Name Suggestions.

My completed customer quilt.  I haven't thought of a name for it yet.  Any suggestions?

We got a real bargain today.  I believe I mentioned yesterday that I bought an arborite table from an on line site.  We picked it up today and are really pleased with it.  It suits our kitchen perfectly.  These sets are considered antiques now and I have a dealer friend that sold one for $300.00.  Ours has a bit of chipping but it will be easily repaired.

I have a rare day at home tomorrow.  No medical or other appointments to go to so am hoping to get the rest of my quilt sale sewing finished.  I just have one baby quilt to do so perhaps I will also be able to finish the top of another customer quilt and get it on the machine.

Blessings,

Seasonal Bibs.

I finished one customer quilt today and have 6 placemats for another client almost finished.  I have to stop everything now and do items for the craft show.

I really like these little bibs.  I have half dozen of these and just need to add the fasteners.  Seasonal bibs for the well dressed little ones. $8.00 each plus shipping if you would like one for your precious bundle.

We have a few inches of snow and all the trees are covered.  It looks so pretty but I don't think it is going to stay.

I have to get back at the quilting.  Hope to have a photo tomorrow of the quilt I have finished

Blessings,

Christmas Wall Hanging.

This month's Island Batik Challenge was to make something using any  paper piecing method.  I wanted to use up some of my scraps while making something that would be suitable for Christmas and an ornament laden tree was ideal.   The  pattern I used was from Carol Doak's book Easy Paper-Pieced Keepsake Quilts published by That Patchwork Place.
The paper pieced blocks finished at 4 inches which were a breeze after previously making some that were 3" and had  up to 24 pieces.
The ornaments were made from left over Christmas theme fabric from last years box and the tree and background fabric were more recent.  The green used in the tree and border are from the Birds and Bees* line.

I had so much fun making this wall hanging that I think I will do another.  I still have lots of scraps!.

Blessings, 

*All the fabric used in making this quilt was donated by Island Batik for my use.

Craft Sales

I am tired and trying to stay awake until it is a reasonable hour before I go to bed.  The weather can be partly to blame as it has been dull all day but I think the major reason may be that I am not getting enough oxygen.  I have an appointment with my specialist on the 1st so hope to have some answers and a solution then.
I finished my little hanging and will try to remember to post a photo tomorrow as well as the cute Christmas bibs I made today. I haven seen a couple of craft items on line that I would like to make up for craft sale on the 3rd. of next month.  I do have some quilts ready and always sell at least one baby size but smaller items are the best sellers.
Tomorrow, I hope to finish the first memory quilt top and get it set up  to be quilted.  I got another memory quilt order today but it doesn't have to be done before Christmas but a set of place mats do.  Good thing I love quilting as I am going to be very busy for the next few weeks.
Blessings,

Night Time Photos.

I hope you weren't in one of the areas where you voted on line.  Seems that there was a problem with the system but, with the extended hours, voters preserved and made sure they voice was counted.  Those of you that responded to the title question all voted so you get my 'hero' star.
I made my last batch of chili sauce today.  I had trouble getting myself in the mood to quilt but did finish the Island Batik project and just have to do the hand sewing on the binding.  Will get another row done on the customer quilt tonight so that will be half done.

We had a nice sunset a couple of nights ago so I tried to get some photos.  The problem with night photography is that flash changes the sky colour.  This first photo was while the sun was still up, the second with flash and in the third one, I covered the flash with my hand.  The colour you see is the actual colour of the sky.
I do have a tripod and could have used it with the flash turned off but couldn't be bothered getting it out. I must try it some evening though.

Blessings, 

Election Day-Did you Vote?

We had our first real snow on the weekend.  It didn't stay but a definite reminder to hurry up and get things ready for the season.  Our hydro was out for a bit on Sunday.  I went out around midnight and was back on my 10 a.m. so not a problem but long enough that I wasn't able to get to church.  Hubby and I did our devotions at home and we pretty much relaxed for the day.
I almost have my latest Island Batik project finished-just the border to add and then quilt.  Should be able to share it with you tomorrow or Wednesday.  I made a lot of wrong interpretations of the pattern but it has come out okay.
It is municipal election day here in Ontario so are now waiting to see who our members of council will be.  I don't expect much, if any, change in either our township or the village.
I am always amazed at how many people don't bother voting.  I simply don't understand why.  If you don't vote, you are leaving all your hopes for your community in the hands of other people.  It has not been that long that women were allowed to vote so I think it is especially important that we do.
Our three new chickens haven't fully adapted to their news homes yet so are being kept in a separate area until they feel more at home.
Blessings,

