tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83727160627636239672024-03-18T21:43:33.469-04:00Musings of a Menopausal Melon...mmmquiltsEducation. Inspiration.Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.comBlogger1266125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-67140954326294852972024-03-16T03:01:00.219-04:002024-03-16T20:15:43.868-04:00Villa Rosa Designs Blog HopWelcome to my stop on the hop! I am Sandra of mmmquilts, which came about from the original name of my blog which I started in 2013, <i>Musings of a Menopausal Melon</i>. It was started when I quit teaching because my husband took early retirement, and I was certainly not going to work if he wasn't. Along with that major decision we made a major move across Canada, and the blog (I love to write) became my way of keeping in touch with family and friends afar as I mused about our new direction in life, life in general, and quilting, which led to a whole new journey in and of itself! When quilting became the predominant subject of the blog, I shortened the name to mmmquilts, all one word, lower case. I also design patterns, which have appeared in several publications, and you can also find them in my Etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/SandraJaneQuilts" target="_blank">SandraJaneQuilts</a>. On April 3, my eighth annual Quilt Along begins, running through June 15 at a nice relaxed pace. This year it is once again free to participants, with some great prizes to be won.<div><br></div><div>I was thrilled to be invited to participate for the second year of this hop which showcases five fast and fun quilts to make. The one I chose came together from start to finish within a few hours!<br><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Olcal5EKifEQzclDPOBEDbBz208zvQCX6lqeHrulURL9hgehN3ValpkHCRJxnF3vaefeT2OAF_kmL4sjQGuRYqZpPeN2Txm8t7eWQ2vqSDmiX4gI6rqT6vsW3JhRGPtaGfJj8yqevmviwQrTBleNHRFwq-fs0qqsqKWjsZnsNebb2mvlXXmpwK7S9k31/s2100/IMG_4386.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1575" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Olcal5EKifEQzclDPOBEDbBz208zvQCX6lqeHrulURL9hgehN3ValpkHCRJxnF3vaefeT2OAF_kmL4sjQGuRYqZpPeN2Txm8t7eWQ2vqSDmiX4gI6rqT6vsW3JhRGPtaGfJj8yqevmviwQrTBleNHRFwq-fs0qqsqKWjsZnsNebb2mvlXXmpwK7S9k31/w480-h640/IMG_4386.jpeg" width="480"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rufus, my quilt model</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This design is named Gypsy Rose, but I’ve named my quilt Around the Block for a couple of reasons. Read on for that explanation, as well as to enter for your chance to win some truly fantastic prizes, many of which are open to quilters around the globe this year.<span></span></div></div></div></div><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/03/villa-rosa-designs-blog-hop.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com160tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-4005325023459439462024-03-10T11:10:00.000-04:002024-03-10T11:10:33.450-04:00Project Quilting 15.5 WearablesI actually was excited about this prompt because I felt it would be the impetus to get me doing a little garment sewing again. I still have kept a few pieces of yardage in the thought (hope) I’d sew some clothes again one day. <div>Here is the top I made!</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnczHaH7ZNeu_LDmspC-gYnM7sVyJdcfwQjQxzwrBB7UBVcSnR8UtrJDDQZ_vPjH1j-tmWEDNL_u6sBslRQ_S5FH8bzuJAzxz-9DlLy33dkUaSxVkAekLDc11H6ZZ2jkX0pPuHox2Yw-aQgpTRDtgMoC6Jpn6muJgrrCg2tJpfhqPQhZtna270TC025WG/s1819/IMG_4362.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1819" data-original-width="1819" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnczHaH7ZNeu_LDmspC-gYnM7sVyJdcfwQjQxzwrBB7UBVcSnR8UtrJDDQZ_vPjH1j-tmWEDNL_u6sBslRQ_S5FH8bzuJAzxz-9DlLy33dkUaSxVkAekLDc11H6ZZ2jkX0pPuHox2Yw-aQgpTRDtgMoC6Jpn6muJgrrCg2tJpfhqPQhZtna270TC025WG/w640-h640/IMG_4362.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><br></div><div>A couple of years ago I made myself a pair of pajama shorts using the same pattern as we’d used when Brady was here visiting to make his. I originally had a dress in mind for this fabric but, since I had scads of yardage and I really liked the print, I decided to make the shorts. They turned out great and I thought why not make a top to go with them? A top would be a faster make since I only had from Thursday on to get something together before the deadline.</div><div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/03/project-quilting-155-wearables.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-27328518147058145142024-02-28T10:19:00.002-05:002024-02-28T10:19:30.129-05:00SAHRR Round 6 Letters and NumbersAnd just like that, another Stay at Home Round Robin is done. This was my second time participating, and once again, I really enjoyed the work for my math and creative brain, and really enjoyed where the quilt ended up, as much a surprise for me as those watching!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qXoMe4nIA8Qb2iluTisIK13yYqK3QoQRkWqgQ0PaXoSOeB4sljI9VWSKlTO0eT0X6NyiMrazyl8MlEwBH4-rf55eNkzECmLJApxc5fU1MsraNwGO7qggbqynmHtWy2gtmkkymxp3DOn3jZNCxz37jALd2sG9bzkOmDq8aWnKA0sQYGQE5XZEytSUT1Qo/s1691/IMG_4283.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1691" data-original-width="1691" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qXoMe4nIA8Qb2iluTisIK13yYqK3QoQRkWqgQ0PaXoSOeB4sljI9VWSKlTO0eT0X6NyiMrazyl8MlEwBH4-rf55eNkzECmLJApxc5fU1MsraNwGO7qggbqynmHtWy2gtmkkymxp3DOn3jZNCxz37jALd2sG9bzkOmDq8aWnKA0sQYGQE5XZEytSUT1Qo/w640-h640/IMG_4283.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><div><br></div>Many thanks to Gail of <a href="https://quiltinggail.com/" target="_blank">QuiltingGail</a> for dreaming this up and being the main host. <span></span><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/02/sahrr-round-6-letters-and-numbers.