One Month Until the Big Day

 There is something about November and December that makes the time go faster.  It is like the hole that allows the sand in the timer to move to the bottom of the hour glass has expanded to twice the size.  A lot of my time has disappeared into various medical meetings.  Both husband and I have had at least one a week and the cat got in there last week.    Hubby and I each had procedures that had to be done in the hospital and both have to be redone so we are booked into January.  Mine is for eight in the morning at a community a good hours drive away.  Anyone who knows me at all, knows, I am NOT a morning person.  We are thinking of staying overnight but then have to arrange care for our wee dog.  My test involves two steps so I have to wait 4 hours and then have the second one.  Life is fun.

Winter has settled in and everything is nice an white outside.  All outside decorating is done and I really haven't thought much about indoors yet.  I have got my Christmas cake made so that is another item to cross off the list.  The postal strike is going to make gift and card giving difficult but we will deal with it.

Blessings

Energy Returning

Halloween is over, daylight saving is over and Remembrance Day is on the horizon.  Fall is well and truly on its way out.  No snow here yet but rain has been non stop.  That will be good for the trees and other plants.  I have started the semi annual changing of the clothes.  Summer packed, winter out.  that always takes a while as the temperature changes are not immediate and I have lots of clothes.  Not going to say too many but others might.  I obviously don't think I have enough as I still keep buying.  Hubby says I am a clothes horse and he is right.

I took the children's clothing to my friend who is going to take them to the orphanage in Cambodia.  This little task went much better than I could imagine and I have been given fabric already to start another lot.  

My current task is making fleece hats which will be sent to a First Nations area in northern Ontario.  Our church does hats, mittens and scarves every year.  This is the second year for them to go north.

It is nice to be able to do small projects that have a big impact on the lives of others.  I consider myself to be so blessed both to have and to be able to pass on.

I have been feeling quite a bit better which is such  relief.  I am regaining my energy and my brain doesn't feel as befuddled.  It turns out that in addition to the esophagus problem, I also have and infection.  The latter is what has cause (or contributed to)  the fuzzy brain.

Hope all are well and looking forward to the coming season.

blessings,

Do What You Can

 It wasn't easy but I have made a bit adjustment in my life.  I have been a member of the Burk's Falls Art and Crafts Club for many years.  I served in a number of areas and did very well in selling my products.  My greatest pleasure though were the members themselves.  In addition to being the most artistically gifted people I know, they are also very caring and encouraging.

As I have been experiencing some health changes lately which has left me with reduced energy and time, I decided it was time to cut back on some of my activities.  With that in mind, I have decided not to renew my BFACC membership.  It wasn't easy but I can still pop into the Legion on Wednesday and see everyone while they work.

The last of our summer company went home the middle of last week so hubby and I have our home to ourselves and the animals.  It has ben difficult to adjust from seeing family members every day to knowing they are, once more, thousands of miles away.  We have been very fortunate to be able to spend so much time with family so I am trying not to fuss.

We are still enjoy fall weather and colours so my daily walks are extra enjoyable.

I have a new favourite quote:  Do what you can, with what you have, right where you are. T. Roosevelt

Isn't that encouraging?

Blessings

Blessing Others

Hello all.  I hope my Canadian readers all had a blessed thanksgiving.  Some of my in-laws came here for a pot luck style meal and the weather was nice enough we could eat outside.  The younger members of the family were trying out some of their motorized vehicles and, while the neighbours might not have appreciate the lack of mufflers, the kids had fun.  They were thoughtful and stopped after a couple of trips down the driveway.

The food was, of course, wonderful and little cleanup to be done afterwards.

Hubby and I are still not feeling 100% but we have to be better tomorrow as we are taking our grandson to his aunt and uncles where another family member will ferry him to the airport.  It has been wonderful having him here and he will be greatly missed.

I have mentioned that another lady and I are making clothes that will be donated to children who have been freed from the sex trade. In the photos attached, you will see a little dress.  I made it and my friend made the trouser set.  She is a very good seamstress.  Other people have donated underpants and ready made clothing.  I can only imagine the difference these items will make to these poor little ones.

Blessings,

Beets Galore

 As fall is settling in for its time of year, thoughts' turn to gardening and processing the fruits of our spring and summer labour.  We have a good crop of beets this year ranging in size from an teeny to 'oh my goodness'.  Most will be pickled but I discovered that hubby likes Harvard beets, so I will use some of the smallest for that.  Nice that after 30 plus years of marriage, I am still discovering new things about him.

I will cook all the beets today and then to the pickles etc. tomorrow.  I try to divide the big jobs so I don't wear myself out.

We had quite the rainfall last night but the sun is shining today.  If this weather continues, I will get at transplanting bulbs and adding more to my feature garden.  Again, I am cutting back but a little work has great results.  I am hoping that after I get the scope done, the doctor will be able to do something that will restore some of my energy and remove the symptoms of whatever I have.

Hard to believe we are in October already but we all say that every year.  I am thankful that we don't live in an area that gets hurricanes, tornadoes, floods etc.  Our main weather event is snow and, while it can create some nasty problems, it is rarely life threatening.

Hope you are all doing well.  I am getting some of my small quilt projects finished and looking forward to starting more.

Blessings,

Passing Time

 I see it has been nearly a month since I last posted.  I am still not feeling healthy and now hubby has been ill with some sort of tummy bug.  To top it all off, I had work done on my computer and I lost some of the info I need so am working to get that back

I had a wonderful time with my sister and her grandson while they were here visiting.  Of course, the time never seems long enough but we did get some things done.  A neighbour was able to do some landscaping on her property so there is a place to put the camper.  She met some of my dearest friends  and agreed with me that I was very fortunate to be able to call them friends.  She and I did a bit of shopping, some walking and a lot of talking.    It was hard to adjust to the lack of her presence but our grandson is now here so that has helped.

