Solving puzzles

Wow -- those AI bots are creepy. It's incredible how they can drill down into one of my posts and pick out something like CNC when I don't even mention it! It's a crazy world!

Anyway, I was in the car early and made it to class on time, but not before stopping at Walmart to find some stuff for my Mom. I almost completed the mission, but I will try the local store here to see if I can find the last color of yarn she wanted. 

What's even more bizarre is that once I connected my phone to the car's Bluetooth, it remembered the last locations I had plugged in when I was here in December. That's creepy! 

Navigation memory!

We had a great day learning all about the mySewnet embroidery software. It was a hands-on class and was well-received. All I can say is that I bet everyone was exhausted when they got home last night. I was! I was in bed very early and slept like a log. 

I had to chuckle when I walked into the classroom. This is a quilt that hangs over the back wall. Anyone in our 9:15 UFO class will recognize this quilt. It's called Yochi - I don't think that is the correct spelling, but do you think I can find the pattern online? Nope -- it's not happening! 

Yochi quilt

Anyway, it was a great day, and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on software experience. I will say that I need to brush up on the Mac version. The functionality is the same, but boy - the interface doesn't make sense at all. It's crowded and cluttered, and things are all over the place. 

I thought Apple was supposed to be intuitive when it came to graphics and such. I didn't find this to be the case. Hence, I'll dig out my Apple computer when I'm home and see what I can come up with. 

It'll be like solving a puzzle. Here is the book I bought at the bookstore the other day. I love this kind of puzzle. What are they? They are logic puzzles, but broken down in a completely different way from what I have seen in the past. This layout seems too simple compared to what Dell magazine used to do. However, I'm sure when I reach the Impossible section, I may rethink what I said! 

My new logic puzzle book

So, what did I do before I started quilting? I read a lot more, and I solved puzzles! I love puzzle solving, and now I have something to do in the morning. OK - while I'm here! Stop laughing! 

I had to stop at Princess Auto to pick up something for Dad. Oh boy -- I don't think I've ever been in that store. I had a part number, and that was it. But with the help of a store employee, I found the correct aisle. But I needed someone else to help me find the part. I had no clue what it looked like. And when I got it back to my partners, it was in fact the correct part. Now  - it's up to the guys at the Museum to see if it will work! 

Why didn't they make it? They didn't have any material to make it from. I don't understand, and I don't need to know more than that! 

The weather is sure bizarre. It was 0 Celsius yesterday morning, but it wasn't really cold. Oh yes - I forgot - it's a dry cold here! 

I have one last puzzle to figure out: how the shower works. I know that sounds so ridiculous, but it's the most bizarre thing. I even asked at the desk, and I still don't think I know how it works. I'll test it out later, and if that doesn't work, I'll have to get someone to help me. That's insane. You would think it would be easy, and you would think all the rooms in this hotel would be the same. This is not my first time staying here. 

Dad and I will be playing with his computer today as we try to reconnect his printer and test a sewing machine that he repaired. Never a dull moment here! 

Well, on that note, I'm off for breakfast and then to get the day started! Nothing to do today except some shopping for Mom and a visit while we solve those issues mentioned above. So that will be nice and relaxing. 

Although I started listening to a new audiobook for the drive to and from Saskatoon. Oh boy - the miles just burned up and I wish the trip was longer! This one is bizarre. Written by Mary Kubica, called Local Woman Missing. Oh boy!! Where do these women come up with these creepy storylines? And I'm afraid of what the truth will be!!!! 

Have a great day!!!

Ciao!!!

Is it time for new furniture?

Oh my goodness --- what a coincidence! Someone was in Buenos Aires waiting for that plane that had the onboard death in Sao Paulo! What are the chances! It's sad as that gentleman was on his way to a cruise. I hope his body got back home without too much hassle. It does make you wonder how much hassle the family must go through and at what cost to get a person back who has died while on vacation. 

I've definitely become a slacker when it comes to taking photos. Trust me—I took lots of photos, but not for sharing on this blog. But it was a good day. One writing assignment is over, and now it's time to dive into the next one. I'm going to take a break for the remainder of this week. Then, next week, when the schedule isn't quite so tight, I'll have the flexibility to move things around a bit more. 

