Gigantic Oops!

I am back.  I didn't really go away but between the heat making it too uncomfortable to sit in the corner where the pc is and being extra busy, I just didn't have the energy to sit and write.
Just over a week ago, an older couple who are friends of ours and now living in the U.S. asked if we would clean out their storage container so they didn't have to continue paying rent.
They couldn't remember the address of the company but, as it was in a small community, I figured there wouldn't be more than one. We had the name and phone number of the company owner so off we went to check out what was in the container.  We were told we could take bolt cutters to remove the lock so we brought those and another lock which would keep things secure until we were finished.
We found the company easily and the correct container but we couldn't remove the lock.  The owner said to call him if we had a problem so that is what I did.  He asked where we were and I said at container number ? and he said, 'no you aren't.  I am looking right at it and you aren't there'.  Gigantic oops! we were at the wrong place.  My sister said that our guardian angel must have been pushing with all his might to keep those bolt cutters from working.
We have been cringing ever since with what could have happened had we got into the wrong container and started removing items.  The correct business, by the way, was about 10 kms further on from the village centre.
Quilting?  Not much for the same reason as above.  I have started the hand binding on a table topper but that is about it.
Blessings,

A Pedicure for Heidi.

Our temperatures have dropped to a more comfortable level and the humidity has also moved on to another location.  I took the opportunity to tidy the studio which has got sadly out of control during the heat spell.  I am thinking of putting a large bin on the cutting table as I have a tendency to work on 2 or 3 projects at the same time and everything gets pretty jumbled.  If there was a container nearby, I could put the fabric from the quilts I am not working on in it and them pull it back out again when I am ready.  With my current non method, I mislay blocks that have already been made and make another one that I don't need.

Right now, I am doing a customer's dinosaur quilt, a QAL and another customer's quilt.  Also have three tops to be quilted and a runner to be bound.  That situation is about average for me.

I finished a ipad/tablet cover last week and like how it has turned out  It has an extra pocket on it to hold a cell phone, keys or whatever.

I went in to the village today to try out the groomer that set up shop a while ago.  Heidi needed a good pedicure.  She did a great job and even trimmed the hair that was growing around sweeties eyes.  We then met a friend and her little dog and went for a walk around the race track. It was such a nice day for a walk and I was going to go for another this afternoon but got busy with the organizing.

Blessings,

A Welcome Visitor and an Unwelcome One

This has been my day for writing.  I did my magazine article this morning, newspaper column in the afternoon and now, my blog.  I had intended to do some sewing but it is still just too hot.  I have a large fan right beside me but if it is turned up too high, everything goes flying.
We had another unwelcome visitor today and one that was very much welcome.
Our fox came back and scattered the chickens thither and yon.  Most of them have returned but a couple are still missing.  We hate to shut them in when it is so hot but we hate them to be on another animals luncheon menu as well.  We have an outdoor pen for them but it is neither secure nor big enough.  We have the materials to make a larger one so that will be a project for when it cools down a bit.
This morning, while hubby was sitting outside drinking his first cup of coffee, we had a scarlet tanager visit.  I haven't seen one in years.  We were reasonably sure we had heard their song from the trees surrounding the yard but without a sighting it was hard to be sure.

This is a photo from the internet but aren't they beautiful.
The weather report is calling for rain tomorrow.  We really need it and I am hoping it brings a bit cooler temperatures with it.
blessings,

I am a SQUID

A long and tiring day today and I am just finishing up my computer stuff.  I will catch up tomorrow but, in the meantime, here is a video I hope you enjoy.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFcEbRkl8XQ
Blessings,

Quilts and Heritage Days

We had a busy weekend although at the moment I am trying to remember what we did on Saturday.  The following day, hubby and I went to my brother and sister-in-laws for a barbecue and lovely visit.  It seems to be difficult finding time to visit family and friends.  There are so many activities.  One of those activities took place on Saturday (I had to ask my husband) when we went to our local museum's Heritage Day celebration.  They put on a great event every year and this one wasn't any exception.  Many of the area's organizations had  booths plus there were a number of displays including a contest between the local fire departments.  We really enjoyed it.
Next Saturday, we are going to a wild west show at the fairgrounds.  In the meantime, I am now making quilted cases for tablets etc.  I had the fabric cut out to sew at quilt group today but forgot the zipper and Velcro.  I will get some of the work done tonight.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I went to a quilt show.  I just got the photos transferred from my cell to computer so here are a few of my favourites.  The pictures were taken and shared with the permission of the show organizer and maker of the quilts.  I only focused on sections of the quilts to remind myself of a particular style or idea.  For example, although the applique looks as though it were done by hand it was actually done by machine.

