Progress On Sylvia's Bridal Sampler

Oh wow -- Barbie clothes from stretch fabric! That's a cool idea, and I have a whole bunch of leftovers from making T-shirts. Brand new, it would be an excellent way to get rid of that basket of scraps! Love the idea. 

So I didn't quite finish what I planned yesterday, but I did sit down and PLAN the two samples I need to make, and the fabric is ready, so all I have to do today is stitch them out. It should NOT take long. OK -- you can stop laughing now. 

I have two classes this weekend; one is ready to go, and the other needs one block sewn. Plus making those two samples. I have two days. It should be fine, since nothing is complicated. 

But what I did work on turned out amazing! But first - I needed to pack for the upcoming trip. Thankfully, it's by car, so I can manage as many suitcases as I need. 

I had been "hoarding" samples on this table, which was tucked in the back of Studio B. Rather than take them upstairs after Salon Quebec, I separated them when I unpacked from that trip. It was time to get serious about packing, so I brought the table out. 

Samples hidden in the back of Studio B

I moved the samples to the kitchen. 

I moved the samples to the kitchen.

Suitcases were brought down from upstairs, and voilà, the samples were packed. The kitchen is neat as a pin, although DH seems to like leaving a few things on his box on the kitchen table! I must move that stuff back to his office! 

The kitchen is neat as a pin!

I have one more table in Studio B with some samples that need finishing. They are perfectly good as-is, but it would look prettier if some samples were bound; others need their edges serged, and so on. I planned to work on one a day, but that thought quickly slipped my mind, so I had to rifle through the pile and pull what I needed. 

I transferred the rest to the table I had just emptied (minus the green bucket) and put the empty table away. 

One table less in Studio B

I still have a bucket of things for the Momento to sort through, and I might do a quick sample or two. I decided to pack early (two days) so that, if I'm walking and remember something, I still have time to pack it. If not, I have more than enough to keep the groups entertained. 

This is the bucket with Momento projects, and I also need to go through it and get some more samples done, but only if I have a chance. I already have loads of samples. 

The bucket with things for the Momento

Now that the table holding the samples is out, the rest of the crap that I had put on the floor was exposed. 

Well, it was, but I quickly found homes for some of the things in the stash room. 

This space is now clear.

And the rest went under this table.

More stuff to deal with another day

OK -- so some of it went on the table as well. I'm not a fan, but I wanted it off the floor. I know I have a serious problem with the quantity of things, and I'm trying to clear it up, but it's a serious situation. Only more time will help me. Of course, not starting anything new will also help, and little by little, I'm whittling those things away. Believe it or not, I'm making progress, and that's all I'll say about that. 

I think rearranging the "current" project tables will help. One table contains the projects for the classes I am currently teaching or the UFOs I'm working on for the Visual To-Do list. The table beside it has items on the Visual To-Do list that I likely won't get to this year, so they will be ready for next year. I plan to complete most of the things on that one table before the end of the year. Then I'll shuffle things around for next year. I know you are saying that will never happen, but they are for classes and UFOs that are on my list to complete this year, so it HAS to happen. 

It's a constant battle. Don't worry - I have a system. 

Speaking of battles in Studio B, have a look at this one. I swear it still boggles my mind why this block never got completed. 

I decided to take a detour and work on this Desdren Plate block. I used my little freezer paper template to turn under the curved top edge. Then I sewed FIVE blades together to make a quarter circle (what a concept!).

Next, I measured it to see if it made a quarter circle. And guess what? A perfect 90-degree angle on that corner!!! It couldn't have been more perfect!! What a dolt I can be sometimes, but we have no time to berate ourselves for being silly; let's get the block together. 

A perfect 90-degree corner

See how pretty the block is, and it was a snap to sew those exposed side seams together without touching the turned-under edge. 

Looks amazing to me!

I used the freezer paper template TWENTY times, so that was a bonus. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Freezer paper stickiness lasts much longer than most people think. Now, if I were doing paper piecing with freezer paper, it may not last twenty times, but for appliqué? I've used it at least twenty times for the same shape in other projects. The template is gone, by the way. 

The freezer paper template

I was going to stop because I had other work to do, but I was on a roll, and I made the next quarter and sewed it into a half. And yes --- the next quarter was perfect as well. I was getting excited and did the next quarter, which I also added. The remaining opening looked too small to accept the final quarter, but I forged ahead, and before I knew it, the entire circle was together. And it was PERFECTLY flat. What are the chances of that? 

