Quilts in Bellevue House

 During our summer travels, we stopped to view Bellevue House in Kingston, which at one time was called home by Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald.

There's little to nothing in the house that actually belonged to John A., but the house has been restored in a style that reflects what it would have looked like when John A. was living there with his sickly wife.

I took many pictures of the rooms, and furniture, and especially couldn't resist photographing the quilts!

I think the log cabin is my particular favourite. I love the different colours used, and the way the solids stand out in contrast with the prints. A cozy and scrappy look that makes those bygone days seem so homey and welcoming! However, I'm sure the house was probably cold and drafty to live in, and any quilts used were enjoyed more for their warmth than their beauty!

Upper Canada Village

A trip to Upper Canada Village with the kids, on the way home from Ottawa. The village was awesome -- a fully functioning pioneer village where they raise and shear sheep, card and spin wool, weave and quilt, raise produce in a huge vegetable garden, milk cows and make cheese... it was really cool, and I could easily have spent two full days there, looking around and talking to everyone.

For the kids, however, several hours was enough, and they were ready to move on to our next camp site.

I did manage to snap a few photos of sewing-related things. Above, a huge sampler quilt in a frame. At right, a simple bedroom -- but I liked the clam shell pattern on the carpet on the floor. It reminded me that I'd like to make a clam shell quilt some day.

Below, another bedroom shows off the sorts of blankets and rugs that are woven at Upper Canada Village. Weaving could be a lot of fun... not sure that I need another hobby, though!