In Praise of the Internet.

It has been an interesting day.  It was raining this morning which changed to freezing rain and now it is snowing.  I imagine the driving conditions are really bad.  Hubby and I don't need to go out except to feed the chickens so we are warm and snug with the wood stove giving off a nice glow and warmth.  

I am making more progress in learning how to use a pantograph for quilting.  I am getting more control in following the line although there is still some shakiness.  My biggest problem has always been getting the next row lined up properly.  I figured out the principal but was still having a problem.  I got my husband to come and show me (no, he doesn't quilt).  I think I may understand it now.  I seem to have a spatial problem which prevents me from figuring out whether I start at the top or bottom of the pattern.  

One of the things I like about quilting is that there is always something to know and plenty of people  to help.  My younger sister has recently taken up sewing again and needed my help on a stitch she wanted to do.  Fortunately we both have the same machine make so it was an easy solution.  Sometimes, you know what to do but need a little of feedback to make sure you were on the right track.  I was so pleased to be able to assure her she was doing the right thing and, once again so thankful for the internet.

I am 'meeting' my latest customer on line later to talk over fabric placement.  Again, thank you, internet.  I know there are people using this medium for dreadful reasons and not enough is being done to protect the vulnerable but I find it is one of the more valuable tools I have.

Do you have a favourite quilting site?  Mine is run by Connie Kreskin.  She has a ton of free patterns as well as those you can buy.

Blessings,

Snow Day

 This has been an odd week.  We has so much snow on the weekend that church was cancelled-no one could get out.  After an accumulation of about 18 inches, the temperatures warmed up and now the snow is melting again.  We cancelled our quilt group meeting on Monday as well for the same reason.  Our driveway hadn't been plowed and, although I could get out, the chances were good that I wouldn't be able to get back up the hill to the house.

I took advantage of the extra home time to bake, do some extra house work and catch up on my quilting.  While doing all that, we heard the sound of machinery coming up the driveway and figured it was our plow guy.  Nope.  It was our friend with his little John Deere tractor with a snow blower on the front.  He did the driveway, a path to the chicken coop and took a shovel to the front steps.  What a blessing.  I was glad I had some fresh cookies to give him.

I took more to his wife went I walked over to pick up my parcel from Amazon.  As the driver couldn't get up our driveway, I sent him there.  An adventurous day.

I have finished the scout neck scarves and am now focusing on the quilt on my frame.  I am still having trouble with using a panto but am determined to learn.

Blessings,

Another Order

We have a weather warning in our area for a heavy snowfall.  Hubby had to go into the village for a bit but I am staying snug indoors except for my walk this afternoon if I can see the road.

I have a new customer and she has ordered a crib quilt which will be different than any I have done previously.  It will be in greys with some muted yellow which isn't the usual baby colours.  The back, however, will be a nice bright yellow in minky fabric.  Because this isn't a traditional crib quilt, the child will be able to use it for many years as a lap quilt.  I think I will suggest this idea to future customers. This lady is also a quilter and, although she says she is a novice, is an accomplished one.  

My previous customer picked up the pillow covers which were the last of her order.  I am now making 14 scarves for the local Scout troupe and trying to get at the quilt which is on my frame.  That will be donated to a animal shelter in our area.  There is always lots of needs for quilts, isn't there?  I have a friend that gives away nearly all the quilts she makes and keeps a list of organizations that can use them.  I think I will do the same.

Our dratted little dog got into the cat food again despite our precautions.  I have now put the cat dish on the guest bed which is rather high so Heidi can't jump up on it.  Ally cat doesn't care where she eats.

Stay safe today. 

If it Rains, I Quilt.

 Our weather continues to be warmer than normal.  While it is nice for being outdoors, I am concerned about the lack of moisture for farmers and the forests.  I completed a crib quilt and delivered it to it's owner (sorry no photo) and yesterday got the last of the pillow covers done. Another quilt top is on the machine and I am completing a table mat set that I started ages ago.  I can't find the pattern so am using the finished mats as a guide.  Fortunately, I have the fabric pieces already cut out.

