A Special For You

The pattern I created for you, the readers of this blog, has been posted to my web.  Go to: www.arkangelcreations.org , click on Patterns For Sale on the list on left side, then Rotary Cut and look for Scrappers Scrappy.  This pattern is available to you at a special price.  When you click on 'Buy Now, you will be taken to Sisters Quilting Expo's on line store.  You get a discount of 10% by entering coupon code ACC10 in the space provided. If you have any problems let me know.
I hope you enjoy the pattern.  It looks complicated but it isn't.
We are having some sunshine today; the first in a few days.  I am going to be making some cranberry chutney today and then will get out and take the dog for a walk.
Hope you all have a great weekend.  If you are out driving Monday evening, remember that there may be little ones running around in costumes.  They might not be watching out for traffic in their excitement about getting candy so please watch for them

Done-Sort Of

Just got back from shopping.  We had a number of things to do beside getting groceries so by the time I was ready to do that, I was too tired.  There was only a couple of things we needed to get right away so I decided to get them at Walmart and do the rest another time.
Half way home, I realized I hadn't got the one thing we really needed: margarine.  Oh, well, I am in the village tomorrow to get a hair cut.  I will get it there.
It is hard when you have to go to another community to do the majority of your shopping.  It means that you really ned to spend the whole day going from one store to another and I'm not used to it.  And, if you purchase a item that doesn't fit or work, you have to drive all the way back again.  This is the one thing that I find difficult about rural living.  Of course, if all I had to do was cross the road for everything I needed, as was the case in Edmonton, we would have all the other urban related problems.
I should really do the grocery shopping first while I have the energy.  Perhaps I will try that next time.  If I remember.
Don't forget the special I have coming up for readers of this blog.  I should have the coupon code for you tomorrow.
Blessings,

A Special for You

I have just sent off two new patterns to be included on my web site.  One is of the photo I posted yesterday and the other will include a special offer for readers of this blog.
I wanted to do something to thank you for your support and, as I had just finished one of those sudden inspiration pattern ideas, I though that a special discount might be a good idea.
I will give you the code to enter and you will get 10% off the already low pattern cost.  You will be able to see the pattern on my web later this week.  I will let you know when it is posted.
All my patterns are instant downloads and they are sold at: www.sistersquiltingexpo.com.
My web site is: www.arkangelcreations.org.  Those of you who have been readers for a while will already know about these sites but I have had a number of new followers join so this is for their benefit as well as a gentle reminder for everyone else.
This is our second day without rain although it is still rather dreary.  The chipmunks are busily dashing around gathering whatever they gather for winter.  We have also had a number of bluejays adding a bright spot of blue to the surroundings.

Where is my breakfast?

This fellow stood still long enough to get his picture taken but I am going to have to buy some more sunflower seeds when I shop tomorrow if I want to hold his interest.
blessings,

Heidi Approved Quilt

Heidi Testing my Quilt

Just finished writing up the pattern for this quilt last night and should have it onto my web by the begining of next week.  I have a couple of others to do before sending the patterns to my web genius.  As you can see, Heidi is giving it her comfort test.  I believe it passed as she was reluctant to get down-or perhaps she just thought she looked good against the bright colours!
I have a large pot of apples on the wood stove cooking and when they are done, I will puree and have them ready for apple butter.
My husband is outside winterizing his truck and then has to replace a plank in the bridge that crosses the pond.  We went there for a walk on Sunday and noticed that it had broke.
Last year, we had a deer break a leg when it slipped through a crack between the planks and we don't want that to happen again.  It probably would have survived as there are a number of neighbours who put out feed but one provided too much corn.  Deer cannot digest corn very well and, as that was all this buck was getting, it died painfully. 
I finished a top at quilt group yesterday and it has been added to the pile that needs quilting.  Today, I am getting at the frame machine to start reducing the pile.  It looks as though it may be a rainless day so I will go for a walk later but I do have to get these quilts finished. Even retired people have schedules!
Blessings,

