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