Cables and cameras!

Does anyone believe me that my October is going to be quiet? Of course you don't - I've cried wolf way too many times! I know I'm tempting fate by saying that, so let's move on. Let's look at what happened yesterday. 

It was another long day, but I believe I have all the video equipment linked up. I'm fairly certain it's all working, although I had a minor scare this morning when I tested one of the cameras. It was flashing that the battery was dead. I dug out an extension cord for the power bar that it would plug into, and even with the camera connected to power, it wasn't working. 

AHA --- the camera needs to be off to charge, and all seems to be OK when I checked it after an hour of charging. It's all going to be good for later today. 

The setup is crazy, and I sure wish I had a place where I didn't have to tear it all down, but that's OK because each time, I change the location of the cameras and what machines I use, and it's different for Facebook Live and Zoom. All is good. 

I guess it would help if I labeled all those cables, but I think I got the hang of it now. I remember the first time - what a disaster to know what type of cable connected to each device. One camera needs two cables - power and a connection to the laptop. HDMI, USB, or USB-C. It's crazy, but all looks good. 

Cables and cameras

On the stitching side, all is good. There are a few more samples that I'd like to make this morning, and I should be good to go. I have a bit of prepping for a couple of demos, the samples are assembled, and I'll do a run-through before lunch. 

Talk about playing thread chicken. I was nearing the end of a spool of thread, and only two minutes remained on the clock for that color. 

Will I run out?

This is how close it was. See the end of the thread dangling in the air above the spool? I had another color, so it wasn't a big deal, but still! 

PHEW -- that was close!

At the same time, I'm prepping for my embroidery workshop this weekend, because I'll likely leave after dinner tonight and get partway to break up the drive. I've got most of the samples packed, some of the supplies, and I just need to get some paperwork tidied up for the workshop. That will likely happen after the Facebook Live. 

You know I always have company in Studio B, and her name is Murphy. I needed to be making samples, and I needed to be sitting right where she is, but she stuck it out, while I worked around her. I was also trying to eat my lunch (I know -- bad to eat on the go). All was good, and I got my samples made, no thanks to Murphy!

Mom -- I need to be with you!

Then, when I switched tasks, she also moved. Of course, right in the middle of where I need to walk. There is no danger of my forgetting her! I rearranged some of the furniture, so the paths are not as clearly defined as they were. And she chooses to lie right in the main one. 

Mom - just making sure you don't forget me!

But then other times, she tucks herself into the corner and sleeps like a baby! And in case you wonder if I got the orange stool repaired, I have two. One is broken and one is still fine. Trust me, I checked its integrity before using it.

Mom - all this work is exhausting!

And I don't know what Lexi's problem is. Seriously? This is how I caught her sleeping in the afternoon. You would think we were torturing her or something! I must remember to move the orange stool so she doesn't need to put her head through the legs of the table. What a silly girl. 

Mom -- help me, I'm trapped. Just kidding!

But later, when she was sleeping in her bed beside DH's chair, she certainly looked all comfy. 

MOM -- I love my new bed, but it's not the same as the couch!

And I made another trip back to Michaels. I know - two days in a row. This time, I took a picture of that big ball of yarn with something for you to reference how huge it is. 

That's a mighty big ball of yarn

I knew that they had moved to self-service cash, although there is usually one person available. Two employees were standing at the long counter, but not at an active till. I needed to ask a question, and I waited for them to acknowledge me. The first thing one of them said was, "This cash isn't open - you can use the self-checkout." I know that - I need to ASK you a question. They didn't have what I was looking for, and then I used the self-checkout. But NOT before I uninstalled and reinstalled the app, so I could save 40% on an item. 

I hope to get that sample done this morning as well. There is nothing like learning under pressure. I need a sample of something I've never done before, so why not wait until hours before the presentation to try it? 

Good grief -- do you ever wake up with the most annoying itchy nose? Just the tip, and it's driving me crazy. I'm having one of those days this morning. 

If you want something exciting to watch, I have two videos for you. One is the announcement of all the winners at the Houston Quilt Festival, which is coming up soon. I'm amazed at how many Japanese quilters won awards. Some of the quilts will blow your mind, and you'll ask yourself, "How did they do that?"

If you want to see more about Ricky Tim's quilt - The Visitation, here's a link where he talks about how he made the quilt. The techniques are fascinating, and I can't imagine how many hours it took him to do parts of that quilt. It's stunning in workmanship, but I love the concept of it and how it came about, including the AI part. What a great idea! Oh my -- -did I just say that? 

Here's the list of my activities over the next week. One more week!! I got this!!!! I hope to see some of you at the events!

September 18 - 3 PM EDT   -- -FACEBOOK LIVE -- Inspirations for fall --- machine embroidery, digital cutting, and hopefully a sample or two of sewing. It's for PFAFF, but it's mostly inspiration, so it works for all brands.

September 19 and 20 - Machine Embroidery Workshop - Thimble Quilts and Sewing Company, Lasalle, Ontario   --- call the store to get the details and get signed up. This is a great event and loads of information. If you are new to machine embroidery, you will go home an "expert." Or at least a whole lot more confident. 

September 23 - Stitch by Stitch, Kingston, Ontario, A what's new with PFAFF and Husqvarna Viking. Two separate events. Check for times - one is in the afternoon (PFAFF), and the other is in the evening (HV). 

September 25 - Store Opening - Sewing Machine Magic - Cobourg, Ontario. This store sells PFAFF sewing machines, and I'm excited to present a series of demos that day. It's all about the magic!!!!

September 27 - Colour My World (Online class hosted by me) at 9:30 AM. I need to send out an acknowledgment to those who have paid. But you have all the information you need. No supplies required for the first class. 

September 27 and 28 - Virtual Retreat - the links will be posted on my blog next week. 

And on that note, I'm off to walk the girls and then back to Studio B. 

Have a great day!!!

Ciao!!!!