Breeding T Shirts

 Yesterday was tiring.  I always try to avoid  shopping on Thursdays in the summer as that is when a lot of the tourists arrive.  This week, however, it was the only day we had free so off we went.  As soon as we saw  the number of vehicles heading north, we knew we were going to have crowded stores.  To make things worse, not all tills were being used so the cashiers could be far enough apart and  safe from the virus.  I certainly didn't have a problem with that.  Most tellers are facing enough difficulties at work from angry and unreasonable customers without also having to put themselves at risk.

It didn't take me long to pick up a few groceries as this wasn't my big shopping but I almost put everything back when I saw the check out line.  Everyone was in a single file waiting their turn at the till and the line reach a good 1/3 of the way around the store.  I did eventually have my turn and, fortunately the ice cream hadn't melted.  Back home, put away shopping, have lunch and relax until supper time.

I have started purging some of my clothing today.  I have far too much of everything.  I am sure my T shirts are breeding as I keep getting rid of some and the next season, there are just as many.  The whole house could use  a good bit of sorting and tossing but that will have to wait until it is cooler.

Blessings,

Priorities

 While most of Canada was watching the hockey game last night, I was doing a search for sewing machine repair video's.  I think that I mentioned  I have a machine that belonged to a friend and it isn't picking up the right side thread when doing zigzag and other decorative stitches.  I thought first it was the bobbin and, though it had been installed incorrectly, it wasn't that.  Second thought was timing.  After looking at a video  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmCaPhBKOwo),  it appears I was right.  

The link I just posted is part of a 5 part series on machine repair.  The host is easy to follow and speaks clearly.  I have often thought about taking a machine repair course as I like doing mechanics but, at $700.00, I decided I would stick with videos.  In retrospect, I really don't have time to take on another job.  Quilting for myself and others as well as my writing and looking after our home keep me busy enough.  My husband has accepted that I will always be doing something but I now try to make sure a good bit of that something includes being with him.  As I told a boss who wanted me to work overtime "I married my husband to be with him."  It is easy to forget that sometimes but, as I get older, I am aware that the time we have together won't last forever.

Blessings,

Free Pattern-Step Four

 Today is the 13th anniversary of our move to Ontario.  We left behind many good friends and memories in Edmonton but have been blessed with the friends and memories we are making here.  There has been a number of changes over the years.  We got our little dog Heidi the first year and started our flock of chickens in the second.  My mother also passed away in the first year and we lost Roger's father since then.  Roger and I have both got older and slower but are still moving under our own steam.  God has been and is good to us.  Life is good.

For those working on the quilt top, here is the next step or, I should say, depending on the look you want, steps.  If you wish, you can simply sew 4 blocks together as shown below and then sew them together to make your top.

You may also prefer this look.  This is the method I have chosen as I like the look of the design and it

has a bit more of a scrappy appearance.  

To make this block, lay a ruler from one corner through to the opposite corner making sure that it is touching each of the square corners.  You may have to use two ruler to reach from one end to the other.  Carefully cut the block in half diagonally.  Cut remaining blocks the same way.

 To make the second cut, place your ruler as shown in the photo below and cut being careful to go through corners of the block.  Repeat these two steps for all the blocks.

Using a design wall, lay out the sections until you find a look that is pleasing.  Pin two triangles together to prevent stretching and sew.  Pin half squares together and stitch along longest edge. Repeat with remaining sections.  Sew blocks together to make the top.

Blessings,

Wind Blown Hummers

 I don't know whether the Covid restrictions are getting to me or old age is starting to rear its ugly head but  I seem to be doing odd things this week.  Monday, I forgot it was a holiday and, today, I forgot it was Wednesday.  Wednesday is when we Skype with the grandchildren and it wasn't until I came to the computer to do my blog and saw where they had tried to contact us, that I remembered.  We all had a good laugh and chat anyway.  They are such good kids.

We had quite the rain storm last night and it has been very windy all day.  I wonder how the hummingbirds manage to fly in such conditions.  Despite nearly all the other birds being absent, the little hummers were still busy at the feeders.

No additional instructions for the quilt pattern tonight as you may need the time to finish yesterday's step.  Tomorrow, we start putting everything together,

Blessings,

Free Pattern-Day Three

 Before proceeding to the next step, square all your blocks to 12".  If some of them are less than that size, trim to 11.5"  Being square is more important than the size. Now it is time to sew the sections together.  Chose 2 squares with the larger section being the tonal or solid fabric and two more with the large section being a print.  You can see by the picture below that I used blocks with the same fabrics.  You can do that or be totally random.  Sew these blocks together as shown and press.

In Canada, we just had a long weekend.  Of course, when you are retired, holidays don't mean much so while we are aware they are happening, they don't have any effect.  Sometimes that can be a problem.  I needed to post our grandson's gift and pick up a few things at the store so into the village I went.  When I arrived at the grocery store, the parking lot was empty and that was when I remembered the holiday.

I was rather irritated with myself but as I was driving back home I saw someone had put items at the end of their driveway with a FREE sign.  I stopped to see what was available and found a nice little wheelbarrow.  It was rusted but still good.  I taken the van instead of my little car so the barrow fit nicely in the back.

A good day after all.

Blessings,

Free Pattern-Step Two

 Now that you have your fabric ready, it is time to start cutting.  Stack your squares on top of each other alternating pattern and plain.  Try to keep them exactly aligned.  Depending on your rotary cutter, you may need to do three stacks.  Place a couple of pins in the stack(s) to hold them in place.

Cut a 4" strip from one side of the stacked squares and move it to one side.  Cut another 4 " strip from the bottom of the large rectangle. Move it away from the remaining fabric.  Take the top square and place it at the bottom of the pile(s).

Sew a plain rectangle to the bottom of the patterned square.

Sew the other plain rectangle to the left side of the joined fabric.  (This photo shows pattern fabric on plain block which will be your next step)

Repeat the previous steps using the plain block as centre and pattern for the side.

Repeat these two steps until all the sections have been joined.  Note: when sewing, make sure seam is folded to the pattern fabric.

Press all blocks.

Blessings,

Quilt Pattern

I quilted today.  I have had a pattern in mind that I wanted to try and I finally was able to get at it.  This is a quick and easy to do quilt and is excellent bed cover for those in a long term care facility. Bright colours are appreciated by those who are bed ridden.

If you would like to make it with me you will need 12.5 inch squares of fabric.  If you have a lot of theme fabrics i.e. birds, animals etc. they will be great for this quilt.  Non directional is best.  You will also need some neutral, solid or small print fabric that will be cut the same size as the other fabric.   

From your fabric, cut 15 squares from the theme fabric and 15 from the neutral.

I will give you the next step tomorrow.

You can make this complete top in one day.

Blessings,