Tangled threads

I saw in the comments that Bonnie Hunter covers her ironing boards with freezer paper. Hmm -- I wonder why that product? Wouldn't the freezer paper be slippery? 

I'm a convert to the terry towel on the ironing surface. I wish I had known about that earlier; it never occurred to me. This piece of fabric had a crease down the center, and that crease pressed out like it was butter. I used steam, of course. And then everything else I pressed that day was excellent. I would think the terry towel will prevent the steam from dripping through to the floor when I do a lot of pressing. 

The towel works amazingly well

I even joined some batting, and the only issue was that the towel pulled up a bit when I moved the batting. I figured that would happen, so I'll have to learn to accommodate for that or find a way to secure the towel better, but I want it to be loose, so I can whip it off for washing. 

WAIT - there's more! I had some machine embroidery to press and I pressed it on the towel. If you look closely at the right-hand side, you'll see the impressions where the item was pressed. That is good because it means the machine embroidery isn't being crushed. So far, I LOVE it! Why didn't someone alert me before? 

Impressions on the right from pressing the machine embroidery

There's something else that I'm going to convert to, and I thought old dogs couldn't learn new tricks? But more on that when it arrives. It's got to do with the long arm and will require a good day's work, if not more, to get it back into proper shape! 

Speaking of the long arm, here are the two quilts I also quilted before Quilt Canada, but didn't have a chance to share. The first one is called Around the Block (The Rabbit Factory) and is one of the quilts I taught in 2008. My goal was NOT to put any of my quilts in the show, but I really wanted this one. The top was completed, although I'm fairly certain I didn't finish it during class time. The backing and binding were also prepped, so putting it on the long arm was a no-brainer! Oh -- I meant to take a picture of the backing; I'll show you that tomorrow. 

My quilt - DONE

I'll be getting my act together this week and posting all the pictures and the video from the show. This second quilt is also mine and is called Aviatrix Medallion by Elizabeth Hartman. I taught this in 2020. We started in the store and finished online. I had one of the students' quilts lined up, and then three days before the show, that fell through. Again, I really wanted this quilt in the show. My top was done, and the backing and the binding were prepped. So I quickly threw it on the long arm and got it quilted. Both are bound, and that's TWO large quilts out of the "to be quilted" pile! Yeah!!!! 

My quilt - DONE

And remember that blue dot of tape on the wall. Gosh -- it sure looked like a bug while it was there. 

The extra tape marker

However, it was used for the next quilt, and it's now gone! That was several quilts ago! The blue tape works well for marking, even though it's only temporary on each quilt and only for that row. However, it's never caused an issue, so I'm not worried about it. 

Using the blue tape as a marker

I had another quilt loaded on the long arm, and I managed to get it quilted and trimmed. That is hand embroidery that has been colored with crayons. It's an adorable quilt, and it quilted up with zero issues on the long arm. 

Customer quilt - DONE

The next quilt is HUGE. My goal is to get it loaded today, and I'll quilt it tomorrow. We have Monday Sewing today, and I'm not always as productive as I would like. 

Speaking of productivity, I managed to complete all the pieces for the MIDI bag. The fusible fleece is fused to the lining sections, and I made the two handles, but not before I had to look up how to fold the handles. I found a thread to match for the topstitching, and it's back in the retreat bag. I really should trim those lining sections, though - in the event there is no large ruler, and I would be mad at myself! 

The components for the MIDI bag are ready!

I promised another story about a long-arm incident. Well, it was a doozy and had nothing to do with a customer quilt. The bobbin ran out, and I didn't catch it right away. YES - I should install the thread stop guide or whatever it's called. Several maintenance tasks require attention with the long arm, and that is one of them. Anyway, when I went to touch the flywheel because the needle wouldn't move, it was hot. It's not supposed to be hot. 

That's when I realized that when the top thread broke because the bobbin ran out, the end got caught in the take-up lever, and many yards of thread got wound around the needle bar mechanism inside the tiny opening where the take-up lever exits the machine. ACK!!!! That has only happened about three times, and it's a mess to clean out. I grab my hemostats to pull the thread, as it's so tightly wound around that mechanism. The needle wouldn't raise or lower, and that was why that flywheel was so hot! 