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-786967599198998952024-02-23T04:00:00.005-05:002024-02-23T09:37:48.608-05:00SAHRR Round 5 “Four”This round’s directive was given to us by Gail at <a href="https://quiltinggail.com/" target="_blank">QuiltingGail</a>. She said the theme this week is ‘4’. We could do whatever we want but it has to have an element of four in it. I decided to make 4-patches, and my first plan was to put them in the four corners. Here is how my quilt ended up:<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhwYJEZ0oUqFMKfAJaMtMUL53RG7hPWKpFcSB-BtJDYlfDVKeyQjg5kYqNvaX_Hm0iK5a5DApi20JOnyaiJ6TsSCr0zUueaLlpUcaYr6kt4swh6IlXWmVq7fCXRC0LSVwrkgPxnj5aJJ42hQVvNJuLpQbY0yW5mmPj3mvS5pBD8tRC56KS_8cOyjQOYXE/s1819/IMG_4264.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1819" data-original-width="1819" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhwYJEZ0oUqFMKfAJaMtMUL53RG7hPWKpFcSB-BtJDYlfDVKeyQjg5kYqNvaX_Hm0iK5a5DApi20JOnyaiJ6TsSCr0zUueaLlpUcaYr6kt4swh6IlXWmVq7fCXRC0LSVwrkgPxnj5aJJ42hQVvNJuLpQbY0yW5mmPj3mvS5pBD8tRC56KS_8cOyjQOYXE/w640-h640/IMG_4264.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><br><div>Read on to find out how it got there.</div></div><span></span><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/02/sahrr-round-5-four.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-984228449754595782024-02-19T20:31:00.003-05:002024-02-19T20:31:58.768-05:00Project Quilting 15.4 HourglassI had told myself to make a little less involved of a project this round of Project Quilting at <a href="https://kimlapacek.com/2024/02/15-4-hourglass-challenge-4-of-project-quilting-season-15.html" target="_blank">Persimon Dreams</a>. When I saw the final graphic that Trish had posted, the idea to make a placemat, and thus have a rectangular based hourglass was born.<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VteVNQWfsZSqBD9qybJt53gU5LOanxgmjhGrioF0_Cpnq2EoJ5zSWn1nJu_DcTZ53-aFi5PsMfktPqRvQpMKmIrY-IXNRN-hHSlBhQjf-TDyqhURR2SEn9rMqhxEFAVlUzOg26ng6JxK3NtTQTr9j35upUqVj5XMPzOXg-SL5AwXkAkODNh-NPCuHYD0/s2100/IMG_4239.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1575" data-original-width="2100" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VteVNQWfsZSqBD9qybJt53gU5LOanxgmjhGrioF0_Cpnq2EoJ5zSWn1nJu_DcTZ53-aFi5PsMfktPqRvQpMKmIrY-IXNRN-hHSlBhQjf-TDyqhURR2SEn9rMqhxEFAVlUzOg26ng6JxK3NtTQTr9j35upUqVj5XMPzOXg-SL5AwXkAkODNh-NPCuHYD0/w640-h480/IMG_4239.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><br><div>I have tons of green and tons of blue strips so I at first figured I’d do the side triangles in blue strips. It didn’t take long to realize that that would be a whole lot of seams regardless of whether they met or not, and on the bias. Not such a great plan. A little thinking ensued.</div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/02/project-quilting-154-hourglass.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-40329661386626377702024-02-18T12:21:00.002-05:002024-02-20T21:42:45.462-05:00SAHRR Round 4 Square in a SquareI had intended to add more fish in a subsequent round, and this round was perfect for it! Brenda of <a href="https://songbirddesigns.blog/" target="_blank">Songbird Designs</a> is this week’s host who gave us the directive: add Square in a Square blocks in this round. <div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBg7DdsSJUzacVMb5RPoBK64lQrHj6216wDXlzOpHRdZLCWXPe9bj5gJ6uhFr7XWbwX9jcEk9I5x5YReOpNtsazrtUWTJI3NrTBHkaSBWwMZExAnc1hoKyKGioz-JNSA50V5UEtH2N9gLJf-2QK5vdvOTODqfXF_Fpw1eykiGUwvoQI8oTk4YfZhwWob57/s1992/IMG_4233.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1992" data-original-width="1660" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBg7DdsSJUzacVMb5RPoBK64lQrHj6216wDXlzOpHRdZLCWXPe9bj5gJ6uhFr7XWbwX9jcEk9I5x5YReOpNtsazrtUWTJI3NrTBHkaSBWwMZExAnc1hoKyKGioz-JNSA50V5UEtH2N9gLJf-2QK5vdvOTODqfXF_Fpw1eykiGUwvoQI8oTk4YfZhwWob57/w534-h640/IMG_4233.jpeg" width="534"></a></div><br><div>Along with the fish which are the SiaS block, I made three more plain SiaS blocks, pulling in two fabrics from previous rounds as well as introducing the bubbles shimmery water-like fabric.</div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/02/sahrr-round-4-square-in-square.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-31534025327612388622024-02-14T04:00:00.026-05:002024-02-14T04:00:00.339-05:00Special Makeup BagsIt seems I am constantly making makeup bags, but I do love making them so it’s never a problem. I have two to show you today, one which has been half done for a couple of months, just waiting for me to finish it up, and the other was a DrEAMi (Drop Everything And Make it!)<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoC2-UZ6wab5gP0RfHhX6S0C92YP_HO0yxjoXJf7rgjaNxVkPPD6_EwDal2zUSHLiyIUDsA1GzX_QYSxXYsJnKtdIphpvuTJYMZ_BliVJeAhckhyUETTtnLgkBio_P8HyS6HPnhfCrPQJSeVFuncBaxjDXjpeohm3PFobOMQmbi_bhQ4lPcK-xNxuq3H4/s2100/IMG_4195.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1575" data-original-width="2100" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoC2-UZ6wab5gP0RfHhX6S0C92YP_HO0yxjoXJf7rgjaNxVkPPD6_EwDal2zUSHLiyIUDsA1GzX_QYSxXYsJnKtdIphpvuTJYMZ_BliVJeAhckhyUETTtnLgkBio_P8HyS6HPnhfCrPQJSeVFuncBaxjDXjpeohm3PFobOMQmbi_bhQ4lPcK-xNxuq3H4/w640-h480/IMG_4195.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><div><br></div>You may recognize the fabrics in the one on the left; they are the same ones I used to make my big tote bag for Project Quilting 15.3 this past week. </div><div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/02/special-makeup-bags.