The Saskatoon Quilt Show

I love how some of you ALSO had to dust those knick-knacks! I can hardly wait for this morning to do my job! 

OH MY GOSH --- The Saskatoon Quilters Guild Show. What can I say—it was a fantastic show, and I am so glad I decided to come. It was the BEST (by far) of any guild show that I have ever been to, and I've been to a fair number. Why? Well, I'll tell you shortly. 

I stopped by the apartment for a little bit before I left, as I had some time to kill before I needed to go. I am ALMOST done binding the second side of that hexagon quilt, and I should get it done this morning as I'll be at the apartment for most of the day, although I have more visiting this afternoon. 

I had a few errands in the morning as well, and ran into another cousin. Actually, she recognized me and we had a quick chat as she was opening up the place where she works. What fun to catch up with everyone in person. 

The plan yesterday was to meet up with Brenda for lunch. Brenda found me online and has followed my blog for a bit, and is now in one of my online classes. We had a grand chat over lunch, and it always amazes me how easily perfect strangers can have a meaningful conversation about so many things. Yet, it's so hard sometimes to have meaningful conversations with people we've known for many years. 

Brenda and me

This is a picture of Brenda and me, and in the background you can see Cathy's quilt—the Tula Pink Butterfly. Cathy took that class online with me, but she custom quilted it on her long arm, and well, the quilting and the quilt are spectacular. She won first place in her category, and it is well deserved. Congratulations to Cathy, and it's so lovely to meet you, Brenda!!! 

What was so funny is that Brenda is from Calgary, and, like me, happened to be in town for the show. She was there by accident at the same time as the show, while mine was planned. I haven't met some of the people from my online classes who live closer to me! It's a small world. 

While we were at lunch at the Prairie Ink restaurant at McNally Booksotre (a must-stop for any trip to Saskatoon), we spotted two ladies wearing these pants and figured they were heading to the show or had already been there. 

Patchwork pants

Roomy pocket

They were super funky, stitched with a serger with exposed seams, and large, roomy pockets to store all your stuff. I LOVE them, but they didn't make them; they purchased them somewhere. I want to say Las Vegas? But I could be wrong. There was so much to take in yesterday that my brain was about to explode. 

If the wearer of the pants is reading this, thanks so much for letting me post the picture!!!! No way to put flashing lights around the pictures, but I love those pants!!!

Here is the guild banner that greeted us as we walked into the building. The show is at Prairieland, and the venue is massive. The entrance fee is $15, but for what we got in return, it was well worth the price. PLUS, they took cash or card. Now that's civilized, since I rarely carry cash, but I made specific arrangements to have some money on hand. 

The guild banner

But this is what you see when you walk in. The floor is carpeted, the lighting is pretty decent, and the hall is enormous, with WIDE aisles between rows of quilts hanging on black pipe and drape. It does NOT have the feel of a guild show. I was stunned and overwhelmed before I even saw one quilt. 

What you see when you walk in

 I noticed a few ladies grabbing the corner of a quilt and lifting it to see the back. WAIT -- is that allowed? Then I realized that every quilt had a clothespin attached to one corner, so you could grab it and flip the quilt over to see the back. Now, what a simple idea that completely eliminated the need for gloves. 

A clothespin to lift the corner of the quilt

 Not to brag or anything, but these prairie girls are SMART. Does that count for me since I grew up in this area? 

There were many categories of quilts, and there were a lot of ribbons. I don't know the details of how that worked, but I loved that they had a category especially for Machine Embroidery quilts. I took pictures of all of them to share with my machine embroidery club. I just thought that was a brilliant idea—a lot more work, but well worth it to display the items and add to the diversity of the show. 

I spotted a Boho Heart quilt—this was not made in my class, but I love seeing how others handled the same quilt. I see she added extra at the top of the heart, just like we did! 

And there was a Long Time Gone (previously known as Gypsy Wife) as well. An unusual color palette and very busy backgrounds. Again, this was not someone in my class, so it was interesting to see another colorway that was totally different from anything from my class participants. I love the wave of color. 

I took many other pictures —how does one choose which ones to post? The quilts were stunning, and the featured quilter's quilts were amazing. Debora Barlow is a very accomplished quilter. As mentioned, there was so much to see that it was overwhelming. 

Thankfully, I had some diversions. I ran into Cathy and Jocelyn, who I know from my classes. And I've met Cathy many times now -- in the airport, at Quilt Canada. Cathy is everywhere! But I also got to meet more of her sisters, and we had a good chat. 

