.

2011-11-11T08:28:00.006-05:00

The Quilting Gallery's weekly brag this week is in commeration with Rememberence Day which is a day Canada acknowledges, however, it is not a Statutory Holiday for all of us. This is something I had in my collection of small quilts. While in the making it was a project that was going all wrong. The flowers were flat and lifeless. My dear partner looked at it and said we need to add some pointillism to the blossoms and give it a story. Hence the outcome. This has yet to sell, however, there is a gallery at the Perley Rideau Vetran's Home and it just may end up being donated to them. If you have the time, please go on line to the Gallery Quilting and Vote!

The Giraffe and the Turtle

2011-10-18T16:14:00.004-04:00

Bringing back these two little guys. Victor drew the critters for me and I translated it to fabric back in 2006. I was going through some quilts recently for our Art & Crafts sale we are having on October 22 in Ottawa, and came across this which I had totally forgotten about. I was able to use it as a gift for a baby shower! Phew, saved by the stash.

Mark Your Calendars for the Harmony Hopes Art & Crafts Sale

2011-09-21T12:22:00.002-04:00

Labels

2011-08-12T10:10:00.005-04:00

We have hummed and hawed about labels and finally one day at lunch I went on the internet to check out what we could do. We talked about it and Buddy did up a rough sketch, gave it to Daniela and she performed her magic on photoshop. In no time I had the final design to give to the label company. I sent an email to a lady whose blog I frequent and asked her who did her labels. She gave me the details. I sent them the information and they couldn't do it because of the sun. I was disappointed. So, I picked another company this time in California. They could do it and this is the proof they sent me. Well that was two weeks ago and they are now entransit. They gave me the Fedex tracking number, where are they coming from? China. LOL!!

Stay tuned. I have a zillion shopping bags partially made up for an arts sale in the fall just waiting for the little suckers. I should receive them on Monday. They have hit the mid western States so they should be heading North today.

Scraps

2011-07-17T12:31:00.004-04:00

We are in the process of making shopping totes for a brazaar in the fall. I have found that there is a heart breaking amount of fabric left over, not big enough to make anything else, so, I decided I should make some potholders. These are two fronts. I will make the backs very different.

Buddy was in the Dye Pots

2011-07-17T12:24:00.003-04:00

We are getting ready for a brazzar in the fall and I decided I wanted to make a few shopping totes. Buddy and I are always sharing our projects and he is going to paint on a few of the totes. Yesterday, he decided to get creative with the dyeing so now we will see what he creates with the fabric paints. Will followup with a another posting.

2011-06-20T16:20:00.003-04:00

Three years ago, Victor took a leave of absence to lead a project with Emmanual Baptist Church in San Salvador and started an amazing Youth House called Cal-Pipil. All the work was done by the youth and their parents. Funds were donated to make this possible. Each year, Victor and I provide something to improve one of the programs. This year we decided to make it the music program. While he was home in the spring to visit his family, Victor presented the four new guitars from Harmony Hopes and in return some of the youth performed for him.

Great times in the Meechschwap

2011-06-17T15:40:00.004-04:00

Photo by: Sandra Webb

Meeawsha meechum. Means good food! Roasted goose and bannock. The best. Ummmm!

Sandra's mom keeps busy in her Meechschwap and invites family and friends for a feast. It is the time of the year when the Canada Geese are flying north . This photo was taken in Chisassibi the new location of Fort George on the upper north east coast of James Bay where I lived and worked for 7 years. The social media (Facebook) has reconnected me with many of these really wonderful people.

Fond Memories of the North

2011-05-31T12:52:00.008-04:00

Photo by Sandra Webb
Too many years ago, I worked in the North for 7 years. They were the best years of my career and by the amazing means of social networking, I have reconnected with this wonderful world I left behind. Lots has changed over these years, I am now a silly senior, the children I worked with are parents and some grandmas and grandpas. Shortly after I left, the village was relocated to the mainland due to the Hydro Quebec power project and when dealt with a load of lemons, the community made sweet lemonade. The development of the new town was to everyones' advantage. Electric power, running water, proper housing, stores and ammenities. Now to think there is a road to connect the south to the north, although an 18 hour drive to Montreal. Every now and then I get an email from someone asking me to be their friend and did I used to work in Fort George. Slowly I am reconnecting with these wonderful people. This past Sunday, my God daughter posted a picture of her mom's teepee, and cooking bannock over the open fire. Ummmmmm. It is funny how our memories are flooded with reminiscences and the yearning to turn the clocks back in time. But, I guess when you look at it realistically, I finished a wonderful chapter of my book back in the early 70's, but unlike any book you can buy in the store, have been able to go back and catch up on my story whether it be fun, happy, tragic or overwhelming, it all seems to fulfill the homesickness I have continued to feel over all these years.

Organizing Your Work Area

2011-05-11T12:24:00.005-04:00

Through Facebook I have met many unique ladies who live for their fabric arts and one lady in particular sticks out in my mind and that is Linda Griffith. Linda has a website which she has set up for helping you organize your work space. She has a virtual consulting business built into to this in the event your are at your wits end and need her help.

Cal Pipil Update

2011-04-08T09:00:00.003-04:00

Harmony Hopes was started to contribute the proceeds from the sale of our art to Cal Pipil a Youth House for the Arts in El Salvador. Three years ago, Victor took three months off and went home and volunteered his time to help Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel develop this youth house with the enthusiatic help of the youth and their families. Definitely not a North American style venture where everything is done by the local, provincial and federal governments and it is really evident to. The pride taken in this place is extraordinary. Because these kids take nothing for granted, it makes the project so worth while and provides us with the energy to continue on. After Victor returns home with new PICS, they will be posted on http://www.harmonyhopes.com/, our official website. Please check them out and feel free to leave us your comments.

