Monday, March 18, 2024

When you least expect it...........

We had our UFO Club in the morning, and I was one of the few who didn't meet the deadline. That's OK - I'll get it done for next month. I completed part of it, but not enough to say I put in a reasonable effort. I wish I had more time to focus on my UFOs - I'm to the point now where I need this project (Cabin in the Woods X two) off my plate as I'm getting bored with it. OK -- so I am working on applique, which stalls me EVERY time. I like applique, and I'm now using digital cutters to help cut the applique, but it still bogs me down. 

I could piece all day and never have issues, but the applique? Well, that's a different story. I have a Brother Scan n Cut, and to help out with my digital cutter club, I recently purchased a barely used Cricut with all the tools. 

I decided it was time to open that box and add another cutter to the mess in Studio B. I reached under the table to get the cutting mats, and OMG!!!!!!!!  There are my missing feet and the missing sample!! The new cutter was temporarily stored under one of the tables where I had placed the samples. I guess I was running out of room, so I put those items under the table. What a dumb thing to do!!! It was hilarious as I leaned down to grab those cutting mats, spotted the black fabric (sample), and immediately knew what had happened. Sure enough, as I pulled out the mats, everything I was missing was there!


My MISSING FEET and the sample


It made me laugh because when you say, "I've looked everywhere," in fact, you have not, and I did NOT look under the table, even though it was the table with all the samples. So the sample went into the drawer with the new samples, and the feet are sitting ON the table. I don't think I need all of them for this week, but I'll evaluate and put away what I no longer need.  


Some of the missing feet



That solves a mystery, and I'm glad I found them. One less thing to think about!

So the Cricut came out of the box, and boy, there were a lot of tools in the boxes. Those items went into the drawer with the other digital cutter tools. One drawer per machine and one more drawer to be filled with the new Momento, the 24" digital cutter. I know, why have one cutter when you can have three? 



Tools for the Cricut

So there it sits, and now I must rearrange some stuff to find space to use it. Well, I've got a plan, and that's all that counts. 


The Cricut


I refuse to let a new tool sit in the box for months, so it's now out! I still have to open the heat press that came with it (I know—how many heat presses does one person need?).

I managed to tidy up the stabilizer area as it was getting out of control, and I received some new stabilizers the other day. This is the OVERFLOW from the six containers of stabilizers. That's obscene and I had better be embroidering my heart out to get all this used up!


The overflow basket of stabilizers



I managed some personal sewing in the afternoon. If you call finishing a class sample personal sewing. I don't care which machine I sew on anymore - I just need a machine, and there I was sewing in the middle of the room on a table, surrounded by stuff for my demos this week. It'll be nice to get this last week of demos done, and then I can put things back into some order with my new plan, which I won't have time to implement this week; it will be fabulous, and EVERYTHING will have a home. 

It was a strange day for the weather. One minute, the sun was shining; the next, we had sleet. When I got back from my walk, I sat outside in the sun for a few minutes. The little guy was on my lap and Lexi was checking out the situation. As soon as the sun went behind the clouds, it was COLD, so we didn't stay out long. 

Trying to soak up some rays


And what's with Murphy? This is a new spot for her to hang out. It's behind the little bushes right by the back door. One never knows with this girl!! 


Murphy? Are you hiding?

And there's Mr. Cuteness himself. Oh gosh --he desperately needs a bath. His face is a mess, and his legs are dirty. He barely looks like a white dog! If his Mom could see him now!!! But he's at Grandma's house, and Mom's rules don't count! What will happen if M ever has kids? Will we be allowed to babysit them? 

Mr. Cuteness - Bear!!!

I managed to get all the follow-up done from the weekend sessions and worked on the third writing assignment, so I'm in good shape. After Monday sewing this morning, I'll get back to work and check all the samples and supplies for the week. And I will NOT put anything UNDER the table. I had to chuckle because I was so close to those missing items, yet I couldn't see them!

