Collaboration and quilts

OH -- I'm a scammer! I did NOT dust any teapots yesterday! 

I arrived at the apartment and decided to work on the binding (edge) of that hexagon quilt while I finished drinking my tea. I'm a slow drinker. 

Well, then, we got a call that someone (the lady who used to rent the farm) was coming to visit, so that preempted any teapot dusting. Once she and her new beau left (her husband has passed away), it was time to head out to visit one more aunt, and well, there just wasn't time to dust those teapots. Oh my-- what a shame. 

I have something to look forward to for the next trip! LOL!! 

I'm happy to say I got a lot of paperwork cleared up for them, and it all got filed last night, except for two things: one concerns an upcoming appointment, and the other is pending a response from someone else. That's pretty good. I mean, we are not talking a ton of stuff, but it's niggling things they get in the mail and have no idea how to deal with. 

That is all put to bed now until the next time I come. Oh, what fun! But it's so much less than it was in the last couple of years, so all is good. 

There are so many things I'd love to do or teach, but we must not let our lives become too complicated and overrun with projects when we are all trying to downsize. Here's an FYI about the Elizabeth Hartman pattern. When I sat down to chat with some friends at the Saskatoon show, someone pulled out this pattern that they had just purchased! 

Elizabeth Hartman Show and Tell pattern

I know it is available as a PDF, but I like patterns. I will get my copy next week when I pick up an order that has been on hold for me. I will NOT start the pattern, and I will not offer it up as a class until next year. I want to give all of us a fair shake and get things done, so once Colour My World is done (June), the fall is fair game to start something new. I know—there will likely be something new at that time, but that's OK. How many people are going to jump right into this, besides Becky! And I owe her a wee job that I didn't do while traveling, so maybe at the airport, or even this morning, I can see what I can do. 

And now, an update on the scrap quilt session. At this point, I'm thinking of having a ONE-HOUR Zoom. My goal is not so much to teach new material but to serve as a moderator/compiler of existing material. The plan is that everyone who participates will present at least ONE of their favorite scrap quilts. (I know it will be tough to choose only one.) And then I know everyone has excellent tips for storing, cutting, and sewing scraps, and I want to share them all with each other. If we can't fit it into one hour, then we'll have a second session. If you are currently NOT a scrap quilt and have no favorite or tips, then you will for sure want to attend to get all the information! There will be a small fee, as I envision it will take some work to compile the information.  

I have seen some amazing scrap quilts—they are my favorite—and it would be fun to have a "catalogue" of easy, FREE patterns or styles. I can't wait to find a date and go with it. I'm thinking early January, so we are all fired up to get sewing in the new year. Watch the blog for more details. 

I got to meet my new third cousin yesterday. He's now three months old. Shoot, I didn't get a picture. But oh my, it's been a long time since I held a baby in my arms. ACK - it feels awkward! But he's a little cutey and a pretty good baby. He's growing like a weed and has the cutest BIG dimple on his chin. 

I decided to post some more pictures of quilts from the Saskatoon Quilt Show. And both of the quilts are ribbon winners, and they belong to people I know and have met! 

OH—sorry—there are three quilts, and the first one didn't win a ribbon, but it's cute. 

Look at this adorable woodland creature quilt. It's appliqué using minky for the animals. And it's custom quilted by Cathy H. She is a master at using her computerized long arm to custom quilt. I know how to operate my computer, but Cathy knows how to make hers sing! 

Catappliquéliqué quilt

OH _- I just read the label -- it's an original design!! You can always click on a picture to make it larger if you can't read it. I had to! 

The label for Cathy's quilt

And Colette (Cathy's friend) knows how to paint —look what she did with the eyes and nose. That is amazing and adds so much to the quilt. A great collaboration, even if Cathy did most of the work. 

Look at the facial detail!

The next quilt was made by Colette and mostly quilted by Cathy. These ladies work very well together, and they are fortunate to have each other! This is a reasonably large quilt with loads of challenges. If memory serves me correctly, as I'm not sure all this is on the label, the background was pieced by Colette and then quilted by Cathy—again, custom —at least with different quilting in the sky than in the grass. Then the tree was appliquéd on, and I think that was quilted. Then Colette had the fun task of adding the leaves (cut on her digital cutter), and stitched in place. OH -- and when the quilting happened for the bike, Cathy got creative and added the bike spokes, and Colette had to appliquélique the bike to match the quilting. Something like that. It was a very custom job and a great collaboration between two friends. 

Colette's quilt

The label

Can you imagine doing all appliquéliqué on a quilt that's already quilted? It must have taken a very long time. I know it did, because I followed Colette on that journey, and the results are stunning!! GREAT JOB!!!!

Details of Colette's quilt

An appliquédiqued leaf

While the quilt didn't win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, it received an honorable mention, indicating the committee had a tough time deciding. There was no HM in many categories. Colette, Cathy—great job on the quilt. I had seen pictures of it, but seeing it in person, you can really appreciate the work. 

Colette's Honourable Mention

And the last quilt for today is Cathy's Tula Pink Butterfly. 

Tula Pink Butterfly quilt

This won first place in Traditional Pieced, Moveable Machine Quilted Large category. Congratulations Cathy!!!!

FIRST PLACE

The quilting on this quilt is spectacular. I believe this was a purchased pattern that was then quilted on the quilt. Do not, for one instance, think that this was easy. Even with the purchased quilt design, the placement of it and the precision required to make it fit are huge! As I mentioned, Cathy has the talent and knowledge to pull this off. 

