Do you want these items?

I spent part of the day making and editing videos! I'm not good at it - well, I'm OK with it, I'm just slow because I'm still learning, and I don't do it often! What the heck would we do without Google?

For those who were unable to attend Quilt Canada 2025 and would like to view my concurrent show, "Celebrating 25 Years of Teaching Quilt Making," here's the link. I still want to make one more video of all the multi-part classes I've taught, and it seems I missed one! So I'll add that one in. I hope to complete it today, so I can upload it. 

In case you're wondering, my voice is not that husky. However, the second part of the video was shot early in the morning on the final day, and my voice was starting to wear out. 

I was also learning how to record movements on my computer screen, i.e., showcasing software or a website. That took forever to figure out, and I had issues with my mic! But I managed to get it organized, and there are a few spots I want to edit out. 

However, a lot of other things were accomplished as well, and I'm going to start with some things I no longer want. 

The first are these two small bags, perfect for handwork. I've used the green one, so the handles are a bit dirty, and it has a dent in the front, but the blue one is brand new. 

Two bags, great for handwork

This is what they look like on the inside. There are two zippers, so a front and a back compartment. This is side one, with plenty of pockets to store items and a generous space for your fabric. It's a great case and I used it a lot, but I no longer have time for handwork. However, it would also be great to take your supplies to quilt retreats or sewing days. 

The inside of one side of the bag

There are even pockets along the sides on the inside. 

Pockets on the sides

And here's what's on the other side. 

The opposite side of the bag

Here's another case that I purchased, and it's also never been used. It's a hard shell, and I love the motif on the side. 

A storage case

The interior is relatively bare, making it a good place to store supplies or bags of supplies. I have a larger one where I store my binding scraps. 

The inside of the storage case

And then there's this bag. It's actually a fishing lure bag, but I used it for handwork. I know - why so many bags? I've no idea. It just seemed like a good idea at the time. 

Another bag for handwork supplies

It features numerous zippered pockets inside the cover, as well as multiple zippered pouches. I loved this bag, but it hasn't been used in years, and if someone else can use it, then it should be passed on. 

The inside of the bag

Here's the inside of the other cover - again, it features lots of zippered sections to store small items, making it perfect for handwork supplies. 

The other side of the bag

I also have three of these decorative storage boxes. They are cardboard, and I used them to store bag supplies, but all that has been moved to new containers. 

Three decorative storage boxes

And lastly, for today, there is a large metal tin. It was initially for biscuits? Biscotti? Anyway, I also used this until my great sort, and I no longer need it. 

A metal tin

So if anyone would like any of those items, send me an email (elainetheriault@gmail.com). They are free and they are great items - I just no longer need them. 

The remainder of the empty containers (mostly open baskets and tubs) were moved to the storage area, and I'll pull something when I need it. I already went in there this morning to find a tub to put my Deco-Bond pieces so they are contained. I like to have a few empty containers on hand, rather than having to run to the store each time I need something. 

I got another customer quilt done. 

Customer quilt - DONE

Another small one, but it's nice to have a break from the bigger quilts. There are three more small ones and one lap-sized quilt for customers. However, I need to adjust my routine today, as I have a project that needs to be quilted, and it's scheduled for later this afternoon. It's already loaded on the long arm. 

I also tried something different. When I was at the long arm shop the other day, I noticed that she didn't use the side clamps. Instead, she pinned the elastic to the quilt. Hmm -- that eliminates a lot of issues, so I tried it. 

The clamps

The pins

The funny thing is - why didn't I think of that? It's simple - I unscrewed the bolt that holds the clamps to the elastic, and voilà- it worked like a charm. No heaviness on the edge of the quilt, and no clamp for the machine to hit if there isn't enough backing. I may be smart, but there are times when simple things like this escape me. That's why they tell you to hang around more intelligent people than yourself! I need to do more of that! 

One of the Monday ladies did a DoorDash stop at my house and brought over, not one, but TWO pieces of homemade pie! Yum - I had one as my afternoon snack, and it's delicious! Thank you!! In exchange, she got a bunch of template plastic! 

Homemade pie!

And in the admin department, I'm a failure! But the story is so funny! We got a smart TV a while back, which I never watch, and have no idea how to operate it. I could figure it out if I wanted, but who cares? If I want to see something, I watch it on my computer. 

Anyway, DH has been bugging me about getting fiber to the house and something new for the TV. I know that our TV signal now comes in over the internet (I think), so I finally called our provider earlier this week and requested a new modem and inquired about the fiber option. No -- we do not have access to fiber in our neighborhood. I don't know what he expects fiber to give us that we currently don't have, but he wants it! We have zero issues with speed. Sounds like me and fabric! Or how I used to be with fabric. 

The box arrived the other day, and I placed it on his desk so he could attend to it. He got home from his trip and immediately opened the box. But when he went to the TV and started talking about the different pots on the back, I got scared and said, 'Leave it, I'll make the switch.' 