The back of the Dresden Plate

I quickly got the background square and laid it on. I was ready to glue it and then stitch it last night, but of course, the tip of my glue bottle was clogged, badly. I was lazy and tried boiling water only. But that didn't work, so I took my Manitoba friend's advice, boiled more water, and added some vinegar; it took some convincing, but the glue finally dissolved. By then, it was late, so I left the gluing and stitching until later today. 

The front of the Dresden Plate block

I have one more prepped block (EPP), and I'm deciding whether to stitch it by hand or by machine. Hmmm --- I might do it by machine. 

That will complete the unfinished blocks on two of the four pages in the index. Going forward, I decided to start at the top of page three and work through the unfinished blocks in order. I looked at the block -- OH -- I see why some of these got left to the end! Curved pieces and Y-seams. I'm so excited, I can hardly wait! 

But a little bit each day and these blocks WILL get done! 

I decided to work on a small embroidery project last night. That just seemed to go wrong from the get-go. I put the stabilizer and the fabric in the hoop and popped it on the machine. I had skimmed the instructions, but didn't really pay attention. The first fabric I placed for appliqué was cotton with raw edges, so I probably should've changed that, and I did. 

The second time, I used felt so the edges wouldn't fray and stitched it again, but I didn't realize the far end of the fabric got caught, so I just cut around it. 

The top fabric got caught in the embroidery.

Then I reread the instructions and OH CRAP, the first heart was supposed to be encased in plastic, with some sparkly things under the plastic (and on top of the first heart), so I was right the first time. Sigh......

That's why you should NOT listen to an audiobook and try to do something new. It is NOT a big deal as it's just a fun little project. 

I went ahead with it as-is, and this is the result. 

My embroidery

I might just remake this - I'm not a fan of the thread colors. This time, I'll do the heart correctly, and this small project can become a mini pillow or something else. These small embroideries are on my visual To-Do list, so I must get them done this year. 

I don't know what's happened to the girls, but they sniff so much on walks that it feels like we are out twice as long. Even Murphy is sniffing like mad. It must be all the squirrels. 

MOM -- these smells are important!

I took them for a walk together to the drug store in the afternoon. I swear they never walked side by side. 

Where are the dogs?

Wait -- they did walk together enough for me to grab one picture. We have to cross a major street to get to the drug store, and I'm sure people get a laugh watching these two lunatics pull me across. 

MOM - we can walk side by side when we want to!

They were NOT happy to be left outside the drugstore, but it was only for a minute. Then I had to wait for DH's prescription to be filled, so we had some good discussions while we waited together outside. The weather here could not be more beautiful. It's warm, sunny, and just glorious days!!!

Hanging out at the drugstore

And what can I say, the girls love the sun in the front room. Murphy is back to hanging out in her bed, which is nice to see. Although she still has trouble with her hind legs, she can jump up and down. We don't encourage it, but we don't say no either. This is her favorite spot in the house.  

MOM - I'm back on guard duty!!!

Lexi, the cautious one, doesn't like the bed, but she will sleep on the mat in front of it. But never at the same time. They just don't like to sleep close together, which is very unusual for two dogs. Well, our two dogs. 

MOM - I like the floor!

The dogs get a daily supplement that goes into their food dishes. That darn Lexi will eat the supplement and leave her food until later. She is such a picky eater, and that's from DH's training and food scraps from the table. Then when she bugs him, he swats her away. Well, you did this!!! 

Lexi will eat her supplement and leave the food until later.

I had a great workout at the gym on my own yesterday. I'm getting back into the swing of things there and not afraid to make myself work hard. And I felt like a million bucks when I left. I am even trying to find another day to get back there. In total, it takes two hours from the time I leave until I get back home, and I'd love to go Saturday morning, but I don't really have time every week if I have to teach in the morning. 

I'm back today to work out with Brooke. The weight is where I want it, and hopefully we'll see some change in the fat content now that I've eliminated most refined sugar from my diet. It didn't happen overnight, and it will take time to get rid of it. But I'm determined!!!

Well, it's going to be another exciting day, and let's see what I can get done on those Sylvia's Bridal Sampler blocks. WAIT -- I must get the homework block and the sample done first!!! 

Have a super day!!!!!

Ciao!!!!

A trip to the bookstore

I LOVE the idea of the electoral candidate getting his kids involved in making posters! We need to teach kids from an early age (well, old enough to know) about elections and why they matter. Your signs stand out, and kids learn something. What a smart idea! 