There is only one slight detail that I want her to change! Yep—she needs to just say THANK YOU when anyone compliments her work. Her work is brilliant, and just because you have a computerized long arm doesn't mean you can do the same thing. You could, but can you? There is a difference. Her quilting on the machine is fantastic. 

The great quilting is also an indication of the piecing. If the piecing is greatly off, a pattern like this won't work well on it!!!

The label

Detail of the quilting

Kudos to Cathy and Colette for your amazing quilts!! 

Oh, someone asked about the bread fabric. It's in the car at the moment. I'll grab the information off the selvage, but you can buy it at MaMi's Country Quilts. They are located in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan. Everyone has told me I need to visit that store, and I never even think about it when I'm here. After seeing their booth, I need to go. It's fantastic, and they do a lot of pattern design in their shop. If I remember correctly, it's a young girl doing the designing. Yeah, for the youth—they will save quilting. 

Duck Lake is in the news—if you haven't heard—and not because there is a fantastic quilt store. NO -- the town wants to sell the naming rights to their town to raise money. It's a very bizarre idea. I say find another way to inject cash into your city than by selling naming rights. What happens when that sponsor decides to opt out? 

Perhaps, they need to look at Hamilton, Missouri, and see what they did. There is already a facility for retreats -- why can't this store in the middle of nowhere become a famous quilt destination? Hmm --- I need to send them a note. OH GOD -- I had some time to kill this morning, so I wrote them a note and sent them some links. People—we need to get real and take responsibility. They could have a real winner here. And why can't Canadians have their equivalent of Hamilton? 

And if anyone is interested, I woke up early this morning and decided to look up information about the house I used to live in, which is two blocks away. I found it! What can you NOT find on the internet these days? Here is a link to the inside. I'm not a fan of the way it's been decorated, and I'm not even sure that I like all that wood, but it's a beautiful and unusual house (brick) in this area. 

Well, I'm off on another adventure and then need to get my butt to the airport. It is so darn confusing to catch a plane. If I look at my calendar on my laptop (which NEVER changes time zones), the flight is at 4:30. But it's actually at 2:30 in this time zone. So I do NOT look at my computer. I only look at the app on my phone. 

By the way, and I know that many of you are already way ahead of me, but I like to make lists, and I use paper. Well, I moved the NOTES app to the front page on my phone and am now trying to use that. I have a list of emails to send when I get home and things to add to my YouTube channel, which is pretty sad at the moment. So you will have things to watch for there. 

Anyway, I'm trying to become paperless, but that won't happen overnight —I can try. 

So if you are interested in the scrap class (for lack of a better word), then contemplate what your go-to scrap quilt pattern is and what would be your favorite tip (s). Once I get the distribution list for this, I'll be sending more details. This way, I can compile the tips and quilts, so we don't have duplicates. I'll put it together in a PDF, and we'll have a fantastic reference for the new year to get to work on our scraps and scrap quilts! I can hardly wait for that! 

If all goes well, I'll be home tonight and the blog will carry on tomorrow. If it's late or missing, then something happened. But all will be good. I have faith!

On that note, I'm out of here. I have to figure out how to get my big (but not heavy) suitcase up the narrow, steep stairs. I should be fine!

WAIT -- I forgot to tell you that with all the visiting I did yesterday at the apartment, I finished ONE COMPLETE side of the hexagon quilt. YES!!! So there remains one more side, and then I have to quilt around the entire perimeter to hold the edge in place. I am going to make it. This quilt resides on the "things to do while on Zoom" table, and I need to tackle that. BUT there are also boxes of scraps that need to be cut, and now that we are going to have this session (I see a few sessions, just to cover all the ideas), I'd better get myself in gear. I also need to find my favorite scrap quilt pattern—I think I already know what it is, and I have some tips. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

PS -- As I'm writing this, you must be wondering how my brain works. There are some mornings when I wake up and the first thing I do is open the computer to write the blog. I'm still in this wobbly bed in my PJs. I never know what I'll write about—I just start writing. So the Duck Lake thing? That just popped up! I love to write, and perhaps the beauty of following this blog -- you can't say that it's boring, or I hope you don't, and you never know what will entertain my little mind!!! What fun -- I get so much enjoyment out of writing that I can't NOT write! 

PSS -- OH - and another trip has popped up in my future. I need to completely retire so I will have time to get all this in! Oh my -- I need another list! 

This time, I'm really gone! 

Winding down

Thanks for the ideas about getting rid of the stamps. It's summer time, so I'm not going to worry about them for the moment, but yes - even my Mom said - I guess it's a fad, and no one does that stuff anymore. 

She's right, and she recognizes that --- there is a silver lining in the fact that she acknowledges that. But it doesn't help to get rid of this stuff. Although I listed a grouping of them on one site and received a bite, I'm dropping off a bag of stamps this morning. I think it's the easiest bunch to get rid of -- the big squares of textures. 

I reorganized the stamps into boxes, and that darn closet is almost filled with stuff she doesn't want. So I must do some thinking, make some calls (they have a Boys and Girls Club here), and they might take some of them. I doubt I'll be as lucky to find a buyer for that group, and I sold them for a low price.  

