Brayden's New Pyjamas.

This week I finally finished Brayden's pyjamas. Maria and I planned to go to the American border today but that didn't happen, she had to work, maybe we'll go on the week-end.

There is a Postal strike in Canada.

From The Globe and Mail.......Cast your mind back to 1997. Facebook and e-vites didn’t exist. You couldn’t browse the Internet on your phone or tablet. And there were few good alternatives to paying bills by mail.

Fearing economic carnage, the federal government waited just 16 days before ordering the striking posties back to work.

This time around, Canada Post’s fading presence in the lives of Canadians is front and centre in the dispute. The Crown corporation, which is facing dwindling revenues and a crushing $3-billion pension deficit, is determined to significantly cut pay and benefits for new hires, creating a two-tiered work force..... The end

The truth is the strike will not affect most Canadians. We have computers, UPS, and the USPS.
How lucky can we be! It is sad for the people who receive their cheques in the mail.













I bought 5 meters of flannel for 2 pairs of pyjamas for Brayden, but it still wasn't enough. I went back to Fabricland, only to find there wasn't any more left. If you look closely you will see where I pieced the top. Bless Brayden's heart, he will never complain. Got to love him, he is his father's son.
The two dogs sitting on my couch are waiting for me to make a quilt for them. They will go to the Christmas Cheer Fund.
Two kids will be happy.

Taken from Nicole's blog.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2011

One Sheet Wonder Part Three: Scrapbook Page
Scrapbook Layouts are another fun thing you can make with your one sheet wonders. This is the sheet that I stepped out, it was a lot quieter, a little more open space and I thought it would be perfect for a wedding page.

I used a ton of wrinkle ribbon too :-)




Nicole is a fabulous designer in all her crafts.
Nicole and Chris' wedding, February 4, 1995. Bill and me, Chris and Nicole, Nicole's mom and dad, Dennis and Luci.
Calgary, Ab.


View her blog, "Made by Nicole"

The Dress I Made.

I posted this dress a while back but I accidentally posted the full name of the owner, so I removed it.

Years ago Kathy and I took a sewing course, "Stretch and Sew by Jan Taylor".
The dress fabric and ribbing was 100% polyester.
You sew the white neck ribbing to the top of the dress, then you stretch the ribbing while you sew with coloured thread along the top folded edge. This gives you the wavy look.
I like learning new things, and that's the reason I took this course.
I didn't have any girls so I gave it to my friend Isabel, she had two daughters. After the girls out grew the dress, she gave them to our other friend "H".
The young lady in this photo is 42 years old today.

I'm publishing the photo again because it's one of my favourite sewing projects.

US Patriotic Fabrics.

The West Coast of the US has been Chris and Nicole's home for many years. Whenever I would visit them, they would take me to various fabric and quilt shops. My purchases would always consist of at least 3 or 4 yards of US patriotic fabrics. I assumed that someday they would come back home with all their patriotic fabric quilts I made for them. I'm sure everyone knows the old saying, "God laughs at those who make plans", they aren't coming back to Canada, they chose to become American citizens. I did make 2 patriotic quilts for Trenton. 911 and Arm Severices of America.


Trenton's " Arm Severices of America" quilt, he picked out the fabrics.










I used up some of the fabrics making tote bags for my daughter-in-law in Calgary, for myself and for a few friends who often travel to Duluth, Mn. My stash was far to large and I couldn't find anyone in Thunder Bay who might want it. Aunt Pitty Pat's blog mention having a July mug rug swap. That was all the inspiration I needed, I searched the internet for photos of the Twin Towers.
Talking to Al on the phone I mentioned that I was having a hard time trying to find a good photo of the Twin Towers pre 911, there were so many post 911. Not my idea of July 4th. He mentioned something about the capture of Bin Laden, he had no idea what I would do with that thought. I found the Wanted Dead or Live poster, so I made a placemat for Al. I thought of putting the word, dead or captured, across his face but decided Al could spill all the coffee he wanted on him. I used black and white fabric to make it look as if he was in jail. and the poster picture because it conjured up vision of the Old West.
I printed out three photos of the Twin Towers. I made placemats for Marcel and Nicole. The extra one I sent to Marcel with some patriotic fabrics. She can use them for her mug rug. I'm so happy my stash is smaller, I still have more.