It's dirty because there's oil in there, and let's say it wasn't a pleasant job to remove it all. All this thread came out of that little tiny opening. I could take the cover off the machine, but it's not easy to do, so I grab the thread with the hemostats and yank! I was back in business about 15 minutes later, but it's a nasty job. 

The thread was removed from the take-up lever

But the tangled threads don't end there. I was doing laundry yesterday, and for the last couple of days, I had been reminding myself to check my pockets because I had put a large washer in one of them. They were the pants that I wore on the last day of Quilt Canada, and if I find something interesting, I put it in my pocket. I forgot to empty them. 

When I opened the door to the washing machine, YIKES, - what is this mess? After following the thread tail through the clothes, I remembered that I also put a bobbin with thread in my pocket. DUH!!!! Along with the washer and a safety pin. Notice that not all the thread came off the bobbin! 

Odds and ends found in the wash

It's always a good idea to check the pockets of anything you put in the washer. All that got put away. 

I'm working on the cutting table and making good progress. I didn't take a picture this morning, but I'll continue to work on it today. 

I also completed a significant amount of paperwork. For me, the most challenging aspect is paying bills and generating invoices. I have a bit more banking to do, so if you are waiting on money for me, it's coming! And one more invoice to prep. But I have an issue with those invoices. They are easy enough to create. However, I found myself making the invoice, printing a copy for my records, and then forgetting to send it to the person who would pay me. Oh boy - so I had to go back and do that. 

Now I just have to watch for the payments, and all is good! 

I have the next set of paperwork laid out for today, and I'm crossing things off my list. We started the virtual retreat later yesterday, which worked just fine. I was thrilled to have the entire morning and first part of the afternoon off, with no Zoom meetings or commitments, and it was glorious.

I'm looking forward to the coming week, when I have a lot of work to do but no time commitments, although I need to set up a Zoom meeting with someone and make some phone calls. 

On that note, I'm off to spin class! I have another story to share with you about exercise. Let's say that sitting down right now is a bit challenging, but not in a bad way.

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Quilting as usual!

I'm back! Drinking water to rehydrate - I'm sure some would say it's still not enough, but I'm working on it. NO naps required, which was great! I did a slow, puttering pace all day, and that worked just fine for me. Did I make progress? Well, I didn't turn on any sewing machine; however, I'm working through that pile of stuff on the cutting table. 

Here's the cutting table in the morning before I started. YES - I remembered to take a before picture! So much stuff to deal with. 

The cutting table before

The work tables are a mess, and I didn't get a chance to touch them. Hopefully later today. 

The work tables are a mess

The ironing board had crap on it as well. More on that in a minute. 

The ironing surface is a disaster

Here are a couple of pictures from before Quilt Canada that I didn't get a chance to post, but since they involve decluttering and organizing, they fit right in for today. All the yardage in the storage room slated for backings for the community project quilts has now been measured and labeled. The pile on the left is quilt backings that are already made. They are labelled, and I suppose it would be more efficient if I folded them so the labels faced outward! And yet another small organizing task to do! This is why you don't want a lot of stuff - you spend forever sorting and organizing it. 

Yardage for quilt backings is measured and labelled

I took my green folding wagon to Quilt Canada, and when I opened it up, look what I found! A spool of bobbin weight thread and a needle. Hmmm -- that would have been used at the last show in Toronto, in 2017. Yikes!!!! Well, it's nice to find something I didn't even know was missing. 

A cone of black bobbin weight thread

There is just one wee issue. The drawer with all my bobbin thread supplies is jam-packed. I know - why have some bobbin weight thread when you can have lots? I must confess that this is primarily black and white - the actual spools of colored bobbin weight thread are located in another area. But that's OK - I know where it is and that's all that counts. After some Tetris moves, I managed to make it fit. 

The cone of thread won't fit! 

I mentioned that Diane's fabrics are all gone. What a relief, but I sorted through them and picked out all the smaller bits and scraps. They are now stored in this giant tote, and I'll cut them up into squares and make an ender/leader quilt. A box like this can last a long, long time and is perfect for sewing at retreats. Scraps also take up a lot less space than yardage. OK - that's a lie, but I can dream! 

A box of Diane's scraps

These were the three fabrics I purchased while at the retreat. The bottom one is measured and resides with my quilt backings. The middle one is in the beige fabric basket, and the top one is on the table, as I'm trying to get an inspiration for a quilt I have to make. 

