First Mosquito

Tomorrow is the big day when I make the draw for the Island Batik fabric.  I will post the name on Monday.
Finished the quilt I had on the frame and made some adjustments to the frame itself.  The machine is a couple inches longer than the space between the two rods so I had to turn the base that the machine sits on.  I have a carpenter friend who could make large end pieces for the frame but I think I will just get used to everything first. 
Hubby had his physio appointment today and he continues to improve.  He was advised to not going walking outside though as the ground is to uneven.  She was saying that one patient dislodged her new hip twice so he really does have to be careful.  Being diligent in doing his exercises and strengthening the hip muscle will also help greatly.
I see by the traffic that our summer residents are starting to return.  Also killed a mosquito today so summer is on its way,
blessings

Good for Gracie.

Gracie has almost finished the first quilt.  I had some problems earlier on today with thread breakage.  I changed the thread even though it had been working, Changed the needle even though it only had a couple hours use, threaded and rethreaded the machine.  Double checked the bobbin to see if it was installed properly.  Then checked the bobbin tension.  It was off a tiny bit.  Voila.  Off we go.
It has been a lovely early spring day.  It wasn't warm enough to go outside without a coat but the sun was shining.  Hubby and I went into the village to take care of a couple of things including a stop a the library so he could get some more books.  I took Heidi for a walk to the pond and through the bush later in the afternoon.  I just love walking through our back woods.  It is always so peaceful.
My sister has arrived from England and we will be getting together later.  It is so nice that both my sisters travel to Canada fairly frequently.
Just in case you know anyone in the market, I have a few left over items from my old frame set up to sell.  I no longer need the laser that is used for quilting pantographs, the speed controller and the upgraded (metal) Gracie carriage.  All these items can be seen on the Grace Company web site (graceframe.com).  Let me know if you are interested.
Blessings,

Practice Quilt Loaded

I got my first practice quilt loaded onto the frame to give Gracie a good workout.  I am feeling a bit nervous about starting but keep telling myself 'it is practice.  If I make a mistake, it doesn't matter.  I am only learning.'  Hard to convince myself though.  If it doesn't turn out to be too much of a disaster, it will be given to a friend.
I got my quilt room back to where I can see what I am doing again.  All the delivery paper, boxes, etc. was on the cutting table and I had to find somewhere to put them just in case anything had to be returned.
I got Skype set up on hubby's laptop so we can talk to the grandchildren.  We usually use the desktop but, as he hasn't fully recovered from his operation yet, it is easier if he sits on a proper chair.
My Island Batik fabric draw is coming to a close.  April 30th is the last day for you to enter.  Just add a comment to my blog (this one will do) and be sure to add your name.  Good luck
Blessings,

Welcome to Gracie.

This is a picture of the new member of our family.  Her name is Gracie and she is sleek, stylish and surprisingly strong.  She is now comfortable in her new home on my frame and I have all the parts installed except for the rear handles and the ruler table.  The tension only needed a little adjustment and she sewed like a dream on my test sandwich.  I thought I would have problem with installing the stitch control and adjusting to using it but, after I figured out something that was designated with a list of letters and numbers was actually a screw, it went together easily.
I bought the machine from Qnique Quilter ( qniquequilter.ca) in Alberta and am very pleased with the service I received.  Susan was knowledgeable, friendly and efficient.  My order was sent right away and arrived in perfect condition.
I am looking forward to getting to know Gracie better in the coming days and really enjoying the quilting I am going to be able to do in all that additional space.
blessings,

Life is Good

There is something very special about getting together with someone who has known you a long time.  Carol and I have been friends for over 40 years and she has seen me at my worst and helped me survive my difficult years.  I am pleased that she is now able to see me enjoying a wonderful life with an even more wonderful husband.  We aren't able to get together often-a few times a year but it is always special when we do.
Today, we met for lunch and chatted about this, that and nothing for about an hour before returning to our respective homes.  I came back feeling more rested than I have for a number of weeks.
I have another friend who I have known for a few years longer than Carol.  I don't see her very often either although we do talk on the phone regularly.  She is another person who has been there for me.
I am very fortunate in my friends and many of them have been part of my life for decades.  I also have newer ones like those I have made since moving here to the back woods.  I know they will continue to be important to me for many years no matter if we all stay in the same area or not.
Hubby continues to get better by leaps and bounds-not literally but certainly figuratively.  He filtered and bottled our maple syrup today while I was out.  After I got home, he had his first shower since the operation. 
So, life is good.
Blessings,

Maple Syrup Bounty

It is funny how things work out.  I had been feeling disappointed (and a bit pouty) at not being able to go to a much anticipated quilt retreat this weekend.  Hubby's limitations made it impossible to leave him alone so I knew I was making the right decision but was still not happy.  Last night, I got a phone call from my son saying he was in the hospital with pneumonia in one lung and possibly another problem.  I can't be there unless there was an emergency but by being at home I can get there quickly.
Prayers for his recovery as well as peace and comfort for my daughter in law would be appreciated.
Our friends have spent another day here boiling sap and it looks as though we are going to have a good amount.  Hubby thought we wouldn't have any this year.  I am so thankful to these two men for their help. We will be giving them some of the syrup but that isn't much of a thank you for all their work.

There is still lots of time to enter my fabric draw.  Leave a comment at the end of this blog or on my ArkAngel Creations Facebook page.

Blessings,

Red Rain Boots

This is my latest creation using Island Batik fabrics.  It is called "Red Rain Boots".  She is supposed to be standing in a puddle but it looks like a rock.  Oh, well.  It is what it is.
Have you entered my draw to win some beautiful Island Batik fabrics?  Contest ends on Apr. 30th and all you have to do is leave a comment on my blog or Facebook page: 
https://www.facebook.com/Ark-Angel-Creations-131756736893048/

I couldn't seem to get going today I did a bit of this and a bit of that but not a great deal of anything.  We still have two of our friends doing the maple syrup and we are getting more than we thought we would. The weather is lovely and sunny again today and I just want to be outside.  This is probably why I don't have any real desire to do anything.
blessings,