Nov 4,2013

Well Hallowe'en came and went and we had a beautiful night for the kids out trick or treating. Sadly we only had ten visit us. I hope they enjoyed my pumpkin version, a Patrick Lose design wall hanging. It was fun to make.

We are excited that we have decided to take the plunge and redo both bathrooms.  The harvest gold shower downstairs sport some 70's orange flower tiles while the main bathroom has brown on beige flower tiles and almond tub sink & toilet.  White is on the horizon. Destruction and construction is pencilled in for February. So excited!!!

Today I long armed a lap size quilt which is part of the Pay It Forward project I signed up for in January. All 5 gifts have to be homemade. I ams Ewing or quilting something for each on my list.  Today's quilt was made after watching The Missouri Star Quilt video Summer in the Park.  I will post photos after I get it to the recipient later this month.

So I am keeping busy and mostly out of mischief! Hope you are happy and well. 

Take care!

Sept 16,2013

I am proud to have been able to contribute to this worthy cause.

Quilts for Calgary

I learned so much!

Over the past two day, I did about 23 hours of sewing over the past two days.  I rarely do more than 3 or 4 hrs/day. To say I'm exhausted would be an understatement.  It was ok while I was doing it but once I stopped, it was like hitting a brick wall.

But I'm glad I had this opportunity to learn something I have always admired.  Now to execute the project.  Here is today's results. 

Be well!

August 15,2013

I finally have something to show. There are four such strips which are part of the outer border. Doesn't look like much but they take a lot of time and patience. Things are finally make sense to me. Hope it continues after lunch when I get to tackle that double curve!

August 14 2013

What a bust!

Seemed like I had ten thumbs, all left ones at that.

I'm not sure if my project is too advanced for me or if I choose to start at the wrong section or if it just wasn't mention for me. But I did more ripping out then actual sewing.  Others were just whipping along making lots of pretty paper piecing and then there was me. I refocused after supper and went back and did some more and did a pretty fair job of it.

I am attempting Judy Niemeyer's Feathered Star.  I won't be rushing through this, just too many pieces that need to fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. I really hope I can pull it off. Mine version is a colour palette of cinnamon, greens and a luscious cranberry.  Once I have some semblance of the photo, I will post it. 

Good night!

I finally made a decision

It's been so long since our group did the charm exchange. I have been researching for the 'perfect'design which in essence stalled the entire project. Over the weekend I decided that Hey, make a decision, get it started so I can get it off the books. And that's what I'm doing.Stay tuned, I'm on a roll.

Newbie behind the controls!

We did some quilting last month and Joe even got into it. I hate to say this but he's really good at it!!!! He did say last month he needed a hobby! :)  Maybe I'll be sharing my creative space and I'm okay with that. 

Introduction

Welcome back to Busy Hands Happy Heart. Last year was a time for self reflection and discovery. I needed to reevaluate a lot of things that I had been doing in the past but were no longer working for me. Late autumn, things just seemed to click and the spark is burning bright. I can't wait to see how today unfolds and I dream about tomorrow's possibilities! 

Quilts for a Cause

Friday our group donated quilts to a worthy cause. Photo taken by Stephen Dafoe. 

Details HERE 

Artisan Showcase - check

It was a disappointing turn out but we put everything we had into it and on that aspect, it was a roaring success.

I felt a huge relief afterwards, now I can relax a bit and put the finishing touches on the 12 Grinch quilts in my craft studio.

Whew!

The big day finally arrived and boy was I nervous.  All kinds of thoughts running through my head including...would they like it?  Well, it was smiles all around at Town Council last night.

This first photo was by Morinville News, an online newspaper,  from the actual presentation in one of the small meeting rooms at our local Community Cultural Centre while our Town Hall undergoes a major renovation.  We were blessed with the presence of some of the talented women who contributed blocks and creative input.

This photo was shot earlier in the day by St Albert Gazette, a print newspaper which hit the stands this morning. 

Lois, Kathrin,Alberta,Kim

We do have more photos coming of the full quilt along with some of the many talented folks who helped make this dream a reality.

A very special Thank You to Lucy Roy who supplied us with invaluable historical town information.

Quilting is done...now on to binding and hanging sleeve!

We hit a speed bump for our Artisan Show and while we await a committee response here's a mini video Kim made of the quilt just prior to coming off her Avante longarm. CLICK HERE

Quilt Update 5- photo heavy

Heritage

Local farming

Early 1900's hotel

Local fire 1920

Tree of Life

Barber, lumberyard, shoemaker, blacksmith

Brick yard

First local newspaper

Coal Mine

Quilt Update-photo heavy 4

Pioneer Monument

Horse & buggy

Fish & Game

4 Seasons

Local Cat Hero - Details HERE

Faith - have beautiful silver charms to add

Father Morin - town's namesake

St. Jean Baptiste Church - historical landmark

 and a few more to add later today/tomorrow.

Quilt Update - photo heavy 3

Prim & Proper

Bobby sox 50s

Big Hair 80s/90s

Roaring 20s fashions

Military

Music and Dramatic Arts

Education

Friends of the Library

Legacy Quilt - photo heavy 2

Lighting Up of the Park Celebration - will hand stitch goodies after quilting

Celebration

First Nations

Official logo and colours

Mori - town Mascot

Pottery/art & garden clubs - all long standing in community

Coal miner

Early transportation

Plow...hand appliqued and the fabric choice for the hay - brilliant!