Remembering Jeannette (1915-2013)

Two weeks ago my grandmother, Jeannette Belanger, passed away at the age of 98! It wasn't a sad affair since she had lived a good, long life and wasn't really having anymore fun.


She particularly loved flowers, playing cards, good food and being active.  There were many funny stories.  As one of her grand kids said, "she was a card shark"! She did love to win! She wasn't impressed with my card playing since I couldn't count fast enough (still can't).

Flower Applique

In her last few years in the home, I did what I do best - I made her a few small quilts.  Nothing fancy but since she loved flowers, it wasn't very difficult.

Memere, as she was known to her many grandchildren and great-grand children was generous and loved to laugh.  We all, in our own ways, said goodbye.  It invariably included a few drinks and food in her honour. 

Wheelchair Quilt

We will miss her but she's having a much better time on the other side.

Crazy Nine Patch

Watch over us, Memere.


Nous t'aimons.  Tous tes enfants

Finishing Quilts!

Fall is almost over.  I've been in the mood to finish things. I've almost finished piecing that Quilt-Along quilt  - there's just the border to do. But since I want to make a piano keys border, it'll have to wait until after Christmas.

Alexandre's Quilt

I did get two quilts completed.  This colourful quilt is for Alexandre. I sure hope he likes it!

Kai's Tiger Quilt

This tiger beauty is for Kai. He loves tigers.  I hope that they will keep him warm and comfy.

Summer can't be over!!!

Can you believe it? It's mid-August, the kids are getting ready to go back to school and I haven't done half of what I wanted to get done this summer. Every year it's the same thing...hmmm, isn't that the definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result? Oh well, maybe next year!

I have been busy, but not necessarily quilting. I did buy lots of fabric :-)  I guess that counts for something.

Eleven Blocks Completed!

Here are the eleven blocks in our Beginner's Quilt-Along. I was running behind, but am now caught up (for now).

I've really enjoyed making these blocks. After making 8 blocks with half-square triangles, I can safely say that I am now comfortable with the technique that makes two half-square triangles at a time. Here's the link if you want to find out how to do it. The only problem was that I actually got over confident and then forgot to trim all of my half-square triangles. Pulling block # 10 apart will probably remind me for the next time!

Block # 11 using quarter-square triangles

I then learned how to use the same technique to then make quarter-square triangles. That was very cool. Here is the link for the quarter-square triangles.

This whole project has been done using tone-on-tone for each block.  It's been a really fun experience.  Those fabrics are not that easy to find, especially when looking for contrast. This block was all in golds and I was lucky to find fabric that had more white in it.  My favourite colour is burgundy - try finding a light burgundy! It's probably called pink!

We only have two blocks left, so I know that one of them will be lighter, brighter greens. The other one will probably be purples, cause you can't have too much purple!

Keep on quilting and enjoy the cooler weather!

Gotta Quilt



Block #5 Count the stars



It's been a crazy summer - too much heat and too many changes. AGHH! When you can't sleep because your mind is spinning, get up and plan a quilt or two!  Of course, once you start thinking about math, squares and yardage, don't be surprised if it then takes you another hour or two to fall asleep :-)



I've got two quilts planned, as well as my fall wardrobe. I'm going to Fabricland as soon as I get home tonight for their sale. Hopefully I'll be able to show you the results in a few weeks.



Block #6 Go on a picnic



I have, however, finished a couple more squares for the Quilt-Along. This is too much fun! I just love the fact that I only have to make one block per week. Sampler quilts are fun, but when I think about all of the different blocks I have to make, it becomes way too daunting. One block per week is definitely the way to go!

I should be getting my Mom's sewing machine back from getting its (probably 1st) cleaning. My old trusty is still great, but I can't use my 1/4 inch foot. What a disaster.

Keep the faith (which ever one works) and keep quilting.



More Quilt-Along Squares to Share



I am very happy that my first 4 squares for the Beginners' Quilt-Along are made, on time and looking not too shabby! 

I made square #4 last night. I decided on a dark and light pink...but misread the instructions (again...I think I need a vacation!) and so ran out of the light pink fabric.  I really wanted that fabric so I pieced a 5 inch square to make my 2 half-square triangles.  You can tell, but I'm not sure it's critical.  I'll see when it's all together - I can always whip up another pink square #4!



Block #4 - Jump in the Pool



Block #3 - Time for Ice Cream (must be peppermint!)













Top: blocks # 1 and 3. Bottom: blocks # 4 and 2



Quilt Along

I've just posted the pictures of my first two squares in the Flickr Beginner's Quilt Along group (http://www.flickr.com/groups/1942851@N24/).  I decided to do some experimenting. Since one of the quilts that I'm presently working on has monochromatic blocks (in blue, red, purple and yellow), I decided that in this new quilt, each block would be a different colour, but monochromatic within the block.

I bought a couple of brown fat quarters for the first square (I don't usually do browns). The second block is in blues (that I have tons of).


Block #1 in browns



Block #2 in blues

I was hoping not to print out all of the instructions for the blocks, but I'm now re-thinking that since I managed to make the first block way too small! Oh well, I'm now on my way.  Looking forward to seeing how my experiment will work.
Andrée

A Successful Quilt Show

What a blast the quilt show was.  We had over 200 quilts on display.  The quality and variety was simply amazing! The ladies who organised the show were incredible.  My daughter and I spent most of our Saturday and Sunday at the show volunteering. That's probably a good thing, since it kept me from spending too much money! 



It's a "snap" + "dragon"



I've been busy getting the quilt show special edition of the guild newsletter ready. It's off to the printer's today and I'll be posting it on our website this weekend.  Here the link to the Newsletters page. It'll be marked June 2012.  

During the show, we had a great sitting area that was decorated as a patio and the displays were a series of rebus. They were quilted puzzles depicting things that grow in the garden. For photos of all of the rebus and their solutions, go to this link and click on "Solutions to Grow a Rebus Garden".  Can you guess what my rebus represents?

I've actually had time to start a new quilting project. It's a very simple, very colourful baby quilt for Sonya's new baby boy. It isn't as fancy as the first baby's quilt but I don't think Alexandre will care.

 I'll be joining a Beginner's Quilt-Along through the Quilting Gallery.  We'll be making a 12 inch block each week, starting June 8th and finishing in September. The quilt will have 12 or 13 blocks, sashing and borders.  I haven't decided what I'm going to use as fabric, but it'll come from my stash. Right now, I'm thinking Christmas fabrics or batiks. The only problem with batiks is that I won't want to give it away!

 

Stay tuned for the adventure and check out the

 Quilting Gallery!