Someone asked me if I was taking my Vitamin D, and I had not been. Did you know that lack of Vitamin D can cause muscle aches and mood swings? I don't understand why I would have a deficiency since I'm outside for hours every day and have been for years. I would least expect myself to have a Vitamin D deficiency. Let's just say that I'm back taking it and hopefully on a regular basis. 

There are only 8 Zooms this week, a massage (which I might change), an all-day in-person event, Monday sewing, and a play day with the digital cutters. I think I can manage that!! 


On that note, I'm off to spin class. 


Have a super day!!!


Ciao!!!


Sunday, March 17, 2024

Questions and I WANT answers!

Oh, great scot!!! I had trouble sleeping, so I got up and did some work. Then when I finally went to sleep, I went into a deep sleep, and I'm WAY BEHIND this morning. Why is that? 

There are many other mysteries in this world. Why can't I log into my mySewnet account on my laptop, yet I can log into the account on my other computer and all of my devices? Yep—the world is a mystery, to be sure. 

So here are a few hurried photos, as I have UFO club at 9:15, and I still want to get the girls and the boy out for a walk. 

This is what's left of the Exit Game Advent Calendar. Yep --- we did the last part of the game last night, and well, it's ready to be tossed. These are ONE-PLAY games. 


The remains of our Exit Game Advent Calendar


We found the "gift" and are becoming "pros" at these games. I see an advertisement in the box for a level three. We might not be ready for that, as it took all our combined brain power to get through this one. 


Our gift

It really was a great value for the dollar as far as entertainment goes, and I'll definitely buy another one. Can't wait for November!! I'm sure we could purchase it much earlier, and I'll be on the list. OK -- I just put my name on the notification list. Not that we would start before December 1st, but I'll know when it's out and to look for it. 

All the reviews of the games are great! There are a few things—a word might be easy to misinterpret, or there was a malfunction with a puzzle in 2023—but overall, it's EXCELLENT value for the money, but you have to like puzzles. 


Look at this bundle of cuteness!! He is in desperate need of a bath. I keep telling his Mom that he's OK, and he is. He's just dirty! But then it rains, he goes into the forest, and then he's messy again, so what's the point? 

Hey, world! Look how cute I am!!!!

I've seen these wine bottles with the bicycle on the label. 

Bicycle on a wine bottle label


But I do not remember seeing the embossed bicycle on the bottle. Hmm—was it always there, or is this new? 


were completed


Unfortunately, that's all the time I have before I need to get my butt outside. Thankfully, both presentations were completed in the middle of the night! 

I'll leave you with this quote from Einstein, which I think is brilliant. There's a bit of a long story behind this, and I like the quote, not the whole long discussion this person goes into. I have yet to read it all. Just read the quote, and we can call it a day!!!

WAIT -- I need to mention that while I was walking Lexi, I "IMAGINED" the perfect solution to Studio B's problem. I knew what I wanted, but could I find it? And YES, I did!!!  And it's fairly cheap, so I think that's why I was up at night.


Have a great day!!!!

Ciao!!!

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Digital cutter are FUN!!!

Thanks for your thoughts on mental health! I'm OK, and while I still haven't found those items, and I'm still "frustrated" by a piece of technology that isn't cooperating with me, I'm over that destructive feeling. Thankfully, it doesn't last long, but I wish I could control it. Thankfully, my mind tells me to throw things, but don't break things - like dumping an embroidery machine on the floor! 

Oh my gosh—this is just too cute to pass up. When I walk Lexi in the morning, the other two hop up in bed and watch. 

I zoomed in on this picture so you can see them. I'm sure anyone walking past gets a hoot out of them, peering out the window, waiting for Mom to come home. And even when we are home, they have been known to sit together in the window and watch the world go by. Isn't that the cutest picture? They are so adorable!!!!


Two buddies watching the world go by



This is one of Miss Lexi's favorite spots. She LEANS against the wall -- not strong enough to support herself or just lazy. I vote for lazy!!! But she's smiling and happy, and that's all that counts! 

MOM -- I'm a happy girl!