I can't remember if I mentioned this but we had a problem with a mama bear and her two cubs.  She wrecked the hen house trying to get at the feed and then something got the chickens.  We did manage to save 3 and they are being fostered by a neighbour.  We (as in hubby) will be installing an electric fence which, hopefully, will discourage any more bears.

I hope everyone enjoyed the summer and are easing into the fall.  We haven't been getting a lot of colour yet but perhaps it is still early.  Here is a photo from the past which I still enjoy.

                                    

                                                           An oak tree shrub in our back yard.

Blessings,

Lions Tigers and Bears. Oh, My

When you live in a rural area, you get used to sharing the land with other critters.  Through the 16 + years that we have lived here, we have dealt with a number of wild life including martins, mink, raccoon, fox and all manner of deer.  A friend was accosted by a stag recently and we know there are moose at the pond as well.  

In the past month or so, there have been lots of bear sightings in and around the village.  A momma with a couple of cubs seems to have been the  most frequent visitor.  We hadn't seen her which was good as we have a coop full of chickens that would make a tasty meal.

On Monday morning when hubby went to feed and tend the chickens, he found the coop with big holes in two places, the fencing down and a bunch of hens missing. The feed bag had been torn open and some remaining food scattered outside.  As hubby was repairing the damage, the chickens started wandering back.  Apparently and wisely, they had scattered.  Mrs. Bear was more interested in the feed than the birds.  Thank the Lord.

Yesterday evening, hubby took his small caliber rifle out to sit for a bit and see if anything turned up.  It didn't take long for some shots to ring out.  I went out to make sure he was okay and he said that he had treed the bear and cubs.  Chickies were in their house and all was safe and sound.

That was enough excitement for the week. We need to purchase some sturdier fencing and make sure the food is kept in a place away from the hens.

My sister is arriving from England in a couple of days so there will be a different and more welcome excitement

Blessings

Husband Not For Sale

 I have had a busy week culminating with the completion of a quilt top and preserving a bushel of peaches.  Some of the peaches will be made into marmalade and the rest will be for our winter desserts.  It is just over a week now before my youngest sister and her grandson arrives in Canada.  She is the one who owns the property next to us although it is not yet developed.  She recently bought a camper which is on our property and she and Michael will be able to stay in it.

It is such a joy when a family member comes for a visit even if they stay somewhere else.  The camper will give us all more room as well as a place to have down time.

This is a very simple quilt and it would be suitable for male or female of any age especially if they like dogs.  My husbands legs are not for sale.

My neighbour made this sign  for my birthday.  I finally have hung it on the outside of the door to my studio.  I especially like the hedgehog as they are on our family crest and I am very fond of the little creatures.  I now have a customer baby quilt to do and would like to made a scrappy quilt with all the pieces I am cutting up.

blessings,

Recycling

 It has been an odd week.  All sorts of exciting happenings on the English side of the world offset by the death of a childhood friend.  I had known Shirley since we were in grade school and we have kept in touch throughout the years.  She had a cottage near one of my sisters which increased the contact.  Her grandmother lived next to us when we were kids and was one of the kindest women I knew.  Even as children, we appreciated her.  Shirley grew to emulate her.  She will be missed by many.

I think a person starts to value their friends more and more as they get older and, as I am now pushing 80, I REALLY value them.  The ladies in our local quilt group, the Burk's Falls Village Quilter's, accept me as the crazy, often opinionated, sometimes bossy but always loyal person that I am.  I am equally fortunate to consider both my in-law family and blood siblings to also be my friends.  I am really a very blessed woman.

Do you belong to a quilt group either on line or in person or perhaps both?  If so, you will know what I mean about friends.  You would be hard pushed to find a quilter  you didn't like.

Today is the first day I have had completely free this week

.  I am doing what all people tease quilter's about; cutting large pieces of fabric into small.  Leftovers from that go to a friend who uses them to stuff dog pillow/blankets.  Quilter's are great recyclers!

Blessings,      

Fuzzies Are Gone

 Wow, I really have got behind.  I am finally feeling almost normal.  At least the fuzzy brain and lack of energy have gone.  I went back to my doctor and was taken off the medication I had been prescribed and advised to increase the dosage of a pill (that apparently does the same thing as the new one) I have been taking for ages.  I still have to go for a scope but at least I am now able to function.

I have made four little dresses to send to the orphanage and want to bring the number to 10 as well matching shorts.  They won't be sent until November so lots of time (she said hopefully).  My dear quilting friend is making clothing for boys, bless her giving heart.

There is a store in town that is selling my little fabric bags and I have made a couple of those but need to do more.  Of course, while all this is going on, in the back of my mind is the knowledge that the local fall fair happens the end of this month.  I am going to try to be sensible and just do what I can.

The older of my two sisters that live in England is in Canada visiting her son and family so we were able to get together.  It is always difficult when she (or my other sister) returns to England but I try to remind myself with the truth that I am fortunate in being able to see them.

It has been an odd year for weather.  We have been pretty fortunate here.  Lots of rain but also lots of warmth and sunshine.  The flower and vegetable gardens are doing well.  I have even pulled a few weeks!  Something ate the leaves on the yellow beans but didn't touch the veggie.  I had already picked a lot of them.  Not enough that I can make my mustard pickles but we will have a nice addition to our meals.