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-79996286879950170262024-02-11T11:09:00.003-05:002024-02-11T11:13:49.991-05:00SAHRR Round 3 TrianglesI made my first paper-pieced fish on Tuesday but didn’t get a chance to get back to my Stay At Home Round Robin until Saturday because I was working on my Project Quilting 15.3 challenge. So here is round 3, Triangles.<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZI7ex0ZsfmUmAOQa699T9Zql8n9im1fTth52FePPHNnxuCawnbMpGci7xCN_6-oNqo3yEKxlei5vXKYljELXVs5Fgu0vjOu9V2zBTi2OoQ3s53X7RK871v15p5Cwn9l765gtMywkZGt9WshiXkmaLS-COmJZeEXIfWkHGN3B4mEdCK4runz-3yubJmQYn/s1819/IMG_4184.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1819" data-original-width="1819" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZI7ex0ZsfmUmAOQa699T9Zql8n9im1fTth52FePPHNnxuCawnbMpGci7xCN_6-oNqo3yEKxlei5vXKYljELXVs5Fgu0vjOu9V2zBTi2OoQ3s53X7RK871v15p5Cwn9l765gtMywkZGt9WshiXkmaLS-COmJZeEXIfWkHGN3B4mEdCK4runz-3yubJmQYn/w640-h640/IMG_4184.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><br><div>This is an inside shot because the outside shot I took was minutes after the sun had dipped behind the neighbour’s house across the street, so it’s very blue. This one is excellent for showing the true colours.</div></div><span></span><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/02/sahrr-round-3-triangles.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-54927438494531472622024-02-10T10:40:00.016-05:002024-02-11T16:23:22.438-05:00Project Quilting 15.3 Inside OutFor this third challenge we were to create something that thematically or literally shows the aspect of being inside out. I think of expressions like <i>Wear your heart on your sleeve</i>, or <i>My eyeballs fell out of their sockets</i>. You could have exposed seams, which made me think of the old jeans and flannel-backed quilt I made years ago with raggedy edges from sewing the layers wrong sides together. A bag would work, Trish said, because it gets sewn with right sides together and then, as she said, 'birthed', pulling the outside of the bag through the inside-out lining. That bag idea was it, and I knew right away what one I would make. After last challenge's challenges (ha) and missing the deadline by a few hours, this one was going to be Simple Simon, no getting all fancy.<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAyu6Mhnxfsm9pTL1ej7GO5QdgT8ZMZjqkmemH1scigm3JXNt-VykoNrLbRAk4IrjZDdb0PJPZroJ9eD5JDTndCh6w3ujQWPecy6rfoDQzRzbM7Cb5HrfOHvPWvlkXuBQDwmzoukjSBR2BkNJGNk-xII8rXvOwgUC29B-jrOZKb-5gyO3KPgZMtaXnz4H/s2100/IMG_4170.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1575" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAyu6Mhnxfsm9pTL1ej7GO5QdgT8ZMZjqkmemH1scigm3JXNt-VykoNrLbRAk4IrjZDdb0PJPZroJ9eD5JDTndCh6w3ujQWPecy6rfoDQzRzbM7Cb5HrfOHvPWvlkXuBQDwmzoukjSBR2BkNJGNk-xII8rXvOwgUC29B-jrOZKb-5gyO3KPgZMtaXnz4H/w480-h640/IMG_4170.jpeg" width="480"></a></div><div><br></div><div>As soon as I read the directive for this challenge, I knew I would make my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1123968574/positive-flow-plus-quilt-pdf-quilt" target="_blank">Positive Flow</a> bag pattern. I sold the one remaining in my shop a little while ago, so with the intention of making one to replace it, I was off. Well, as much as one can be off with a dog recovering from ACL surgery and tag-teaming with one’s husband so that one of us is with her 24/7.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUT8D06azzzxMuwycp4eBm_V0VExYxn2x39-rYY34erQHJPG0SJuYxGOidxpsHl599vV69vyCQFkknVPFGU-FOnQr65Xgxw-6HfA4o_Y75lkz4KLNEZeJRWhV3VtqCpyLgGOuBCcKjXiD25dhEuGx1GJmgkmgIhNLRFjPIPXhPZmQvDg3dAQzvzN5_LiWh/s4032/IMG_4179.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUT8D06azzzxMuwycp4eBm_V0VExYxn2x39-rYY34erQHJPG0SJuYxGOidxpsHl599vV69vyCQFkknVPFGU-FOnQr65Xgxw-6HfA4o_Y75lkz4KLNEZeJRWhV3VtqCpyLgGOuBCcKjXiD25dhEuGx1GJmgkmgIhNLRFjPIPXhPZmQvDg3dAQzvzN5_LiWh/w480-h640/IMG_4179.jpeg" width="480"></a></div><br>This ensures her safety and keeping her as quiet and immobile as possible for the first 3-4 weeks. Still, I got it done on Friday in time for an outside photo or two in the (are you sitting down?) sunshine!</div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/02/project-quilting-153-inside-out.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-20995496320111354102024-02-05T16:06:00.003-05:002024-02-19T18:41:19.424-05:00Hashtag NaptimeIn August I participated in Cheryl Brickey‘s book release blog hop for <i>Just Two Charm Packs Quilts</i>. I made a baby quilt size version of her design Diamond Hashtag, which you can read about <a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2023/08/im-back-with-diamond-hashtag-and.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I had the behemoth 150 Canadian Women quilt on the frame at that time, so it did not get it quilted and it has sat waiting patiently ever since.<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVBaJh0JTql1t5h7LVTwOucUw7ZSUu4uC1732oWi10QTfaDow7mRGsq_521qiz6fE_xLKSibY7gzKitq2NAU8koSyjwGsHmFEBThc5yPHCGd7EIersyMC4H9q3retw3jkgTy22QKLVBwGnOPvlrEylUTst8CuTlVYJ2OMIOzcqje5hW4Lo-wVKCIhM9Ib/s2100/IMG_4130.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1575" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVBaJh0JTql1t5h7LVTwOucUw7ZSUu4uC1732oWi10QTfaDow7mRGsq_521qiz6fE_xLKSibY7gzKitq2NAU8koSyjwGsHmFEBThc5yPHCGd7EIersyMC4H9q3retw3jkgTy22QKLVBwGnOPvlrEylUTst8CuTlVYJ2OMIOzcqje5hW4Lo-wVKCIhM9Ib/w480-h640/IMG_4130.jpeg" width="480"></a></div><div><br></div>I may have a lot of WIPs and USOs, but one thing I am pretty good at is keeping on top of finished tops getting quilted. This is the last of the two tops from last year.<span></span></div><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/02/hashtag-naptime.