Then I ran into a longtime friend (you can't say "old" friend) and we sat down and had a good chat, since I hadn't seen her in a long time. Susan is the one I met because of the barn quilt they had on one of their outbuildings along the highway! That was so many years ago! So much fun catching up, and I knew she would be there —how to connect? She spotted me (orange flowers in the hair) and sent me a text, which I missed, so she called me. 

It is such a small world!!! I chatted to Debora for a bit as well and bought some raffle tickets—maybe I'll be lucky. If not, it supports the guild, which is terrific. I even considered joining the guild since they have a hybrid component to their meetings. 

There was only one thing that disappointed me, and it had nothing really to do with the guild. There was a demo area set up so professionally, with large TV screens and cameras. Very impressive. The topic was machine embroidery on quilts, so I thought I would see something spectacular or perhaps glean a new idea or two. The demo was given by one of the vendors, and well, all she did was show a couple of kits that she makes to sell. She didn't even have any of the quilts in the demo because they were hanging in their booth.

That was disappointing, BUT I ran into some of the ladies who have been in my classes at The Sewing Machine Store, so we had a good chat. And well, something bad came out of that conversation. NO ONE is allowed to yell at me, but I might take on another small job. It's just opening up another club, so that's one hour a month. There is a HUGE need for this kind of thing, and all that would be required of me is to book the monthly hour, load pictures into a presentation, and moderate it. I LOVE that kind of thing, and well, I think I'm going to do it. I even have an idea of where that extra hour will come from without adding to my schedule. I'm good! 

Thank goodness the show was open until 6:30. As a vendor, I would have been so exhausted, but it was nice to be on the other side of things for a change. I could sit down, leave, or do whatever I wanted. So I managed to check out some of the vendors. I actually have to thank Susan for saving me some money, because I had just stepped into the first booth when she called me, so I had less time to spend! 

A friend back home has been looking for bread fabric, and I knew it existed because I'm sure I have a small piece. Well, guess what I found? Yep --- that's bread fabric - it's sideways, but many kinds of bread. So, a quick text: I am bringing a meter of that home with me. 

Bread fabric

One booth had ALL of the Legit Kits for sale. Now, why would anyone want a giant pickle quilt? I guess you have to really like pickles. I suppose it would be suitable for your kitchen. It is kind of funky, but would I make it? Probably not. 

The giant pickle quilt

I did make a few purchases, but I didn't take pictures of anything yet. I'll likely do that when I unpack when I get home. I tried to be good and I was. 

I had a good, long chat with the staff at The Sewing Machine store, and that could bring me some more work—we'll see how it goes. Not that I'm looking for work, but I'm so passionate about what I do that I can't help but share what I know! That's just me!!! But nothing in the immediate future. 

I left the show at 6:30!!! Oh boy—it was a long day, it was exhausting, but I am so fired up. I wish I could be home right now so I could sew all day!!!! I did not join the guild, but I can always join when I get home. I need to think about that, and I might consider it for later. I'll see. I don't belong to any guild for specific reasons, and I know those reasons exist within this guild. Too much politics!!!

Whenever I'm at the bookstore, I always check out the quilts on the balcony. Here are a few —they are amazing. 

Not that I need to add another quilt to my list of quilts to make, I love this one. It's a pixelated double wedding ring. Can you imagine making this with scraps? I have the perfect box of scraps. Does anyone know what pattern this is? I tried a quick search this morning, but didn't find anything, and the way it's hanging, I can't get a better picture. 

Pixelated double wedding ring quilt

This is another great scrap quilt. I love it, and what a great way to use up scraps. It looks like plaid, but it's pieced!!! 

A "plaid" quilt

And this alphabet quilt was also cute. I think the pattern's name was on the label. I'll have to check that out more when I get home. 

Alphabet quilt

While I don't want to start a new scrap club because I don't have time for that, I was considering running a one-hour (or perhaps slightly longer) workshop with the "best of" scrap patterns and practices. Would anyone be interested in attending? OK -- we will make this happen, so watch for more details -- I just need to remember to book that when I get home. 

And on that note (don't yell at me), I'm out of here. It seems warmer this morning by 12 degrees, so it's practically balmy!!! 

I can't wait to dust those teapots!!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

PS -- I think DH was in his glory watching another amazing game—the first in the World Series on the TV instead of his phone!!! So glad that saga is over. 

