Cove Quilters Challenge

Early in December, one of our bee members, Sandra, suggested we have a challenge. She had bought a copy of the Twelve x 12 Challenge book and was very inspired by what this group of art quilters had done. She suggested our bee should embark on a bit of a challenge with a finished size of 12" square, we should try out some new techniques and it had to be done by January 25. She suggested our first theme be "birds".

Top, left to right - Vicki, LindaH, Linda M, Barb, Heather, Donna, Sandy and Sandra

Eight of us took her up on the challenge and though we gather bi-weekly we didn't bring our challenge to bee or discuss them. We had the grand unveiling at Sandra's last week. We were delighted to have our long distance member Heather join us via Skype. This was the first time we tried it and it worked very well.

My challenge is called "The Empty Nest". I was inspired by a post on Jane Sassaman's blog for the bird's nests she made for her Christmas tree. It was fun to make and I will do some for next Christmas for our tree. The background of the block I cut and slashed and inserted the branches, if I was doing it again I would make the branches more irregular. The leaves are raw edge applique and I did a bit of machine quilting. a fun and quick project once I had the plan! Vicki is keeping a journal of each piece and what she did, techniques used along with notes of what worked or didn't. I must do that before I forget.

Sandra, Jane, Donna, Sandy, Vicki, Linda, Terry and Heather visiting via Skype!

Our next challenge is based on chocolate and candy! Linda gathered a selection of chocolate bars and candy and put them in a bag. We each drew one to use as our inspiration or theme. Some of us are going to be really challenged! Mine is a Mars bar!

We drew for Heather and she got the box of Starburst candies. Sandra outdid herself with "bird" themed treats - birds nest cookies and a little bag of bird seed tied with cardinal ribbon. It was a great afternoon with a great flock of quilters!

In keeping with the bird theme, Sandy brought along one of the penguins she has made from the pattern found at PurlBee. Several other bee members are making them too, Heather has 3 done and Sandra and I have several in various stages of completion. They are just so cute!

The Quilt Mafia Meets Again

Another wonderful day with the "Quilt Mafia", a group of quilters who just love to get together, share ideas, share their work and enjoy a good lunch! We met today at the St. Stephen's Community Centre in Chester, a great space with lots of windows (no stairs!) and easy access to the Kiwi Cafe for a take out lunch.

Kate, Linda and Jamie

Penny, Celeste and Laurie

Deb, Laureen and Alex

We came from far and near, some quilted, some pieced and embellished, some knit. We laughed, we shared and we missed those who couldn't be with us. The day just flew by, we shared our works in progress and I began to realize that the SAQA show that the Atlantic chapter will put on for the CQA conference in late May will be a wonderful one! Such creativity, great care and thought as to the theme "Rooted". I can't wait to see this exhibition which will be at the Mary E. Black Gallery on the waterfront in Halifax. 

Laureen's piece for "Rooted".

I am so humbled by this group of creative and gifted women, grateful to be a part of this group and to call them my friends. More pictures can be found in the Flickr link to the left.

Plans are underway to have another gathering in the spring at the Maritime Fibre Arts Retreat at the Atlantica Hotel, Oak Island and then a road trip to Cape Breton for a retreat in the Margaree Valley. Can't wait! Thanks everybody for coming!

A Favourite Place

I am not so lucky that my son and his family have chosen to live in the wild west, Calgary to be specific. It is a long way from the east coast, too far to drive and it is a 5 hour plane ride if everything is on time but we love to visit. So we make a once a year trip for a couple of weeks, play with Molly, son and father golf and for me a little quilt store visiting. So I am lucky that there are about 5 great quilt stores, 4 in Calgary and one, Sugar Pine Quilts in Canmore. The 4 in Calgary are Sewing Sensation/World, Out of Hand, My Sewing Room and my very favourite Traditional Pastimes. The atmosphere is welcoming and cosy, the staff is very helpful and attentive and I love that they have so many samples from patterns and books. They love what they are doing, you can just tell.

Katie and Bernadette (r), the owner, they are both wearing skirts they made and I forgot to get the name of the pattern!

They are all ready for Hallowe'en!

There are lots more pictures of Traditional Pastimes in my Flickr Photostream.

And if you do get a chance to go to Traditional Pastimes, go hungry and have lunch or a snack next door at The Lazy Loaf and Kettle. My quilt friend Cheryl Arkison recommended it and I second the recommendation!