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-52687233709123862742024-02-03T12:30:00.005-05:002024-02-20T21:43:10.075-05:00SAHRR Rounds 1 and 2Although I had formed an idea of what I would do with Round 1, Signature Block, prompt, I never did get to do it what with spending a lot of time on the Project Quilting challenge that week and with the stress of Xena's torn ACL. So this week I made sure to get that round done as well as Round 2, which threw me a bit I must say. Anja of <a href="https://anjaquilts.blogspot.com/2024/01/2024-stay-at-home-round-robin-round-2.html" target="_blank">anjaquilts</a> gave us a pretty much wide open prompt : use just two colours and do whatever you want. Sometimes those wide-open directives can be problematic for people like me who are rule followers. I've always loved challenges where your creativity gets stretched, and both PQ and SAHRR are wonderful activities that do just that.<div><br></div><div>Here is what I did with Round 1.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYy1o0kkI_G0YfYjJuW3IeKt_EW0RzFudT3p9z475e0WZf4NtpVlC76zZrK8yteU8V3RmZVrXH09he47uE1iXmSAx6YeLaLx0G7HH25K2GRN7-RuiF6F61e7XIksKDyzwAPOJs8eeuH1mfgaF-rQWun3wwNFg8HOPSJU8-0XATAqJT7UGg8K0igHDDaAg/s2100/IMG_4110.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1575" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYy1o0kkI_G0YfYjJuW3IeKt_EW0RzFudT3p9z475e0WZf4NtpVlC76zZrK8yteU8V3RmZVrXH09he47uE1iXmSAx6YeLaLx0G7HH25K2GRN7-RuiF6F61e7XIksKDyzwAPOJs8eeuH1mfgaF-rQWun3wwNFg8HOPSJU8-0XATAqJT7UGg8K0igHDDaAg/w480-h640/IMG_4110.jpeg" width="480"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>It's interesting how my brain works on these prompts in the background of my mind. I honestly do not remember exactly what/where/how I came up with this idea, but one signature block it is, bubble-type fabric in turquoise on either side, with bubbles coming up from the swimming fishies.</div><span></span><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/02/sahrr-rounds-1-and-2.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-20195848148190482202024-01-31T18:31:00.011-05:002024-02-05T16:03:18.549-05:00Rainbow Connection: RSC 2023 and 2024 Progress<div style="text-align: left;">This is my original Rainbow Scrap Challenge quilt of 2023. I had three ongoing projects, and just have one left to get into a flimsy and quilted up for a donation quilt. This one will be donated somewhere too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1eQtKQ9-v65pxfdA3_V64rup2p7UgIV5UqJZTG-8Y6I3n2eXrK0Gnkxe5Sf5EmhLgYwNAU4g0UyBeV-aiqW4kTgwEz02VEoDPrhnWAfrv_GZo6mvgMC3tk4P_aER1-8IZS7ZDyXTfCt0cFYFfmTnEmdIbMgwjtDMSUELCRDQpqeROOb9ynRwpnDv1aBi/s1819/IMG_4071.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1819" data-original-width="1819" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1eQtKQ9-v65pxfdA3_V64rup2p7UgIV5UqJZTG-8Y6I3n2eXrK0Gnkxe5Sf5EmhLgYwNAU4g0UyBeV-aiqW4kTgwEz02VEoDPrhnWAfrv_GZo6mvgMC3tk4P_aER1-8IZS7ZDyXTfCt0cFYFfmTnEmdIbMgwjtDMSUELCRDQpqeROOb9ynRwpnDv1aBi/w640-h640/IMG_4071.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">The original dark blue blocks were in <a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2023/01/so-much-to-say.html" target="_blank">this post</a>. It is a quilt from <i>Quick & Easy Quilts</i> August/September 2022. Mine is a scrappy version of the Saskatchewan designer's quilt.</div><span></span><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/01/rainbow-connection-rsc-2023-and-2024.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-36608780698148139262024-01-29T08:17:00.019-05:002024-02-03T21:43:49.778-05:00Project Quilting 15.2 Sky Color<div style="text-align: left;">I got SO excited at this week's prompt for <a href="https://kimlapacek.com" target="_blank">Project Quilting</a> because I am a bit of a nut when it comes to watching the skies. I have a lot of it to see from my sewing room windows which face south, east and west. Yep tons and tons of light. Our house is pretty much like that, one of the main reasons I agreed to buy it is that it is filled with light thanks to lots of windows.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is where the challenge ended:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAO1Cz50wAPd5ZX6ae9paJHKA5IdxVdcr_1D-xJfEWTkYB2F6jELWb06UOz_R8F3vPf9zLiWOzyfboCyBmy87czJCio_Wyj5cFQv0FM6pc8LMiHJCUWGLI-XXlQlUcE2Qc9VbDWIfnvPrGuvUacecKvsp6F6BDYBvaiMpdpu3Tlovbc6hdZydruVttsssW/s1819/IMG_4052.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1819" data-original-width="1711" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAO1Cz50wAPd5ZX6ae9paJHKA5IdxVdcr_1D-xJfEWTkYB2F6jELWb06UOz_R8F3vPf9zLiWOzyfboCyBmy87czJCio_Wyj5cFQv0FM6pc8LMiHJCUWGLI-XXlQlUcE2Qc9VbDWIfnvPrGuvUacecKvsp6F6BDYBvaiMpdpu3Tlovbc6hdZydruVttsssW/w602-h640/IMG_4052.jpeg" width="602"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: left;">It had some definite growing pains along the way and missed the deadline by a couple of hours.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the things I love most about PQ challenges is getting to paw through my glorious stash. This challenge was no different. So we were to make a project that evokes sky colour (I use Canadian aka English spelling) with only 10% cerulean. Love that word, a beautiful name for the colour sky-blue. Blue is my favourite colour, so making a quilt about the sky without it at first seems strange, but not when I think of the sunset I saw Sunday night, hours after the challenge was posted. Look at those fiery pinks and oranges and the reflection in the clouds overhead. This is pure Mother Nature, no filters or enhancement.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuvskdy0FvS3inV3Bawgxp6xTVvWQYWTMXHJb5AFd74j4-cKrhBXXdEjeZVsEXtjFmdmfdlTl30xs3hxx9bOMDDmv4KciEOgHZDdE4LSiUSXMR2FI8IOApbqqsug7LZoEnkNF9T3QtOteKEN6u9rDRRqlTCbswrRB3CLQv0HE18eP8i1CP64Hdn4i8imX/s4032/IMG_3995.