The LONG drive home

What a fantastic time we all had at the embroidery workshop! Thanks to Thimble Quilts and Sewing Company for hosting that event. Everyone learned so much, and we all had fun, made new friends, laughed - thankfully, no crying. And only one person had any seam ripping to do, and that was me! 

On one of our projects, I strongly encouraged everyone to NOT work on a real quilt, but just a fabric sandwich. Let's say that I learned from the previous two machine embroidery workshops I've done. 

Well, one of the participants decided she would work on her table runner. By the time she got started, it was late in the day, and I had already reviewed it with other people on their practice sample. No big deal. We had a long chat about it, and she wanted to go ahead. OK - works for me. But I was in sample-making mode and gave her the incorrect dimensions. So guess what? The design didn't fit. I ripped out the stitches - it was my fault!

However, she did manage to complete some of it, and now the group is working with the shop owner today. Hopefully, they will continue to build their skills. They are in the best environment --- they are together and collectively, they know a lot. I expect a lot more questions to be asked of Heather or each other. 

There were so many questions, and you know me -- I'm a teacher through and through, so I stayed until everyone was tired of asking questions, and only a few remained. I still had to pack up my stuff, which I had attempted to do several times during the day. 

It was about 8:35 PM when I rolled out of there. I still had a little over 3 hours' drive to get home. I always worry about driving long distances - anything over one hour is long for me! But I had my audiobook and forgot that I just received the audiobook version of Nancy Drew - The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene. That interest was revived when I was on my trip to Africa. I know -- a weird place for that to be resurrected. 

Anyway, I stopped at the first OnRoute rest area in Tilbury as I needed to fill up with gas. The price at those rest stops? $132.6. 

Speaking of gas prices, when I exited the hotel in the morning, there was a gas station right there. The night before, the price was $121.9. Several hours later -- $133.9. The stations sure prey on those people who are too tired or lazy to fill up the night before!! And I've mentioned previously, I don't think the entire province of Saskatchewan fluctuates for MONTHS. So bizarre -- I guess it's all the mysteries of supply and demand. 

The morning price of gas

Yes -- I know - I should have filled up the car when I arrived at the hotel. I could have saved over ten cents per litre!

I was feeling great, so I bought some caffeine and candy (I know --- but it helps me to stay awake!) and then I was off. I stopped at the next rest stop and had a quick bathroom break. Still feeling good, so I continue on. I debated whether I needed a nap, but that wasn't necessary. 

I stopped at the next rest stop - they are just under 100 KM apart in this area, and I had a quick 15-minute nap. Then I was ready to go, and by this time, I was only 1 hour from home. I made it into the driveway about 12:30 PM, which is pretty good for me. 

I did NOT want to leave my stuff in the car, so I hauled it all in, and it's sitting in the living room, and I'll deal with it later today, although I need to prep for this coming week. 

So I fell into bed around 1 AM and had to get up early as it's the UFO clubs this morning, and I had done NOTHING with the pictures. I have two groups, and one of them is very prolific and enjoys taking pictures. I've spent TWO hours assembling that presentation. The second presentation should be much faster. That first group was very busy over the summer, and it's exciting to see these UFOs get completed.

The girls are going to have shorter walks this morning because that presentation time is eating into my walk time, but I'll make it up to them this afternoon. 

The hotel I stayed at last night had a weird sink in the bathroom. It was tiny and deep. What is that all about? 

A deep and small sink in the bathroom

Here are the mug rugs that everyone finished yesterday. 

Busy Bee mugrug

They are such a cute project and easy enough to do, and give people a good idea of the tools in their embroidery edit and stitch out screens. There's still a lot to learn! Considering that many of them had not used their embroidery machines much, they all did a great job! 

Well, I need to run, so hopefully, something exciting will happen today --- wait - I want to know what the Secret in the Old Clock is all about!! Don't tell me, but I bet that Nancy finds a new will! 

Here are the upcoming events for the next couple of days. And after that? Well, I have a lot to do, but no significant events or commitments. My time will be my own!!! Hallelujah!!

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. An email will be sent out on Sunday regarding the class. 

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

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!