coming together.

Thankfully Linda will give directions for the each block using rotary cutters and rulers...no templates or hand-piecing. She's using her batik scraps but I'm not sure what fabric I'll use for mine.

So, 111 six-inch blocks in 52 weeks...game on!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Peace and gratitude

2011-12-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! The city was transformed into a winter wonderland overnight and the snow is still falling...you know those magical type of snowflakes that exist mostly in our memories of youth, soft, puffy, falling oh so slowly and gently to the ground...that is what I woke to this morning.

This peaceful scene got me thinking of all the things
I am grateful for.

Decorations on houses, lights on trees, how fortunate I am to have a roof over my head, food in the pantry and people to share it with.

The peacefulness of solitude, taking time to think, meditate, pray...call it what you will, time to recharge and reconnect with your creative self.

The unexpected gift from a quilting friend, the lightness of laughter, the sharing of sorrows, knowing you are not alone.

Happy Sunday sewing!
Mary-Frances

Stoney Creek is coming along

2011-11-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Well, I've managed to do a bit more work on my Stoney Creek than anticipated, thanks to that awful windstorm we had here in Calgary on Sunday. I hunkered down in my sewing room and hoped I wouldn't see any small dogs or children fly by my window...and I'm only exaggerating a little! :-)

I've almost finished each quarter, just have to sew on the long turquoise strata above the triangle. Then comes the fun part, sewing the large pieces together and hoping all the seams match!

Here's a closer look at my center fabric. I thought it would be fun to have the owls sitting right in the middle of it all.

I'm linking up to the the Needle and Thread Network for their WIP Wednesday. Be sure to check out what projects everyone else is working on.

Welcome to Colleen, so nice of you to sign on!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

I'm loving the new Kate Spain fabric

2011-11-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Saw Kate Spain's latest line of fabric, 'Terrain,' in my local quilt store a few weeks back and picked up a layer cake to play with. I really hadn't planned on buying any new fabric, but you know how that goes....

I decided to cut each 10-inch block into strips of varying widths and make a string quilt. It's a great change of pace from my Stoney Creek and I should have enough 6.5 inch blocks to make a lap quilt when I'm done.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Floral fun table runner done

2011-11-25T01:00:00.061-07:00

Hello Everyone! So glad I can post this for Finish it up Friday and Thank Goodness it's Finished Friday - yoohoo! I started this project in August and had loads of fun playing around with different flower layouts - it's just like making paper snowflakes...remember doing that as a kid? Well, this is better, because you're using fabric instead!

I decided to try something different for me and didn't add binding to this project. I sewed a zigzag stitch over the edge instead.

Here's a closeup of one of the blocks, before quilting.

I'll deconstruct it for you, so you can see how many layers there really are per flower.

Naturally, you can add or take away as many as you like.

That's part of the fun, getting to play.

Before I forget again, here's the book this pattern came from: Skinny Quilts and Tablerunners II. This is the last quilt in the book and it's a Sue Benner design.

Design wall Monday - Stoney Creek update

2011-11-21T01:00:00.024-07:00

Hey Everyone! No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, just busy with the little one and trying to get organized for the upcoming holiday season...like most of you fab quilters out there!

I've finally managed to put together one section of my Stoney Creek quilt...and am loving it! Here's a peek....

Here's the first section sewn together...y-seams and all! I've had quite the time getting the top turquoise strata put together...it always seems to go wonky near the end of the strata, even when I use starch. I think I'll be ripping out stitches this week and giving it another try. If I can get one section sewn per week, I'll have it done for Christmas...then I can take advantage of boxing week sales to find the perfect border fabrics! :-)

I'd like to welcome Colleen, BrendaS and Myra to the blog - appreciate it!
Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

November scrap-bee block

2011-11-14T01:00:00.021-07:00

Hi all - I took some time while on retreat this weekend to get my blocks done for my scrap-bee. Made two stars using different techniques.

Here's my first block, a LeMoyne star...y-seams and all! It's my new favourite star block and the whole y-seam fear? Totally gone. Yes, it's a little bit fussy to make, but it's well worth it!

Thought I'd try some applique with this one. You cut out the same peices for the star as above but you use a satin stitch to applique it onto the back instead of piecing the whole thing together.

As always, when making blocks for the scrap-bee, I had to "make" my own fabric using my scraps. Here's one square I made. I then cut this into 2.5 inch strips and cut 2.5 inch diamonds using the 45 degree angle on my ruler.

You need eight diamonds to make a star...sew these together and then applique to your backing...don't forget your interfacing on the back of your fabric!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Just a little progress this week - Stoney Creek

2011-11-08T23:11:00.002-07:00

Wow, where has this week gone?? Wednesday already and I've only managed to get a wee bit done on my quilt...which is quite good really, given the recent arrival of my granddaughter! :-)

Welcome to Kim and Brenda

See what I mean? Just a little more added this week. Only have four more strata to make and then I'll have all the pieces cut out. I'm off to a quilting retreat soon and I'm not sure if I should bring this project along or not.

Work in Progress Wednesday, Stoney Creek update

2011-11-02T01:00:00.055-06:00

Hi Everyone! It's that time of the week again, WIP Wednesday, and I've made a little progress on my Stoney Creek quilt.