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuvskdy0FvS3inV3Bawgxp6xTVvWQYWTMXHJb5AFd74j4-cKrhBXXdEjeZVsEXtjFmdmfdlTl30xs3hxx9bOMDDmv4KciEOgHZDdE4LSiUSXMR2FI8IOApbqqsug7LZoEnkNF9T3QtOteKEN6u9rDRRqlTCbswrRB3CLQv0HE18eP8i1CP64Hdn4i8imX/w640-h480/IMG_3995.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">or the sunrise on Monday, again no filters or special touchups:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2VjHrxIqDnGBBgWJusFIOnxIQJC8zGAlX7tpyjtczxEjy76q6kAMToili10fAqIvueNFvGDLSB90yWCB8-D3M6Jy7CWvFxqH7oLfrngTQ0M9RSYPstdpYVDOt2bjMJOqwq-laPGd9JDM9aew-GO6TlykvVD1FlttEMUQDI-RmBrFXDyU1_Q3v-LrEovm/s4032/IMG_3998.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2VjHrxIqDnGBBgWJusFIOnxIQJC8zGAlX7tpyjtczxEjy76q6kAMToili10fAqIvueNFvGDLSB90yWCB8-D3M6Jy7CWvFxqH7oLfrngTQ0M9RSYPstdpYVDOt2bjMJOqwq-laPGd9JDM9aew-GO6TlykvVD1FlttEMUQDI-RmBrFXDyU1_Q3v-LrEovm/w640-h480/IMG_3998.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span></span></div><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/01/project-quilting-152-sky-color.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-4830968382397702102024-01-25T06:00:00.005-05:002024-02-03T21:42:51.941-05:00Gratitude and Glimmers #81<div style="text-align: left;">Let another year of being grateful, consciously grateful, begin. It's so true that little aha, or wow moments of gratitude give you a little glimmer, whether that glimmer is a lift to your spirits or a little squeeze of your heart or a secret smile. You can find more posts from like-minded grateful peeps at <a href="https://lapaylor.blogspot.com/?m=1" target="_blank">Not Afraid of Color</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Dogs are the BEST! Cats are a close second, but sorry Bella and Harper, they do come second. I love dogs, and am proud and honoured to say I have been and still am owned by several of these beautiful souls over the 43.5 years of our marriage. We actually got our first dog, Rex, about two months before we were married, and he lived with my husband for a bit, and with me at my parents for a bit before we were married. Anyhow, THIS--?!!! You will be amazed and moved by Ruby who saved her master's life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2302009411794" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1690" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcPiu07551dQ6ZVie-Ds0Nj1KU-IIMrv1j0x7RNBd0nSnZIeJIIS_5jlsJQvJfahLljukMbmIqZx1sE9RqUWoil0m_GFsznSxVaZ6TwU3LkYcrMOdWKQYPcw4mlC8DP_tulSLVWy36Bba1y2p562YwmLwG6u4OIgKLYs9CZhMRUkFW_70C-0u2JhUM-zm/w640-h360/ruby.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br><span></span><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/01/gratitude-and-glimmers-81.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-29860376531636438422024-01-24T07:31:00.004-05:002024-02-03T21:42:42.392-05:00Christmas Garland RunnerI seem to be on a roll of finishes this month, and here is another. Dayna made several requests last summer and I do believe I've now fulfilled them all, though in the other day's conversation mention was made of her needing a heart quilt... She had requested two table runners, one in pink and another in traditional Christmas colours. You've seen the flimsy in the pattern release post. Well, here it is complete.<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhll6uRlLc9_f4-XbaXPvK7cpGzTtjqnBpK5UvOzeoCoyKfKjcz2kxwoaTEXGRYMqfttPHKpsYtQR6rcGIwi11UAJiUU0SSNpy8x2MVU8LFuTARsmC903u6RETMUdutf9Ye4RKK4YRebmeYGm0cHtTiJ2uF946IJ0QWo1rXKfTZqKHr5FP-EZOLYpre5F6z/s4032/IMG_4015.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhll6uRlLc9_f4-XbaXPvK7cpGzTtjqnBpK5UvOzeoCoyKfKjcz2kxwoaTEXGRYMqfttPHKpsYtQR6rcGIwi11UAJiUU0SSNpy8x2MVU8LFuTARsmC903u6RETMUdutf9Ye4RKK4YRebmeYGm0cHtTiJ2uF946IJ0QWo1rXKfTZqKHr5FP-EZOLYpre5F6z/w480-h640/IMG_4015.jpeg" width="480"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Dayna loves it. Mission accomplished!</div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/01/christmas-garland-runner.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-51019232972664031992024-01-22T09:58:00.003-05:002024-02-03T21:42:33.076-05:00Harper's Heart Quilt<div style="text-align: left;">Another long-standing request of Dayna's is a quilt for Harper. Yes, I made her a cat mat a few years ago, which she loves, but Dayna wanted an actual quilt for her. When I was making the <a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2022/02/millie.html" target="_blank">pixellated heart quilt</a> for Millie, Dayna's BFF's daughter, I made one using 2.5" squares that ended up being too small. I made the second one, using 3.5" squares to get it to a better size. The small pixellated heart has been sitting for almost exactly two years, waiting patiently for something to happen with it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1gQQwC9UCZt-XeHJJctmmMWDSp8xhsBvCeSdZasLoIAVV1ZQsrcTzPyBDH9h9PIWlXpL9m95e_mpp_i8m1EJFi3DadpkYD5vl7hRVRK7MZSRBq4DORvpURa5T4ztnya0A28mN6l_KtrDnki8CFKKRO_yar94MbgxF5Z-GP8vJ4sG-UA0QYOMHPFC0ALR/s1819/IMG_3913.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1819" data-original-width="1819" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1gQQwC9UCZt-XeHJJctmmMWDSp8xhsBvCeSdZasLoIAVV1ZQsrcTzPyBDH9h9PIWlXpL9m95e_mpp_i8m1EJFi3DadpkYD5vl7hRVRK7MZSRBq4DORvpURa5T4ztnya0A28mN6l_KtrDnki8CFKKRO_yar94MbgxF5Z-GP8vJ4sG-UA0QYOMHPFC0ALR/w640-h640/IMG_3913.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">When Dayna and Tyler were in Detroit for last week's game against the Rams, which the Lions won, woot woot, we met them at Toast, a family-owned restaurant in Windsor (no relation to Toast in Ferndale, Michigan across the river). Meeting up with them was the impetus to check off this item on her list of quilt requests.