Doddery Me.

We had a thunderstorm today.  It wasn't severe and   didn't last long but-a thunderstorm in November!  The hydro flickered on and off once so I was glad I had put the new surge protector in.  I need to get another for the sewing machine to protect it.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I thought I had thrown away the battery pack charger for my new camera.  I searched everywhere, couldn't find it so ordered another.  On Sunday, when I was getting some knitting needles from a trunk, I noticed the big camera case that was sitting beside it.  This is where I keep my old camera, extra lenses etc.  I looked inside and there was the charger. The new one arrives tomorrow and I think I will keep it.  It is good to have a spare when you get old and doddery!
I finished the binding on a table runner today and have almost completed the top of a wall quilt.  These are both for upcoming craft sales but I will be posting photos shortly-now that I have my camera battery charged again.
Blessings,

Yes, I Need an Extra Machine.

We got our first real snowfall today.  Of course, there were vehicles in the ditch  and collisions everywhere.  It isn't going to stay and with  the rising temperatures, it should all melt tomorrow.  Then, when we get the next  lot, we will repeat the collisions etc. I don't understand why people have to get used to winter every year.  It is like having to get used to eating the last meal of the day every day.  This is Canada.  We get winter every year.  Slow down, increase your following distance.  In fact, if you do that all the time, you won't have to change your driving habits when those flakes start to come down.

Well, that is my rant.  Today, as I mentioned yesterday, I went to a friends to quilt.  It is always such a good time and we look forward to it with great anticipation each month.  I always try and get everything ready the night before including my lunch which is put into my reusable bag in the fridge.  The next morning, it only has to be added to the load that goes into the car.  Today, I was about half way to where I meet the other lady who carpools us to our destination when I realized I had forgotten my lunch.  It was too late to go back so I decided to just buy something at the small store where we meet which is what I did.  When we got where we were going and got the vehicle unloaded, my friend realized she had left her machine at home.  Fortunately our hostess has an extra one so it wasn't a problem.  So, if you hubby wonders why you have so many machines, this is a good example.  And I didn't feel so silly about forgetting my lunch! Just one of those days.

Blessings,                                                                                              

Craft Fairs

I have been having fun trying out the features on my new machine.  I used one of the decorative stitches to do the binding on a crib quilt and learnt how to adjust the needle/up down option so it stops in the down position.  I am making notes on the settings I will use frequently such as the 1/4 inch needle position and  zigzag.
In addition to the binding on the crib quilt, I also searched out a few Christmas/winter UFO's that I can finish for two craft shows that happen in Nov.  Border was added to baby panels and are ready for quilting.  I have to pop into a fabric shop and get some backing for those as well as Christmas fabric for the back of other items. Before I do that though, I better check my stash to make sure I am not buying something I don't need.
Tomorrow, I am off to a friend's to work on a BOM.  It is just about done.  Sashing and borders will be worked on although I am not sure it will get completely finished.  We will probably need at least one more get together to finish the top.  We already have our next project picked out.  It makes quilting doubly enjoyable when you share it with a friend or friends.
I sold my older Janome to a local woman on Monday and am hoping I can talk her into learning to quilt.  I think she would really enjoy it.  Always trying to spread my addiction!
blessings,

Pumpkin Fest Time

 

I don't usually post on a Monday but I wanted to show you my Island Batik Pumpkin Fest challenge project.  I made these luncheon mats with matching coasters on the weekend and really like how they turned out.  It is hard to see in the photo but the accent stitching on the pumpkin and the satin stitch around them was done in a variegated thread from Superior.  The photo isn't as clear as I would like as I had to use my tablet.  I am still waiting for the battery charger for my camera to replace the one I lost.
I was able to get quite a bit of quilting done on the weekend as hubby was away.  In addition to the mats, I also quilted a crib blanket.  I want to get a couple more of them made for the Christmas craft sale on Nov. 12.  I have one top almost done and it shouldn't take too long to do the other with a panel centre.
It has got quite a bit cooler here so it is nice to have the wood stove on to both heat and add some cheer to the house.
blessings,

The End of Fall?

I've had a very productive day.  I loaded a quilt onto my frame this morning and it is almost done.  Also cut the fabric for a couple of batik mug mats-Island Batik, of course.  Covered some of the plants ready for winter, brought in some wood and took the dog for a walk.  It was a brisk walk as I had on a light coat and it was cooler than I thought it was. 
We are getting  below freezing temperatures this coming week so it seems as though fall might be drawing to a close.  I got some of my winter clothes out of storage today as well and folded my shorts and summer tops ready to be put away for the season.  It always takes a few days doing the seasonal clothes change over and each time I discard the things I didn't wear.  However, I still always seem to have a lot more things than I really need.
I am trying to type with the dog on my lap.  She is feeling a bit fidgety tonight.  Not sure why.  Perhaps she can smell a bear or something. Or just wants to be fussed.
Have  a great weekend,
blessings,

A New Machine

My new machine arrived today.  I wasn't expecting it until tomorrow at the very earliest so it was a nice surprise.  It is a Janome with a few basic decorative stitches and the other functions I wanted like needle up/down, bobbin declutch so I can wind without having to stop sewing.  Not a fancy machine but what I wanted.  Some might question whether I made a wise decision as I sold a machine with far more functions and another that is sturdier although not computerized.  I guess it comes down to what you want.  And this one is it.  There isn't a steep learning curve so I can start sewing right away.
Our temperature is starting to drop and stay down.  I finally finished planting my new tulips and I better get the leaves around the plants that need protecting.  We aren't expecting below freezing temps yet but they will arrive.
Other than my article for the Quilt Pattern Magazine (which doesn't have to be submitted until early next week) I have caught up with everything on my schedule.  Yesterday I was feeling overwhelmed and today I'm done.  Of course, I did keep plugging away and that makes the difference.  If you fuss without doing, you will always be in the same place.
Blessings,

Someday.

Well, the Blue Jays are out of the running for the Baseball Championship so it is back to normal for us.  No shame in loosing to a team with such great pitchers but we were all full of hope.
I just finished filling an order for neck scarves for the local Scout group and now can get back at doing some quilting.  I finished a top on Monday and will get it on the frame.  I have a craft show coming up early Nov. so need to get some things made for that.
It seems like I never get caught up.  It isn't only quilting and writing that need my time but things like planting spring bulbs or giving the dog a hair trim.  I know you probably have the same problem.  Our speaker, on Sunday, said that if time is infinite why do we never have enough of it?  Good question.  The answer is,  more than likely,  because we take on more than we should.
Someone said that there is time enough to rest after you are dead but that doesn't seem to be the right solution.  Perhaps, I will declare a me day.  I won't do anything that has to be done for someone else (except hubby and dog).  I will work on my own quilting projects or just read a book.
Some day!
Blessings,