I got quite a bit done today. Did a little baking and then on to my studio where I spent a good bit of the day working on a scrappy project. I am doing the blocks with the small pieces first so it is slow going right now but it is coming together. I think this will be a charity quilt. It depends on how big it turns out to be. I am also taking part in a Virtual Quilt Retreat starting this Sunday. We have been given the instruction for fabric amounts and cutting so I have that done. I like that this event takes part over a few days because Sunday and Monday are both days when I am not home: Sunday church, Monday quilting. This quilt may also be given away.
I took Heidi for a walk through the bush late afternoon. Sometime, I get overtaken by feelings of depression. No cause. It just happens. When it does, I find the best remedy is being outside. A lot of the leaves in our maple bush are now on the ground so it was lovely walking through the colours and the crunching sound. I just wandered around, not going anywhere in particular. I took advantage of any opening in the brush but avoided the trail we had made through the property. I like to explore new or less travelled areas and today we went along the edge of the wetland. There was enough climbing over trees and up ridges that it was a good workout and I came back feeling happy and blessed.
Tomorrow, is the second Fiction Friday so don't forget to check in for another quilt related story.
Blessings,
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Molasses is a Syrup?
I am getting really fidgety because I haven't been able to do any quilting since Monday. I should have lots of time tomorrow though. It is unusual to have had so little time at the machine as it is rare that I don't get to quilt every day. Hopefully, tomorrow gets me back to routine.
We had a lovely day shopping, hubby and I. I don't usually make it for very long as I prefer being at home but I hung in and we did have a good time. Came home with a few items including a really tall storage unit. It is the kind that has clear plastic drawers that can be used for storing fat quarters, fabric that has been cut for a quilt, etc. etc. I got it for $8.00 so a real bargain.
Heidi was at her personal groomer and she was waiting for us when we got back home. She had a hair cut and nails trimmed and was looking spiffy. We had a easy supper and watched the news.
I had to buy a couple of grocery items while we were in North Bay which resulted in one of my frustrations. It always seems that my idea of what category a food item is under and that of the person who does grocery store layout is never the same. I've always considered applesauce to be a fruit the same as peaches etc. and, therefore would be in the canned fruit section. It isn't. It is in baking supplies. On the other hand molasses which says 'cooking molasses' on it, is with syrups such as maple and corn. Corn syrup I would also think would be in the cooking section. Do people drink it? Put it on pancakes? Yuck. I don't use it at all but, if I did, it would be in butter tarts or something.
I find it so frustrating to look up and down the logical aisle and not find a product. Then you have to locate a staff person.
Ah, well. At least, thinking positively, we live in a country where we can get those things.
Blessings,
We had a lovely day shopping, hubby and I. I don't usually make it for very long as I prefer being at home but I hung in and we did have a good time. Came home with a few items including a really tall storage unit. It is the kind that has clear plastic drawers that can be used for storing fat quarters, fabric that has been cut for a quilt, etc. etc. I got it for $8.00 so a real bargain.
Heidi was at her personal groomer and she was waiting for us when we got back home. She had a hair cut and nails trimmed and was looking spiffy. We had a easy supper and watched the news.
I had to buy a couple of grocery items while we were in North Bay which resulted in one of my frustrations. It always seems that my idea of what category a food item is under and that of the person who does grocery store layout is never the same. I've always considered applesauce to be a fruit the same as peaches etc. and, therefore would be in the canned fruit section. It isn't. It is in baking supplies. On the other hand molasses which says 'cooking molasses' on it, is with syrups such as maple and corn. Corn syrup I would also think would be in the cooking section. Do people drink it? Put it on pancakes? Yuck. I don't use it at all but, if I did, it would be in butter tarts or something.
I find it so frustrating to look up and down the logical aisle and not find a product. Then you have to locate a staff person.
Ah, well. At least, thinking positively, we live in a country where we can get those things.
Blessings,
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Life Story.
Another lovely day. I baked, cleaned and did laundry. Then I went for a nice long walk with our Heidi. There are a lot of leaves on the ground and it was nice walking through them and hearing the rustle. Heidi and her Velcro hair picks up a lot of them and brought them home. She is going in for a trim tomorrow so that should reduce the problem.
We will be in October in another couple of days. I am glad we are getting a nice start to the fall and hope it continues for a bit. I do look forward to winter and less activities but it is nice to have the warmer weather. I still have some fall bulbs to plants in a new area I want to develop.
Tomorrow husband and I are going to have a day out. We are going north this time to North Bay. There are some second had stores I would like to check out and see if there is anything that is begging to come home with us.
Thurs. I hope to get back at my quilting. I have a top to quilt, two other quilts to put together and a bunch of others I want to make. Story of our lives isn't it? This press of ideas and shortage of time isn't limited to quilter's either. I heard an artist say the same things. She had so many pictures she wanted to paint and was sure she would never get half them done.
