Thursday, June 22, 2017

Moda Blockhead Progress

These little 6 1/2" blocks are perfect 
for
 getting a little fix of sewing in here and there!

This was block 15 by Jo Morton.

Still in my scrappy batiks....


This week's block is number 16!!

 32 weeks to go!

This block was designed by Jan Patek.

At first, I thought I was going to skip this week....


But then realized...Heck no!!

We have been showing our pride to be Canadian all month!!



It's Canada's 150th Birthday on July 1, 2017!!

I designed my own flag block.....


Not too bad if I don't say so myself....


Tiny but cute...

Christa 



Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Abilene Cow

I have been hoarding my collection of Eclectic Elements by Jim Holtz 
since
we came home from Houston in November.

Then I saw this cow....


by 
Laura Heine of Fibreworks in Montana

It's great when you are inspired to 'get to a project'!!

I sliced and diced up my FQ's and arranged in color palette


For the backing, I used fusible interfacing with the glue up.

I figured that way I had double the fusion,
 with the wonder under and fusible when pressing it all together


If and when I do this one again....

I would pay more attention to direction of my fabric
 and
 cut it so the lines run the length of my strips


It was all a matter of shading...
(not to say I got it right)


A design wall probably would have been better than a floor...


But before you know it...Old Abilene was coming together


I had a piece of Tim's Wide back leftover which was just the right size


I knew I wanted to try straight line quilting.

Not sure why as 'straight' and I don't belong in the same sentence.


The only thing missing is our brand!!


ABILENE....

in a Speckled Park version!!

Christa 

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Simpler Times

I love rainy days!!

We have not had rain until this week 
and 
it has given everyone renewed hope for the crops!!


It was looking pretty bleak...hopefully thing will be able to recover!

We wouldn't be farmers if we didn't believe in HOPE.

Just like these two pioneers....

Erma and Edward Tetzlaff of Alameda,Sask.

They immigrated to Canada from the Ukraine over 90 years ago.


They moved a few times around the area 
before
 settling on this homestead at Alameda.


They had two sons, Harold and Edward.

Justin has enjoyed his friendship 
with 
Harold and Ed(who recently passed away)
for a few years now. 

I have always said Justin is an old soul.

He always makes meaningful connections to anyone over 80!

We are always 'on our way' some where and never take the time to stop.

We stopped and listened yesterday.

 Harold told us storied about his  family's life.

Mr. Harold Tetzlaff


Harold is 84 years young 
and 
has started to 'downsize' his belongings.

We asked him to tell us what each piece of equipment was 
and 
his memories of working with them.


He told us how he and Ed started farming at 16 when his father was killed in a farm accident.

His mother was a very hard worker, picking up the pieces 
and
 carrying on with her sons.

She died at the age of 47 but worked like she had lived double that time.

 Harold said he was blessed to live two lifetimes compared to his mom.

Harold and Ed have lived simple lives purchasing only what they needed.

Nothing more.

They only started to retire when Ed got sick a few year ago.

They both were still putting up square bales and farming crops.


 These pieces look like relics to most but hold a lifetime of stories for them.

This sickle was from McCormick Deering which was formed in 1923 - 1949!!

I thought my equipment was old!!


I love the simplicity of his line of equipment.

 A tiny tool box...


Still filled with only what you needed!!
 

I love how this trail can still be seen 

going out to the back forty from YEARS of travel.

 Even to this day,

There is no running water or bathroom in Harold's house. 

But his outhouse was super clean!

I loved how there was a summer screen and a winter window. 

The little seat cover had a wooden spool as a handle.

Modernized with toilet paper instead of a Sears catalogue!!


They haven't had power and a furnace for that many years either.

No TV.

A radio which is NOT always on.

It is sad to think this is an end of an era. 

Simpler times.

They only have what they NEEDED.

Nothing more. 

I know there were some very tough times.

They learned to be frugal.

Money is not an problem any more 
but
 if it's not necessary, it's not there.


There was no clutter in his house. 

Harold feels like he has so much to go through before he goes.

If only he knew......

He feels like no one would ever want to live in his house with no modern amenities.

Maybe no one does....

It would be a shame for such a grand home to no longer have life in in it.


 I only have to watch a few minutes of Hoarders to be inspired to start chucking.

I came home blessed that he shared his stories with us....

Sad to see an end of a epic life and family.


Even the simplicity of these fence posts stacked so neatly
 made me reflect back to a few years ago.

Arnold and I both had jobs off the farm
as well as
trying to farm and raise cattle and kids.

We were both tired and frustrated working ALL the time.

I decided to quit me job and just do the farming.

It was either going to work or we would no longer farm.

I wrote on a piece of paper....

What do I want out of my life??

I wrote 4 words.

Simple.

Worryfree.

Creative.

Inspired.

I look at this list every once in a while.

The only word I feel I need to work on is SIMPLE.

Don't get me wrong...I love a bathroom!!

I need to get rid of STUFF!!

Thanks for spending time with us, Harold.

I loved every minute of it!

Christa and Justin







Monday, June 12, 2017

Outside Our Box

Valerie Wilson is a fablous teacher from Winnipeg,Manitoba
Our guild decided to try a class we were sure was beyond our talents!!

Valerie Wilson is a fabulous portrait quilter!!

She spent two days with us....
Giving us all her tricks and tips to help us attack our portraits 
 Terry decided to try a picture of her dog who has passed away....
Stubby....
Maryann did a picture of her daughter, Tianna
Stunning! 
 Charlene did her son, Bradley.
Charlene lost her husand and son 3 years ago this weekend in a tragic plane crash 
so 
this was a very meaningful rendition for her.
 Charlene did it more than justice.
Look at how the plaid shirt is coming!!!
Incredible!!!
 Sandi did her husband who is making good recovery from a stroke.
 She decided it to try it in an abstract way using prints
 It is going to be awesome! 
 Trudi did a friends baby.
She sent a pic of the process and her friend recognized him so she is on the right track!! 
 I decided to do my mother in law, Marie (Cossette) Marcotte 
 This was taken for the Estevan Fair poster when she was 16.
 I showed Marie and she knew it was her! 
There are more to show but I will post them when they finish theirs! 
Thank you ,Valerie and all those who came!
It was a great weekend!! 
Christa 

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Thirty One Feet of Spirit

Take one large wind break,

A couple of cans of paint and some help....

Namely, my son....Justin 


 Before you know it...

We are ready to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday!!!


31' of Canadian Pride!

Oh CANADA...


 Since we were already in 'paint' mode,

 we also made a couple of barn quilt blocks 


 In keeping with the Canadian theme

Maples leaves...


 And the perfect barn.....


 Who knew?!? 

It fit like a glove! 

(Happy really early birthday, Colleen)


26 days till the big party for Canada!!!

How will you show your pride?

Christa

Bucket Bag Tutorial

 I thought I would try to show you how to make one of these bucket bags... They are fast and easy. I used 2 Fat Quarters and some batting. I...