Yes, I Need an Extra Machine.

We got our first real snowfall today.  Of course, there were vehicles in the ditch  and collisions everywhere.  It isn't going to stay and with  the rising temperatures, it should all melt tomorrow.  Then, when we get the next  lot, we will repeat the collisions etc. I don't understand why people have to get used to winter every year.  It is like having to get used to eating the last meal of the day every day.  This is Canada.  We get winter every year.  Slow down, increase your following distance.  In fact, if you do that all the time, you won't have to change your driving habits when those flakes start to come down.

Well, that is my rant.  Today, as I mentioned yesterday, I went to a friends to quilt.  It is always such a good time and we look forward to it with great anticipation each month.  I always try and get everything ready the night before including my lunch which is put into my reusable bag in the fridge.  The next morning, it only has to be added to the load that goes into the car.  Today, I was about half way to where I meet the other lady who carpools us to our destination when I realized I had forgotten my lunch.  It was too late to go back so I decided to just buy something at the small store where we meet which is what I did.  When we got where we were going and got the vehicle unloaded, my friend realized she had left her machine at home.  Fortunately our hostess has an extra one so it wasn't a problem.  So, if you hubby wonders why you have so many machines, this is a good example.  And I didn't feel so silly about forgetting my lunch! Just one of those days.

Blessings,                                                                                              

Craft Fairs

I have been having fun trying out the features on my new machine.  I used one of the decorative stitches to do the binding on a crib quilt and learnt how to adjust the needle/up down option so it stops in the down position.  I am making notes on the settings I will use frequently such as the 1/4 inch needle position and  zigzag.
In addition to the binding on the crib quilt, I also searched out a few Christmas/winter UFO's that I can finish for two craft shows that happen in Nov.  Border was added to baby panels and are ready for quilting.  I have to pop into a fabric shop and get some backing for those as well as Christmas fabric for the back of other items. Before I do that though, I better check my stash to make sure I am not buying something I don't need.
Tomorrow, I am off to a friend's to work on a BOM.  It is just about done.  Sashing and borders will be worked on although I am not sure it will get completely finished.  We will probably need at least one more get together to finish the top.  We already have our next project picked out.  It makes quilting doubly enjoyable when you share it with a friend or friends.
I sold my older Janome to a local woman on Monday and am hoping I can talk her into learning to quilt.  I think she would really enjoy it.  Always trying to spread my addiction!
blessings,

Pumpkin Fest Time

 

I don't usually post on a Monday but I wanted to show you my Island Batik Pumpkin Fest challenge project.  I made these luncheon mats with matching coasters on the weekend and really like how they turned out.  It is hard to see in the photo but the accent stitching on the pumpkin and the satin stitch around them was done in a variegated thread from Superior.  The photo isn't as clear as I would like as I had to use my tablet.  I am still waiting for the battery charger for my camera to replace the one I lost.
I was able to get quite a bit of quilting done on the weekend as hubby was away.  In addition to the mats, I also quilted a crib blanket.  I want to get a couple more of them made for the Christmas craft sale on Nov. 12.  I have one top almost done and it shouldn't take too long to do the other with a panel centre.
It has got quite a bit cooler here so it is nice to have the wood stove on to both heat and add some cheer to the house.
blessings,

The End of Fall?

I've had a very productive day.  I loaded a quilt onto my frame this morning and it is almost done.  Also cut the fabric for a couple of batik mug mats-Island Batik, of course.  Covered some of the plants ready for winter, brought in some wood and took the dog for a walk.  It was a brisk walk as I had on a light coat and it was cooler than I thought it was. 
We are getting  below freezing temperatures this coming week so it seems as though fall might be drawing to a close.  I got some of my winter clothes out of storage today as well and folded my shorts and summer tops ready to be put away for the season.  It always takes a few days doing the seasonal clothes change over and each time I discard the things I didn't wear.  However, I still always seem to have a lot more things than I really need.
I am trying to type with the dog on my lap.  She is feeling a bit fidgety tonight.  Not sure why.  Perhaps she can smell a bear or something. Or just wants to be fussed.
Have  a great weekend,
blessings,

A New Machine

My new machine arrived today.  I wasn't expecting it until tomorrow at the very earliest so it was a nice surprise.  It is a Janome with a few basic decorative stitches and the other functions I wanted like needle up/down, bobbin declutch so I can wind without having to stop sewing.  Not a fancy machine but what I wanted.  Some might question whether I made a wise decision as I sold a machine with far more functions and another that is sturdier although not computerized.  I guess it comes down to what you want.  And this one is it.  There isn't a steep learning curve so I can start sewing right away.
Our temperature is starting to drop and stay down.  I finally finished planting my new tulips and I better get the leaves around the plants that need protecting.  We aren't expecting below freezing temps yet but they will arrive.
Other than my article for the Quilt Pattern Magazine (which doesn't have to be submitted until early next week) I have caught up with everything on my schedule.  Yesterday I was feeling overwhelmed and today I'm done.  Of course, I did keep plugging away and that makes the difference.  If you fuss without doing, you will always be in the same place.
Blessings,

Someday.