I hope you are getting some nice weather where you live.
blessings,
We will be in October in another couple of days. I am glad we are getting a nice start to the fall and hope it continues for a bit. I do look forward to winter and less activities but it is nice to have the warmer weather. I still have some fall bulbs to plants in a new area I want to develop.
Tomorrow husband and I are going to have a day out. We are going north this time to North Bay. There are some second had stores I would like to check out and see if there is anything that is begging to come home with us.
Thurs. I hope to get back at my quilting. I have a top to quilt, two other quilts to put together and a bunch of others I want to make. Story of our lives isn't it? This press of ideas and shortage of time isn't limited to quilter's either. I heard an artist say the same things. She had so many pictures she wanted to paint and was sure she would never get half them done.
I hope you are getting some nice weather where you live.
blessings,
Friday, September 26, 2014
Fiction Friday
This is the first Friday Fiction. I hope you enjoy it.
Just a Suggestion.
When the parcel arrived from her Mother's executor, Morgan didn't know if she should open it right away or wait until her husband came home and was able to lend a comforting arm if it was needed. She put the kettle on for tea and made an unnecessary fuss getting out her cup, rinsing the pot and adding the boiling water while she made up her mind.
It had been a difficult few months. First, there was the unexpected diagnosis followed just five very short weeks later by her mother's death. Five weeks in which to cram what should have been more than 20 years of love, laughter, words, experiences and memories. Her mother had chosen to forgo any treatment knowing it might, at best, delay the inevitable a few days but would rob everyone of precious moments of being together. They were all by her bedside; her father and her sister on one side and she and her son on the other, when her mother smiled at them and quit breathing. It was so quiet that, at first, no-one realized she had gone. Then the medical staff took over, followed by all the legal requirements of a death.
The funeral was, as they often are, both a comfort and a nightmare. The crowd of family and friends that filled the little church for the memorial service reinforced the knowledge that her mother was a loved and respected woman. That it took place for such a reason was going to take a long time to accept.
Morgan stared at the parcel on the table and, then reached for the scissors she had brought with the teapot. She was too curious to wait any longer. What possibly could the lawyer have sent that was big enough to need a box. Most of the communication the family had received fit in an envelope. She carefully cut the tape and removed the paper. Inside was a plastic bag containing, she thought a dress or something made of fabric. There was two envelopes and she read the one with the lawyer's name on first. It simply stated that he had been instructed to send the parcel and letter after her mother's funeral. The second letter was in her mother's familiar hand.
My dear Morgan, it read, this is going to be a surprise, I know, but I wanted to leave you with something that would occupy you during this period of adjustment. I put these blocks together from fabric that I had saved from the dresses I made you. Each one has reminded me of how beautiful you looked in them. You were a lovely child and have grown into an even lovelier woman. I would like you to put the blocks together and have them made into a quilt. I hope, as you work on it, you will remember, as I did, when you wore the clothing, the fun we all had working together and how much I love you, precious daughter. I have sent another bag to your sister. Perhaps you can work together. Just a suggestion.
It was signed, simply, Mom.
Morgan laughed. 'Just a suggestion.' Her mother never interfered, she 'suggested'. She never told anyone what to do just offered a 'suggestion'. When Morgan and her sister had chose to live their lives separate from each other, they knew it had made their mother unhappy but pride and stubbornness kept them from changing. The closeness they had known as children wasn't strong enough to withstand teenage rivalry, boyfriends and bad friends. It all seemed so silly now. Perhaps, Morgan thought, as with so many times in the past, it was time to follow another of her mother's 'suggestions'.
She picked up the phone and punched in her sister's number.
Just a Suggestion.
When the parcel arrived from her Mother's executor, Morgan didn't know if she should open it right away or wait until her husband came home and was able to lend a comforting arm if it was needed. She put the kettle on for tea and made an unnecessary fuss getting out her cup, rinsing the pot and adding the boiling water while she made up her mind.
It had been a difficult few months. First, there was the unexpected diagnosis followed just five very short weeks later by her mother's death. Five weeks in which to cram what should have been more than 20 years of love, laughter, words, experiences and memories. Her mother had chosen to forgo any treatment knowing it might, at best, delay the inevitable a few days but would rob everyone of precious moments of being together. They were all by her bedside; her father and her sister on one side and she and her son on the other, when her mother smiled at them and quit breathing. It was so quiet that, at first, no-one realized she had gone. Then the medical staff took over, followed by all the legal requirements of a death.
The funeral was, as they often are, both a comfort and a nightmare. The crowd of family and friends that filled the little church for the memorial service reinforced the knowledge that her mother was a loved and respected woman. That it took place for such a reason was going to take a long time to accept.