I hope everyone has been safe and well and getting lots of time in the sunshine. I can't remember if I posted this photo before.  If so, I hope you don't mind seeing it again.

Blessings

Amazing Hubby

 I am starting to feel better.  I can't remember what I said in my last post and am too lazy to look it up but I have been unwell for quite a while.  Nausea, headache, dizziness and a strange fluttery feeling in my chest.  Went to the doctors, was sent for a barium test and the doctor had me come in the next day.  That was worrisome.  Turned out I have some strange, rare condition of the esophagus.  Air was getting trapped in the upper area and it was palpitating.  Was given a prescription which didn't help at all at first.  Today, it has been a week and I am finally feeling somewhat normal.  My head has been so fuzzy that I am surprised I remembered how to walk.  Still have to go for a scope but I think I am on the road to recovery.

Hubby has been amazing.  Reminds me to take the pill (half hour before eating which I have a hard time remembering) has been getting the meals, driving me where I need to go and generally making me feel loved and cherished.

I haven't got much sewing done but what I did do was for the little dresses.  I cut the material for 3 and got one almost finished.  Photo coming. It is quite warm today.  I also got some yellow beans from the garden blanched and frozen and have blueberries yet to do.  The gardens are producing well this year.

I hope everyone is doing well.  If you have a project you would like to share, I would love to see it and, with your permission, post it so it can be shared.

Blessings

Still Raining.

 It is still raining here.  I went to Huntsville yesterday for an eye test and we watched the sky progressively get darker and darker.  We did get a bit of a sprinkle but nothing much until after we got home.

Today I have to phone my internet provider as my router wasn't working properly.  It was a simple matter of doing a reset which I tried but didn't hold the button long enough.  Not that is done and all my devices are back on line, I can add the new tablet.  This one is 10 inches with a better keyboard.  It will be easier to respond to emails and read my books.

I am not getting much else done although I am feeling better.  I have been trying to drink more water and that seems to help.  Of course, it also means more trips to the bathroom!

By the way, if you go on line searching for help with an internet problem, you may get a sight pop up that promises to give you the help you need it you click on a button and agree to pay $2.00  refundable.  If you click, you will be taken to your PayPal or chosen method of payment which will show you owe $68.00.  I am sure it will go up after that.  Always someone trying to scam up.

Our community had a Heritage Day Festival on Saturday and it was great.  I think this is the second year for it and by far the best event in the area-and it is free.

I hope to have some quilting progress to share soon.  Hope you are all saying well,

blessings,

Pillowcase Dresses

 Well, I have done it.  I have wanting to make some little girl dresses to be given to an orphanage in Cambodia.  They were to be adapted from the pillowcase dress pattern.  I had set aside some fabric but that is as far as I got.  I have been feeling ill for the past couple weeks and finally went to the doctor this Tuesday past.  He is scheduling a bunch of tests including blood work in hopes of find out why I am feeling ill.

I hadn't been able to stray very far from either the couch of the bed so wasn't getting much done.  Today, I decided I had enough of that and was going to ignore everything but the dizziness and get moving. I did a bit of gardening, filled the bird feeders, some housework and then started sewing.

I have the first little dress cut out.  I made a pattern for the armhole so I can reuse that.  I haven't checked to see what I have in the way of trim and bias binding yet but will do that before my eye appointment in Huntsville next week.  Walmart will have all the odds and ends I will need.

My dear hubby has been so patient and understanding with me.  He has had to drive me where ever I've needed to go and has got most of the meals.  He is very much a keeper.  My dear friends have offered any help I need so, all in all, I feel loved and looked after.  I am a fortunate woman.

I hope to have a photo of the dress soon.  If you would like to check out the pattern I am using for reference, it is: weallsew.com

Blessings,

Break Time

Time for a break.  I have been sorting fabric for nearly 2 hours and, except for a few moments when I contemplated throwing it all in a fire, I am making headway.  Fabric, as you know, once it arrives in your home, immediately molds itself into various shapes and sizes.  Combine that with theme fabrics, minky, solids, seasonal, panels, and flannel (to name just a few) and the beckoning housework becomes a siren song.  The photo shows how I have been folding the fabric ready to go on the shelves.  I will be printing these pictures for future reference. I still have a large spool of elastic from my face masking making days and I am using it to keep the bundles in place.

I have managed to get all the baby panels into one area as well as some baby themed fabric. Larger amounts of material are folded and placed on two shelves.  I am now working on all those smaller bits and pieces.  Some are set aside to cut into charms, others have been folded and packed vertically in a clear plastic bin.  The cutting table is still piled high so a fire could be a possibility yet.

My computer tells me that we will have heavy rain soon.  I am not sure how long 'soon' is but it doesn't really matter.  I didn't risk hanging the laundry out and everything else can wait.

Hope you are enjoying your day.  In the midst of all my faux grumbling, I am aware that I am very blessed,

blessings to you,

Gardening.

Today may be the only  one rain free for a few days so I got outside and did some weeding and trimming.  It isn't possible to see any improvement but I know I have done something.  We should get a good crop of veggies and wild berries this year so I will be canning, freezing and making jam come fall.  Often I get together with a couple of friends and we pool our efforts.  It is a fun way to fill the freezer and pantry shelves.

I need to move some of the spring flowers.  Does anyone know whether I can do this-carefully-before the stems die down?  If not, I will have to mark where they are so I can find them in the fall.