PSS -- One other observation. I don't recall seeing many quilted jackets. Hmmmmm, I wonder why? 

It's all about BALANCE!

Balance - that's a good word. There's balance in life, as in work-life balance, which I still struggle with occasionally. OK - I struggle with it a lot, but I still get lots of ME time. There's physical balance, and it's hilarious because it seems like such a simple thing, but it's a critical factor in our physical well-being. As I left my doctor's appointment the other day, she said, "You are taking care of yourself, and that is good. Be sure to work on your balance!" Not that balance was an issue in why I went to see her, but just a passing comment. 

That is so true. I work on my physical balance all the time. Every day, when I put on my socks and shoes, I stand on one leg and put the items on my feet. I no longer sit down. A controlled balance on one leg is happiness! I practice my balance at the gym when I do my stretching! I can't believe that I let that go somewhere along the line. What was the matter with me? 

Here's the thing—flexibility, balance, strength—they are all important to our well-being, but they exist subconsciously, and their slow loss is even more subconscious, to the point that we don't even know what's happening until one day—OH! I'm in trouble. 

Balance is one of the most important things you can do to prevent falls. If you trip, guess what helps you stay upright? Balance! It does not require a gym or that you sweat, and takes only a few minutes a day. The next time you brush your teeth, try standing on one leg. You don't have to raise the other leg high, just lift the foot off the floor. You might have to put your foot down - that's OK, but keep at it. Put a note on the mirror, but practice every day. 

Here's the thing -- you should be able to regain your balance skills if they are lost. Start slow and work your way up! 

While I don't really have regrets in my life, there is one thing that is particularly bothersome now, especially today. Today, there is a memorial service for my best friend in the whole world, when we were in high school! Our little gang of five started in Grade Six! She lent me clothes and her car so I could go to my first job interview, which I got! She spooked me out when we were at my house (on the farm), and we both felt like we were being watched, but neither told the other.,until the next morning. I still get goosebumps thinking about that one. 

When I left right after high school, we stayed in touch, but not really. And two years ago, Bernice was diagnosed with inoperable and rare brain cancer. I am now back in touch with the other two girls from our gang of five. Yes - of the gang of five, three remain. It's just so sad. They are just too young to be gone. I moved to Quebec, didn't get home often, couldn't afford a rental car (and was too young to rent one), phone calls were expensive - you get the picture why people drifted apart in those days. 

Here are a couple of pictures of the two of us! Oh my god—check out those glasses. Bernice, Rest in Peace. I wish we could have stayed best friends. You were so wacky! 

Bernice and I in our younger days!

The remaining two live in places I frequent, so I hope to see them later this year. I've been playing catch-up with both via text and many memories. What's crazy is what you remember about each other, or your thoughts. Lori said she always knew I was creative and talked about some sewing project we did in grade nine with Mrs Sealy! I remember lots of stuff I made in grade nine. I wonder which one specifically? 

On a happy note, the massive project I've been working on is done! I stood with trepidation and watched this very large printer work. This printer costs $65,000, so it's not something you'd want to have at home! Let's just say that I got an A+ from the operator, and I was jumping over the moon! It was exactly what I wanted, and I love it when that happens. I'll be sharing that at a later date. Before, this was probably not easily accessible to the general public. I did NOT operate it, but I can get stuff printed on it! 

A massive printer

Then it was back home to work on the next thing. I have FIVE presentations this weekend. If I plan my cards right, this is the LAST weekend like this! I am debating how to arrange my fall schedule. Do I put everything on one weekend, which means a lot of prep before, but leaves three weekends free? Or do I spread it out and have only two weekends free? I need to make that list to see everything happening next year. 

And there's the bloom from the pond. Those lilies are so beautiful! There is only one so far, but I'm sure there will be many more. 

Lilies are in bloom in the pond

And that Murphy dog scared me to death! I know she likes to sleep in the stash room. It's cool and dark and very quiet if there is a storm. I didn't realize she was in there, and I turned the corner and WHOA!!! Murphy - you scared me! Sometimes, she likes to sleep around the corner, so I'm practically upon her when I realize she's there!

MOM - just hanging out! I didn't mean to scare you!