I know this is a terrible thing to say, but while she says thank-you, why do I not feel appreciated for doing all this work? And the lack of trust — she wanted to see the picture one more time to confirm that I had actually sold what I said I would. How many did I sell? She was going to pack them in the bag, but I said I would do it this morning, when I stop by to say goodbye. Then I decided to do that last night and put the bag in the car! I don't trust her to remove a few!!!! That's bad, but anyway --- not going to go there! 

And she sure doesn't appreciate all that my Dad does for her. At least she doesn't verbalize it. Just bite your tongue! 

Let's see what happens. 

So, we know where all the fans are located. Here! When our fan broke back home, I went to find a replacement, and there was only a small version available. There were three massive skids of fans here, along with a complete aisle full of fans. 

Anyone need a fan? 

How about a bigger fan? 

And even more fans! 

There's no room to pack a fan, but I'd be tempted! Anyway -- we are fine back home. 

I took a picture of my waist belt, but you can't really see it because it's black and I'm wearing black. You can see the reflective strips along the front. Did I mention that I have room to put the ginormous key fob for the car in there as well? 

My waist pouch 

It's so slim that it fits around your waist without you even noticing it. And when you pull your T-shirt over -- it's invisible. It's definitely a great thing to travel with. 

My Dad and I spent some time visiting with another aunt, but she was also becoming a great-grandmother for the second time, so we didn't stay too long, although we did overstay our welcome a bit. As soon as we left, they left for the hospital. The poor mother had to have a C-section as she was overdue, and inducing didn't seem to be working. It's a boy!!! Good luck to everyone!!! 

This will be a brief update this morning, as I need to head to the airport for my flight. And I had one of those nights when I went to bed, and I was not tired in the least. I finally fell asleep, but very late. Why is that? Your brain just doesn't shut off or refuses to be tired, and I know I'm going to be exhausted later today. I'm not happy about that, but what can I do? Nothing! I may need to stop for a wee catnap on the drive! 

I will not be getting an upgrade on this flight as I'm number 6 in line. Well, no big deal - it's only a three-hour flight, so I can handle that. 

After six days of being away, it's definitely time to hit the road, and I can't wait to see the girls later today. Perhaps next summer, I'll stay home so I can fully enjoy my backyard for the entire season. July ended up being a bit of a silly month, and it's not over yet. 

I have so much to get done this coming week that I'm not sure where to start, but I'll just do what I can. I did NOT finish the second side of the quilt, and I was going to bring it back anyway. So I stuffed it into my suitcase and I'll finish it at home on Zoom. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Sunrise on the prairies

I am shocked! I bought a cream that was recommended by my friends who have had nerve issues in the past. What can a cream do? Very skeptically, I applied some to my affected area. It took a while to take effect, but it made the day much more pleasant. It's called LivRelief, and you can bet that I'll be using it. I may not even need that stick for the flight home! There is a light at the end of the tunnel - at least for today. 

Thanks to everyone who recommended that product. It's not a cure, but the bite of the pain has subsided. That didn't help me when I returned to bed this morning and made a sudden, wrong move. But I digress. 

I had another successful day of arranging things. I went back to Walmart to exchange socks, only to have to go back one more time this morning to exchange them yet again. But at least we found something Dad can put on himself and that he likes. That's all that counts. I'm not happy with the quality—these are diabetic socks, which are more than likely worn by someone wearing house shoes or slippers, not work boots. 

We did banking (two banks), found a house cleaner, picked up a quilt that I need to take home, and many other fun things. I only brought a small suitcase, and now I have a big quilt to take home, so packing will be entertaining this morning. Thankfully, I had a folding shopping bag, so I checked the suitcase and will carry some stuff in the bag on the plane, along with my backpack. Hopefully, the quilt can be crammed into the suitcase. I'll make it work, and you'll see more about the quilt when I get home. It will be a "fun" job to finish and a perfect example for my binding class. 

It's funny how examples fall into your lap when you least expect them. 

This morning has to be short as I'm running out of time. Why? Did I sleep in? No - I had a book to finish. I know - but I just couldn't get into this book and couldn't read much on the plane. But it's called Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce. Well, I finished it in time. I had ONE hour left before it was going to be returned. It's funny, it's sad, and, well, it's an intriguing read about learning to break out of your shell. Get up your GUMPTION, and you can do anything! 

The sunrise was happening as I drove to the apartment yesterday at 9:30 a.m. I wanted to stop and take a picture because it was spectacular. However, that was not an option as I was on the bridge, so I had to drive a little further to get off the bridge and past the town. This is what I saw. 

Sunrise on the prairies

Before the sun appeared, the "flame" shooting into the sky was very long, and it was amazing!!! This is the best I could get. Where in Ontario (at least in the city) would you ever see this? The sun came out and slid immediately behind the clouds for the day. 

The temperature? A mere minus 25 without the windchill! 

The temperature at 9:30 a.m.

It actually warmed up to minus 18 during the day. How civilized. It's currently minus 23, so that's an improvement. It will get much warmer as soon as I leave!

I couldn't help myself. As I walked past the puzzle in the apartment's common room, I had to place a puzzle piece. The pieces left are for the grey background, so it will take some work. I'll leave them to that. 

I found a piece! 

Perhaps when I get home, I'll dig one out and take a wee break. Then, I can get to work with a vengeance. While I only have the two UFO Zooms left for this year, and I just have a bit of work to complete my homework, there is MUCH else to do. 

