Time Flies

Oh dear, it seems I have been dragging my feet again with regards my blog. I realised last night that I had not updated you all this week.  Before I start writing a post I always go back and read my previous one.  I don't want to be repeating myself now do I?  I was horrified to find that my last post was on the 18th September. That's four weeks ago!

Well as you have probably realised I've had a hectic few weeks since coming back from our holiday in Canmore.  Where has that time gone?  Sadly my sewing machine still sits idle, the dust is gathering on my cutting mat and my fabrics I bought on holiday still lie waiting to be put away.  So yes you've guessed no sewing updates again.

The experience of looking after our grandson was fun as expected, although we had a little 'moment' at bedtime.  He is not used to being put to bed by Grannie and of course it's a very long time since Grannie put a wee one to bed.  We survived though and I had a great time and I'm sure he doesn't usually have his breakfast toast with both honey and jam.......... no don't worry I didn't give in to that one!

Ingliston Quilt show was a good day out, unfortunately K did not receive any ribbons but it was great to see her quilt hanging with all the other entries.  Well Done K!

K's Faberge Quilt - beautiful hand quilted feathers

The show itself I thought was a little disappointing, lots of lovely quilts some expertly sewn, but it seemed all the top spots were won by what I would call the professionals, some of which I had seen before.  Perhaps next time the organisers should include a category for new exhibitors or newcomers to the quilting world.  I don't think there were so many stall holders and a few of the regulars I thought were missing.  It was held in a larger hall than the previous McRobert Pavilion which is being renovated, there was easier access, a larger cafe, more room between the aisles and quilt displays but in my opinion the one downfall was the poor lighting.  I didn't make any fabric purchases but did buy a couple of books.  It was worth the visit though.

Last weekend was spent in the Aviemore area where we attended a wedding.  A glorious weekend, beautiful bride and wedding party and great venue.  It was good to meet up with all our friends and see how their families have grown and blossomed over the years into young professional men and women making their own mark on the world.

So here we are another week on - this last week has flown in a mixture of house sitting, waiting for deliveries, shopping, cleaning, packing boxes, washing floors and windows and hanging curtains in readiness for the big move.

Techie has been getting himself organised for this move for a long time and of course we have all been involved.  He moved in to his new home over the weekend and last night our house was so very quiet by this I mean the noise level - there's still plenty to be organised and tidied, laundry to be caught up on, cleaning to be done etc etc.  But I miss his whistling already and the sound of the television/music in the next room has gone.  Life moves on and I wish him all the best as he makes his little house into a comfortable home allowing him to do what he wants, when he wants without any mealtime restrictions being put on him by his Mum and Dad.  

I hope to get a bit of sewing done this week.  Tonight I plan to sit and tidy my work space and decide where and which UFO I should start on.  I'm sure it will be a long todo list and there are a whole lot more ideas swimming around in my head.  

I hope you have all been more productive with your stitching than I have.  The curtains are being closed earlier now as autumn approaches,  it's time to pull out the hand stitching switch on the daylight light and sit by the fire, perhaps even listen to an audio book while enjoying the pleasure of sitting under a quilt stitching.  Happy days!

Back Home

We left snow topped mountains behind last Sunday and I can't believe we have been home almost a week already.  

Jet lag has been awful, early morning, 3.30am forays to the kitchen for tea and toast and woozy head in the mornings.  I would like to say I am feeling a bit better but it lingers and it can hit you when least expecting it.  I am however managing a full nights sleep now.  

It's been a busy week catching up with all the family, we had a little visitor yesterday which was lovely and enjoyed some time in the garden in the sunshine.  It's amazing how quickly little ones grow and this little boy is no exception - we saw quite a difference in only 3 weeks away.  He is copying everything and is very chatty.  

                                   

       

Techie has taken the first step on the property ladder and has got the keys for his house.  It's exciting times as our lives will change once more.  Today Techie and I are off shopping for curtains and soft furnishings for the new house.  It's always fun to help spend other people's money and good to spend time with him to help him set up in his new home.

There has been no machine sewing this week but I did manage another hexi the red one is now sew together.  

