Fear of getting rid of things

The good news is that the jacket is cut out, and I'm ready to sew it together today. Even better news: both presentations are almost finished, and I really only have to add whatever pictures I get sent by 6 PM tonight. After that, I don't add the pictures. 

I laugh LOUDLY when someone sends me pictures while I'm giving the presentation or just before, expecting them to be in the presentation. I used to run around making that happen. I don't do that anymore. 

I have a personal morning routine and often have multiple classes, so when someone sends me a picture, I could already be on a call or walking the dogs. I try to remind people every month—6 PM the night before —but it takes time to train them! I just ignore the late pictures now. 

As for the weddings? No weddings for years! And then two this year, and BOTH of them wanted the guests to wear a specific color. I am so tempted to just say NO, but I should have said NO months ago, before I even started this jacket. It's kind of late at this point, and I can always use the jacket as a sample, so it won't go to waste. 

Both weddings are family members, and one of the brides is a close family member. There is a color theme. I drew the line when it was suggested that we all buy a dress from the same website (Bridemaid's dresses, no less! I don't think that is going to happen, since I'm not planning to wear a dress. If I were a bridesmaid—I'd be happy to accommodate the bride and wear the color she wants —but as the mother of the bride, or especially a guest, who the heck cares what color I wear? 

Trust me -- I've made it very public that I may end up going in pink bike shorts if the jacket doesn't get done! I think it's absolutely ridiculous and I'm really regretting that I didn't say that sooner. Sigh..............

BUT, on the bright side, I have learned a lot while making that jacket, so I can't totally discount the fact that I'm making it. I was going to make a matching skirt and even bought the fabric. That's when I thought - how cute. That thought has long gone, and I'll be wearing a color NOT normally worn to weddings. That's my protest!!! And if the jacket needs to come off? Guess what? I'll look like I'm going to a funeral, and I don't really care! But we won't tell anyone about my plans! I'm going on a wandering vacation after the wedding, and I don't want to be tied down by luggage. 

Darn—I could have worn a pink scarf—silly me. My brain wasn't thinking. 

I continued to put stuff away yesterday, and this is one of the fabrics I recently purchased. OK—so I did buy a couple of things just because. This was in the half-price sale bin, and while that picture looks very weird, it's because of the neutrality of the print and the color (lime green) that I bought it. 

Lime green fabric

This one was intriguing as it was a fabric made of selvages. I imagine that these are real selvages from over the years. 

Selvage fabric

Can you believe that the repeat was TWO METERS long? OK -- I confess that I bought two meters of it. 

The repeat of the selvage fabric

Then I got some scrappy hourglass blocks sewn, pressed, and trimmed. 

Scrappy hourglass blocks done!

And then they went into the container with all the trimmed ones, as well as some triangles that are waiting to be turned into hourglass blocks. More stuff cleared up in Studio B. 

The container with the scrappy hourglass blocks

This was a table runner (pulled from those bins in the "to be quilted" area) that I quilted for my Facebook Live using the Large Magnetic Hoop. I finished the final hooping of embroidery last week, and it was hanging around, so I trimmed it. 

Trimming the table runner

It's now ready for binding. And I have to tuck the thread ends in, which is a good job to do while on the Virtual Retreat call tomorrow. This was from a class at Ruti's Needlebed back in 2012 or thereabouts. 

The table runner is ready for binding.

I had one more wall hanging that needed to have the binding put on, but it also needed a quilt sleeve. That got made, and I'll attach the binding either later today or tomorrow. It depends on whether I need a break from sewing that jacket. 

The sleeve is on this wall hanging.

We are getting a ton of rain these days. Thankfully, no thunderstorms in the last couple of days, but the rain! 

Guess who got all gussied up yesterday? Miss Murphy, and look how pretty she looks. 

MOM - I HATE going to the groomer

And now you can see her white socks!!! 

Pretty white socks

She did come home very stressed and had leg spasms, which she had never had before. But I lay down with her for a while, and soon she was her own self again. She goes to the groomer every 6 months, but as she gets older, I guess the stress of standing for two hours is becoming too much for her. I will address that with the groomer for next time. Maybe she needs a break. 

She was super excited when she realized that she was going in the car. Ran around like an idiot, and when we got out at the groomer (right beside a vet), the smells were insane. BUT when I opened the door to the groomer? That was another story. She wasn't super excited to go in. They have treats you can buy -- I might have to buy her one once inside to show her this is not a scary place. 