It was a day of visitors, as my aunt and second cousin stopped by my parents to say hello and brought an incredible tray of homemade goodies. Shoot, I forgot to post the picture of that. Thanks so much to Arlene, Jaxxon, and Sadie (the dog) for the visit. 

Then, on my way to the hotel last night, I stopped to visit another aunt, Norma. We had a good visit, and I picked up one more thing to bring home from her. Yes, I will have to do creative packing, so I checked that small bag. It's just going to be easier. 

I also chatted with my Aunt Irene, a quilter, on the phone. So, I made good rounds of visiting the family in a minimal time frame! 

The weather will be much nicer next time I'm back, and I'll have more time!

Speaking of time, I must get going as I have two errands to get done before I head to the apartment. My flight is at 1:30, and I have to get there. We had some snow and blowing snow yesterday, but I imagine the highways are fine, and I have ONE more errand to complete in Saskatoon. Since I have checked my luggage, I need time to get that thing checked. So, I will barely have time to say goodbye this morning and then be on the road, where I'll listen to my audiobook that will also disappear today because it's due in a couple of hours. 

I don't know what happened, but I had a long list of holds, each saying it would take weeks or months to arrive. Then, POOF—many arrived simultaneously. I've been delaying them, and I'll have lots next week. I'll just keep delaying them. 

I don't know who else is staying at this hotel, but they have a heavy foot! STOMP STOMP and I hear it at 3 a.m. Doors opening and closing, knocking -- I have no idea, but it has happened every night. Thankfully, I can get back to sleep quickly. 

OK -- Now I must run downstairs, get breakfast, shower quickly, pack, and leave!

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

The tinkering runs in the family

Someone asked what will happen to the house. Actually, there are two houses on the property. One is the original house that my parents moved to the farm when they bought it in 1956. Hmm—I had better check that date—but it's somewhere in that era. Perhaps I can ask Mom today because I probably know, but yet I don't know. 

That house was heated with a wood kitchen stove and two oil burners—one in the living room and one in one of the bedrooms. There was no bathroom and no running water. I lived there until I was 16! My parents bought a house from North Battleford that needed to be moved to make way for some apartment buildings, and they had it moved to the farm. 

I spent hours in the "new" house when I was a teen—trust me—I couldn't wait to move in when I could have my own room, running water, a proper furnace, and a BATHROOM. I refinished the kitchen cupboards, plastered cracks in the walls, and I'm not sure what else. I think I moved my stuff in way before anyone else moved into the house. 

Both houses became storage units! Especially after the kids moved out. 

The farm has been sold—that deal was finalized at the end of last year. Neither house is worth saving—there is tons of mold. So they will be bulldozed and then burnt. I don't want to be there that day! We all know that will happen, along with all the remaining contents. It's the way they work on the farm. 

There are some smaller outbuildings on the property, two of which will be moved soon, and the remaining small buildings will be sold if they can. The new owner is being very accommodating in letting us continue to "harvest" the crap off the property. 

I know they are chomping at the bit, as they have already bulldozed 1/3 of the hedge that surrounds the house so they can easily access the HUGE garden, which they will seed. After today, I'm washing my hands of the situation and leaving my older brother to remove the rest of the stuff since most of what's left is his. I hope that he will be finished by the end of this year, but it's not my issue. 

Eventually, that homestead will likely cease to exist. We drove past some older farmsteads that I remember visiting as a kid, and they were gone. The homestead area is now a field. That will be the same for this property. It takes little time once they get in there with the heavy equipment, take it down, burn it, and plow up the land. 

I'm flying out tonight, so I have a few things to take care of today. The car has been full and then empty, and then it had more stuff and then it didn't. So I have a few more things to dispose of today, and then I can put my suitcase in, and that's it. 

I have to pack this morning, but I think my small suitcase will fit into the large one and still include the few things I'm taking back. Yeah me!!!!

What did I do yesterday? We had some papers that needed to be dealt with, and I'm happy everything worked out at the bank. I did not have all the information, so all is good. There is no need to fly off the handle if you don't know all the details. 

I had a quilt of Mom's that she wanted me to quilt, but it was made of lining, and I didn't want to touch it with the longarm. So, I made arrangements yesterday with a group of hand quilters who will take on the project. I had to get batting and backing and will drop that off today. I had to wash the backing last night, but all is ready. 

Then I spent the afternoon with this. 

A serger

My aunt has a serger that she couldn't get to work, so I tackled it. At first, nothing moved. Was it seized up, or was it the rust, or was there humidity in it? I fiddled and fiddled, and then I could see things loosen, and then VOILA -- the entire mechanism started to move. OK -- we're over the first hurdle. Then, inserting a needle was challenging as debris was in the needle holes. I got that working and then went on to thread it. It was relatively simple, but I couldn't get it to stitch properly. Hmmm! I tinkered around with that for a couple of hours and had a good visit with my aunt. 

So I checked out a video last night, which didn't help because the one part I wanted to see wasn't visible. Let's just say if you're going to post a video on how to thread a serger, you should be thorough. They had a piece of fabric on the serger that partially covered the insides, precisely on the spot I wanted to see, so the video was useless!! People -- if you are making videos -- review them and make sure you cover ALL the details. 

I gleaned one little tip from the video and hope to return today to try that out. 

I spent part of the morning working on the files on the hard disk I brought. Oh my gosh—what a huge mess, exactly like the house. The problem is that you know exactly where that file is supposed to go, but it's at home. So, I'll have to devise an efficient system to move the data. 