Place Mat

2011-04-05T21:23:00.003-04:00

Experimenting with discharge dyeing and the hand quilter was actually working at machine quilting. I have to make 6 placemats in green and will do some discharge on the green and think it will be quite pleasing.

"Short Journey"

2011-04-04T09:44:00.003-04:00

I just printed a gift card for a friend using this piece which I made to commerate the short life of a sweet nephew. I have since named it "Eric's Short Journey". Now, I must get it machine quilted.

Paint box

2011-03-16T13:21:00.009-04:00

My friend Nanci came to my rescue and machine quilted my "Paint Box", my inspiration coming from Oh Fransson. I can't wait until the Canada Post returns it to me. Everyone knows I do not quilt by machine. I am attached to my floor frame and parking myself in front the TV--usually hockey games, and stitch away. Every now and then, I make something and I hits me that to finish it, it has to be machine quilted. Well, folks, this is it. I wonder if I had sent the binding, she would have done that too. ( I am smug). What a masterpiece Nanci.

Tortuguita

2011-03-06T16:08:00.008-05:00

He likes to be hand fed, but with tweezers 'cause he is a snapper even though he's a painted tortuga. I have gravel and small rocks in the front corner and she moves them around like furniture.

Storage Case for e-Reader

2011-02-27T20:54:00.004-05:00

An afternoon of frustrations with the tension on my Pfaff. Sew, pick it out, sew, pick, sew pick. Never though I would finish this for Mr. V. Holds the reader, clip on lamp, recharge cord and a pen. Along with loading on 4 theology books. (Full service)

Mug Mat Swap

2011-02-06T14:40:00.007-05:00

These are my two Mug Mats for the Quilt Gallery swap which is going to a lady in California. If she is like me and doesn't drink coffee, this could be multi-purpose and play tic, tac, toe with a friend. Above pennies won a game and loonies won the other game. The background fabric is commercial while the grid is hand painted with MX Procion dyes. Hand appliqued and hand quilted.

More Stick people

2011-01-23T18:34:00.006-05:00

The stick people becomes a family event.

Stick People Still Hanging Around

2011-01-09T11:55:00.003-05:00

Just finished my poppies a Juanita Yeager design and love it. Have to bind it then will put a photo up. The stick people are still scattered about the studio (a part of my mess) and decided I would pick it up again after a year. I am basically ready for the exhibition in July so thought I might figure out where I was going with this and add it to the show. It feeds my hand applique passion.

Poppy Seeds Appliqued

2010-12-08T22:34:00.002-05:00

Next step, the quilting

Poppies out of season

2010-12-05T14:38:00.009-05:00

Back in the summer, I took an on-line course with JuanitaYeager http://artquiltworks.blogspot.com/ from Florida. Juanita is a very accomplished fabric artist. Loves her craft and is one of those people you can learn so much from. I encourage you to visit her blog. I have been working away at what I learned from Juanita and what I have interpreted into my comfort zone. I have yet to applique the stems and get hand quilting.

Whole lot abstract for me

2010-11-07T07:08:00.005-05:00

I don't know when to stop and I hate to go further because I can't reverse the process using translucents. Piecing with fabric is so different from painting on fabric.

Quiet Sunday

2010-10-31T16:31:00.005-04:00

The Crock Pot is on duty today. Just put the thickener in the stew. Ummmmm soon the peas go in and VOILA!

Stew on a cold day! We've had our first snow.

Lazy Maggita, sleeping with her sheepy friend

Picton Owls

2010-10-19T10:15:00.005-04:00

Friends of mine went down to Picton to observe and actually interact with the banding of the owls which takes place this time every year at the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory.

This is definitely on my to do list one year.

Graffiti of an old girl

2010-10-10T11:29:00.006-04:00

I have always been taken by some graffiti that you see about the city. I am devistated if they are defacing private property, historical sites and the like, but every now and then you see some awesome "organized" graffiti by some amazing people. Don't know who they are, young, old or somewhere in between. Every so often you see some when surfing on the www. Now we are seeing some paintings done on canvas by our community artsy fabric people. It is wonderful. I have a set of translucent and opaque bases along with the tints and decided this weekend being a long weekend in Canada I would do some playing. I can't draw but I can doodle and scribble STUFF.

I have a new love in my life, e-life that is!!

2010-10-02T13:39:00.003-04:00

Meet my 64 GB iPad Wi-Fi + 3G

This is my new best friend. I have been so "unduly" influenced by blog friends. Over the years I have followed Pam Holland an Australian who has been my inspiration. Pam lives out of a suitcase much of the year and boy her travel days were so revolutionized when the iPad came out. It is an amazing tool. You just have to research for yourselves what you can get out of this sweet gem. I think Pam should make a deal with "Apple" I know I am not the only one who has based my decision by Pam's raves. I think my blog friend Nanci should have one for her recuperation days from hip replacement. But don't let me set any bad ideas. It took one day to get the hang of it.

Icicles in Mid-September Brrrrrrrrrrr!

