August Camping Trip

Now that Autumn has arrived in its rainy wetness, cool greyness, early darkness, I remember Summer fondly

A Dog's Life

Hi - I am sitting here typing away catching up on work in my home office - aka the living room floor with a big golden retriever on one side and a little shih tzu mix on my other side - each is blissfully asleep. I know that if I get up each will instantly awake - ready for a walk, a treat or just to accompany me to the kitchen - ready for anything. What great attitudes they have!

The little one is Betty Boop and the big one is Softie. Betty was hit by a van and badly injured - pelvis broken in 3 places. She has had surgery to put her back together again. She is so plucky - its day 8 following the accident and she is determined to get around even though her back legs are still weak and one is bandaged up. Whenever she sees you she wags her tail like crazy. If I had been in a similar situation I would be feeling sorry for myself and taking it easy - her attittude is so much better!

Softie is the ultimate chill out dog - and its contagious in a good way. If you are having a bad day he comes over and sits with you and a simple pat or rub around the ear and he is so happy that the good humour rubs off on you.

Research has shown that having a pet results in positive effects on human health and behaviour. I am appreciating that today - even though Softie seems to shed as much fluff and hair in a day that you could make another shih tzu out of it.

Happy Halloween!

Quilt Design

Some neighbourhood girls coloured our path as part of getting ready for the street party. The design would look lovely made up as a quilt using solids.

Quilting

Well I have not posted much lately but I have been busy with family, work and quilting. I am loving that I am actually finishing some quilty projects. The key for me was to make small projects.

A little challenge was what I needed so I am going to make each quilt in Simple Contemporary Quilts. I have made two quilts so far - in a mini size.

I have made some mug rugs - little quilts to go under a mug or cup but large enough to also hold a sweetie or goodie - Yum. One for Pat featuring Softie, one for me with Cath Kidson fabric to go with my CK mug from the CK shop in Edinburgh. Two for a swap partner and three with a Christmas theme. I received two fabulous mug rugs as part of two swaps - their quality and style is amazing and inspired me to keep going. The next round of mug rug swap is happening and I have a great partner, but shh shh shh its a secret swap.

I joined the pork chop swap - an exchange of squares of fabric and made a quilt top. Then I got inspired and made it into a cover for my sewing room chair. Need to finish that - its looking great.

The Old Red Barn Co Quilt Along is continuing and this round is ticker tape quilts. I have always wanted to try this style of quilt so I am giving it a go but again making a smaller sized quilt. I joined another round of the pork chop swap and will use the squares from that in making a ticker tape quilt.

Really good news is being selected in the lottery to participate in the Doll Quilt Swap 10 edition. We find out who are partners are and make a secret quilt for them.

I was so lucky in the last two rounds to recieve fabulous quilts from my partners. They have pride of place in my studio.

Fun times!!