--John's Daughter--

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

calm

I know it's been a long time since I've posted.
This absence I've had here is due to life.
My absence here, means I've been living life. Elsewhere.
not on the computer :)

We've moved our family 2.5 hours away from the home I've known for the last 10 years.
Our married home. Our whole married life.

New city, new job, new school, new church, new friends, new stores and....oh did I not mention?
New BABY.

yes. 2013 is the year of new.

In many ways I have not been "o.k." with much of it. (except the baby part--she's lovely!)

It happened too fast, too soon, too unexpected.
But the Lord opened the door and my hubby felt ready to walk right through it and me dragging my feet behind me.

I'm accepting my new life and in many ways I see God moulding me. Changing me.
I've always said that I'm the kind of person who "can't handle too much".
And while this is absolutely true.
With God's leading and my husband to hold my hand, I'm "handling it" in my own way.
oh... and my kids?
They're hopping and skipping and loving life here.

To say I "can't handle too much" doesn't really express what I mean though.
I always thought it made me weak.... until I read this blog post.

She nailed it.
I need margins in my life.
LARGE MARGINS.
The less I do outside of me and my family the better a person I am.

Seems a bit selfish, but in some ways I'm thankful for the move.
Fresh start.
No committments.
Just me. and my family.
It's more of a blessing than I'd ever thought or prepared for.
But hey,
that's God for ya.
He knows what you need, even when you don't.

Monday, June 4, 2012

BEE's

It's been a while since I've updated my crafty pursuits...

string quilt blocks for Lynn of H2B2-- I liked these because instead of a paper foundation she used a muslin permanent foundation...makes the quilt a bit heftier and is much easier!

My friend Jodi of H2B2 sent lovely valentine fabric and gave us free reign to make blocks of a valentine theme.

she had indicated she liked the "word" blocks so I thought I'd give it a go! I loved it so much now I want a whole quilt of love and x and o's myself!

May was my month in the H2B2 quilting bee and I sent out this scrumptious pile of fabrics to make some enormous shoo fly blocks.

These blocks were designed by Alexandra Ledgerwood of Teaginny Designs blog and the pattern was published in the Spring '12 issue of Stitch Magazine

The colours for this quilt were inspired by Sissy's new p.j's and as the quilt is for her and she is my snuggle bug--she of course has asked for bright pink minky as a backing.

I'm waiting on 2 more blocks and then I hope to get this quilt put together soon!

There is more craftiness brewing and I've rejoined the Great White North Bee 3 so I'll update you soon on that too!

I'm trying to take things one project at a time.... or maybe 2?

Thursday, May 31, 2012

modern?

I was reading a post by Alison of Cluck, Cluck, Sew blog fame.
(she is by far my favourite pattern designer! such talent!)
anyways, she struck a chord with me today.

I've been asked quite frequently about what kind of a quilter I am.
Modern? Traditional?

and then there are those that don't ask, and just assume that quilting is this old past time using calicos and plain fabrics and it's just not something they would like at all.
--you know the look... like they kind of turn their nose at you as if to say "ewww. really? you like that?"

Well yes. I like that.
and no. I don't.
....It depends....
On what, you might ask?

I have thought about this alot. I am not modern nor am I traditional.
I am just a quilter. I quilt what I like.

and I happen to be attracted to fabric with a more "modern" flair for the more youthful generation. but I like a many varied way of constructing them...

you know my mom and I were talking about generations and how they have colour schemes. you know, like each generation brings in it's own style and likes.
My mom loved the hunter green, burgundy and rose colour palette. (and those geese with the hearts?--I know you know what I'm talking about!)
and neutrals.
I prefer brighter fresher looks and so do most of my friends in "my generation"

...so what is modern? youth?
Each generation is more modern than the next. due to influences and technology partly. and just due to the need to be different I think.

(just a few of the items I'm crushing on right now--totally on my "to make" list) 1. Patchworking, 2. A Double Shot!, 3. Urban Amish Garden Party - 1, 4. stacked solids front

But no. I'm not a modern quilter.
I'm just a quilter who likes to quilt :)

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Still Here

I am still here.

I didn't fall down.
I didn't run off to a foreign country.
I didn't sell my computer.
Pinterest has not swallowed me up.
I didn't fall in a black hole.
My house didn't get swept up in a tornado.

It's just that....well, there's no place like home :)

I'm a little bit pregnant.
and a litte bit busy...not to mention a whole lot of lazy!

I've been homeschooling, working the hot lunches at Sissy's school.
Eating hummus at all times of night.
not to mention the ham an onion sandwich I ate for breakfast! YUM!

This is our 4th baby.
maybe our last :(
I love being pregnant and am savouring every moment and little kick.
I'll be back soon.
Just going to take a quick nap :)

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Bee Blocks

Found some pics of Bee blocks that I have yet to share with you all...
First up is a stacked block for the Hip 2 Bee Square group--can't remember whether this was October or September. It's been too long!

I loved making these and might need to make some for myself :)

Next up also for H2B2 are some improv log cabins using some Dream On fabric

I really am not that great at improv piecing :(

Lastly, some really cool hens to start us off for January's H2B2 (Round 3) which I am now heading up.

These hens are for Jan and she sent us the legs and the pattern and we were to use our scraps--they really were so fun to make!

My hubby was not a fan, however, so I don't know that I'll be making many more of these unless someone I know wants a chicken quilt--any takers? :)