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Semiquincentennial. Say that that 6 times fast. By about the 5th iteration, you might sound like you have created your own language.

While I was busy beeing I also started to work on some patriotic goodies. Lots of folks travel during the summer holidays. When my kids were littles, one of the things I liked to do in the evening “down time” was hidden picture games. See if you can spot all of these items in the feature image.

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Have you ever wondered why we have so many idioms and metaphors related to bees?

I’ve had a bee in my bonnet for some new designs inspired by the colorful pollinators. The hexagon, or beehive structure was a natural selection for creating strong cutouts in my product walls because they reduce the wall density and material usage while maximizing the structure left behind to carry loads. It works out perfectly for some of my newest 3D printed designs. It was a little harder to pull off the hexaons on my couched throw pillows and the fine laser cut details ...

If this post doesn't make sense this morning - it's not my fault!!! As I sit here writing, I'm sandwiched between a Husky and a Retriever who are NOT very happy! They are literally glued to my legs. I'll tell you why in a second. 

I didn't make it outside for a walk before heading down to Quilty Pleasures, which was just a few blocks from the hotel. All was good. The people who attended the events went home with their brains overloaded, but they had the opportunity to ask tons of questions, and we had ...

As part of Tote n Gloat in Palmerston North, I entered a mystery Row by Row challenge.  

I thought it would be fun because each person could choose their own theme and use their own fabrics.  The only rules were that each row had to be 40" wide and each row had to comply with the clues announced month by month.  

 When we were at the retreat this past weekend, we discussed many things, and you know what they say—what happens at the retreat stays at the retreat. But I wanted to share a couple of things—only because they are super fun! And some great memories!

One of the topics discussed was the Row by Row Experience, which I will share at the end of this post. 

We also chatted about the first time I met the owner (Laurie) of Stitcharie, which at the time was located in Wyoming, Ontario, but has since moved to Petrolia. 

That summer, I ...

My readers are so intelligent. The flowering shrub is a weigela. I've never heard that name before, but it's pronounced wedge-eelia. I've got a lead on where to get more peonies, and the next thing I need is mulch—lots and lots of mulch. 

My schedule for June looks pretty good—one five-day trip away and then a few classes here and there, but it's pretty quiet. I love quiet! I have some personal stuff to catch up on, and I will try to get that done! And let's not forget the decluttering! 

Does anyone ...

Just for fun!

A bit more formal, but still fun.

As part of my rainbow scrap challenge goals for 2020, I bought a new pattern called row by row. I worked on each color through the year. By the end of the year, I had all the rows sewn. I had the top ready in November of 2020. I really like how bright and happy it turned out finished.

22 yards

I used a blue sheet for the back and a stripe for the binding that I did ...

I don't have a finish, but should that stop me for sharing?

According to Angela, February shall be devoted to teal, aqua and turquoise scraps. Here is what I did.

Teal/Aqua Scraps

Fish :-)

Scrappy Improv

Block in the works

15 blocks in two days!!!

My Island Batik Row by Row quilt (for the February Challenge and BlogHop) is complete.  I received the collection Lace and Grace, designed by Kathy Engle for Chris Hoover of Whirligig Designs. This signature collection should be in stores now. 

Lace and Grace :-)

 Although I will share on February 16, here is a sneak ...

I am thrilled that Island Batik selected me as one of their 25 ambassadors in 2022.  This is my second year and I knew what to expect (sort of) when the first shipment of fabric and supplies arrived at my doorstep.  And yet when I opened the two boxes, I was giddy with delight. 

Setup for the Unboxing Video

Here is the Unboxing Video

Clearly, I am showing the gorgeous fabrics while failing to contain my delight.  Here are the supplies.

A generous box of batting from Hobbs.

Fusible Batting Strips for Totes/Baskets etc.

Queen Sized Batting - Polyester and ...

I had one last row to do for the row by row quilt.  I dug out turquoise scraps and cut 3 1/2 inch hsts. I made the row, and, started joining rows. 

I pieced the top, cut the back, and prepared the binding. It is waiting a turn on the longarm.

All ready to quilt

Boo

Hubby and I decided to make a pumpkin this year. Our hands won't do the whole carving bit.

I have the 2 yellow rows I need for my row x row quilt finished. Not too exciting, but, progress. It looks nice with autumn leaves.

I didn't do much yellow sewing for the rainbow scrap challenge. I have scraptastic star and the row x row to do yet. I cut the pieces for the row x row. I needed 104 each of yellow and white.

I chain stitched them together in groups of ten, in between other sewing. It gets a little boring otherwise.

I trimmed them each evening. They didn't need much trimming, but, I wasn't taking any chances.

The red blocks for my Irish chain quilt are ready, and, all I need are the yellows. I have worked on this quilt over the last two years for the rainbow scrap challenge. The first year, I did the 4 patches, and, this year, I am making the blocks.

This was a friend Linda's quilt - smith mountain morning -in red and brown. We took the Bonnie hunter class together in Lafayette. Mine was gray and yellow. I quilted hers in red.

I have started putting the joining the rainbow row x row quilt, and finished the 2nd red row ...

Little tiny squares and I are having fun in red for the rainbow scrap challenge. Some of the blocks turn out better than others. I don't know if they were not cut accurately or I get in a hurry and sew them too quickly. It's hard to be patient. Each block is different and interesting in it's own way, and, I want to see it.

I am not sure why the first quilt I work on each month for the rainbow scrap challenge, is country roads. I guess because it is so easy to get started. I grab a few red 1 1/2 inch strips, stack them, cut them, and presto they are done. Nothing like instant gratification. There is a link at the bottom for the pattern.

I am sure I will be working on these next year.                         

I did accomplish a lot, but not really anything that I can share with you. Gosh - the secrets still abound. The QUILTsocial blog posts will be up next week, and it's been a wee bit of a learning curve behind the scenes, but all is good.

I got about a third of my "to do" list for the week done! How cool is that? Even if it mostly meant dealing with events in my calendar and making a few phone calls. It doesn't matter - those things are done now, and I can move on to the next bunch ...

I learn all kinds of things at the Virtual Retreat. Everyone is such a wealth of information and inspiration.

I want to start by giving you a day trip option. As you know, many (OK - ALL) events have been canceled. That includes the SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) convention, which was to be held in Toronto in March. That was back in the days when the organizers were wishy-washy about canceling events. Now - there is NO choice. Cancel!

An exhibition of art quilts was put together specifically for that conference. Alas - we never got to see the quilts. However, I ...