I had one Zoom yesterday, and I almost missed it! We go out for dinner on Friday evening. I knew I had the Zoom, but I thought it was 7 PM for some reason, so we decided to sneak out for a quick bite. While waiting for our food, I checked my phone, and OH NO!!! The class starts at 6 PM. So we got our food "to go" and left. I logged onto the call ten minutes before. Only two people were in the waiting room, and the class went on, and no one was the wiser!!

The staff at the restaurant was very accommodating and were going to loan me a computer so I could Zoom at the restaurant, but I needed my software, so I had to be home!

In preparation for my Zoom class this morning, I cut some applique shapes, and this project is so cute!!!! But it required a trip to the library. I can't tell you all about it since I need to share it with the Digital Cutter class first, and perhaps I'll share part with the Dragon Applique class today. 

Here's the quilt. 

Dragon Applique



I haven't used the photocopier at the library in a long time, but you put money in your library account, log into the copier, and away you go. It's super slick and better than having an extra card. I love how technology has evolved, and the trick is to keep up with it—although this is an easy one! 


Photocopying at the library

And then this happened. There were MANY learning lessons in this attempt to cut. I shouldn't say attempt since I accomplished what I set out to do. If you have a digital cutter and are afraid to use it, get it out!!! 

Using the digital cutter to cut applique fabric

And here's the thing --- if you are going to be serious about any hobby, get the tools with the best technology. OK- I get it. We are all on budgets, but if you are struggling with the technology and it's something you really want to use, I suggest you start saving up. Thankfully, the technology has only changed slightly with the Brother Scan and Cut since I purchased the SDX225 in 2018. I will admit that it's seen more action in the last 6 months than in all the years from 2018 to 2023. But that's OK -- I'm using it now, and while it used to be in a box, it now sits on a table.  The new technology (auto blade) in this is a game changer for people struggling with the older models. Sometimes, it's best to get rid of the old and in with the new IF you are struggling to make it work. 

I need to rejig things so that they have a permanent place. I'm thinking of revamping Studio B, and the big issue is whether I keep the camera equipment or the toys in one place. Since I have one more crazy week with filming required, I might keep the toys permanently and move the cameras. That makes more sense. 

And as if I didn't have enough to deal with at this time, a brand new toy arrived yesterday, so that makes TWO new toys that I need to get my act together and start playing around with! 

Today will be another busy day, as there are two Zoom classes, and the afternoon is "free." I'll be working on my writing and prepping for tomorrow's UFO clubs. Before I know it, it'll be Monday morning, and I get to repeat that crazy week all over again! 

So Murphy alerted me to intruders in the backyard, with two sharp barks! I checked and could not see anything, but it was time to let them out, so I grabbed her collar and stood on the deck. She didn't seem too excited, so I let her go. She ran to the pond, and to my surprise, a pair of ducks flew out of the pond and towards me. Thank goodness those ducks didn't get scared because any poop business would have flown right at me!!! I don't mind the ducks in the pond, so I'll watch for them to get a photo!

Speaking of Murphy and photos, I laid this quilt on the floor this morning to take a picture. I had barely turned around to get my camera and look at what had happened. The quilt was on the floor mere seconds before she plopped herself down. She's not just sitting on it; she has laid down on it! 


MOM -- thanks for the quilt!


On that happy note, I'm out of here! OH -- I ate my dinner AFTER I finished the Zoom call! 

Have a super day!!!!!


Ciao!!! 

Friday, March 15, 2024

Our mental health is fragile!

I'm happy that I'm not alone in the missing items department. But what is interesting is how we become focused on the missing things to the detriment of what is happening around us. We are distracted, discombobulated, and just totally non-functioning to some extent. 

Why is that? And why do we get to that point? It's not every time I lose something, but the times when I get in that state are not pretty, and I hate it because I "waste" so much time, either trying to find the item or just being discombobulated. 

I confess that I sometimes feel destructive in those times. If something gets in my way or an item falls off the table, I've been known to swipe everything to the floor. Why? I know it's wrong, but I can't help myself. It makes me realize how easy it is for someone to pull a trigger. Is that anger management issues? Or some part of my brain just goes berserk? 