I came across this article about decluttering when I was tidying up the desk. It's easy to believe that getting rid of the stuff isn't really the problem; it's the fear of doing so for various reasons that is the problem.

• What if I need that? 
• I should keep it - just in case!
• Someone gave that to me.
• I'm not sure, so I'll just keep it! 
• What if it's worth something? 

How many of those statements have gone through your mind as you hold something in your hand? It happens to me all the time. But here are a few things that I've learned: 

What if I need that? 

You need to evaluate what you are throwing out. Most information can easily be found on the internet or in your digital files. If it is a physical thing, unless it's something extremely rare, you can always buy it again if you need it. And do you need every scrap of wood or fabric around? You do not! And if you choose to keep it -- then get it organized so it's not clutter. Find a home for it! 

I should keep it - just in case! 

Seriously? Do you really need to be the one to produce every single item that someone (including you) will need for the future? How much room is that taking up in your house? That's like keeping your child's toys so you can pass them along to the grandchildren. It's NOT going to happen. There will be new characters and colors that the grandchildren will want, not the ones from years ago. If someone can use the item now, get rid of it and let someone else use it. Many items become dated, and sadly, our world today doesn't do dated. Now, if that item is special for whatever reason, keep it, but don't keep it just because—make sure you have a specific reason for keeping it. I could never understand the people with massive purses filled with items - just in case!! My shoulders tremble at the thought of carrying that around. 

Someone gave that to me. 

Oh boy—just because some gave you something is no reason to keep it. If you don't like the item, you are finished with it, or it doesn't fit - find a way to exchange it or give it away. There is a very good chance that after one year (or less), they will NOT remember giving you that item. Unless it's something they made or have a family connection to. But a store-bought item? They won't remember. Think back to that memory quilt that I was supposed to make for that woman. When I asked her about it, she didn't even remember it!!! I have a couple of jigsaw puzzles that I was going to keep because of who gave them to me. You know what? When I'm back from my vacation, the current one on the table, which is complete (and related to the vacation), will be packed up and passed along. It's nice, but I will likely never do it again, so there's no reason to keep it. I'll have the memories, and that's all that counts. 

I'm not sure, so I'll just keep it. 

Come on!!! That is NOT an excuse - that is being lazy and not wanting to make the actual decision. Do you want it, need it? If the answer is no -- then just get rid of it!!!

What if it's worth something someday? 

You can easily do some research NOW to see the trend in the value of things. Most old things, especially toys and games, are only worth a lot of money if they are in their original boxes. Which means they were never played with, and therefore don't have memories. Google almost anything, and you can get an idea, but most things? They will not be worth what you think they are. Electronics and other tools? Newer models come out all the time, so if you think you are going to make a ton of money reselling them, think again. I recently sold a Cricut machine. Do you know that you can buy a refurbished one for under $180? So I certainly couldn't sell mine for more than what the market will bear! 

Take each item that you are struggling with and put it in a place of honor in your house - maybe the kitchen counter or the kitchen table. Live with it for a day and visualize what will happen to that item. I think it's easier to get rid of something if you see it every day than if it's hidden in a box, where you can ignore it. Now, it's easy to ask the questions—why am I keeping this, and what will I do with it? 

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

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Here is the link for the Virtual Retreat. Remember—there is ONLY a retreat on SATURDAY. There won't be anything on Sunday, as I scramble to pack my few items for my vacation. 

Saturday, April 18 - Starts at 3 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89610782501?pwd=7dCrhiL5t8Xa4TVwZPvhL6cOymbcjK.1

Meeting ID: 896 1078 2501
Passcode: 148311

I've got mail!

And????? Do you think I made it? I did!! The eighth dog quilt is quilted! However, I finished it this morning - too heck if it wakes up the family! I had a lot of interruptions yesterday afternoon, and I was too tired to stand at the machine last night. So it's done, but it's still on the long arm. I'll take it off once the girls have their walk. Oops -- girls and the boy!

A lot happened, and it was all for the better. Instead of my having to chase a couple of people down, they contacted me! And that is now one thing I can cross off the list. I have several things on the "to-do" list for today, and some of them involve finishing cleaning up the backyard before the snow comes. I hear we may have snow this weekend. Ugh! BUT -- we must remember that the city is going to clear our windrows at the end of our driveway, so I don't really care!

