What a great link!

I spend most of my time designing quilt patterns or making samples for the patterns that I've designed. It's like a 9:00 to 5:00 job, except that I fit it in around making breakfast, making lunches, getting kids to school, grocery shopping, housecleaning (well, sometimes!), etc. While I have no problem thinking up lots of new design ideas, I often have a problem getting down to making the patterns and writing the instructions. Yes, I'll admit it, I'm a procrastinator. It's amazing how many things I can find to get in the way of work and it's ironic that the very thing that helps me in my designing is almost my worst obstacle to accomplishing things - the computer. 

In the old days (pre-home computers), quilt patterns would be drafted using your imagination, some graph paper and a pencil and eraser. You would write or type out your instructions and then they would be copied and sold. At least I'm guessing that's how it would be done, since I've never done it that way. My laptop was already well broken in when I started designing patterns and I was already an Electric Quilt afficionado. I use software to design my quilts, draw my appliqué shapes and write instructions. So this means that I'm on the computer for a significant portion of each day. So what's the problem with that, you ask? Well, once I'm working on the computer, I tend to get a little, shall we say, distracted by what else is available there. 


Now before you start thinking that I'm cruising inappropriate websites, let me clarify... I get distracted by emails and quilting websites. I'm also on Facebook, so that has to be checked frequently throughout the day, contrary to what my husband says. This wouldn't be so bad if I only looked at the recent entries and then moved on to my actual work, but wait, look at the link to that great new fabric - and who would've thought that you could do appliqué that way? See what I mean? I'm a link-aholic. I can't resist investigating all that information that is waiting for me just be clicking on links posted by other quilters. Now don't get me wrong, I appreciate all that information and learn a lot, but it does cut down on my productivity. 


I know that I need more self-control to just say no to the links and get back to my own work, but I have a really hard time doing that. I'm hoping that someday someone invents computer blinders, like they use on horses, to keep me focussed on my own work and avoid being distracted by all the other information on the internet. If you think you can help me out, just send me an email - or a link!

Pattern Draw Winner!

I recently had a draw for two patterns: one of my own and one that was graciously donated by my friend, Kay Mackenzie. "Sweet" by Kay Mackenzie is a luscious and low-cal array of tempting treats which you can create using your favourite appliqué technique. While Kay usually prefers a needle-turn appliqué technique, I am partial to fusible web appliqué and could see making this project with either technique. 

"Hootie" is actually not a quilt pattern at all, but rather a trio of charming owl stuffies. Although it is not quilting, per se, the pattern does use fusible web appliqué when applying the owls' features. While the owls in the photo are unembellished, you can use crystals, beads and trims to enhance the owls. I can see Momma Hootie putting on the glitz with a pearl necklace and earrings, while Poppa Hootie has crystal buttons down his chest. The possibilities are endless and the choice is yours!


Congratulations to Pat Clarke, who won the draw.
Have fun adding your own personal touch to both of these whimsical patterns.

Jasper, AB

We just got back from a quick trip to Jasper, Alberta, Canada. The kids had never been and it has been years since my husband and I had been there, so it was time to visit. Also, there is a quilt shop there, so how could I say no?! 

On the way up to Jasper, we visited the Columbia Icefield, where it actually was snowing - on July 2! It certainly makes you realize how small we really are on this earth when you see this huge glacier and the geography that it has carved out. There are plaques indicating where the glacier was in different years, so you get an idea as to how much it has receded. The picture at the left gives you an idea of the immensity of the glacier (I'm in the red jacket). You can also take tours and walks on the glacier, but I didn't want to fall down a crevasse, so I passed on that one! Last time I was there we did take a snow cat up onto the glacier and were able to get out and walk around. I remember that it was very cold and slippery - like walking on a wet ice cube!

After our fill of the glacier, we got back in the car and then stopped at Athabasca Falls. Beautiful scenery and warmer than on the glacier. I was impressed by the walkways that had been put there - I can't imagine how much work that must have been. Again, you can see how the forces of nature have carved out the landscape. 

From here it was on to Jasper, where we stayed at the Mt. Robson Inn. A suite with a separate room with bunk beds and a PS3 for the kids - heaven! There were even two separate and complete bathrooms with a frig and microwave. Everyone was happy. While wandering around downtown Jasper, I managed to find Stychen Tyme Quilt & Yarn Shop. It's both a quilting and yarn store, so a bought a little of both! Isn't it funny how you always manage to find something new in every shop you visit? The husband and kids managed to find an ice cream shop so they whiled away a bit of time while I completed my shopping.

The next day it was up the Jasper Tramway to the top of Whistlers Mountain where you have a panoramic view of six mountain ranges, the Athabasca and Miette rivers and Jasper itself. We saw a mountain goat and a pika while there as well as wildflowers and snow. Luckily we went up early enough that it wasn't very crowded; I can't say the same for the crowd at the bottom when we came down. 

Now it was time to head back to Calgary and home. I've already thought up some projects for the fabric that I bought on our trip. Now, I wonder if they have a quilt shop in the south part of the province...