Bacon, Bacon, Bacon.

It is to nice outside to be in today but, other than going for a walk and checking the garden, there isn't much to do.  I did take out a quilt magazine to read while I had a cup of tea and enjoyed the warmth and lack of bugs.  Other than that though, I have been indoors.   And accomplishing nothing.
I didn't sleep well last night and that, as long time readers know, means I spend the day dragging around feeling like I have a mild case of the flu. 
I intended getting a label onto my last quilt and I may still get that done.  It will be taken to the store where I sell my products.  I was going to Huntsville to buy a few groceries and other needed items but that is going to have to wait until tomorrow.
Yesterday was National Dog Day so Heidi got an extra bit of bacon.  I noticed that her nails needed a trim while we were sitting on the step this morning and told her to stay while I went in to get the clippers.  She zipped through the door and went to the furthest corner of the house.  How did she know what I was going to do?  She did still get the clipping and her bacon reward.  Our little dog LOVES bacon.  So do I but I don't get it as often as she does.
Blessings,

False Alarm

Today was my turn to volunteer at the Burk's Falls Arts and Craft Centre.  It gets pretty slow this time of year as most tourists have gone home so I was glad to have another lady to share the day.  She is a fellow quilter and, like me, belongs to the local quilt group. 
I worked on the binding for a quilt and she cut some fabric for a project she was doing so we got some thing accomplished besides just keeping our chairs warm.   A few folk came by and we made a sale which helped pass the time.  Often, people drop in just to browse through the displays and that is fine.  If they like what they see they will come back as well as letting other people know about us.  It also gives us a chance to tell them about other artisan shops in the area which they might otherwise overlook.
I had a bit of a restless night as our smoke alarm malfunctioned and started beeping just after midnight.  They all have to be replaced along with the other ones whose names I can never remember.  They can be annoying things when they react to the tiniest bit of smoke coming from a toaster but that sensitivity lets us know they will also work when there is a real emergency.
May all your alarms be false ones,
blessings,

Words

I have been discussing words with two people today in my emails.  One conversation started when a lady who is an editor on the magazine for which I write asked about a typo I had made.  This led to a discussion on how different countries spell words and, even though they speak the same language, the words can have differing meanings.
The other discussion arose from a Facebook post about libraries.  I am a lifelong proponent of libraries as is she and we exchanged thoughts about their importance and how we both enjoy reading.
I mentioned that I subscribe to a Word of the Day site.  Each day I get a new word from the Oxford Dictionary folk.  Many are obscure and unlikely to be used but others are fun.  I try to remember the ones I like best and have started writing them on my desk top Post It note along with the meaning so I can reread it throughout the day.
Another way I have improved my vocabulary is through crosswords.  Often a word will be used in a series of puzzles which lead to me remembering them.  One of the early ones I memorized as a young teen was abhor.  Not one you get to say often but a nice change from saying you hate something.
I have always been good with words.  I think being able to communicate both verbally and in writing is a great asset.  Occasionally, I will read a post on Facebook and I really have no idea what the person is saying.  Not a good situation if they are selling something.
Today's word of the day is retroject (projecting backwards).  I haven't thought of a way to use it yet but as soon as I do, it will be another fun addition to my vocabulary.
Blessings,

Fair Time Already

Rain, rain go away, little Heidi wants to play.  We have been having a grey day with intermittent cool rain-too nasty to be outside walking.  I had Heidi chase her ball indoors so she got her exercise and I will use the treadmill later on.  The moisture is good for the garden so any complaining will be muted.
After some initial problems with thread breakage, I have all but finished quilting the crib quilt that is on the frame.  I only have one more row to do and then I can add the binding.  I am planning on finishing that part while staffing the Art Centre on Thursday.
I realized with a shock the other day that I hadn't even thought about my fall fair entries so did make a list for that.  I am only making a couple of new small things as I have lots of stuff on hand which fit various categories.
The Burk's Falls village fair takes place on the Labour Day weekend so I do have just over a week to get everything together. 
Do you enter your local fair?  I think it is fun and always gratifying to see how many ribbons I get.
Blessings,