Well, the Blue Jays are out of the running for the Baseball Championship so it is back to normal for us.  No shame in loosing to a team with such great pitchers but we were all full of hope.
I just finished filling an order for neck scarves for the local Scout group and now can get back at doing some quilting.  I finished a top on Monday and will get it on the frame.  I have a craft show coming up early Nov. so need to get some things made for that.
It seems like I never get caught up.  It isn't only quilting and writing that need my time but things like planting spring bulbs or giving the dog a hair trim.  I know you probably have the same problem.  Our speaker, on Sunday, said that if time is infinite why do we never have enough of it?  Good question.  The answer is,  more than likely,  because we take on more than we should.
Someone said that there is time enough to rest after you are dead but that doesn't seem to be the right solution.  Perhaps, I will declare a me day.  I won't do anything that has to be done for someone else (except hubby and dog).  I will work on my own quilting projects or just read a book.
Some day!
Blessings,

Colour Coded Storage

I have been getting a lot of wonderful comments regarding the quilt top photo I uploaded on Wednesday.  I appreciate all of you taking the time. I am looking forward to getting it finished but have to wait until I get some black batting.  This will solve the problem of having little white pokies coming through on the back.
In the meantime, I am working on another quilt that was a result of a retreat put on by The Quilt Pattern Magazine (www.thequiltpatternmagazine.com).  I almost have all the sections finished.
I seem to be going through a stage of losing things.  Yesterday, I discovered that I had lost the charger for my camera battery, today it is a reservation for a hotel in Toronto.  I made it a while ago, didn't get to use it and was going to give it to a family member.  However, when I checked the folder on my computer where it was saved, it was gone.  Not sure what happened but I don't have anything in any of my folders for that email address.  A Windows 10 thing?  Annoying and frustrating.
I have been able to find another charger at a great price from a company I have dealt with before so that is a plus.
In Thursday's post, I asked if anyone had tips for keeping their sewing room tidy.  Karen said she keeps her work in totes and anything that needs to be done right away is put in a red one.  I wouldn't have thought of coloured coded totes.  Thanks, Karen.  Great idea.
Don't forget to check out the last of the blog hop posts and enter the contest for the Folk Art Quilted Traditions and some fabric.
Friday October 14

Suzy Webster - http://websterquilt.blogspot.com/

Joan Kawano - http://moosestashquilting.blogspot.com/

Lara Buccella - http://www.buzzinbumble.com/
Looks like we are going to have a warm but wet weekend.  I am still trying to get my yard work done.  Maybe between the raindrops tomorrow.
Blessings,

Cleaning Plan

I got 2 bushels of apples in the freezer today.  Most were cut up for pies and other desserts and the rest became applesauce.  I saved a few so I could give some to a friend and then made hubby an apple crisp.  He had spent a good bit of the day cutting down a tree that was casting too much shade onto a flower garden and  sawing wood into stove lengths.  I thought I would reward him with his favourite dessert.
I also got my studio back into order so I can, once again, see the cutting and pressing tables.  It is so much easier to work when you can find your tools and have room to do what you need.  No matter how often I try, I just don't seem to be able to get everything back in its place by the end of each day.  Part of the reason is that I don't know when I am finished for the day.  Something may come up and I only get a few hours of sewing in the morning or, I may continue on into the evening.
What seems to work best for me is to just leave everything until I finish a project and then clean.  How do you keep your work space tidy?  Perhaps you have an idea that would be better than mine.  Leave me a comment and I will share it with everyone else.
Blessings,

Folk Art Traditions

I have been having major problems getting ready for todays blog.  I had been concentrating on getting the quilt ready but ran into machine problems.  I have had to unpick all the quilting I had done so have not been able to show you a photo of the completed quilt.  However, I am sharing what I do have.

The first photo is the completed top, the second a close up of the centre and the third photo is what some of the quilting will look like.  This will be on the outside border.  The light corners will be a close meander as will the centre block which will also include outline stitching.  I have use a dark blue thread on top and black on back.

Now let me tell you about the pattern itself.  It is from a wonderful new book called Folk Art Traditions by Suzy Webster.  The book include 12 blocks (I used # 12) and 4 projects. My wall hanging is called Traditions and while I used her instructions, I changed the centre  from # 6.  The blocks themselves can be used in whatever manner that your creativity comes up with.  Suzy uses machine applique but they can just as easily be done by hand.  I am only just getting comfortable with machine applique but her instructions are so easy to follow that I didn't have any concern with tackling what could have been a challenging project. A list of supplies is given along with suggestions about what works best.