Three new fabrics added to the stash

Thank you to everyone who brought me a little something while at Quilt Canada. It was so unnecessary, yet each gift was so thoughtful! 

Thank yous from Quilt Canada

As I distribute them, I'll share more. They are now on my kitchen counter waiting to be put to use. Thank you so much!!!! 

Oh dear - I found another virtual challenge medal! I did this short one a while back because they were retiring the medal. I thought they were retiring the challenge. Nope - it came back with a new medal. I'm not redoing it. It's like a large company that retired its VHS movies into the vault. And then POOF - they were back out again. 

Another virtual challenge medal

Let's take a look at the ironing board. My cover is pretty disgusting. I should try to wash it, and it amazes me how water can stain so badly. I guess it's technically not water, but the crap in the iron. 

My stained ironing board cover

While we were at the retreat, I noticed something about the ironing boards. Both were covered with a fresh towel. Hmmmm -- I don't think I'm going to like this. It's going to shift and move, and it's going to be a pain. And you know what? I LOVE it! At the end of the retreat, the owner can toss the towel in the laundry - yes, the towel has marks on it from the iron! It kind of reminds me of homes that used to put plastic on the furniture to keep it clean.

This morning, I found a jazzy towel in the linen closet, and it fits my ironing surface perfectly! I'm looking forward to ironing something later today to see how it works! My towel is not quite as fluffy as the one at the retreat, but that's OK. I'm excited, and my ironing board looks fantastic. I have a second towel just like this one!  

A new cover for the ironing board

Nothing beats pressing fusible products onto fabric like a steam press. Yes - I was pressing the fusible fleece onto the back of the panels I made for the Midi Bag. I think it's the Midi, rather than the Mondo. Same design - different size. And all was working just fine until I had a wee incident. An operator error incident, of course. It doesn't work so well when you put the fusible directly on the ironing surface! Crap! 

Fusing the fusible fleece to the lining sections

And now that I think of it, a towel would be perfect for this surface as well, to protect it. I need to find a new towel! And I have to cut a new piece of fusible fleece! I cut the fabric for the handles this morning, along with the Decor-Bond for the interfacing, and I'll fuse the bits this afternoon. Then I'll trim everything, and it's ready for the final touches. I don't have the pattern, or maybe I do. I'm searching through my external hard drive to see if it's there. I know I don't have a physical copy of it. This bag will get done! 

As someone said at the retreat, I may like the inside better than the outside, and it's not too late to switch them! That's hilarious! I'm not a fan of this fabric, but this scrappy version looks awesome! 

I've trimmed a couple of quilts, and they are all ready for pickup. It was nice to have some room on the cutting table to actually work. The Mondo/Midi bag is spread out on the left, and I need to continue working on the other items. That table must be clear! 

Progress made on the cutting table

Here's a customer quilt I quilted before Quilt Canada, but didn't get a chance to share with you. There was a minor incident with this quilt - again, not with the quilt, but with the operator. I'll share that story tomorrow. I have a couple of other quilts I quilted before Quilt Canada, and I'll share those tomorrow as well. 

Customer quilt - DONE

This is the quilt I quilted yesterday. I quilted it with an edge-to-edge design, and it looks fantastic! It has a flowery pattern indicative of Hawaiian quilts. It needs to be trimmed today. The next quilt is loaded on the long arm. 

Customer quilt - DONE

I have received some additional customer quilts, so I believe there are now ten in the queue. I've decided that any more quilts that come in will be done in September. I have some quilts to quilt for myself, and I want to finish the batch of community project quilts that I've had sitting around for a while. I also want to have some downtime! I also need to perform some maintenance on the long arm, including replacing the leaders and reattaching all the screws. 

I was outside in the gazebo, aiming for some peace and quiet, but Miss Murphy had other plans. She just sits there and insists on barking when she wants you to play with her. It was hot - I didn't want her running around in the heat. I scolded her and told her she was a "bad" dog. She didn't like that and went and sulked in the bushes beside the gazebo. 

MOM - don't yell at me - I'm a good dog! 

Poor thing, but seriously? The neighbors and I don't want to listen to a barking dog on a lovely afternoon! 

