Sorting and finishing STUFF!

I have a question to ask, and I don't mean to offend anyone by asking—that is not my intent. I'm merely curious. Is there anyone out there who uses scented laundry products? That could be detergent or dryer sheets. I'm curious because the scent is too strong for my nose. And I think that's just because I've become so used to NO scent that anything out of the ordinary becomes too much. 

Even walking in the neighborhood and smelling the dryer sheets from vents, if someone is drying clothes, is too much for my nose! I'm not allergic—just hypersensitive to those strong smells. 

I know there are "milder" scents like fresh breeze, linen, etc., but I still find them unpleasant, yet the ads continue to promote how good those scents are. The "fresh" smell is still there days later. And yes, it is, but I don't feel comfortable with the scents. 

So, I'm just curious: Do people like the smell? Does it make them feel the clothes are cleaner or fresher than if there were no scent? 

I am determined to get to the bottom of this OneDrive thing. It's driving me nuts, and the more I chat to people, the more confused I become. There are so many confusing terms; everyone thinks they have the answer, but they do NOT! So here's one to start the education - syncing versus backup. When I see syncing come on, I know it will take working memory from my computer, and things slow down. I learned that syncing and backup are the same thing. Now, I need to figure out how to ONLY sync specific files and time it so it syncs at night or in the afternoon when I'm not using the computer. Why does it always seem to sync when I'm on the computer? My goal today is to figure out how to better set the sync. 

I also need to remove all the old files from OneDrive. I bet many of them could actually be deleted as they are dated. That's going to be a job for early mornings this weekend. I just had a peek at the file directory, and OH MY—it's going to be a challenge to know where to start. There is so much crap on that drive. 

I need to sort everything first, which shouldn't take long, and then, folder by folder, clean it up! 

I also need to figure out how to use that drive. Do I start by creating the file on my computer? No—that won't allow me to use the AutoSave feature. There is so much to learn, so little time, but it has to be done because I'm tired of the mess. 

I use clean pizza boxes to store many of my projects and demos. I have one for binding, but with the binding class this year, it was starting to explode. I have many new samples, and they need to go somewhere. So I sorted the box—completed samples in a new box, paper, and half-made samples in another. I know—that sounds absolutely ridiculous! But it works. 

Sorting the binding sample box

I found several books about binding in the box and many articles about binding techniques. Yes, I needed those at one time—it's how I learned. I scoured the internet, read the articles, and put them in the demo box so I knew where they were. I don't need many of them now, so I eliminated some yesterday and will have to return when I have more time to eliminate more. 

Articles on binding quilts

WHAT? We finally had a relatively warm, sunny day! But we've had so much cloud, cool, and rain that my lilac in the backyard is taking its sweet time to bloom. I can't wait to sit out there and enjoy the scent when it does. WAIT—don't call me a hypocrite about scents. I am outdoors in an open space. This is a delicate, non-chemical scent, and I love it! Would I want it in my house? I'm not so sure! 

Lilac is almost in bloom

Of course, since I was not paying attention to Murphy, she grabbed her toy and dumped it in the pond. I was forced to get up and get it for her. She attempted to get it and almost fell in. 

MOM - a little help! 

Here's the latest customer quilt. It was a small one, so it went relatively quickly. Yeah, for smallish quilts! I see the next one is another giant, so I'll have to load that this morning and get it done this afternoon. 

Customer quilt - DONE

I have a couple of hours at the computer this morning to finish some writing, answer emails, and generate new ones. I'm a bit behind, and I must catch up! 

So, I have something to get rid of, and I'm not sure where the best place is to do that. My Mom has MANY of these scrapbooking stamps, and I brought a few home as a reminder to find a home for them. Sadly, my Mom was a victim of an aggressive salesperson who would ensure that the latest catalogue was dropped off at the house, and she was happy to deliver anything and everything that my Mom wanted. 

Scrapbooking stamps

With my Mom being a hoarder, it was a nightmare waiting to happen, but a salesperson's delight! My Mom has admitted that she bought way too many, so that's a start. Some of them are the new clear stamps that require a plastic block to use. 

Clear stamps

Some are traditional stamps already mounted on wood. I brought home three boxes, but this is merely the teeny tiny tip of the iceberg. Almost all are BRAND NEW!

Traditional stamps on wood

Should I bundle them by season/theme and try to sell on Facebook Marketplace? There is loads of cardstock and ink, and I have no idea what else is there. But it's the next thing I must deal with when I return. I must do some research to find out what to do with them. 

OK—you can laugh at me again with my 60-minute-or-less project. This time, there were two small seams that needed to be sewn on this mug rug. I know—ROTFLOL. It's hilarious what I leave to do, and then I wonder why my studio looks so cluttered. I'm my own worst enemy, for sure. I must have a fear of finishing things. 

My mug rug - DONE! 

But this "new" challenge has me fired up, and I'm diligently trying each day to clear up the mess, one small step at a time. Sometimes, I'm tempted to finish a second project, but my schedule isn't allowing that at this time. When you want matching thread, having these partially filled bobbins for little jobs like the mug rug is handy. There's bound to be something for the top and bobbin, and I'm good to go! 

Partially filled bobbins

Several small things are lined up for later today as I quilt that large quilt. 

Poor Murphy—she was confused this morning. She was downstairs with me, sleeping on a mat as I worked. Then I shut off the machines and started to walk toward the stairs, but I got distracted by something. I turned the corner to find her looking at me! 

MOM - I'm waiting!!! Let's go!

Well, that's it for today! I have another busy day planned with one appointment, but the emails? That will take days to catch up! But all is good, and it's supposed to be nice again today, so I'm sure we'll be out in the gazebo for some of the afternoon. 

WAIT—I have stuff to share with you! A while back, I wrote about stabilizers on QUILTsocial, and you must check the articles out. For anyone in my embroidery clubs, I'll put all the links into a document and send it to you so they are easy to access. For everyone else, here are the links. 

Day One - Introduction to stabilizers

Day Two - Tear Away stabilizers

Day Three - Cut Away stabilizers

Day Four - Water-Soluble Stabilizers

Day Five - Heat Removable Stabilizers

I had so much fun writing those articles, and I learned so much. So, those links will be helpful if you are a machine embroiderer. Even if you are only into sewing, you still need stabilizers! Be sure to check them out! 

And now I'm done! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!