Happy 142nd Birthday Canada! For those that don’t know, I live in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. This city has been buzzing with excitement all week leading up to the best day of the year.
My apartment has been cleaned, beer is cooling in the fridge, and groceries purchased for a BBQ. The weather is looking rather dicey, but then again it’s changed a dozen times the last few days, so we’ll see what the day brings. I was very lucky to see the snowbirds do three flybys over the city yesterday, one right over my head.
Scroll below for two give-aways from a new Canadian online fabric retailer. Best of all, you don’t have to be Canadian to win; read the details carefully though.
I have GREAT NEWS for my fellow Canadian quilters. We’re getting our own Canadian quilting magazine. Yes you read that right. It’s called Quilter’s Connection Magazine. It will be a national magazine, published quarterly for now and bi-monthly next year. Their web site is not ready yet, believe me I’ll be sure to post as soon as it is. For now you can find out more information on their blog or join their Facebook Fan Page. I’ve exchanged several emails with Heather, the editor, and this is going to be fantastic for us.
I’ve come across another great Canadian site this week, that I wanted to share: Indie North: a Canadian indie business collective. Definitely one to watch, and they have a Friends of Indie North site too, where small Canadian businesses can get listed for free.
Wishing all of my Canadian friends a wonderful Canada Day. (Please Mother Nature you can rain all day on Thursday, just leave us dry today.)
Canadian National Anthem
We are a bilingual nation, English and French. No, I don’t speak French and can only read it poorly. Below is our Anthem, taken from the Canadian Heritage site.
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Listen: English | French | Bilingual | Instrumental
Canadian-Themed Free Patterns
- Fluttering Leaves
- Quilt Canada
- Canadian Comfort and Remembrance Project
- Paper Pieced Canadian Flag
Give-Aways from a Canadian Online Fabric Shop
Pink Panda Fabrics has graciously offered to help me celebrate Canada Day with the Quilting Gallery readers by offering two fat quarter packs as prizes to two lucky winners… see details below on how to enter. One fat quarter pack includes 6 fabrics from Paula Prass’ Flights of Fancy, and the other is 10 fabrics from Sandi Henderson’s Farmer’s Market.
Pink Panda Fabrics is a Canadian-based online retailer of designer fabrics that are a little bit funky, sometimes cheeky, very cute and always modern. This is not your run of the mill fabric store!
You’ll find affordable fabrics by well known designers and manufacturers such as Amy Butler, Michael Miller, Heather Ross, Free Spirit, Lecien, Kokka, Echino by Etsuko Furuya and much, much more.
We are a family-run business and customer service is our #1 priority. We’re a very chatty bunch — so feel free to email us, join our Facebook Fan Page, our Flickr group, tweet with us on Twitter, read our blog or contact us. We’d love to connect with you!
To enter the contest:
Two winners will be selected to win one of the FQ bundles above. One winner will be chosen from those that sign up to receive the Pink Panda Fabrics’ newsletter (bottom of left side), and one that leaves a comment below, with a twist. Double your chances by doing both.
In your comment, answer one of the following questions to be entered:
- If you live in Canada, where do you live and what do you love about it?
- If you don’t live here, but have visited, where did you visit and did you like it?
- If you don’t live here and have not visited, do you want to visit and where?
If none of the above applies, why not? We’re friendly and it’s not always winter. Leave a comment about where you live and what you love about it.
Contest closes July 9th, 2009. Winners will be chosen randomly.
Happy Birthday Canada!
UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Congratulations to #17 Linda for winning the contest on this site and to Anna N. for winning the newsletter signup draw.
Thanks to Pink Panda Fabrics for their wonderful donations. Thanks too to everyone that shared their Canada story, I really enjoyed reading everyone’s thoughts and experiences.
I would love to visit Canada again. I was there once on our way from IL to ME, when I was 13. Would love to visit Prince Edward Island, Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver.
I’m a Canucklehead and I looooooooooove it! The best part is the wide open spaces and all the nature that we have. (Thanks for the giveaway.)
.-= sohobutterfly’s latest post: Happy Canada Day 2009! =-.