It's incredible how many appointments you need to book. I'm not good with booking them, and well, I booked TWO of them yesterday ONLINE! I know it's totally faster than calling, so I decided I needed to get my butt in gear and do that. It was quick and easy! Then DH, SIL, and I had a discussion at dinner about how AI could do that. BUT would AI pick times I wanted? No -- it would only book according to my parameters, and by the time I did that, I could have the appointments booked. 

Additionally, when you provide AI with parameters, you have no idea what the options are for appointments. Thank you, but I'll book my own appointments. Maybe one day, but not today. 

But someone got a haircut yesterday. Murphy was looking pretty scruffy and was in desperate need of a deshedding and a haircut. 

MOM - I don't need a haircut - I'm a shaggy dog

What makes this so amusing is that when I first saw her as a one-year-old, I thought the feathers (the hair along her legs) were gorgeous. Her previous owner was taking her for a grooming before I picked her up, and I asked her to keep that hair. Now? I just tell the groomer to take off as much as he can without making her look bad! She is a magnet for bringing all kinds of debris into the house. We might as well be living outside, as there are that many leaves on the floor. OK -- it's not that bad! What's the point of cleaning them up? More will come in. Then, when there is more than one, it's worth my while to pick them up! Yes - our house is not pristine - dogs and people live here. 

MOM -- the hair keeps my privates warm

She did NOT want to pose for pictures when I got her home. And even though the groomer (Daniel) said she was good, it was exhausting for her. And she did NOT like the fact that he shaved her feet. She wasn't happy about that.

Here's her "before" headshot. 

MOM - I don't need to be groomed

And after. OK -- this does not show Murphy's new haircut off well, as she would NOT put her ears up! What a silly girl. 

MOM - I'm so pretty!

But look at those feet! Beautiful! It's like she has socks!

MOM - I have socks!

This is the best picture I could get of her. 

Mom - enough pictures, I need to get out!

And she even came home with a pretty flower! Don't worry - I gave him a big tip! AND I booked her next appointment. 

Murphy's pretty flower

So my other SIL and niece popped over for a bit, which is what put me behind in getting my quilt done. They are here on a very short visit to attend a wedding. They had found a small package on the front step, and I didn't know until they were leaving, as I then saw it on the half-wall by the front door. Hmmm - I don't remember ordering anything. It has my name on it - I was excited to open it and see what it was. 

OH MY GOD - I almost had a heart attack when I opened it. No, it was not some obscene thing that someone sent me. Can you guess? Something I ordered a month ago. Something I ordered more than once. And then the problem got fixed, so I never gave it further thought. 

The remote! 

Yep, that would be the remote. Are you kidding me? And it came by courier. The first of the three orders we placed was on October 8th. Who knows what will happen about the other two? What's hilarious is that I ordered something yesterday morning. By the afternoon, I had a tracking number. Like seriously? 

I need to take a closer look at this today, but I spotted a circle of fungi on the lawn. Make that two lawns as it crosses the property line. What would make fungi grow in a circle like that? 

A circle of fungi

Back to the dog quilts. There was this large mass in one of the battings, and at first, I was OK with it. But as it was going on, the long arm - wait, it was already on the long arm - I knew I didn't want that in a quilt.

A batting mass

So I chopped it out and added in a patch. I felt much better about that. It was obviously several errant layers of batting that got caught up, and that area was significantly thicker than the rest. 

The batting needed a patch

While I had the long arm working this morning, I needed to get my head around the bindings, and I even pulled out the basket of black fabric. 

WAIT a minute - I remember having a rogue brown binding that I had made for a quilt. I had forgotten I made it and used something else. Where is that brown binding? AHA -- it was on the current project table. Easy to find. That will work for one of the quilts. 

A brown binding is already made

Then I decided it was better to get out my leftover bits of binding to see what I could find in there before I started making new ones. 

The box of batting bits

Hmmm —that's intimidating, so I started sorting by color. I found a large hunk of black binding, along with many other pieces of solid black. That should work for at least three, if not four, of the bindings. 

A long length of black binding

I also found some binding in one of the fabrics I've used in the quilts. 

A dog fabric binding bit

And I managed to get it all sorted. I'm not sure how I'll put it back in that container - should I press some of the bits first? I may just do that, although I don't really have time. I'll see how the day goes. I need to work on my writing assignment, and I have four customer quilts scheduled for this coming week, in addition to binding those eight quilts. 

