Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Having Fun!

It's been rainy and on the cold side for the past several days, perfect weather to stay inside by the fire to design, stitch and sew.  We've even had a light dusting of wet snow, but thankfully it didn't last too long.

Yesterday afternoon a group of gals gathered together at A Needle Pulling Thread, the new quilt shop that recently opened in Digby, Nova Scotia, about twelve miles from where we live, for our first weekly "sew-in".

Soon after arriving and settling ourselves in, we enjoyed some of Darlene's freshly baked maple syrup muffins.  It wasn't long before we all got busy and settled down to work.  



Lots of laughs, stories, tips and techniques were shared throughout the day. 

Two of our blogging friends...Lesley and Colleen... were missing and we hope that one day they'll be able to join us.  Unfortunately the miles separate us but maybe one day, huh gals?



I worked on my December First Friday Freebie which I managed to finish last night after I got home.

Now I can devote my complete time and attention to focus on a new quilt that I just finished designing only two days ago.  I'm really excited about this one and I'm hoping that you're going to like it too!  Like most of my other designs it will include patchwork, embroidery and a tiny bit of optional wool applique.  

The fat quarter bundle of Nature's Basket by Blackbird Designs for Moda that I was waiting for arrived yesterday, just in time for me to start on my newest project.



Don't you just love the colors?



They are going to work so well in the new design, together with some of the other fabrics that I've purchased recently.  

And you thought that I was buying fabric just for the sake of buying fabric...right?  See, you were wrong...although I must admit that some of them were purchased just because I like them.  *wink*  

Because I work mostly with the same palette when I quilt as I did during my career as an artist, virtually all of the fabrics that I have accumulated over the past couple of years will all work well together in some future project(s) that is/are just waiting to be born!
I've been meaning to show you the little wool pincushion that I stitched as a sample for one of the workshops that Darlene will be offering in the near future.  Because she was so busy trying to get things ready for the grand opening of her shop, I offered to make the class sample for her.  It's a Primitive Gatherings design by Lisa Bongean that I found fun, relaxing and easy to make.



My favorite place to sit and stitch is in our large farmhouse-style, country kitchen.  The stove is right behind the chair where I sit and when the fire is lit, you can be sure to find Frankie and Ollie stretched out on the little mat directly in front of it. 



Life is good!


Happy stitching!

37 comments:

Janet O. said...

Such an inviting place to sit and stitch! And muffins in the bargain? Who could resist?
I love your color palette! It could all just blend in so well at my home! : )
That little pincushion kit is hiding somewhere in my sewing room--I need to unearth it and make it!
Oh, I LOVE that photo of your furry family members. How sweet!

Michelle said...

I think it is so cute that the cat and dog are best friends. I love that dark quilt on the wall..the 9 patch with the applique on the border!

Lesley said...

And don't I wish I had been there too! That room is so welcoming at Darlene's shop with all those Quilty hangings! Love your fabric...of course you knew I would, and as for that pin cushion, may have to try my skills on tiny projects! Another perfect day to sit by the stove. Thanks for sharing all your news...awaiting with baited breath to see your next projects! Go, Kaaren, go!

Jackie's Stitches said...

I've never seen a cat and dog that seem to love each other as much as yours do!

It looks like a lovely day with friends!

Heartsdesire said...

Kaaren, that is the sweetest pincushion ever. Thanks for the photo of Frankie and Ollie. They always make me smile.

celkalee said...

Dear Kaaren, so glad to see you coming along so (sew) well! How I wish I could spend time with your stitch-in group. The shop looks so nicely arranged and friendly. Happy Stitching to you too!

Kathryn said...

Isn't it nice to have a group of friends to sew with? Last Saturday a group of guild friends met to sew on some of our charity projects. We all enjoyed it so much and wondered why we don't do it more often. Best wishes to you from Pennsylvania. Kathie L

Jeanna said...

Frankie and Ollie are just the cutest. Two REAL buds for sure.

I'm very happy to see you out and about sewing with friends. Sounds like you are getting alot accomplished, too!

Stay warm!

Radka said...

Oh,it sounds almost too idyllic!:-))
I love your little cushion.

Ali said...

It sounds like your having a wonderful time at the quilt shop. In fact I'm wondering if you'll be moving in permenately ;) The pincushion is really pretty, gorgeous design.
Ali x

Susan Kane said...

Marvelous! I won some amazing fall fabric at a raffle at the local quilt show. Have already made a table cloth and table runner. Will see if I can squeeze out some napkins!
It is difficult to explain to non-quilters the joy of fabric being connected with love.

Sandi said...