2010-09-17T08:57:00.006-04:00

This is my imaginary view. I am really wishing I had the sunrise that Nanci had at her cottage today (less thier invasion by the bears/racoons earlier in the week. Not having to get up, think about the hastles of going to work, rushing to walk the dog, check the bird, make my lunch and out the door. We have had alot of rain in the Ottawa region this September. Yesterday, we had steady, hard rain and strong winds from the north west. When I went to pull the drapes in the bedroom last evening, I looked out and what did I see, was rain drops had FROZEN on the screen. It was still there this morning when I opened them and 6 degrees C. As I said to the dog as I was leaving this morning...bring on the weekend.

A Gray,Damp Day for Doodling

2010-09-06T16:21:00.006-04:00

On-Line Course, Takes.....

2010-08-29T10:34:00.009-04:00

Practice, practice, practice

But not to despair. I remember learning to hand quilt now machine quilting is such a foreign element. I have so enjoyed the past couple of weekends with Juanita. Weekend One was screen printing and dye painting and this weekend I am practicing the hand painting. One boo-boo I made when I ordered my screen, was I got one that was bigger than my sink!! I am waiting for a smaller one to arrive, so I am carrying on with practice painting with the thickened dyes. If you ever have thoughts of doing something on line, don't second guess the idea. If your teacher is good, and mine was superior, you don't need to be in the same room.

PS Disaster. I didn't nuke my dried painting long enough so the dye molecules were still alive and transferred to the white background. All boils down to the learning curve of a new technique.

Learning How to Say Good Bye?

2010-08-21T10:59:00.004-04:00

I was just finishing my cup of tea thinking about how brave I have been this week. The Dog is not here for the weekend. That really disturbs me. We are joined at the hip and I talk to her non-stop, but that is not saying good bye forever. She will be coming back.

My favourite kitchen object that I so bravely said good bye today was my Cuisinart mini-blender. I blend my soy milk/yogurt/fruit breakfast in that every day. I recently bought a shopping channel show stopper Kitchen Aid blender that will grind up ice cubes. The down fall is it weights a ton. TODAY I said, Cuisinart, you have been promoted to mixing solutions of sodium alginate. She worked like a pro and didn't let me down. I am taking an on-line course with a super lady who is teaching me to paint with procion dyes. New avenue. Hopefully I will succeed. If this new approach to learning/teaching is successful, we will reveal. I do have to say, it is amazing that the internet rules out a long distance.

Tokyo International Quilt Show 2010 (via Flickr)

2010-08-13T09:02:00.008-04:00

I really wanted to upload a couple of my favourites but the rights are reserved and this is the only one you can upload. So, you have to grab yourself a cuppa and slowly go through the entries. Breath taking. What I love is the originality of most of these entries and guess what, many of them are hand quilted. Check out the detail. Hurrah to the hand quilters. For those people who know me know that I put hand quilters on pedestals. A dying breed and I don't mind reminding people that we are creators not manufacturers, but no offense to the machine quilters, I do admire their talents it is just not one I will ever master.

http//www.flickr.com/photos/movinghands/sets/72157623220079522/

LITTLE BITS OF THIS SUMMER

2010-08-08T15:51:00.002-04:00

Left Overs for Charity//Global Quilt Project

2010-08-07T14:16:00.013-04:00

SHAME ON US IF WE DON'T CONTRIBUTE

IT ONLY TAKES SOME SCRAP FABRIC + A LITTLE POSTAGE

http://www.globalchange.me/

I have sent left over blocks to Florida for the making of quilts to be auctioned and proceeds will be used for communities in Central Africa. PLEASE check out their website and PARTICIPATE. Michele Foster from the Quilting Gallery sent members information about this challenge. Well folks, it would indeed be life's challenge if we did not have a toilet or fresh water. Just for a minute think about a little dignity for others. Dig into that box of unfinished squares, add on to them or cut some off, any number of squares will help the cause and feel good about helping others.

Finished Kimono

2010-07-31T10:44:00.002-04:00

Back of Penny's Paint Box

2010-07-11T13:43:00.006-04:00

Hand applique on the back of my Paintbox quilt (for me).
If I reposition and stitch the dog in the right bottom corner then I won't need anything more.

Is this hot or what, no let up yet

2010-07-08T16:36:00.001-04:00

AND I AM GRUMPY

Condo Gardens

2010-06-27T09:22:00.011-04:00

The gardens at my condo are amazing, with all the credit going to two ladies who volunteer their time to look after them. The beauty of moving into a condo after having your own home is you can continue gardening which is what Raquel and Dawn do. Thank you ladies, I appreciate your hard work.

2010-06-14T20:02:00.001-04:00

The only smoker in this family.

Progression of my paintbox!

2010-06-14T10:26:00.004-04:00

A week off. Music to my ears. The top is done, and I am about to make the back. I have often thought about the lonely back of a quilt. The side never admired. Sad? You bet. I decided that I would hand applique a saying that tickles my fancy. So today I will start. I have been thinking about what it will be, so be patient. Sorry, my quilt pictures are always wonky. I pin my tops to a large quilt on the wall, but the wall has a 3" stepdown so nothing ever hangs perfectly straight.

2010-06-07T21:06:00.002-04:00

As humble as I am, I am thrilled that my Spanish Angeles won along with Carin's quilt which was truly made from her heart. Thank you to all those who placed their votes on the "Angeles"

Progress

2010-05-24T17:38:00.003-04:00

Lattice in place and I am wondering what the border will be!!