Made the center strata and cut them out, it looks like it's falling off my design wall, doesn't it? :) Nothing is sewn yet, didn't feel up to attempting those Y-seams yet. Plus, I was busy writing up the fall newsletter this week for Calgary's Heritage Park 2012 Festival of Quilts...this is my first year on the organizing committee...and I am sooooo excited to be part of this!!

Here's a sneak peak at the fabric I chose for the top portion of the background. Hope to get these done for next WIP Wednesday. Can't promise I'll have anything sewn together though!!

Be sure to check out what else is happening on WIP Wednesday over at The Needle and Thread Network and at Freshly Pieced!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Welcome to the world, baby girl!

2011-11-01T14:46:00.000-06:00

My first grandchild, Isabella, was born yesterday at 1:03 pm.
I'm in love with a 7 lb 14 ounce bundle of sweetness.
sigh.

Work in Progress - Stoney Creek

2011-10-26T01:00:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone! Just want to show you what I've been up to this week. I've been putting together strata for my Jinny Beyer pattern, Stoney Creek, and finally mustered up the courage to cut out the pieces!! Still have the center strata to make, so will busy myself with that today.

Here are my floating triangles on the design wall - if you are interested in seeing the original pattern, it can be found here:
Stoney Creek
I haven't sewn them up together yet, I need to be wide awake to tackle those Y-seams! ;-)

I'd like to extend a warm welcome to Linda, Rhianon, Erin, JaneB. and to Fleur de Lis Quilts. Thanks for signing up, appreciate it! As always, be sure to check out what everyone else is doing over at The Needle and Thread Network and Freshly Pieced.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Thank Goodness it's Finished! - Friday

2011-10-21T12:36:00.000-06:00

Oh yes, it's finally done, the great pumpkin wall hanging, with ten days to spare before Halloween! Sooooo glad this one is finally done :-)

So much procrastination over such a small project, isn't that always the ways though?

Here's the back, made up various bits and pieces from the scrap pile.

Here's a look at the backyard this morning...fog and frost...winter's well on its way.

Head on over to Missy Mac Creations for more TGIFF projects and then over to Crazy Mom Quilts for some Finish it up Friday fun!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Work in Progress Wednesday - it's all about the blues

2011-10-19T10:39:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone! It's all about the blue and whites this week with two projects on the go, one nearing completion...don't you just love that?....and another that needs a little more work.

This is my Cool Blues quilt and has been sitting in the UFO pile since June, just waiting for the binding...sure hope I can find the fabric...have you done that too? Set aside fabric for binding then use it in another project? Fingers crossed that fabric is just where I left it.....somewhere in the sewing room ;-)

A closer look - each block is made of eight hourglass blocks and sixteen flying geese. There are sixteen blocks in the quilt...oh yes, that's a whole lot of flying geese. I had this quilt long-armed. I'm not brave enough to machine quilt a queen-size quilt on my little Janome (yet!).

The second project in the works, my First Snowfall quilt - I'll add a one-inch blue border around this and add another white border before putting it together and quilting it. I'll be quilting this one myself.

UFO list -
1.girl guide charity quilts
2.my charming stars
3. Stoney Creek
4. Red and white quilt
6. Christmas stockings
7. Flower power wall hanging
is it my imagination, or is this list getting longer...?

Welcome to Monika of My Sweet Prairie, thanks for joining! Be sure to check out what Monika and all the other talented folks are up to at the needle and thread network.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

WIPs and UFOs...a tale of procrastination

2011-10-12T15:49:00.002-06:00

Wednesday already and I've barely made it into the sewing room this week. I'm sure all that tryptophan coursing through my veins due to all the turkey leftovers we've been eating is responsible for my growing pile of UFO's and has absolutely nothing to do with my tendency to procrastinate. Yup, sounds plausible to me.

Anyway, I am determined to get this little guy done. I made this last year and it's been sitting in the UFO pile waiting for me to add buttons for the eyes and then make the backing and quilt it. I have 18 days before Halloween and I will. get. this. done.

Other works in progress
1. My un-bento box
2. red and white
3. cool blues
4. girl guide charity quilts
5. let it snow
6. victorian gothic

Take a peek at some other fab projects here.

It all began with Alex Anderson...

2011-10-11T10:10:00.000-06:00

Sometimes you need to take a look at where you've been in order to appreciate how far you've come.

It's been over eight years since I first saw Alex Anderson on tv on a show called Simply Quilts. I always believed quilting was out of my reach because I am not and never was a "sewer" - someone who can magically whip up the frothiest dresses for their daughters and the coolest outfits for their sons. No, that's not me...I was the kind of mother who, in desperation, used the glue gun to finish putting together her children's Power Ranger's costumes for Hallowe'en oh so many years ago.
I wish I were kidding...really, I do.

I never imagined that I would find myself, years later, taking part in on-line quilting bees, making free-form quilts like this red & white one, embracing the freedom of liberated quilting, testing the waters of the modern quilt styles, and yes, even learning how to applique...and finding so many others who feel the same way I do.
Who knew?

This is where I began, over eight years ago. Three hand-pieced blocks and crooked as all get out, but it was enough to get me hooked on quilting. It's been a grand adventure so far being part of the quilting world and it all began with Alex Anderson's Simply Quilts! Thanks Alex!

Mary-Frances

I've been watching too much YouTube

2011-10-09T11:32:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone ! I'd like to welcome Susan to the blog. Glad to have you join us.