That was quite the ordeal because all the wires are tucked behind the TV, and it's not easy to access them. Plus, when they installed the new TV, they had ziptied all the cords together. 

The scary scene behind the TV

The power source is also quite different, and it required some ingenuity and the use of an extension cord to make everything work. I was thrilled to see that the modem has a reset button on the side, so we no longer have to unplug it to reset it. 

A reset button!

Plus, it doesn't have all those crazy flashing blue lights on the front that were very annoying in the dark. Now there are three small white buttons on the front. You can't see the white lights in this picture. 

The new modem

Once the new modem was installed, I had to figure out how to get us back online. The instructions weren't all that helpful, but I managed to make it work. And the nice thing? It reverted back to our network name and password! I had visions of going around the house and reconnecting everything. 

Speaking of connecting everything, I forgot to mention that when we were at the retreat house a couple of weeks ago, I noticed that the MICROWAVE has internet connection. Seriously? Why does a microwave need to be connected to the internet? 

Anyway, I was pretty pleased with my task and sent DH a note saying, 'No need to thank me, as I bought something expensive for the long arm as my reward!' That was the magnets, which I had purchased the day before. 

He comes home and goes straight to the TV -- notice his priorities. Then he says, 'Where's the new box?' Box? I got a new MODEM!!! Oh, it seems that there is a box that runs the TV signal, something called 4K. Oops! 

Well, I needed to call the provider for more discounts, so I guess I have to call back and ask for this new box as well! 

However, I'm thrilled with the new modem, which features a reset button and fewer lights. I'm a happy camper! 

Then, to clean up the cutting table, I cut up a large bedspread that I had purchased to make a jacket sample. I made the jacket, which I don't think I ever shared. The bedspread worked great, but the one I bought was horrible. The stitching was all done in a triple stitch or chain stitch, although it doesn't appear to be a chain stitch. Anyway, it was done on a large commercial machine, and it was horrible if you needed to rip out. Also, the filling was not nice. 

I decided to cut the remainder up and use it for pet mats. 

Prepping pet mats

This morning, all the edges got serged, and all that remains is to weave those ends in, which is super easy with my handy bodkins. And I know exactly where those bodkins are, as I'm diligent about putting them back in their spot. Once things have a home, I'm meticulous about putting them back in place. 

As I worked, I kept an eye on my third cone of thread, knowing I would soon run out. However, with the Husqvarna Viking Amber Air S600 (a complete air threading serger/cover stitch), it's a breeze to rethread the upper looper. What's nice is that you don't need to unthread and go from left to right, and so on - you can simply rethread the looper and continue! 

Running out of thread

If I finish something, like a spool of thread, I usually put it on my list to get more. I don't think I need to buy more white serger thread for a long, long time. No need to start a list. There is a drawer with black and cream, one for colored threads, and another for that woolly nylon stuff. All sorted and neatly organized! 

My white serger thread supply

So even though my serger is currently tucked in the back corner of the room, under a cover to keep the dust out, it's still handy! I would NOT be without a serger, and I would make room for it to sit out! 

The serger is tucked away, but still very accessible

And there's the latest on the cutting table. Yes - there's still a lot of stuff on it, but it's all spread out. There are a few things that I'll put away later, and several things that I am currently working on. Or trying to work on, but I never seem to get to them. 

The state of the cutting table

I'm now creating samples that I need for writing, and I have two rounds of writing to complete before the end of the month. I hope to finish the samples for the first two days of both writing sessions by tonight, and then I can complete the writing hopefully today or tomorrow. I'm off to retreat again tomorrow (don't ask!), so I'll have some time to write, but I'll be away from my primary machines, and it'll be hard to get more work done. 

And if you're in Saskatoon or the surrounding area, be sure to visit me at The Sewing Machine Store on July 16th and 17th. It's a series of lectures, and here are the topics and times. Even though it says PFAFF, anyone will gain some helpful information from the lectures. If you're interested in seeing what the Momento can do, check out the last event! 

Wednesday, July 16th from 9 am -Noon
    PFAFF® How to get the most out of your Sewing Machine Features 

Wednesday, July 16th from 2pm – 5pm
   PFAFF® Sergerific Tips & Tricks! 

Thursday, July 17th from 9 am -Noon
    PFAFF® Fancy Footwork! 

Thursday, July 17th from 2pm – 5pm 
         PFAFF®  Appliqué Made Easy with mySewnet™ & MOMENTO™   

I'm eager to go, but I have so much to do before I leave, and the extra retreat is throwing a curveball into my schedule. I wasn't supposed to have anything booked in July, and then the opportunity to test out two new retreat houses arose, as did the events in Saskatoon. 

On that note, I'm out of here. Another busy day ahead, and I can't wait to get started! 

Have a great day!!

Ciao!!!