Wednesday, May 29, 2013

A Most Wonderful Day!

At the outset, please allow me to thank you all for your continued support during these uncertain times with respect to my health.  You have no idea how much of a morale booster you all are and always manage to touch me deeply.  

Typically, the results from CT scans take about a week to be read and reports written and because I had three separate scans done on the same day, I'm hoping to hear something by Friday of this week or early next week.  It's the waiting that's the difficult part and I've been trying to keep myself busy in the interim.

This morning Debra (no blog), Darlene (of Darlene's mystery quilt fame) and I got together at Debra's to sew.  Debra is a paramedic and Darlene works for a bank and both were on one of their scheduled days off.  From now until Thanksgiving, Debra runs a shop out of her home where she sells the quilts that she has made over the winter months so when she's not at her "real" job, she is kinda house bound while the shop is open.  I've been sewing with her about twice a week while she's been minding the shop.  

Let me take you on a tour.



Debra's house is located right on a well-travelled lighthouse route, especially during tourist season.



Her quilt shop is located in the garage right at the front of their house and is easily visible from the road.

She has over forty quilts for sale in her shop with new ones being added all the time.



There are styles and colors to please even the most discerning customer.



She took another custom order for her Garden Gateway pictured on the bed below just yesterday.



I think this must be what quilter's heaven looks like...don't you agree?
Today, Darlene joined us as we sat around the kitchen table and worked like busy beavers, laughing and having a great time all the while.



I don't know where we all were when I took this photo but honestly, we did get a lot done!  Maybe this was during our lunch break.  *wink*



Here's Darlene busily working on a new project that she just designed.  

And here's Debra with her red and white Irish chain that was dropped off by the hand quilter while we were there.



Since we moved to Nova Scotia two and a half years ago and because we live so close to the sea, one can't help but be influenced by the beauty that surrounds us...specifically the lighthouses, fishing boats, schooners and sea-faring memorabilia.  

Just recently, I designed a nautical-themed quilt and Debra and I have been spending time working together on our individual versions while testing the pattern at the same time.  

Debra finished machine appliquéing her main blocks this afternoon while I was still plugging away on one of the pieced borders.  Although far from being finished, here's a little glimpse of Debra's version of my yet-to-be-named design.



I'm hoping to have my top finished in the next week or so after which time it will be sent out to be quilted.  Hopefully the actual pattern will be available for purchase in my ETSY shop in about six weeks.

Will you help me with the naming of this quilt?  I will give a free pattern to the person who suggests the winning title.  So what do you think?  Can you suggest a suitable name?


Happy stitching!

116 comments:

Tanya Quilts in CO said...

The quilt is lovely! How about "Seaside Serenity"?

Jeanne Gwin said...

Okay, I'll be first. How about Dreams of Nova Scotia....

The Prairie Stitcher said...

Hi Kaaren: Have been thinking of you every day. Glad you're enjoying your days sewing with friends. Hugs--Jan/WI

Darlene D said...

Had a lovely day together, can't wait to do it again. The quilt looks great!

Nancy said...

Hi Kaaren - How about "The Light brings Me Home". Glad you are having a good sewing day. Will kept you in my prayers. Nancy P.

Sheila said...

Looks like you ladies had a very nice day. I love the red & white Irish Chain quilt. I don't think I have ever seen a R&W quilt that I haven't loved. How about "Life by the sea", it's beautiful! Take care!

Teresa in Music City said...

What a lovely design! Lighthouses are always such inspiration, aren't they? I thought of two possibilities - "Candles in the Wind" or "Sentinels of the Sea"

Merilyn said...

I've been thinking about you this past week, hoping that your test results come back favourably! Glad to see you have been enjoying the company of like-minded people and having fun, that's what it's all about isn't it!!!
Your new coastal/light-house project is looking wonderful, all those landscape fabrics come in very handy for projects like this!!!
I love choosing names for my quilts, maybe "Seaview", Seascape", or "Sea-life". "Out to Sea", because you might be feeling a bit out to sea at the moment waiting for your results. I'm sure you'll choose just the right name. Continued thoughts and prayers Kaaren, take care!!!!!

Wendyb said...

just remember the old adage Kaaren.....no news is good news...... prayers are powerful messages....I'm sure you'll be well looked after as they are constantly there for you!!!!
Nothing like a lovely distraction with friends 'Sailor's Delight' springs to mind for the name of your gorgeous new design!!!!
take care and know you're loved!
xoxoxo
sugary hugs
Wendy :O)

Lucky Duck Dreams said...