Ok, I'll admit it, I'm a dinosaur....I love quilt magazines and books. Whenever I need a quick quilting fix, I just head to my bookshelf, find a magazine and am sure to find inspiration for my next project inside. Well, that is until I discovered all the fabulous quilting tutorials available on YouTube. Apparently, that means I'm a dinosaur no more and have embraced new (to me) technology in the quest for quiltspiration.

Now, I'm pretty sure just about everyone has seen this particular video on YouTube or has heard about it at the very least, but when I saw the Jelly roll 1600 clip, I just had to go out and give it a try myself.

My jelly roll all ready to go...

Ready, set.....sew!!!

Hours later (yes, hours), my quilt top is done. It took me over 35 minutes just to get the first row done. Then I actually stopped to press the seam...I'm thinking that's not something you do if you're in a rush. ;-)

The verdict on this quilt? It was fun to do once and will make a great quilt for the basement, especially as I'm just using polar fleece for the backing. I don't think this is something I'll do again though.

Here's something else I found, 10-minute blocks from Suzanne McNeill. I had to give this a try as well.

I used some 10-inch squares I had on hand to test her 10-minute block method out. It was pretty cool to make a Cathedral Windows block in such a short time. It makes a very large block, I cut this one down to 18 inches to make a pillow then used it to practice my free-motion quilting.

Remember these bags? I made them earlier this summer and found a video showing how to make them. They;re called cash and carry bags by Atkinson Designs.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

What's in a name?

2011-10-04T09:47:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone! Ever wonder about the story behind blog names? Well, Dawn at Sweet as Cinnamon has and she's asking us to tell our stories. There's a Moda charm pack in it for one lucky blogger.

You can also find a few more stories over at KaHolly's blog.

As for me, I had just discovered the fabulous Gwen Marston and Freddy Moran and loved their philosophy about quilting...namely, not to worry so much about perfect piecing, but to enjoy the process. I found a quote that said great artists didn't worry about colouring outside the lines, which I thought was perfect and wanted to incorporate that into my blog name. However, "I think outside the line quilt designs are pretty cool" doesn't exactly roll off the tongue now, does it?! ;-) So, I shortened it to "outside the line." And that's my story.

What's yours?

Cheers,
Mary-Frances

Scrap Bee - September and October's blocks

2011-09-29T01:00:00.042-06:00

Hello everyone! Have two very different blocks to show you this time around. September's block is not a block at all actually, they are shapes as requested by San-Dee. She is planning on making quilts for Alzheimer's patients and asked that we cut out shapes from our made fabric. Great idea!

October's block is super cool. It's a modified grandmother's fan. So much fun to make. Can't wait to see all the blocks put together...this is going to be one fantastic looking quilt!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

I made a cloud, a tulip and a wonky heart for San-Dee's quilt.

For the October block, you need to start by making a large piece of fabric, at least 12 x 12.

Cut it down to 11 x 11 and then cut a piece of contrasting fabric the same size.

Place one piece of fabric on top of the other, both pieces must be right side up. Cut in half, on the diagonal.

Cut off the bottom point of the triangle, about 3 inches up.

Make four cuts and switch two of the pieces as shown.

Sew the top pieces together.

Press seams and add a 3.5 inch black half square triangle to the bottom. Voila, a modified grandmother's fan!
As always, you can see what everyone else is doing at http://www.15minutesplay.com/.

A little New York fabric

2011-09-28T01:00:00.066-06:00

Hi Everyone - Just thought I'd show you my New York fabric purchases. I may have to bring an extra suitcase next time to take advantage of the great prices!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

I saw these rhinestone initials and thought they would be a perfect way to sign my "Victorian Gothic" quilt currently in the works...sometimes you just need a little bling, right?

A few little extras I picked up at the notions store.

City Quilter creates their own New York city fabric. I picked up some subway map fabric and a night scape.

Thought the postcards and city landmarks fabric would also work together. The quilt store also has a quilt gallery where they display art quilts. If you do travel to New York and plan on visiting the store, don't forget to take a look at the quilts on display in the gallery.

I took one look at this wild fruit fabric and thought to myself...Carmen Miranda! It made me laugh, so I had to buy some. Managed to find a few fabrics to go with it.

Couldn't resist the retro cowboys and cowgirls on the right and the purses will be perfect for an I Spy quilt...someday.

Loved the fresh look of the flowers and the classic look of the turquoise fabric behind it.

I only bought two yards of this Anna Griffin fabric and when I returned two days later, it was all gone.

I am trying to add brighter colours to my fabric stash...brights on a dark background count, right?

Thought this would be perfect for a baby quilt.

This was too much fun to pass up.

This is all they had left of the Laurel Burch fabric...no wonder if went so quickly, the colours are incredible.

A trip to the Big Apple!

2011-09-27T01:00:00.036-06:00

Hello Everyone! I was so lucky earlier this month, not only did I get to travel to New York city with a few friends, I also got to meet the one and only Victoria of Bumblebeans!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Victoria and I in her fabulous studio!

She graciously spent time talking to a friend and I and showed us a few of her incredible quilts. It was a treat to meet someone from blogland and she gave us some insider tips on where to shop for fabric in the city. What a generous and creative person...but if you follow her blog at all, you knew that already, right? :-)

Here's Victoria discussing her process...

