I am not, by nature, a sociable person. I don't 'drop in' for a cup of tea and a visit. I don't regularly get together with my friends and I don't invite everyone I meet to 'come over anytime'. This wouldn't be a problem (or not to me anyway) if my husband wasn't the opposite. He just left to help someone we know with a job and when the friend invited me to visit with his wife, my husband made an excuse for me. Now as I sit in my studio writing and quilting, I feel guilty. I should have gone but I really didn't want to.
When my husband said that I was working on a quilt, he was right. Of course, when am I not. It isn't anything that couldn't be left but, again, I didn't want to.
My siblings are all like me. We prefer our own company and being in our own home. My husband's family is, no surprise, always visiting. If you meet them once, you are a member of the family. I admire them for this trait but (am I starting to sound like a peevish child) I don't want to be the same way.
There is no reason or excuse for me being the way I am except for not wanting to change.
I have got marginally better since moving here to the backwoods. There is a neighbour that I occasionally drop in to see when returning from a trip to the village. It only happens a few times a year but it is still a big step for me. I chat with shop owners and even go to our neighbour's house parties.
Maybe by the time I am quite elderly, I will be inviting everyone over for a cuppa. In the meantime, back to my lonely sewing machine.
blessings,
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
My Dog is a Flasher
This week it seems that the days keep getting away from me. I didn't remember to do my blog until after supper. We went shopping this morning to get a few odds and ends and arrived back home early afternoon. Even a quick shopping trip seems to take nearly four hours as you always have to factor in lunch and at least an hours driving time.
One of the things I bought today was a little light that attaches to the dogs collar. When you push a button on it, a bright red light flashes. It is really difficult to see Heidi when she is out in the snow so the light will help us keep track of her. I think I will also activate it when we go for a walk. If she takes off, she will be easier to track and if we are on the road, we will both be more visible.
It looks quite strange to see this red light flashing in the dark. Heidi doesn't seem to notice it. I thought she would at least be curious or try to chase it but I guess she is more focussed on barking at the falling snow.
I am just finishing up another quilt top. This one is made with large blocks using the easy half square triangle method that I mentioned a few weeks ago. When finished, it will be a good size lap quilt. I am getting a lot of tops done and then will set up the frame and start quilting.
Hope you are not in any of the areas that are, once again, getting hit by a snow storm.
Blessings,
One of the things I bought today was a little light that attaches to the dogs collar. When you push a button on it, a bright red light flashes. It is really difficult to see Heidi when she is out in the snow so the light will help us keep track of her. I think I will also activate it when we go for a walk. If she takes off, she will be easier to track and if we are on the road, we will both be more visible.
It looks quite strange to see this red light flashing in the dark. Heidi doesn't seem to notice it. I thought she would at least be curious or try to chase it but I guess she is more focussed on barking at the falling snow.
I am just finishing up another quilt top. This one is made with large blocks using the easy half square triangle method that I mentioned a few weeks ago. When finished, it will be a good size lap quilt. I am getting a lot of tops done and then will set up the frame and start quilting.
Hope you are not in any of the areas that are, once again, getting hit by a snow storm.
Blessings,
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Patterns and Facebook
As I mentioned before, I have been working on my scrap stash. I made these placemats on Monday. The base for the placemat is 2 1/2" squares and then I will applique the mugs on top before layering and quilting. You can get some simple patterns like this from. a young child's colouring book. I am also going to do some with cats and scottie dogs. Note that I also used some half square triangles as well.
I spent a frustrating few hours yesterday. My husband wants to set up his phone so he can send his photos to facebook. The proceedure is simple enough. Dial a number send the letter f and Facebook sends you a code which you enter and you are registered.
Simple until you try to dial the f. Simple until you don't get the code and then when you do, it doesn't work. Simple until you phone tech help and are given 3 more phone numbers to call, one of which keeps disconnecting and none of which helped. I was finally advised by a wonderful man that Facebook was having problems. So, this morning, we try again. Still nothing.
I got him this phone specifically so he could take photos (and not use my good camera-I am rather possessive about my 'good' things).