The other thing about life and shows me that I need to very carefully select what I teach going forward is that I had some things to prep for today's sessions, and I wasn't looking forward to it. It wasn't hard and was partially prepped - well, the materials were pulled. I think I'm at the end of my rope for prepping stuff. I want to sew without prepping for a bit, which is why the summer will be amazing! Guess what? I told myself that I owed it to the students who signed up to do it. I completed two of the three mini projects, and they are ADORABLE. I'm so glad I persevered and am constantly learning about myself. But I'm now starting to listen to myself. If I don't do something about things I dislike, there is a problem. 

No worries - I'm already making changes. All is good. After this weekend, two Zooms are left in June, and neither requires much prep. 

I have company coming for a good part of the summer, and that guest room is piled high with quilts—on the bed, the floor, and the nightstand! It looks pretty bad. 

A mess in the guest room

Plus, I need to start packing the samples I'm taking to Quilt Canada next week, and while I'm at it, I might as well sort out what I'm bringing to the Buckhorn Quilt Show in September. Then there is another machine embroidery retreat after that! But all is good—I'm making my lists, so I know what goes where. 

Packing for Quilt Canada

I'm happy that the room looks a bit better, but still a lot of quilts to fold and put away. Now I need to tackle Studio U, which has become a dumping ground for odds and ends of batting, so that may be on the agenda for later today. But I still have two very urgent pieces of computer work that MUST be done by today and I've got to continue to work on my UFO which is due tomorrow. I don't think any tidying is going to happen today. 

I was right!!! There is a new condo building going up near my house—far enough away that the traffic won't affect me, but I pass it in the car sometimes and occasionally walk past it. There is this huge two-story glass room at the front of the building. One day as I drove past, I swear I saw basketball hoops at either end. That can't be right—maybe they are hangers for TVs? 

I keep looking every time I pass, which isn't often, but I still swear I see those nets. Yesterday, I happened upon a video tour of the building. OMG—I was right. That big beautiful glass area is a gym!!!! Well, it's a basketball court with a walking track above. 

Is this practical?

I don't know about you, but this seems like a silly idea. I get the idea of a gym for yoga, stretching, or equipment, but a basketball court? And this room will have sun all day!! Can you imagine trying to play basketball with the sun shining in? I guess it's no worse than an outdoor court, but I don't know—it just seems silly and will be HOT! 

On that note, I'm out of here! There are dogs to walk, and I'm on Zoom most of the day. 

Have a super day! Remember - BALANCE!!! 

Ciao!!!

Spring house retreat - that's what friends are for!

There has been much discussion about friends at this retreat. What is a friend? Do you have a friend you could call at 3 a.m. if you need help? As we went about our business yesterday, I looked at my pencil. Oh my!!!

Oh my!!!

I got quite a chuckle from that. 

But a bit of chaos happened at the house earlier in the day. You know what I'm talking about if you saw the picture on Facebook. Those red chairs around the firepit were calling for someone to sit in them. I had no takers. Seriously? We're friends, so why wouldn't someone volunteer to sit in them? Maybe they're not part of my gang after all!

Then Helen Anne said she would take a picture of ME if I sat in one of them. Well, that was all the encouragement I needed. And then it snowballed from there. Everyone else had gone shopping, and only Maryke, Helen Anne, and I remained at the house. Maryke was still in her housecoat. We made hasty plans, Helen Anne got her camera, and away we went! I laughed because someone commented on Facebook that we should be left unsupervised! Thanks for the vote of confidence - Sally! 

Seriously - don't those chairs just scream for a photo op? 

Come sit down - have a cup of tea! 

I have permission to post this, and it's so blog-worthy! Poor Maryke almost fell several times in that deep snow, which was NOT compacted, so she was up to her knees. Why? Because I didn't want any tracks showing how we got to the chairs. We circled around and came in from the back! But I was thoughtful and gave her the chair with the least snow! 

A dedicated friend! Or she's just crazy!

I came in from the other side, where the snow was much more compacted, so I only fell through a few times. I had my running shoes on but no socks. 

Flopping into the chair

We took plastic bags to save our butts from getting soaked. And I should mention that it was starting to drizzle. Also, Diane arrived about when we were getting ready to walk to the chairs. So we had an audience. 

So how's the weather? 

Those chairs were wet with the rain, but the temperature was only minus 1. It was the perfect time because it started to snow heavily snow after, although that would have also been hilarious. 

Oh my - what we do for entertainment! 