Morgan stared at the parcel on the table and, then reached for the scissors she had brought with the teapot. She was too curious to wait any longer. What possibly could the lawyer have sent that was big enough to need a box. Most of the communication the family had received fit in an envelope. She carefully cut the tape and removed the paper. Inside was a plastic bag containing, she thought a dress or something made of fabric. There was two envelopes and she read the one with the lawyer's name on first. It simply stated that he had been instructed to send the parcel and letter after her mother's funeral. The second letter was in her mother's familiar hand.
My dear Morgan, it read, this is going to be a surprise, I know, but I wanted to leave you with something that would occupy you during this period of adjustment. I put these blocks together from fabric that I had saved from the dresses I made you. Each one has reminded me of how beautiful you looked in them. You were a lovely child and have grown into an even lovelier woman. I would like you to put the blocks together and have them made into a quilt. I hope, as you work on it, you will remember, as I did, when you wore the clothing, the fun we all had working together and how much I love you, precious daughter. I have sent another bag to your sister. Perhaps you can work together. Just a suggestion.
It was signed, simply, Mom.
Morgan laughed. 'Just a suggestion.' Her mother never interfered, she 'suggested'. She never told anyone what to do just offered a 'suggestion'. When Morgan and her sister had chose to live their lives separate from each other, they knew it had made their mother unhappy but pride and stubbornness kept them from changing. The closeness they had known as children wasn't strong enough to withstand teenage rivalry, boyfriends and bad friends. It all seemed so silly now. Perhaps, Morgan thought, as with so many times in the past, it was time to follow another of her mother's 'suggestions'.
She picked up the phone and punched in her sister's number.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
A Wonderful Summer Fall Day.
Another lovely day. I just got back from my walk after finishing my sewing job. If summer days were like this, warm and no bugs, that season would move up to one of the ones I enjoy.
I have been sewing non stop except for a quick lunch since just after 9 a.m. this morning working on this job. I make the neck scarves for two scout groups. It is tedious work and I don't charge enough but it helps out the association and the parents who pay for the uniforms. It is certainly not something I would want to do every day-or every month for that matter.
The rest of the week and weekend isn't any less busy. Doctor's appointment in the morning and then to Huntsville for shopping. Saturday, I am doing a hand quilting demo at the village park and Sunday, after church, there is an all candidates meeting for the election. We have quite a few running for councillor and I don't know all of them so we are going to meet them and hear what they have to say.
I have been thinking about doing something special for Fridays and have decided to have a weekly Fiction Friday. On that day, instead of the usual ramblings, I will post a short, quilt related story.
Will try and get the first one done for tomorrow.
Blessings,
I have been sewing non stop except for a quick lunch since just after 9 a.m. this morning working on this job. I make the neck scarves for two scout groups. It is tedious work and I don't charge enough but it helps out the association and the parents who pay for the uniforms. It is certainly not something I would want to do every day-or every month for that matter.
The rest of the week and weekend isn't any less busy. Doctor's appointment in the morning and then to Huntsville for shopping. Saturday, I am doing a hand quilting demo at the village park and Sunday, after church, there is an all candidates meeting for the election. We have quite a few running for councillor and I don't know all of them so we are going to meet them and hear what they have to say.
I have been thinking about doing something special for Fridays and have decided to have a weekly Fiction Friday. On that day, instead of the usual ramblings, I will post a short, quilt related story.
Will try and get the first one done for tomorrow.
Blessings,
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Quilt Sale
What a beautiful day. It has been hard staying indoors but I have a sewing job that needs to be completed before Friday. I have, therefore, been keeping my feet tucked under the sewing table. I have also done a bit of quilting and a bit of writing. Took the dog for a quick walk to the pond and watched the ducks splash about. The trees at the back of the property have some colour at the top and it was reflected in the water. Very lovely and very peaceful. After a quick walk around, it was back to the office. I will be stopping soon to get supper.
I have a 25% off on my quilts. You can see many of them by going to going to my Facebook page and following the link or click on the tab below "My quilts are for Sale " on the right side of this page.
I also have other quilts available so if you don't see anything you like, contact me.
Now, get outside and enjoy the sunshine. It isn't going to last.
Blessings,
I have a 25% off on my quilts. You can see many of them by going to going to my Facebook page and following the link or click on the tab below "My quilts are for Sale " on the right side of this page.
I also have other quilts available so if you don't see anything you like, contact me.
Now, get outside and enjoy the sunshine. It isn't going to last.
Blessings,
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Free Block, Third Version
These lovely autumn photos were taken on our driveway. We still have the best colour in Almaguin. The majority of trees in the area have started to don their fall finery but not as much as our drive. The bush hasn't got much colour either as you can see in the fourth picture.
The last photo shows my final version of the free block. After I had it assembled according to the directions, I cut it in half diagonally. I switched one half with another from a second block and, being careful to align all seams, sewed it together. I like this version much better.
Blessings,
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