My machine is sitting patiently waiting for me to summon up the time and energy to move on to the next step of my bright rainbow quilt, but first I need to get it up on the design wall to see the placement of colours.  I bought a 'roadway' panel for S for his cars when I was on holiday.  I need to decide whether this is going to be a hand stitching project which was the plan when it bought it but......... that may take me too long to do.  I think he is ready to start playing with it soon.   I also have a couple of WIP to finish,  if you remember I pieced two tops just before I went off on holiday This Way and That way.  They will need to be sandwiched up and quilted too. 

Next week looks as though it's going to be busy.  I must get my hair cut, all of a sudden I can't do a thing with it and every day seems to be a bad hair day,  I am looking after our grandson for a couple of days to allow Mummy to do her field work while Daddy is off with his pupils on an outward bound activity week.  Grannie and S will have fun and have some adventures on our own hopefully.  I'll take my hexi project with me and perhaps do some stitching if, and it's probably a big if, he has a nap.  

At the end of the week I'm off to the Quilt Show at Ingliston.  K has submitted an entry - she has entered one of her stunning quilts and I am looking forward to seeing it hanging and being admired with all the others on show.  Her quilt is one of Jinny Beyers designs and has been expertly executed with mitred borders and beautiful hand quilting.  Oh, and the colours are gorgeous!  Look out for it if you go along to the show, Good Luck K!

I am not short of things to do, so what will you be working on this week?  Whatever you decide to do enjoy the process, relax and have fun, it's good to see things growing and evolving.

On Top of the World

I had forgotten how beautiful the view from the top of a mountain can be.  As a long time retired fairly basic skier I used to enjoy the amazing vistas you were able to enjoy when at the top of a chairlift.  Yesterday we took advantage of a summer visit to the top of the Norquay ski hill in Banff.  It was somewhat strange going up in the chair without skis dangling from your feet and I had forgotten how much movement and bumps you had to endure on the way to the top but they actually stopped the chair to allow you to dismount - no balancing tricks trying to ski off.  What a view, we have been waiting all week for a clear day and we were not disappointed.

A coffee in the restaurant rounded off our visit, the return journey was a bit daunting.  Although I had  travelled up a mountain many times when skiing never had I experienced the chairlift going down.......just a wee bit scary!

We are almost at the end of our stay here but obviously have been in touch with home and all things going there.    One of our sons colleagues had a little baby boy at the end of June.  Baby CT was diagnosed just last week with a heart defect and had a procedure on Tuesday at the new hospital for sick children in Glasgow.  I got to hear about this and thought I would get in touch with ER our local Linus co-ordinator to see if it was at all possible for a Linus quilt to make its way to the family at this anxious time.  

I thought this was a long shot - especially as I'm on the other side of the Atlantic involving time differences etc. I heard later that evening that a quilt was delivered by a contact of ERs.   They had managed to find the family.  All I had given was the little boys name!  

                                     

The procedure went as expected. This is the photo Mummy F sent to Linus and is posted on their Facebook page.  I am sure they won't mind me sharing.  This was taken just before he was discharged from hospital.  This family certainly need a hug at this anxious time, especially as Daddy (32) was diagnosed last year with early onset Parkinson's.  

Well done the Linus ladies!!  The family are extremely grateful!  Happy ending, C is now back home and doing well, just over a week after surgery.  The power of the Internet, and the diligence of the Linus network system is working well.  However that's not the end of this story.  Mummy F sent a lovely thank you note to Linus and posted it on the Project Linus UK Facebook page.  Low and behold, not only did the post pop up on my feed it made it to the pages of UK Quilters United yesterday!  

All I did was send one little quick email!  It just goes to show how wonderful the folks out there are who make quilts and blankets for Linus and other charities.  This has helped a lovely little family,  who will treasure that little quilt and I am sure it will provide lots of fun for C in the future.  This story has reached a huge audience and raised awareness and hopefully will recruit more quilters and knitters out there to perhaps donate their time, talent and materials to spread the love and hugs around to many more children in the future.  It has also served to remind everyone that the Linus charity is there for all children of all ages right up to teenagers.  So if you know of any child, now or in the future who you feel needs a little extra comfort, whether it is a hospital stay, accident, family breakup or bereavement just get in touch with your local coordinator (or the one closest to the child) and they will do their best to fulfil any request if they can.  There are networks all over the UK and in many countries all over the world.  More information can be found on the Project Linus UK website.