I wrote all this earlier and then the internet went down unexpectedly and everything disappeared.  Annoying.  It is now after lunch and I am working in the studio.  I thought everything was a real mess again but was pleased to note that previous organizing efforts have left its mark.  I am going through all my fabric and taking photos so I will remember what I have.  I am also being ruthless and getting rid of material I don't like.  I don't expect I will wake up one morning with an inspired use for fabric that feels like cardboard and is a wonderful pattern of  browny orange with pink snakes.!!

One other project I have on the back burner is to look into the particulars of ecommerce.  I need to talk to someone who is already doing this so I don't get led down a muddy slope.

Happy Independence Day to all our American friends.  We see your licence plates at the grocery store, main street and the pub.  Glad you are getting some sunshine.

Blessings,

Canada Day Company

 I hope everyone had a great Canada Day yesterday and a good weekend prior to it.  We were fortunate to have our nephew and two of his sons come for a couple of days and try out our (my sister's actually) new camper.  The older of the two boys cleaned the chicken coop which was badly in need.  His Dad helped hubby with a couple of things that needed doing and the youngest son petted our dog. I enjoyed getting to know the boys better.  They are a wonderful, considerate family. We loved having them and look forward to another visit.

Yesterday I had 3 dear friends come for a cup of tea and dessert.  I set everything up in the camper so they had a chance to see it.  We spent a couple of hours just chatting.  I am not a great one for company but these three women accept me as I am-foibles and so I don't get all stressed when we get together.

Today, all is back to normal.  I took Heidi for a walk over to our neighbours and visited a while and now I have some quilting to do. I am still not feeling completly better although not as nauseous as I was.  The headaches have also lessened.  An odd illness or whatever it was.

Stay well.  Blessings,

Bearly Done

 I have been feeling ill for a week.  I thought at first it was connected to my Meniere's disease but as a friend in Alberta has the same symptoms, I accepted that it is a bug of some sort.  Just in case that you have also been unwell, here are the symptoms:  dizziness, nausea, headache.  I have also had a weird feeling in my upper chest that I thought was my blood pressure dropping too far.  A test showed that it was normal but it sure felt odd.

I have finished a baby quilt and am pleased with how it turned out.  I did a lot of infilling quilting as you can see in the second photo.  All those little circles take time but I like the way they look.  Now this quilt and my customer one is finished I am going to reload the one I removed so I could do the other projects.  I have never reloaded a quilt before so am going to have to take extra care that I get it straight.  

While working on that quilt, I have a rather large job I want to do.  I am going to take all my fabric from the shelves, lay them on the table (a few at a time) and take photos.  I will then be able to see what I have without rummaging though everything.  Of course, I will have to add and delete as time goes on but I think this will be a help.

Monday is Canada Day.  I am having a few quilting friends over for tea and cookies and to show off the camper we got for my sister.  She and her family will be able to use it when they visit from England and it will be available to our Canadian relatives as well.  We are really pleased with it and are having fun adding bedding etc.  Of course, I will have to leave something for my sister to do as it is her until but, in the meantime, we are playing house.

Happy July 4th on Thursday to my American readers.

Blessings,

I am Creative, not Messy.

 It is really hot here.  It would be worse if not for the 80 foot plus  trees that surround us.  Also, our home is very well insulated and we have an AC.  I try not to grumble (not always successfully) as we are much more fortunate than many.  I also have the choice of doing nothing if I choose.  As a contrast, I have friends in the western provinces that have had to worry about frost.  Canada where the weather is never boring.

I have been getting ready for the Burk's Falls Art and Crafts Centre's first sale of the year.  I have a good supply of quilts and, I discovered, some smaller items that I forgot.  I am not making anything else.  I was going to do a crib quilt and, in fact, am working on it but I decided not to push it.  There will be another sale later.

Now that everything that was pressing is done, I am back to my least favourite but necessary task.  The studio is piled high with fabric that was pulled out to model for a project.  Of course, I never put anything back until I am finished which means the pile of material gets higher and mixed in with cut fabric.  I have given up trying to clean as I go as apparently that isn't my nature.  I have a little mug mat by my computer that says I don't get messy, I get creative.

I am very creative!!!!

blessings, 

Preparing for a Sale

 The day is moving on and I want to get a bit more quilting done but, first, the latest news here in the backwoods.

  If you have been working on the scrappy pattern quilt, there is one more step.  After you have cut the corners from each block you are going to have two nice sized triangles.  Sew them together along the longest side and you will have a block that can be used as an outside border.

My customer quilt is finished and sent to its new home.  The customer was very pleased which is always gratifying.  It was a challenge to make but that kept me interested.

Later this month, the Burk's Falls Art and Crafts Club will be holding it's first sale of the year.  I have been finishing up some of my UFO's to enter.  This photo is one of them.  I finished it some time ago but always felt it needed something else.  Yesterday I added the cats and I think that makes it a lot more appealing.  I now have a crib quilt on the long arm and am working on another.

We had a tornado warning for much of Ontario yesterday.  We didn't get anything more than a few gusts of wind and a little thunder but it was enough to frighten the cat.  It must have been terrifying for her to be living outdoors for seven years without any comfort or shelter.  She is getting lots of love and care now.

Blessings.

Last Steps.

 My long arm is working and I finished quilting my tonal customer quilt.  I now just have the binding to do.  It is so nice to have my Gracie working again.  I changed the thread once more and also the needle.  This time, I used one of the ones that came with the machine.  It was a size 18 and I had a 16 in the machine.  When all that was finished, I tried sewing once again.  And it sewed without any thread breakage!  I guess my machine appreciates a larger needle so it will get its wish from now on.