We will keep trying. I know that once it is done, it is done and we won't have to worry about it again but, in the meantime, I am sure I have gathered a few more grey hairs.
Blessings,
Friday, January 21, 2011
Our Beautiful Country
Our morning news station has been showing winter photos that viewers have sent. They are both varied and beautiful and really showcase this wonderful country we call home.
I love winter photography and could be taking photos every day. It doesn't seem to matter if the sun is creating a kaleidoscope of light and shadow or if everything is soft and muted by the falling snow. Today is one of those latter times. It has been snowing all day and, while the visibility is still good, it is limited by what appears to be a shifting blanket.
Earlier on, a deer wandered from our neighbour's property to ours; almost invisible as she weaved her way through the trees. Our ever vigilant dog saw her, however, and warned us of her approach.
We are going snowshoeing again this afternoon so the fresh snow is welcome. Yesterday, it was too cold to have the dog out for an extended period so we stayed in an enjoyed the sunshine from the comfort of our home.
Wherever you live, take a moment to really look at the scenery around you. Large cities as well as the most desolate areas all have a beauty of their own. We just have to look for it.
Blessings,
I love winter photography and could be taking photos every day. It doesn't seem to matter if the sun is creating a kaleidoscope of light and shadow or if everything is soft and muted by the falling snow. Today is one of those latter times. It has been snowing all day and, while the visibility is still good, it is limited by what appears to be a shifting blanket.
Earlier on, a deer wandered from our neighbour's property to ours; almost invisible as she weaved her way through the trees. Our ever vigilant dog saw her, however, and warned us of her approach.
We are going snowshoeing again this afternoon so the fresh snow is welcome. Yesterday, it was too cold to have the dog out for an extended period so we stayed in an enjoyed the sunshine from the comfort of our home.
Wherever you live, take a moment to really look at the scenery around you. Large cities as well as the most desolate areas all have a beauty of their own. We just have to look for it.
Blessings,
Thursday, January 20, 2011
My Valuable Scraps
Yesterday, I was just finishing a project and discovered I need a bit more of one kind of fabric. This sent me on a hunt through my 'do something with these' box. I discovered some fabric that I fogot I had (not a good sign) but none of what I needed. It was just a cursory search so I am sure if I had looked thoroughly, I would have found some. I decided it was easier to just subsitute a fabric.
This reminded me of why I value my scraps.
In my early days of quilting, I was making a log cabin variation and I was the tiniest bit of fabric short. I think I needed something approx 1 1/2" square to lengthen a strip. I hunted everywhere. I looked in my thread catcher bag, the garbage, shelves all without any luck. Then I got out the broom and swept the room. There, against the wall under the cutting table was what I needed. It was even larger than I needed.
I finished the quilt-which turned out to be rather ugly, and put the left over bit in a jar. Not long after, I found another bit of the same fabric which I also added to the jar. I don't know I did this but that jar with the two tiny bits of fabric stayed in my quilt room until we moved. (I may have brought it with me although if so, I am not sure where it is).
I think that experience plus my natural hording instinct has contributed to by constantly growing scrap containers.
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Blessings,
This reminded me of why I value my scraps.
In my early days of quilting, I was making a log cabin variation and I was the tiniest bit of fabric short. I think I needed something approx 1 1/2" square to lengthen a strip. I hunted everywhere. I looked in my thread catcher bag, the garbage, shelves all without any luck. Then I got out the broom and swept the room. There, against the wall under the cutting table was what I needed. It was even larger than I needed.
I finished the quilt-which turned out to be rather ugly, and put the left over bit in a jar. Not long after, I found another bit of the same fabric which I also added to the jar. I don't know I did this but that jar with the two tiny bits of fabric stayed in my quilt room until we moved. (I may have brought it with me although if so, I am not sure where it is).
I think that experience plus my natural hording instinct has contributed to by constantly growing scrap containers.
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Blessings,
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Blogs and Groups
Yesterday was a busy, on line day. After posting the link to my scrappy group, a number of you responded. So nice to get to know a bit more about you and connect the names with your follower name. As each person joined, it was like taking a mini trip across Canada including the most northerly area.
The owner and moderators of this group hope to make it one where you feel at home, challenged as well as comfortable sharing your own triumph's and learning experiences.