It makes no sense to keep going over the same stuff—deal with it once and move on. That's how my brain functions. 

I found a 2015 to-do list. I'm sure there are still things on the list that need to be done! 

To-do from 2015

I have a folder with Things to Keep. That was my method while I was looking at all the other files. Now, I've deleted everything I didn't need from this USB, and I believe only two files are in that folder. Oh yes -- I can do this!!!!

One folder with two files 

Then I tackled that hard disk and made good headway as I sorted rogue files into folders and deleted a lot of stuff. 

A clean file structure

I think my biggest issue is going to be dealing with duplication. I know there is a ton of duplication, and not only do I need to clean that up, but I also need to prevent it in the future. Hmmm—how do I prevent that? It's mostly files from work that are duplicated, so I'll try to devise some way to keep track of the files without duplicating them. 

So, all is good, and it's an excellent task to take along on a trip, so when I have some downtime, I can tackle a few more files. 

OH -- look at the price of cotton at the Fabricland here. It's always been crazy, but the deep discounts to members make the price reasonable. I happened to be in this Fabricland several times yesterday, and both times, people were trying to get the member price without an actual card. "I'll get someone to send me a picture of the card because I don't have it with me." Someone just purchased a card but didn't have it with them, but they happened to have the receipt. Three separate incidents. Hmmm -- perhaps they all share the same card!!!

$30 a meter for Oh Canada fabric

While we were cleaning out the house, my aunt spotted these. I never paid attention to them and brought them in so Mom could salvage the yarn. She said she wasn't doing that as they were sweaters and then asked if I recognized them. OH GOSH—I knit those when I was about 16. 

A sweater I knit when I was 16

Another sweater

The happy news is that I easily fit in both of them! After how many years? But the yarn is pretty scratchy, and I could never wear them. So they are donated. 

I have a bit of stuff to go through this morning. I wish I could go through this with my Mom and let her enjoy some of her stuff one last time, but I know she'll want it. So I'm taking some pictures and potentially removing some small items, but then it returns to the house. 

WAIT A MINUTE—there is something else I'm cleaning today at the apartment. I'll try to take a picture before I start. What drives me crazy is that she keeps it if she doesn't know what to do with it. Well, ASK!!!!! And then she gets mad at my dad if he doesn't know the answer, and stuff around the house is not his department. Sigh. I must remember to keep asking if there are things she doesn't know what to deal with. 

But at least we are making forward progress with her thoughts, and that's all that counts. I guess when I'm back, I'll have to start going through the cupboards and closets to see what I can get rid of. I know I have a big job ahead of me when I return, but I won't have to go to the farm for that. Well, technically, it's no longer our farm!!! 

On that note, I'm getting hungry, and it's time for breakfast. 

Have a super day!

Ciao!!!

Nearly done!

Wow!!! There's a powerful story in yesterday's comments about cleaning out a house in ONE day. We've been at it for 8 years! But only sporadically, of course. 

I can't stress enough that you need to start looking around now. I don't care if you acquire new stuff but think about what you no longer need and get rid of that. Saying I don't care and will let my kids worry about it is irresponsible. Why should your kids deal with your mess? If you think it's too overwhelming, how will they feel? How do you think I feel right now -- I'm that kid. There are three of us, and NONE of us are jumping up and down and shouting - Oh look what our parents left us! 

It's exhausting mentally and physically, and I'm not even talking about sentimental -- I'm so over being sentimental about anything. I've taken a few pictures and enjoyed the memories these things bring, but I'm moving along. 

And it's easy to say, oh, pull up a dumpster and just dump it all. Yep -- easy to say --- but realistically? Even if you don't look at anything -- the physicality of that task is enormous! Nothing is packed, papers are loose - it's a horrendous job. So PLEASE do not saddle your children with it. Be a responsible adult and get rid of stuff you no longer need. 

I honestly think Mom is starting to realize that—at least after my little conversation with her the other day. She asked when I was coming back and if I could help her start getting rid of things in the apartment. GASP!!!!! I should come back next week before she changes her mind! That is monumental, and she admitted that she bought too much scrapbooking stuff. 

Our family has a thing for paper -- we are paper hoarders! 

I had a Zoom class in the morning that I was going to change, but I forgot about it, so I got a bit of a late start after the Zoom. Some furniture had to be removed, and I had arranged for some cousins to make that happen. I was apprehensive about moving one piece down a book-lined hallway, but it JUST FIT. I mean, we had NO ROOM for fingers. Thankfully, I didn't worry bout it, but the thoughts were in my mind.  

The rest of the day was spent sorting through the last of the boxes in the last bedroom. I can officially say that I've gone through the parts of the house that I want to, and I'm done—more than done! OK, there is one more spot that I'd like to spend a bit of time browsing: the book room in the basement. 

My Mom was and still is a big crocheter, and why make one when you can make hundreds!!!

We found boxes of crafts stuff—stuff to make crafts and then finished or half-finished crafts. Those were sorted, and I rescued some things I'll donate tomorrow. The rest of the stuff stays behind. I would have gotten great satisfaction to put in the burn pit, but I won't go there. It remains in the house. 

Could we have emptied this house in one day? I don't think so, but it would have been a lot easier to start with one room and go through it, pitch, and purge than to keep going back and relooking. Anyway, I'm done! Well, almost. I have to return today. Why? 

