A Little of This, A Dash of That

I have almost finished the quilt that is on the frame.  I mentioned that I was having trouble with skipping stitches and thought it might have been the timing.  With hubby's help, I checked that and, if it was out, it was only the tiniest bit.  The adjustment didn't make any difference so I went back to looking at the tensions discs and thread guide.  I tested and cleaned everything but, again, it didn't help.  The thread was catching on something and the only place not checked was the first thread guide(the one that is right above the thread spool) and, wouldn't you know, it was gunky.  No idea how that happened but I removed it from the machine, gave it a scrubbing with an old toothbrush and some  soap and water. Had to redo the tension but everything is working properly.  You may want to file that bit of information away if you have thread problems.  No idea how the crud got in there but it had.

I love words and word quizzes.  I get a daily post about grammar and sometimes they have a little quiz.  I thought you might like to try today's.  Here is the link: http://www.softschools.com/quizzes/language_arts/spelling/quiz266.html .  Let me know how you do.  I got one wrong.
We are supposed to get a good bit of snow by tomorrow evening so will have to wait and see if it arrives.  We have the 4 snows on hubby's van so we should be okay.  I am waiting for a fuel leak to be fixed on mine and then I will get the tires done on it.
Blessings,

Timing's Off

Something more accomplished.  Both my tablet and phone are now connected to the internet.  The new router solved the problem.  Now, I have to retime my sewing machine.  I didn't have the bobbin set in properly and the needle hit it.  I hate having to do that adjustment but, if I don't, I won't be able to use the machine and I have to get those 2 quilts done by Friday's end.
It was a lovely day today.  The sunrise lit the sky a bright red and, while the sun didn't shine very brightly, it didn't rain.  Heidi and I went for a nice long walk and enjoyed the fresh air.
I have finished the updating of my customer's web site but need to alter the photo page.  Unfortunately, there must be some atmospheric interruption because my internet has slowed down and I can't upload the photo program.  I hope it will soon clear up.  I wonder if the smoke from the California fires might be cause the problem.

I got the last of my Christmas gifts sent off today and feel really good about getting that done.  I will probably still be doing things at the last moment despite my best intentions.

The photo is of the village of Burk's Falls taken from the boat dock. I like the reflection.

Blessings,

Pool Noodle Quilting

Another busy day.  Hubby and I sliced 20 lbs of apples, bagged them and got them in the freezer.  Saved a few and made applesauce for supper.  I still have a large bag of beets to turn into pickles.  I also spent a good bit of time working on trying to get the tablet connected.  Even with resetting the router, and setting up a new password, it still won't connect.  So, a new router it is.
Didn't get any quilting done today or at least up to now.  Might do a bit after posting this but also think I am going to have an early night.  I kept waking up throughout the night so am tired now.

One of the ladies on my A Scrappy Life group is great at finding new and interesting videos.  Here is one that she shared with us.  It shows how to use a pool noodle to sandwich a quilt.  Interesting idea.
https://youtu.be/EpmWfZdxGSI

Blessings,

Ahead of the Rush

The oddest thing happened yesterday.  I wrote the post and then added a photo.  Before I could do anything else , the whole page disappeared.  So, I rewrote, making sure to manually save as I was writing.  Got to the same point and the same thing happened.  Tonight, I hope to be able to actually write and publish.
Just did a check and, so far, so good.
I think I mentioned previously that I had bought a new tablet and was having problems getting it connected to my WiFi.  After talking to a very helpful man at Xplorenet,  I have come to the conclusion that I need a new router.  I have had this one for quite some time and it was probably the cheapest I could get so I guess I could expect it to wear out eventually.
I have been getting a lot of quilting done.  I sent off a customer's quilt last week and today a couple more went into the mail as gifts.

Customer Quilt.

I am now  making some crib quilts for an upcoming craft sale and would like to do 3 more for a charity.  I haven't been quite this motivated for a while but now that I am feeling so much better, I am making up for lost time.

I expect it is early but the two quilts I sent were Christmas gifts.  I am really ahead of things this year and have great hopes of sending my overseas cards off in time that my family receive them before Christmas.  We will see if my energy and enthusiasm lasts.