It is going to be hard to get any work done today. The sunny is shing so brightly that I want to just spend my time gazing out the window. I will get out for my snowshoe walk later and look forward to hearing the sound of the snow as it responds to the freezing temperatures.
I am working on some maple leaf blocks that are for an exchange. This swap is the first I have done and is being run by another on line group. I almost have them all finished. I just need to add the bottom rows which include the stem and is a bit trickier.
Today is my husband's birthday. We aren't doing anything special other than me cooking some of his favourite foods for supper. On Friday, we are going to another community to see a concert which includes bagpipes and Scottish dancing.
I will post the link to the scrappy group once more in case you missed it yesterday:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hearts2hands
Blessings,
The owner and moderators of this group hope to make it one where you feel at home, challenged as well as comfortable sharing your own triumph's and learning experiences.
It is going to be hard to get any work done today. The sunny is shing so brightly that I want to just spend my time gazing out the window. I will get out for my snowshoe walk later and look forward to hearing the sound of the snow as it responds to the freezing temperatures.
I am working on some maple leaf blocks that are for an exchange. This swap is the first I have done and is being run by another on line group. I almost have them all finished. I just need to add the bottom rows which include the stem and is a bit trickier.
Today is my husband's birthday. We aren't doing anything special other than me cooking some of his favourite foods for supper. On Friday, we are going to another community to see a concert which includes bagpipes and Scottish dancing.
I will post the link to the scrappy group once more in case you missed it yesterday:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hearts2hands
Blessings,
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Jan. BOM-Stash Buster
Today's block doesn't have a pattern or photo. it is very easy to do and is open to your interpetation.
Assemble enough strips of varying width and fabrics to make a 16" block.
Sew strips together. Press seams flat. Don't worry about seams going in any direction at this point.
Cut block diagonally twice, corner to corner. Cuts will make an X across the block.
Switch a cut section from one side with top section. Sew pieces together. Press
Cut new block into four sections making one cut vertical and the other horizontal.
Switch two more pieces.
You can repeat this process until you are satisfied with the look as long as your block doesn't get any smaller than 13 1/2".
Trim to 12 1/2" Press ensuring seems are flat. It will not likely be possible to have all seams press to one direction.This block makes an excellant background for a simple applique such as an apple, whale, wooden truck etc.
I have just finished a quilt top that has over 2100 two and a half inch blocks. I still have strips and blocks left over so am continuing to sew them together. Not sure what they will become but I am getting them used up.
Scrappy quilts seem to have taken on a new popularity. Perhaps it is a reflection of our continued focus on frugality. The quilt that I finished is a good sized double and it didn't cost me anything as all the bits were left over from other projects. Many were given to me from the ladies in our local group.
I moderate a yahoo group, Hearts to Hands and our focus is scrappy quilts. If interested in checking it out, here is the link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hearts2hands
Blessings,
Assemble enough strips of varying width and fabrics to make a 16" block.
Sew strips together. Press seams flat. Don't worry about seams going in any direction at this point.
Cut block diagonally twice, corner to corner. Cuts will make an X across the block.
Switch a cut section from one side with top section. Sew pieces together. Press
Cut new block into four sections making one cut vertical and the other horizontal.
Switch two more pieces.
You can repeat this process until you are satisfied with the look as long as your block doesn't get any smaller than 13 1/2".
Trim to 12 1/2" Press ensuring seems are flat. It will not likely be possible to have all seams press to one direction.This block makes an excellant background for a simple applique such as an apple, whale, wooden truck etc.
I have just finished a quilt top that has over 2100 two and a half inch blocks. I still have strips and blocks left over so am continuing to sew them together. Not sure what they will become but I am getting them used up.
Scrappy quilts seem to have taken on a new popularity. Perhaps it is a reflection of our continued focus on frugality. The quilt that I finished is a good sized double and it didn't cost me anything as all the bits were left over from other projects. Many were given to me from the ladies in our local group.
I moderate a yahoo group, Hearts to Hands and our focus is scrappy quilts. If interested in checking it out, here is the link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hearts2hands
Blessings,
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