Oh where has the time gone??!!

Ok. Why does it always come to this? I haven't blogged since August!!! Life has passed by...back to work, juggling daycare, kids programs and some sewing here and there....actually very little sewing. Hence, the lack of blog posts...Oh yeah...and a move. A few weeks ago we left the panorama of the Lizard Range that surrounds Fernie. Opportunities present themselves when we least expect them and we now have returned to Kimberley. I have fond memories of Kimberley, as we were married here, bought our first house and contemplated the rest of our life together...Well maybe not contemplated...we are not much for planning, my husband and I. So it feels very much like we have traveled full circle after moving to Fernie, having two kids and now back again. Where will life lead us now? At any rate, I have been busy getting kids to play groups, have been enjoying walking downtown, browsing the Gilded Goat and day dreaming about sewing again. Yesterday during a rare quite time with the kids, I was able to put together a few blocks that I pieced ages ago. Judging by  it's configuration, i think it will be a table runner or even a "curtain" for a skinny window in our computer area (which is actually a front hall closet in the front entry).  At any rate, it was sooo nice to get back at the sewing machine. I don't have an actual sewing room but I have a pretty good set up in our master bedroom. The only problem with this is I can't sew into the wee hours of the night. I am sure now that I have kicked started my sewing "stall" I will find the time again!

Berry Picking

Thank you M.F. For suggesting a wonderful way to spend the morning! Ilan ate most of his saskatoons before they hit the bottom of the pail but I did manage to get a few for muffins. I don't have long before I return to work after a year of being on maternity leave. This was a perfect way to spend the day!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Family Tree

, a photo by Our Ilan & Quinn on Flickr.

Awhile back I screen printed a tree on linen and about...hmm...let's see....5 months later, I finally appliqued leaves on. I was inspired by my friend AP from InknThreads who had cut a beautiful stencil for screen printing. She is a clever, clever girl and I loved the quirky square leaves she did instead of the typical teardrop shape. To me they remind me of postage stamps and it makes me think of all the avenues I have been down, in a metaphorical sense. Not actual avenues. That would be odd. Remembering all those roads, in every city or town. Yikes! I digress! Anyways...I do have a vision for this mini quilt. I would love to stitch my family's name on the tree. Fitting for my first born, Ilan, whose name means "tree" and Quinn, "one who gives counsel". I imagine trees to be wise as they remain still while we pass by. Imagine what all they take in.

Mini Quilts

, a photo by Our Ilan & Quinn on Flickr.

I am slowly building a mini quilt wall in my bedroom. Ever since reading Whip Up Mini Quilts, I am in love with these little pieces of scrappy goodness. They can serve so many purposes. They can be considered practice runs or be a complete entity in itself. Mini quilts make great wall art,  mug rugs,  place mats or a pillow top. For me, because I am a beginner quilter, mini quilts allow me to try new techniques. The two mini quilts pictured are my attempts at curved piecing. I can easily use up scraps without wasting more coveted yardage and learn through experimenting. Practicing on a smaller scale allows me to play with combining prints and color I may not normally put together.  If you are new to quilting and want to experiment or even simply get used to your sewing machine, a mini quilt is a great project.

Purse for Tara

, a photo by Our Ilan & Quinn on Flickr.

, a photo by Our Ilan & Quinn on Flickr.

I had a lot of fun putting together this purse for a good friend. The fabric is from Dena Designs for Freespirit and it all blends nicely together. I am loving the large scale prints lately as they are fun to use in their entirety or when cut up in small pieces to use only certain elements of the design. The bag is reversible, only the white and grey side doesn't have a pocket. The strap is extra long to sling over the body so it doesn't slide off the shoulder when picking up little ones...which is the case for both of us!

Upcoming September Class at the Art Station

Sewing for Beginners

Cost: $130 (fabric included) $100 (bring your own fabric)

Sept 8th, 15th, 22^nd, 29th

Thursday evenings 7 to 9pm

Contact Courtney at the Art Station: 250 423-4842

Have a sewing machine but do not know where to start? Sign up for the Beginner Sewing Workshop Series at the Art Station. Learn the basics of sewing to get you started sewing home items, simple garments and accessories.  Topics to be covered are: how to use your sewing machine, basic stitches, button holes, zippers, finishing, reading patterns and choosing fabrics.  

The first class will cover basic topics such as learning how to thread your sewing machine, basic stitching, buttonholes, zippers and troubleshooting. Once participants are familiar with their machines, we will practice various techniques found in many sewing projects. We will discuss how to select the right project for you, reading a pattern, finding inspiration, adding personal touches, as well as choosing fabric and “up cycling” old items into new.  The goal of the series is to make sewing simple, fun and functional for everyday use.  The class will end by choosing a project for the second class, as well as choosing fabric. Instructor has a variety of fabric to choose from and can be viewed at www.ourilanquinn.etsy.com. A variety of books and patterns will be provided for inspiration and use.

The second class will center on sewing for the home. Taking what was learned in the first class students may choose from a variety of projects for the home. For example, learn how to sew a simple “envelope style” cushion, placemats, fabric bucket or funky patchwork potholders. We will discuss how to modify patterns and ideas to incorporate your own personal style.

The third and fourth class will involve garment construction. Participants will take a closer look at reading patterns, pattern placement and learn how to measure themselves. If sewing for children is your goal, we will discuss sizing and choosing fabrics. Potential projects may include easy an adult A line skirt, apron, simple child’s outfit. Options are not limited to those mentioned above but selections do have to be simple and in doable in a 2 hour time slot. If a more complicated project is desired, participants can choose to work on one project throughout the series.

If time allows, basic hand stitching and appliqué will be covered to add personal touches to items.  Participants will be able to choose from a variety of projects or bring a simple pattern of their own.  Must bring own sewing machine in good working order. Please ensure you have a basic sewing kit consisting of scissors, pins, thread, seam ripper, dressmakers chalk or disappearing fabric marker (found at local quilt shop) and measuring tape. Fabric is included in price of class unless you opt to purchase your own fabric.