Finished-Almost

 

 

 

I finished the organizing yesterday.   There is still some more to do but that will have to wait until I get the rest of the cupboards.  In the meantime, here is a preview peek.  My serger will be at the far end on an old treadle machine cabinet and there will be custom made shelves under the long arm.

The second photo shows the cutting table on the right and ironing surface on the right.  It will be lovely having all that area for both those tasks.

Today, I will be cutting fabric and getting that in marked containers with a list of possible patterns.

Speaking of, I thought of another scrappy pattern.  I will try it out today and pass it on as a freebie.

Tomorrow I go for my laser eye surgery.  I am not sure how quickly I will be able to go on the computer after it so if you don't hear from me for a couple of days, you will know the reason.

All our lovely snow that covered the trees has disappeared overnight in a rainfall.  We are 6 degrees C above freezing today.  Tomorrow it drops back down so I am hoping the roads will be alright.

For those of you that believe, prayer request for safe travel and successful surgery would be appreciated.

blessings,



The Day After

Thank you everyone for your kind words regarding the death of my father-in-law.  It really does help to read and hear the expressed condolences.
We drove to Orillia which is about a ninety minute drive from here under normal conditions for the visitation on Sunday and then again Monday for the service.  Yesterday, the drive took 2 hours because of the weather conditions.  It was snowing so heavily that we could only see 100 feet at the best of times.  We did pack a bag in case we needed to stay over but it seemed okay for the return trip.  And it wasn't really bad until we were just going past the village on the way to pick up the dog.  Then everything really deteriated.  However, we had to keep going at that point.  We got Heidi and headed home on almost clear roads and good visibility.  Got to our driveway, made it to the hill and got stuck.  Unloaded Mom-in-law, plowed through the snow,  then husband went back with a sled to get the things in the car.  The vehicle is now parked at the bottom of the driveway waiting for our road to be plowed.
We all got a good nights sleep and are taking it easy today.  The weather bureau is still calling for freezing rain so we are happy to be indoors. I am going to try and finish organizing my studio.
I am going to have to make an appointment with a dentist because I lost a filling yesterday.  Always something.\
Blessings,

In the Midst of Life....

Just a quick note today.  My father-in-law died last night.  It wasn't unexpected as his health had been failing for some time.  Still it is a sad time for the family and especially the grand and great grandchildren.
Have a great weekend.
Blessings,

Orphan blocks

This deer, along with some friends was in our back yard yesterday.  I took the photo through the window so the colours aren't true but you can see the doe clearly.
It is still quite cold here but not as bad as yesterday.  It is gradually warming up up to normal temperatures.  The addition is cool enough that I need a jacket but that enables me to work out here so, no problem.
Yesterday, I got some of my blocks put into a small table cover.  I had a dozen hand stitched backed squares that I trimmed and joined with some lace.  Won't win any accolades but it is done.  I also started putting together 12 log cabin blocks.  It will be a runner.  The biggest problem with all these orphan blocks is that they have been around for a long time and my skill level has improved since making them.  Some don't even have 1/4" seams.  However, with a bit of unsewing, I am ending up with something usable.
When these are finished, I have a number of blocks with cat themes to work on.  Another table runner?  A wall hanging?  Not sure but it will be something.
Blessings,

Cold Feet

New Pattern

It was minus 37 this morning and has warmed up 4 degrees since; a snappy day. My husband had to put an additional heater in the chicken house.  However, the water is running, blog photos upload is working and our home is toasty.
I started out to take Heidi for a walk yesterday.  I put on her warmest coat and her little booties, did the same for myself (my booties were much larger) and out we went.  She loves being outside so she was bouncing and prancing and off came the first boot before we had even cleared the driveway.  The second dropped off at the beginning of the trail and she lost the third in the snow.  At this point, the prancing had stopped and she sat down, raised the front bare paw and looked at me.
I got the hint, scooped her up and returned home; picking up the booties as I went. I think I am going to try attaching them to her coat with elastic sort of like the stringed mittens we had as children.  My other idea, if the first doesn't work, is to make her something like a footed sleepers that fasten over her back.
I need something that will not only protect her from the cold but reduce also the amount of snow that clings to her feet and legs.

I posted this photo first of all to make sure the uploads were working and to show you one of my latest patterns.  It will be for sale on craftsy and through this blog.
Stay warm.
Blessings,

Roosters and Sunshine

What a beautiful day. It is cold and our water pipe is frozen but it is still beautiful. Whenever we get a cold, sunny day, I cannot help but get my camera and start taking photos and, of course, if I do that, you get to see them. The pipes seem to be frozen in one section and my husband has a heater on it so we should be getting water soon. There is a small area, just a few inches, which isn't covered by insulation and it seems to be the culprit.

This photo is of my husband's most recent painting. Now that he has a nice big room for his use, he is able to spread out his supplies so he can work without knocking everything over. Rooster at Dawn is for sale if anyone is interested. Blessings,

Free Pattern

At long last, here is the free pattern I promised. I would love to see a photo of your completed quilt. If you have trouble reading the pattern as it is printed here, contact me and I will send you a copy. Google still isn't working correctly. blessings,

AROUND THE BLOCK SCRAPPY 45” x 50” This quilt can be constructed in a variety of ways. It can be square or rectangle. It can be a true scrappy, partial or non. I am going to give you the directions for a partial scrappy rectangle. If you would like to make your quilt square, simply change the center block to a square and then add the rounds. You can also change the finished size by increasing the size of the blocks or adding more rows. If you change the blocks, remember that the size of the 4 patch block must be the same as the cream squares i.e. 10 “four patch, 10” square. Supplies: (108) 2 ½” squares light coloured fabric (108) 2 ½” squares dark coloured fabric 1 ½ yards cream fabric for squares and border 1 1/4 yard red fabric for border and binding 50” X 55” batting 3 yards backing fabric or 1 ¾ yard extra wide Method: Sew the light and dark coloured squares together to form pairs. Sew the pairs together to make a four patch. From the cream fabric, cut (36) 4 ½” squares Press the blocks and squares at the end of each of the next steps. Sew (2) four patch blocks together. Sew (2) cream squares together twice and sew to each long side of the joined four patch Sew (3) cream squares together twice and sew to the top and bottom of the joined four patch. Sew (4) 4 patch blocks together twice and sew to each long side of the center block. Sew (5) 4 patch blocks together twice and sew to the top and bottom of the center block. Following the previous steps, add a round of cream squares and another round of 4 patch blocks. You will increase the number of blocks and squares sewn together each time. Borders: Cut (4) 1 ½” strips from the red fabric and sew around the top. Sew to long sides first. Press. Cut remaining cream fabric into 3 ½” strips and sew around the top, joining if necessary. Press top. Layer top, batting and backing, quilt as desired and bind with remaining red fabric.