Maple Leaf Red

This is where my hand quilting hoop is now on my Abbeygate quilt.

I'm getting close to having the 4th side quilted - Just another evening or two and I'll be able to trim up the quilt, get the binding, label and hanging sleeve on and be rid of the batting fuzzies and the backing ravels as I then work my way to the center of the quilt.

Yes...working from the outside in means I can get the binding on faster and clean up that outside edge.

And this is all because the quilt has been basted well by longarm and will not pucker or shift in the hand quilting process.

Simple cross-hatching is making me happy!

So is having more of these older fabrics sewn in and quilted up.  Better in a quilt than sitting in the stash.  

I'm talking to YOU - Y2K 2000 print that never seems to go away.  LOL!

It's fitting to share my progress photos on this beautiful red/white quilt on Canada's Flag Day!

Yes, Abbeygate will be released as a pdf pattern, but not until the quilting is finished.  Than you for understanding that hand quilting makes this a long term project.

I keep my hand quilting in this big basket by my chair. Lola seems to think it is hers.

Piecing while the generator ran -

Our power finally was restored last night around 10pm.  Well done, AEP!  We so appreciate all of the folks that came to help us out and get things working again.

This is just something we have to deal with living in the mountains.  It's what we chose.  We are strong and resilient.

It's been a rough year for storms, I guess I am talking May 2024 through now....and there is more coming.

Snow is expected Wednesday, Thursday and so we have moved up this week's retreat with a Tuesday start date so they'll be tucked in and warm and toasty and not have to drive these roads.  It should all be all gone by the time they are to go home.

Pulling from this endless bin.

I've been listening to audiobooks and finally am diving into Wicked.  I never saw the musical as a play.  I've not seen the movie version either.

The audiobook is 19 hours so will keep me busy for quite a while.  It's nice to dive into something fantasy right now.

The look I get when trying to wrestle a strip out from under her.  LOL!

More tree damage.  This is on our property to the side of the drive.  Big tree also uprooted a smaller one on its way down.  This was the kind of crash and fall we were hearing all night long Thursday night.
Last night? Not a sound.  Thankfully.
So yesterday - I was a day off.  I was supposed to draw for our two winners for the Old Town  pattern booklet yesterday - but this whole power outage thing left me a bit discombobulated.
So let's do that.

We had 3374 entries!

Entry 2985 is:

Judith Davis!

Entry 1921 is:

Linda Theriault!

Ladies, please check your email inbox for a notification email from me containing your Old Town PDF pattern booklet.

Reply to that email with your mailing address and I'll have the fine folks at Cotton to Quilts ship your Facet's of Aqua color roll right out to you.

Check out their selection of neutral rolls as well as other luscious colors. Such a fun array of wonderful prints!
And YES - there is introductory pricing for those who have been waiting to start their own Old Town when it was released in pattern format.
The price is already marked 25% off and is good through 2/17/25 at 11:30pm Eastern time. No coupon needed.
International customers:  Please DO NOT USE THE BUY NOW BUTTON. It uses autofill to put in your mailing address. This causes a problem with international folks as I do not ship physical items internationally.
Instead - place the pattern in your shopping cart, and go to the cart directly to choose your payment option (Which does not use autofill) Things should work fine for you this way. You do not need a physical mailing address to receive a PDF file. Just your email.

To my many Canadian readers -

Happy Canada Flag Day.  It's the 60th anniversary of the maple leaf flag.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Flag of Canada Day:

“Sixty years ago today, the Canadian flag was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill. From First Nations who used the maple tree for its sweet sap and wood to its sightings on helmets and coins in the 19th century and for generations ever since – the maple leaf has long been an emblem of Canadian identity and unity.

“The maple leaf has stood centre-stage throughout Canadian history. It has been emblazoned on the uniforms of our Armed Forces members – from the beaches of Normandy to the battlefields of Afghanistan. It has flown over buildings and courthouses, at schools and libraries, and at diplomatic missions around the world. It has been adorned by backpackers and hoisted on top of Olympic podiums. It has been launched into space and carried to the highest point on Earth. It is carved on the headstones of the service men and women who gave their lives for our country, and it is draped over them when they are laid to rest.

“The flag symbolizes Canada’s breathtaking beauty – the white of winter snow and the red of autumn maple leaves. It exemplifies our dreams and sacrifices; our hard work and our unyielding ambition to grow. It is an invocation of pride for Canadians who have hailed from every corner of the globe to forge a nation with a unique identity worth embracing and celebrating. And it is an inspiration to those who come to our shores seeking a brighter tomorrow.

“It has been the honour and privilege of my life to serve Canadians under this flag. Over these past nine years, I have seen Canadian excellence on every street corner that I have visited. At every embassy and Armed Forces base. At every small business and hockey arena. Reflecting on the past few weeks, I have never been more optimistic about the future of our country. Canadians are unflinchingly resilient. Our love for our country is unwavering. And while we are kind and generous, we will never be pushed around. When our backs are up against the wall, we will always stand for Canada and choose Canada. We are a proud, sovereign, and independent country – and we always will be."

I want my Canadian friends to know that I stand with them. I support their independence and sovereignty.

The disrespect of the current US presidency bullying and calling Trudeau "Governor" and threatening to make Canada the 51st state of America is beyond appalling. It is not funny, not in the least.

Canada- you know where I stand. I've got your back.

My great-grandparents came down from Canada to settle in Minnesota. 

I've got Canada in my blood.

And that's where my thoughts are today.

And before anyone says "I come here for quilting only." You can choose to scroll on by, follow or unfollow. You are a guest on my page just as if you were invited into my home. 

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Just take my word for it! 

And the word TV also implies every horizontal surface in this house.

Enjoy your weekend, everyone -