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,