Hooking up on the internet . . . you just never know!

Some people find love, some find money . . . here's what I found . . . .

A few weeks ago I saw a request on an internet site looking for someone to do some machine quilting for a charity . . . The lady who posted the ad needed help finishing some quilts that are going to an orphanage in Guatamala.  I could do that! 

Actually, it's not really an orphanage, but homes for orphaned children that will be run by a foster mother.  Check out Project Somos Children's Village  for more information.


The first quilt I called "Animal Cracker" as it is full of different animals or animal-like prints.  Free-hand teardrops; Fil-tec Glide Thread; Warm and Natural Batting.  (Check out my "Did you know??? page by clicking the link on the right hand side of this page for an interesting tid-bit)

"Animal Crackers"

Racoons . . .

Grizzlies  . . . .

Pandas . . .

Zebras . . .



This one I just called "Fan-Tastic" - It's a combination fo Fan Blocks from a number of different quilters.  Many of them have signed the block they made - and came from Arizona, Missouri, Illinois, to name just a few.  Truly an "International" gift to the Children's Village! (Free-hand Feathers and meandering; Fil-tec Glide Thread; Warm and Natural Batting)

"Fan-Tastic"



Add caption



Fan-Tastic - close up

Fan-Tastic - I added the occasional heart <3



When I am making a quilt - either piecing or at the Long Arm , I find I'm constantly thinking about who the quilt is for . . . so I've been thinking a lot about these kids as I worked on these two quilt tops.  I hope they are comforting and warm - and thank you to those quilters from across borders for contributing.

If you want to know more about Project Somos Children's Village - go to http://www.projectsomos.org/ 

some of the Children's Homes - Earth Bag Construction

The first step is admitting that you have a problem . . .

Hello - my name is Bev - and I'm a Scrap-a-holic . . . . there - I said it out loud! 

Some people think that I'm a very organized person - truth is, I'm just very good at looking organized (at times).


This is my sewing area . . .

This is quite an "organized" space - note the glasses, magazine, magnetic board and even post-its  --- very nice!

. . . . and here's all my tools at my fingertips . . . .  how organized is that???

Threads, cutters, rulers, measuring tape, scissors, stencils -----  I do LOOK organized!!!

Now this is reality - my "scraps" . . . .

What can I say? . . . . I keep almost every scrap from every quilt I make - waste not, want not as the saying goes.  It's overwhelming and has taken on a life of its own.  I usually have these scraps all hidden away in those neat and tidy plastic containers, or baskets (baskets are nice!) , or whatever - but if I was ever going to get a grip on this problem, I had to lay them out here and face my demons.  What a mess!!!!



For the next few weeks, my plan is to sort through the scrap heap - cut pieces into useable sizes (like 2 1/2 strips or squares); sort according to color group; and then make scrappy quilts until this is all gone.  I may (and I say may) even throw some out!!!

OK - so I'm a gal on a mission . . . this WILL be completed before I purchase one scrap (yikes, I said it again) more of fabric!!!


aaaah . . . I feel so much better now!



If you go to Quiltville, you will see I'm not the only one with this problem, and she's even come up with a great solution . . .  have a look at her site.

SAVE THE SUNFLOWER!



October Sunflower - that little bee's going to get every last drop of nectar!!



We had a heavy frost last night - that'll sure change things!  This is the last of the sunflowers . . . I'm not sure how much longer it's going to be able to make it with these cold night temps.

The month of September was spectacular as far as the weather was concerned.  The leaves are all changing, and it's been just beautiful with the clear blue sky as a backdrop for all the fall colors.  We drove to Kimberley, BC last weekend - it was a beautiful trip through the park (Banff National Park/Kootenay National Park) - but you just cannot capture that in a picture - well, at least I can't with my little point and shoot!   

We did go for a walk in Cochrane this week - there walking trails are wonderful down by the Bow River.

Walking path in Cochrane, AB

Progress report:  My Irish Dream Quilt

 . . .  it's coming along - I'm glad I chose a beginner pattern because it can be a bit confusing, and actually, when I make another one, I think I'll change up the directions a bit to make it go a little faster.  I'll become a stripper . . . that is quilt talk for sewing strips of fabrics together and THEN cutting.  It's seems that would be a better way to go . . . I'll see. 

Last time I posted, I just had all the pieces cut . . . . now, 3 1/2 hrs later, I have the beginnings of the pattern.  These eight different squares will be sewn together . . . .

Squares for Celtic Cross

Next step - taking 16 of those squares, and arranging them for the top quarter of the quilt . . .

Right hand quarter of Celtic Cross - laid out

and then . . . . sewing those 16 squares together. One quarter done!




Top Right Corner - Celtic Cross



Now, just do that three more times - and sew all four quarters together and Ta..Da . . .



Celtic Cross - centre

According to the pattern , this is it . . . but I'm just not in love with it - and I have to be in love with it to be able to quilt it and feel good.  So, I think I'm going to add a border all around, and then perhaps another 8 inches or so of Celtic Chain design on the top and bottom.  That will give it more of a lap quilt/bed cover look.  Let's face it, it might look good hanging on a wall of a church or sanctuary . . . but that's just doesn't fit into the decor here at the Little House!  I'll let you know  . . . .

Blowin' in the Wind . . ,

Words not required . . . . .