How about Seaside Lights? I found this great website based at my alma mater when I was thinking about a title. http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/lighthouse/

Totally cool info!

Kindred Quilts said...

Hi Kaaren. We all wait in heightened anticipation with you.

Debra's quilts are beautiful! Such a wonderful variety for potential buyers!

You have received so many great ideas for naming your quilt! I like Nancy's "The Light Brings Me Home..." maybe add two more words to that title... "The Light Brings Me Home to Quilt!"

Carin said...

Kaaren I will keep my fingers crossed that you got good scan results !!

I love the pictures of Debra's quilts, they are so beautiful and I love how she made the sea quilt ... love the fabrics she used for the grass and stones.... amazing !
The first name that popped in my head was: "Living by the sea". I think that says it all :-)

Take care !

~Laurie~ said...

I would name her "Oceanside". Hope you hear good news in the coming days :)

pulsar bleue said...

I'll love it! Maybe Nova Scotia-by-the-sea ??

Bye!
N du Québec

Karen said...

A gorgeous quilt and I can't wait to see the pattern. I'm on Vancouver Island and the blocks are pertinent for quilters out here too. I love all the lighthouses.

Karen

Kigwit said...

Kaaren I'm praying for good results for you.

Why don't you call your quilt design the Bluenose Spirit or Inspiration Fundy or something nova scotia-y like that? Seriously, put some lupines on that and you've got the loveliness that is NS. (I still can't get over how lupines grow there. I'm in Texas and, frankly, they just don't here.)

jual said...

Hi Kaaren ... wishing you well while you await your results. I would like to see you name your pattern "Guided by the Light". Thank you for sharing your talents. jr from ontario

brenda said...

I love your lighthouse quilt, don't have a name but there are already so many. I also love your friends garden gateway , is that a pattern or her own design, I would love to make that one. Good thoughts are being sent your way.

WoolenSails said...

What beautiful quilts and a nice way to do something creative and an extra income. Love your seaside quilt, wonderful design.

Sea to Shore

Debbie

Rose Marie said...

My prayers and thoughts are with you during this waiting period.

When I look at your adorable quilt, I see "Ocean Views". when we did the Lighthouse trail, we could glimpse sight of the Altantic Ocean from so many vantage points and that is what your quilt reminds me of.

Betsy said...

Oh I am looking forward to the nautical pattern Kaaren. I .ove anything nautical.

Sheila said...

Didn't read through the comments so this may have been suggested but the first thought for me was "A Beacon of Light " . It is a beautiful quilt design Kaaren and very Nova Scotian . Sounded like you enjoyed a lovely day :-) hugs Sheila

Patty said...

What a bunch of pretties. Y'all are doing great. How about"sailing away"?

Adrienne Cleave said...

"I long to go to the sea again" is what immediately comes to mind. Lovely quilt! Wishing you the very best.
Adrienne

Key Elements said...

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE LIGHTHOUSE QUILT. As far as a name for it, how about,,, "Lookout Points!!!"
I have a bunch more, but this was my favorite.
JulesMcTool

Key Elements said...

The quilt is fab!! How about..."Shine On",

Robin Waggoner, Quilter and Designer said...

Kaaren: looks like you are keeping busy in style, what fun. When I say the nautical quilt I immediately thought of that poem by John Masefield and would suggest naming it either "Down to the Sea" or "Sea Fever" which is the name of the poem. I really love the quilt. Well done.

Little Penpen said...

Your friend's quilt shop is awesome!! I saw several quilts I would love to have in those pic's. I'm loving your nautical quilt that you are designing now: "Seaside Beacons" Still praying for good tests results for you.

grandmarockton said...

SEA Serenity Blessing to you during your wait; no news is always GOOD news

KatieQ said...

It must be fun sewing surrounded by all of those beautiful quilts.
We summer not far from the Montauk Point Lighthouse on Long Island. I love nautical themed quilts. I can't wait until the pattern is available in your Etsy shop.
Looking at the quilt reminds me of the Briney Breezes that fill our summers.

Paula said...

Love the quilt. "Maritime" seems like a wonderful name.
Keeping you in my prayers

Candace said...

I see a lot of great names for your quilt here, Kaaren! Debra is one busy sewer - and such gorgeous work! Looks like you gals had a great day!
Cheers!

Unknown said...

Kaaren,
I am keeping you in my prayers for a good and healthy doctor's report. Your friend's quilts are stunning as is your new nautical quilt. The name, Steadfast, comes to my mind when I look at it.
Take care,
Carol in Maine

Angie in SoCal said...