</div><span></span><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/01/harpers-heart-quilt.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-6375194694102969822024-01-20T04:00:00.003-05:002024-01-20T12:58:49.022-05:00SAHRR and RSC ProgressI posted some of these photos on my Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mmmquilts/" target="_blank">@mmmquilts</a> but it's good to keep a record here on the blog too. I'm leaving comments off this post since a lot of it is what's been shown there.<div><br><div>I joined in with the Stay At Home Round Robin or SAHRR hosted by <a href="https://quiltinggail.com" target="_blank">QuiltingGail</a> for the first time last year and it was a blast. A good brain workout and good push for the creativity! Here is my centre block for this year:</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhHeUSLw5g-u6mFjmdVK98P76NWRTQoPvdivSS-1Mq4rVQh3red7GGiKgCMRxPVPcjfUAyEY2K63PkUbkyraRszBLRLhuWILhVHbyUQ6q6pPPknoOP0Hi0xx9R7XbqA_xYWYMNHZtMMyYLAenB-N09dnjWrF1qL98cuaLuoMiErPgNhSG3YkKhUzfCDfL/s1819/IMG_3937.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1819" data-original-width="1819" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhHeUSLw5g-u6mFjmdVK98P76NWRTQoPvdivSS-1Mq4rVQh3red7GGiKgCMRxPVPcjfUAyEY2K63PkUbkyraRszBLRLhuWILhVHbyUQ6q6pPPknoOP0Hi0xx9R7XbqA_xYWYMNHZtMMyYLAenB-N09dnjWrF1qL98cuaLuoMiErPgNhSG3YkKhUzfCDfL/w640-h640/IMG_3937.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><br><div>It measure 17.5" x 16.5".</div><div><br></div><div><span></span><span></span></div></div><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/01/sahrr-and-rsc-progress.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-4883353488217359752024-01-19T11:17:00.006-05:002024-02-03T21:42:15.459-05:00Rosebud Garland Pattern Release<div style="text-align: left;">Ta-da! May I present <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1647051800/rosebud-garland-pdf-quilt-pattern-table" target="_blank">Rosebud Garland</a>! I am very excited to release my first pattern of 2024, which technically is my last pattern of 2023, since it was in the previous issue of <a href="https://transactions.sendowl.com/stores/7271/204594" target="_blank"><i>Make Modern</i></a>, issue #55 to be specific. One of the many things I love about this magazine is that they only keep the rights to your patterns until the next issue comes out, in other words, just two months.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1647051800/rosebud-garland-pdf-quilt-pattern-table" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="728" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_rr4JgD2fAZA-LR8UAGe619DyuhyphenhyphenwnuIlMGVN4YVLdqXzABFiFGa9UW6tFNkM3DJaDdcjoWe5Gt6VV4OXltHQ0LXWnSCaDf8qAPhnSEQ2th9YEbeGvQZh5dOnaMhgU4EeGwf_afyXITcB0UM7ZSDIf4oL-xAn5p8Qy-AqEHt4xzEboE_XFergk8G6A0P/w372-h640/RG%20front%20screenshot.jpg" width="372"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">What you won't get in the <i>Make Modern</i> issue is the pattern for the accompanying placemats, as well as a tip in this post to make an extra-long runner if you've got a large dining table, as does my daughter, Dayna. Read on to find out and also to check out the low price at which it's being offered.</div><span></span><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/01/rosebud-garland-pattern-release.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-2226127408486250372024-01-17T11:49:00.003-05:002024-02-03T21:42:06.703-05:00W-EVdnesday #7 - Power Grids<div style="text-align: left;">First of all, I have made a tab at the top of my blog which, if you click it, takes to to a page where you can find links to all of my W-EVdnesday posts.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last week Alberta issued an Emergency Alert:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRsnTS1WuConHD_xmanCsi6UWjQmNIrARCemZ5QbufWNqIinVPNSaO7tqTMOoImUI_2NSYyYO4pv-NQXTuNmb40Hlb8-Snk8fgWtnjwYj0hzb4p7G6dPfVRIK_qVNAjMiyKyhzyz_SntqiOip9Hr2-ztwFAJQ0fE5slFuQ4jPUBBeF_WwOrM7OMiCUZUw/s1266/Screenshot%202024-01-13%20at%206.46.40%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="585" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRsnTS1WuConHD_xmanCsi6UWjQmNIrARCemZ5QbufWNqIinVPNSaO7tqTMOoImUI_2NSYyYO4pv-NQXTuNmb40Hlb8-Snk8fgWtnjwYj0hzb4p7G6dPfVRIK_qVNAjMiyKyhzyz_SntqiOip9Hr2-ztwFAJQ0fE5slFuQ4jPUBBeF_WwOrM7OMiCUZUw/w185-h400/Screenshot%202024-01-13%20at%206.46.40%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" width="185"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: left;">Screenshot courtesy of our daughter Brianne. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">My first thought was well, I guess I can see that; I mean earlier Brianne had sent us a couple of screenshots of unbelievably cold actual temperatures and insane windchills:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUYPai1v-EOVjKUykoYTzBKhcFTD2vWJn37d2rm2WbPBsG-SEGpFqa6SIAjQDQVqZMtNQmf4vzCFLd7mGbsIiOdX7NZV8DRIl8iQ_eHZnff9EP29tEbj_8aBSs5J6w8IOnCw_zC6ZuxcehJBRzNfbEQOagg_Ncbx1-FqDS2M4QTfG9zdpGtjYUUm0-jx7/s610/Screenshot%202024-01-12%20at%209.48.26%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="585" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUYPai1v-EOVjKUykoYTzBKhcFTD2vWJn37d2rm2WbPBsG-SEGpFqa6SIAjQDQVqZMtNQmf4vzCFLd7mGbsIiOdX7NZV8DRIl8iQ_eHZnff9EP29tEbj_8aBSs5J6w8IOnCw_zC6ZuxcehJBRzNfbEQOagg_Ncbx1-FqDS2M4QTfG9zdpGtjYUUm0-jx7/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-12%20at%209.48.26%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" width="307"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">But my nano-second close second thought was wait, 'delay charging electric vehicles?' <i>That</i> is what they are purporting to be one of the significant drains on the grid? 