As for that massive To-do list, I got more things checked off yesterday. I hate making the lists, but when there are too many things to do, it's so easy to forget something. So I have a list! I also swept everything off the desktop onto the floor. It was becoming a real mess. I don't know how this happens. Everything is neat and tidy, and then it's not! Where does all the paper come from? 

We had a grand time at the Virtual Retreat last night. There's another one later today, so be sure to pop on and say hi! We saw some new faces and got to catch up on all things Quilt Canada, vacations, school, and so much more!!

Here's the link. Please note that the link starts at 3 PM. The attendance was a bit low at the beginning of last month, and I have a lot of things to do, so a later start time seems to work better for everyone.

Sunday - June 29 --- STARTS AT 3 PM. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81073536036?pwd=uxRqMnK1aSKrmrcSO78w8QQs5g44eA.1

Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838




And on that happy note, I'm out of here! I have a lot to get done today, and I need to start with an hour of paperwork. 

Have a super day!!

Ciao!!!

The slow return to normal

It warms my heart to read the latest comment on my blog. Someone volunteered at Quilt Canada to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes. That is so true! It also helps you understand why some things are the way they are. I don't know who that was, but I love you! Without volunteers, a show like that wouldn't exist. I understand that we all can't volunteer for various reasons, but I recently met a shop owner from out west who came to check things out and offered to volunteer her services. 

That makes me very happy! 

And now for the slow return to normal. I know that sounds like the most ridiculous thing in the world. It's not like I had major surgery or illness, or that I was away, but with everything that has happened in the last couple of months - classes, Quilt Canada, working long hours, and constant time commitments, it has taken a toll. Dare I say I'm getting older and my body isn't recovering as quickly? I hate to admit it, but it's true! I so want to be in denial about that. 

And I MUST MUST MUST drink enough water in a day. I'm tired because of everything that went on, but I'm super dehydrated, which makes the situation so much worse. I know what I need to do, and I'd better do it! I know a certain someone who will be on my case when she reads this! I hear you --- gulp, gulp, gulp!

The good news is that I finished my article and sent it this morning. That was the most urgent thing on my plate, and it's done! I also had a machine embroidery software class in the morning and had to prepare for that. It's also done, and the follow-up is sent. Yes, I have a lot of other things to attend to, including some class follow-ups, and I'll work my way through that list this week. 

I didn't do much else all day - how sad is that? I read and napped! I'm okay with that, but when there's so much to accomplish, I find it annoying, so I have to deal with it. 

I didn't even step into Studio B yesterday, but I have big plans today. I feel rested, which should help, although I am still dehydrated. And I'll get some computer work done, but nothing urgent to deal with. Yeah! 

That Muprhy sure knows how to test her limits. I swear she has the behavior of a three-year-old and isn't afraid to show it. 

While I was having lunch, she plopped herself amongst her blankets that were strewn across the floor. She did NOT touch those blankets while I was away last week. Why? Because no one would touch them to redo her puzzle. But as soon as Mom gets home, it's okay to unwrap the puzzle. 

MOM - I missed you!!! 

Once she had the toy out, she grabbed it and flung it. 

MOM - it ACCIDENTALLY went on Lexi's bed

And since she is not allowed on Lexi's bed, she did what she could to avoid getting completely on it. I couldn't get a better picture, but at one point, her butt was in the air as she tried to act casual as her front was splayed on the bed. 

Mom - I'm NOT on the bed!

What a girl! Three-year-old? Definitely! 

And here's my flowering tree in the backyard. I know I take a picture of it every year, but we are lucky to have various flowering trees and shrubs that bloom for the first couple of months of the summer. It's a Cornus Kousa as far as I can tell, but there's probably a more common name for it. 

Flowering bush in the backyard

I have a lot to share with you, but I need to conduct some research or take more pictures before I can do so. And since I was away right after Quilt Canada, that hasn't happened yet. But today? I have big plans for today! 

I am working on the few classes I'll be teaching for the fall, and once everything is organized, I'll let you know the details. Where and how to sign up. That should happen relatively soon, so if you can, pass that information on to your friends if you think they would be interested. I have a folder with emails from people for the Colour My World project, and I will start assembling the distribution list for that. So, if you are waiting for confirmation or more details, they are coming. 