...and showing us her all-time favourite quilt, the kitchen sink quilt. What an incredible work of art...so inspiring!

Here's another inspiring work of art...Jackson Pollock's #31, found at the Museum of Modern Art. I know abstract expressionism isn't for everyone, but there's something about it that fascinates me.

I also made a point to find the Museum of Folk Art while in New York and took a few photos of the wonderful antique quilts they had on display.

A Gee's Bend quilt...I was thrilled to finally be able to see one of these quilts in person!

Many of the quilts on display were star quilts, one of my favourite type of quilts.

This was called a Cactus Flower quilts, very striking!

One of the Amish quilts on display. Most of the quilts dated back to the late 1800's and early 1900's.

Design Wall Monday and a few finishes

2011-09-26T11:54:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone! It's been a busy month, travelled to Montreal then to New York City where I met the wonderful Victoria of Bumblebeans...more to come on that adventure tomorrow!

Now that I'm back home and settled in, I've been trying to get a few things finished, as I'm sure my grandchild is due to arrive by Thanksgiving! Yoohoo!

I've also started yet another project with some delicious fabric I picked up in New York. I'm still undecided on background fabric, I'll let that percolate for a bit and focus on getting the blocks done this week!

Enjoy,
Mary-Frances

Finally managed to get a few baby things done this past weekend. This is one of two burrito baby wraps I made. Isn't that a great name for a baby blanket? I bought the pattern here.

Also made a few little burp pads with some leftover flannel.

One flannel blanket to keep the baby nice and warm.

Here are the blocks currently on my design wall. Picked these fabrics up in New York City at a small shop on 39th Street between 7th and 8th Avenue. Paid five dollars a yard...isn't that fabulous!! Oohh, I do love a bargain!

Am undecided on the background though...I could go traditional and use a white fabrics like on the design wall. Or, I could really kick the vibrancy up a notch and use this wonderful Kona solid...although, I'm not sure if I have enough for the whole quilt.

Or, I could go dark and use black, or possibly navy for background to really make the blocks pop.

Design Wall Monday

2011-09-05T13:21:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone! Here's what's on my design wall today. It's a little bit of everything really. Projects I need to finish...like the pumpkins, to different techniques I want to explore...like my "cheater" water colour panel. The other two projects need some attention as they've come to a complete standstill...time to pull some fabric and play!

Cheers,
Mary-Frances

These are the projects waiting for some attention on my design wall.

Watercolour quilt the easy way...buy a panel, cut into 2 inch squares, sew panel together again. Right. But it's far from done, as now I get to play with applique, beading, couching and other embellishments in order to make this panel pop!

My no guts, no glory panel....I know I had a plan for this, I'm sure I have a sketch lying around somewhere...

These cute little guys have been waiting around for a year now and I think it's high time I finished this project!!

The divorce quilt...time to pull out the sombre fabrics and cut and sew, cut and sew, cut and sew...it really is a healing thing for me.

Thank heavens for small projects!

2011-09-01T10:10:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone! I love smaller projects...I really, really do. It's so good to be able to sit down and actually finish something in one sitting, don't you think? Makes me feel productive, especially when I see my UFO pile looking like it's ready to explode!! ;-)

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Took a class in July and made a couple of wallets.

They are a perfect size for my eyeglasses, or as one classmate suggested could be used to tote those smaller quilting supplies to classes.

They are super easy to make, I'm thinking they'll make excellent Christmas gifts. I didn't have my camera in class, so next time I make one, I'll take step by step photos and post them....I promise!

Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-08-30T09:43:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone! First of all, I'd like to welcome Tarasj to the blog. Thanks for signing up, appreciate it!

Well, it's that time of the week again, Bloomin' Tuesday - yoohoo! The late summer blooms are in full swing while everything else is showing signs that fall will soon be here. If you have an hour or so to spare, go check out all the other fab gardens over at jean's, there's always lots to see!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Every garden needs at least one coneflower and I'm loving my Coconut Lime. Only one bloom so far this year, but given how my garden has been taken over by gophers, weasels and yes, even a skunk, I'm happy to have any flower bloom! ;-)

Another group of coneflowers, Snow White. I hope these will last for a few more weeks.

Some fall mums for the container garden on my deck...helps to brighten things up as I slowly remove the other annuals.

This was a nice surprise, my Stargazer lily. I bought bulbs from a catalogue three years ago and have only had one of the bulbs bloom...maybe they just needed a little more time to settle in??

My patio sweet peas have finally bloomed! I planted them in May, which is no doubt too late as they took far too long to grow. This variety is called Cupid's Pink and are meant to be short and bushy.

My nasturtiums have finally started blooming. This variety is called Alaska.

This yellow beast is my rudbeckia...unknown variety purchased last fall at the garden centre. I knew they would be tall, as the plant was approximately 4 feet when I bought it, but this is quite a surprise! Over 6 feet tall...see how it is nearly as tall as my three year old columnar aspen right next to it?? Haha, I love it!

A slightly closer shot of the flowers.

Design Wall Monday

2011-08-29T13:04:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone! I'm trying to beat the heat by sewing up pineapple blocks using some very cool looking blue snowflake fabric. Even though blue and white is a very "cool" colour combo, the only thing keeping me from wilting these days are the many fans I have going full blast around the house!!