I chose this particular project of Suzy's because I liked the pieced order and I think it really adds a touch of pizzazz.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the book, click on the 'contest' link below.  Don't forget to read the other blogs and see more photos of projects.

A complete list of the blogs was on yesterdays post but here are the ones for today and tomorrow.

Blessings and don't forget to scroll down for the contest link.

Wednesday, October 12

Jessica Cadwell - http://www.desertbloomquilting.com/blog/

Anna Branch - http://arkangelcreations.blogspot.com/

Vicki in MN - http://knitbug2.blogspot.com/

Thursday, October 13

Pamela Boatright - http://pamelaquilts.blogspot.com/

Teri Lucas - http://generationqmagazine.com/

Maryellen McAuliffe - http://teachpany.blogspot.com/

Contest

Blog Hop and Prizes

I have a new blog hop for you and it has prizes.  It started yesterday but you can still check out the blogs which are listed below.

My post is tomorrow and I have been really committing myself to getting the quilt done that I will share.  Unfortunately, my machine decided to act up and I have had to unpick the top.  I will still post it tomorrow but you won't be able to see the quilting but I will share that also when it is done.

The link to the draw will be on each of the blogs so read them and enter.  I will also have it for you tomorrow.

Blessings,

Monday, October 10

Suzy Webster - http://websterquilt.blogspot.com/

Connie Kresin Campbell - http://www.conniekresin.com/

Jennifer Eubank - https://jennifersewing.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, October 11

Bea Lea - http://www.beaquilter.com/

Sally Johnson - http://sallysquiltingcorner.blogspot.com/

Adele Mogavero - http://adelemogavero.com/

Wednesday, October 12

Jessica Cadwell - http://www.desertbloomquilting.com/blog/

Anna Branch - http://arkangelcreations.blogspot.com/

Vicki in MN - http://knitbug2.blogspot.com/

Thursday, October 13

Pamela Boatright - http://pamelaquilts.blogspot.com/

Teri Lucas - http://generationqmagazine.com/

Maryellen McAuliffe - http://teachpany.blogspot.com/

Friday October 14

Suzy Webster - http://websterquilt.blogspot.com/

Joan Kawano - http://moosestashquilting.blogspot.com/

Lara Buccella - http://www.buzzinbumble.com/




 

Fall Photography

I haven't done any fall photography yet so thought I should get the camera and take a few before it was too late.  A lot of the leaves are falling now so it won't be long before the beauty that is on the trees will be all on the ground.  All these photos were taken on the path through our bush.

Blessings,

Carpeted Forest Floor

Standing Guard

Red and Blue

All Trees Greet Fall in Their Own Way

Even the Baby Maples Have Colour

Enjoying the Walk

Go Blue Jays!

I have had a productive day.  I  finished the quilt that is on the fame with the exception of the side borders.  I will have to turn the quilt to do those as it is too big for the frame. Also got a lot done on another quilt I am piecing and listened to our Blue Jays win a baseball game
Hubby and I connect the Jays with our wedding.  Just after we were married, we were living in two different Provinces: he in Alberta and I in Ontario as I finished out my tern on city council.  T hat was the year the Jays won the first championship.  I would phone him and we would listen to the last few innings together. It was a good year.  Our team one and we began a new, wonderful life together.
The next year I was in Alberta and driving a bus for special needs children.  We listened to the games on the radio as I drove them home.  If the Jays won, they got a treat the next day. 
Although our team hasn't done as well until last year, we still support them.  I am not a big sports fan but I do like the Jays.  We don't get the TV station the carries the games so we listen to the radio just like we did years ago.
Go Blue Jays.
Blessings,

Chicken Auction

It has been a busy few days.  Helped our son and his wife move on Friday, Saturday went to a chicken auction (more about that), Sunday it was church and a pot luck, Monday quilting, Tuesday visiting and today we had company.  In between, I am working on 3 quilts that all have to be done right away.
The chicken auction was a first for us.  We wanted to go and see what it was about as we will, eventually, be adding to our flock.  The auction took place about three quarters of an hour drive from us and it was a lovely day with the fall colours not quite at peak but still glorious.
The auction took place at the agricultural centre of the community and was well attended.  In addition to the chickens, geese and ducks, there were guinea hens, pigeons, budgies, rabbits,  ne ferret and a miniature goat.  We really enjoyed the event and are planning on going again next year when we will be buying some more layers.
Whenever we do something like this, I think back to how, just a few years ago, we were living in a large city, dealing with constant traffic and walking across the road to do our shopping.
Who would have thought our lives would change so much?
Tomorrow I hope to have photos of my latest projects.  I would have been much further on with one but, after carefully drawing sewing lines on 200 two and a half inches squares, I discovered I had cut and marked the wrong fabric!  Good think I have lots and I will be able to put those squares to good use in another project.
Blessings,