It reminds me of a story my Dad told me years ago. He was at someone's workshop to pick up something. This person—we'll call him John as I've forgotten his name—was on a forklift moving something when he accidentally touched a window that was leaning against the shop's wall. He broke the window, and that feeling of "destruction" flooded his brain, so he rammed the entire stack of windows and broke them all! 

Thankfully, it doesn't happen to me that often, and I have still not found any recently lost items, but they can't be far away. This was a bit scary and shows that NONE of us are safe from serious mental health issues if we don't learn to control our emotions. 

The state of Studio B is now even worse if that's possible. I have a reasonably quiet day today with only one Zoom, and it's all prepped, so that should give me some time to sort stuff out. However, I have four Zooms this weekend, TWO of which require significant work.

However, look -- I have ONE clear table on which to work. 

A clear spot to work

I've already loaded the tools and supplies I need to work on my two projects, and NOTHING is missing, so it should be a smooth day. LOL!!! 

Yesterday, as I prepped, it was chaos, and I was switching stuff around like crazy to find the best place for everything. 

Chaos in Studio B


I will try to nail down all the samples and tools needed for next week so I don't run into last-minute issues. And it's the last week of crazy Zooms. I have 14 Zooms for ALL of April, and this month, I had that many PER WEEK! I know the days are slowly being booked up in April—me, who says the month is wide open! And it was, but there's still lots of flexible time. 

I feel like I'm married to my embroidery software. I'm now reading the manuals at lunchtime to try to learn more. I LOVE when I get a puzzle and can't solve it. I have several at the moment, and I'm figuring them out bit by bit. It pays to sit and play at the computer and see what happens. If it doesn't work out, there's always the delete key!!

I'm amazed at what you can do with the software and how all the programs are linked. At least, you can go the easy or the challenging route at the top levels. 


Speaking of puzzles, LOOK!!!

Day 24~~~~


We are now down to the FINAL puzzle in the EXIT Game Advent Calendar. Between the two of us, we managed to solve Day 23. I'm not sure we could do it alone because I came up with part of the solution, and DH came up with another part. Perhaps our brains would learn to do both parts. But anyway, he wanted to forge on, but I had a Zoom!

Yeah—then we're going to take a break for a bit, but I have lots more where that came from! I LOVE them. 

It's time to break out a new pair of shoes. I bought these trail shoes last year as a potential for the Camino, but I never used them. I couldn't let a brand-new pair of shoes go to waste, so I wore them to walk the dogs. They are pretty comfy, and the outside of them looks way smaller than the Hokas. My feet seem to have loads of room in them, so let's see what happens. 

Then I'll have to buy a new pair in the middle of summer, so I better start looking in case there are some deals. Who said walking was a cheap hobby? At least it's much more affordable than quilting or machine embroidery!


My new shoes



I did get a meeting thrown into the mix this morning, but that's OK -- I'm not stressed about time, although that software manual is calling my name! Trust me, there are times when I don't get the manual. I may have read the same thing over a hundred times, but I still don't get it. Then I leave it and go play with something on the software. Then, by playing around, it all makes sense. 

The takeaway from that is to keep going. This may be a brand-new concept to us, and that's OK. Even those of us who sort of understand it sometimes take a while to have all the stars align and make sense of it. 

And getting all my manuals organized on the iPad definitely helped. 


I wish I had someone I could go to after I discovered how a tool works and find out if I am using that tool most efficiently. I don't want them to show me because they usually show me ONLY how they do it, and I might find another way or discover something else in the process. Besides, it'll stick in my head if I discover it rather than have someone show me. 

It's like anything --- it's overwhelming to get a new machine, new software, or anything and immediately take lessons. NO—what you need to do FIRST is play, then go for a lesson or two so you understand what they are talking about and can ask intelligent questions. 

The girls and the boy are waiting patiently for their walk - I must go!!!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!