Now that one daughter is away getting settled in for her final year at university and my other daughter is preparing for the arrival of her baby, it's time for me to get back to quilting! Take a peek at Judy's blog to see what's on everyone else's design wall.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Here's a better shot of the snowflakes on the blue fabric.

I found a nice white on white fabric to add a little interest to the block. Very subtle, but still a good fit.

Bloomin' Tuesday - Elysium Gardens, Kelowna, BC

2011-08-16T08:43:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone! Not much new in my garden so here are a few pics of the lovely Elysium gardens in Kelowna, BC.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

The garden entrance is rather bland. The first-time visitor might even think there won't be much to see once inside...

Once inside there are hidden gems like this little chapel. They were preparing for a wedding reception later in the day. I can't imagine a more beautiful site, surrounded by such lovely gardens.

A number of the beds were in a formal style, with boxwoods surrounding a variety of beautiful roses. I was there in early July, so the roses were looking fresh and vibrant.

The yellow roses were particularly striking.

There were quite a few places to sit and view the garden. I am fond of this particular idea and would love to incorporate something like this in my own garden someday...on a much smaller scale of course!

The shade of the covered walkway was a welcome respite from the sun.

There was no shortage of greenery though, with a variety of trees and shrubs offering an interesting study in contrast and texture.

A few of their rather extensive collection of hostas.

Flower beds offered a wide variety of perennials, including delphiniums and foxglove.

The daisies put on a good show that day.

An unnamed clematis..what a striking bloom.

Baby shower

2011-08-12T09:36:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone! Just want to send a warm welcome to my niece Terra, thanks for signing up as a follower, that's so sweet of you!

A few weeks ago, we had a baby shower for my daughter. She's seven months along now and we are all very excited and looking forward to the baby's arrival.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

The mom-to-be with the requisite baby shower sash!

A wonderful quilt from Paulette, the great-grandma! She is so excited. She has only grandsons and is hoping for a little girl!

A few lovely handmade flannel receiving blankets and burp pads. I haven't made a darn thing for the baby yet...must get on that!

With her friend Rachel, who graciously hosted the baby shower.

Baby's first tub toy!

After the shower, I realized I hadn't taken a photo of the baby bump, so here's the latest. This was our last game of golf together for the season. Until next year then!

Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-08-09T08:23:00.000-06:00

Here's a peek at my container as of 7 a.m. I'm lovin' the wave petunias. I have four of them spilling over the side. I've never had much luck with these and couldn't understand why so many people would rave about them....now I know why. Will definitely use these plants again in my containers next year.

My white pincushion flowers are just starting to bloom.

Zagreb coreopsis, such a delightful flower.

I couldn't believe it when I saw these this morning, my first hollyhocks ever. I put the seeds in last year and despaired of ever seeing them grow - yoohoo!

One lone nasturtium by the lobelia...a striking contrast.

My balloon flower ready to bloom. These are such interesting little plants as the flower buds are actually little squares...so cool.

One of my daylilies, a very soft peach colour with a burgundy throat. I thought the petals would have more ruffles, so am a little disappointed overall in this one.

Matrona sedum, a new favourite.

August scrap-bee block

2011-08-06T01:00:00.034-06:00

Hello everyone! Can't believe I've actually finished my blocks for the month and have sent them out already! They were super easy to make and I think they will make an adorable quilt.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

The finished blocks ready to go.

I received these three pieces of fabric in the mail along with instructions on how to make the block.

I decided to cut out a heart-shaped template instead of trying to wing it. I made three pieces of made fabric, two pink and one red.

After I cut out the hearts, I pinned them to the fabric pieces.

I added some tear-away stabilizer underneath the blocks, then sewed the hearts onto the fabric using a zig-zag stitch.

Easy peasy and oh so pretty!

Fabric, fusible web and scissors

2011-08-04T01:00:00.038-06:00

Hello Everyone! I've been playing a little with my fabric and some fusible web...just trying out different things. Saw this in a book I bought, Skinny Quilts and Tablerunners and thought I'd give it a try. See what you think.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

Here's the blank canvas...I had to add pieces to my fabric to make the block big enough as I was determined to only use fabric from my stash for this project.

I had eight pieces of fabric with fusible web that I cut into various shapes, so I had a great selection to play with. It's sort of like making paper snowflakes...remember that?

Continue to add fabric..

..and more fabric..

..still more..

Don't be afraid to layer..it's all good.

When you are happy with your design, fuse that fabric!

Here's another one I made.

I could follow the pattern and make a table runner.

Or I could make a table topper or a wall hanging..this has an Andy Warhol feeling to it.

I thought I'd add a little more to this one.

And to this one. There much better. Now off the blocks go into my "to be quilted" pile!

Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-08-02T01:00:00.085-06:00

Hello Everyone! It's bloomin' Tuesday once again. I've been enjoying the garden, this is such a wonderful time of year as most of my plants are blooming and everything looks lush.

I've not done much in the way of moving plants this year, but I am taking stock of everything and have noticed what needs to be divided and what will have to be moved come the fall.

I'm busy making a new garden bed in the front yard, will take photos once it's done. I won't be planting anything there until the fall though, or maybe even next spring. Of course that's what I say now but once I head to the garden centre and see what's on sale, all bets are off!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

I thought I would begin by focusing on a few blooms in my middle garden bed in the back yard. My pincushion flowers are just starting to bloom.