Along the Seaway is my suggestion. Prayers continue to be said. Hang in there.

Lesley said...

Holy moly! I don't know what to comment on first! The beautiful shop, those gorgeous quilts of Debra's, or your stunning nautical design....Debra's version is wonderful! What an amazing group of quilters and you fit right in! I have no idea for a name, but I do know this pattern will jump off your Etsy shelf! I continue to send prayers and positive thoughts your way...

Janet said...

What a wonderful day you had and with such great people too. Your new pattern is lovely, I have no names that come to mind but there are some good suggestions already.
You're always in my prayers. All the best for good news, I'm really crossing my fingers and toes as well.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

thinking positive thoughts love the seaside quilt

Quiltgal said...

I will be praying for continued good news for your results. All of your quilts are beautiful. How about Nauti Sampler.

Sue said...

Oh my, what beautiful quilts; and all in one place! Seaside Sampler popped into my head!

Needled Mom said...

As you anxiously await the test results, the only thing I can come up with is "Waiting on Shore".

Praying for great results!

Jocelyn said...

I love lighthouses. I always think of how the lighthouse was the beacon for ships at sea. Many ships would lose their bearings or be wrecked on the rocks if not for the lights lit in the lighthouses.

"Keep Your Lamps Burning"

linny said...

Wishing you well during your 'long' wait(I'm sure it seems like a long week) Love your quilt. I think it could be called 'Salt Air'
lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com

Sara said...

Nova Scotia Dreamin'. It made me want to be there. Keeping you in my prayers. You radiate joy!

Janet O. said...

Debra's shop looks amazing!
Looks like fun to get together and sew with your buddies while she mans the shop.
You've had so many wonderful name suggestions for the beautiful quilt you designed

Jane said...

Beacons on the Shore

carolina quilter said...

Wishing good thoughts about your test results. I'm calling the quilt "This little light of mine">

Claudia said...

Love your quilt and your website. How about "By the Sea".

Anonymous said...

Praying for great news on Friday. Love your friend's shop, and how great to have some friends to sew with you. I immediately thought of Harbor Lights because both those on the shore and those on the sea can find safety there.

dezertsuz at gmail

Sandy said...

What a great place to have fun!! I like Beacons on the Shore.

Michelle said...

So pretty. How about Seascape. (like landscape)

Darlene said...

I just know you'll receive wonderful news! Sending lots of healing thoughts and many, many prayers.

I'm not good at naming quilts but I'm sure you'll come up with something fabulous.

Susannah said...

Hi Kaaren, I could comment on so much! This was such a delightful post.

But first...and foremost.....It is terrible waiting...just terrible. I remember well. I am so glad that you have made so many delightful friends to keep you busy and that you continue to have your love of quilts. God be with you, dear. You are still in my prayers.

What a wonderful quilt shop your friend has. I want to go there so badly. Each quilt looks divine. Glad you spent the day with your good friends.

I really read through your comments because I could not think of a good name for your quilt.When I came across the "Carolina Quilter" comment...I knew I had to go with her. It is so fitting for Nova Scotia, the light houses and what you are going through now...so I agree with her - "THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE" !!!!!!!Let her win...it was her idea.

Take care, my Dear and God be with you.
Susannah

Unknown said...

prayers going out to you kaaren
thanx to deb for posting about your blog! awesome!
deb! your place looks great!!!!
and how about 'sea to shining sea' or is that a copy-write issue? cause as someone else said - the lower mainland had some nice lighthouses in its' day as well :O) and i think pretty much every year the 'tall' ships come into vancouver......
prayers and blessings
valerie

Patty C. said...

"Sail Away" - beautiful progress on your design ;)

Sherry said...

It's very beautiful! How about "By The Beautiful Sea."

Gail said...

Hi Karen,

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers everyday. So glad you enjoyed a day of fun sewing with friends. Thanks for sharing the photos of Debra's wonderful quilts.

I think the perfect name for your lighthouse quilt design is "Summer Salt".

Gail :)

Gail said...

Hi Karen,

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers everyday. So glad you enjoyed a day of fun sewing with friends. Thanks for sharing the photos of Debra's wonderful quilts.

I think the perfect name for your lighthouse quilt design is "Summer Salt".

Gail :)

Mary said...

I sure like the quilt. Maybe, "See What I Sea".

You are in my prayers and thoughts daily for good medical reports.

Mary said...