Another Quilt Sold

Some days are productive, others aren't. Couldn't tell you what I did yesterday but today I finished and sent in  my magazine article, worked on a quilt, did laundry and the usual housework as well as a few other things that had been waiting to be finished.  All that and it is only 3.30. 
I had a welcome phone call earlier in the day letting me know that the crib quilt I had in a local store had sold and she needs another one.  I have one finished and just need to add the label.  Another is ready to go onto the frame for quilting.
I have done quite well this year with both my writing and quilting.  I don't think I am ahead of the money spent especially if you count overhead such as hydro, heating, taxes etc.  but it is still nice to get financial encouragement for what you produce.
I have been working on another scrappy quilt design and it is almost ready to sew together.  I like the way the block layout results in another design. This pattern will be for sale when it is finished.
Love the cooler weather.  A friend in the west had to put on their heat.  Much to early for that but I don't want the opposite end of the temperature scale either.
Blessings,

List Completed

I made  a list of things to do today and got all but one finished. That one will be completed as soon as I find a photo I've misplaced. I also made a cushion for one of the dining room chairs.  PineRose Designs (http: //quilterinthepines.blogspot.com) had a cushion pattern that I was testing and I liked it enough to make one for myself.  Now I need to do three more.  I had been planning on making cushions for these chairs so that gave me the push to get it done.
Our hot weather continues and it is hard finding the energy to do much.  I try to keep pushing on and sticking to some kind of routing.  Heidi and I went for a good walk using the shadiest route.  I also did some work on my magazine article and the usual housework stuff.
The trees on the laneway are really changing colour now and I notice some of the others in the area are doing the same.  Still lots more summer to come but I like to see the reminder of cooler days ahead.
blessings,

Latest Crib Quilt

Here are a couple of photos of the Pooh quilt that I recently completed for a customer.  The butterflies and Pooh are hand appliqued.   I did a meandering quilt stitch to imitate the flight of the butterflies.  I like to add a strip of fabric that I used in the top when I make the backing.  I think it adds interest to what would otherwise just be a solid piece of fabric.

 

 

 

 

 

Our company left this morning.  We had such a lovely visit and it was hard to see them go.  Our little dog is just moping around now.  She had so much extra attention especially from our niece that she is going to find it very difficult adjusting to being fussed by just two humans.

It is a tiny bit cooler today but still warmer than I like it.  However, the tomatoes seem to enjoy the heat as we are getting quite a few that are ripening.

I just realized the other day that it will soon be fall fair time and I really haven't done anything about organizing my entries.  Will have to get that to the top of my list-well, near the top anyway.  I have a magazine article to do and a top to quilt for a customer.

Blessings,

 

 

Rodent Issues

The big day has arrived and my nephew and his wife are on their way here.  Everything is ready so I can relax and do some of the things that I have been putting off.  I need 18 more 9 patch blocks for the scrappy twin sized quilt I am making so have been sorting lights and darks and sewing them together.  I am trying not to think too much about what will go with what and just let it be what it is.  I find that hard.  As much as I love scrappies and despite the years I have been making them, I still want to have everything match.  Some sort of control issue I am sure.
I need a new keyboard and mouse.  My current one seizes periodically and I have to shake the mouse or thump it on the table to get it going again.  I have had this one for a while and don't know if they usually wear out but this rodent has issues.
Hope you all have a great weekend.  We are supposed to get a bit of rain (which the garden needs) but overall nice weather.
Blessings,

From Seeds to Food

I couldn't seem to get into anything today.  I did make some peanut butter cookies and a large crock pot of stew but after that I just frittered away time.  Hubby and I took Heidi for a walk and picked some wildflowers for the house.  We also found a lot of berries growing along my sister's driveway. 
I finally settled on getting a pattern ready for appliqueing.  This is another of the Vintage Tiles Revisited blocks and, after this one, I will only have two more to do plus the sashing blocks.  I am not sure how long I have been working on these but I would think it has been around 3 years-probably longer.  The quilt will be for the guest bed when finished.  I can't begin to think of it actually being completed.
The tomatoes are starting to ripen in the garden, the pumpkins, squash and zucchini are growing bigger. It is such a fun time when we get to see those little seedlings turn into produce.
Blessings,

Changing Trees

The house is clean, the baking is done and I am tired.  It would be nice if I knew it would stay nice and sparkly but if it lasts more than a few days that would be a bonus. I only have to vacuum and clean the kitchen floor.
I finished the binding on my crib quilt last night as well.  I will post it after the recipient has seen it.  I am not sure what I am going to do next.  I am working on a top made from charm squares but also have a batik quilt I want to make, some cushion covers to do and another commission. 
Hubby has been working on our wood for the winter.  We have had quite a bit given to us that only needs to be split.  This will be a big help as he has to go in for some minor surgery in the late fall and won't be able to do anything for a number of weeks.  If the wood is split and piled I can bring it into the house.
Our trees are taking on more colour each day.  Only some of them have started to turn but you can see the others are thinking about it.
Blessings,

Tuesday I Shop, Wednesday I Clean.

