Wouldn’t this Backyard Safari quilt, make a great kids’ gift? The finished size is 45″ x 57″.

The pattern features fabrics from the Backyard Safari Collection By Johnny Karwan and was designed by Cyndi Walker for Clothworks.

Living in the Nation’s capital for the past 6+ years, Canada Day has become my most favourite day of the year. It starts pretty early in the morning, and lasts well into the early hours of the next day, sometimes with a nap in the afternoon to keep me going. The city buzzes with energy and excitement and SO MANY PEOPLE! The fireworks at the end of the evening are spectacular.

I have warned/reminded my friends that I am very selfish on Canada Day, and I’m also easily side-tracked. So, if something catches my eye, I’ll be gone, even if that wasn’t the “plan”. I figure everyone is entitled to one selfish day to do exactly what they want, when they want. This is my day.

I’ll probably start the day with the Canada Day Parade down Elgin, then I’ll scoot over to Metcalfe to avoid the crowds and head up to the Hill for 11:30 or so. I’ll stay on the Hill for the noon show, or at least to see the Snowbirds, the SkyHawks, Blue Rodeo and Paul Brandt.

Eventually, I’ll make my way over to friends’ for a BBQ, then I may “break tradition” and head back to the Hill for the evening show, since I’m a Blue Rodeo and Paul Brandt fan. Hard to say for sure, as the fireworks from the Hill aren’t nearly as good as from other locations in the city.

Below are some free Canadian-themed patterns, a video I shot of the snowbirds, some Canada Day pictures from past years and some Canadian humour.

Canadian-Themed Free Patterns

• Maple Leaf Weave
• Quilt Canada
• Canadian Comfort and Remembrance Project
• Paper Pieced Canadian Flag

Snowbirds 2007

Shot at Pariament Hill, Canada Day 2007.

Photos

The cutest little girl is my niece Lucy (with her dad); this will be her third Canada Day. The beautiful fireworks photo was taken by my friend Tom. The rest of the photos I took.

Some Canadian Humour

Jokes brought to you by Is It Beer Time Yet?, which may not be work- or family-friendly for all.

• 40 Signs That You May Be Canadian
• Signs that you might be too Canadian for your own good
• US Navy Ship vs. Canadian Lighthouse
• The Making of Canada
• You know you’re from Canada when…
• Best Coffee in Canada
• 25 Cent Piece
• Top 10 Reasons

If you’re Canadian, I hope you have a fabulous day. I’d love to hear how you spend your Canada Day, please leave a comment.

Happy Birthday Canada!

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most over the past month is reviewing all of the wonderful submissions to the Quilting Bloggers directory. I only wish I had more time to read each and every one of them.

One day last week, I came across these gorgeous Circles that Kristi was working on for a Circle Quilt. Kristi’s son even did a video of her showing how to sew the circles perfectly round, with no fuss. It’s very well done.

Here’s a cheerful free quilting pattern from Clothworks, called Samba, which features fabrics from the Samba Collection by Sue Zipkin. The pattern is designed by Stephanie Sims. The finished quilt measures 68″ x 86″.

I don’t know about you, but I seem to find thread all over my apartment. This cute Thread Holder would sure come in handy.

I’d need to make several, one for the sewing area, one for the living room and another for the office.

While not exactly quilting, I love this idea of turning an old pillowcase into a new tote. Great option for thrift-store or garage sale found vintage pillowcases.

I love crazy quilts and was very intrigued by this great tutorial, Vintage Windows Crazy Block Tutorial which is a wonderful way to use up those scrappy bits and pieces we all have. Also check out the completed quilt that inspired this technique, Vintage Windows.

Many thanks to Quilting Blogger, Jacquie for her submission. I’m always thrilled to post tutorials and projects that others have created.

Here’s a beautiful, free Daffodils pattern that could make the front of a 20″ square pillow. Detailed instructions on how to complete the block are not provided, but full-sized pattern pieces are.

Stop searching for a spot to rest your needle, scissors, and thread when you’re hand stitching. This small sewing caddy will corral them in style.

Darlene from Bee Sew Whimsical, in Australia, has kindly offered to feature the Quilting Bloggers directory in the July edition of her The Whimsical Honeypot newsletter.

Her newsletters are simply gorgeous and filled with wonderful information. Definitely one of the best newsletters I’ve ever seen and I’m sure you’ll think so too. If you subscribe today you’ll get to see the Quilting Bloggers feature in July when the next edition comes out.

Thank you Darlene, I can’t wait to see the Quilting Bloggers feature in the next issue.