Blessings, 

Groups Closing

If you belong to any Yahoo groups you have probably heard that they (Yahoo) is ceasing many of the benefits such as photos, files, and even the ability to join a group (you have to be invited).  As a consequence, all the ones I belong to are shutting down.  I expect I will do the same with mine although I hate to take that step.  Hands2Hearts has provided me with a lot of support, fun and information.  Closing it down is going to be like saying good bye to a dear friend.  Most of the committed members of the group have moved over to our other one-A Scrappy Life so we will be continuing to keep in touch and share.
It seems that participation in groups is waning.  Some have moved to Facebook but I don't find that there is as much closeness in those.  And, of course, a lot of people don't like Facebook. I find that, as I get older, I am having more decisions taken away by an individual or group that decides they know best.  I understand that if they own something they have the right but I don't have to like it.
Fortunately, I am still in control of my quilting.  I loaded my granddaughter's quilt today and hope to have that finished by tomorrow.  Then I can complete the binding and get them sent off next Tues.  Cutting it a bit short but I think I can get it done.
Do you belong to a Yahoo group?  Is it closing down?  What do you think your next step will be?
Blessings,

Flashing Construction Lights-Yuk

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving.  We went to my in-laws and had a great meal, a good visit with everyone and lots of laughter.  One of the nieces was there with her family.  We have a close ties with her two young children and I spent the majority of the visit with them.  I was given a number of medical examinations, listened to stories I couldn't quite understand and played an exhausting game of 'kick the soccer ball'.  We weren't Skyping with the grandchildren until the next day so we stayed a little longer than usual.
It was dark when we started for home with hubby driving.  We switched seats about 2/3 of the way and I took over.  By then it was raining.  I have a hard time driving at night on a highway because the oncoming traffic makes it hard to see-especially when they have halogen headlights.  I was doing alright until we come to a road construction site that was marked with those orange signs with flashing orange lights.  They are so distracting that is near impossible to see where you are supposed to go.  Got through that and dear hubby had me pull over and he drove the rest of the way.  I can drive in nearly every condition-snow, traffic jams, busy roads whatever but I hate those orange lights.
Today, I got my customer's quilt sent off to its recipient.  It is a Christmas gift so it will arrive in plenty of time.  I am working on a couple of quilts for the grands which will also be sent off this month along with their other gifts so I will be ahead of the game this year-so far.
Tomorrow, off to town to replenish the food cupboard.  No matter how much you buy, you always run out of something before the month is over.
Blessings,

Really Quick and Easy Quilt Instructions

Farm Quilter:  Thanks for the comment.  I will take my camera and get a picture of those trees.  Our colours are starting to fade a bit now but it still a lovely walk/drive along our road.
I decided to make a couple of last minute cuddle quilts today.  I need to get them done quickly so I can post them a week from this coming Tues.  So, I came up with a truly fast and easy quilt.  It isn't fancy but if you are just looking for something a child can drag around and snuggle into while watching fireworks, this is it.
Decide your size.  I like 45X 60" give or take.  Look through your stash for some fabric that has a nice over all pattern.  I found one that has cows, barns and other farm animals all over it.  The figures are a nice size so it will work well.  I cut the fabric 50" X 65". I cut mine 2.50 inches smaller than that and added a border.  I wanted to back it with fleece but didn't have anything that worked with the top so I got some deep brown flannel and used it.  It was cut 3" all around larger than  the top.  I loaded the backing onto my machine horizontally, covered with batting and then the top.  I quilted using a loose meandering stitch.  When I trim, I will leave the backing an inch wider than

the top all around and use it to self bind the quilt.  The time from start to finish the quilt is only a few hours-probably not more than four.
The photo shows the idea.  Not done yet as hubby and I decided to go out for a bit but it and the second one will be done in plenty of time.  If you wanted a top with a bit more work, you could cut the fabric into 10 inch squares, sew them together with sashing between each block and row and a border around the outside.
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to all who live in this county,
Blessings,

If a Tree Falls in the Forest....