More Chickens

Farm Quilter commented on how fortunate we are with the advances in medicine that we are have seen in our time.  It is so true.  When I think back to the diseases that have been eradicated in my life time, I am surprised at how much has been done in a relatively short time.  I remember photos of people encased in what was known as the 'iron lung'.  It was the only treatment for polio.  And now it has gone the way of the black plague and other diseases.
Today was the first time this week that I didn't have to be anywhere.  I expected to get a lot of quilting done but most of the time, I am ashamed to admit, was spent playing computer games.  I did get my spring bulbs transferred and new ones planted and gathered up all the lawn ornaments.  They are now in a filled to overflowing wheelbarrow waiting to be placed in their winter home.
I spent quite a bit of time copying photos so they can be added to my customer's quilt.  I love seeing these mementos of someone's life; especially the wedding pictures.
Tomorrow, our nephew is bringing over three chickens that they don't want to keep over the winter.  They are still laying so the eggs will be welcome.
Enjoy the weekend.
Blessings,

Ice on the Windshield

Today's test should be the last of the hospital trips for a while.  I am trying not to complain but I am tired of doctor's offices and hospitals.
I have started working on this month's Batik project.  I am making foundation pieced ornaments that will be part of a rotary pieced Christmas three.  There are 10 three inch decorations and I am having fun using different fabric combinations on each one.  I am not a great fan of paper or foundation piecing but it does produce a very accurate block.

Our handsome rooster and some of his ladies.

There was a skiff of ice on the car windshield this morning that had to be scraped away before I could drive.  I leave my scrapers etc. in the trunk year round so it was easy enough to locate everything.New snow tires are on my budget agenda this year so I will then be ready for the season.

Hubby is still hacking away with his cold but is slowly getting better.
I can't believe today is only Tuesday.  It feels as though it should be closer to the end of the week.
I am making chocolate chip cookies tomorrow for hubby.  Not my favourite but he likes them and I hope that it will make him feel a bit better.
Blessings,

Another Wallet Incident.

I am tired this evening as I had an early (for retired me) start to the day.  I had to be at Huntsville Hospital for nine and I like to give myself and extra 15 minutes just in case so left the house at 8.  I was finished earlier than expected which was nice.  However, I had another wallet incidence.  Once again, I didn't have it which was a concern because I had to pay for parking.  Fortunately (an answer to prayer) I saw a friend and was able to borrow some money.  I called hubby in the meantime and he found the wallet in my church bag.  I don't usually take it with me on Sunday because hubby drives but he wasn't feeling well yesterday and I took my own vehicle.
I am back to the hospital again tomorrow for a follow up test and that should be the end of them.  I have to be there a half hour earlier so won't be staying up late tonight.
I had a chance to get out for a walk on the weekend and took some photos.

 Late afternoon with the sun setting behind the trees.  This is the view from our deck.

 The floor of the forest is deep with leaves.  There are still a lot more to fall.

 The last windstorm took down a lot of trees.  They will make good firewood.

This baby oak tree is hanging on to his green colour.  He should be bright red soon.

Blessings,

Kudos to Walmart.

Reply to Farm Quilter:  Thanks for the comment.  My machine is a Q'Nique and it usually hums along without any diva like behaviour.  A friend mentioned that it might have been the humidity as she sometimes finds that causes thread problems.  She may be right because I have used that thread without problem before.


Well, I certainly have neglected my blog this week.  I have been doing a lot of quilting though.  I have a good start on my next customers quilt as well as for this month's Island Batik project and a baby blanket for a craft sale in Nov.  And yes, I am doing them all at the same time.
I had to go tour nearest town today for a doctor's appointment and after that, did some shopping.  I had ordered a Fitbit which arrived earlier in the week and I couldn't get it to connect with my phone.  I thought I might need a new one so went to that department at Walmart.  The wonderful lady there not only told me that my phone was fine, she set it up so I could use it.  She spent quite some time because their internet was working properly.  While I waited, I noticed my wallet was missing. A quick search in the car didn't have a happy result.  I told the employee that I thought someone had lifted it from my purse and she called security.  They asked what areas of the store I had been in and went to look at the video footage.  I had been waiting quite a while and was feeling tired when the staff person asked if I would like to sit down somewhere.  I thought it might be worthwhile to go to the previous store where I had done some shopping.  The same amazing woman walked me to customer service where I left my shopping cart and said I could just come back there and wait when ready.
I was only gone for a couple of minutes and was able to tell them I had found my wallet.  I was so relieved I felt like crying.  Where was it?  In a bag with my groceries.  I have no idea why I put it there and could hardly believe it when I saw it.
I tell you all this not to showcase the fact that I am addle headed sometimes but to give credit to the store and employees.  They all treated me with great courtesy and concern.
A+ to Huntsville, Ontario Walmart.
Blessings,