That was in response to a comment on the blog about all the AI-generated signs having the same look and feel. Zero creativity in that exercise, and those posters were way too wordy. 

So even with the best-laid plans, the day didn't go quite as I had envisioned. I got lots done, and yet I didn't. My morning, like I'm sure yours is, was busy. By the time I got the blog written, DH off to the train, the house a wee bit tidier because the cleaning service was coming (I know, we have to discuss that topic one day), and the girls walked, it was well after 9 AM. The dishwasher didn't get unloaded until much later. 

I was off to my massage, and I did explain what happened with the physio and my ribs. But all was good. Misty mentioned that I seem much looser than I have been in the past, though she still found some tight spots; of course she did! That's what I pay her for! But it felt really good. One day I should just have a relaxing massage, maybe with hot stones and super relaxing music, and fall asleep. That will never happen with these ones, and I'm OK with that. 

Then it was lunchtime, and I had a few errands to run after that. The traffic in the area I went to was HIDEOUS. One or two lanes were closed for road construction, and traffic backed up everywhere! If I had known, I would have taken a side street to get to my destination, but all was good. 

I wanted to check out Indigo and spent a long time browsing the books and magazines. I took lots of pictures (why not) of things that I found curious or fun! Of course I did - who else takes pictures in the bookstore? 

For the Bob Ross fans, he is never going to die. He died on July 4, 1995 - and was only 52!!! But he lives on everywhere. I spotted a coloring book. 

Bob Ross coloring book

As I was looking at the quilting magazines (I didn't buy any), I looked at the section next to me. OH GOSH, tell me AI redid the covers of all those magazines. Seriously??? The front page design is the SAME for all of them. Even the coloring on the front cover picture is similar. Boring!!!!! 

Similar style magazine front covers

If you are into puzzles and want something with loads of variety, here are two brands I recommend. Game (World of Puzzles) has a huge variety of puzzles, lots of logic, some Sudoku, crosswords, and a whole raft of other types. This magazine has been around for YEARS (I'm guessing 50+ years) in various formats, but it's an excellent variety of puzzles. 

Games World of Puzzles

This is the other brand I highly recommend - Dell. It's been around for years, and while they have many magazines, I love Math & Logic Puzzles best. I've never had a problem with any of the puzzles. Well, except that some of them might be tough, but they all made sense! 

Dell Math & Logic Puzzles

They also have lots of new game types, which I noticed on the online puzzle site I now have a year-long membership to. OK, I caved and bought both magazines so I could learn some of the new puzzle styles. 

Then I spotted 3D puzzles and these miniature rooms. They are adorable!!! I have one, and I should dig it out and make that my puzzle for the week. 

Miniature rooms - 3D puzzles

Seriously? I thought this book was fun!!! I didn't buy it - I was tempted, but it was somewhat expensive; however, there is a sale coming up! Imagine if we got back into the habit of writing mail. But this was more - just create a small piece of art, decorate the envelope, and send it! I really, really like this idea, and I know the perfect person to receive my snail mail! 

The Art of Snail Mail

I just Googled it - the book is brand new and created by an Australian (?). Here's a short video about the book. I think the concept is brilliant, and it's a chance to put the screens down and do something with our hands. Since we all have amazing craft supplies at home, imagine making mini pieces of art and sending them to someone. 

Then I found this book about quilting. I told you -- I explored the entire store, something I haven't done in a very long time, but it was fun! I found this book, "School of Quilting," in the craft section. There aren't many quilting books left at the bookstore. I wish that had been the case when I was learning - I wouldn't have so many books!!! 

Anyway, this book is very expensive and wrapped in plastic. Who wants to buy an expensive book you can't look at? You know what they say, "you can't judge a book by its cover!"

Expensive book wrapped in plastic

Then I spotted a book: sewing clothes for Barbie!! Barbie never dies!!! I was very excited about this book because these sewing crafts and skills are back in vogue. Let's hope they stay forever!!! I was tempted, but I don't need more patterns for sewing Barbie clothes, but imagine some young person getting their first sewing machine and this book!

Sewing Clothes for Barbie

In the checkout line, there are a HUGE number of impulse-buy items. Of course there is. I wonder how many people buy things from here. It must be loads because there is always tons of stuff there. I spotted small handwork kits; these were cross-stitch. 

Mini cross-stitch kits

And there was a punchneedle kit as well. 