I have sewing machine events until next Monday, and then I'm done with this set of Zoom presentations. As I finish with one topic, I put the stuff away. I still need lots of stuff hanging around, though!

I even managed to get more paperwork done. I'm looking at the pile waiting, and I think I could clear it in a couple of hours. I have a presentation much later today and only one, so that's a positive thing, and I should get most of it cleared up. OK—who am I kidding? I'll work for an hour or two, then I want to get to the sewing machine. I NEED to get there, as I'm far behind in multiple projects. 

I have to share something with you that I've been working on in little bits. I'm always trying to learn new things with the mySewnet embroidery software and working on digitizing this chicken. There's an online group, and the administrators are wizards! I'm following a small tutorial designed by one of the administrators. 

The original diagram

Oh shoot—all I see is the original drawing. Now, where did I file my partially digitized chicken? Oh, here it is. This isn't the nice, clean view with all the stitches showing, or should I say this is the version with all the stitches showing, and you don't see the thread! I'll find it later today.  

My version of the chicken

It's looking pretty good so far, and I hope to complete it by the weekend. It's so cute and so easy. I still have so much to learn, and this has been a great exercise. Now, the issue is creating those vector versus raster files. That's still my biggest issue, and I must do more research. I did manage to digitize some frog eyes for someone last night. I started with this: 

Frog eyes to digitize

And I got stitches in a file! I did NOT test it out - OH - I'm realizing that I switched the colors - I put black where it was white and white where black. Oh, that's easy enough to change. 

So, I'll do more research on the vector/raster thing and hopefully figure it out. I know how to digitize with both, but it's much easier to start with vector, but it's harder to get it into that format. 

When I was done for the day, it was time to sit in the living room and read my book. I'm reading The Sequel, which is the sequel to The Plot. Both books are by Jean Hanff Korelitz. The main character? Oh - she's a piece of work! Can and will the past come back to haunt her? Only time will tell. 

Lexi is such a calm dog. However, last night, when both DH and I were busy on calls, I could hear her dancing and howling in her little howling voice. What does she want? ATTENTION! Fortunately, I could take a wee break and put her outside. Murphy just barks loudly! 

But Murphy was begging for attention, and so, to appease her, I let her sit in the chair while I sat on the ottoman. I know—where's the justice in this world? 

Mom - thanks for sharing your chair!

However, we were roughhousing, and she jumped out of the chair, oops! Well, the upholstery is old and faded. I'm not a fan of those chairs, although they are reasonably comfortable. I'll just duct-tape it! Kidding - I'll just flip the cushion over, as the chairs have to last another couple of years. Our goal when we move is to toss all the furniture and buy new to accommodate wherever we end up. I'm trying to remember when we purchased those chairs, but the other set in the living room? I bought them when I lived in Montreal in the 80s! So, none of the furniture in our house owes us anything. It's all destined for the dumpster, but not for another 10 years at least! 

Shhh --- don't tell anyone

However, we may need something in the family room, as what we have is a mess—and that's because of DH and Lexi. Since we don't entertain, we need some media chairs. One for me on the rare occasion I watch a movie. One is for DH, and Lexi can have her own small chair. Yes, that might be a good idea. Media chairs—I must speak to DH about that because our sectional is ugly and dirty! 

And you'll understand more about the media chairs tomorrow!

Now, for some extra entertainment, check out the QUILTsocial blog. I wrote some posts on the Husqvarna Viking Jade 20 sewing-only machine. It's a pretty sleek-looking machine and great for someone who has a smaller space or doesn't sew all the time. I love the case! 

QUILTsocial - Monday post

QUILTsocial - Tuesday post

And on that note, I'm off to spin class! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

It's all about learning

Delete, delete, delete - the number of spam comments seems to grow by the day. Today was all about license plates. Have I mentioned anything about license plates recently? NO. And digitizing - I  may have mentioned that, but it's all part of our new world filled with AI and bots that are supposed to do a better job than humans. Well, not exactly. I'm reading some articles about AI, and it seems that no one can even define what it is and how it's supposed to work. So, how are we going to figure it out? We won't. 

