Nose to the Grindstone.

This is my designated work day and I have been thinking about what projects I need to get done.  I had a pattern that  needed to get written up and sent to my sister who is going to test it for me.  That is done.  I also need to get a couple of small projects designed and on my web page.  Last night, I was thinking about an idea for one of those patterns that I call slash and sew and think I have come up with something that will work.  So, that is going to be my main focus.  I need to do a trial pattern and see how it works.
I also need to hunt up a quilt with a lot of stitches to be unpicked as my Mom-in-law likes doing that.  Shouldn't be too hard to find.  When I was going through my learning process on the frame, I did a number of tops that turned out terribly.  I think, however, I will get her to undo a quilt that I have hand quilted.  I don't really like the pattern and I think I will just do it on the machine.
Do you do this-start something, decide you don't like it and undo all your work?  I tend to do it most often when knitting or crocheting but it sometimes happens with quilting as well.
We are having a bonus day today.  It was supposed to rain but it looks as though it may turn out nice.  We really need a lot of rain to make up for the dryish summer.  Our pond is down about half.  My husband says we now have a beach.
Guess I had better get organized so I can start that pattern.
Blessings,

A Lovely Day in the Backwoods

We have had marvellous weather this weekend.  We sat outside on Saturday after our meal and Sunday afternoon I went down to the pond with the dog and my applique.  I sat and sewed for quite a while before the sun shifted and it got to hot.  The leaves where coming down all around me and it is amazing how noisy they can be when there isn't another sound.  I am looking forward to Roger getting a gazebo built there.  I can see that it will be one of my favourite places.
We had our Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday to make it easier for my brother and wife to get here.  When you live in a tourism area you have to think about traffic backups on holiday weekends.  We had a nice visit and went for a walk afterwards.  We almost had hamburger for dinner though.  I had planned on putting the turkey in the oven before 10 and I was working away on my computer when I suddenly realized it was nearly 11 and the turkey was still in the fridge.  I had a panicky few moments chasing the dog out of the way while I got the bird into the pan and in the oven.  Fortunately, it was a small turnkey and it was done by 2.  I guess it was a good thing I hadn't started earlier as it would have been overdone.
On Friday, I mentioned that my web contest was finished that Sat.  Of course, I was a week early.  If you would like to enter you have until this Saturday.  I hope my brain doesn't get any worse than this or I am really going to have to leave notes everywhere for everything.
Blessings,

Happy Thanksgiving

Like most women in North America this weekend, I am getting ready for the Thanksgiving feast.  I have quite a bit of baking to do-bread, pies etc and, of course, housework.  I also have the church to decorate which my husband and I will do this afternoon.
My back is pain free again so I am able to zip around at my usual pace for which I am thankful.  Took the dog for a nice long walk yesterday in the lovely fall weather for which I am also thankful.
My husbands gone into Huntsville to pick up the part needed to fix his quad so he can get that running again.  He will be thankful for that.  He has logs to haul so he can get them cut and added to the wood pile.
yesterday afternoon, we sat on the bench we have on a little hill and relaxed for a bit while the dog romped through the leaves.  We were near the chicken coop and we could hear them murmuring to themselves as they scratched in the dirt.  A lot of leaves are down so we were able to see a long way through the bush and I remarked to my husband (for the zillionth time) about how lovely it was.  We are truly blessed and I am daily thankful.
I hope you all have a marvellous and safe weekend.  If you are in the mood to do a little on line shopping, Sisters Quilting Expo is having a 25% off sale on all their products (www.sistersquiltingexpo.com).  You only have a couple more days to enter my Name the quilt contest.  It is open to everyone and there is nothing to buy or send.  (www.arkangelcreations.org)
Blessings,

Little Red Hen

Our Little Red Hen

Heidi and the Little Red Hen

I am beginning to believe that not only am I not cut out to be a farmer but I also wouldn't make a good farmers wife.
I was listening to one of the hens lay an egg and it sounded so painful that I wasn't surprised that two of the hens weren't laying yet.  If I worked in a delivery room of a hospital, I doubt if I would have any children.
At least our hens have a good life.  Roger makes a good farmer and Heidi, as you can see, is doing her part.
We are going in to vote today and then have a few grocery items to pick up for Thanksgiving dinner.  the weather is really nice here so we should get a good electoral turnout.  Probably won't but I keep hoping that people will take their rights seriously.  People in other countries will walk for miles, face persecution and even death to mark their ballot.  In countries were voting is both free and easy, most of those eligable don't bother.  It really irks me.
I hung out some laundry this morning.  I think it will be one of the last times for this year as there was definate frost on the ground this morning.  Still haven't got those shutters painted.  Oh, well, I can try again next year.
blessings,

Pillows for Cancer

I made this little pillow and bag from a pattern that is in the Fall issue of Quilter's connection. It is for breast cancer patients.  they are given out at hospitals and are often used right away to keep the seat best from pressing against the incision.     the bags are quite easy to make and a good use of all those themed fabric left overs.  I tend to buy them because I like the fabric and then, of course, I don't know what to do with them (sound familiar). the straps ends on the bag aren't joined so the recipient can knot them at what ever length is suitable.

this is probably a public domain pattern so you could probably get it on the Internet.  However, I think this month's issue of the magazine is their best yet so you just might want to pick it up if you don't have a subscription.

Our hydro was out briefly this morning (I think a road worker must have dug before looking) so I took the opportunity to do a few odd cutting and sorting jobs.  I am working on a quilt that uses theme fabric (another use for them) so I finished cutting the half squares and put everything in a bag ready for use. 

I have a job making 18 neck scarves for a local Scout group and then a couple more columns to finish for the on line magazine.  Once they are done, I can get back to my own projects.

Blessings, 

Happy Tuesday

We are in another month and another season.  Although our leaves have already left their perch on the maple branches and formed a multicoloured carpet on the forest floor, autumn officially started just over a week ago.  Somehow, I think those of us in the north may be ahead of the rest of the country.
My Mom in law, nephew and family are coming this way to see the fall splendor next week.   The Muskoka area to the south of us is still displaying lots of colur so they should enjoy the trip.  Mom will then be staying with us for a few days before the winter sets in.
Thank you to all those who wrote expressing concern about my back.  It is pretty much back to normal.  I am making sure I don't lift anything too heavy or do anything else silly for a bit longer.
Just a reminder that the Name the Pattern contest closes on Saturday.  There may be a little surprise for everyone who enters so don't get left out. Go to my web site: www.arkangelcreations.org for details on entering.  Click on My Contests.
I am finishing up a couple of projects that have deadlines and then I hope to have a free pattern to share.
Blessings,

It's Snowing

Roger's Shed

I don't usually do a post on Saturday but I missed yesterday because I was in bed all day. I had dreadful back spasms and couldn't move without a lot of pain.  It is somewhat better today so now I need to keep moving.
We woke this morning to a very light, barely visible snowfall-a reminder of things to come.  In my case, as I love the winter, a promise.
This photo, taken and uploaded as a test of my new Internet connection, is Roger's marvellous shed.  The new server seems to be working fine so I hope to have less connection problems.  We really liked the other but have been having problems the last while.
Hope you are enjoying this first week of a new month,
blessings,