A punch needle kit

And finally, when I reached the cash register (not because of a line, but because I'd spent so much time in the store), I was happy to see a Canadian author's (Louse Penny) books plastered at every cash register. I didn't buy the book because I am far down the list of books I want to read by her, and I will get it from the library. 

Louise Penny's new book at the cash register!

Thanks to a friend, I acquired another jigsaw puzzle. OK, it seems I'm hooked on the Villager puzzle brand. How can you not, when this is their slogan? 

Love this slogan

The artwork is by my online friend, Cynthia Frenette. She won the artwork competition for a puzzle sold exclusively on BC Ferries. The puzzle was recently released, and a friend of mine happened to be taking the ferry, so she bought it there. It arrived at my doorstep yesterday. Thank you for that. I also think the puzzle went on a bit of a tour before it reached my house. 

NEW Villager jigsaw puzzle

Cynthia made the artwork for M's wedding puzzle. Yeah Cynthia!!!!

Villager is a fairly new Canadian company, and they only use Canadian women's artwork. They are hand drawn/painted. The puzzles all have a similar feel, and many depict scenes from across the country. I'm OK with that, and I'm certainly OK with supporting our artists and this small (but fast-growing) Canadian puzzle company. I also got their advent calendar, which is new this year, and it sold out on her website in 98 minutes!! I missed that sale by 30 minutes because I don't know how to properly set alarms on my phone! But I managed to find it somewhere else, and it arrived while I was away last week. 

Now let me tell you about the quilting in my day. I decided to work on another block for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler. Yes, it finally dawned on me that I can't just leave these blocks out and expect the quilting fairy to work on them for me. I actually have to do the work myself. Hmm -- that was a revelation!! (LOL)

So the next block was half-prepared, and as a group (when I taught the class), we discussed it a lot. Many people didn't want to include it in their quilt. Hmm, I'm not sure why so many of these fabric photos are turning out this way. I must pay better attention to that. 

The block is prepared for the satin stitching.

Anyway, after dinner, because that seems like the only time I get to sew these days, I started the satin stitching. And guess what? The block is done!!!! Yeah!!!

One more block is done!

I did a count, and yes -- there are still 29 blocks to make. With this one finished, that's 28 left. 

Then I thought I'd mess around with the Dresden plate block. I cut the missing four blades. That still boggles my mind, and I had quite the chuckle about it. All these years, the big issue was that I can't count! It's a wonder I can work on any kind of logic puzzle and be successful!!!!

Four more blades cut

I also made a small template of two layers of freezer paper to attempt to turn the top edge under. I experimented with that, and it looks fine from the front. 

Top edge turned under.

And the back. 

It looks fine from the back.

So I prepped two of the blades, and then I called it quits for the day. Finishing off the blades will be a task for today, BUT only after I get some sample work done! Let me tell you, I am very happy with my progress; it's slow, but that's OK. Slow is better than not doing anything. 

Two blades prepped

Here is the next block, also prepped, and I'll work on that next. 

The next block

To be honest, I think these two are the last ones that are technically prepped. For the rest, I sorted some fabric scraps. Once these two are complete, I'll sit down, look at the remaining blocks, and start with those that need paper piecing, or perhaps finish the applique blocks. I'll see how it goes and figure out a plan of attack for the rest of the year. I MUST get these blocks done, and hopefully the quilt tops BEFORE the end of the year. 

Here's my current, and I mean current, project table. All of these projects are on the Visual To-Do list, and all of them are for a class or a club. I need to work on all of them this year! Several of them are taking up a lot of space, and it would be amazing to put some in the "to be quilted" pile before the end of the year. I'm working on it!!!

My VERY current work table

Well, that's it for this morning. I'm running a wee bit late (I get so wordy when I write), and I still need to edit the blog, and then I'm off to the gym. While I can be a few minutes late, it's just me working out for me; I don't want to wait at that traffic light, so I have until 6 AM to get through it. What a silly deadline, but it works!!!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

How many years does it take to fix a mistake?

Someone posted a comment that all quilt stores are becoming the same, so what is the point of shopping at one versus the other? While that may be true to some extent, I think the "copying" goes back even further. 

The FABRIC is becoming the same, so shops don't have as much variety as they used to. And SADLY, what fabric companies make reflects what sells the most. We used to have easy access to categories like 30s and Asian, two categories I haven't seen in quite a while. That doesn't mean they are completely gone - I just haven't seen them. 