The box for the binding bits is empty

This is where I store my thread for the long arm, as well as some other threads for sewing and appliqué. The entire cabinet is devoted to thread. I needed some thread to finish quilting the quilt, so I started rummaging in the cabinet. 

One of my three storage areas for thread

This is a rogue basket of thread. The threads (quilting) are sorted by color, but this basket has whatever wouldn't fit into the appropriate color basket. There was some empty space in some of the baskets now, so I've removed some of the spools; however, there is still more to deal with in the future. I need to take a closer look at this basket before I place a thread order.

Extra threads

Funny how quickly one thing leads to another! And down the rabbit hole you go! However, I'm pleased to report that all my threads, fabric, binding bits, and other materials are now sorted. They are at least stored in the same spot, and when I sort through something, I'm seeing all that I have. That's huge! It never used to be like that in Studio B, and it was a nightmare. I'm sure I'll continue to find some rogue things in various places, and there are a few missing things, but all is good!

As you know, I've been nagging about learning. And I need to take some time to learn new things. Well, I even had time yesterday to watch some instructional videos. YES -- I know they are videos and not a book. That's because I've read the book and am now looking for a different perspective from others. As much as I feel I know this subject, I learned a couple of new things, and it reinforced what I already knew. There are many more videos! Learning is a never-ending thing! The next time you have a few minutes to "waste" by watching reels on Facebook, find an instructional video of whatever your subject is and watch it! 

Now I need to learn how to give Bear a dog facial. He has goopy eyes, and I wasn't clearing them well, so now he's a mess again. I'd better get him cleaned up before he goes home. Thankfully, I still have time! Warm compresses - he needs warm compresses!

To end today, this is what happens when you rummage in the cupboard where the treats are. And yes -- there are two leaves on the floor with a few more in the background. Murphy deserved a few treats because she was such a good girl, and of course, the other two needed some as well. They were her emotional support dogs! 

Mom - It's TREAT time!

And that's it for today. Another busy day (when is it not?), but I'd like to spend most of it downstairs or in the backyard. However, I have a couple of emails and appointments to attend to, so I had better get those done as well. Don't you worry about me and time - I read every day, both audiobook and ebooks, and I walk a lot. I'm getting plenty of ME time! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

Snowballs!

Oh dear --- the quilt history story is NOT happening again this morning. A bit pressed for time, and I want to do some more research, so we'll have to hand tight on that one. 

I think I will have to shop for a pair of jeans. I knew the thigh part was going to start to have holes, and I saw the first one poking its head out. YES -- I know having holes in your jeans is fashionable, but I'm OK with no holes. But that means a shopping trip, which is not one of my favorite things to do. I must check my drawer to see if there's anything I can dig out. I must have another pair of pants somewhere!

Yesterday was a "traumatic" day - well, morning with the girls. We had snow the day before, and of course, they all LOVE to traipse in the snow, including the little guy. He seems to thrive on it, except for this. It's hard to see because his fur and the snow are white, but he was covered in snowballs. 

SNOWBALLS

His legs (up to his tummy) were covered in snowballs! So I brought him in the house and put him in the kitchen sink, where I tried to remove his sweater, which didn't work well since the sleeves were tight, and it was hard to get the snow through the sleeves. I dropped the sweater in the sink of warm water. But all was saved, and Bear was snow-free; although he was wet, he didn't care. 

Then, it was Murphy's turn for a walk, and the same thing happened. However, I'm not putting her in the kitchen sink, so it melted, and I cleaned it up. 

More snowballs

And then there is Lexi, who comes in clean as a whistle regardless of the weather. I swear she prances around the house, pointing that out to the other two. 

No snowballs

But dogs are like kids. Where will they walk in if there is a clear sidewalk or snowbank? The snowbank, of course!!!

Then Murphy got to go for a car ride. It's not her first time, as she had to go to the vet a while back for her shots. I put a blanket over the back seat and put her in the cargo area. I LOVE this as I had to put the seats down in my other car, and well, it was a mess. This keeps things pretty clean. 

MOM -- I can see people, and they are smiling at me! 

I mean, how cute is this? Oh, Murphy!!!!

MOM -- you're a long way away!

And when she got home, she was all pretty! Yep -- she went to the groomers. 

MOM - -they cut my hair off! 

She even got a personalized bandana!!! 