The other thing is, where is this month going? It's the 11th today, and it just seemed like yesterday that it was the beginning of the month. Yikes! But remember - slow and steady - that's all we can do! 

It was such a beautiful day yesterday and thankfully I only had one presentation so I was able to spend some quality time outside. I went for a walk wearing a vest instead of a jacket. It was glorious. When I got home, it was too beautiful to sit inside, so the girls and I went outside and sat in the sun. 

Enough snow had melted that Murphy found her stress bear. A lot of help it did her as it was buried under the snow. It was frozen in the snow, but that didn't stop her from trying to get it. She's a strong girl. 

MOM - I'm strong - I don't need help

I'm not sure how intact the bear was. I looked twice to see if it was her stuffie or perhaps something else. It's the stuffie. But she got it out, but it might be missing a limb!

MOM - I rescued my stuffie!

Since I was sitting outside, they had to entertain me with their shenanigans. And they were practically right on top of me as they that. 

MOM - we LOVE you!!! 

But they are so much fun to watch that you can't yell at them! 

There was some ice still in the morning on the sidewalks, and I like the idea of something for the bottom of my shoes, but the ice is getting less and less, so I'm not going to worry about it for this year, but I really should investigate it for next winter. 

Not much ice left

When I went out in the afternoon, there was NO ice - just water and mud in some cases, and since it didn't go below freezing last night, I suspect there will be no ice this morning. And it's only in some places where the sidewalk has shifted, and it doesn't drain off. I have no idea why some spots are worse than others. The mystery of physics, I guess. 

My front patio is clear of snow now, so is it time to bring out the chairs? I MUST check that weather app to see what the next few days will be like. Actually, I am pretty busy for the remainder of the week, so I'm not sure how much outdoor time I'll have. 

The front patio is clear of snow

I walked to Indigo the other day and spotted all the calendars on sale for 70% off. I had spied this one about "Hikes of a Lifetime," and I was intrigued. So for $6.90, I bought it. Look --- plastic-free packaging! 

Plastic-free packaging

And this is the first hike. Any idea where that is? 

Beautiful scenery

In France!!! The hikes aren't long, but how beautiful that is. So, I may have to put this on the list! I have two other countries before France! So much to do and so little time! I'm in the process of booking my vacation for this year. Oh boy! 

I spotted this on my walk yesterday. How cool is that? The surrounding part is exposed aggregate, like our driveway. Why didn't I think of something cool when we had it done? NO - I'm not ripping it up to put a design in. 

Cool driveway 

Since I had a free evening, I tackled some of my software. I have several programs that I want to become more efficient at, so it was time to do that. I dug out the Reference Guides on my iPad and experimented. I figured out the first step, but not before I had a clue from the Facebook Group. My favorite way of using Facebook is getting access to industry experts. 

Playing with software

I actually like this set-up for the computer. I have the laptop on the stand and an empty table to put my books on. I have to keep that table clear for my presentations. But any flat surface becomes a place to throw stuff! So, I aim to keep something like this set-up after we are done with our Zooms. I should think about reconfiguring the space, but how? 

I also moved the larger sewing machines this morning and brought out my small one so that it can be permanently ready to sew without changing feet. 

I did some tidying up on the cutting table and every little bit helps to get the place back in order. It'll be nice to put some of these samples away as I'm unsure if I will need them, so extras are hanging around and messing up the space. 

I had some questions from my software learning last night and got the answers this morning. I love how she posts the answers. She doesn't tell me exactly what to do but gives me a hint! I love that! This is helping me to learn - rather than giving me all the information step by step. It's great! I can't wait to walk the girls and return to the computer to try the tip! 

And now for the second to last edition of 50 Ways to Keep a Quilter Happy While on Vacation. 6 - 5 - 4

That wraps up another post and it's time to start the day. I can't wait to get back to the software to see if I can figure out the cryptic clue! 

I get a chuckle because most times when I write the blog, I open at least 3 to 4 windows while writing. I searched for the best hikes in France, 50 Ways, and the software teachers' web page. Good grief!

Have a great day!!!

Ciao!!!