On to the next step

2010-05-23T20:01:00.003-04:00

On to the lattice

Oh Fransson's paint box a al Penny

2010-05-14T07:25:00.004-04:00

16 down 32 to go?

This will be a fun lap quilt. I gravitate towards jewel tone colours so there should be a big harmonious contrast between Oh Fransson's paint box and mine. I can't wait to see.

Oh Fransson

2010-05-11T09:11:00.007-04:00

A fresh approach to old traditional patterns. Have you visited Elizabeth Hartman's website ?

I found her through another blog that is fun to follow. I put traditional quilting to bed a few years ago and when I saw what Marit was doing, I followed her link to Oh Fransson. "OH MY" is what I have to say. She puts a zinger in her quilts. What is it? White. Go figure. I have just started her "Paint Box" which makes great use of your scraps. Stay tuned to updates. I look forward to picking up my copy of her book come the fall, or maybe Santa will bring it to me.

Victor's in the song writing finals!!!!!!!!

2010-05-01T10:02:00.007-04:00

Fall in love with Northern Lights and VOTE

2010-04-16T13:27:00.005-04:00

Those who know me recognize this quilt which is in my livingroom. The Quilting Gallery is having virtual competition this weekend and I need all my friends to vote for Northern Lights.
Below is the link to go on to their website to VOTE. Thanks one and all. Voting is on until Sunday midnight.

http://quiltinggallery.com/tag/weekly-themed-quilt-contest/

A day to hand paint fabric

2010-04-10T15:58:00.002-04:00

What is it going to be? I have no clue yet but I just painted a piece about 8" x 70". I was inspired this morning when I was having my tea visiting http://www.abyquilt.blogspot.com where May shares her pictures from a guild exhibition in Norway. So we shall see what comes of this. It will take awhile as I will be hand embelishing and quilting it.

Central American Transparent Butterfly

2010-04-08T20:32:00.007-04:00

TRANSPARENT BUTTERFLY
It comes from Central America and is found from Mexico to Panama. It is quite common in its zone, but it not easy to find because of its transparent wings, which is a natural camouflage mechanism.
A butterfly with transparent wings is rare and beautiful. As delicate as finely blown glass, the presence of this rare tropical gem is used by rain forest ecologists as an indication of high habitat quality and its demise alerts them of ecological change. Rivaling the refined beauty of a stained glass window, the translucent wings of the Glasswing butterfly shimmer in the sunlight like polished panes of turquoise, orange, green, and red. All things beautiful do not have to be full of color to be noticed: in life that which is unnoticed has the most power.

Happy Easter and for some Happy Spring!!

2010-04-02T11:47:00.003-04:00

I love to pull out my old Easter eggs. Some better than others. But I have gone from mixing dyes to do psanka, to mixing dyes to make most of my fabrics.

Princess Maggita!

2010-04-01T07:22:00.004-04:00

The "Princess" woke up during the night recently and went to the livingroom and started barking. I got up and went to see what the problem was. She was very comfortable on our large ottoman facing the TV. It finally clicked in that she wanted the TV on. I went back to bed and it all started over again. Mercy, I went back and in a huff, I turned the TV on and Princess Mag settled down. I guess it is easy to tell who the alpha is in this house.......not me.

Spring is definitely in.

2010-03-21T16:14:00.002-04:00

This is one of the Lazy Girl designs. This pattern is one of the most thought out, tote designs I have ever come across. I first saw one made up at Quilty Pleasures and immediately knew it was what I wanted. I made one up this weekend. The pattern has 10 pockets on the inside but I made sure the sizes were what I needed for the things I carry with me. http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/ is worth a visit to see all their designs. The one above is called "Miranda".

Holy Moley! So much time has passed

2010-03-16T12:42:00.006-04:00

I have been busy and I just can't seem to sit down at my computer to post something to either the blog or our website. Winter is passing quickly. We are having seasonaly high temperatures for this part of Canada. We are enjoying the warming effects of El Nino 2010 although not so great for other reasons. We are going to have a record high today of 16C.

Last fall, Daniel painted some kimonas for small wall hangings and I am almost finished the one I have named "The Poetic Tree". I have handquilted this series and will put them in our exhibition this summer.

Housetop, an Olympic project

2010-02-20T11:09:00.003-05:00

My Olympic idiot's delight. I am addicted to winter sports. I hurry home from work and start the evening in front of the tube sitting at my floor frame. This is a quick strip top I put together which was promoted by The Quilts of Gee's Bend. This is a historical design by an early American lady Annie E Pettway from Alabama in the early 1900's. Simplicity is beautiful. I have another one of their designs I will do after this one is finished.

Goodie, Goodie

2010-02-05T07:35:00.005-05:00

Oh, oh. The weekend is coming up and "she" just pulled out a basket of hand dyed fabrics.

I wonder!

Flowers and Birds

2010-01-19T20:12:00.006-05:00

I wish my camera was 3D. This amarylis has two stems and 10 trumpets!
More paper fabric birds in process. They are so much fun. If you want a deviation from quilting, I highly recommend this media.

Fabric Paper

2010-01-17T14:28:00.005-05:00

Kelli Perkins' book came out last year. I have followed Kelli for a couple of years. She is creative and loves vibrant colours. Fabric paper is an absolute gas. To try out initially, you have all the "ingredients" at hand. Fabric, tissue paper and white glue. There are a million other elements you can introduce, like acrylic inks, coffee/tea stains, watercolour crayons. I Just Had To go to the art store to pick up one element I didn't have in the house. Watercolour crayons are so cool. I am not going to say too much about them because it will take away the excitement should you try them. So I have played around for a couple of days. There is a drying time that delays the outcome but once you accept that and carry on with more little projects, the anticipation builds, until it is finally done. The bird below, is not finished as it has to be sewn together and the project I am doing, does not happen for awhile. Stay tuned for another weekend.