What we are seeing is so much of the same! I don't want to put a designer name in the blog so it gets flagged when someone searches, but I know of several designers - three of them come to mind immediately, and their collections are the same YEAR AFTER YEAR. The motifs might change somewhat, or the color might shift slightly, but over the designer's lifespan, they are the same! 

I remember back in the day when I bought a ton of fabric from one designer because I loved it (it's still sitting there untouched!), and when I looked into it, each of their 27 collections (at the time) was IDENTICAL in coloring; only the motif had changed. OK -- they may not be identical, but very similar. You could easily substitute one collection for another. 

Even other designers' collections are similar! And let's face it, that is what sells, or manufacturers wouldn't keep printing millions and millions of yards of fabric for each release. Of the MANY fabric companies out there, if each company released, let's say, 15 collections three times a year, that's a whole lot of "new" they have to create! The lookbook for one company I just checked just released NINETEEN new collections. 

Of the 19, many were similar to collections released in past years. Why would they come up with something new when people absolutely go nuts and buy and buy and buy? And if a certain style sells, then why not print more of that kind? It is US, the consumers, that are making the stores the same!! 

As usual, I've generalized a wee bit, but how many blue/teal watercolor collections do we need? At this point, there are probably 20 of them? The company releases a new one three times a year (I think). But the quilting community keeps buying them, so they keep on making them. All they do is change the theme - the look is very similar. 

Some designers are so popular that shops and consumers will buy those collections SIGHT UNSEEN. That is obscene. The only way to force change is to STOP buying, and then designers will have to work hard to find something new. 

Well, Miss Murphy seems to be hopping up onto her bed much more frequently these days. That means her legs are feeling stronger? We still help her on the stairs, and that is becoming routine for all of us, so that is good. 

MOM - I need a bath!!!!

I need to call the groomer and try and figure out a way to get her groomed. She desperately needs a bath. But she won't be able to stand for as long as they need. I'm sure we can arrange something like two appointments? 

Yesterday I gave her a wee taste of freedom. In the forest, we often walk off the path; well, it's a secondary path the city doesn't service. The forest is one huge squirrel convention at this time of year, and I thought I'd let her have a wee bit of fun. Given the condition of her legs, that may or may not have been smart, although she seemed fine all day and this morning. 

I dropped her leash. She went about 10 feet and then looked back at me. "MOM - something is not right." So I picked it up, and she immediately started pulling. So I dropped it again, and this time, she took off. But not super fast as she would have in the past. But she bounded around the forest while I walked on the secondary path. When I came out the other side, she did too, came to me when I called, and we continued our walk. 

She was excited, and I cut the walk short as I knew she would be tired. Silly girl, but she had fun with the squirrels. 

And then there is our lazy Lexi. She insists on lying under the table, a habit DH taught her. She can get pretty obnoxious while she waits for something. He eventually gave her some off the table, and then she ate the rest of her food. I wish he had NOT trained her to do that. Murphy, who loves to eat, never got food at the table, so she is elsewhere. 

MOM - just making myself comfortable while I wait

I had to clean my sewing machine because I ran out of "prewound" bobbins. Since I can't remember when I last cleaned the machine and changed the needle, I use five or six bobbins as an indicator. When the bobbins are gone, it's time to clean the machine and change the needle. It works for me. 

My indicator for changing the needle and cleaning the machine

Then I trimmed those two winter quilts and stitched the binding to the back of the first one. When I made the binding, I wasn't sure I had cut enough strips, and sure enough, I ran out. I need about 18 inches of binding. 

Not enough binding

However, I just made this binding two weeks ago, maybe three, and do you think I can find the fabric? I remember it in my hands, debating what to do if I was short, but where did I put it? I immediately checked the tubs of blue fabric in the stash room, but it's not there. OK -- so I only checked the top, but I can't imagine it got buried. I may have no choice but to go through that tub to try and find it. 

Then I decided if I am going to be serious about getting some of the projects off the Visual To Do list, then I'd better put my money where my mouth is. By the way, those winter quilts are on the list, as is this next project. 

I had prepared some appliqué blocks for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler. I cut out the shapes at the quilt retreat, so all I had to do was place the pieces on the background square, set up the machine for appliqué, and finish one block!!!

One more block done

When I'm machine embroidering, I keep stabilizer bits for embroidery or appliqué. A few small pieces were all I needed for this block. 

Using up stabilizer bits for appliqué

So I kept going and got a second block done as well. 