On Monday, I had the  privilege to teach my quilt pattern to our local quilt group.  Everyone picked it up quickly and created some lovely work.

Here are the last steps. The first 2 photos show the two squares, how to mark, place together and cut.

The last photo is how to join the blocks.  This is the tricky part.  You may have to print this photo or the one from the previous blog to use as a guide.  The basic steps are:  place one square with white corner pointing  to the upper left, next is lower right and repeat.

Fabric right sides together, marked side on top.  Stitch to right of line keeping as close as possible.

                      Cut lower right corner 1/4 inch from stitched line.  Repeat for all squares.

                                               Sew squares together following instructions.

Blessings,

Scrappy Step Two

 Next step for the quilt:  Take one 5.5 inch white square and draw a line from one corner to the opposite side on the wrong side.  Do this with all the white squares.

Lay all the 7.5" squares right side up and place a white square on each one, right sides facing.  Align the white square with a corner of the red.  Marked line should be horizontal as you would do with half square triangle.  Sew along the marked line keeping the stitching just to the right of the line.  Repeat for all squares.

For the past while, I have been looking for a camper for my sister to use when she is here on holidays.  It has been intensive with searching web sites, contacting owners and sending links to my sister who is in England.  We have finally found one and will be bringing it home this week.  We are all pleased with it.  It will be on our property for a bit and then moved to my sister's which is next to ours.  We will also be able to make it available to other family members who want to visit.

In addition to this, a family member was taken to hospital for emergency surgery and another is having some health problems.  The first will be home shortly so now it is just the other to be praying for.

On the plus side, our garden is in and doing well.  However, I still haven't got my long arm working.  That is my next must do.

I will post a photo of the quilt next time.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate in asking.

(A pattern preview)

Blessings,

Free Scrappy Pattern

Happy Victoria weekend.  Our weather has been great so those who are camping will have a wonderful time.  We have been doing the extra things that don't get done at any other time.  Veggies and flowers are in the ground and hoping to get rain tomorrow.  We spring cleaned the main bedroom and a few more odds and ends.  I also got my serger working again.  I was beginning to think my machinery was rebelling as first the long arm and then serger quit.  Haven't got the LA solved yet but, after I refreshed my memory by reading the serger handbook, I solved that problem.  I have have 3 dozen silky scarves to make for the workers at a craft sale that our Art and Craft Group is putting on.

Because I have been so slow in posting for the past while, I have a free pattern for you.  If you like making scrappies but hate all the left over bits and pieces which make more scraps, then you will like this pattern.

It is a lap size (45 X 60) but can be easily adjust to make other sizes.

You will need two blocks for each section.  Cut 48 squares of bright fabric that is 7.5 inches square.  Bright colours and as few as possible of the same fabric or all the same will give the best result. You will also need 48- 5.5 squares of white (all the same fabric).  You can use black for a real pop if you wish.

Next step will include the cutting,

Blessings,

Gardening Time

 We are getting some sunny warm weather and our spring flowers are blooming.  Hubby has added another level to our raised beds so I don't have to bend so far.  I will be planting our tomatoes and potatoes in them soon.  The petunia's and other flowers that I started indoors are doing well and will soon be planted outside along with the geraniums.  

It is hard to focus on the sewing machine when it is so nice outside but the blackflies, which have arrived, help keep me focused.  I was making good progress on the quilt that is on my long arm frame when I noticed that one row was over the preceding one.  Now I am getting practice unsewing.

I hope to be sharing a scrappy pattern with you soon.  In the meantime, check out these sewing hacks.  There are some great ideas here. https://www.facebook.com/SimpleCrafts.K4

Blessings,

Music

I have a friend who is a genius at finding interesting or helpful videos.  She sent this one this morning and as I really don't have much to share, I thought I would pass it on.  It does come with a warning that you will be singing it for the rest of the day.

It is a dreary raining day here.  Hubby has lit the wood stove and I would really like to lay on the couch and read but I had better make a couple more blocks for my customer quilt. Hope you enjoy the video.

 https://youtu.be/b8YWVURnTXM?si=8J_ZR3UGaN4lZPUO

Blessings,

Staying Focused

 It is amazing what a person can accomplish if they stay focused.  Thursday is hubby's turn to get supper and as I didn't have any appointments, I decided I was going to focus on getting some blocks done for the customer quilt.  It takes a fair bit of time to do each as she wants each block to have different colour choices.  The centre of each block is the same as is the background but the rest differs.  

The block consists of half square triangles and you know how finicky they can be to make to the exact measurement and then sew so that the seams line up.  I have found that setting my machine to sew a 1/4 inch seam rather than using a special foot works much better.  Other than trimming the wings, there has been little to no adjusting.

I was even able to get a couple of rows done on the quilt that is on the frame and as well as my exercises done.

We have had a gray drizzly day but the rain stopped by mid afternoon so I could take the dog for a walk.  I went along the road and then to my sister's property and saw that her neighbour had let all his construction garbage blow over to her side.  Why do people do that?  I don't understand thoughtfulness.

One of the blocks.  The center has been changed to fabric the same colour as this one but the pattern is hearts. 

Blessings,

Stolen Quilts.

 Our Heidi went to the vet for her latest check up on Friday and she is doing really well.  It is great when  you feel that your Animal Hospital really cares about your pets.