I didn't take a picture, but maybe I did years ago. There was a decent-sized closet in one of the bedrooms, and it was crammed with afghans and cushions that my Mom crocheted. In the past years, I had removed all the afghans, and they were donated or given to family and friends. But have you ever been to a thrift shop? Every time I visit, there are three or four crocheted afghans! 

I had dealt with some of the cushions, but there were still lots. So, I filled the nooks and crannies of my car with cushions. The pillow forms were foam, so we certainly do not want those, and she is going to rip out the yarn and remake something. She did that last time I was here. Oh yes -- this is NOT the first load of cushions I'm dealing with. 

So I told her I would bring the cushions into the apartment ONLY if she agreed that we removed the forms and they would return to the farm. I didn't have time to do that yesterday. 

I brought them in, and she kept saying, Oh - there's more? No kidding, there is MORE. When I offered to return and get the remaining TWENTY, she said - oh, there's more? YES -- there is MORE. She said getting the cushion forms out would take her a long time. OK -- give me a pair of scissors, and I'll help. Within an hour at the most, I had the forms out of the cushions. 

She said she would call her sister because she thought she wanted some. No way - I immediately called my aunt, and no more cushion forms are required! They will procrastinate on so many things. Call now and get it done!!

I had to leave them in the hallway and will pick them up this morning. I should have counted them, but I did not. So I'm trusting her that she doesn't sneak one or two away! I'm sure she'll have sneaked one or two. Why?????? So help me, God, but the need to have things is powerful! But let's go with trust. 

She had made a list of things she wanted -- LAST TIME. And I managed to find something she had asked for for many years. There were the readers they had in school as kids. Highroads to Reading. Of course, she had many duplicates, but some were in terrible condition, and I managed to find a good copy of the first six books. I also found two small books that were hers as a kid. After hearing a story from Dad about books, I will try to find one more book today. But getting to the books is a whole other story! 

At least at my house, if you want something, everything is readily available to browse. But at that house, there are rows of things surrounding the room, and so if you want something, you have to move the crap in front and HOPE you are in the right spot. Yesterday, I got very lucky with the books. I was also in the house alone then and had the leisure to browse, which I've wanted to do for a long time. 

I should not say this, but I threw out some hand-embroidered pillowcases last year. They went to the pet shelter. Now, I wish I had kept them. Well, not exactly, I was actually looking for the tablecloths, and I thought -- they were gone. Just before leaving the house, I returned to the spot, and OMG -- the tablecloths were still there. So I looked through them and didn't spot what I wanted, but I picked up a couple of the smaller ones. No regrets about donating the pillowcases! 

So, if anyone has a big hand-embroidered tablecloth that they do not want, I'd love to see it. If it works for my project, I'd love to have it. I want a long rectangle tablecloth. 

In this photo, you can't really appreciate yesterday's air quality. The previous day, it was clear. Yesterday, the smoke was crazy—worse than smog in the city! 

Smokey haze in the air

In the search for stuff, we came across some boxes of Phentex, but that stuff stayed behind. I accidentally brought in a cushion made of the stuff, and that is going back!! 

Who remembers Phentex?

We went into the old, old house that is still there, and it's also filled with junk!! It's an unbelievable mess, and when you see these shots on TV, you think -- no way. Well, I can attest to the YES way. However, no one has lived in this house for many years. I'm surprised it's still standing. 

The living room of the old house- the first old house!

Here's the interior of the little shed I cleaned the other day. There's still a ton of stuff in there, but at least they can easily access things. I got rid of the garbage - well, a good part. 

Inside my Dad's old electronic room

And now for an update on those dratted ticks. I found FIVE or SIX more before I even got to the farm. Imagine my surprise when I spotted one on the wall of the shower. 

Darn tick on the shower wall1

Two were on the back of my legs, which I discovered when I was getting dressed. One was inside the pants I wore the day before. The last one was in my hair, which I pulled out while driving to the farm. Oh yes, and the sixth one was on my foot while I was writing the blog. 

That made a total of 12 I collected that day. 

Yesterday, I faired a bit better. There are only four that I've discovered so far. Two were on my forehead/arm, one was in my hair, and the last one I spotted on the towel after I had a shower. 

Tick attached to the towel

Let's just say that I've never seen so much of the inside of my clothes in a long time. I turn them inside out and meticulously inspect them before putting them on. All the clothes are staying in the bathroom. 

Checking for ticks

I'm not in a routine here, and twice, I've left my key in the room and had to ask for a new one. Good grief!!!

The forgotten key

Here's the sunset last night as I drove to the hotel. It was beautiful. I woke up in the night and checked for the northern lights, but I didn't spot any. I was tempted to go outside, but I did not. 

Sunset on the prairies

And look -- BEAR is back in town!!!!!

Bear is back in town

OH MY -- this looks just like him, and it's soft and cuddly, just like the real one. Thanks to my aunt, who gave it to me! I'm going to call him Twin Bear! He's adorable and so cuddly!!! AH -- he could be Bear's stunt double!

What will I do when I come back the next time? There'll be nothing to clean up! WAIT —I have the apartment to deal with! I brought a big suitcase in the event I found anything of interest, but I'll likely go back with the little suitcase inside the big one, which is good as I don't need anything more at my house. 