Betty Corning clematis has such a lovely bell shaped flower.

My explorer rose, John Cabot I believe. This could be considered more of a climbing rose because it produces long canes unlike a shrub like rose.

I had to take a photo of this wonky delphinium...still pretty though.

I don't remember planting these shasta daisies in my garden bed, but they're doing well enough.

Now these rose campions just sprouted up here this year...and just about everywhere else too. I let these grow because they fill up that space quite nicely.

Here's one of my new purchases, a morden mum. This will provide a nice shot of colour in the fall garden.

White clips - another favourite.

My black and white container, looking rather lush.

My poolside container. I added a Diablo ninebark shrub and white geraniums (one the left), a few magenta wave petunias and some flowering kale to add interest when the weather gets a little cooler. I will replant the shrub come the fall...not sure where though.

One of my favourite trees, a fernleaf caragana. I can't grow weeping willows here (and it would be too big for this spot even if I could!) so this is the next best thing!

I seem to have little luck with my hostas so am relieved to see this one has returned.

Two Stella d'Oro's by the front walkway - they always looks good with very little care. You've got to love plants like that!

More shasta daisies in the front garden bed.

Slave Lake Quilt - more information

2011-07-23T01:00:00.027-06:00

Hello everyone! Last week I received a lovely email from Linda who owns Patchwork Fabrics in Slave Lake asking me to pass along some further information on quilt donations for Slave Lake. For those of you wondering if there is still a need for quilts...yes. For those of you wondering where to send the quilts...this email will provide that information for you.

Thanks again to all for helping.

Mary-Frances

Good Afternoon,

My name is Linda Beeston and I own Patchwork Fabrics the quilt store in Slave Lake. Upon returning to town after the evacuation and having both my home and business spared I knew I needed to do something to help my fellow Slave Lakers who had not been so fortunate and had lost everything. I knew quilts were already being collected by Pat White through her store Sew Devine in Edmonton so I contacted her to see if she had any plans on distributing them. She very graciously handed them over to me and they were the first 96 quilts of what I had already named "BLANKETING SLAVE LAKE WITH LOVE one quilt at a time."

There were 732 households lost including 300 apartments. My goal is for each household to receive a quilt as well as each child and I have a rough estimate of 800-1000 children. The families are being registered at my store and then a family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker come in to the store and choose quilts for a family and personally deliver them to that family. There is an article in the July/August issue of the Country Register and I have also started a blog at patchworktalks.blogspot.com as well as a BLANKETING SLAVE LAKE WITH LOVE group through my Patchwork Fabrics Facebook page.

My address is Patchwork Fabrics
Box 1585, 204 4th ave. N.W.
Slave Lake, Alberta T0G 2A0
Phone number at the store is 780-849-6464

Thank you for all you have done already. I have received so many thanks for the quilts and I think what stands out the most is how these quilts are helping to give the rv's ,hotel rooms etc a homey feel and are something so special to them. To date 325 quilts have been handed out through this project.

July Scrap Bee Block

2011-07-21T01:00:00.055-06:00

Hello Everyone! It seems I am on a roll with my scrap bee blocks, despite the heat! I managed to finish my July scrap bee block and will send it out tomorrow. This month, Sandy asked us to make two large monochromatic blocks. The first block could be any colour we chose and the second had to be a neutral block - beige, whites, nothing too dark, as long as it "read" like a light neutral. After trimming down our made fabric blocks, we place one on top of the other, right sides up, and make two vertical cuts. Switch the two middle pieces and then sew the blocks back together. It was so much fun to make. I really think I need to begin making extras for each block so I can have a scrap bee sampler when I'm done. Yup, I think I'll just add that to my "Things I'd Like to Get Done Someday When I Have More Time Than I Do Right Now!" :-)

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

This is what my "made fabric" block looked like. It's not supposed to be neat or tidy...not yet anyway. I chose green as I still had all of my green fabric out from my June scrap bee block.

This is my neutral block, looking good now that it's trimmed down to a 13 inch block. I used soft yellows and some darker beiges but used the "wrong" side of the fabric instead to give a softer overall look to the block.

Place one block on top of the other, making certain both are facing right side up.

Take a ruler and make a vertical cut anywhere you like.

Make another vertical cut and separate your three pieces of fabric.

Switch the green and neutral fabrics for the middle piece only. Sew all pieces back together.

You now have two blocks done...one green...

...and one neutral. I think this will make a very striking quilt!

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

2011-07-19T01:00:00.051-06:00

Hello Everyone! Yes, it's that time again. I do love Bloomin' Tuesday. It's always great to see how everyone's garden is progressing, all done from the comfort of one's own home no less! Be sure to check out all the wonderful garden's at Jean's blog.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

My pink perennial baby's breath is doing very well this year.

Here is a shot of the middle garden bed, looking toward the garden shed/playhouse. The cornflowers are blooming and the white spots behind are peonies.

I thought these little guys were dead as they didn't do very much last year. I'm glad to see they are back in full force.

My soapwort loves this spot in the garden bed by the house. Just behind it you can see the silvery white of snow-in-summer.

I'm really loving this red dianthus. I hope the soapwort doesn't crowd it out though. Will have to keep it in check if it does.