Update on 365-Day Challenge

Good grief -- I'm not sure what is happening to the blog. Every day for the last few days, I've been getting at least five new comments from a bot. One day, it was all about nursing, then renovations in BC, ordering license plates, and, let's not forget, the machine embroidery. It's crazy! So I just delete, delete, delete!

I am not about to lower myself to use AI to write anything, even though I'm encouraged whenever I open my computer. If I open a blank document to write, I'm encouraged to use it. Here's the deal - I use it somewhat to proof my document, so leave me alone for the rest of the time! 

It was one of those days. I'm usually pretty good with the time change and barely notice it except to manually change the time on the stove and the microwave. Everything else is automated. I suppose I would see that it's darker in the morning and lighter in the evening, but I don't pay much attention. But yesterday? I was exhausted! 

I bailed on the meeting but could still participate via WhatsApp, which was good. But I did nothing but sleep and read. I think my body was trying to play catch up for something. I had not missed any sleep, but sometimes, it's not about the physical; it's about the mental, and it was a long week. 

Thankfully, the sidewalks are almost completely clear of ice. There are still some spots, but with no snow on them, at least you can see them and walk carefully over them. Which is sometimes hard to do with Murphy on a leash. 

Sidewalks are mostly clear

She always looks longingly at the forest path as we pass by, but it gets no winter maintenance, and that beaten path is sheer ice, so we don't go near it. We had a warm day yesterday and a couple more this week (according to the weather app!), so hopefully, the ice will be gone soon. I miss walking in the forest. But not risking a broken leg for it. 

MOM - I want to go there!

I finally got some sewing on my 365-day Challenge quilt. I swear this quilt will be my death! I started it in 2016. I sewed until about February 19. Even though I picked it up more aggressively in the last two years, I'm now at April 30. Good grief -- it will take many more years at this rate to get it done. 

The center of the 365-Day Challenge quilt

I have two rows of 3" blocks to add to the center. I must get them out of the bag and place them around this center square to see what they look like. Then I can sew them together. Then I need a day (or more likely two or possibly three) and cut out all the blocks for the next month. There are some blocks with MANY pieces, and I've found it best to cut a bunch of blocks at once rather than cut and sew one at a time. Then, I can use them as enders and leaders if I could return to the sewing machine!

Hmm -- would I recommend this quilt to anyone? Yes -- if they are crazy! It's a HUGE commitment, and I would say if you have many other things you want to sew, pick them up instead of this quilt! It's a ton of work, but people still sign up for it. I believe the patterns are still free on the designer's web page. 

I also had a chance to play around with some software, as there is so much to learn. This looks OK, but will it actually stitch out OK? That's a test for later today if I have time. There is so much to learn and so little time. And something as simple as using Copy/Paste versus Duplicate can make a big difference. Who knew? I mean -- it's insane. I always use Copy/Paste, but I used Duplicate yesterday. Well, I learned something, so in a way, I'm glad I did!

Playing with software

Actually, when I take a closer look at this, it is NOT OK. I must not have taken a picture after the corrections were made. 

I have only one presentation today, and it's smack in the middle of Monday's sewing, so the group is on its own today. Next week, my Monday schedule will get back to normal! And by ignoring paperwork for the weekend, I now have a pile of stuff that needs to be done today. How easily that accumulates! 

I'm off to spin class this morning, then some paperwork and puttering in Studio B. I feel motivated to perhaps sew later today. Let's hope because a ton of stuff is waiting to be finished! And I must get cutting more blocks for the 365-Day Challenge quilt. I cannot believe that some people finished that quilt in the same year it came out. I have TWO friends who did. How did they make that happen? They must not have worked on anything else. 

OH - I have writing to do, so guess where my free time is going? 

Here's the next installment of 50 Ways to Keep a Quilter Happy While on Vacation. So fun!! OH MY --- can you believe it - I still have the same routine every time I go to a thrift store! And that picture of the bathroom tiles? I made a quilt out of that! I couldn't find that picture in my mishmash of photos, but someone I knew (Pauline) was flying to Vancouver when I needed a photo, so I got her to take one for me! I LOVE the tiles in the Vancouver Airport! Thanks, Pauline!!!!