With the time change and total exhaustion, there's no way I'm getting up to post the blog at the usual time. Hopefully, no one is that anxious to read the exploits. But progress has been made, we are closing the door and it's a good feeling. And while one should never say never, this should be my last day in the house. There are still many things to deal with, and my older brother has a great handle on making all that happen. He's done a tremendous amount of work and spent many days and made many trips out there to make it happen. None of us can thank him enough for all the work he's done!!! So thank you, Wally, for all your hard work!!!! His wife also helped, and while they may not get a thank you from the parents, I am thanking them as a sibling!!! 

On that note, I'm out of here - I might get a chance to walk before heading out again. It's just Dad and me today - everyone else is taking the day off, and the trip won't be long. 

Have a super day!!

Ciao1!1

Land of the living skies

It's been a good vacation, but it's time to head home later today. While going away is always fun, going home is the best part of a vacation! I suspect there will be issues with my flight, and I'm in denial, so I'll tell you the complete story tomorrow. Let's just say that I can't get an earlier flight and my flight is delayed. Why do they send you messages about that in the middle of the night? Then only those that keep looking at their phone all night know and can do something about it. I tried and had no choice. 

Saskatchewan is the land of the living skies, and yesterday was no exception. We had storm clouds all around, and the skies were stunning. 

Loads of people think that Saskatchewan is flat, and while some parts are, it is not all flat! I was at a lookout on a hill to take this picture. A river runs through this area with lots of rolling hills and valleys. 

Beautiful skies

And this one was taken from the parking lot at my parent's apartment. 

There's a storm brewing!

We got some downpours in the afternoon, but they didn't last long. I saw a bit of lightning and, of course, thunder. 

I spent the morning visiting with another aunt and uncle and saw them all on this trip. I don't know how many more trips I'll be able to do that. 

I had some errands to do, and then I spent the afternoon visiting with Mom. 

I also got out for some geocaching, which probably wasn't good since I found ticks on me last night. Five, to be exact. They are not so bad, except for the one I had to pry out of my ear at the dinner table. I know, totally gross, and these things can't just be flicked off; you have to pry them off even if they haven't started to dig. They are just nasty little things and very hard to kill. 

Perhaps the thought of them kept me awake last night. I should have been looking at my phone! 

I have not walked much while I'm here, and while I'm not broke up about it, I'm starting to feel a couple of guilt twinges. Anyway, I won't worry about it and just move on. I'll play catch-up when I get home. 

I have had many chuckles while here as I hear things from people (mostly my parents) that would drive me up the bend if I lived closer. "oh -- those people should have moved into town." Right -- when it took significant health issues to get them to move after MANY years of tempting them. It doesn't matter -- they are in town and live in a safe place, and that's all that counts. 

In hindsight, everything worked out OK. It's one thing to plan, but if you spend all your life planning and then the thing you planned for never happens? That's just a waste of time. I'd rather be somewhat organized and be able to change on the fly. I guess that's how it worked for Mom and Dad as well. They didn't plan, and then they had to move, and it worked out better than if they planned to move. Oh well! That's one of life's little farces! 

My older brother would cringe if I said this to him, but he says and does things JUST LIKE MOM, and well -- he's just like Mom, and that's all I'm going to say about that! The bad part about that -- he doesn't realize! 

I can't wait to get back home - I have presentations that need to be done, and I was going to do them tonight when I arrived. Instead, I'll be prepping them at the airport before I leave. Oh well -- that's OK and just part of life. 

Here's something quilty for you to read. This is the free online issue of QUILTsocial. I have a couple of articles about quilting and applique in there, so be sure to download the free copy for reference. There's also a great article on dying fabric! 

So yes, it will be short and sweet, and who knows if I'll have the time or the energy tomorrow to write a blog. It might be dicey with the predicted schedule I have. I just want to get home! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

From clutter to treasure!

Thanks again for the comments -- I MUST answer them individually! There is NO customer quilt today. By the time I got home, I decided I had some wiggle room in my calendar and could push off one of the quilts on the list. Actually, only TWO more need to be done before I leave on Monday, and I have three days. 

I was going to start the quilt in the morning but decided that paperwork was more important. And for some reason, I was digging through the crap on the second desk in my office, and guess what? I found a book that I had been looking for for months. Yeah!!! 

My lost book

I have a plan for this book, and now that I found it, I just found a new project! I bet if I dig a little deeper, I would find the other missing book. OH -- I remember; I was looking for a box of jewelry that I think got put on that desktop. I know -- when things don't have a place, they get "lost." I'm trying to remedy that, and I need to take some time to at least sort out some crap and get rid of it from that desktop. 

So many little hiding spots! I'll have another look on that desk today for the jewelry -- I'd like to find the box. 

After some paperwork, it was time to pack for the trunk show. Amazing how MANY quilts fit into those two suitcases! OK -- so they spilled out into two totes as well. 

Packed for the trunk show

And someone wanted to come with me, but alas, she had to stay home. I think it was enough excitement that she jumped in the car to check it out. 

MOM -- I'm coming for show and tell!

Oh my goodness --- I had so much fun at the guild talk yesterday. I can't remember when I had so much fun speaking to a group! It was the Simcoe County Quilter's Group in Barrie, and I met up with two people I haven't seen in a while and two people that I know quite well from Zoom, so that was super exciting!

The meeting ran late, partially because of me, and there was a major accident on the way home, and Google Maps tried to take me off the highway, but I wouldn't have anything to do with that as I was on the phone (hands-free), at the time, and before I got home, I had to stop and pick something up since I was in the car! 

