Carla Barrett of Feathered Fibers draws these adorable quilting cartoons for a magazine, Machine Quilting Unlimited.

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

• Canadian Seasons (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!

Technorati Profile

There’s a great article over on the Lemon Tree Tales’ web site, Sewing Room Ergonomics or why does it hurt when I sew?.

My sewing machine and table set-up are my problem. I really need to lower my machine, about 4 inches, but can’t afford to buy a new table right now. I can raise the chair, and will try that again, with the presser foot on some boxes. I found the presser foot kept falling off the phone book I was using in the past. I only feel the stress when I’m doing the quilting part, no problems with piecing or regular sewing.

Here’s a completely unrelated link to a blog post a friend of mine made earlier tonight, Saving the Environment by Renovating the Little Red Golf. Please forgive the intrusion… we’re testing some Googleze to see what happens. Us web developers always have to stay on top of such things.

1. “Oh, it’s not for me! I’m buying it for a friend!”
2. Because it’s on sale.
3. It keeps without refrigeration, and you don’t have to cook it to enjoy it. Also, you never have to feed it, change it, wipe its nose, or walk it.
4. I need extra weight in the trunk of my car for traction on snowy, icy roads. This is important, even in Florida and Southern California, as you never know when the weather will change.
5. It’s non-fattening.It has been confirmed by registered dietitians that a fat quarter has 100% fewer calories than a hot fudge sundae.
6. It’s prettier than salt and pepper shakers.
7. Unless my fabric stash is reasonably impressive, people might think my family is destitute, and my children would be embarrassed.

Yes, I realize that’s not 71 reasons, so you’ll have to go to this page, Fabriholics Defined and Defended, and read the rest. Apparently, there’s also a cure for Fabriholics… why one would even consider attempting such a thing is beyond me.

Have a great weekend!

The winner for my 6-Month Anniversary Celebration is…

*drum roll please*

Number 17, Amy, from Wisconsin who wrote,

I am from NW Wisconsin. To answer my “favorite” thing about quilting…GOLLY! That’s tough. I enjoy ALL stages, but the quilting stage is my still my weakest part. I love piecing and seeing the quilt top come together.

Congratulations Amy, and thanks to everyone who played along. I enjoyed reading all of your comments. Amy, I’ll be in touch after the Canadian long weekend.