Springhouse Retreat - Day Three

It's an interesting retreat. Heck, all retreats are interesting, but they are always different. It's never the exact same group of people who attend. It's funny, as when I first started going to retreats almost 20 years ago, we were a set group of nine people, and we went together for years. Then things happened, and that group fell apart. Now, we have a larger group of people; it's never the same mix each time. That makes it interesting! 

How am I feeling? I'm pretty good. I'm realizing that I can't sit well or for long on a hard chair. That puts loads of pressure on my nerves/muscles, and I'm unhappy. But these soft sewing chairs are quite comfy, and I'm pretty good. Getting into and out of bed is a challenge, but otherwise, I'm OK. At least the pain is manageable, and I'm taking muscle relaxants to keep on top of things; even if it isn't a muscle issue, I'm sure it's helping. 

But I have other issues! My neck is really sore! Why? Because of that fall! It's almost like I got whiplash, and my neck muscles got strained as my head flew back. The front and one side, and it's not from sewing too much. Anyway, I'll survive. 

But speaking of walking, I did not walk yesterday. Why? Have a look. Yes, snow is on the bottom because I had to get something from my car. That's when I looked at the bottom. OH!!!

No treads left on my shoes

These running shoes needed to be tossed three months ago, and I was too lazy to order a new pair. There is NO GRIP on the sole, so no wonder I fell. I decided to take it easy this week, and I either go where there is no snow and ice or I don't walk. It's a hassle because I must make up those KMs before the end of the year, and time is running out. But I'm sure I'll be OK. Let's just say that I ordered THREE more pairs yesterday. I found them on sale, and now I'll have a supply for most of next year. 

This is our sewing room, which is an amazing space. Notice there is no one in the room. It was very empty for a good part of the day as everyone paired up and went shopping. I chose to stay behind. I do not need anything. The one thing I needed (small rotary blades) I asked someone else to buy for me, and that saved me loads of money and time!! 

Our sewing space

It's time to get serious about my MANY blocks project, which, in my case, is the 365-Day challenge quilt that I started in 2016. I had sewn the blocks up to April 1. I brought 22 blocks pre-cut and ready to sew. But I didn't get a good start when I attempted to sew the first one and did not cut enough squares. I sewed what I could. Then, onto block two. CRAP! Same issue, except this time it was rectangles. Onto the next block, and the same thing happened. I missed a whole section of the pieces required. So, it wasn't a good start to the session. 

But then, I got on a roll and actually finished some blocks. I will only share one block with you, as I'll share them with my MANY blocks group on the weekend first. But here is ONE block. 

One block from the 365-day challenge

Let's just say that I'm thrilled with the progress, and I must keep going. It's so much easier to do a bunch of cutting and then have it ready to sew. I shall endeavor to be more careful about cutting in the future!

Then, I got to work on the border for that Christmas quilt I inherited. The blocks were pieced, and the border is now on the quilt. 

The Christmas quilt top

The person who gave up these projects liked to buy kits, and the binding was included. So this one just needs backing and is ready to be quilted. 

The quilt top and binding

I've got a new project to work on today, and I'm doing great going through my projects. Will I touch them all? I don't know, but I should be on the second (and last) bag of projects by the end of the day! As I finish with stuff, I take it to the car! There's no sense in cluttering the place, and it saves so much time during pack-up. 

Five of us arrived at the same time, and it was crazy to unpack. I like things to be calm! 

Calm? Last night, we played a game that involved a massive ball of stuff wrapped in cellophane and a pair of cheap tongs that were hard to hold. We each had 30 seconds to unwrap the ball with the tongs and were rewarded with goodies—candies, gift cards, and other odds and ends! What fun!!!

The great ball of cellophane

Well, it's time for me to get back to the sewing machine. I'm not talking today. My throat is sore—not a sore throat but sore from talking! So I'm taking a break. I'll talk if I need to. Seriously? How long will that last? 

But I do so much work in the morning when no one is around! I need to sew more and talk less! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!