Packing up of the sewing equipment will start later today.  I've had fun with this block, it bright and colourful and was great fun to do.  

I have not quite managed all the blocks needed to complete the quilt but the finished ones are travelling back to Scotland with me so you should see the end result on the design wall in the not  so distant future.

Storm Clouds

 The forecast was for showers today so we decided this was to be the annual shopping day in the big city.  The drive into Calgary was enjoyable although the traffic on the other side of the highway heading out in the opposite direction was quite heavy.  This is the start of the long weekend and some city dwellers were making the most of it and starting the journey early for their well earned break in the mountains.

I enjoyed a good day of retail therapy, lots of purchases but not too excessive all thanks to my flexible friend.

This is what we were met with on the return journey - this was three o'clock in the afternoon, a huge storm brewing.  Bangs and flashes all around.

                                    

We managed to skirt around it and returned home to find snow on the mountain peaks!

I have been knitting this week, handstitching hexis and have started to cut into those nice bright rainbow fabrics, I'm really enjoying this unusual block.  There was no rainbow seen today though. The sun was a bit elusive but hopefully it will appear tomorrow at least for a wee while.

Just Another Manic Monday - NOT!

A very peaceful one instead.............

Our Picnic spot......

Holiday Reading......

Blue skies and sunshine............

DInner at our favourite Chinese restaurant............

Then home for a nice G & T, Canadian Gin of course! 

What's New?

It's been a good week here, catching up with friends, visiting a few of our favourite places and enjoying the slower pace of life in general.  As we sat at the side of Ghost Lake yesterday we enjoyed the scenery, and watched the water sport activities taking place on the lake.  Folks were out and about enjoying the sunny Saturday afternoon.  Life in the fast lane with jet skis and motorboats but also some taking it much slower paddling along in their kayaks and canoes.  Fun to watch but I am one who prefers to have my feet on solid ground.  The storm clouds were brewing as you can see and by the time we returned home the raining was pouring down and the thunder and lightning was rumbling in the mountains.

I've had my first quilt shop visit - Addies in Cochrane, a lovely shop selling lots of beautiful fabrics.........yes I did buy some.  Black background, rainbow fabrics, downloaded pattern, ready to go!  

I set up my sewing machine on Wednesday night and decided to use up some scraps which have been accumulating here. Not quite sure how they will end up though, I have managed to produce 6 x 10.5 in blocks, then another 4 slab blocks with the red, yellow, blue and green scrappy strips so far.

All in all a very good week here I hope you have had a good one too.

That Way........

I missed a post at the weekend and there was good reason.  We were travelling all day Sunday and have now arrived on the other side.  It's holiday time!  A long awaited and needed few weeks of rest and relaxation in our favourite place in the Rockies.  Yesterday was spent stocking up on the groceries and unpacking and dozing on and off throughout the afternoon.  It was a grey and drizzly day just like home, but we are hoping for some improvement during the week.  We are both awake early this morning par for the course and looking forward to a lazy day, hopefully with a little sunshine to allow us to sit on the deck.

This Way quit top is complete, although I might just put another border on, and yes - it's artistic license  its not the same as the pattern - for those who don't know me I never do things the way I'm told!

   

The HSTs from the leftovers have been pieced together and will become a small lap quilt called 'That way'. 

And I still have scraps and strips left for perhaps a little linus quilt.  

  

A great value quilt kit indeed.

I've just finished my early morning coffee so ready for a new day.  No plans, no deadlines, take it as it comes kind of day.  Reading, sewing, chatting, cooking, dozing, and repeat.  I might even unpack my sewing stuff and take a look in the boxes to see what I left behind last time.

So you may get fewer posts over the next few weeks, you may get more, you may get none!  You might get just a photograph of somewhere we've been or what I've been doing.  The posts may look funny as I am doing everything from my iPad so apologies if the font or formatting looks weird. Whatever you are up to this week enjoy!