It was another lovely autumn day today.  I had a meeting in the morning  but got home in plenty of time to go for a nice long walk on the road.  I have travelled along this road either by foot or car many times since we moved here eleven years ago and I still see new things.  Today, it was two trees with twisted trunks.  All the ones around them were straight but these two looked like corkscrews.  They were on the side of a hill which meant they might have been affected by the wind when they were saplings but the trees close to them should have been as well.  Whatever the reason for them being different, they did add a bit extra to the walk.
And, speaking of trees; while hubby and I were sitting on the deck enjoying a cup of tea, we heard a tree fall.  We looked at each other and at the same time said "well, that answers that question".  The windstorm we had a couple of days ago must have blown it askew and today it just gave up the fight to stay vertical.
I finished the Scout neck scarves today and got started on finishing the binding on the dinosaur quilt.  I am substituting hand stitching for a machine sewn herringbone stitch.  It should make it nice and secure.
Blessings,

A New Toy

I have a new tablet.  It just arrived in the mail today and now I am trying to get everything set up.  WiFi is always a problem because of the password.  I got one a slightly bit bigger than the previous device and am now downloading the manual so I can start getting familiar with all the options.
I also ordered some Aurifil thread from Sew Karen-ly Created.  I started using that brand when I was an Ambassador for Island Batik and like the way it handles.  Previously, I used King Tut, YLI and Glide but Aurifil will now be included as one of my favourites.  I use 40wt. thread as it is the same as my bobbin thread and it saves a lot of tension adjusting.  I usually prefer my thread to blend with the fabric rather than stand out so a lighter weight works well for that.
I am just finishing up the binding for a customer quilt and making some next scarves for a Scout group so am back at serious sewing.  It is good to be feeling healthy again.
Hubby, little dog and I went for a walk after supper.  The bush is especially lovely this time of year with as many brightly coloured leaves on the ground as there is on the tree.  The special fall smell was particularly evident as we walked along the trail through to my sister's property, down her

driveway and back up ours.  Got back in time for our dessert and to watch the news.
A lovely day.
Blessings,

Friends are a Blessing.

Hubby and I couldn't believe how early Thanksgiving was this year.  Today, I got together with three quilting friends and I mentioned to them that the holiday seemed earlier.  No,  I was told, it was the same as always, the second weekend in Oct.  But, my calendar said it was on the 7th not the 14th.
When I got home, I doubled checked.  Yup, the 7th.  Then I looked at the calendar in my quilt room and it said the 14th.  I guess who ever made the other calendar didn't check dates before it was printed.  I am relieved.  I have a number of things to get done before we start eating turkey.
It was nice getting together with my friends.  It seems I have been house bound for ages.  I didn't do much.  Mostly sat and talked or listened.  I was just glad to be there.
There is an extra special bond between a woman's female friends.  We really 'get' each other, are supportive, quirks are allowed, self indulgence isn't.
I am truly blessed by my friends and I hope you can say the same.




Blessings,

A Great Find

The cold I have had for nearly a week seems to be almost over and I have been able to get back doing some things.  The quilt on my frame is about a quarter finished.  It probably would be done but my thread keeps breaking.  Tomorrow I will have to check a few things and see what is causing the problem.  I have already changed the needle and checked the encoder wheels but there is still a few more areas that can cause problems.
While changing the needle I found I found  the allen wrench that loosens the little nut which hold the needle in place was starting to wear out.  The edges had begun to wear off and I couldn't get the nut tight enough. As we were going to town, it was a good time to see if I could find another.  I checked out a hardware store but they only had a set with about a million different sizes and I wasn't going to pay 15.00 for that when I only needed one.  Then we stopped at a buck twenty five store and my husband found exactly what I needed and it works perfectly.  Yay.
It was really warm today-almost 30 C but it changed on our way back home.  The sky had begun to darken as we were finishing our shopping and by the time we had travelled 30 or so kilometers, the skies open and the rained came down in a deluge.  The wipers could barely keep the windshield clear enough to see and, of course, there was so much water on the road hydroplaning was a real possibility.  Hubby slowed right down and we chugged along for a bit and then the rain slowed and stopped just as we turned off the highway. We were even able to unload the van without getting wet.

A lot of the leaves came down with the rain but I did get a few photos when we went for a walk yesterday.  My sister has a couple of beautiful birch trees on her property and they make a lovely contrast with fall colours.

Blessings,