And now I'm off to spin class. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Sewing time for ME!

Have you ever wondered what it's like to sew for a living? Well, that's not exactly true since I don't sew for a living, but I earn my keep by doing anything and everything related to sewing, quilting, teaching, and everything in between. This means that the amount of time I spend sitting at a sewing machine is minimal! 

Yep, but this morning, I opted to sew instead of going to the gym (GASP). I know - but that's OK. I'll make up the gym time later. I have to do an errand today - getting my car detailed, and rather than come home, the gym is pretty close, so I can walk there and get a workout in. I have missed the spin class for weeks, so it's no big deal if I miss one more day! 

Let's talk about Cabin in the Woods first. Here's the quilt top I mentioned yesterday. Because of her expertise in tagging photos, it was a snap for her to locate this. I believe it wasn't long after the class that she finished the top. She still has her Mom's to work on, but this one is quilted and bound!

Other than the base structure of the style, Helen changed almost all the components of the quilt! I highly encourage the participants to do that. This makes the quilt THEIRS and not just a replica of the original! 

Helen Anne's version of Cabin in the Woods

I'm working on the maple leaf blocks. As I mentioned, I'm working on both quilt tops at the same time. I can make the second one smaller than the first, so I'll contemplate that as I progress. But some components for both are made, and I want to use those up. 

The maple leaf block

Only one maple leaf block was made for one of the quilts, and I found a few other components. There was NO extra blue fabric in the box. However, I went to my batik stash, found the SAME fabric, and had just enough to finish the other two blocks. How cool is that? 

Then, I chose a different blue fabric but the same leaf fabric for the second quilt. All the components are cut, the half-square triangles are trimmed, and I can quickly sew those three blocks together. 

Components of the second set of maple leaf blocks

Here's what Quilt number one looks like at the moment.

One of the Cabin in the Woods quilts

I sewed the tree blocks together this morning, and OH BOY -- look at this edge. This was done when I was fairly new to quilting, and this seam is a mess. How the heck am I supposed to sew this to the main section. I'll have to fix that before I proceed. That's why I try to drill into people's heads -- DO NOT let this happen because you are asking for trouble later on. MAKE those sides meet!

A goof that needs to be fixed

And there's the second quilt. 

The second Cabin in the Woods quilt

So I'm making progress, and well, I'll just stick with it, especially since this is my UFO homework, and I need to get it done!

I sewed the last seam on the flannel star quilt. Yeah!!! And I made the backing as well. The binding fabric is pressed and ready to cut into strips when I get a chance to get back to sewing. 

The star flannel quilt from scraps

I also made the final block for the Barn Star Sampler quilt and got a bit more of the sections completed. It won't take long, and getting it done for the final reveal in December shouldn't be an issue. 

All the blocks are made for the Barn Star Sampler

There are several things I want to highlight for you. I'm sure you are aware of Black Friday sales. Every email I open, every notice on Facebook -- it's all about Black Friday. In my world (SVP), we also have Black Friday sales. And the one I want to highlight is the EMBROIDERY SOFTWARE. 

If you have been thinking how nice it would be to have access to machine embroidery software but were afraid or you think it's too expensive -- think AGAIN. Remember, the mySewnet embroidery software works for ALL brands of embroidery machines. ALL brands!!!

Here's the deal: if you are totally new and not sure whether you'll use the software, you can buy a ONE-year subscription to the Silver level (entry-level, but with TONS of features) for an extremely low price. They are practically giving it away. I believe it's less than $150 for the year. Don't quote me on that, but it's pretty low. 

That is a fantastic price, and it would allow those who are "afraid" of the cost to get one year to dabble in the software. If you like it, you can buy the software outright or renew your subscription. That's a pretty impressive "try before you buy" deal. 

I wish they had deals like this when I started because I spent hundreds of dollars on software I barely used! 

Wait a minute -- I know you are saying if I buy the software, who will teach me? Well, it just so happens that I'll be teaching the mySewnet embroidery software at THREE different Husqvarna Viking dealers in 2024. Since the classes are on Zoom, you can be anywhere to get access to them. I'll be posting more information later. 