I have been sewing a lot of half square triangles for my customer's quilt and, as you know, they have to be accurate or getting your seams right just doesn't work.  I have always used a 1/4 inch foot for quilting but I realized it wasn't always precise so I have gone to the machine setting.  That is working much better and I don't have to fudge the seams to get them lined up.  I am aiming to have this quilt done by the end of the month-or at least the top.  Then I have another one to finish.  That top is almost done so it shouldn't take too long.  In the meantime, I have started a simple one which will be put in a sale in June.  I also think I will make a couple of tea cozies as my last one was stolen.  I figure if they are theft worthy then they should be saleable.

Speaking of theft.  Doesn't it break your heart to hear that someone's beautiful quilt has been stolen.  They are always amazing works of art and represent many, many hours of labour.

I think it would be devastating.

This wall-hanging is one I made for a customer and it was stolen from her when she was moving.

We are getting snow again but not cold.  I am looking forward to doing some gardening so hope spring settles in soon.

I had a hyacinth plant given to my for my birthday.  Does anyone know it it can be replanted in the garden?

Happy sewing,

blessings,

The Art of Relaxation

 Well, it has been quite a week.  We had a wonderful time with family celebrating Easter.  Monday would normally have been quilting but some of the ladies were away so it was cancelled.  Hubby was getting ready for a medical procedure the next day and had to fast so I was doing what I could to help him. Tuesday, after dropping our dog off at the neighbours we drove an hour and a half to the hospital.  Everything went well and the preliminary results were good.  After lunch and a stop at a fabric store, we drove home.  I did all the driving because of the sedatives hubby received and the fact that he had been awake most of the night.  A wind storm had been predicted and I fought that all the way home.  Picked up the dog and then collapse on the couch. 

The wind continued through the night and I was awakened once with the sound of a loud bang.  the hydro flickered on and off a few times but didn't stay off.  The next morning up, have a shower and breakfast and the lights went out.  They stayed off until 7 p.m.  We spent the time reading and heating premade stew on the wood stove.  Next day and today, all is well.  We had a couple of trees come down, once just missing the driveway, but no real damage.  Now I am trying to get caught up

I have just loaded a new quilt onto the long arm and am going to try out a new pantograph.  I gave the machine and frame a good cleaning and check over and discovered the base of the frame was half an inch lower on one end than the other.  Getting that fixed should make for easier stitching.

Today's photo is of our kitty,  Ally Cat.  She looked so relaxed that I had to take a picture.  Wouldn't it be nice if we were all able to free our mind of all that really doesn't matter?

Blessings,

Sticker Shock

 While grocery shopping today and looking for a decent crossword book, I saw a quilt magazine that looked interesting.  I haven't bought one in ages and, in fact, got rid of all the ones I had except the ones I write/wrote for.  Sometimes, though, it is nice to be able to browse through someone else's ideas but, when I saw the price, I changed my mind.  When did they get so expensive?  I used to be able to buy a hard covered book for that price.  I like to be able to support all publications but I also like to be able to eat, buy fabric and feed our pets.

Speaking of pets, our Heidi is getting better all the time.  She rarely limps at all now although I still have to watch when I take her for a walk in case she get tired.

We are going to be spending Easter Sunday with hubbies family.  It will be nice to see how the little ones are growing and catch up on all the news.  We are taking our little orphan chick with us (as well as the dog) as one of the nephews is interested in raising it.  He is wonderful with animals and even had a goose that walked on a leash.  Peep will have a great life.

If you are travelling this weekend, please stay safe.

Blessings,

Half a Bird Brain.

 Thank you for your kind comments about Heidi dog.  She is getting better.  I take her for a short walk each day on easy terrain.  The hardest part is trying to keep her from moving to fast.  She doesn't know she is old so I don't think I should tell her.  However, I don't want her to strain that leg either.

It seems that there is always something happening.  Yesterday, I was doing something in the kitchen when I heard a loud bang.  The large living room window had popped out and was leaning against the couch.  Went over to see what had caused that and saw a large bird laying on the deck.  Hubby said it was a partridge.  Apparently, it didn't see the glass.  It took a bit to get the back in place and secure and then I swept all the dirt that was behind and under the couch before getting everything back in place.

We have a feeder on the window but it is far too small for a bird the size of a partridge but, apparently, it didn't notice that.  I always say that if you had a dozen partridge in a group they would equal half a bird brain.  Speaking of birds our little chicken has doubled in size and doing very well.

It is nice and sunny today although cool.  I have a lady in doing some housework for me today as I can't keep up with that and get my writing and quilting done.  Even having someone once a month is a big help.  If I quit spending money on doodads, I can afford it.

I have one block of my customer quilt done as well as the fabric cut so am making headway.  Lots of half square triangles so I have to be extra careful that all the points  and seams line up.

Enjoy your day,

blessings,

A Rocky Week

 We have had a rocky week.  Our little dog started going lame in her hind legs on Sunday and is still having problems.  Sometimes she is able to walk fine and the next, she is hopping on three legs.  I have a vet appointment for her and am hoping it is arthritis and can be treated.

As she will be 16 this August, we are prepared for deteriorating health but, as long as she isn't in pain, we will continue to do what we can for her.  We have also taken on the raising of a baby chick that was abandoned by her (I hope) mother.  She is in a cat carrier with food and water and a nest made of quilt batting.  She seems to be doing well.

I finally finished the quilt that was on the long arm frame.  My ability to follow a pantograph pattern improved enough as I neared the end that I am sure I will be able to do this again.  However, this quilt will be cut up into table runners and placemats.

I want to take the Q'nique and table apart and clean and rebalance everything.  Because the base is wood, it gets off kilter sometimes.

The weather here is warm and sunny.  We sat outside on the deck for a bit yesterday and I was able to walk through the bush.  I miss being able to take Heidi and hope she will be mobile enough to go again soon.

