Random

In my push to use up scraps I have made all these random  blocks. There doesn't seem  to be much of a reduction in my scrap box. I wonder why my bank account doesn't work that way? Should I store my cash in big blue bins?
My question now is black sashing or white? I am leaning toward black with a black border and then maybe piano keys to use up more scraps.

Scrapping

In my big push to use up scraps I have one quilt top finished. For the one above I cut into only two pieces of yardage, the gray in some of the circles and the orange border.

Since I didn't have many scrap pieces large enough for the circles I changed to strips to make these squares. I made long strips with various fabrics and cut them into triangles which I then sewed together. They end up as 12 inch squares so this will be a fairly large quilt. I'm wondering if I should sash them with black, white or a color...

The strange thing is, the scrap boxes are just as full as ever. Can anyone explain that? I wish my bank account would act that way.

May Long Weekend

 I had a very interesting May Long. My friends Harold and Lori and I decided to go to a gallery opening at Moosehorn, Manitoba. On the way we passed through Chatfield and discovered an interesting museum. The owners actually live in the museum or maybe I should say that their home has become the museum. They have moved in seven buildings to house their collection. One of the buildings was the Hanky House, containing over 4000 handkerchiefs from all over the world.

These pictures show only a few of them.

This is a collection of old pots. Other buildings had license plates from all over the world, gardening tools, hub caps...you name it.
 

We barely had a look at anything because the people were leaving for a family party but we have decided that we are definitely going back some time. They also have one house that serves as a bed and breakfast.

The gallery belongs to Jeff Monias, front row left. Standing at the back are carver, Irvin Head, airbrush artist, Jasyn Lucas and Lori. Harold is the other person in the front row.

This is the gallery from Hwy 6 North. The Teepee certainly catches the eye!

We stopped again at the Narcisse snake pits. There were still a few snakes around although most of them have gone for the summer.

More circles

I have added some more circles and now it measures about 28 by 35 inches. I'm thinking of a fairly wide border and then some half circles to bring it up to small quilt size. It's too big for a wall hanging and too small for a quilt right now.

I bought a 7 inch quarter circle template at the Barnswallows Quilt show last weekend. Yesterday I had some fun with it, mostly using scraps. I wish now I had bought the 3.5 inch template as well. It's a lot of fun chosing colors and re-arranging the design. I'm not sure how big it will grow to but there's no sign of stopping yet.

Problem Solved

I thought I could go into a quilt store just to accompany a friend and emerge without buying anything. Apparently not.

I may have solved my foot pedal slippage problem. I put my old Yoga mat under the table. So far the pedal hasn't budged. The mat does show every bit of dust though. I may have to clean more often.

I am thinking of getting a proper sewing cabinet. I can chose from Koala, Horne of America or Sylvia, in descending order of price.  Does anyone have any experience with any of these brands?

My Quilt SHow

My granddaughter, Sacha, at the show via Skype.

A serious quilting discussion.

This one sold at the opening and will hang in a theater classroom.

Making a speech in front of the Chickens.

The Tibetan Robe looked nice in this corner on a dress form.

Quilters taking a good look. I didn't realize I had so many cat quilts. There is a story going around now that I am some sort of cat lady. I don't have any cats.

Nobody thinks I'm a chicken lady though. Maybe they should.
The opening was a great success. It was a lot of fun and over 100 people came. I am thrilled to have so many supporters. The show will be open for the rest of the month of May, Tues to Sat, 10 to 5.

Blue Breathe

I was inspired to start a new BREATHE banner yesterday. I had a leftover word from the last banner so I have a head start. I had to search my entire stash to find the right blue to go with the background which is an Indonesian batik that started life as a sarong.