Kitty in the Corner

Kitty in the Corner block

I have been working on a couple of quilts to add to my web site.  This is a block is from one, the other is a freebie pattern and makes a cushion cover or could be a quilt block.  I have the blahs this morning so I am sure a bit of creating will help.
We had a flock of blue jays near the house this morning.  Their bright blue added a nice touch of colour to an otherwise gray day.
Yesterday, there was one at the feeder making a lot of noise.  I am sure it was telling me it was time to get the seeds in there.  We don't put any out in the summer as there is lots of natural food for the birds.
We will have to do a bit of work on the main feeder as the deer did some damage to it last year.  It is a bit of a problem trying to get feeders high enough that the deer can't reach and still accessable to fill.  I think my husband is going to rig up some sort of pulley system.
It is time again for the craft fairs.  I am trying to decide if I am going to put a table in ours.  I usually make things that are not only saleable but good for gifts if they don't sell. I haven't come up with anything ear shaking this year.  Decisions, decisions.
Have a great weekend no matter what the weather or activity.
Blessings,

What a Hoot

My niece in a costume made by her grandmother.

Isn't this a wonderful costume.  My youngest sister made it without a pattern for her beautiful granddaughter. 
Both my sisters are wonderfully creative.
We had quite the rain storm last night.  At one point it sounded just as though I were at sea with waves pounding against the sides of the ship. I thought we might lose our hydro but it just flickered once.  My husband will do a property check later to see if any trees have come down.
This is my 'work' day and I am writing the instructions for some quilt patterns.  I did some sorting yesterday and filled two garbage bags of fabric and clothing to be given away.  I also put all my scraps in one container and will have to decide what to do with them.  No matter how many scrap quilts I make, those scraps don't get any less.  Maybe I will do a 'you pay the postage, you get them' day.  Problem is, I am sure that in a very short time I would have another accumulation.  I guess it is just another of those difficulties associated with being a quilter!
Blessings,

Harvest Time

I am making bread today and my husband is cutting up a bushel of apples.  The majority will go into the freezer for crisps and pies.  I will turn some of the smaller ones into apple butter.  I have put together my list of jams and butters that I want to make and yesterday I added cranberry chutney to it. Mom-in-law gave us a jar when she was here and it is great stuff.  She also gave us a honking great big bag of cranberries.
There is something satisfying about filling the shelves and freezer with produce.  I know that women in most countries of the world do it but I tend to think canning is a typically Canadian practice because of our harsh winters.  I remember my mother doing jars  of tomatoes.  We always seemed to have an abundance of them in our garden-tomatoes not jars.   I am sure she canned other things but it is the tomatoes I remember. 
I don't bother as you can buy them pretty cheaply.  I will freeze some which is an easier process if I have extra.
I am going to puree our pumpkin and freeze that so I can use it in soup.  I made a pumpkin curry soup last year and Roger has been raving about it ever since.  Perhaps I will just make a huge pot and then freeze it.  Freezers are another of those inventions which make our life easier.
We had an icebox when I was a child and milk etc. was kept cool with great blocks of ice.  I have no idea where the ice came from as we lived miles from anyone.  There was a lake at the end of our road so perhaps there were cottages that made the trip worthwhile for an iceman.
Better get out and help my husband or at least make some hints about apple crisp to keep him going.  He loves it.
blessings,

Contest

Well, that was a toughie.  I had some fantastic names suggested for the quilt and just couldn't decide.  I enlisted the help of another designer and she chose 'Duchess of Cambridge' as the winning entry.  Marilynne has been sent the pattern.
I will be doing more contests and think I will have more prizes as I get such good quality entries.
We have had a break in the rain so my husband and I were able to get out and do some yard work.  I have rounded up all the garden gnomes so they can be placed in their snug winter home.  The hummingbird feeders have been emptied and solar lights brought up from the driveway.  We are going to put them on longer poles so they will be visible above the snow.
Our hydro was out Saturday evening and through the night.  We were going to have a pot luck at church but when we got up Sunday there still wasn't any power and that included the church building.  Lights and heat weren't a problem but the lack of toilet facilities would have been so church was cancelled.  We, therefore, took mom-in-law back home earlier that planned.  The wind was still quite heavy and it made driving a challenge but we got there and back safely.
Although the sun is shining today, the sky looks as though we may have snow so I am glad we got the work done outside.
Blessings,