And there we are - the crazies. And a HUGE thank you to Helen Anne, who was the instigator of the entire process. We had to go back so I could take a picture of her taking pictures of us. I had my phone with me, but was laughing so hard, I completely forgot!!!

Another true friend 

We had so much fun, and I can't stop laughing every time I look at that photo. I'm uploading it to my Aura frame at home so I can randomly experience our joy. 

Life is way too short not to get out and have fun. Be silly, be crazy - whatever it takes to keep you going! Thanks to Maryke and Helen Anne for a silly and memorable moment. I think it's the best retreat photo of all time. How will we top that one? 

Maybe this has to be a new theme—some crazy setup from each retreat. Hmm—something to ponder. 

The farm excitement of the day was the cutting down of some trees in the back of the house. As you saw, it doesn't;t take much to amuse us!!

Tree cutting and moving in progress

There is no need to worry about running out of propane—the tank has been topped up. This has been a very entertaining retreat! 

Propane delivery

I decided to take some of my MANY bags to the car to avoid having to take it all out on the last day. It was snowing these huge flakes by then. I decided that it was warm enough to go for a walk. 

I wanted to check out the snow on the creek since it was so warm. 

It's not just snow on the water; it has to be partially frozen, as an animal walked right down the center! 

Animal tracks on the creek

But looking at the other side of the small bridge, you could see the water coming through the snow. 

The water is seeping through the snow

And when I walked down to the bridge on the main road, the water was definitely seeping through the snow. 

Water seeping through the snow

On the other side, you could see a little water seeping through the snow. However, it's cold this morning, so I doubt any water will show through. 

The creek on the other side of the road

I swear there are days when I'm regressing in life. Obviously, I had to walk in one direction toward the creek. On my way back, I decided to walk beside my previous steps, so I was coming and going simultaneously! I sometimes do that in the city. Why not make people guess—coming or going? Or both?  

Coming and going!

It was so warm I didn't even have a sweatshirt under my coat. Neither did I have my scarf or a hat! But my jacket, which is so old, it's no longer waterproof, was getting soaked, so it was time to come home. My mittens were also wet from handling the car door handle when I put my stuff in. I seem to have lost my little black gloves from the dollar store. That's OK - they were on their last legs anyway. But where could they be? 

It's getting wet! 

Lots of accumulating snow, and it was WET. 

Heavy, wet snow

So, I bet my water coach wants to know the status. Well, first, I emptied another spool of thread. Why do we have so many partially empty spools of thread? I threw in FIVE partially used spools. Three were close to the end, and all three are now empty! I might look in the box of thread and throw another one in for the next retreat, but that is far away. Still, when one retreat is over, you must replenish the supply box to be prepared! 

Another empty spool

As for the water, I went through two containers and probably half of another one, so I'm happy with that. I'm about 3/4 through the first one today! I will never drink the quantity of water my water coach drinks, but that's OK. I'm doing OK by more than doubling my water consumption, and that works for me. 

I also managed to get some sewing done, but barely. After our little adventure, I returned to my sewing machine to find this. 

Stopped midway

I didn't even bother finishing the seam—that's impulsive. I'm okay with that!

You'll see what I worked on tomorrow, as I'm running out of time!!!!

I have some QUILTsocial blog posts to share with you. Since February is National Embroidery Month, the posts discuss what you can do with an embroidery machine and how to get started. 

The first post explains why quilters need an embroidery machine. OK, so you may not need one, but this first post shows you how to embellish your quilts with machine embroidery. 

Day One - Why a Quilter needs an embroidery machine

Day Two - Supplies needed for machine embroidery

Day Three - Examples of ten of the 36 different machine embroidery techniques

Day Four - Loading designs on the HV Designer Epic 3

Day Five - not posted yet

So much exciting stuff!!!! 

On that note, I'm out of here!!!!

Have a super day! Do something so out of character that your family will start to wonder, and that's OK. 

Ciao!!!!

The 11th anniversary

So, while it was a fantastic day at Quilt Canada, I have something to share that was even more amazing. 

TODAY is the day eleven years ago that I and 23 other brave souls set out from UBC (the totem pole park) to ride our bicycles across Canada. We were accompanied by Adam, our fearless young driver, with whom I stayed in touch. He was amazing, already with a quip when the going got tough, and there to support 1000%. When asked a question, his favorite saying was, " It's on the whiteboard!"

I did not know anyone before leaving on the trip, and while I had done some long-distance cycling, the most I had done was three-week trips in 2010, 2011, and 2012. This was the year to do something crazy and go for ten weeks. 