I sure like the quilt. Maybe, "See What I Sea".

You are in my prayers and thoughts daily for good medical reports.

Amanda said...

My thought for a title, Sea Fever from the poem by John Masefield, or possibly The Gull's Way from a line in that poem. Fingers crossed for a good result from your tests.

Sandi said...

My home is by the sea..how lovely Kaaren. Whatever you choose it will be just perfect.

Thanks for sharing pictures.

Sue SA said...

Maritime magic? I loved my visit to Nova Scotia in 1996 and hope to bring my family back one day and now I will be including a visit to the light houses after seeing your quilt! Best wishes for the test results.

gracie said...

How about Shore to Shore or By The Sea... I do not get to see the ocean anymore now that I live in the desert! Mr H and I love lighthouses...

Pauline said...

My thought immediately were: "The Sea, the beautiful sea." I think there was once a song that used these very words.

marygabriella said...

Salve, io la chiamerei:
Seaside Dream, devo dire che mi piace molto!
In bocca al lupo!
Marina

Abby and Stephanie said...

What gorgeous quilts. And the red and white Irish Chain is spectacular. A day spent sewing with friends is always the best kind of day. Looks like you have lots of names to choose from.

renita said...

So glad to hear that you are doing well and having a good time with your friends. I just love your quilt. It reminds me of our summers on Cape Cod with my aunt who plans to visit each lighthouse there before she leaves this world. I would call it "safe harbors" because I think that lighthouses provide those and they are what we always seek for ourselves and our families.

renita said...

So glad to hear that you are doing well and having a good time with your friends. I just love your quilt. It reminds me of our summers on Cape Cod with my aunt who plans to visit each lighthouse there before she leaves this world. I would call it "safe harbors" because I think that lighthouses provide those and they are what we always seek for ourselves and our families.

Shawkl said...

Keeping my fingers crossed for good test results for you! How about "Loving the Sea" as a quilt name.
Hugs,
Kathy

Alba-mà said...

Hola Kaaren, m'alegra saber que estas millor de salut. El Quilt es molt bonic. Jo penso que el nom que li va be es " Mar en vigilancia " (" sea ​​surveillance ")
Espero que t'agradi el nom. Petons des de Barcelona

Ronda said...

nautical reflections

Ronda said...

nautical reflections

kmcallister said...

Good luck with the test results and will be thinking happy thoughts for you! How about Lighthouses of the Sea?

The Inspired Stitcher said...

What a fun day spend with your girlfriends! How about "Summer by the Sea?" It's lovely!

barcord said...

Kaaren, I am so glad you are having stitching fun with your friends, especially while waiting for results...a difficult time.
I too love the red and white irish chain. Your lighthouse quilt is lovely. Since lighthouses warn and guide ships I thought 'Safe Harbour'. Will be thinking of you on Friday especially. xx

Carol said...

Beautiful! I would name it, Down to the Sea.

vernagrace said...

Hi -
When I saw your quilt all I could think of was "Home"- the lighthouse guides the fisherman home, and since I"m a Maritimer, too, it so reminds and represents "Home".
Thinking and praying all good and healthy things for you in NB.

annie said...

Have been thinking of you, hoping & praying all comes out well. That shop, never would have thought of using a garage like that! It looks just fabulous, if i were near, she would never get rid of me, everything looks just so appealing. So thankful you have good friends who enjoy the same things you do!
Ships & Stars!

sndy1 said...

I am thinking 'Light My Way" would be a great name.

Eva said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Denise in PA said...

Thank you and Darlene for sharing her fabulous shop and home! What a wonderful place for sew days! I've been thinking about you and keeping you in my prayers. o:)

Cattinka said...

How about "new home by the sea"? I think that would be a nice name for your quilt.
KaTRIN W.

laurel said...

Hi Kaaren.....
You have done it once again.....so glad you decided to use your wonderful talent for the quilting world to appreciate....you have one winner after another!!
I immediately thought of "Fair Sailing" because of the beautifully large schooner....and then looking more "Ocean Breezes" as there is definately movement in your blocks with not only the ship but the bird and the waves.....I can almost feel the fresh ocean air while looking at the quilt.....
When the pattern is available will you offer it as a BOM for a SAL??
Have my fingers and toes crossed for your results to be in your favor -- you have too much to offer to be slowed down by illness (but I want to tell you that you are an inspiration with your positive attitude and approach to it all!)
Best regards...

Ida from Central PA said...

Silent Sentinels

Seaside Splendor

Home Light

Granny Anne said...