I got to see a treasure yesterday. Someone brought in an old quilt top they had no use for. I'm not sure if they found it in an old trunk or if it was a friend or family member who found it. 

An old quilt top

I will confess at first glance that, it looks like a crazy quilt top. But when you look a little closer, it's made from Fortrel, polyester, or crimpoline (however you want to call it) -- 100%, and all the patterns are crazy! It must be from the 60s or 70s. 

Crazy quilt from Fortrel

Look at those patterns!

And it was hand stitched between all the pieces. My Mom had boring patterns or solids! 

Here's a picture of Lynn and me. We met on Zoom several years ago! 

Me and Lynn

Here's Marg and me in front of her 365-day quilt. I also met Marg through Zoom, and both she and Lynn continue to be in my Zoom classes. Marg --- I will get my 365-quilt done!!! Thanks for the inspiration. Her quilt is absolutely stunning and I can't wait to see mine!

Me and Marg

And I met Bernice, whom I've known for years as we used to belong to the Brampton Quilter's Guild. 

Bernice and me

And Linda and me, who I've also known for years and I think I first met her through the Brampton guild as well. 

Me and Linda

Both have moved away, but with Zoom, we continue to stay in touch! You have to love Zoom!!!!

And here is Marg's quilt in all its glory!!

Marg's 365-day quilt

Someday.........................

I also didn't get in a second walk, but with all the packing and moving stuff around, I still walked close to 11 KM. 

After dinner, I played around with the embroidery software, and I SOLVED my problem. I'm not sure it's the best way, but I solved it nonetheless, and that's all that counts. 

And what did I pick up on my way home? An iRobot! Someone I know had bought a used one, and it didn't get used how it was intended, so I brought it home. The darn thing is rather large in diameter. She kindly had it charging all day, so when I got home and plugged it in, it went to work. 

MOM --- what's this thing? 

Murphy and Lexi were beyond themselves and were barking at it, so we didn't do too much with it yesterday. The second time I ran it to show DH, they were much better, and I bet they start going for rides if I don't watch them! Actually, both of them are too large to sit on it! 

So there are two instances of clutter in one person's home becoming a treasure in someone else's. Which fits in with Carolyn's comment about my thread. I aim to get it sorted, and then I will decide what to do with it. There are some that I will not give away --- who gives away pricing thread? Not at the price it is today. And at the rate I'm piecing, I may never get through that in my lifetime! 

But I want to play with the threads that I bought. Part of the problem is that there is so much and in such disarray that it discourages one from using it. Now that I know what I have, it will make it super easy to use. 

And while I tossed and turned last night (too excited from the day), I contemplated what to do with the last threads on the table. I've settled on buying more tubs from the dollar store and sorting them by weight -- one for 12, 30, and 40 weight respectively. Then I'll see what's left on the table, and it can go in the second small drawer unit. So I have a plan! 

I called my dad after dinner, and he was home! So we had quite a chat, and then I called my brother. Oh boy -- when your parents get old, they get some weird ideas, and he has one right now, which I want him to wait on. He's waited five years to do something we thought had been done, and now he wants to rush into it. NO -- wait until we are all together in four weeks, and then we can chat together since it involves all of us. Will he listen? I don't know - I can only hope my brother can divert him for four weeks!!!

My brother and SIL were taking him a birthday cake. They also got him a personalized license plate, and the cake is decorated like the plate. Do you know what it means? I'll give you a hint -- two words! 

Dad's birthday cake

When I talk to him, he is just like my grandfather, and I suppose I'm just like him. We see the wonderment in such small details! We are happy to putter for hours, trying to solve a puzzle. The only disappointing thing is that while my Dad understands computers and he understands CNC technology, he can't put that together with what I do! The digital cutters, my long arm, and my embroidery machine all run on that technology, but he never goes on about how "smart" I am, but he'll give credit to my two brothers for the tinkering they do! 

But, like many -- we don't say those things to the people who do them. I should ask my brother if he ever says anything about what I do. I think he needs to see it in person, as that would help him understand it better. I'm just going to leave it as it is! It's not anything to get uptight about! 

Like my grandfather, he has intentions of making it to 100! And they are stubborn, and that good prairies background, so let's see what happens! 

I don't drive the car much, and honestly, I would NEVER consider using the car for errands again. If I have to carry something heavy or go for a distance, then yes. But the hassle of parking and getting in and out of crowded parking lots? Nope -- walking is probably just as fast for my local errands, and almost everything I need is close enough to walk to! We sure picked a good location when we moved here! I have a LOT of errands today, and I must get that quilt done and the next one (which is a big one) loaded so I can get it all done tomorrow. 

I only have TWO presentations all weekend -- wow, but don't forget that we have a Virtual Retreat. 

Saturday, April 29, starting at 6 PM

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89254233911?pwd=VGQrTnFybW1HMWpleHA4M2Q2NGVwZz09 Meeting ID: 892 5423 3911 Passcode: 982797

Sunday, April 30, starting at Noon EST

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86119598156?pwd=ZDFxcElxS0NmeTRjczdSR2FXd3N2Zz09

Meeting ID: 861 1959 8156
Passcode: 053861

Plus, I must unpack those suitcases and finish packing for the retreat. Then I need to pack for two trips in May, and I still need to make some samples. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!