Easy Half Square Triangles

I am working on a new quilt with a lot of half square triangle.  One of my favourite methods of making these blocks is to do four at once.  the following photos are self explanatory.  I started with two squares of 5 1/2" fabric, placed right sides together and sewn.



Sew 1/4" around perimeter

Cut diagonally

Cut diagonally in other direction

Open and press. 3 1/2" squares.


Hope you find this method helpful.  It is cool today.  My husband is working on the walls, I'm quilting, the wood stove is warming the house and adding cheer.  Our Heidi is laying on the hearth and the chickens are outside doing chicken things.  All is right with the world,
Blessings,

Good News

I have taken advantage of the lovely weather today and hung my laundry outside.  I don't usually wash the clothes until Saturday when it is reduced hydro rates but I just couldn't resist.  I reasoned that using just the washer with cold water would, at peak rate, use less hydro than both washer and dryer at low rate.  The things we have to think about now.  In any case, I have clothes-and the fabric I got yesterday, on the line.
We have had good news today.  The building inspector has been, given his approval and left.  We can now finish the walls and ceiling and start moving in some of the stuff.  There has to be a final inspection once those last bits have been finished.  It does tend to go on and on but that results in a  Christmas like feeling each time a step is completed.
Speaking of Christmas, you do realize we only have 2 months until the big day, don't you? I haven't really thought much about gifts as we won't be here but I guess I better start planning a few items.
Blessings,

A Failed Recipe

How many panels do you have? No idea.  What about left over blocks?  Any idea how many you have stored in bags, tucked in a drawer or taking up space on your cutting table.  I couldn't answer either of those questions because they, like an embarrassing incidence from my past, are something I'd rather not think about.
However, the members of an on line group I help moderate, have been talking about uses for these panels we bought with such enthusiasm and then forgot. The suggestions ranged from totes to pillowcases, aprons to cushions.  All great ideas and ones I am going to put to use-eventually. 
When I get into my new studio, I will have to sort out all the panels and put them in a separate container.  If I also label it and include some ideas, perhaps, hopefully, I will use them.  I know I have some crib panels which are always great to have on hand.  I also have an advent panel and some smaller ones of sewing scenes, animals, and, I think, some cartoon characters.
My maple leaf quilt top is finally almost finished.  I thought I would get it completed at quilt group yesterday but, of course, I left some of the fabric at home.
I have been baking today.  I tried a new recipe for pumpkin cookies but I don't like it.  For some reason, the batter was sticky and the cookies taste the same way.  My molasses cookies and the bread turned out alright though.
We have started letting one flock of chickens roam free.  Their original owner only contained them at night so they are used to being out and come wandering back when it gets dark.  It is an interesting sight seeming them scratching around in the leaves and grass.  One of them found a juicy morsel yesterday and the rest decided she should share.  A lot of flying feathers and squawking resulted in nothing.  Reminded me of some people.
Blessings,

Birds and Pumpkins

We have had a lot of birds around the house the past couple of days.  There are the usual chickadees and sparrows but also blue jays and woodpeckers.  It is almost as though something was driving them from deeper in the bush to the perimeter. 
Yesterday,  when I took Heidi for a walk, a flock of robins flew past.  It seems as though they are heading south later each year.  We also saw a couple of partridge which will make my husband happy as he though they might have moved onto another area.
This morning as we were sitting by one of the south facing windows in the new room, having our coffee and watching the wildlife, we commented again on how fortunate we were to live in such surroundings.  It is such a peaceful place and often the only sound outside is the singing of birds.  Of course, at the moment, we do get the noise from our own construction project as well as from one of our neighbours.  Another neighbour is an entertainer and we occassionally are treated to her music courtesy of outside speakers. Usually, however, it is turned down to a level where it doesn't drift our way. The country isn't as quiet as most city dwellers think it is but it is vastly less noisy than an urban area.
We have finished our building until the inspector comes so today we were cutting up and cooking pumpkins.  We still have a couple of large ones and three small pie types left but our hands are sore and the cook pots are full.  Once everything is cooked and cooled, I will puree and freeze where it will be ready for soup, muffins and bread.  I may make another batch of pumpkin butter as well.
Have a great weekend.
blessings,

More Time Needed

Today, my husband is picking up our turkeys from the butcher and I have to make room in the freezer.  We are going to cut most of them in half as, with just the two of us, a whole is too big.  We will probably have one for this Sunday's dinner.
I am working on my column for the On Line Quilt Pattern magazine and it is hard going.  My mind is on pumpkins that need cutting up and cooking, tile to the laid the the sun room part of the addition and the sunshine outside that is enticing me to go for a walk.
I think I will give in to the latter need after lunch.  We haven't been getting many days without rain recently so I should take advantage of the day.
I also have the corner blocks to finish on a quilt top so I can send it to a friend to be quilted.  This is the first time I haven't done that step myself but I want the result to be extra special and I really don't have time with everything else that needs doing.  I also want to get my scrappy heart quilt in the frame so I can get it done for the spare bedroom. 
I wonder how many hours in a day a person would need to do everything on the mental to do list.  The number would likely keep changing because, just as nature rushes in to fill a vacuum, so our projects grow to overflow the time available.
I better get back to the article if I am going to get it finished in time for lunch.  Enjoy your day.  If there are any flowers left in your garden, take time to smell them.
Blessings,

Fabric and Flooring

We got the floor and the support post finished in the addition today. Now I can start moving in some totes that have been taking up so much space in my quilt room  Another couple of weeks and I should be able to do a complete move; depending on the building inspectors report.
I have been putting together an order for Connecting threads.  If you need batting, they have really good prices: Hobbs 80/20 queen size for 20.00.  I buy a lot of my fabric from them as well.  If you live in the U.S. you get free shipping with orders over 50.00 and it is only 8.00 for the rest of us.
Usually, a few of the ladies in our quilt group share an order and the shipping price.
If you would like to check them out, the web page is: www.connectingthreads.com
I started making a dress last night.  If it turns out alright, I will use the same pattern to make my outfit for my nephew's wedding.  It is nice to be able to sew.  the fabric for this dress cost me $15.00!
Hunting season started in our area and we hear gun fire occasionally.  We have to remember to wear bright clothing if we go for a walk in the bush although no one should be that close.  However, what people should do and what they do do are often quite different.
Blessings,

A Steep Learning Curve.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.  We are having a non rainy day which, apparently, will be the only one for the week.  My husband is outside getting pre winter things done: moving a tree, making sure the mudroom roof doesn't leak etc.
I was thinking this morning about how many things he has had to learn since we moved here from the city.  Using both a chain and table saw, caring for chickens, building sheds, additions and steps, felling trees as well as knowing which are the best ones for firewood.  And, of course, the making of maple syrup. He has done well and, more importantly, is really enjoying it.
My work has remained essentially the same: cook, clean repeat.  Most of my adjustments has come from the distance of amenities.  Popping across the road for purchases has changed to a drive of at least 10 kilometers and, usually, quite a bit more.  Mail delivery and garbage pick up are a perk of the past but the lack of really isn't a hardship.
I am glad that even though we are well into the last half of our life that we are still healthy and flexible enough to enjoy the change.
I was expecting some friends coming for a visit this weekend but plans have changed.  Disappointing but there is, as Scarlett said, always tomorrow. I imagine we will now use the time to get the addition ready for final inspection and then, hallelujah, I can start moving.

A Moment's Rest

Blessings,