I was fortunate to meet Neil, who became my riding partner for the trip. We rode together, more or less, every day, through the good and the bad. We just seemed to click. 

Neil's wife, Susan, was there at the beginning, the end, and one stop in the way as we rode through their home province of Alberta. I've remained in touch with Neil through Facebook and am always in awe of his fantastic photography. His photos are absolutely stunning. 

I was so engrossed in making Quilt Canada samples that I forgot about Neil living in the Edmonton area, so he contacted me. Could we meet? OH MY—YES!!!!!

So the three of us went out for dinner last night, and it was like those eleven years had never existed. He brought some photos along on his phone, and it was fun to browse through them. OH MY -- I had quite the tan at the end of that trip. Gosh -- I feel teary-eyed as I think back about that trip!

Here's a photo of us on the eve of our big adventure. 

Me and Neil on the eve of our big adventure

Did you notice what's in my hand? A Corona!!!

Here's a picture of us last evening after dinner. 

Neil and I - eleven years later

Yep, I had a Corona last night. We should have tried to recreate that first photo, but we only thought of it once we were outside the restaurant. 

Thank you to Neil and Susan -- it was a wonderful evening, and I enjoyed every minute of it. WOW --- so many memories - I can't wait to return home and review my photos. YES -- those photos were on that hard disk that I paid gobs to recover. I'm so glad I coughed up the cash!

I need to be more responsible with precious memories like that, and they really need to be in a book so I can look at them when I'm in the nursing home and can't remember a thing. At least when people come to visit, we can talk about my book!

OK—I have no idea what's going on this trip, but my hotel room is a disaster. I'm usually very neat, packing things into my bags before leaving for the day. I always have a "do not disturb" sign on my door—I do not need my bed made daily, and I certainly do not need fresh towels. 

This time, my room looks like a very untidy person is living here. Here's just part of the mess. 

The debris in my room

I'll try to tidy up a little later, but there's no need. I just don't want to leave anything behind, so I'll put a few things away that I won't need. But since I pack so sparingly, I bet I'll need most of what I have. 

Claire and I went for a walk in the morning and found a pedestrian walkway under the public transit bridge. 

The pedestrian walkway under the transit bridge

Then we ended up downtown, going to find Tim's for breakfast. Along the way, we passed this sign: Tonight, it's going to be insane in the downtown area. 

Look how little I am!!!!

Then, we made it to the convention center to help thread machines and set them up for a couple of classes. I then went up to the booth, where I grabbed one shot of the PFAFF booth and spent the day. 

The PFAFF booth

People were enthralled with my rope bowl making—so much so that I had zero chance to sew any more on the unfinished one. I didn't even get a chance to get my thread out!

But I met up with some fantastic people. A HUGE SHOUT OUT to those who read the blog and stopped to say HI!!! I may not know you, but I appreciate you following along! And YES -- the dogs are taking over. Everyone loves Murphy and Lexi. OK -- let's be honest, Murphy is doing a considerable share of the entertaining when it comes to the dogs! Lexi had better step up her game if she wants to be part of it! Just kidding, Lexi, we love you, and you are my sweet girl!!! 

Lots of people I knew stopped by to say hi. I have never met some of them in person, but I know them quite well from Zoom! It's pretty funny since some of them live close to me, but we had to travel to Edmonton to meet in person! 

I've met up with other people I met on Zoom but have previously met in person, and then I have the gaggle of friends from home that I have known in person for many years. 

There are just so many people! I love you all, and thanks for being a part of my life! I couldn't be who I am without you! I think we take a little bit from everyone we meet but also give in return. That's what friendship is all about - giving and taking! 

So yes -- if you are at the show, stop by and say HI!!!

The last amazing thing yesterday was the daily door prize donated by PFAFF. This is our top-of-the-line sewing machine (creative icon), and let's just say that it's an excellent price. Well, the young lady on the right is the lucky winner. She is a wonderful person, and I had the pleasure of walking her through a demo of the machine and what it can do. Her mother was with her. 

Pam with the door prize winner

I love that she was thrilled and saw how old she is!!! She said she's not as young as we think, but I said - we were old enough to be her mother - that makes her young! She and her mother went home thrilled to bits. I was so excited for her. 