Blessings,

More Phone Wallets

I finished two more phone wallets today.  This one has  a different design from the ones you saw yesterday.   As you can see, it has a strap.

 There isn't any additional pockets  Just the main one for the phone.  Isn't this the cutest fabric?  I am also doing one with hedgehog fabric.

All the cases are padded to protect the phone and there aren't any magnetic snaps which sometimes interfere with the phone's function. The phone wallets are for sale.  The ones without extra pockets are $20, with one pocket-$25. and with the credit card pockets are $32.
Shipping extra but will be minimal and no taxes.
Blessings,

Cell Phone Holders-Prototype.

I have finished two cell phone pouches  I should clarify that they are trial pieces and so I haven't finished the hand sewing, removal of threads etc.

The first one I put the pockets for a driver licence, credit card etc. under the flap.

The second one has  the pocket on the front of the holder.  I think I like the second one best.  I still have another one to try.  It will open like a book.  I am not sure if it will have the  card section.

 First Holder-closed

 Open with cards

 Second-closed

Open with card and phone. Which one do you like?

Blessings,

Phone Holders.

I spent a few hours staffing the Burk's Falls Art and Crafts Centre today.  Usually it is pretty slow on a weekday but today we had a few people drop in and made some sales.  We are fortunate to have the building to display and sell our products and it is also a great asset to the village.  A community that supports its arts says a lot about what is important to the people and that, in turn, attracts tourists.
After I came home, I have been working on a cell phone holder.  A friend lent me a couple of patterns and I am combining them with my own idea-or trying to.  I want to have a container that also has a place for credit card, driver's licence etc. A lot of women no longer carry big, bulky purses opting for either nothing or something small.  I am going to put a strap on the pouch so it can be worn over the shoulder for convenience.
I will probably also make a couple pouches that are just for the phone for folk like me who still like to carry around all their worldly possessions. They will be in bright colours so they can be found easily amongst all the other flotsam.
I will post a photo when I get one completed.
Blessings,

Good for the Flowers

 Hot is not my favourite temperature but it seems to be appreciated by the plants.  I have to water those in pots each day but the others seem to be doing well and the wildflowers are in abundance.

We got the air conditioner set up today which brings the house down to a more livable temperature although I don't really like having it on.  I had to go into town to pick up my got  lenses  and am having a bit of trouble adjusting to them.  I can see the computer screen better without my glasses but if I have to make a note with pen and paper, I have to put them back on again. Not sure how I will make out using the sewing machine.
I have been doing a bit of quilting, mostly items to take to the Art Centre to sell.  One of my baby quilts sold so will have to replace it.
I really need to get a quilt loaded on to the frame.  There are 3 draped over it waiting to be finished.
Happy Independence Day to all my American readers,
Blessings,

Petit Point Quilt

I hope every one had a safe and fun Canada Day weekend.  Hubby and I didn't doing anything special.  One of the quilt ladies and I walked to the park just after lunch to hear an entertainer.  Lewis is a great musician and an equally great actor appearing in a number of Canadian made films.

It has been quite warm here so it is hard to get up the energy to anything other than sleep, however, I have done some work in the garden.  The weeds have been getting quite energetic so I pulled them,  trimmed back some shrubs and did a bit of deadheading.
I believe I mentioned a while back that there  was a particular quilt that attracted me at a quilt show.  It was a large, whole cloth flower done in the petit point style with one inch squares taking the place of stitches.  I have found a petit point pattern that I think I can use.  I don't want it to be very big and this one-if I do one inch squares, is 20" by 56".  That is longer than I want so

I may eliminate the  bud on the top which will bring it down to 40.  It will be a while before I can get at it but I think it will be fun as well as challenging.  I don't know what the black shape is on the right side but it will be eliminated.
I will keep you posted.  It you would like to give this idea a try feel free to use this design.
Thank you for your compliments on my sisters painting and my quilt.
Blessings,