Once I got started,

          After much deliberation over computerized verses mechanical, I finally made my choice(s).

In the end I decided to go mechanical and vintage.

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"Lucille"

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I like that the decals are a worn, it makes me wonder what the person has sewn on this machine over the many years it was used. This vintage lady runs beautifully. She has amazing power and sews through practically anything thrown under her needle without hesitation. Isn't this design lovely?

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"Oscar"

Then I spotted this vintage machine and, well, it did need a new home so you know!

I'm having some trouble trying to find out anything about this machine. I'm not entirely sure if it's an Elna Supermatic or not. I love the colour and how it purrs along, it's so quiet that I can actually hear my tv without cranking the sound way up! So nice. A bit temperamental, his feed dogs aren't too partial to seams it seems. I hope I  can find the solution to his upset.

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"Nina"

Last  but, not by any stretch, least my Bernina 807 Minimatic. 

What a joy to sew on and fast, holy smokes I think I'm in love!

I Swear My Head Is Going To Explode!

I have checked out so many sewing machines that they're all looking like this to me!

Buying a car is easier.

I want to treat myself to a new machine but wading through all the options is exhausting and I don't think I'm any closer to a decision. I do know I'd like to go computerized. I've always sewn on a mechanical and have had the good, the bad and the downright ugly experiences to go with them. I have read and re-read reviews until I can't see straight and today I called the few retailers and one repair shop close by to seek their knowledge. The repair shop's opinion was to give Brother a wide berth and go with Kenmore. The first retailer/distributor I spoke with was all computer and no way to mechanical (I was debating as to the repairs and maintenance of the computerized machines) and the third sells Bernina but said she sews on a 20 year old Janome computerized machine at home and loves it.

What's even more frustrating is that the majority of the machines I'm looking at are unavailable in a store near me to "test drive", most are sold online for my budget of around $500.00. 

What machine do you sew on? Do you love it or loath it? 

500 Waiting!

Have you seen the you tube video from the  Missouri Quilt Co. for 

The Sashed Half Hexi Quilt?

I must say I really like this design!

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It's going together quite fast and when complete will be presented by

Quilts of Valour Canada to a Canadian soldier. 

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If you've never heard of  QOV, I encourage you to visit the site.

When I spoke to my area's representative I was floored at the number of soldiers that are waiting for their QOV, in a 1 1/2 hour drive radius from her home, 500! That's 500 waiting!!

That's 500 too many don't you think?

Oh Those Darn RULES!!!

RULES.

Do you follow "the rules" or do you break them?

Who makes these rules anyways? 

I've been debating as to whether or not I could use a sheet for the solids in this design,

Under The Stars with Jenny Doan of the MISSOURI QUILT CO. 

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Jenny makes it look so easy.

Three Rivers Quilters Gallery

Same design but bolder colours. Beautiful.

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I've read about thread count and the arguments against and those for putting sheets to use.

I just can't see any reason not to use sheets. My budget, which is tighter than a fiddle string, won't allow for the purchase of high end solids for such a project but I really want to sew this quilt.

Thoughts?

My First Conquest of 2016

I finally conquered my silly fear of  C.U.R.V.E.S.!!!

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Having been away from my sewing machine for a while I decided, as a reintroduction, to try something new to me.  The dreaded curve.

It all started because I was re~reading Clare O'Donohue's, The Drunkard's Path. Every time I picked up the book that design was there, mocking me. I jumped online to see just how to construct a Drunkard's Path and found that there are many ways to lay out the blocks! The options are endless.
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Since this was a first attempt, keeping the projects on the small side might be prudent idea. Foxy and Carli (who played camera shy today) thought it was a good plan too, they both received a new flannel bed cushion and I no longer fear curves!
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Win/Win

Until next time ~

Ugly Christmas Sweater QAL

Sew Fresh Quilts: The Ugly Christmas Sweater QAL

 has already started and I must admit, I've been drawn in. 

This weekend I'll be rolling up my sleeves and stitch up some ugly sleeves and bodices from scraps of Christmas fabrics. The options are endless but my plan is placemats and by starting in February I might just have them completed by Christmas 2016!! 

Pieces of Me

My Dad & I,  this past October. He's 85 and going strong!

Below are Phil, Danny & CJ at the Drumheller valley edge.

It's been so long since I've been here that I almost forgot how to post! 