Blessings,

Creativity-The Key to Healthy Living

 My family is very creative.  Both my sister's and I are sewers-plus other crafts, one brother does pottery and cement sculptures and while the other leans a bit more to physical activities.

I am not sure where all this talent came from as our mother didn't do anything like that for fun (although she had little free time to do anything with 5 children in 8 years).  Dad was able to do most things such as fix cars, etc.  

I was thinking about all this when the older of my two sisters sent a photo of a doll she made.  I am so impressed.  The youngest sister is working on a antique quilt all hand done.

Being creative, I believe, keeps your brain young.  It also provides beauty for your environment, gifts for others and a sense of accomplishment that keeps our mental state balanced.

I love the way the doll's little ears poke through her hair as that is a family trait.  If you are interested in the pattern, it is available at: www:alicesbearshopuk.com

Keep creating.

In Praise of the Internet.

It has been an interesting day.  It was raining this morning which changed to freezing rain and now it is snowing.  I imagine the driving conditions are really bad.  Hubby and I don't need to go out except to feed the chickens so we are warm and snug with the wood stove giving off a nice glow and warmth.  

I am making more progress in learning how to use a pantograph for quilting.  I am getting more control in following the line although there is still some shakiness.  My biggest problem has always been getting the next row lined up properly.  I figured out the principal but was still having a problem.  I got my husband to come and show me (no, he doesn't quilt).  I think I may understand it now.  I seem to have a spatial problem which prevents me from figuring out whether I start at the top or bottom of the pattern.  

One of the things I like about quilting is that there is always something to know and plenty of people  to help.  My younger sister has recently taken up sewing again and needed my help on a stitch she wanted to do.  Fortunately we both have the same machine make so it was an easy solution.  Sometimes, you know what to do but need a little of feedback to make sure you were on the right track.  I was so pleased to be able to assure her she was doing the right thing and, once again so thankful for the internet.

I am 'meeting' my latest customer on line later to talk over fabric placement.  Again, thank you, internet.  I know there are people using this medium for dreadful reasons and not enough is being done to protect the vulnerable but I find it is one of the more valuable tools I have.

Do you have a favourite quilting site?  Mine is run by Connie Kreskin.  She has a ton of free patterns as well as those you can buy.

Blessings,

Snow Day

 This has been an odd week.  We has so much snow on the weekend that church was cancelled-no one could get out.  After an accumulation of about 18 inches, the temperatures warmed up and now the snow is melting again.  We cancelled our quilt group meeting on Monday as well for the same reason.  Our driveway hadn't been plowed and, although I could get out, the chances were good that I wouldn't be able to get back up the hill to the house.

I took advantage of the extra home time to bake, do some extra house work and catch up on my quilting.  While doing all that, we heard the sound of machinery coming up the driveway and figured it was our plow guy.  Nope.  It was our friend with his little John Deere tractor with a snow blower on the front.  He did the driveway, a path to the chicken coop and took a shovel to the front steps.  What a blessing.  I was glad I had some fresh cookies to give him.

I took more to his wife went I walked over to pick up my parcel from Amazon.  As the driver couldn't get up our driveway, I sent him there.  An adventurous day.

I have finished the scout neck scarves and am now focusing on the quilt on my frame.  I am still having trouble with using a panto but am determined to learn.

Blessings,

Another Order

We have a weather warning in our area for a heavy snowfall.  Hubby had to go into the village for a bit but I am staying snug indoors except for my walk this afternoon if I can see the road.

I have a new customer and she has ordered a crib quilt which will be different than any I have done previously.  It will be in greys with some muted yellow which isn't the usual baby colours.  The back, however, will be a nice bright yellow in minky fabric.  Because this isn't a traditional crib quilt, the child will be able to use it for many years as a lap quilt.  I think I will suggest this idea to future customers. This lady is also a quilter and, although she says she is a novice, is an accomplished one.  

My previous customer picked up the pillow covers which were the last of her order.  I am now making 14 scarves for the local Scout troupe and trying to get at the quilt which is on my frame.  That will be donated to a animal shelter in our area.  There is always lots of needs for quilts, isn't there?  I have a friend that gives away nearly all the quilts she makes and keeps a list of organizations that can use them.  I think I will do the same.

Our dratted little dog got into the cat food again despite our precautions.  I have now put the cat dish on the guest bed which is rather high so Heidi can't jump up on it.  Ally cat doesn't care where she eats.

Stay safe today. 

If it Rains, I Quilt.

 Our weather continues to be warmer than normal.  While it is nice for being outdoors, I am concerned about the lack of moisture for farmers and the forests.  I completed a crib quilt and delivered it to it's owner (sorry no photo) and yesterday got the last of the pillow covers done. Another quilt top is on the machine and I am completing a table mat set that I started ages ago.  I can't find the pattern so am using the finished mats as a guide.  Fortunately, I have the fabric pieces already cut out.

The quilt top and placemats are my projects for today.  In the meantime, I have a large pot of chili beans cooking and then will make chili.  The dog is sleeping by my feet and the cat is on my quilt chest where she can see outdoors.  A bucolic scene.  I was a bit concerned about Allie wanting to jump onto the long arm to sleep on the quilt but she isn't showing any inclination to do that.  I would have to break her of the habit if she starts.  I would never be able to get all the kitty hair from the quilt.

What are you working on?  Do you find it easier to quilt when the weather is warmer or does the cold keep you indoors and sewing?  The weather doesn't make a great deal of difference to me although I do appreciate a day of rain in the summer as I am more likely to sew then.