Thursday, March 14, 2024

The lost list gets longer

I am even more annoyed with myself this morning. Well, I'm no longer irritated, but yesterday? I was very annoyed. I was putting together the presser feet I was going to demo in my presentation, and do you think I can find my Open-Toe feet for the PFAFF? They are not to be seen. Then I realized that I was also missing my Quilt Binder. I have two of them, and they are in big purple boxes. 

I'm VERY diligent about keeping all my presser feet in a specific location by brand. I'm anal about it. But at some point, in prepping for these presentations, I removed the feet and put them in a SAFE place. WHERE is that safe place? 

I was annoyed beyond anything, and I've realized that I do NOT deal well with frustration, mainly when aimed at myself. I went for a walk, and I felt much better. I still have not found that missing sample, nor have I found the missing feet. 

However, I came up with a compromise that worked just fine. I will find these feet one day, and they will be staring me right in the face, but at the moment, they are not to be found!

The favor I asked of someone and the requirement that I be at their location at 8 a.m. worked out OK. I have yet to test everything, but I will later today. Let's hope that all is fine. There was so much information sharing besides the favor they did for me that it was well worth my time! 

So, two more Zoom presentations are in the bag, leaving seven more this week, and a meeting popped into the mix. I'll finish the work, but the prep is time-consuming, and I also have to set up the camera area. The remainder of the presentations will require less work there, and the more I become familiar with the system, the easier it is to work. I'm good! 

Murphy tried to help me get things set up, but she wasn't really all that helpful. But she tried! She's the comic relief to keep things light! 

MOM -- can I help you? 


OH, and last night, Bear was quiet and slept in his bed for the entire first presentation. However, asking him to be quiet for the second one? That was pushing it. I had him on my lap, then he was on the floor on my samples, then he went to his bed, and when DH came home, Bear was freaking out behind me. So DH had to come down to get him; of course, he plays hard to catch! Thankfully, the cameras were on the sewing machines, not on me, so people may have heard the commotion but didn't see anything! 

There are so many great quotes in that happiness journal! Look at this one. WOW—I love all these quotes, and they are so true! This quote gives me an idea! I might just use it somewhere special! 

Another great quote


At one point, one boy and one girl were trying to help, but it was more like sleeping on the job. It's tough to get good help!

HEY -- it's Union break time! 


As I've said before, Lexi will NEVER come downstairs. She is NOT a fan of indoor stairs in the least. She has hated them from day one when we brought her home. 

But everyone is getting into the synchronized act with Bear. They will miss him when he goes home - if he ever goes home. 


HEY -- we are waiting for our walk (that never happened!)

Even Lexi is getting into the synchronized sleeping thing. Although they faced each other, which isn't really synchronized. Yes - Bear in his dog bed! 

Sleeping "together"

Even though I felt better after I returned from my walk, I was a bit annoyed when I found a note from Canada Post on my front door. When I removed the note, it left a mess. Imagine if that had been a painted door, not glass!!!


A mess left by Canada Post note


It was so beautiful yesterday that I had no choice but to be outside as much as I dared. A bit cooler weather and some rain for the remainder of the week, which is good. That'll keep me inside as I have a lot of work to do! I got a chuckle, though, on my walk. I'm wearing a T-shirt. I didn't even bother to bring a sweatshirt this time - it was 20 C. I passed people in puff jackets and hats. I was sweating in my T-shirt; I could only imagine what was happening to them. 

There's Mr. Adventure -- he's off to explore the backyard. They all have to be trained to STAY OUTSIDE for a while. They've become positive house-bound dogs over the winter, and Murphy is NOT happy to be out there alone. Nope -- she needs someone to be with her. 



Mr. Adventure


I've more or less completed one more writing assignment. There are a few pictures that I'll change as I'm not happy with them. That will be gone before noon, and Number Three is starting. Then, I need to work on the projects for Numbers 4 and 5 so I can start writing about them. I'm not pressed for time, so I'm enjoying the process much more, but it still needs to be out of the house soon! 