Here's a closer look at the dianthus.

My peonies finally bloomed. Here is Raspberry Sundae.

Sarah Bernhardt

My delphiniums are getting ready to bloom. Next week perhaps!

This bloom was so heavy I had to hold it upright to get a decent shot. Unfortunately, I don't remember the name and the marker is gone.

Isn't this a beauty?

An incredible white called Pillow Talk.

I just had to bring some in to enjoy. They smell heavenly!

June's scrap bee block

2011-07-18T01:00:00.047-06:00

Hello Everyone! I forgot to show you what block I had to make for my scrap bee last month. It was Glen's turn to create a block and she asked us all to make leaves. She gave us two options, the first being a leaf made using curved piecing, something I've never tried before. The second option was to make some fabric using our green scraps, cut out a leaf shape and applique it to a neutral background. I tried both methods. I think I should stick to applique from now on ;-)

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

I chose a nice dark green fabric for my first leaf.

Cut out the leaf. The had to be at least 12 inches long.

Made a cut down the middle.

Added fabric for the vein.

Sewing the middle piece on.

Nearly done, just need to trim it a bit.

Added the neutral fabric and voila. I have a leaf that really looks like a set of lips! Seriously!!

My second attempt wasn't much better really. This one reminds me of a boat. Oh well. At least I tried. I sent them on to Glen anyway, I thought she could use a good laugh! :-)

Time to give the second method a try. Here's some of my made fabric.

I cut out a leaf shape. It's a little wonky, so some trimming is in order.

Here it is, all trimmed up. Added the background fabric and a stem. So far, so good.

Must not forget the stabilizer!

Everything is pinned together: stabilizer, background fabric, leaf and stem.

Here it is, all done. I used a zigzag stitch on the leaf and stem. I practiced on a scrap piece of fabric first and adjusted the stitch size and length until I was satisfied with the way it looked.

One more leaf done. I rather like this one, I must say.

What I've been up to

2011-07-17T21:46:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone! Eek! I can't believe it's been two weeks since my last post. I have so much catching up to do. Everyone in blogland has been super busy, judging by all the wonderful posts I've found on my blogroll. Here's a little peek at what I've been up to...

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

I guess you could say I've been indulging in the three g's.

1. Golf
Here I am at my very first golf tournament. I am a beginner at this crazy game and I have to say am enjoying myself quite a bit, especially when I actually hit the ball (which is not all that often sadly)!

2. Gardening
I saw these "black" petunias on sale at my local grocery store and thought I would give them a try. I had to go with a classic black and white theme here. The petunias are really a very, very deep and velvety purple. Still, they do make a striking container.

3. Goofing off!
It seems I can't get myself motivated to work on my larger quilts. Must be the heat, or the call of the garden, or the glorious sunshine that draws me outside. Here's a shot, a very bad one mind you, of my Cool Blues quilt. All it needs is the binding and then it's done, but I just can't seem to get around to it. It will just have to wait until the cooler days of fall I guess!

Slave Lake Quilts - Update

2011-07-03T11:40:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone! Our first shipment of quilts were sent up to Slave Lake and have been distributed. A friend of a friend (isn't that how it always works?) helped make sure the quilts were actually handed out and not stored away somewhere. A total of 100 quilts were made. Thanks also to a generous reader, Dianne of BC, for sending along two of her quilts. Greatly appreciated! Here's a link if you are interested in seeing the label we attached to the quilts http://www.mysewingroom.ca/enews/current/.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

The first of Dianne's quilts.

Love the ladybug fabric!

Dianne's second quilt.

Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-06-21T09:08:00.000-06:00

Finally have some sun and a few blooms to show off. It seems to be taking much longer for my plants to bloom this year...oh well, thank goodness for lovelies such as these, my favourite, blue lobelia.

The last of my tulips - Queen of the night.

Creeping phlox with some golden creeping jenny.

Found some geraniums to add a splash of colour in the back bed by the playhouse.

My golden elder is loving all the rain we've had.

Finally! My columbine are starting to bloom!

See how big this bud is? Can't wait to see the bloom...love, love, love peonies!

The first of my geraniums - Johnson's Blue.

Clematis covering the middle garden bed's trellis. Makes a lovely privacy screen.

The soapwort is just starting to bloom now.

Some of my blue flax, this came back from seeds I put in last year. Such a pretty blue.

More quilts for Slave Lake

2011-06-20T09:30:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! Last Saturday was another quilt day at our LQS with more quilts made for the residents of Slave Lake, Alberta. See that pile on the table? That's just a small sampling of what's been made.

Some of us sewed on labels.

While others admired the quilts.

Everyone loved this one, which is really the backing for...

...this. Pretty awesome, don't you think?

Weekend shop hop in San Francisco

2011-06-17T21:23:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone! I'm back from my weekend shop hop in San Francisco with friends. Although we went to scout out fabric, we did manage to take in a few sights as well. The first thing we did Saturday night was head over to Fisherman's Wharf.

Had to check out Macy's too!

And take a cable car...that's a must!

Admired some art...

...and architecture.

Happened upon a street festival in the Haight district.

People were rockin' out to the music.

Found some hippies...

...and met these two lovely ladies from Tibet who graced us with a chant and blessing...isn't that wonderful?

And saw the silver man...he must have been boiling, it was such a hot day!

