I’ve carried on a tradition that my Mother began with her first grandchild, my oldest son.  Each year at Christmas she would search for or make a Christmas tree ornament for each grandchild. If I remember correctly, McKenzie’s first ornament was an ‘Arizona Cactus’ purchased while preparing for Christmas in Phoenix AZ that year.  In 2011, while in Osoyoos, BC prior to Christmas 2011, I spotted this tiny bear who...

  Somewhere on my art journey, I acquired a large plastic bin of tartan and wool skirts.  A few were added from my personal collection over the years and I was/am challenged to figure out what to do with them – all that beautiful woolen fabric! I think that the bin probably dates back to my rug hooking days – they make beautiful variegated fabric when over dyed!  Although I still have one mat/rug in the UFO bin, designed to...

These table runners were prepared as promotion items for a course in a quilt shop – as requested by the owner. It was based on a pattern by Patty Latourelle and I believe she brought back from Quilt Market. I got permission to use the pattern when teaching classes at the time when I made these.  I faced the pieced top rather than using a binding for the edge.  I like the look. When I recently did a web search, I find that the pattern is...

This was a series of machine embroidery picture mats that I used along with a collection of small  recycled picture frames for quick family Christmas exchange items. Many, but not all, have Christmas themes and therefore, I’m sure, get packed away each year.  It gave me a great opportunity to use my sewing machine’s embroidery capacity – a feature that I don’t use enough!   A quick check through family photos provided me...

  This was a really fun project!  I’ve always thought I would do some more of these 3-D fabric sculptures – but make my own patterns. This one was based on a pattern in a Quilting Arts magazine, possibly their Christmas special I think.  I have a friend who is very fond of her cuppa tea and so it was made especially for her.  The funny thing is, after giving it to her, I never saw it again!  In spite of many shared afternoon...

  This was one of my first fabric photo transfer projects.  The photo was printed as part of a workshop that I took at the fabric shop in Arnprior, ON.  I’ve used this technique in a number of projects since and sometimes use photo printing to record my photo inspiration on the back of a quilt or for my labels. The pieced border was from batiks and when completed had the look of suede.  A quick and easy gift item that commemorates...