One of the Zoom sessions I'm running is about your basic sewing machine. We are talking BASIC stuff here. I'm surprised at how many people need help understanding those essential functions. One lady, who had her machine for 11 years, didn't know she could change the tension! All I can say is - get out your User's Guide! Study the diagrams, and if you don't know what a particular button or dial does -- try it! It's HARD to break a sewing machine by playing!!

On that note, I'm out of here! I've got a lot to prep for today, and I have to get the girls and the boy out for their walks!! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!



Wednesday, March 13, 2024

"Another" hobby!

Well, I did not find that sample, but that's OK because I made new ones, and they are probably nicer than the old ones! It's still super annoying that I can't find them. They will turn up at one point, but where are they hiding?

I'm a bit strapped for time this morning as I have to be somewhere at 8 a.m., which is prime dog-walking time. So the blog will be short, and the spin class will be short, so I can at least get them outside and fed. When someone offers to do you a favor and they say 8 a.m., you switch the schedule to make that happen. 

Oh my—for those in the digital cutter world, this store is INCREDIBLE. It's called Sign Supply Canada, and they have everything you can imagine for digital cutters. It's not like I have time for another "hobby." As usual, I'm trying to find a way to combine everything, so I picked up a few things to try. OK -- so I already had a few samples, but I now have projects in mind! 


Shopping for vinyl



I switched up my Zoom setup, and I like it much better. I'm using three sewing machines for two Zoom classes, and the U-shape gives me much more room. Once those three sessions are over, I switch to the other brand, which is on the other side. The last two of the week are on software, which requires no machines. The scheduling of those events worked out perfectly for me. Sitting in there with two video cameras becomes tight, but it works fine! 


Lights, camera, action!


The little guy was trying to play gaffer, but he wasn't much help!! I had to move him because he was right at the entrance to my spot, and he was scared I'd trample him like Murphy has been known to do!

Grandma -- I can help!

I've been trying to think of a more permanent filming area where I don't have to move things around so much. However, once these next two weeks are over, I won't need so much equipment for zooms, so it'll be much easier to set up. Anyway, I'm thinking about the future or even about my personal zooms. I rarely need three machines, so this is a bit unusual. I really need some practice on the lighting, as my face always looks awful!

Some of the samples I stitched involved using two spools of thread. Do you know what that means? Yes, you can do so many cool things with twin needles!


Using two spools of thread!

It was such a beautiful day. How could you NOT be outside? Even though I had loads of work to do, I went for a walk and sat in the backyard with the girls and a boy. He's not keen on sitting on the ground but quite happy to be a lap dog!


The lap boy!


Of course, all three of them have to be right there. After this picture, I took his sweater off. The little guy was hot! 

My entertainment while outside


And while I was sitting there, this little guy was busying himself in the tree beside the gazebo. 

Nature close at hand

Look at that sky, and there's my beautiful glass wind chime. I leave my wind chimes out all winter and love to sit and hear the tinkle. Soon, the waterfall will be open, and I'll never stay awake out there. 


The glass windchime


As mentioned, it's short today but I have to run! 


Have a super day!!!!


Ciao!!!!

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

On the POSITIVE side

 I am ANNOYED!!! And I'm annoyed at myself! 

I'm trying to get organized for the events over the next couple of weeks. The first one is tonight. So I'm organizing the samples, and I'm missing ONE. Actually, I'm missing a couple of samples. Now, thankfully, both of them are small and would take very little time to redo. It's the principle of the matter. I had one in my hand last week, and I swear I left it on the table. 

I've been searching for it, and nothing!! Thankfully, I had it in my hand recently, so I remember exactly what was on it, but how annoying is that? And there are two more small sample pieces that are also AWOL, and where the heck could they be? 

On the positive side, the samples/supplies for most of the events over the next two weeks are in order! I have to make a few extra things, but at least I know what I'm missing. 

GRRRR -- I hate when that happens! 


Also, on a positive note, I have my Heartfelt Sampler on the design wall. I can't show you a picture until the group has seen the quilt, but it's looking amazing. I'm always on the lookout for a new colorway, and this time, I went with brown. I KNOW!! Who intentionally makes a brown quilt? It's one of the least-liked colors. I wonder why that is. 

