Christmas birds

Lesson learned: when you're moving house, take it easy. Don't try to lift anything too heavy for you!

We moved to our new home on October 28, and a month of packing prior to that finally took its toll on me. My back was so stiff and sore, I didn't think I'd be able to make it to the fall quilting retreat with my friends in early November!

Thankfully, two friends kindly came to pick me up, and I was able to sprawl in the back seat of Jan's SUV on the way west to the lake. A weekend of Tylenol, hot showers and rest paid off -- I came home feeling much better!

But I didn't bother lugging my sewing machine and big container of fabric with me. Instead, I took some small handwork and knitting. It was about all I could manage that weekend!

Here is a pic of the Christmas birds I made for Margaret. Don't be too impressed -- they came precut in a kit. All I had to do was sew them together and embellish a little!

Folksy Christmas panel

I couldn't resist buying this Advent panel -- even though I don't really need another project! I love the colours and the stylized Father Christmas.

Unfortunately, we are about to move soon, and my sewing things are already packed up! It might be a while before I get a chance to get the panel quilted and finished... but I'm certain that at some future Christmas, it will look great in our new home!

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!