So not only do you get a fantastic deal on the embroidery software, but you get lessons on how to use it! What are you waiting for? The cost of those lessons is extra - so you don't expect to get them for free. Remember, all this learning is MUCH cheaper than what you paid to send your kids to college or university!

I have to laugh because I have attempted to give a homework assignment in the past with the software classes. Rarely do they get done. Sigh...............   Then, the other day, someone said - I need homework to motivate me to work with the software. Sigh...............   So I gave them homework, and I want them to do it. What's the point of sitting in on a software class, or any class for that matter, if you're not going to do the work. You only learn 5% of what is talked about, and is that 5% worth your time? I don't think so! I even record the sessions now to allow the participants to go back and follow along. 

But be mindful as well when you sign up for things for 2024. You don't want to overload your plate, so you have no time for yourself! I so enjoyed sewing for ME this morning that I must try to eke out at least one hour a day to sew. That's impossible when traveling, but I'll see what I can do! And I'm almost done traveling for this year. 

Here's the other thing you want to keep in mind --- it's Virtual Retreat this weekend. I will be there on Saturday night and part of Sunday (maybe), then I'll be on a plane again! But just because I'm not there doesn't mean the event won't go on! It'll happen, and we always have some great conversations! 

Here are the links. 

Saturday, November 25th - Starting at 6 PM

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

Sunday, November 26th - Starting at NOON

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

Meeting ID: 861 1959 8156
Passcode: 053861

This Friday, There's a Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic 3 "What's new" event at Brampton Sew and Serge. Call them to get signed up 905-874-1564.

I have so much more to share, but I'm running out of time! 

Have a super day!

Ciao!!!

Barn Star Sampler

Sometimes, I think I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached to my body! 

YES -- there is a Virtual Retreat this weekend. I'll post the links at the end of this post and tomorrow. Some scraps need to be sorted, and this will be the perfect thing to do during the retreat. I hate having the bags around on the floor, and I need to work on the project I'm using the scraps for, so this is good timing! 

Sick? Yep, I can no longer deny that I'm sick, but not too ill. No fever, a scratchy throat, and a bit tired. All can be dealt with with a nap when necessary and throat lozenges. I'll make short work of this as I don't have time to be sick. And I'll pray a lot that my immune system can handle it. OH - and lots of water. I still managed to walk over 13 KM, so I can't be too sick. 

I have many things to do, and I'm slowly working through them. I don't quite have the usual energy level, so bear with me if you're waiting for me on something. The quilts are trimmed, and I'm sending out e-mails today if anyone is looking for them. I have to prepare a couple of presentations for the weekend (in the morning), and then we can play at the retreat. 

I don't think I ever showed you the progress on my Barn Star Sampler quilt. We started this project in January, and the plan is to have finished quilt tops by December. So, the end is near, and most class members have kept up. 

Here are some of the blocks. 

Every month, we need to make at least two of every block. My colors are citrus colors. 

And a lot of other blocks are HUGE. These first two are 16" square. 

One block 

The designer used the same colors for both blocks, but I didn't want to do that, so I switched them out. 

Same block - different colors

This block is also 16" square. 

Another block for October

And here's the second colorway for this block. 

The second colorway for this block

Then we had to make a number of smaller blocks - I believe these are 6". I only have a picture of one of the blocks, but I have all of them made. 

A six-inch block

And then we had to make a few of these, which are also 6". 

Crossroads block

Let's just say that the quilt is HUGE!!!! I think it's 80" by 100" or thereabouts. But here is the top section of mine. That section is 80" wide by 24" high. And it is all sewn together! 

The top section of the Barn Star Sampler

And here's the bottom section. We still have blocks that I'll assign in November, and then we can continue with the final assembly. 

The bottom section of the Barn Star Sampler quilt

So, barring any disaster, I should have no problem getting my quilt top together for December! Although November will be a busy month, I should be able to complete it. If not, it's very close. 

There is lots of exciting stuff happening in the Husqvarna Viking world and mySewnet. They have released a VAULT that you can store your embroidery designs in. There are so many changes, and we are supposed to be on top of it so we can explain them to others. I started moving all my embroidery files from the Cloud (old) to the Vault (new). I've transferred quite a few designs over, but there is more to follow today. I still have some questions, but OH MY GOSH -- this new system is miles ahead of the old one.  

