Make a List. Check it Twice.

Another sunny day.  I think we might be experiencing a mini January thaw as the temperature is just below freezing.  The icicles are dripping and squirrels are happily dashing around in the warmth.
It has been a busy day and tomorrow will be the same.  I am finding it hard to get a few minutes quilting time but, hopefully tomorrow afternoon.
We were shopping this morning and then I had to stand on the ready as my hubby was taking snow from the roof.  A big job and one that should have been done earlier but we didn't have the right shovel.  At least it is done before the warmth increases the weight of the snow.
I am a little frustrated with my shopping trip.  I forgot to buy sugar and this is the third time I came home without it.  I can get it in the village but it is a dollar cheaper in the town.  It seems that even when you make a list you still miss things.
I ordered a quilt kit yesterday.  I have never bought one before but this one was 25% off and will be perfect for a gift that I need.  The pattern is one that I can use again as well.
Hope your weather is as pleasant as ours.
Blessings,

Free Scarf Pattern.

When I went for my walk today, I found that it was a lot colder than I thought despite the relatively warmer temperatures.  There was a bitterly cold wind and, although my coat has a hood, it didn't keep my face warm.  Make a scarf, I thought to myself.  I have tons but they are designed to be decorative rather than warm.
This is the result.  I cut a piece of fleece 22 inches wide by the width of the fabric which is 60 inches.  Fold in half lengthways,  right sides of fabric together, and sew along the long edge.  Turn right side out.  Now for the tricky part.  You want to join the two ends.  I put right sides together starting at the seam and sewed around the circle, adjusting the fabric to keep right sides together.  You will only be able to partially complete the circle.  Clip thread and remove from the machine.  Hand stitch the rest of the opening.  Place the circle of fabric over your head and then loop it over again.  Pull one of the loops onto your head.  There is enough fabric that the back of your neck won't be exposed.
I used my serger for the sewing.  You can make your scarf wider or narrower as you prefer.
Blessings,

Light and Shadow

 

 

 

We had one of those lovely, cold and sunny days that I enjoy so much.  This morning the rising sun created a lovely  shadow and light landscape.  you can also see how much snow we have.  We have put in a call to our favourite snow plow operator to give our driveway another cleaning.  I was able to get in and out  but I had to be careful.

I worked at getting another couple of quilts ready for the frame today.  One I had started hand quilting so picked out the threads and put the top in the laundry to remove the marks before getting it loaded onto the frame.  The other top needs another border and then I will get it next.  I only have one other top in my stash to be quilted.  To be truthful, there are two but I am not sure I am going to do the other.  I think I might just put it in the pile to go to a recycling place for someone else to deal with.

Blessings,

 

 

 

 

 

A New Day

A new day can make quite a difference.  I am feeling a lot better.  Still sniffly but I got some baking done and took our Heidi for a walk.  She had given up going to the door and looking hopeful at the usual 'walkies' time.  Poor thing.  She is going to start looking for younger pack mates if I am not careful.
I am doing the hand sewing part of the binding on the quilt I just finished.  I decided to do the binding in two colours because I didn't have enough of either to do the who thing.  I like to piece my binding and sometimes will insert a different fabric and other times do a scrappy.  We spend a lot of time making the top and then just stick on a border.  I feel that this last part of making the quilt is like a picture frame and can add to the over all look.
The next one to go onto the frame is a Mystery Quilt I did as part of a virtual retreat hosted by the Quilt Pattern Magazine. 
Now that my head is clear again, I can get the tumbler block top put together.
blessings,

Housebound.

I have another quilt, quilted.  Just finished the last row on one this afternoon and now am cutting the fabric for the binding.  I am not getting much done the past couple of days as I either have a bad case of allergies or a cold.  I am inclined to think it is the former as I don't feel ill and still have an appetite.  However, I have blown my nose so many times that it is beginning to feel as though it was scraped across asphalt.  Hubby is ill again as well.  I think I got whatever he has.  I fought off his first bought but let my guard down when he came home on Friday with the sniffles.
I am feeling really housebound and bored so hope I am over this soon.  I have not gone anywhere as I don't want to spread it around if it is catching.
I am going to go for a walk tomorrow even if it is just around the outside of the house.
blessings,

Goat Coat

I realized this morning, as I watched the sunrise paint a vivid pink background to the trees,  that I had taken very few photos this winter. Usually, my camera is put to good use as I capture the bright sunshine glinting off the snow, feeding deer, various birds and other sights that I find attractive.  This winter seems to have been dreary with few really nice sunny and cold days.  We have only seen a couple of deer and they are on a neighbour's property.  The birds are the only creatures that seem to enjoy our hospitality.  Squirrels, of course, are always active and willing to take advantage of any morsel whether or not it was intended for them.
I have had an unusual quilt request.  My neighbour raises a small breed of milk goats.  They will be giving birth sometime in March and, as it will still be cold then, I have been asked to make some blankets for them.  I did an internet search to get an idea of what they should look like and found that this is a common practice.  Who knew?  Apparently, they don't have much in the way of hair at first and their little bodies can get quite cold without additional protection.  One site suggested that a man's large wool workshop could be used if the foot part was removed and a couple of holes were cut for the front feet.  It will be an interesting job.

This photo of a handsome buck was taken last winter.

 

 

Blessings,

My Side of the Family

I am finally getting some time to  sew.  I am working on a quilt for my hubby and it is a simple project that consists mainly of just adding strips and panels.  I have a bit more to do but then will have to stop until I get the fabric needed for the final border.
I took our Heidi for her vet appointment and it was not a fun drive.  The highway hadn't been plowed for northbound traffic so everyone was travelling at least 20 kilometers under the limit.  There was, at the most, one tire lane clear all the way.  Because the snow was drifting, it was heavy in places which could easily pull a vehicle in a direction you didn't want it to go.  It was better coming back but it is frustrating that the company contracted to do removal, isn't.
I was going to stop for the mail on the way back but then thought I should get her home so I could give her some Benadryl.  She has a reaction from one of the needles and gets really lethargic.  As she is a high energy dog, it is quite noticeable.  I was advised to give her the pill an hour before her appointment next time so have noted that on my calendar.  Of course she is also getting some nice bacon treats to reward her for being such a brave dog.
I react the same way to mediation so she must take after me. (I also love bacon) LOL.
Blessings,