(I will admit that I'm finding myself at a bit of a loss for words.)

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I have pieced a couple of quilts over the past few months but I only have pics of this one.

I believe it's Buggy Barn for the backing.

I hope some of you are still around out there,

I'd like to reconnect and gain some advice!

See you soon :)

A Giveaway and a Reminder

First off, the giveaway!

Visit my cross stitch blog, By the Pricking of My Thumb, to get the details 

for a chance to win this  collection of autumnal floss.

Secondly, the reminder!

Pets on Quilts starts Monday, August 17th (link in sidebar). Hope to see you there!

Beautiful Win

A few weeks back I entered a giveaway at  Wisdom with Needle and Thread ,

Kim was celebrating her birthday with a giveaway and I was so lucky to have won this beautiful Lion bag and some extra goodies ~ ironically for my birthday (it's not until August 13th)!!

Not only is there the gorgeous bag with this amazing needlework Leo (zodiac sign) but also a sweet butterfly charm, tissue holder and stunning fabric with an Oriental flavour.  

Thank you, Kim for this early b~day gift!

The Greatest Show on Earth!

Ladies & Gentlemen! Children of all ages!! It's Coming!!! August 17th!!!

Lily Pad Quilting

If you've never seen Lily Pad Quilting's Pets on Quilts Show you have no idea what you're missing!

This is the show to, well, show off not only a favourite quilt but to have your precious pet be your model. Yes, you'll see pampered pooches, favored felines maybe even a huggable hamster or lovable lizard!  No one is excluded in this show of shows.

Did I mention that there's prizes?  All kinds of prizes to be won!!

It's a grand time for one and all so snap those pics and show off your fur, feathered or scaled baby!

Are You Up for a Challenge?

3rd Annual Piggy Bank Savings 

I've signed up with Val's Quilting Studio for a challenge of a different kind!  

 Saving all the found, lost and accumulated change you come across on a day to day basis in a piggy bank or vessel of your choosing to spend, at a later date, on some quilt and stitchery pleasure.

 I'll be saving towards some floss and Aida cloth as well as quilt fabric (not sure what yet).

 Just think, a lovely little (or large) stash next July.

 Every penny counts.

Join the challenge and see how much you can sock away!  

 Grab a jar, bottle or bowl and start saving!

Happy Stitching ")

Happy Canada Day!

Be Safe Everyone

He Did Great!

My son's second sewing project, a pencil case, and it's his first zipper!!

Makes a Mom proud ")

Dandy Eye Candy

I have yet to start stitching up some fabric squares but I have been doing some cross stitch.

Just a few letters on the right.

now the eye candy...

sigh

Have a wonderful day ")

The Time Has Come...

It's been quite a spell since we've talked. I needed to step back and regroup.

I think I've got a handle on things as best I can now.  I've been reading your posts and have laughed and cried with some of you, as well as being in awe and inspired by many of you.

The plain truth is, I've missed you,

  sewing, stitching and sharing.

Speaking of sharing pop on over to  By the Pricking of My Thumb

for a link to a spectacular GIVEAWAY!

Primitive Trims Giveaway at Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe x 2

Another lovely GIVEAWAY over at

>>>Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe<<<

click above and enter

AND 

 GIVEAWAY #2 from Nancy

Primitive Trims and goodies!!

The Postman Brought a Postcard

I joined in the fun at Sheila's Quilt World Postcard Exchange and received this lovely

paper pieced postcard from Sheila. The theme was, of course, Valentine's.

I love it!

Now that Sheila has received her Valentine I can show you what I sent.

Yes, it's a pretty design but it allowed me to use some of my mixed media ideas.

Who doesn't like glitter?

Sheila will be hosting more exchanges throughout the coming year.

Grow Your Blog and Giveaway!

GROW YOUR BLOG PARTY

I invite you to pop over to my cross stitch blog, 

By the Pricking of My Thumb

 become a follower of that blog

and be entered in the GIVEAWAY!

Thank you Vicki of 2 bags full 

Gifted Gorgeousness SAL

                     My Gifted Gorgeousness SAL  is located at my cross stitch dedicated blog

"By the Pricking of My Thumb"

Wipocalypse January Check In!

 You'll find my post for Wipocalypse over at 

By the Pricking of My Thumb

My blog for cross stitch.

Hope to see you there!