I need to delete some of the files stored in the old Cloud. It's incredible how much you forget things you created and just take up space. That is one of my problems, and it needs to be cleaned up occasionally. 

Now that we have 2 GB of storage space, it'll hold up to 40,000 embroidery designs! WOWSER!!!! Each design can be tagged so you can cross-reference them. If you are into machine embroidery and do NOT have a mySewnet account (free), you should check it out. This is amazing!!!!!

Well, that's it for me for today. 

Virtual Retreat Links:

Saturday, October 28 -- starts at 6:00 PM EST

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

Sunday, October 29 -- starts at NOON EST

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

Meeting ID: 861 1959 8156
Passcode: 053861

I'm off to work in slow motion. Do some work - have a nap. Do some more work - have a nap. I'm good with that!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Life has gone to the dogs!

Have you ever prepped something and realized it was the wrong topic? That happened the other day. I looked at my calendar and started to prepare a presentation. Then, I checked the store schedule and discovered that I had prepped the wrong topic! ACK! So a mad scramble ensued, and I got everything done! I prepared the presentation for December, so when it's time to prep that one -- it's already done! 

But as I go through my folders locating pictures and documents, it would be much easier if it was better organized. I'm part way there, but some stuff is a bit out of place. So that will take some time to sort out, but in the meantime, I'm good. 

However, I have an online storage spot for my embroidery files - the mySewnet Cloud, which is now being replaced by the mySewnet Vault, which is way better. I transferred many files yesterday, but I still have many to transfer. I should have been prepping for that, but I had no idea what I was up against, so I left it! 

I don't think the Cloud is going anywhere soon, so I should have time to transfer everything. The worst part is that my Cloud got mingled with someone else's, and I'm not sure which of the files are mine and which are hers. Don't ask! 

I had another Zoom in the morning, and all the follow-up is done for those. I think I'm up-to-date on the class paperwork, so that's good! It's not like any of it takes a lot of time, but it takes time, and put together with all the other paperwork, it eats into the creativity time! 

Fall has arrived - OK - it's been here for a while. The trees were not as brilliant as they have been in the past, but still pretty. This is what's left of the leaves in my backyard. 

The trees in the backyard

But DH's plane on Monday morning needed to be deiced, so winter is coming! 

And what's with the white pumpkins? It's become pretty popular to have those white pumpkins, although the orange ones still dominate. 

Pumpkins

I got several quilts trimmed yesterday, so that was good, but I didn't get nearly as much done as I would have liked. Why does that happen? OH -- I got stuff done, just NOT stuff that shows. No one wants to see boring e-mails or distribution lists! 

The girls and the boy are so entertaining. Little Bear wants to play with Lexi, and she wants to play with him, just not at the same time. Silly dogs. 

Little Bear and Lexi

And Murphy is just happy with a stick. That dog is so enthusiastic about anything! 

A big dog with a big stick!

 

OK -- I'm in total denial about this, but I got a scratchy throat. We did get a notification that several people tested positive for COVID at the convention. I'm medicated to prevent any hiccups in my schedule. I confess that I'm a bit tired. I might just have a wee nap! No fever, no cough, so let's hope it stays that way!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Barbie quilts are done!

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes!! I had a great day and spent it on the phone talking to family or on Zoom chatting with friends! Oh -- and I did spend time with DH and the girls! Now, how much more could one person want? 

I actually accomplished a fair amount, considering all the interruptions. I started off by quilting that Barbie quilt. 

Community project quilt - DONE

I started to quilt that darn thing well over 20 years ago! I remember at the college, we had just received the equivalent of what we would call a sit-down quilting machine. It was an industrial one, but it was terrific. For some reason, I got part of that quilt quilted, and then it sat for 24 years. It was hiding in one of my tubs of quilt tops. So all the previous quilting was removed (yes -- a hideous job, but a good one to putter away at), and then it got the edge-to-edge treatment on the long arm. 