'Berta gonna 'Berta as they say these days...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">However, it’s not just Alberta; this narrative is all too common. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>“Our power grid won't be able to handle all these EVs coming online.”</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">So MacGyver and I had a little chat, and he told me about Tim Weiss, <a href="https://twitter.com/TimAlberta/" target="_blank">@TimWeissAB</a> a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Alberta (yay, my alma mater) who he follows who had this to say about that very thing.</div><span></span><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/01/w-evdnesday-7-power-grids.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-24349513308532877942024-01-12T14:41:00.006-05:002024-02-03T21:41:56.373-05:00Project Quilting 15.1 Bird HouseI am always excited to kick off the year with challenges to my creative spirit. Project Quilting, along with the Stay At Home Round Robin, aka SAHRR, which starts this coming weekend, do just that!<div><br></div><div>Our first challenge is to make something that evokes "the myriad places a bird calls 'home,'" as explained by Trish at<a href="https://kimlapacek.com/2024/01/15-1-bird-house-challenge-1-of-project-quilting-season-15.html" target="_blank"> kimlapacek.com</a> Here is my finished piece. Read on to see how it evolved.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXcfYk1zvU1yvCbhyphenhyphenTKIO9APwSAV8NYOgl6MY3CDWjZsLD8AgThGEbkx-AizV6jSbfaOP_j1H_cJC_DQGWch9MU_7Xa5W9ER8jYuoaM-4adjvd_LtGo9-N0Okw9axXHQ16wBCk70qRJ9zzEVm7arJ5cgPOvVV7JqvHNY6VKuqbKW_d6bkdG95MVfbg2e5/s1900/IMG_3901.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1574" data-original-width="1900" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXcfYk1zvU1yvCbhyphenhyphenTKIO9APwSAV8NYOgl6MY3CDWjZsLD8AgThGEbkx-AizV6jSbfaOP_j1H_cJC_DQGWch9MU_7Xa5W9ER8jYuoaM-4adjvd_LtGo9-N0Okw9axXHQ16wBCk70qRJ9zzEVm7arJ5cgPOvVV7JqvHNY6VKuqbKW_d6bkdG95MVfbg2e5/w640-h530/IMG_3901.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><br><span></span><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/01/project-quilting-151-bird-house.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-60915340355212682912024-01-11T18:00:00.028-05:002024-02-03T21:41:42.361-05:00TGIFF! Postcard from Sweden Finish<div style="text-align: left;">Welcome to TGIFF! This is a celebration of finishes, and I'm happy to be back hosting the second one of 2024. I am also very pleased to show off my second finish of 2024, my third Postcard from Sweden quilt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmixHtaYiGqTluVclbkOeYUlb1RCNaBhJYFBURGhwkh6duspvIRKUUj82DS05rRStAuqxxcrgvDk48cjsg3PY39SuwSFti-c83AeSW_osnXEPlPz1s-FCJhiKT02wB0f2EPS73vTYExdLUHEvbqYQaf9njgCjXDdzonkbNjJa0K_TFCN7V9x1jnSQkAU_/s1871/IMG_3889.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1871" data-original-width="1553" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmixHtaYiGqTluVclbkOeYUlb1RCNaBhJYFBURGhwkh6duspvIRKUUj82DS05rRStAuqxxcrgvDk48cjsg3PY39SuwSFti-c83AeSW_osnXEPlPz1s-FCJhiKT02wB0f2EPS73vTYExdLUHEvbqYQaf9njgCjXDdzonkbNjJa0K_TFCN7V9x1jnSQkAU_/w532-h640/IMG_3889.jpeg" width="532"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Like the first two, this one is <b>not</b> going to live with me, and that is just fine. Like the first two, it is on its way to a good home where I know it will be cherished. If you are interested in hosting TGIFF go <a href="http://tgiffriday.blogspot.com/p/hosting-tgiff.html" target="_blank">here</a> to pick a date to sign up. It's super-easy.</div><span></span><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/01/tgiff-postcard-from-sweden-finish.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-64041567970681718792024-01-05T09:00:00.013-05:002024-02-03T21:41:21.351-05:00Sofia’s QuiltThis was the second quilt commission that I got in 2023. One of my neighbours asked me to make a quilt for another neighbour who had a baby girl in the middle of December. Technically the quilt should’ve been easily finished by December 31 but the flu that weekend prevented that from happening so it only got completed on January 2.<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaKy40DW8uyXVXVnj4TGZR3hWi6mwrMYxyLVe-IeQNp0UMkkh4qzvBcRTBL_u6w_vWw0MgeVJhXo2MUYjTcbGYzgfy5VtQOqfgQjmSBUnmJMkb3MmCvhNNpz_DJyJSVqqHh-Ko-6Hsh5_vERya-2JpB39iNPf8nYy1hkbWz4nu_OsmgB3G26lZDYHg1Ff/s1750/IMG_3853.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1750" data-original-width="1515" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaKy40DW8uyXVXVnj4TGZR3hWi6mwrMYxyLVe-IeQNp0UMkkh4qzvBcRTBL_u6w_vWw0MgeVJhXo2MUYjTcbGYzgfy5VtQOqfgQjmSBUnmJMkb3MmCvhNNpz_DJyJSVqqHh-Ko-6Hsh5_vERya-2JpB39iNPf8nYy1hkbWz4nu_OsmgB3G26lZDYHg1Ff/w554-h640/IMG_3853.jpeg" width="554"></a></div><div><br></div>I gave some glimpses on Instagram during the construction and quilting process. It is the third time I’ve made my pattern, Sunset strip, which you can see on my sideboard where there is a link to it in my Etsy shop.<span></span></div><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/01/sofias-quilt.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-92099877411978488792024-01-04T20:27:00.007-05:002024-02-03T21:41:07.101-05:002024 Setting Intentions and Summarizing 2023I decided to put some of my intentions for 2024 into words this year; last year they were in my head, rather nebulous and definitely not prescriptive. I did enough of those kind of goal-setting missives complete with measures and strategies over 30 years of teaching! Although the main reason for starting my blog was to keep in touch with friends and family, as well as keep a record of my creations, it certainly has evolved over the ten years I've been writing it. Yep, I hit ten years (wow) in September 2023. It has evolved into such an enriching exciting part of my life and I couldn't be more awed or grateful for all the directions I've gone.