How about Ship Ahoy! Many good wishes for the outcome of your tests!

paulette said...

How about...'Over the Ocean Blue'? Lovely quilt!!
P

clarayacaldwell@gmail.com said...

Kaaren,
"Lighthouse Journey" as a person travels to visit each lighthouse. Best wishes on your results. Linda C

sue bennett said...

summer's treasures

Glad you are having fun sewing.

Shelley said...

I suggest "Sailing Thru". since you moved to NS, you've been navigating the waters of cancer, sailing for the destination of wellness, with quilting friends(lighthouses)supporting you with beacons of light and prayers. This quilt speaks of your journey..at to me it does.

Heartsdesire said...

Glad to see you are keeping busy, quilting with friends is always uplifting. Lovely quilts in Deb's shop, and your lighthouse quilt looks great. I'd suggest Maritime Expressions, or Maritime Memories.

Pam in IL said...

I do have agree with you, the shop does look like a quilter's heaven! You have so many wonderful suggestions for the naming of your lovely quilt.

You're in my thoughts and prayers everyday!

Eva said...

The quilt is beautiful, I am submitting two titles
"Seafarers Delight" and/or "Seafarers' Beacon".

A lot of nice titles have already been submitted and I like them all.

Hugs and God Bless you Kaaren, you are in my prayers.

jeanmarieg said...

Pieceful Beacons

Kate/Massachusetts said...

"Fair winds and following seas"

deb-bee said...

How about the name, "Safe Travels." I think you want your pattern to give comfort and include all of those who are looking from or to the shoreline as they travel along the water's edge.

Kris said...

Kaaren - You are in my prayers for the best of results!!

Steven said...

Beacons of Hope

Steven said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dennis and Barb said...

It is beautiful! How about Harbor Home?

MoeWest said...

Your quilt design is really nice! With so many lighthouses, I would call it Land Ho.

Lline said...

How about Sea Passages. I see the ship traveling from one safe harbor to the next.

Anonymous said...

I'm sending light and positive energy and keeping all fingers crossed for you.
As a title I thought of 'lift your anchors' (or is it hoist your anchors??)
Dutch hugs
Dea

Graziella said...

ciao Karen
per prima cosa ti faccio gli auguri perchè i tuoi esami vadano bene.
Il quilt lo chiamerei "nostalgia del mare" o "Il fascino del mare"
baci
Graziella

Jacky said...

How about 'Down by the seashore' or 'Ocean Breeze' (Did I spell that right?)
Keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for a great result on your scans! take care.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kaaren,

Glad to hear you are keeping busy with friends during this waiting period. Friends always make the time go quicker.

Love your new quilt pattern. Two names come to mind. Coastal Warnings or Coastal Beauties. We live on the east coast of Lake Huron and have several lighthouses to admire. One of our town's logos is its lighthouse.Can't wait to buy your pattern.

Keep busy and enjou your day.

Dianne

Briarose said...

How about "Days of Yesteryear"?
Claire McKiernan
c7lonergan@rogers.com

Kathryn said...

How about Sea Sight? I, too, love the sight of the sea, especially with a lighthouse as part of the view. Lovely quilt. Kathie L in Allentown

Claddaughquilting said...

I will continue to send positive thoughts and prayers your way!! It's good that you can fill your time with such wonderful activities!! A day sewing with friends??? Now that's my idea of the perfect day! Love the quilt too, and I am sure with all the suggestions you are getting, it will have a great name!

Teri said...

I'm getting into this late, but how about Life's Painted Journey....

Sue said...

Maritime Bliss..... it is beautiful... I have not forgotten about you Kaaren but times flies, I am still coughing (since January), and busy as usual. I do check in once a week or so. Wishing you luck with your results.
sue
suemceachern@bellaliant.net

Judymc said...

I would suggest "Safe Harbor."
Love the quilt! Judy
judysbluequilts@yahoo.com

Karen said...

A seashore view, or seaside views.
though I like some of the above suggestions.

Karen said...

A seashore view, or seaside views.
though I like some of the above suggestions.

Sheila said...

Mariner's Way is a suggestion

Stitched With Prayer said...

Looking at all the lighthouses on your gorgeous quilt, all I can think of is "Lighting the Way". Also, Congratulations on hearing those precious words of good health. Big Hugs...

Beth French said...

Hi Kaaren, just came across your blog. I live in Maine and have a dear friend who lives in Annapolis County, so Nova Scotia is very special to me. I suggest you call your beautiful pattern "Sailor's Delight".