You can see how scrappy some of the stabilizer is on the backs of the blocks. I don't like the waste. So if I use every piece of stabilizer twice, that makes me feel better. Some larger pieces might get used a third time! 

More scrappy bits

And now two more blocks are complete. YEAH!!!! I thought I had about 20 blocks to finish, but the number might be closer to 30. It doesn't matter; if I can work on at least one per day for the next bit, I can easily finish by the end of the year. My goal is to have the three tops together by the end of the year. I'd better get moving! 

I finished two blocks for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler.

Appliqué can quickly slow people down, so here are a couple of tips. By the way, I'm doing a satin stitch around raw edge fused pieces. 

The first tip: find a good SATIN STITCH, not a zigzag stitch, on your sewing machine. There is a huge difference between the two. And use an open-toe foot so you can see what is going on. If you don't know the difference, let me know, and I'll see if I can find a picture. I don't have time this morning. 

Use an open-toe appliqué foot.

Secondly, know the functions on your sewing machine and use them. This is the function panel on the PFAFF Creative Icon 2. From the left: presser foot up and down; the needle threader (moved to the far right on the Creative Icon 3, which makes sense). Next is the scissors, which I don't really use because I prefer long tails when I'm doing appliqué. Next is the TIE OFF (extremely important for appliqué), as is the STITCH restart, and finally the needle up/down. 

The function panel on the creative icon 2

All of those are game changers for appliqué if you use them correctly. Another thing about this machine (and many others) is the presser foot that pops up slightly when the needle is down, so you can pivot frequently. That was extremely important on all those curves and those points. I've done so much appliqué in my life, I think I could do it in my sleep! I will NOT do appliqué without those tools and functions. 

OH - and here's another tip. When I'm done stitching, I press the block from the back using a wool pressing mat so I don't compress the stitches on the front. This is the only time I use a wool pressing mat. 

Pressing from the back on a wool pressing mat

So that is two more blocks done, and well, I'll take better count later on what is left. 

I'm almost embarrassed to explain what happened to the next block. But there is a Dresden Plate block in this quilt, and I have the pieces cut, and I've attempted to sew it at least TWO TIMES before, but it just didn't work. I couldn't get a circle, and I was frustrated. I've tried Dresden rulers; I've double-checked the pieces multiple times. But I need to finish this block, so let's try it one more time. 

I laid out all the blades on the sewing table so I could tackle it later today. 

The blades for the Dresden Plate block

It looks like it will make a circle - right? WRONG!!!!! 

I have 16 petals in my block, which is common. Then, for whatever reason, I had an epiphany last night and counted the petals in the book's block. OH!!!!

The pattern

Seriously?? Each quarter has FIVE blades, not four. So I am missing four blades!!! No wonder mine never formed a circle. 

The pattern instructions are correct; I just didn't read them right. And this thing has been an issue for how many years? I just shake my head in disbelief. BUT the important thing is that I have figured it out, and now I can cut four more blades and get this thing together. 

Depending on how my sample making goes today, I might be able to piece that. I'm trying to decide whether to turn the rounded end under before sewing the blades together or after. It might be easier to do it before; it will be fiddly as heck with those twenty blades, but then it will be easy to zip around and do some invisible machine appliqué on the turned-under edge. 

I can't believe I made a mistake like that, and that I didn't catch it even though it didn't make a circle!!! Life happens, move on and get the block done!

Here is my Halloween Trick or Treat bag. I embroidered this last year, and I sewed the bag back together because I didn't have access to a free-arm embroidery machine when I made it. 

Sample bag for Halloween

I rinsed out the water-soluble stabilizer, but it still felt stiff. So I threw it in the washing machine, and it is soft and beautiful!!! 

I spotted this saying on a video clip that someone sent me. 

"Be careful collecting things

Be reckless collecting memories"

You can't have too many memories, and you certainly don't want to not do things. As someone mentioned in a comment on the blog, for many events in our lives, "there are no do-overs," meaning the event happens only once! If you don't go, you will never have that memory. 

Think about that! If it's too much trouble, too emotional, too far, too many people, or whatever excuse you come up with, that event will NEVER happen again!! Don't say no to collecting memories, especially with family and friends. 

I need to get moving; it's going to be a busy day (as usual), and I also have a massage today. I'm a bit worried about my back, so I need to warn her about what happened with the physio a while back. Oh my, my legs are a bit sore this morning from my workout, but it's all good!

Have a wonderful day!!!

Ciao!!!