A Special For You

The pattern I created for you, the readers of this blog, has been posted to my web.  Go to: www.arkangelcreations.org , click on Patterns For Sale on the list on left side, then Rotary Cut and look for Scrappers Scrappy.  This pattern is available to you at a special price.  When you click on 'Buy Now, you will be taken to Sisters Quilting Expo's on line store.  You get a discount of 10% by entering coupon code ACC10 in the space provided. If you have any problems let me know.
I hope you enjoy the pattern.  It looks complicated but it isn't.
We are having some sunshine today; the first in a few days.  I am going to be making some cranberry chutney today and then will get out and take the dog for a walk.
Hope you all have a great weekend.  If you are out driving Monday evening, remember that there may be little ones running around in costumes.  They might not be watching out for traffic in their excitement about getting candy so please watch for them

Done-Sort Of

Just got back from shopping.  We had a number of things to do beside getting groceries so by the time I was ready to do that, I was too tired.  There was only a couple of things we needed to get right away so I decided to get them at Walmart and do the rest another time.
Half way home, I realized I hadn't got the one thing we really needed: margarine.  Oh, well, I am in the village tomorrow to get a hair cut.  I will get it there.
It is hard when you have to go to another community to do the majority of your shopping.  It means that you really ned to spend the whole day going from one store to another and I'm not used to it.  And, if you purchase a item that doesn't fit or work, you have to drive all the way back again.  This is the one thing that I find difficult about rural living.  Of course, if all I had to do was cross the road for everything I needed, as was the case in Edmonton, we would have all the other urban related problems.
I should really do the grocery shopping first while I have the energy.  Perhaps I will try that next time.  If I remember.
Don't forget the special I have coming up for readers of this blog.  I should have the coupon code for you tomorrow.
Blessings,

A Special for You

I have just sent off two new patterns to be included on my web site.  One is of the photo I posted yesterday and the other will include a special offer for readers of this blog.
I wanted to do something to thank you for your support and, as I had just finished one of those sudden inspiration pattern ideas, I though that a special discount might be a good idea.
I will give you the code to enter and you will get 10% off the already low pattern cost.  You will be able to see the pattern on my web later this week.  I will let you know when it is posted.
All my patterns are instant downloads and they are sold at: www.sistersquiltingexpo.com.
My web site is: www.arkangelcreations.org.  Those of you who have been readers for a while will already know about these sites but I have had a number of new followers join so this is for their benefit as well as a gentle reminder for everyone else.
This is our second day without rain although it is still rather dreary.  The chipmunks are busily dashing around gathering whatever they gather for winter.  We have also had a number of bluejays adding a bright spot of blue to the surroundings.

Where is my breakfast?

This fellow stood still long enough to get his picture taken but I am going to have to buy some more sunflower seeds when I shop tomorrow if I want to hold his interest.
blessings,

Heidi Approved Quilt

Heidi Testing my Quilt

Just finished writing up the pattern for this quilt last night and should have it onto my web by the begining of next week.  I have a couple of others to do before sending the patterns to my web genius.  As you can see, Heidi is giving it her comfort test.  I believe it passed as she was reluctant to get down-or perhaps she just thought she looked good against the bright colours!
I have a large pot of apples on the wood stove cooking and when they are done, I will puree and have them ready for apple butter.
My husband is outside winterizing his truck and then has to replace a plank in the bridge that crosses the pond.  We went there for a walk on Sunday and noticed that it had broke.
Last year, we had a deer break a leg when it slipped through a crack between the planks and we don't want that to happen again.  It probably would have survived as there are a number of neighbours who put out feed but one provided too much corn.  Deer cannot digest corn very well and, as that was all this buck was getting, it died painfully. 
I finished a top at quilt group yesterday and it has been added to the pile that needs quilting.  Today, I am getting at the frame machine to start reducing the pile.  It looks as though it may be a rainless day so I will go for a walk later but I do have to get these quilts finished. Even retired people have schedules!
Blessings,

Kitty in the Corner

Kitty in the Corner block

I have been working on a couple of quilts to add to my web site.  This is a block is from one, the other is a freebie pattern and makes a cushion cover or could be a quilt block.  I have the blahs this morning so I am sure a bit of creating will help.
We had a flock of blue jays near the house this morning.  Their bright blue added a nice touch of colour to an otherwise gray day.
Yesterday, there was one at the feeder making a lot of noise.  I am sure it was telling me it was time to get the seeds in there.  We don't put any out in the summer as there is lots of natural food for the birds.
We will have to do a bit of work on the main feeder as the deer did some damage to it last year.  It is a bit of a problem trying to get feeders high enough that the deer can't reach and still accessable to fill.  I think my husband is going to rig up some sort of pulley system.
It is time again for the craft fairs.  I am trying to decide if I am going to put a table in ours.  I usually make things that are not only saleable but good for gifts if they don't sell. I haven't come up with anything ear shaking this year.  Decisions, decisions.
Have a great weekend no matter what the weather or activity.
Blessings,

What a Hoot

My niece in a costume made by her grandmother.

Isn't this a wonderful costume.  My youngest sister made it without a pattern for her beautiful granddaughter. 
Both my sisters are wonderfully creative.
We had quite the rain storm last night.  At one point it sounded just as though I were at sea with waves pounding against the sides of the ship. I thought we might lose our hydro but it just flickered once.  My husband will do a property check later to see if any trees have come down.
This is my 'work' day and I am writing the instructions for some quilt patterns.  I did some sorting yesterday and filled two garbage bags of fabric and clothing to be given away.  I also put all my scraps in one container and will have to decide what to do with them.  No matter how many scrap quilts I make, those scraps don't get any less.  Maybe I will do a 'you pay the postage, you get them' day.  Problem is, I am sure that in a very short time I would have another accumulation.  I guess it is just another of those difficulties associated with being a quilter!
Blessings,

Harvest Time

I am making bread today and my husband is cutting up a bushel of apples.  The majority will go into the freezer for crisps and pies.  I will turn some of the smaller ones into apple butter.  I have put together my list of jams and butters that I want to make and yesterday I added cranberry chutney to it. Mom-in-law gave us a jar when she was here and it is great stuff.  She also gave us a honking great big bag of cranberries.
There is something satisfying about filling the shelves and freezer with produce.  I know that women in most countries of the world do it but I tend to think canning is a typically Canadian practice because of our harsh winters.  I remember my mother doing jars  of tomatoes.  We always seemed to have an abundance of them in our garden-tomatoes not jars.   I am sure she canned other things but it is the tomatoes I remember. 
I don't bother as you can buy them pretty cheaply.  I will freeze some which is an easier process if I have extra.
I am going to puree our pumpkin and freeze that so I can use it in soup.  I made a pumpkin curry soup last year and Roger has been raving about it ever since.  Perhaps I will just make a huge pot and then freeze it.  Freezers are another of those inventions which make our life easier.
We had an icebox when I was a child and milk etc. was kept cool with great blocks of ice.  I have no idea where the ice came from as we lived miles from anyone.  There was a lake at the end of our road so perhaps there were cottages that made the trip worthwhile for an iceman.
Better get out and help my husband or at least make some hints about apple crisp to keep him going.  He loves it.
blessings,