Upcycle summer stitching


I've in love with my new backyard. The summer here in Duncan, B.C. is lovely, ocean breezes ripple across the back deck with refreshing scents from the many flowers in bloom right now. The heat wave we had a few weeks ago, while a wee bit of a shock has gone and more normal temperatures have returned say the locals.

1. Its official, I love thrifting, mixing and blending in my clothes to fit my kinda crazy girl personality. And while this is not news to anyone who knows me, it is a new way of looking at what I can do with all my crazy scraps and snippets so small, its a wonder I waste the thread on them.


This winter scarf stitched in my own version of Boro Stitching is a fun way to use up all sorts of scraps.


Then came two blankets tuned up with more scraps and odd orphan blocks hand stitched onto two halves of one moving blanket, which were donated to the Muddy Boot Prints outdoor children's learning program in Vancouver.


Thrifting and stitching are my middle names. This beautiful denim wedding quilt made for a rustic couple on their wedding day in Alberta was a fun project for sure.


Then the purple shirt upcycle began and well quite frankly I've been having a lot of fun with that. This shirt was the true start of upcycling for me and I've not looked back until today writing a long catch up for all you dedicated readers.


This was one t-shirt and one t-shirt skirt blended in one upcycle fashion. I get a lot of compliments from this little number, it just long enough to go without pants or shorts and not too long for wearing with jeans too.



This pink t-shirt was stained and really not anything to look at until this total fun upcycle fashion craze hit my sewing mind.


Upcycle!

2. Living in the largest population I've ever lived in and this means events, resturants and places where I feel happy with a sense of belonging more everyday. You know how it goes. Moving is just a tonne of work,then the boxes have to find new homes and it all takes time. 


The famous Empress Hotel in downtown Victoria is a must to see and visiting Victoria, and the greater Vancouver Island is highly recommended. 

And USD to CAD is a great exchange, so no excuses, come and visit us in Canada.


This handmade wicker chair has my name on it and is sturdy and comfortable. Courtesy of Duncan Farmer's Market.


I purchased a lovely hand woven wool wrap from this gentleman and for only $150.


4. People are finding me, even in Duncan and even after I've moved, moved and moved again and from far away places like Toronto and Montreal. 

I have some commission work to do, quilts to finish and much to share in the coming months. 1st up is another wedding quilt, reversible and modern. I will share more on that in coming year. And with all sorts of wonderful art galleries to choose from, I'm working on a special exhibit that I'll be sharing more on that too.

I love to visit with the Cowichian Heritage Quilters and missed last weekend one quilt show up in Parksville that I'll have to wait for another two years before its held again. I came down with bronchitis and was coughing so bad, I couldn't hold down any type of conversation. But alas, in Duncan, 39 Days of Music is just around the corner.

So see you soon with more on how my 1st summer is going in our new home of Duncan, B.C.




Comments

  1. So nice to read a Canadian blog, and to know you are not pushing any products or fabrics! Duncan is a lovely place to be, we have friends in Maple Bay, and always loved visiting there. Good on you for all that upcycling, we all need to be more mindful of reusing or repurposing items. I have just moved, and discovered a pile of “crap old” that I need to donate, as there is not enough room where we are now. Keep letting us know what you’re up to! Jill in Cochrane/Phoenix

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    1. You are welcome and yes, I'm a proud Canadian quilter!

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  2. I think you are quite fun. Your work is clever You are inspiring me to get back my motivation..xo

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    1. Super good to hear that I'm inspiring you. I'd love to get more time to read all the lovely quilters I follow. I've begun following you on Instagram, I am @carlithequilter

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  3. Sounds like your new home is suiting you on so many fronts...it's definitely feeding the creative juices I think!

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  4. Happy to see you're still upcycling Caroline and that you're enjoying life in your new home.
    I particularly liked the photo of a part of the denim wedding quilt, very nice indeed.

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    1. YOu know I thought I had written a post about that photograph wedding quilt, but couldn't find it on my blog, must look into that further. I love your wild colors and expressive quilts!

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  5. You have been busy, Caroline, and your recycling really has taken off. It sounds like you are settling well into your new home and finding plenty of time to be creative. Like Maureen I particularly like the picture of the denim quilt.

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    1. Ya, I must have not done a post on the composition of the denim wedding quilt. I will do my best to get that done soon!

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