OK -- so what would we do without Google? I searched for the answer (seriously???) Yep -- and here it is. 





Everyone should make at least one quilt in their least favorite color! It helps us to be more in tune with ourselves and the world around us. I'm taking the positive side of the definition and seeing the warmth and autumn in this quilt. Stay tuned -- it may or may not get completed for the final reveal, but at least it's on the wall! I switched a number of the blocks around until I got them to my liking and to balance the values. I had the correct amount of blocks, but the final block wasn't the correct size. I needed a 5" block, and the leftover was 6". So, I'll remake one more block. The 6" can't be cut down without looking a bit weird. No big deal to make one more. 


The leftover block

I didn't like the coloring on one of the other 6" blocks, so I swapped it out for that extra one above. 

The rejected block


There are more positives! One of the five writing assignments is gone, and I'm working on Number Two. The pictures are complete for a couple more articles, so it's all good. Oh - did I mention that I walked over .5 km this morning as I searched out different samples. I also started to put away some things I no longer need. 

I've used every flat surface in Studio B, including all my portable TV tables. But as the week goes by, I'll be able to consolidate and put things away. I'm in good shape! But where is that darn sample? I know the minute I make it, it'll pop up! And it'll shout—you looked everywhere, but here!


In the Heartfelt Sampler, the eight-pointed star blocks use the Peaky and Spike component, or as Deb Tucker calls them, the V block. 

A Peaky and Spike component


We should NEVER shy away from making any type of block. It's all a learning experience, and we expand our knowledge. These tiny Peaky and Spike blocks were part of my Cherrywood Challenge for the Diana exhibit. The quilt is back home now but still tucked in its packing box. I should mention the finished size of each component is ONE INCH. 

I've been in the quilt world for over 25 years. Where did the time go? Many new quilters have no idea where some of these names came from. Doreen Speckmann named that component Peaky and Spike. I knew that without Googling it!!! 



Here's a picture of my Diana Cherrywood Challenge.


My Cherrywood Challenge


I laugh when I look at this quilt, wondering how intentional was my design. Those two darker hearts represent Princess Diana's two boys. Hmm—those hearts are NOT intertwined. Knowing what we know, they should have been on opposite sides of the quilt!!

There are many rulers and tools to cut those units - I use a Tri-Recs ruler (old-school, but still an amazing ruler!), others used the V Block by Deb Tucker, Marti Michell has a ruler, and one person cut them out on their digital cutter!! There is more than one way to do anything!!!

Speaking of learning, look at the quote in my Happiness Journal yesterday. 



I popped into the local thrift store to look for blank T-shirts that I could use for heat transfer experiments. Yep, I found two. It's rare to find a plain T-shirt these days. I also found two other things that I won't share yet, but I have plans for those two items. That's a task for April. 

And I must STOP looking at the jigsaw puzzles. Good grief -- they have oodles of them. I do NOT need more puzzles, but I was tempted by two of them. There is one that I almost bought in the fall when I was out puzzle shopping. I just checked and I do NOT have it. Hmm -- I think we got a $10 off coupon. NOOOO --- just say NO -- you do not need another puzzle. But look how pretty it is!!!!


A gorgeous jigsaw puzzle


Yesterday morning was so beautiful on the walk. Yes - it might have been a tad nippy, but not enough to require a hat. The forest was ALIVE with energy and the blue sky contributed to it. Maybe that's where I get my energy -- all that forest bathing and the energy from those living things just seeps into my pores!


Don't forget to look up!


The tranquility of the walk is amazing. And I refuse to walk more than one dog at a time. If I'm pressed for time, they get shorter walks, but I will not walk more than one at a time. That's for all our combined mental health!

Lexi and I out for our walk


And look at what I spotted - a hawk! He was on the hunt for breakfast, no doubt! 


A hawk



I have loads to do today, and once I remake that sample, I'll feel better, but I'm still annoyed! There's much to do -- emails to send, phone calls, and two in-the-car errands, so there's no time to waste. 

Have a super day!!

Ciao!!!