We just has a storm blow through.  It was one of those passing, noisy ones that sound as though they really mean business but lose heart half way through.  Our garden needs the rain so glad we got as much as we did.  The sun is shining again and hubby was able to get our garbage to the landfill.  The wipers on the old truck don't work so he has to wait until he knows everything will be alright before going out.
We were in Huntsville this morning doing some last minute shopping before our company arrives.  Tomorrow is cleaning day and Thurs. is baking.  I am looking forward to having our family members here  and showing off our rural paradise.
I have tidied away the bits and pieces from my last quilting project and am now ready for the next one.  A number of the scraps were large enough to be cut into 5" squares so I got that done and added to my collection.
I will be testing a pattern for PineRose Designs so that is next on my list.  Also have the next block for the Quilt Pattern Magazine's BOM, Over the Rainbow to do.  Never seems to be a  shortage of projects, does there.
The ladies on my Yahoo group have been talking about treadle and hand crank machines.  It is funny how when a subject is introduced, you keep hearing about it in other places.  I was at a quilt show on Sunday and one of the display tables had a number of hand crank machines.  I keep thinking about getting a treadle but I probably won't.  I think.
Blessings,

Baby Chicks

Hubby brought home 60 baby chicks yesterday.  Fifty are meat birds and the other ten are multipurpose-meat and laying.  These little bundles only take up less than a square yard of space right now but that will quickly change.  Hubby is keeping a close eye on them  as the first week is when they will have problems.  We lost one of the flock he got a few weeks ago.  It wasn't eating and just got weaker and weaker.  Hubby tried to help but without success.  In retrospect, we should have brought it in the house and hand fed it until it got stronger.  It still might not have helped but, should the need arise again, we will try.
I have got my crib quilt onto the frame and have started the quilting.  I am having problems with the thread breaking again so am working through the steps to try and solve the problem.  I am doing two different patterns, one around the borders and the other on the centre panel.  I will post a photo when I get it done.
Blessings,

One Top Done and Another Waiting

I finished the Winnie the Pooh quilt top today and like the way it looks.  There always seems to be a point where you think it looks dreadful and  are tempted to just toss it in the 'someday' drawer.  However, when you have been given a commission, you have to keep going and I find it surprising that everything always seems to come together. The top is pressed ready for quilting and I know what pattern I am doing so tomorrow, it goes on the frame.
A lady brought me a quilt she made today and wants me to do the quilting.  This one is going to be challenging because of the fabric content in both the top and bottom.  However, she has done a lovely job of the appliqued flowers that make up the top so I shall do my best.
Before I start that one, though, I am going to work on one of my own.
This weekend is the Almaguin Quilt Show in a community near us so I will be going to that.  I may wait until Sunday and take my husband.  He loves looking at quilts and fabric so it will be nice time.  (Yes, I know I am lucky.)
It is staying cool in our area and while I am enjoying it and it is great for sleeping, our tomatoes need the sun and warmth.  I expect it will change again in a few days.
Blessings,

No Millions for Me Thanks.

 

I turned down the chance to receive 2 million dollars today.  The person who called assured me I had won and there would be a car arriving to take hubby and I to the bank of our choice to deposit the cheque.  They would take care of all the paper work for us.  Iftwas tax free expect for a $400.00 amount that had to be paid first.  I thought about it for a while and decided I really didn't want to change our lifestyle and having that much money would take away from the fun of doing things our self and taking joy in small blessings.

People must fall for these cons otherwise they wouldn't do it but really....

 

This is the quilt I am working on now.  I am just getting the sections laid out as make the blocks so I can see how it looks.  Some of them will have to be moved around but I am pleased with the over all look.  I will be writing up the pattern when I get it completed.

 

It is quite a bit cooler here today so I made some freezer jam and a loaf of our no wheat bread.  The berries for the jam came from our garden.  I need to get out and pick some more once everything dries up after the rain.

Blessings,