I made one for Al, Chris and Stephen. Stephen was born in Texas, played football in the CFL, helping Calgary win the Grey Cup, and now lives here.

Al & Chris' Placemat.


Stephen's placemats.








Chris & Nicole's placemat.


Marcel's placemat.








I made another pair of pyjamas for Brayden, the last pair was a bit too small, he won't stop growing. It's very difficult to find flannel for a 12 year old boy, so I was hoping he would like what I bought, I LOVE CANADA. Here is what I sent to the Utah Maki's.



Brayden wearing his new pj.



Chris and Nicole got the parcel on Thursday, Al will be lucky if he gets his next week. Good old Canadian mail services.



I received an incredible email from Marcel. I'm blessed, I have the best quilt friends in the whole wide world.
I sent Laura Secord chocolates because they are made in Canada.

Betty Sweet Friend!!!
Wow the package came today.. and I am blown away at all the wonderful nice fabric and items you sent to me.. How did you know that I needed some Americana Fabrics.. and all of this fabric is just what I needed... your so sweet and kind to think of me and give me such a nice considerate gift... Thank you so very much Betty!!
I have to tell you I love the Twin Towers block and the place mat.. they almost made me weep... I can hardly wait to sit down and read the magazines that you sent.. I see they were published in Canada.. what fun!! The mug the chocolates the pen.. everything was so very sweet.. Thank you Thank you thank you!!!
You really spoiled me... I love it!!!
M

A little foot note, Vancouver Canucks play the Boston Bruins next Wednesday, for the Stanley Cup.
It's our game..... HOCKEY!

Laura Secord Chocolates.

In 1913 Frank P. O’Connor began a small, Toronto-based candy business selling hand-made chocolates. He adopted the name Laura Secord, after the Canadian heroine because she was an icon of courage, devotion and loyalty.

Laura Secord started as a single shop on Yonge Street in Toronto. O’Connor turned the flat above the shop into a kitchen and prepared his own products. Success prompted the company’s expansion across Ontario and Quebec and in the 1930’s an office was opened in Winnipeg and drugstore agencies were appointed as Laura Secord outlets, or service shops.

By 1950, there were 96 shops in Ontario and Quebec, and Laura Secord candy was a well-established family tradition. Starting in the late sixties, Laura Secord underwent a series of ownership changes and is currently owned by Jean and Jacques Leclerc, two Quebec businessmen.

Currently with over 130 company-owned stores across the country, Laura Secord is Canada’s largest and best known chocolatier, selling premium chocolates, ice cream and other types of candies. With more than 400 products, Laura Secord still follows the time-honoured recipes and dedication to quality and excellent customer service as when the company first started. Every product carries an unconditional guarantee for quality.

Due to shortage after World War II, Laura Secord Chocolate went on sale once a week, Saturday morning. People would line up in front of the drug store waiting to get in just to buy one box of the delicious chocolates. I know this because, as a teenager I worked at the only drug store that sold Laura Secord chocolates. When you get Laura Secord Chocolates, you know you got the best.

Today It's about hockey not quilting.

I am Canadian.

My children are American, my Father-In-Law was born in Finland, my Mom was born in Slovakia,

so if Canada or the States can't win the Gold in World Hockey, I'm so proud that Finland beat Sweden in Slovakia.

Nothing can be better than that.

A poem from Bill Maki's childhood days.

40 Swedes came through the weeds

Chased by one crazy Finn.

Bill told me, "it's just a joke."

The 2010 BC Olympic Quilt

Here is the wonderful email I got from Dawn.


Dawn, 10:00pm May 14th
Subject: A million likes!
Omigoodness! Al dropped by your beautiful and thoughtful quilt. It is simply gorgeous and perfect for our wonderful 2010 year. The tag looks amazing. My mum is here visiting from Manitoulin Island - she arrived via bus because she's afraid to fly - and was thrilled to get to see it. Kirsi was playing on it today. I was pointing out all the different winter sports. Photos to come.
Hugs and kisses ~ Dawn, Chris & Kirsi

This is one of the many reasons why I love to quilt, I get great e-mails.