These photos aren't very clear but hopefully you can see the pillow covers. I have left the buttons and pocket on the check one, the other two are the front of a couple of t shirts.  I have used zipper, button and velcro closures.

Blessings

Another Health Worry

 We have had another health related week of concern.  Not my hubby this time but the dog.  Heidi was passing a lot of diarrhea and not eating.  Nothing we did seemed to help so, I made an appointment with the vet.  I really thought we needed to be prepared for the worst.  

She was given a thorough exam including blood work and all the results were good.  In fact, the vet said she was in remarkable shape given her age. She had some sort of tummy upset. I was given some medication for her and, as she had an appointment for her annual inoculations a few days later, that was postponed for a week.  

She has been gradually improving.  She never did get lethargic or appear to be ill other than frequent trips outside for, mostly, unneeded bathroom trips.  It is such a relief knowing that barring anything unforeseen, she will be with us for a while yet.

I am now back to quilting.  I am working on 3 cushion covers to go with the two memory quilts I made.  Then I have two baby quilts to make.  

We are getting some warmer weather right now-0c-so we are going for longer walks.  We need to prepare our snowshoe trail so we can get back to that.  I really enjoy winter.

Blessings,

Still Snowing

It is still snowing.  Other than a few breaks, it hasn't stopped since Saturday.  It appears that winter is in a real rush to catch up with where it should be this time of year.  Thankfully, it isn't cold nor is there any wind so it is comfortable being outside shovelling.

Our  quilt group met for our usual Monday get together and, I wasn't sure how many would show up as most of us, myself included, live a good distance away.  To my surprise and pleasure everyone but a lady who was in hospital, another who was away and a couple more with other concerns.  There always seems to be a special air of joy when you do something that others think is crazy.  We prided ourselves on being tough Canadian women!

I took a big bag of fabric scraps to cut into smaller bits.  Most of the bits were turned into charm squares (my favourite size) and a few were larger.  I still have a lot of cutting to do but there isn't a rush.  After it is done, I will separate the charm squares into light and dark so they will be ready to use.

The new bootees I bought for Heidi are great.  They go on easily and fasten securely so she doesn't lose them. Now I don't have to worry about her little feet getting too cold when we go for a walk.

Blessings

                                                              Another Winter Photo

Done-Finally

I have finally finished organizing my studio.  I have the projects that I am targeting to finish this year on top of a cupboard.  In addition to quilts to make or finish, there is also fabric to cut into strips and squares.  If I can manage keep things put away where they are supposed to be, I shouldn't have such a mess to clean up again.  I have a very large bag filled with unwanted fabric that is going to our thrift store.  I hope it will be something that someone can use.

I got my old laptop operational on Monday and am now getting it set up to use.  Internet is on but I am having a problem getting it to accept my email.  I guess it will be easier to just add a new one.

Heidi and I went for a walk down the driveway and onto the road.  It isn't cold but there is a bit of ice underneath.  My boots have a really good non slip sole which makes walking safer.  I have ordered a new pair of bootees for  the dog as all the ones I have are so hard to put on.  I don't want her to freeze her tiny feet.

Hope you are all staying healthy.  Hubby is still fighting the effects of RSV.  He is slowly improving but still has a nasty cough.

Blessings,

Still Organizing.

 The first week of January is almost over.  I am still working on decluttering and organizing my studio.  I have got to the part where I usually quit.  It is hard to know where to store things so I don't forget about them.  I have drawers, bins and shelves but I need to see what needs to be done.  Even clear plastic bags or bins don't really help. I am hoping labelling will be the key.

What is your storage solution?

Here is an idea for keeping scissors and rotary cutter safe.  My granddaughter left a pencil case behind when she was here and, as she didn't want it, I put it in the pile for thrift store donation.  When I was getting things ready to donate, I saw it, and looked inside.  It has mesh pockets on either side and is the perfect size for my rotary cutter and packet of blades!

Hubby is still  congested and hacking up his lungs.  He is, thankfully, getting better.  It has been a long haul for him.

Have you seen the new on line store called Temu?  I have ordered a couple of small items from them to see whether they are legit and worthwhile.  I will let you know how I make out.

                                                View from my Studio.  Isn't it Beautiful?

Blessings,

Welcome 2024

It is snowing.  Of course, it should be as we are well into winter.  This has, so far, been unusual winter, weather-wise as it has been much warmer than normal (even today it is plus 1c) so we have only had bare ground everywhere.  Those that know me well, know that I really enjoy winter with lots of snow and crisp sunny days.   They make me feel alive and I could use some of that right now as I battle through the aftermath of a respiratory virus.  It feels as though the whole world is coughing as this bug makes it nasty way amongst friends and family.

Did you watch the first professional women's hockey game.  I did and I was bursting with pride.  Another major step for women.  I can remember when I joined marches demanding that women get equal pay for equal work.  I was at the forefront of female transit and highway coach drivers and got my share of hassling-not from my male coworkers or their wives but from some older women passengers.  It did settle down eventually but I was often asked it I got paid the same as the men.  Of course I did but I also remember a time not to far back when not only wouldn't I have had a chance at the job let alone make the same wage.

I think it is important that we keep reminding younger women that everything they have had to be fought for-voting, driving, certain jobs, the right to not be sexually harrassed and so much more.

Welcome 2024 and welcome further progress in rights not only for women but for all those who are still fighting for a right to live, a right to clean water, a right to be treated with respect, a right to have a home, a right to live in peace and many, many more.

Blessings,