I've been trying to move the email I need to act on into my "action" folder, so please be patient while I work my way through that. 

There is the Virtual Retreat tonight! It's going to be loads of fun and a great place to discuss Quilt Canada. I'd love to hear your feedback and comments, so be sure to drop by and share your memories. Remember, the Virtual Retreat is open to anyone - it's just a place to chat with others, meet new friends, and learn a ton! Above all, it's a place to connect with like-minded people!  

June 28 - Starts at 6 PM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82693702241?pwd=QpQkm8Ppppy1XwCPOqva1bcgJCWKdP.1

Meeting ID: 826 9370 2241
Passcode: 795071

June 29 - Starts at 3 PM NOTE LATER START TIME

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81073536036?pwd=uxRqMnK1aSKrmrcSO78w8QQs5g44eA.1

Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838

And on that note, I'm out of here!!!!

Have a super day

Ciao!!!!

The aftermath of a sewing retreat

I am thrilled to say that it took me three trips to unload the car once I got home from the sewing retreat. One for all the loose stuff in the front seat - water bottle, glasses, etc. And two trips with bags and the sewing machine. Wow -- I love that and I didn't run out of stuff to do! 

In the morning, we stopped in at a local quilt shop as they were having a sale, and a few things went into my bag. Suitable for backings at that price! I should take pictures to share. However, I have other things to share this morning. The store is located on a farm, and they raise Clydesdale horses. They are beautiful! 

Beautiful Clydesdale horses

While I was sewing in the morning, I peeked out the window to spot a chicken taking a stroll through the parked cars. I wonder if it thought it was going to find some goodies? 

Cluck - cluck! 

While I love being on a sewing retreat, I also love coming home and sorting through the project bags and getting ready for the next one. Don't ask! 

I made great strides and progress on that black and white project. A strip was sewn to both sides of the red squares, and I believe there are 40 of them. I don't remember. Then, my job was to sew the remaining small rectangles into pairs, so I could sew them to the sides, as shown in the bottom left, to form a square. 

My ender and leader project

I think I've completed about five squares. At least with this round, as there is another round of black on white to go on. I had a fifty-fifty chance that there was an even number of rectangles to make the strips. I lost! 

One rectangle left over

No worries. As soon as I got home, I grabbed the box with the black and white scraps and cut a new piece. I've no idea if I have enough or too many. I'll just keep sewing and let it be a surprise. 

My black and white scrap box

Now that the project is bundled back up into a plastic bag, it is ready for the next retreat. It's a good, mindless project to use as enders and leaders at a sewing retreat. 

Then I got serious about emptying the two project bags. The black and white quilt top I completed has been stored in the storage room, and I will add a backing when I get to it. The small Christmas one also went into the storage room, as that is where I store the community quilts. 

One of the project bags to unpack

These plastic bags that sheets come in are the BEST for UFO projects, especially those you are taking to retreat. I see people carrying plastic tubs filled with all kinds of stuff. I just want to take only what I need. For smaller projects, these zippered bags are the way to go! And nothing falls out of these ones with the zippers. They don't take up a ton of room either! They are my new best friend. You can put the components of a queen-sized quilt in one bag! I may have a few extras available if anyone is interested. I got a ton of them from Diane. 

Zippered bags

Someone brought me some new books, so they went onto the bookshelf. 

"New" books to add to the reading pile

As I emptied the bags of their contents, I went to my large retreat basket, which sits under a table, to find what was next on the retreat list. Usually, I'd take this huge thing, but it's heavy when full, so I now take the two smaller tote bags and it works! I filled my two project bags, and there are still three projects in this tub. They will have to wait for another retreat. This area was jammed before I removed the items for the last retreat. 

The holding basket for retreat projects

There are two bags filled with retreat projects for the next retreat. They don't take up a ton of space, they are light to carry, and when you have two - one for each side - you are balanced. No MORE taking copious amounts of stuff, and I will NEVER take a hard plastic case to a retreat again! Two trips into the house - and that included my clothes bag, my office bag, food, and the sewing machine! TWO TRIPS!!!!! Less the first one with all the crap stuff from the front seat. 

Almost ready for the next retreat

I also examined Diane's triangle project. Oh boy - I was right - it wasn't cut properly. 