Here's one of the shops we went too, Britex on Geary street. We also checked out Mendel's in the Haight, Fabrix and the most wonderful store of all, Discount Fabrics. I think the name says it all! :-)

I bought fabric...

...and fabric...

...and more fabric...

...and boots!! Be sure to check out Sue's blog for more photos of our weekend.

But I still didn't buy as much fabric as Marilyn did...she wins!

Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-06-07T01:00:00.044-06:00

Hello everyone! Hope the flowers are blooming and the sun shining where you are. I only have a few new photos this week for you. The garden is very slow to get going this year. There are lots of buds on the peonies and ornamental onions and columbine but not a bloom in sight just yet....maybe next week.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

The ornamental crab is finally in bloom. The show doesn't last very long unfortunately, maybe a week if I'm lucky.

The first of my clematis. An unamed variety I picked up on sale at a garden centre last season.

My purple rockcress are finally beginning to bloom.

This is a first, a duck out by the pool.

He seemed rather intrigued with something by the trees I have off by the fence. He sat there for some time while I puttered about in the house. Max the wonder dog did not go out to greet him!

Slave Lake Quilt Initiative Update

2011-06-05T20:04:00.000-06:00

We'll we did it! Our first shipment of quilts are on their way to Edmonton, and then off to Slave Lake. Over 50 quilts and 21 pillowcases were made and more are in the works. We've set a deadline for the 18th of June with all remaining quilts to be sent at the end of the month. What a great feeling it is to be able to help someone in such a tangible way. Quilters truly are the most generous people I know!

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

This past Saturday, a group of quilters gathered to add some finishing touches to quilts made for residents of Slave Lake, Alberta.

Over 50 quilts were made, many waiting for labels to be sewn on.

The labels were made by one very talented individual in the group.

The finishing touches are added to a quilt as you go log cabin. A very striking quilt...let's add this one to my to-do list!

Another fabulous work in progress.

A charming baby blanket, ready to go.

What a vibrant quilt...and a matching pillowcase was made as well. Twenty-one pillowcases were made and are ready to go.

Here's my contribution for this go round, a rag quilt made using flannel scraps.

A favourite fabric.

Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-05-31T01:00:00.036-06:00

Hello everyone! I finally have a few photos of the garden to share. Spring has been very slow to arrive this year, but I am glad to see so many favourite plants returning. I would like to extend a warm welcome to three new followers: Karen, Heather and Sharon.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

My bleeding hearts are looking lush this year.

They've doubled in size this past week thanks to all the rain we had.

Primulas in the garden bed by the playhouse.

My creeping phlox are not quite as profuse as they have been in the past...but I'm glad to see at least one plant return this year.

The always reliable elephant ears.

My double flowering plum still has buds so I expect it will be in bloom for another week at least.

One lone container of snapdragons and strawberry plants. Time to get some planting done!

Heritage Park Quilt Festival - part 2

2011-05-30T01:00:00.009-06:00

A few more photos to share with you all.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

This is the back of the quilt...

and this is the front.

A closer look at the quilting is in order.

Heritage Park Quilt Festival 2011 - part 1

2011-05-29T01:00:00.012-06:00

Hi everyone! The rain has finally stopped and just in time too, as this weekend Heritage Park is hosting the 16th annual Quilt Festival here in Calgary. Here's a peek at some of the quilts on display.

Enjoy!
Mary-Frances

log cabin blocks

2011-05-28T01:00:00.029-06:00

Last Thursday evening was the Sew'n Sews monthly meeting. Our block for May is the log cabin.

Machines at the ready, it's time to cut our fabric.

The strips are 1.5 inches wide. The top two red strips are for the center of the block, they are cut into 1.5 x 1.5 inch squares.

The beginning of a block. A center square surrounded by two light pieces of fabric and then two dark pieces of fabric.

Continue adding fabric strips until you are happy with the block size.

Our final blocks.

A generous Pay it Forward gift

2011-05-27T16:45:00.000-06:00

Last fall I took part in a Pay it Forward event hosted by Anya and today I received these wonderful goodies in the mail.
Isn't that bag gorgeous??

Perfect timing too as Canada Post is set to go on strike this coming Monday. What a lovely way to end the week, I can enjoy a nice cup of tea and curl up with a good book while the rain continues to pour outside!

The generosity of spirit found in the quilting community is truly humbling. How fortunate I feel to be part of it.

A great little gift, don't you think? Mmmh, this has me thinking of Christmas gifts now...I know it's a little early, but I have to start soon or I won't get anything finished in time!

The fabric is just stunning. I will have to guard this as I have a sneaking suspicion my daughters will want to "borrow" it!

Mary-Frances

Slave Lake quilts - additional information

2011-05-24T20:38:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone - Some of you responded to my last post asking where to send quilts for the people of Slave Lake. You can send them to me for the time being. Just send an email, make sure I can reply to it though, and I'll send along the necessary information. One of our members will be driving up to Westlock and Athabasca in June to deliver the quilts, that's where many of the displaced families are now being sheltered.

If you want more information on donations for the residents of Slave Lake, please contact the following:

Red Cross Western Canada -

1-800-418-1111
http://www.redcross.ca/

Salvation Army Disaster Relief Fund

1-800-725-2769
http://www.salvationarmy.ca/

Hope this information helps.

Thanks,
Mary-Frances