While quilting that quilt, I finished listening to the third Harry Potter book -- The Prisoner of Azkaban. Before I start on the 4th book, I have a couple of other audiobooks that appeared on my shelf that I have to deal with. 

The Barbie quilt got trimmed, and it was the last thing I finished last night before I shut the call down. I had enough binding left over from the other eight quilts to bind this, and I still have a wee bit left over. 

The binding on the ninth Barbie quilt

All the quilts are sitting on the kitchen table, along with the two Barbie books, and I'll contact the Project Linus people today to see if we can arrange a pick-up. It feels good to get NINE more quilts out of my house! If only I could do that every month!!!!!

I made the binding for this small project, which was attached to the quilt. 

A sample - DONE

I'm not sure if I ever showed this before, but it was made in the mySewnet Embroidery Software, and the letters were cut on my digital cutter. Everything was machine embroidered - the background, which is very tight quilted, and the lettering, which was machine embroidery applique. This is a prototype, more or less, because I learned a lot making it and made many mistakes. So, I'm off to make another one! 

Then I got this Quilts of Valour quilt trimmed and bound. So that is one of seven, and I'll see how it goes to get the remaining six done. I have other things that need to be done, and I have other quilts that need to be quilted. The travel will start sooner than I think, and we'll see how it goes. 

Quilts of Valour quilt - DONE

Can you imagine if I stayed in Spain until the date I originally planned? I still wouldn't be home and in a mad panic trying to complete the trail and thinking about work deadlines. I'm glad I did what I did. Next year, when I return, I'm clearing even more of my calendar, and I'll have strict instructions on who can add to it and what gets added. No more mister nice guy!!!!!

I knew I would have birthday cake, as I saw it on the counter in a box. But look at the cake!!!!!

My birthday cake!!!!!

Happy Birthday in SPANISH!!!! And orange icing to boot -- how thoughtful was that? Yep --- I guess he's a keeper! I got a present from M, but no picture this morning, so you'll see that tomorrow. 

And then there are the girls. They are just TROUBLE. I'm on the phone trying to have a quiet conversation, and they are RIGHT THERE! MOM --- do you need us? MOM --- we want to talk on the phone too! 

Oh boy -- but then they got distracted by something, and I had a few minutes of peace. I love how Murphy puts her head under that little metal stand! Oh, don't worry -- the little metal stand is directly in front of the window for a reason. Murphy would jump on the windows and bark at passing dogs if the stand was not there. No more jumping on the windows, but she gets to look out!!!! 

MOM -- we see stuff!!

And I caught her beside the deck, looking guilty as ever. I didn't investigate, but I'm sure she rolled something under the deck and wanted me to retrieve it. Maybe I'll check later today if I remember. 

Mom -- a little help!!!!

I reset my alarms last night - something I haven't done in over a month. I believe I'm back on my sleep schedule and off to spin class this morning. I took the dogs for their full walks yesterday, although I didn't get a second walk in the afternoon because of all the phone calls, etc. I still managed 10,000 steps. And my knee is feeling pretty darn good. Seriously --- no painkillers or anti-inflammatories. It's tired, mind you, and I must NOT twist it, but it almost feels better than when I left. I almost feel like I imagined the whole incident. 

Spin class will be an experiment. I'll back off the tension and ride and see how it goes. And I wear my brace for long walks as I feel my knee, but that intense pain is gone. You do not know how much of a relief it is to get out of bed and be able to put my full weight on the knee! It honestly feels like a miracle!!! And I only suffered for about 10 days! 

The Virtual Retreat was quiet all weekend, but that's OK. We had a lot of fun for those of us on the call. And today it's back to Monday sewing. I have things I want to get done, and I'll just putter while on the call. I'd like to get those backings done for the next six quilts. Then, it would be easy to throw them on the long arm, but I also have some quilt blocks I want to make. So we'll see how it goes. 

And then this week, I'll be back to work - I've got class material to prepare and articles to write, and I do NOT want to get into a time crunch, so I'm going to try and follow my new Camino philosophies and stay on top of things and not wait until the last minute. OH -- and the big thing is -- do NOT over book my time!!!! Wish me luck!!! 

On that note, I'm off to spin class. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!