Winter Blooms

2010-01-09T15:39:00.003-05:00

Kimona 3

2010-01-01T09:48:00.006-05:00

New Year's Wishes

2010-01-01T08:50:00.010-05:00

Maggita is my biggest fan and boss and of course, it is the unconditional love!!

Not to dwell on family heartache, recently losing my youngest nephew will hurt for forever. He was in his own right very artistic. Hopefully, his memory will help inspire me with my journey in the arts. So now forging into the new year, 2010. I have no great expectations, just dreams to achieve greater heights. Victor and I are working towards our exhibition at the Green Door for a month this summer. Of course it takes me 500% longer to produce in fabric what Victor puts on canvas. I don't think he can appreciate the differences in our medias. I am still stuck in the "hand quilting mode". I promised myself that I would move into the 21st centruy and work on the machine quilting skill. I do have to say though, I don't think you can replace the beauty of hand quilting. I view all the blogs of many wonderful fibre artists and see the speed at which they post. I think to myself, I don't think they have full time jobs. They start and finish a piece sometimes in a day or at least in a week. I catch myself thinking, wouldn't that have gone over the top had it been hand quilted? Then I think, with age and arthritis being a nuisence, machine quilting will be a new revelation. So I hope a year from now, I will sit here expounding on my advancements in machine quilting.

I have been working on a Kimono series for the exhibition, and I finally got around to "Hand Quilting" this one. Three are finished and three more to "Hand Quilt".

I wish to extend a happy and health New Year to the many ladies I visit on a regular basis through the magic of the internet. I feel as though I know you all personally although we will never meet in person, it is great to chat from time to time, to oooooh and aweeeeeee about each other's projects of the moment. It all provides great stimulation and appreciate what a great art we throw your hearts into.

Jaime a Salvadorian Folk Artist

2009-12-14T07:33:00.026-05:00

We are excited to introduce a wonderful La Palma (Folk Artist) from El Salvador. We invited Jaime to provide us with some of his inventory to sell for him and help him be self sufficient. The pieces he sent us are absolutely beautiful. They are in vivid colours, perfection and portray the traditional folk lore of El Salvador.

We extend our thanks to Daniela Fuentes, a very talented photographer for providing us with the following photographs and for creating our poster.

If you are interested in purchasing any of the items, complete details are available on our website. http://www.harmonyhopes.com/

Back to Stick Figures!! A WIP

2009-11-16T16:24:00.014-05:00

Not sure what direction these little stick people are going to take but I'll continue until something happens.

Tribute to a Short Journey

2009-11-02T08:44:00.006-05:00

I had to express on fabric my feelings about a special young person whose journey was cut very short and who never found the place where he belonged. I will set it aside until I decide on how I am going to quilt it.

Bath Mat

2009-10-18T12:16:00.006-04:00

This is a hand dyed, machine pieced bath mat with an old terry towel for the backing then binding.

Today is "BAD" World "BLOG ACTION DAY"

2009-10-15T08:54:00.007-04:00

When we realized that today was "BAD" Blog Action Day, our thoughts immediately reflected to Environmental damage being done in El Salvador by "Pacific Rim" a Canadian mining company. Shame on us as Canadians!

NO TO CANADIAN MINING COMPANIES IN EL SALVADOR!

Very recently, in El Salvador(located South of Guatemala) high grade gold has been discovered within the region of Cabañas. Since the discovery of this gold site, Canadian mining companies (such as Pacific Rim) have set their sights on this precious land.What Pacific Rim is not veiwing, however, is the enviromental and socio-economincal effects which metal mining produces on such terrain. Metal mining is one of the biggest industrial pollutants, and WILL cause major effects on the enviroment. UNES (Ecological Society of El Salvador) have done research on the methods of extraction which Pacific Rim will be using, and the effects it will have on the enviroment and the society. Such effects include,-Acid Drainage. (runoffs from mines contaminating water)-Acid Rain.-Drop of pH levels in water.-Water shortages due to pumping from mines.-Damages to the health of the whole population.-Damages to soil.-The effects which the chemicals used in mining will have on the human body. (Such as the skin, eyes and lungs)-etc.The enviromental effects will have many negative contributions to the socio state and well being of the communities in Cabañas. The health and environmental effects are serious, and the jobs that will be opened for the public will not cover the cost which the population will face with these environmental effects. Canadian metal companies will not be helping the people, instead they produce more harsh realities which the people will be facing daily, such as toxic drinking waters and polluted air.Along with the enviromental effects which mining will have on the region, the social effects will catastrophic. El Salvador is already suffering a great deal from poverty and violence (85 percent of the population is living under what the UN calls a "decent wage"), and when you include the pollution of drinking waters, of agricultural land, and the many health disorders that mining will cause to the people, it is odvious that metal mining will not benefit the communites, and will only cause more critical obsticals on the population.Furthermore, the metal mining will not only have effect on the region of Cabañas and Chalatenango. El Salvador, being a small country, can and will be easily contaminated. It will be easy for acidic water to make its way through water ways (such as the Rio Lempa River) and acid rain. The Lempa Rio is the main source water supply for most of the country. And Acid Rains EASILY spread, especially considering the fact that El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America. Acid rains, may also make their way north into the neighboring country of Honduras and Guatemala. At extreme, it may even be seen in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.Canadian Goverment and the Canadian mining corporations are WELL AWARE of the effects of mining, and the harm it will have on the communites. Instead of listening to the oppostion against mining (recently, 15 000 people from Cabañas have gone to the capital to protest against Pacific Rim), these Canadian mining companies have created an illusion of "Green Mining", which when looked into, does not exist, and is only a successful way of prommoting their company.Due to the CAFTA Free Trade Agreement, a variety of Canadian and American companies are allowed to spread their buisnesses into Central America, contributing to negative impacts of Central America. The CAFTA agreement is allowing for the company (Pacific Rim) to seek arbitrations and forcefully try to gain their mining permits, and making moves which solemnly benefit the company.Instead of allowing this to happen and allowing the voice of the Salvadorian people to be ignored, join this group and invite whoever you can to join. Canada has been causing many devasting problems to communities world wide. Invite as many people as you can, and spread awareness of this crime which is being committed.