All Over the World

Blogger has a device that shows how many people are following your blog, what countries they live in and how often it is read.  I like to check it out once in a while for a little ego boost.  I have readers in most countries of the world and they seem to be pretty regular. 
If you are one of them, thank you for stopping by.  There are hundreds of blogs on the Internet as well as a myriad of other attractions.  To be able to capture the interest of as many people as I do is heart warming.  I would love to hear from you.  Drop me a comment telling me where you live and what you like about my blog.  It will help me make sure that I am staying on track.
Tomorrow is the last day to enter my Name the Quilt contest.  It is easy to enter, no cost involved and, if you are the winner, you will get your prize sent on line to download at your convenience.  There is a surprise prize that will be revealed later.
To enter, go to my web site: www.arkangelcreations.org and click on contests.  All the details are given on that page.
We are having another rainy day.  I like a good bit of rain in the fall as I think it gives the plants a good start come spring.  My theory anyway.  I hope you all have a great weekend.
Blessings,

Just Another Day

Our trees are almost bare.  The rain and wind have moved the leaves from the canopy above to the ground.  Heidi loves playing in them and every foot step is accompanied by a rustle.  I can see a lot further through the bush.  It is so nice to have a view that extends a couple hundred feet or more when, previously, it was to my next door neighbours wall in two directions, a fence in another and a highway and strip mall in the front.
My husband always tries to keep the van parked away from my window so I can see back to the pond. When the leaves are gone, I see past the water to the back of the property.  It is predominately evergreens so that is our horizon.
I am off to Huntsville today for a couple of medical tests and shopping. I am going to take my hand applique to work on while waiting.  I almost have the one block finished.  I need to buy some darker green thread so can pick that up today as well. Yesterday, I worked on the slash and sew pattern I mentioned.  It didn't work out so I guess I can mark that idea down as a failure.  Had another thought this morning so will try that one when I get home.
Our chickens have been a bit fitful in their laying the past couple of days so we will have to do some research to find out what needs to be changed. 
Blessings,

Nose to the Grindstone.

This is my designated work day and I have been thinking about what projects I need to get done.  I had a pattern that  needed to get written up and sent to my sister who is going to test it for me.  That is done.  I also need to get a couple of small projects designed and on my web page.  Last night, I was thinking about an idea for one of those patterns that I call slash and sew and think I have come up with something that will work.  So, that is going to be my main focus.  I need to do a trial pattern and see how it works.
I also need to hunt up a quilt with a lot of stitches to be unpicked as my Mom-in-law likes doing that.  Shouldn't be too hard to find.  When I was going through my learning process on the frame, I did a number of tops that turned out terribly.  I think, however, I will get her to undo a quilt that I have hand quilted.  I don't really like the pattern and I think I will just do it on the machine.
Do you do this-start something, decide you don't like it and undo all your work?  I tend to do it most often when knitting or crocheting but it sometimes happens with quilting as well.
We are having a bonus day today.  It was supposed to rain but it looks as though it may turn out nice.  We really need a lot of rain to make up for the dryish summer.  Our pond is down about half.  My husband says we now have a beach.
Guess I had better get organized so I can start that pattern.
Blessings,

A Lovely Day in the Backwoods

We have had marvellous weather this weekend.  We sat outside on Saturday after our meal and Sunday afternoon I went down to the pond with the dog and my applique.  I sat and sewed for quite a while before the sun shifted and it got to hot.  The leaves where coming down all around me and it is amazing how noisy they can be when there isn't another sound.  I am looking forward to Roger getting a gazebo built there.  I can see that it will be one of my favourite places.
We had our Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday to make it easier for my brother and wife to get here.  When you live in a tourism area you have to think about traffic backups on holiday weekends.  We had a nice visit and went for a walk afterwards.  We almost had hamburger for dinner though.  I had planned on putting the turkey in the oven before 10 and I was working away on my computer when I suddenly realized it was nearly 11 and the turkey was still in the fridge.  I had a panicky few moments chasing the dog out of the way while I got the bird into the pan and in the oven.  Fortunately, it was a small turnkey and it was done by 2.  I guess it was a good thing I hadn't started earlier as it would have been overdone.
On Friday, I mentioned that my web contest was finished that Sat.  Of course, I was a week early.  If you would like to enter you have until this Saturday.  I hope my brain doesn't get any worse than this or I am really going to have to leave notes everywhere for everything.
Blessings,