I live in Toronto – my parents came to Canada as refugees in 1971, and so I was lucky enough to be born here!!! I am so patriotic, I cry when I hear the anthem. Happy birthday Canada!!!
As an addendum to mine… I love Canada because of its cultural diversity!
I have visited Canada three times – Montreal, Sault St. Marie, and Toronto. I always love the shopping and the mix of French and Canadian cultures.
.-= Jennifer’s latest post: June Accomplishments =-.
We currently live in Winnipeg, but are originally from Ottawa (we move all over the country due to my husbands job). I love how diverse Winnipeg is. I also love how much there is to do with kids here, from sports, to shows, to programs!
Cheers and thanks for the great giveaway!
Great giveaway!
I would love to visit Canada sometime–preferably in the summer! (I am not a winter person, and have no desire to go ANYwhere north of the Mason-Dixon line after Halloween.)
I don’t know where I’d like to visit, because I haven’t really sat down and planned, but it would definitely include Prince Edward Island, because of the Anne of Green Gable series.
.-= Stephanie D’s latest post: The Predator =-.
I don’t live in Canada, and I have never visited there. However, if I were to visit, I would go to Brockville, Ontario and visit with a delightful lady I met through a mutual interest in paper crafts. Andrea makes the most amazing cards and gift boxes. I would love to visit her to learn some of her special techniques. Of course, one cannot visit without taking a gift for the hostess, can one? I would have to share some of my sewn projects with her (she doesn’t sew).
.-= Carol R’s latest post: Recent Project =-.
I live in Toronto, Ontario and I love Canada because it is the home of Pink Panda Fabrics. ;)
Another thing I love about where I live is that I have the right to breastfeed anywhere, anytime and can never be asked to move or cover-up.
.-= FamilyNature’s latest post: My Baby, My C-Sections. Random Ramblings about Babies, Growing Up and Letting Go. =-.
Wonderful fabrics! I live in Toronto now but was born in Goderich. I love many things about living in Ontario but especially being near the great Great Lakes.
I have visited Vancouver Island several times to see my sister and we always visit the Satin Moon Quilt shop..they have a beautiful selection of asian fabrics!
Thanks for the giveaway chance!
.-= Jean Kritenbrink’s latest post: Off to quilt….not the baby quilt…. =-.
I live in Toronto and have really enjoyed living here. It’s a big city but still has a small neighbourhood feel. The Beaches, Leslieville, Bloor West Village, Danforth Village, Cabbagetown, High Park – these are just a few of the neighbourhoods in Toronto, each with their own architecture, style and feel. Residents of each area feel as if they’ve found the best place to live – and you know they are all right!
Doris
I Live in New England, Massachusetts actually, but have visited your country many times. I have been to New Foundland, Nova Scotia, Montreal, Tronto, and Prince Edward Island. I loved Prince Edward Island, I remember lying on the beach and watching the clouds blowing out over the ocean then watching them get blown back over the hills. I remember very blue skies and very green land.
.-= Patty’s latest post: Design Gives Back =-.
I live in a small town (450) in Saskatchewan…what I love about Canada? The seasons I can’t imagine not having them.
I would love to visit Victoria Canada. It seems so charming. Thanks for the opportunity!
Vickie
.-= Vickie Angell’s latest post: Loving Color =-.
We moved to Hallock, MN April of 2008. It’s about 20 miles south of the Canadian border. I was born, raised and lived in middle Tennessee until our move last year but have always wanted to visit Canada to become an international traveler. It seemed like such a big deal going to another country living in a small southern town. Mexico is just too dangerous to me but Canada has always seemed like such a nice place with friendly people. We haven’t become international travelers yet but hopefully once we have our passports we’ll be able to visit. I look forward to seeing Winnipeg!
.-= Jenn@FFP’s latest post: Mason Jar Peach Cobbler =-.
Happy Canada Day!
I spent two glorious weeks in Eliot Lake, Ontario in 1995 (I swear it doesn’t feel like that long ago!!). We hiked, we fished, we played in the lake, we ate, we drank and made merry. On the way ‘home’ to Australia, our Canadian hosts took us to Toronto via Montreal and Niagara Falls. It was the most wonderful holiday, not least of all because Australians and Canadians just seem to ‘get’ each other.