Thread Woes

I hope all my Canadian followers had a great Thanksgiving.  We spent some time with family enjoying a good meal and visit.  There was a lot of traffic in both directions with some drivers more interested in their cell phones than either their safety or scenery.  It boggles me that a person thinks they can safely drive at 100 km with one hand on the wheel and their eyes looking at an electronic device.  In the meantime, all those around them are watching as they weave from side to side in their lane.  Just plain stupid.
It has been unseasonable warm today with the thermometer reaching the low 30's.  I went for a walk through the bush with the dog and then sat outside with hubby while enjoying  a mug of tea.  It is going to stay warm tomorrow and then drop to seasonal.  I am glad I have a couple more days before I need to get out my fall/winter clothing.  I also need to plant some spring flowering bulbs, clean the garden beds and put away all the lawn ornaments.  It is all going to have to wait until the weekend though as I am too busy right now.
I finished quilting the top today that was on the frame.  I had problem with thread breaking for a while which slowed me down.  I did the usual: changed needle, adjusted tension. oiled the machine all without any improvement.  I was using a good quality Egyptian thread so was sure it wasn't that but finally changed it anyway.  The closest colour to what I was using was in Aurifil and that made the difference.  I was able to finish the quilt without further problem.
I had used the other thread numerous times before so not sure why it was being difficult this time.
I have a craft sale early next month so am going to make a couple of baby quilts for that and then back to customer quilts.
Blessings,

More Undone that Done

Today was more 'undone' than 'done' .  I did a few rows on the top I just finished and then decided I didn't like it.  The whole thing is off the frame now and I will unpick while watching television tonight.  This is for a customer who also happens to be a dear friend so I want it to be as perfect as it is humanly possible. I removed it for a second reason: I need to reposition it on the frame.  It was too far to one side so I wasn't able to quilt right to the edge.  Once it is reloaded, I should be able to finish the quilting fairly quickly.
Having to redo everything is a bit annoying as I was hoping to be able to start laying out the blocks for the next quilt in between doing the stitching on the other.  I like to be working on two at the same time as I get a break from either just quilting or just piecing.

I have been looking at you tube videos for making braided rugs using a toothbrush handle.  I think I may do one for the floor near on end of the couch.  Heidi has trouble getting traction on the hardwood floors so a little rug may help her to get onto the couch.  It will also be a nice take along project.

Hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving if you are in Canada.  I believe Monday is Columbus day in the U.S.  Even if it isn't a holiday weekend for you, enjoy.

blessings,

Another Top Done

I finished my quilt top today and will get it loaded on the frame for quilting after I write a few words.  I really like how it has turned out.  I am not sure how I will quilt it yet but I am leaning toward leaves or flowers as there are both on the top.
I was also able to Skype with my two sisters this afternoon.  It took a few minutes for us all to get connected but it was worth it.  Technology is wonderful when it works.  A real pain when it doesn't.
Once I have this quilt loaded, I am going to be starting the layout for a customer's memory quilt.  This is another double size so will take a bit to get each of the squares where they best suit.
When I was scrounging through all my fabric for a bit of fabric, the search included all the kits I have cut out.  I think I am going to have to set myself a goal of doing one of them at least once a quarter.  There are some I really like.  If I find that I am not crazy about others, I will just add my fabric back to my stash

Tomorrow I am getting my hair cut, decorating the church for thanksgiving and doing some scrounging in an old shed that a friend bought.  Maybe I will find a crank sewing machine.  Not likely but it would be nice.
Blessings,

Foot to the Pedal.

Thank you farm girl for your comment on my post card pictures.  I will be looking for a couple more suitable photos and then get a few of each made up to see if anyone wants them.

I have kept my foot firmly on my machines pedal today and have finished appliqueing the borders of my latest quilt.  I ran short on one of the fabrics and had to remove all the leaves from one border and use a different material for it and the opposite side.  Annoying when that happens but fortunately, it was fixable.  That is what happens when you change a pattern half way through making it.

My customer picked up her quilt  that I made from her vintage top.  She was very pleased with it and left 3 or 4 more.  I had another top given to me on Monday to do and an order for two twin sized quilts came in the weekend.  I have had to write everything down so I don't forget anything.
I ordered myself a fitbit watch with some of my quilt money.  Perhaps it will help me get moving a bit more and am also hoping it will give some idea of what is happening with my heart rate.  I know it isn't for medical purposes but just an indication would be helpful.
Back to the quilt. Tomorrow is grocery shopping day and then, Thurs. doing some more jam.  I also hope to get the quilt ready for the frame.
Blessings,