Cal-Pipil Kimono II (Mini-Quilt)

2009-10-11T13:08:00.004-04:00

It is fitting that I post this during our festival of fall colours. The beautiful Canadian maple leaves, brilliant in colour, fall to the ground. Unfortunately this photo does not do justice to the colours. This is a mini quilt for our annual art exhibition at "The Green Door" in Ottawa. The proceeds will go to Cal-Pipil in El Salvador. See our website for more details about our efforts in supporting Cal-Pipil.

Thanksgiving Sunday and the Colours are Beautiful

2009-10-11T13:01:00.003-04:00

Our days are getting very short. The fall colours are soon going to peak. These pictures were just after daybreak today.

The Final Part of the UGLY Quilt Story

2009-10-07T15:39:00.004-04:00

Remember the story of my fabric thorn? I heard from Australia, and the final episode of this long and drawn out yarn is that "UGLY Quilt" made it's final destination. With the help of Alison who is going to finish it and add her charm, I really can't ask for a better ending to the 20 year saga of the UGLY Quilt. Thank you Alison!!

Photography by Daniela

2009-10-02T19:18:00.013-04:00

Daniela is studying photography and is producing amazing work. She and Victor went to Parliament Hill in Ottawa and got some wonderful shots. Along with being a very artistic lady, you have to have a good camera which is apparent in the following pictures.

Cal-Pipil I

2009-09-27T12:29:00.004-04:00

Cal-Pipil I has been hand quilted and a few beads added.

Cal Pipil Abstract I

2009-09-17T16:32:00.007-04:00

I finished this machine pieced mini and it is ready to hand quilt and do some beading. This is for the Harmony Hopes Exhibition we are doing to raise funds for our passion,
"Cal Pipil" in San Salvador.

"Summer Fiesta" is on the way to New Zealand

2009-09-04T08:32:00.007-04:00

The summer mini-quilt swap is nearly over and time to go to the post and ship this off to New Zealand. A long way away. I love this bright little mini-quilt and I hope my swap friend will be able to brighten up a corner in her creative work area. This piece started very unintentionally back in the late winter when I was playing around with my Pebo Translucent Fabric Paints, and it ended up being "Summer Fiesta". Now the summer is over here in the northern hemisphere, and Summer Fiesta is on it's way to find summer "Part II" in New Zealand.

Little Tid-Bits to Pass Along

2009-08-26T10:32:00.004-04:00

Since the studio is out of service I thought I should share this little tid-bit with you.

TRY THIS, BUY SOME SHARES IN COBAN, THEN POST THE IDEA ON YOUR BLOG to spread the word on to your quilting friends!

Awhile ago, I read on the internet," Throw away your thimbles", or words to that effect. I for one has at least a half dozen different sizes. My fingers are very small, very unproportionate to the rest of my body!! Coban, self adhesive tape. I was first introduced to this when my dogs would have their heart worm blood tests, and a piece of this self sticking tape was used by the Vet. Time passed and I bought some at the drugstore to have in my first aid kit. Not colourful like the Vet had, but who cares. Take a piece, approximately 2 1/2", wrap it around your thimble finger, molding it over the tip of your finger and having it self stick on the top side of your finger where it will have least contact with your project. You don't believe me? Try it, it works, the needle does not come through and "ouch-you" and every time your body temperature changes this thimble does not fall off or get too tight and frustrate you.

Still Under Renovation, Part II

2009-08-24T09:24:00.007-04:00

I think all people are alergic to construction dust. Even my contractor is!

Okay, I am just about at my whits end. The heat and humidity has slowed down the mudding of the drywall and we need to do the sanding before grouting the tile. So we have been set back another few days. I am frustrated with the disruption and I really miss my studio and my creative release when I get home from a stressful day at work watching the rise and fall of the markets. Bitching aside, the job is really taking shape and excitement is now starting to eleviate the frustration levels. Mark, from Vision Quest, the contractor, is a perfectionist at building ceramic walls. He is amazing. I am getting anxious to start cleaning. Fortunately, our abode is on the small side. I have visions for another Kimono for the series I am working on, and really want into the studio to my "Scrap Box". I love a project that can use up scraps. I will work on this when I am doing the gall bladder recovery in a couple of weeks. Woo, woo.