<div><br></div><div>A brief recap of what I'd sort of expected of 2023 is worth noting. My previous post was The Best Of, and it differs from this recap of expectations I had, something I didn't realize until after I'd made my notes, and then thought whoops, have I repeated myself... strangely, no, except for one item!</div><div><br></div><div>1. I had hoped to get a quilt or two published during the course of that year, since I hadn't had any published designs in 2022, and so I submitted to two publications, Golden Peak Media and <i>Make Modern</i>. Both submissions were accepted, Tinker Toys in <i>Love of Quilting</i> September/October and Rosebud Garland in <i>Make Modern</i> November/December.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5ECHWZLCTMv0x_ajeVHHQsCvu_q7A3jK78ZSZY-0frZpvUGh4XfS7g-7fQVXcx_TkVgVEn9P7iicgyFqJACsz8aSVSOBJaqtCB1yXIA4npY7xSG5AN5-T90tsWmJ0OrxCAz8iBCcQhz1ueNlcpxefNvv5RgqXP08M0Cz-U48XqQu2WdRs9J7SNT-HGfN/s2048/3FA497B4-9F02-4770-A54B-FE23CC8A89F0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5ECHWZLCTMv0x_ajeVHHQsCvu_q7A3jK78ZSZY-0frZpvUGh4XfS7g-7fQVXcx_TkVgVEn9P7iicgyFqJACsz8aSVSOBJaqtCB1yXIA4npY7xSG5AN5-T90tsWmJ0OrxCAz8iBCcQhz1ueNlcpxefNvv5RgqXP08M0Cz-U48XqQu2WdRs9J7SNT-HGfN/w640-h640/3FA497B4-9F02-4770-A54B-FE23CC8A89F0.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>The pattern for Rosebud Garland will soon be released as I get the rights back when issue 56 is published, on January 12. </div><span></span><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/01/2024-setting-intentions-and-summarizing.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-28149566197177201502024-01-01T04:00:00.010-05:002024-02-03T21:40:58.190-05:00My Best of 2023My dad used to say that when he was a kid, the days would go so slowly from one weekend to the next, and it would take forever to get to his birthday or summer vacation. Now that he was retired, months passed like days, and a year was gone in a blink. I understand exactly what he meant! How is it three, no, coming up on four years since the world locked down for the pandemic? I feel my brain wanting to explode.<div><br></div><div>Regardless, another year has marched on by, and I am joining in with Cheryl at <a href="https://meadowmistdesigns.blogspot.com/2023/12/my-best-of-2023.html" target="_blank">Meadow Mist Designs</a> for a look back at things to celebrate in 2023. I usually start by flipping through all the posts I wrote - 81 - to see which ones got the most views. </div><div><br></div><div>1. The most-viewed post was <a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2023/01/the-art-of-riding-thermals-villa-rosa.html" target="_blank">The Art of Riding Thermals</a>, a quilt I made for the Villa Rosa Designs January blog hop I was asked to be a part of.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7Jt84NHh9JkID1XJJW672Yfgq7Lp9-88S2LqXcyjnqNiNm7juI-CoXbnXNq-wsRL0gw0D8dq-7rWkb2OgQ-R-kSfHoi1OpHMW76MbBHs37OJoe0cmKxhqY7sgwbn5ySKuq82P54QRPKpYp_kGtkgnJvdmEuTbe4D0jAoL3C8wPAifXdA05jOypS71Q/s800/15EF1CAA-A771-4512-BDC6-D635E4797170.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7Jt84NHh9JkID1XJJW672Yfgq7Lp9-88S2LqXcyjnqNiNm7juI-CoXbnXNq-wsRL0gw0D8dq-7rWkb2OgQ-R-kSfHoi1OpHMW76MbBHs37OJoe0cmKxhqY7sgwbn5ySKuq82P54QRPKpYp_kGtkgnJvdmEuTbe4D0jAoL3C8wPAifXdA05jOypS71Q/w480-h640/15EF1CAA-A771-4512-BDC6-D635E4797170.jpeg" width="480"></a></div><br><div>This quilt lives with my niece, Sheila, in Edmonton, where it keeps her Postcard from Sweden quilt company.</div><span></span><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2024/01/my-best-of-2023.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8372716062763623967.post-23463019840526595422023-12-30T18:09:00.010-05:002024-02-03T21:39:47.441-05:00Gratitude Glimmers #80<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here we are at the final gratitude post of the year. Gratitude does lead to a happier human, though I admit I’ve had to dig deep these past few months. You can find more grateful posts at LeeAnna's blog, <a href="https://lapaylor.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Not Afraid of Color</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. I like the book Dayna got me for Christmas. It’s one of my all-time favourites, and I highly recommend it. I read it in 2022 and waxed poetic about it in a gratitude post that year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOP3NZeGWnvSXyp7Oi_hy7f9G02LaiRH1dlkImyaHz6KHw_-TgaWxDAxtFDnVxI34CVN8pPB1bNCKOMwkAZRr5hQ4HnfQyK1SYHcc4knmMeDZwXvAuKbH0J9nWWI_7GMPlaV8WCJAJnSFOZAzX1oiyJ_CIGax-1uaY_O-8u4Weg8KxKBLcm4M9agG1IMYJ/s4032/IMG_3830.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOP3NZeGWnvSXyp7Oi_hy7f9G02LaiRH1dlkImyaHz6KHw_-TgaWxDAxtFDnVxI34CVN8pPB1bNCKOMwkAZRr5hQ4HnfQyK1SYHcc4knmMeDZwXvAuKbH0J9nWWI_7GMPlaV8WCJAJnSFOZAzX1oiyJ_CIGax-1uaY_O-8u4Weg8KxKBLcm4M9agG1IMYJ/w480-h640/IMG_3830.jpeg" width="480"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>It confirms a sense I’ve had about trees from, well, pretty much forever, but the moment I entered Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island, I was utterly transformed into a tree-hugger, tree lover, an advocate and worshipper. Scientists around the world have been studying their communication powers, and their amazing findings about these sentient beings is ongoing. </div><span></span><a href="https://www.mmmquilts.com/2023/12/gratitude-glimmers-80.html#more"></a>Sandra Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17737049269550479188noreply@blogger.com9