Happy Thanksgiving

Like most women in North America this weekend, I am getting ready for the Thanksgiving feast.  I have quite a bit of baking to do-bread, pies etc and, of course, housework.  I also have the church to decorate which my husband and I will do this afternoon.
My back is pain free again so I am able to zip around at my usual pace for which I am thankful.  Took the dog for a nice long walk yesterday in the lovely fall weather for which I am also thankful.
My husbands gone into Huntsville to pick up the part needed to fix his quad so he can get that running again.  He will be thankful for that.  He has logs to haul so he can get them cut and added to the wood pile.
yesterday afternoon, we sat on the bench we have on a little hill and relaxed for a bit while the dog romped through the leaves.  We were near the chicken coop and we could hear them murmuring to themselves as they scratched in the dirt.  A lot of leaves are down so we were able to see a long way through the bush and I remarked to my husband (for the zillionth time) about how lovely it was.  We are truly blessed and I am daily thankful.
I hope you all have a marvellous and safe weekend.  If you are in the mood to do a little on line shopping, Sisters Quilting Expo is having a 25% off sale on all their products (www.sistersquiltingexpo.com).  You only have a couple more days to enter my Name the quilt contest.  It is open to everyone and there is nothing to buy or send.  (www.arkangelcreations.org)
Blessings,

Little Red Hen

Our Little Red Hen

Heidi and the Little Red Hen

I am beginning to believe that not only am I not cut out to be a farmer but I also wouldn't make a good farmers wife.
I was listening to one of the hens lay an egg and it sounded so painful that I wasn't surprised that two of the hens weren't laying yet.  If I worked in a delivery room of a hospital, I doubt if I would have any children.
At least our hens have a good life.  Roger makes a good farmer and Heidi, as you can see, is doing her part.
We are going in to vote today and then have a few grocery items to pick up for Thanksgiving dinner.  the weather is really nice here so we should get a good electoral turnout.  Probably won't but I keep hoping that people will take their rights seriously.  People in other countries will walk for miles, face persecution and even death to mark their ballot.  In countries were voting is both free and easy, most of those eligable don't bother.  It really irks me.
I hung out some laundry this morning.  I think it will be one of the last times for this year as there was definate frost on the ground this morning.  Still haven't got those shutters painted.  Oh, well, I can try again next year.
blessings,

Pillows for Cancer

I made this little pillow and bag from a pattern that is in the Fall issue of Quilter's connection. It is for breast cancer patients.  they are given out at hospitals and are often used right away to keep the seat best from pressing against the incision.     the bags are quite easy to make and a good use of all those themed fabric left overs.  I tend to buy them because I like the fabric and then, of course, I don't know what to do with them (sound familiar). the straps ends on the bag aren't joined so the recipient can knot them at what ever length is suitable.

this is probably a public domain pattern so you could probably get it on the Internet.  However, I think this month's issue of the magazine is their best yet so you just might want to pick it up if you don't have a subscription.

Our hydro was out briefly this morning (I think a road worker must have dug before looking) so I took the opportunity to do a few odd cutting and sorting jobs.  I am working on a quilt that uses theme fabric (another use for them) so I finished cutting the half squares and put everything in a bag ready for use. 

I have a job making 18 neck scarves for a local Scout group and then a couple more columns to finish for the on line magazine.  Once they are done, I can get back to my own projects.

Blessings, 

Happy Tuesday

We are in another month and another season.  Although our leaves have already left their perch on the maple branches and formed a multicoloured carpet on the forest floor, autumn officially started just over a week ago.  Somehow, I think those of us in the north may be ahead of the rest of the country.
My Mom in law, nephew and family are coming this way to see the fall splendor next week.   The Muskoka area to the south of us is still displaying lots of colur so they should enjoy the trip.  Mom will then be staying with us for a few days before the winter sets in.
Thank you to all those who wrote expressing concern about my back.  It is pretty much back to normal.  I am making sure I don't lift anything too heavy or do anything else silly for a bit longer.
Just a reminder that the Name the Pattern contest closes on Saturday.  There may be a little surprise for everyone who enters so don't get left out. Go to my web site: www.arkangelcreations.org for details on entering.  Click on My Contests.
I am finishing up a couple of projects that have deadlines and then I hope to have a free pattern to share.
Blessings,

It's Snowing

Roger's Shed

I don't usually do a post on Saturday but I missed yesterday because I was in bed all day. I had dreadful back spasms and couldn't move without a lot of pain.  It is somewhat better today so now I need to keep moving.
We woke this morning to a very light, barely visible snowfall-a reminder of things to come.  In my case, as I love the winter, a promise.
This photo, taken and uploaded as a test of my new Internet connection, is Roger's marvellous shed.  The new server seems to be working fine so I hope to have less connection problems.  We really liked the other but have been having problems the last while.
Hope you are enjoying this first week of a new month,
blessings,