The command center

It's all how you look at it! I never considered getting up and down from my sewing machine as a squat. But it's a SQUAT! I'll take it! Elle mentioned that she works inefficiently in her sewing space, and so do I. We all need to keep moving, or you'll end up like my Mom. She can't move, because she didn't move! I need to move - if I don't, my body is going to seize up, and I'll be in worse shape than I am. 

But I love this little command station that evolved in the sewing room. 

My command center!

I noticed it when I was working yesterday. Yikes! I feel like I'm on a spaceship or something. As I removed the paper from my paper-piecing projects, I sat and watched YouTube videos and learned stuff. Just like my Dad. Oh boy! Now, I have to take that knowledge and apply it; there is no end to the learning I have to do. All this software does so much exciting stuff, but I must learn how to use it wisely! Or should I say efficiently! 

The cutting table is not close to the command center, and the ironing board is even further away. I'm only using the small one for the paper piecing, but I would NEVER consider pressing on that small table for anything but a paper piecing project. It's just too darn small to do a good job. So, in a good sewing session, I can get in many steps, my body feels much happier, and we just need to jig our spaces so they work for us! And efficiency is NOT always a good thing! Plus, twisting to use that small mat, even with a swivel chair, is NOT good for the body! 

There is too much clutter around, and now that my UFO is as done as it will be for today, I need to focus on clearing some of the mess around the machines. I'm done with paper piecing, so that small table has been moved. 

Speaking of paper piecing, when I finished last night with the fabric I used, only this remained. I had no idea how much I would need when I started; I just grabbed a hunk from the shelf and began cutting. As I got down to the wire, I thought I might need a Plan B. However, I didn't need a Plan B, and all is good! I have this weird knack of grabbing fabric and having enough, or I'm able to make due. I would NEVER figure out beforehand for something small like this. And even for a large project? I'd find something else to go with what I chose. I don't waste my precious brain cells on stuff like that. 

The leftover scrap

Yesterday, I unpacked some stuff from my trip to Saskatchewan. This large piece of flannel was the excess backing for the quilt I brought home. Since it's flannel, it went into the storage room with the rest of my flannel bits. When I get back to cleaning up the flannel, it will be used in a quilt. 

Leftover flannel

I contemplated leaving it behind but decided to cram it into the suitcase! 

Have you ever noticed that our weather forecasters do us no favors? They go on and on about how cold it is outside. Bundle up and windchill and snow and ice. It makes you want to stay in the house for fear of freezing to death. Yesterday, when I took the girls for a walk, it was minus 20 with the windchill. Seriously? If you dress for the weather, you are fine! I wish they would emphasize that a bit more. Dress for the weather, and you'll be FINE. The walk with the girls was BEAUTIFUL and I was sweating when I returned! 

I wore my pop-bottle coat, which is toasty and warm. Check out this blog post to see the jacket. I bought it somewhere on my ride through the mountains of Alberta. At the time, I was on my bicycle and attached the coat with bungee cords to my back carrier! I've never regretted that purchase. And does anyone remember these mittens? They are old, but I still have a PAIR, and they are warm! 

My Olympic mittens

Typically, a knit toque, hat, or mittens are NOT warm. The wind blows right through them; they are not my favorite. However, these mittens are lined with FLEECE, making them much warmer than unlined knit mittens. They were made that way! I didn't realize until recently! 

Fleece lined mittens

So, if you are a knitter and make hand-knit things to be worn outside, consider lining the toques and mittens with fleece. Otherwise? Well, your hands will be cold for sure. On frigid days, I also wear my cheap dollar-store gloves inside these mittens when walking the dogs. With a leash, I can't put my hands in my pockets, so the extra layer keeps my hands warm. I'll have arthritis (or inklings) in my hands, so I MUST keep them warm. 

Although you can't see it well, a bird was at my suet feeder. However, I need to set up the new big bird feeder, which is now on the kitchen counter. I'll do that this week. The ground is probably not frozen solid, so I could also set up the new pole. 

A bird at the suet feeder

And here's my new mug rug (thanks, Ronda). It's the perfect size for my tea and cookies! 

New festive mug rug

This bizarre candle burns nicely on one side but not so well on the other. 

A bizarre candle!

I might have to drag the big dog bed from the living room back to the family room. Lexi and Murphy like this spot to sleep, and Lexi spends more time on this bed and less on the sofa! 

Mom - we LOVE this bed!

Back to another storage magazine. OH MY -- can you tell this is an older magazine? Remember those big monitors? They were huge!!!! This small area for the computer would drive me mad! 

A big monitor

This photo is from 2007. Now, the monitors are so thin that they are almost invisible from the side! Again, there are some great storage ideas, but they are too pretty for my liking. I don't think the solutions are always practical! 

An old magazine

Last night, we went out for dinner as we hadn't had a chance the night before. We had barely sat down when the waitress whisked our drinks to the table. Since we order the SAME beverages every week, they know what we want! But this was probably the fastest service ever!!!! That is a non-alcoholic drink, by the way. Yes - it has sugar in it, but it's a treat, and I have it once a week. So many empty calories in any drink - juice, booze, pop! 

My drink! 

When we got home, we attempted to solve the next EXIT Game Advent Calendar puzzle. It was after 7 p.m., and my brain was gone by then. I left the puzzle, and I'll mull it over at lunchtime. I got the concept, but now I must figure out how to get three numbers from the clues! 

It's the final day of Zoom classes for this year. And since it's UFO Club, it's easy. Everything is set to go! 

Speaking of Zoom, I've decided to host a Virtual Retreat on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's free to attend, and if you have nothing else to do that day, this will be a perfect chance to stop in and say hi or get yourself organized to sew. 

Here's the link to that Virtual Retreat. December 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82943785348?pwd=bGWr9eXWYTj9rybqmMB5e5SeJINw5o.1

Meeting ID: 829 4378 5348
Passcode: 870535

The monthly Virtual Retreat will be on Saturday (December 28) and Sunday (December 29). I'll post the links to those later this week. 

So what will I do later today? Sewing or computer? I should do both! 

On that happy note, I'm off to find warm clothes to enjoy my morning walk with the girls. It's even colder than yesterday. There is nothing like a brisk walk in the fresh air to get you going. It increases your heart rate, clears your head, and circulates your blood—and it's good for you!!!

I need the steps anyway, as I'm getting close to the end of my virtual three-year trek from Cairo, Egypt, to Cape Town, South Africa. It's very close—too close to miss! More on that tomorrow. 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!