Well, that's just too much excitement in one day. Today will be a bit quieter, and I hope to get out a little bit and check out some quilts or some of the vendors. I know—I must be diligent as I do NOT have a lot of room—weight-wise or space-wise. I never got out of the booth until lunch at 2 p.m. and didn't see any vendors or quilts. Not seeing the vendors was probably a good thing! 

It's time to get moving so I can be ready for a walk this morning. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

 

Network of friends!!

Remember that "new" word from earlier this week. 

"new" word

I'm happy to say that no one in my life currently falls into this category. I don't keep in touch with some friends as much as I would like—I'll blame part of that on my phone, which I can't use to talk to people! But as far as toxic friends, no one fits that category, for which I'm very thankful! But I've been there! 

I wish I had time to reach out more, as some people reach out to me! I got a phone call yesterday that made me smile! I couldn't take the call then, but I called them back when I was in the car. My cell phone works in the car but not at my house. Sigh.....

When I saw the caller ID, I thought she was calling to say she "stole" those items from the thrift shop! She's a quilter, an avid reader, a lover of jigsaw puzzles, and lives very close by! No, she was not the one who stole those items from me (OK, so I'm being dramatic. I was stalling to buy them, and I should know that you can't wait at the thrift shop.) 

Instead, we had a great chat about books (we read many of the same genres) and an offer for some of the Dowdle puzzles she no longer wanted. I'm away this week, but we must get together when I return. 

Thanks for the call! It was great to touch base!

And then someone else let me know that the Gordie Howe International Bridge is connected. That event happened on June 14. It's incredible how they could start such a massive project from two sides of a river, and everything seemed to fit together like a glove. It boggles my mind that those massive girders just seemed to fall into place without a hitch. Check out this video to see the final connection.

It will be another year before the bridge is open to the public. There is much to do—the roads leading to the bridge aren't complete, and there is paving, lighting, completing the bridge deck, and much more. It's fascinating to watch as this thing comes together. 

Nothing got done on the "to-do" list. In the afternoon, I taught an in-person free-motion quilt class and spent the morning prepping for my UFO session today. 

This was another instance where I felt it necessary to make TWO quilts. They are my Cabin in the Woods quilts, and they are time-consuming, or I'm getting tired of working on them. 

Two Cabin in the Woods quilts

It's been slow progress. Those pictures were taken in January, and I'm still not done with the darn quilts. But I made a good effort yesterday to progress on both of them. I won't share my updated progress until tomorrow, but I'm happy. The UFO Groups don't meet again until September, so I hope to finish them by then. I WANT them off my plate, and I should just continue to work on them so I'm not leaving it until the last minute!

While working, I listened to Harry Potter and finished the book last night. However, I need to relisten to several critical parts I didn't understand. We talked about rereading books yesterday, which I don't usually do. But in this case, I might leave this book for a month or so, reread it, and then move on to the final book. 

I went to visit the new Central Library a couple of weeks ago. It's now called the Hazel McCallion Library, but it'll always be the Central Library to me. It's like being on the farm, where they still refer to property by the original owner's name, not who owns it now. It's hilarious. 

Anyway, the library is AMAZING!!!!  I wish I lived closer because I'd wander over just to sit and contemplate the world. There are so many amazing spaces to work/read in, and the maker space is on the lower level. 

This is the light in the middle of the atrium. It changes color. 

Atrium light in the library

I'll show you more pictures another day, but here's one thing they missed the mark on. Considering this is a library that houses books, it's a biggy. 

The shelves are much lower than previously, so you can see them over the top. Fewer shelves and fewer books, but libraries aren't just about books any longer. So I'm OK with that. 

Lower shelves at the library

If you have crappy knees having to bend down or kneel down to see the titles is a pain. And you have to do that for almost all the books. 

Bending is required to browse the shelves

Then, many books are sideways on the shelves as they are not tall enough to accommodate larger books, making browsing a lot more difficult. Some books won't stand up entirely, so the number of books on the shelf is inefficient—well, not so much inefficient, but they don't move easily. 

Shelves not tall enough to accommodate the books

Perhaps people don't browse the library shelves much and rely on the digital catalog. I love to browse in person. 

Hey, I'm sure loads of you remember the card catalogs and how fun it was to research a book's location! Well, I must go. I have some follow-ups from yesterday, and I think I still owe some slides to the classes from the previous weekend. 

Then, I must get a couple of things off that to-do list. Then I can head downstairs to have fun this afternoon! I need to finish those three items, as the clock is ticking! 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!