Looks like a lovely time to spend in a great quilt shop. Maybe a trip to the opposite coast may have to be inmy future, but time will tell.

I'm glad yu are getting out and being creative with friends. I look forward to your next gem of a FFF.

The kids look lovely cuddling together such great friends.

Susannah said...

Hi Kaaren.....Every single thing you do is gorgeous.!!! Your fabric is always so perfect, too. I really adore the little pin cushion. Working on two trigger thumbs getting back to normal after two surgeries. I love your flowering cactus. The colors are amazing. This is the second year that my hot pink one has bloomed and what a show it has put on. It spent the summer outside. Good to hear your Life is Good!

Susannah

Robin at The Primitive Hutch said...

What a great way to spend the day with friends!
So cute that Ollie and Frankie are such good friends!
TFS everything!
Prim Blessings
Robin

Donna Keating said...

Love the fabric and the beautiful blooming Christmas cactus.

Francis Gortmaker said...

I love your cat and dog, so happy together!

Merilyn said...

What a great space to set up for a few hours with friends sewing!!! I love your little Christmas embroidery cushion, really pretty!!!! Glad you are doing alright and those little fur babys sure look comfy there!!!!!

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Life is Good! I am pea green with envy with your weekly stitch in's at the quilt shop! Oh what a wonderful event. Ollie and Frankie warm my heart.

~Laurie~ said...

I'm glad life is good for you right now :)

Karens Quilts, Crows and Cardinals said...

Kaaren your gathering looks like such fun! Good for you... that Natures Basket FQ Bundle is precious - can't wait to see what you've come up with. Thanks for sharing. Karen

Sheila said...

What a perfect day at Darlene's new shop , can't think of a better way to spend a day than with friends stitching . I just love the pincushion , working with wool is so much fun . Thanks for sharing your day with us .

Taryn said...

Frankie and Ollie are adorable. How wonderful how they because such fast friends. Do they give seminars? The world could learn some lessons from them.

annie said...

those are wonderful colors, looking forward to see what your new design is. love that color of cactus too! and the snowman design! the fur babies look so sweet together!

Pam in IL said...

Sounds like you had a great day at Darlene's shop. I really like the new fabric and I LOVE that little wool pincushion! We've had cold weather and more snow, but we haven't yet got the woodstove burning. My Dottie Dog loves laying in front of the woodstove and I'm like you, my favorite place to stitch is near the woodstove too.

Ronda said...

I love to read your posts. They inspire me to do more! I love your new fabric and cant wait to see what you create. You are such a great quilt designer! The new shop looks awesome. I would love to come up and visit there one day!

margaret said...

how lovely to be having stitching groups in the new shop. Cute pin cushion which I am sure lots of ladies will be making one. The pets look very cosy in front of the fire

Elizabeth said...

Nature's basket is a "me" fabric, perfect colours and tones for my taste. Frankie & Ollie have the right idea, I'm certain I would be right next to them too which get much else done in the house but then life is too short to worry. LOVE the pin cushion, so sweet and perfect for this time of year - oh if only there was more time for stitching and less work to do.... Glad to hear you had a great time with the other girls. Take care and keep getting better.

gracie said...

Love the Sample Snowman...too cute. Even cuter if possible is Frankie and Ollie!

Darlene D said...

We had a great day Kaaren, just one of many I hope! Can't wait to see what you're planning with that fabric! Thanks again for helping out with the pin cushion! It's just soooo cute!

sunny said...

I'd love to have the recipe for those muffins! DH made your Cornish meat pasty pie last night, and it was delish!! I'll also be on the lookout for that pincushion pattern. How adorable. I'd like to spend more days like the one you described.

Candace said...

I envy you and your great group of stitching friends, Kaaren! But I don't know - I might just want to sit in your kitchen next to the stove.....My does your new fabric look yummy, too! The boys are just the best pair!
Cheers!

Unknown said...

I hope all is well with you and your family. I can't get over how well your dog and cat get along. Have a great holiday season. Take care.

Silvia LGD (Little Green Doll) said...

It's great to stay at home sewing when it's raining outside :) Your pincushion is so nice! Have a nice weekend!

Abby and Stephanie said...

I miss having a group of stitching friends nearby but I consider my blog friends my online stitching group. :o) Winter is coming and stitching by the fire with the boys close by sounds relaxing and comforting.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Fabulous post!!! great projects and I would love to get my hands on the moda bundle...lol

Dominique said...

Hi I am a fellow nova scotia visiting from Blogathon. I enjoyed browsing through your blog!

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Life is, indeed, very good! I love the shop's interior... so cozy, what a wonderful place to sit and stitch. Your furry babies are just precious... and I just love that sweet snowman pincushion, too!