Still Under Renovation

2009-08-17T08:51:00.007-04:00

Week two and still in a mess. My wee studio is a warehouse for the contractor so my creative progression has come to a grinding halt. I hope things start moving along faster this week. I am having my bathroom rennovated, tub taken out and a walk in limestone shower installed and of course there are special plumbing requirements in a multi-dwelling condominium. I am fortunate to be able to go to my friends for my showers. But as my dear friend says, focus on the end result. Forget the dust, and mess and remember the tax incentive on this year's income tax return for stimulating the economy. Yes, thank you Mr. Prime Minister. No, I did not vote for you but I will take the tax break!!

Bring on the Gelatin

2009-08-07T08:21:00.006-04:00

Wow, can't wait to buy the gelatin to give mono-printing a try. I think I will recruit my good friend Daniel on this one. I can see him going a little crazy. We will see how this goes.

Mariposa Kimono

2009-08-05T12:42:00.002-04:00

Lost River Alpacas

2009-07-30T15:51:00.004-04:00

This is a direct quote from the Lost River Alpacas blog.
"Velvet had her cria yesterday. Isn't she a beauty? A big girl, and the best part, she's strong and healthy!" Julia is her name and she was born on July 29, 2009.

When I see Linda's babies I want to have them all. Linda is an alpaca farmer and you can only admire all her hard work. Visit her site.

Animal lovers have to love this

2009-07-28T09:37:00.003-04:00

Wouldn't be nice if the world could get along like this?

Work in Process

2009-07-19T19:51:00.006-04:00

Not much to show for this weekend but got some dyeing done!On comes the lap frame for this mini quilt

The Karma Award

2009-07-18T22:16:00.015-04:00

The Karma Award: I received this Karma award from Gabriela of Threadheads Anonymous. I was very surprised to receive it and what more can I say but thank you Gabriela. My intention is to send it to a few people who inspire me with what they share; a person you see as dealing with more than their fair share in life and people who are naturally warm and caring. I pass this Karma award along to a few people who I see as beautiful people and giving of themselves unselfishly. Please share this with some of your blog friends. People you admire, you are learning from and those who inspire you enough at succeeding with your next project. We meet our fellow quilters through a virtual medium, but in real life we are caring, friendly quilters reaching out to meet and learn from each other.

Michele Foster (Mishka) http://quiltinggallery.com/

Faith from Nut Bud Quilter http://nutbudquilter.blogspot.com/

Alison from Al's Treasurers http://alstreasurers.blogspot.com/

Linda from Fiber Fabrications http://fiberfabrications.blogspot.com/

Quick Picture, while it is not raining outside

2009-07-18T10:43:00.004-04:00

Here in Ottawa which is in Central Canada, it has rained every Saturday for month's now. There are so few opportunities to take some pictures outside, but today, I caught the right moment. My little mini-quilt is all pieced and ready to be quilted and maybe some accents in beading. While the weather is questionable is a good excuse to stay in and watch the British Open Golf from Scotland.

THIS BOOZO DID IT!!!!! BUT.........

2009-07-17T16:11:00.005-04:00

I will continue to research what I really want.

This Weekend is Flip Flopping on the Wall

2009-07-12T15:29:00.002-04:00

Sitting and piecing at the machine can be a bit achy breaky so I like to chip away at small projects for short spells. This is the start of my mini quilt for the next Quilting Gallery swap. Once again my recepient is very far away from Canada.

Remember My Ugly Quilt?

2009-07-03T08:37:00.011-04:00

Remember this ugly quilt? Well, it wasn't quite so ugly to everyone. My quilt has emerged from the Quebec blanket box and is going to be given a one way ticket to Australia. My "Unfinished Symphony" is going to be finished by Alison and the quilt will take up residency with her son, Liam. Liam is very accomplished at making Origami. You have to click

on Alison's link above and go back one screen to see his work. When you go on to this blog you can almost taste the cup cakes that are staring you in the face. Ummmmm Um.

The box is ready for Australia, I just have to run it to the Post Office tomorrow. Whoever would have thought 20 years later, there is an end to this story. Thank you Michele at the Quilting Gallery for planting the seed. One just never knows what will transpire.

POST SCRIPT: I would like to thank a few people who actually sent me emails about this quilt. I am quite humbled that people I don't know would take the time to send nice comments and are wondering why I am still unhappy with "Cardio" after 20 years. I think it is because when you go through a large cardiac event at a very young age, the end result is, yes you are going to have to deal with this the rest of your life, but deep down there are hidden emotional issues not to mention denial, denial, denial and this being the toughest part, I think of this big hunk of black fabric as an association with this period in my life. BUT, it all worked out wonderfully. Through the amazing invention called the internet, I found several people who would quite happily finish this quilt and enjoy it. Maybe all along this is what was meant to happen with "Cardio" which by the way I renamed"Unfinished Symphony". I can now chuckle and think, that the ceremonial burial was putting this quilt in the box and taking it to the post office....never to be seen again. I must also say, I now have a half full Quebec Blanket Box.

The final post script to this story is; the UGLY quilt made it's destination ...Australia and will with the wonderful handiwork of Alison, it will be finished and it will be appreciated!! I do love the ending.

Beading

2009-06-28T20:36:00.005-04:00

A work in progress. Basting threads are still in, centre of the flower is missing, but that is for another day. I don't think beading and I will become true friends. I spent much of the weekend sewing beads on to my kimona. I took them off, I put them back on. Didn't like the design, took them off again. The sun has gone down so my indoor lighting never gives me true colour when I take pictures. Really what we have here is an awesome dark plum and the beads are shiny gold (believe it or not) Well, I have come to a grinding halt for this weekend. It is time to get things ready for another work week.