I have been very hesitant about taking her to a groomer, but she desperately needed it. Previously, we have been asked not to return or to come first thing in the morning, and she would be rushed through. Why? Because she barks all the time. 

I was leery, so I arrived at the shop with great trepidation. Of course, when she got into the store, she barked. I started to tell her to be quiet, and the groomer came out and said, "Murphy is feeding off your energy; you need to relax." And that DAMN dog listened to her and stopped barking. Oh, Murphy, you made a fool out of me. 

She was quiet the ENTIRE time that we filled out the paperwork. She did bark when another lady came in to get her dog, but I left. When I arrived back at the groomer, I did NOT hear Murphy. This lady is fantastic, and Murphy was happy as a clam. Guess who is going to the groomer regularly? And guess who else is going to go? Yep --- all three of them!

Of course, when Murphy came into the house, she ran right to the water bowl, and there was a butt-sniffing thing going on as the other two didn't know what happened. 

MOM -- who is this clean-smelling dog?

I had to drive DH to the train station, and this is what was in the window when I returned from the gym. 

MOM -- can you see us? We're guarding the house! 

Yes -- there is a little white head on the left of the center window and a big golden head on the other side. They are so funny!!!

OK -- and now for some quilting stuff. During Monday's Sewing, I finally unpicked the borders for my Green Tea and Sweet Beans. 

Hated the vine border on this quilt

I will make the applique border, but I didn't like the wonky vines. Some vines were stitched down, but I took it all apart yesterday. 

Taking apart the vine border

There was glue and green bits from the stems and, of course, my stitching marks. 

Looks bad

Oh shoot, I didn't take a picture, but I returned to the kitchen sink with the four border pieces this time. I soaked them for a couple of hours, and I'm not sure it got rid of the WATER SOLUABLE glue -- how can that be? Anyway --- it's as good as it's going to get, and I'll just wash the quilt when it's done. 

I will try something new for the applique on the borders, and I need to work on that. So now that everything is apart, it should be easy to assemble it again. I'm OK with wonky things, but those vines were too wonky for my taste. 

I finally unpacked that suitcase that I brought home from the farm. Some of it is going to our journal-making retreat for the next couple of days. And some of it is staying home, and I'll deal with it later. But look at the treasure I found. I had this darn box in my hand in September, but I left it on a cupboard. Yep -- those are paper dolls, and they are from BEFORE my time. 

Paper dolls

They are well-used and beyond being of any value except sentimental value. I have some original clothes and tons that were handmade. I remember playing with these as a kid. 

Paper doll clothes

And, of course, there was my helper! He is everywhere! 

Grandma -- I can be the helper dog! 

My contact list is still a total disaster. There are old email addresses for some people, and I'm trying to delete them. I just figured out how to get the list in alphabetical order, and I really need to be ruthless and just DELETE anyone to whom I currently do not send emails. Somehow, the list they recovered was from when I worked at Northcott, so all my old contacts were recovered, not any of the ones I use today. How did that happen? 

Anyway, I sent an email to the Machine Embroidery group this morning, so if you want to be in that group and have yet to receive an email from me this morning (two, as a matter of fact), please email me. I've been sorting emails and seem to have lost some of the recent ones. So help me -- email will be the death of me! Hopefully, I got everyone. 

And I also sent a note to those people on the Many Blocks quilts. This is for the insane people who signed up for one of those massive daily block quilts or something like Dear Jane. Let me know if you are currently working on one of those big projects and want some motivation from others. 

I think everyone in the UFO groups got an email last night, so if you want anything to do with UFO, you should also have an email. 

I will acknowledge and finalize the digital cuter list by the end of the weekend, so if you haven't paid yet - be sure to do so. The last group is Out of the Box, and if anyone wants to give that challenge a whirl, it's a great way to be creative and not necessarily with fabric!!! 

I will be glad when this email mess is over. I can only thank my lucky stars that it happened when it did- the timing was perfect for an email catastrophe, and I am equally fortunate that the number of groups it affected is the fewest it's been in years. So suck it up, princess -- you're almost done!

I think I have all of you or some of you at least to thank for moving me beyond murder mysteries to read. I get recommendations all the time, and I put them on my reading list. Sometimes, when a book comes in, I wonder why I ordered it or what it's about. Because of these recommendations, I have learned to branch out from the usual genres!! Thanks, Torry, for the new recommendation. I've got it on hold. 

On that note, I have to get myself organized and get out of here before the bad weather arrives. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!