The quilt top and placemats are my projects for today.  In the meantime, I have a large pot of chili beans cooking and then will make chili.  The dog is sleeping by my feet and the cat is on my quilt chest where she can see outdoors.  A bucolic scene.  I was a bit concerned about Allie wanting to jump onto the long arm to sleep on the quilt but she isn't showing any inclination to do that.  I would have to break her of the habit if she starts.  I would never be able to get all the kitty hair from the quilt.

What are you working on?  Do you find it easier to quilt when the weather is warmer or does the cold keep you indoors and sewing?  The weather doesn't make a great deal of difference to me although I do appreciate a day of rain in the summer as I am more likely to sew then.

These photos aren't very clear but hopefully you can see the pillow covers. I have left the buttons and pocket on the check one, the other two are the front of a couple of t shirts.  I have used zipper, button and velcro closures.

Blessings

Another Health Worry

 We have had another health related week of concern.  Not my hubby this time but the dog.  Heidi was passing a lot of diarrhea and not eating.  Nothing we did seemed to help so, I made an appointment with the vet.  I really thought we needed to be prepared for the worst.  

She was given a thorough exam including blood work and all the results were good.  In fact, the vet said she was in remarkable shape given her age. She had some sort of tummy upset. I was given some medication for her and, as she had an appointment for her annual inoculations a few days later, that was postponed for a week.  

She has been gradually improving.  She never did get lethargic or appear to be ill other than frequent trips outside for, mostly, unneeded bathroom trips.  It is such a relief knowing that barring anything unforeseen, she will be with us for a while yet.

I am now back to quilting.  I am working on 3 cushion covers to go with the two memory quilts I made.  Then I have two baby quilts to make.  

We are getting some warmer weather right now-0c-so we are going for longer walks.  We need to prepare our snowshoe trail so we can get back to that.  I really enjoy winter.

Blessings,

Still Snowing

It is still snowing.  Other than a few breaks, it hasn't stopped since Saturday.  It appears that winter is in a real rush to catch up with where it should be this time of year.  Thankfully, it isn't cold nor is there any wind so it is comfortable being outside shovelling.

Our  quilt group met for our usual Monday get together and, I wasn't sure how many would show up as most of us, myself included, live a good distance away.  To my surprise and pleasure everyone but a lady who was in hospital, another who was away and a couple more with other concerns.  There always seems to be a special air of joy when you do something that others think is crazy.  We prided ourselves on being tough Canadian women!

I took a big bag of fabric scraps to cut into smaller bits.  Most of the bits were turned into charm squares (my favourite size) and a few were larger.  I still have a lot of cutting to do but there isn't a rush.  After it is done, I will separate the charm squares into light and dark so they will be ready to use.

The new bootees I bought for Heidi are great.  They go on easily and fasten securely so she doesn't lose them. Now I don't have to worry about her little feet getting too cold when we go for a walk.

Blessings

                                                              Another Winter Photo

Done-Finally

I have finally finished organizing my studio.  I have the projects that I am targeting to finish this year on top of a cupboard.  In addition to quilts to make or finish, there is also fabric to cut into strips and squares.  If I can manage keep things put away where they are supposed to be, I shouldn't have such a mess to clean up again.  I have a very large bag filled with unwanted fabric that is going to our thrift store.  I hope it will be something that someone can use.

I got my old laptop operational on Monday and am now getting it set up to use.  Internet is on but I am having a problem getting it to accept my email.  I guess it will be easier to just add a new one.

Heidi and I went for a walk down the driveway and onto the road.  It isn't cold but there is a bit of ice underneath.  My boots have a really good non slip sole which makes walking safer.  I have ordered a new pair of bootees for  the dog as all the ones I have are so hard to put on.  I don't want her to freeze her tiny feet.

Hope you are all staying healthy.  Hubby is still fighting the effects of RSV.  He is slowly improving but still has a nasty cough.

Blessings,