I hope to visit again one day soon!
.-= Lily’s latest post: Swap quilt received and stash boosted! =-.
I live in Whistler, BC and don’t really love it – nice place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live here. I love Vancouver and we are moving back soon – anybody want to buy a townhouse? I miss the water and Stanley Park and Pacific Cinematheque and the snow on the mountains where it belongs! I also loved living in Ottawa on Canada Day, which is also my birthday. They throw a great party! One of the best things to do is to go done to Parliament Hill the night before, about 11 pm – midnight. That’s when the performers are rehearsing and you get an almost private show!
I live in Toronto! I love Canada because of our tolerance and appreciation of diversity in all its shapes and forms.
VEry pleased to find your shop! We need more great Canadian sources of cool fabrics.
Sad to say that I’ve never traveled to Canada, but I have high hopes of doing so! Love Anne of Green Gables and would love to visit PEI–for the scenery and the mussels!
.-= Tara’s latest post: Quilting Retreat with Amanda Jean! =-.
I’m from Toronto. I’ve iived in many cities around the world, and still I find that this is the place I would most rather be.
One thing I love about Canada is the thriving independent craft scene, and the sense of community crafters here have. It’s especially great to see new craft supply stores (online or on the ground) springing up so that we can support our own!
Great giveaway! I don’t live in Canada, but visited Toronto-area relatives in my youth. I’ve also been to Niagara Falls and would love to visit where some of my blogging friends live. thanks for the chance!
.-= Anya’s latest post: Ami Simms Would Be Proud =-.
I have only managed to get to Canada once, to see the falls of course. I really loved Niagara, but would love to see more of Canada in the future.
I would love to see some of the Northwest or Yukon territories. I think the nature and landscape there would be beautiful.
I would love an entry to win free fabric!
When I was still in school my dad’s job moved us to Morris Manitoba (outside of Winnipeg) for 3 years. I loved the town and loved the area and always looked forward to the Morris Stampede every year. Also always loved the fishing in neighboring Ontario (which town didn’t even matter, the whole province is beautiful). I miss pizza pops! I wonder…do they still make them? hmmm…
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is where I have made my home for nearly thirty years. Edmonton, Alberta was my ‘hometown’. Both of these cities can count themselves among the most wonderful in Canada, with plentiful trees, flowing rivers, friendly people and a vibrant arts community. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else (although when it is 4o below with a windchill I wouldn’t mind visiting the Bahama’s!) I am a brand new quilter with one quilt completed and a second one on the go. I would love to win some fabric so I can begin to build a ‘stash”. Thanks!
I live in Winnipeg MB on the beautiful Canadian prairie where it’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter… best of both worlds! We also have spring and autumn although some say we only have 2 seasons – winter and Construction!
We have a local quilt guild – Manitoba Prairie Quilters – and several quilt shops in Wpg and the area.
I’d love to win either of the FQ fabric bundles cuz they are exciting bold designs. I’ve been quilting since 1989 and love to enhance my stash of fabric especially as a new gramma.
Thanks for allowing the chance to celebrate Canada Day in this way.
I just signed up for your newsletter :)
I live in Montreal. What I love about it is the proximity to everything – Ottawa, the Maritimes, the US border, my proximity to some of the best restaurants in North America, the shopping.
The only thing I don’t like about Montreal – is the politics. Even that has become boring lately (phew)
Love the fabric selection & thanks for the contest!
Tara
Pictures of Canada Day Parade in Vancouver, BC on July 1st, 2009: http://www.flickr.com/photos/executivevancouverdating/sets/72157621138318492/
I love Canada and my home province Saskatchewan. We have beautiful rolling farm land, blue skies and breathtaking sunsets.
JEAN
I live in Canada. I don’t know if I already posted, but just in case…
I love Vancouver, the people the weather – even the rain. I was born in New Orleans and would never move back to the states
I do not live in Canada, and I have never visited. I have a friend who grew up in Vancouver area, and she says it is beautiful, so I’d probably want to visit there.