Marketing that Appeals to One's Compulsions

2009-06-20T12:05:00.013-04:00

I came home with toooooooooooooo much, but I didn't buy the store.

Ginko for the Mini Swap

2009-06-18T13:03:00.004-04:00

This piece was sent to Alison in Australia. I think it is so much fun to make acquaintances with folk the other side of the world.

Mixed Media is Ready for Exhibition

2009-06-14T14:50:00.009-04:00

This week is World Refugee Week in Ottawa, Canada. The Federal Department of Citizenship and Immigration along with the United Nations have put together a week of focusing on those people how have worked very hard to settle into their new countries and communities. Over the years, Victor has contributed his work to the art exhibition and this year he asked me to do a mixed media with him. Victor was also part of a film and provided some of the original background music for this documentary produced and directed by Graham Thompson .

"What Was I Thinking Ugly Quilt Contest"

2009-06-12T21:00:00.005-04:00

“What was I thinking”? I made this quilt when I was recuperating from a heart attack 20 years ago. I had always wanted to make a pattern for a variegated attic window. That was pretty easy to do, then, I went very Amish, like many quilters, a phase in my journey in fiber art. I never finished it before I went back to work. Over the years I psyche myself to put it back on the frame to finish it and perhaps give it to a charity to auction. I am sure it is 80% quilted. But…….like the main colour, it is from the black period of my life. I am still plagued with cardiomyopathy, that will never go away and chances are the quilt will never be finished. So now you have the story about my ugly 3 dimensional quilt. Maybe we should all put our thoughts together on what to do with an unloved/unfinished quilt. How can you pitch all that fabric. Anyone got any suggestions? I will gladly even ship it to someone who could love this sad quilt.Amen! By the way, it is queensized.

Today's play

2009-06-07T19:33:00.005-04:00

The start of a mini-quilt.

Funny how you can have a room full of fabric(plus the overflow)and you still go for the fabric paints to prepare the background piece for your mini quilt. I think I quilt "in moods"

Envious of Peoples' Gardens

2009-06-03T09:00:00.004-04:00

I enjoy visiting my favourite blogs and at this time of year, many people share their wonderful gardens with the rest of us. I mourn not being able to have a successful garden on my condo balcony. I have a prevailing NW wind and a few years ago, I packed in the garden and invested my garden budget into fabrics, dyes and threads. Oh what fun. That in itself is a great payoff. So I go on to the internet and select my cyber garden for the day or week or month and enjoy my weedless, bug less but pretty garden. Here is my selection for today but definitely does not live up to someone's real life garden.

Harmony Hopes Gone Instrumental and in Total Harmony

2009-05-23T13:41:00.005-04:00

Another painting by Daniel, I am just starting some hand applique which will intigrate our two cultures. Hopefully have it on the quilting frame this weekend. Have only three weeks before it goes on exhibit at the UN World Refrugee Week taking place here in Ottawa, the National Capital of Canada. Victor and I will be taking part in this week long presentation. If anyone is interested in learning more about this please leave a comment and I can forward you further information.

Addiction

2009-05-10T16:18:00.003-04:00

You start with one and end up with 12. I love colour.

Experimenting for the Swap

2009-05-10T11:27:00.005-04:00

It's a secret but we now know who our quilting buddy is and mine is from afar. I am playing around with my fabric paints hoping an inspiration spirit will take over. I always say, don't plan it, relax and just let it be a happy, colourful accident! Preparing your material with fabric paints you definitely know you won't see another like it.

Mixed Media Finished

2009-05-10T11:19:00.004-04:00

Multi-media by Daniel and I is now finished and ready to be given to a lucky receipient. It was fun working on it and watching Victor's anticipation as I slowly hand quilted and bound this beauty.

Mixed media going on!!

2009-04-25T10:35:00.013-04:00

Mixed media quilt by Daniel and Penelope

Appliques designed by Daniela

Daniela and Daniel, provide me with outlines for my appliques

Rejected Chicks, but they will find a different home.

Victor and I are doing a multi-media quilt which will be a gift for a friend in Latin America. I prepared the fabrics, put together a curved-pieced boarder using hand dyed fabric. Victor then painted a wonderful picture on the centre of the quilt then, Daniela drew me some outlines of some wonderful maple leaves so I could continue with some hand appliqued leaves and chickens on the boarder. When preparing small pieces for my applique I find it easier to use hand fabric paints and then heat set rather than fighting with painting with dyes. Here are a few quick shots of what we have been doing lately.

Spring Swap at the Quilting Gallery

2009-04-22T08:24:00.003-04:00

Get into the spirit of spring and register for the First Ever Quilting Gallery Mini Quilt Swap. See the logo on the left and register NOW!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-09T20:59:00.008-04:00

There are some of my psanka made years ago but they are fun to bring out and enjoy every year.

New Baby

2009-03-21T07:42:00.003-04:00

New baby arrived today, he/she doesn't have a name yet but will soon.

Spring Fever, bright colours and white cotton, OH YES

2009-03-17T14:16:00.011-04:00

The magic between fibre and dyes
The excitement of the mixing of your magic potients and the anticipation of the outcome.
Never to waste, blend some of your left over dyes in a container, add more fabric and wait to see how delicious it will be. Remember, both of these pieces will be one of a kind masterpieces because I don't measure anything!