The pattern said to cut equilateral triangles using a blunt-tipped ruler. I dug through my rulers and found these two. 

Checking for proper cutting

Depending on how you position the ruler, they are NOT equilateral triangles with a seam allowance at the top. So I'll position the ruler as shown above and trim off one side. Then it will sew back together again with zero issues. 

NO seam allowance at the one corner

It's going to be a great project to work on during the virtual retreat. So it is sitting beside my computer. And I must get out my heat press to prep the pieces of the Mondo bag lining and prepare the handles. Then it can go back to the next retreat so I can get it done! 

The project is waiting to be pulled apart

Of course, the girls were happy to see me. They had a dog sitter while I was away, as DH was also away. Not good timing, but that's the way it works at our house. They were quite clingy to say the least, but they didn't really want me - they just wanted a walk, and the second I went to the front door, they were right there! Look at those faces! Lexi is lecturing me, and I think Murphy thought I had food! Such cuties!

MOM -- we need a walk and we're hungry! 

I didn't sleep well last night. No - that's a lie. I slept well once I finally fell asleep. I got up many times - to use the bathroom, get water, eat, and mindlessly scroll on my phone. It wasn't until I wrote out a to-do list and started reading a novel that I found myself drowsy and asleep before I knew it. Sigh!!!!

But I was up at the usual time and off to the gym to see Brooke. Oh boy --- so much weight lifting! I'm tired! I think it's going to be a two-nap day! One for sure!

And YES -- there is a Virtual Retreat this weekend. It's going to be loads of fun as people recap what happened at Quilt Canada. Not that anything bad happened, but it'll be fun to hear people's perspective! The Virtual Retreat is open to anyone and is available on Zoom, completely free of charge. Here are the links. 

June 28 - STARTS at 6 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82693702241?pwd=QpQkm8Ppppy1XwCPOqva1bcgJCWKdP.1

Meeting ID: 826 9370 2241
Passcode: 795071

June 29 - STARTS at 3 PM  (NOTE - the later start time!) 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81073536036?pwd=uxRqMnK1aSKrmrcSO78w8QQs5g44eA.1

Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838

And on that note - I'm out of here. I have a very long to-do list, and I still need to clear that cutting table so I can get some work done! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Quilt Retreat - Day Three

OK -- so what happened to the weather? It's only 19°C this morning, cloudy, with rain expected. If it were me, I'd have all the AC units off, but I'm not alone in the house. I've turned the temperature up (or down), turned the fans off, and I'm still cold. I'd get my jacket, except my roommate is still sleeping! 

We are leaving today, and I'm glad that this retreat is a short one. OH - not because I haven't enjoyed myself. I've done a lot of sewing and met new friends, and it's all been great. However, I have a lot to accomplish in July, and with barely any time between Quilt Canada and this retreat, I really need some time to regroup.

I've been watching the timer on my sewing machine - strictly for fun. It shows how many hours and minutes I've been sewing. I've been pretty busy sewing for three days, yet the actual amount of time the machine has been working? Not even three hours! That's insane!!!!

I went for a walk in the morning and chose a different direction as I thought I might locate a geocache or two. Well, my head was so turned around with the directions. When I got to the road, I turned, and my first thought was - mosquitoes and bugs. Hmm - let's not forget ticks. I keep forgetting them because they're not on my radar, but they should be! 

Do I really want to walk down that road? 

I turned around, and oh my goodness, they are laying fresh gravel. It didn't seem to need new gravel, but that didn't stop the trucks and the grader from working. 

Fresh gravel 

I don't know how many big trucks passed me. I stopped and stood on the side of the road, and all was good. 

The massive gravel trucks

I managed to find one geocache, but not before I carefully went into the ditch (checking for water) and searched a tree. Gosh - I sure hope there are no snakes around here! I didn't find the next one, so I decided to continue walking and forget about the geocaches. 

A cache hidden in plain sight

And then it was back to the house and back to work. I got the borders (4) on this small quilt, and it will make a perfect quilt for a child. 

Quilt top - DONE

The others went into town for lunch, where they met other members of their sewing group who didn't come to the retreat. I stayed at the house and sewed. I had lots of large pieces left in the kit and decided to make the backing for the quilt. 

The backing for the quilt

And now we know why kits are so expensive!! YES --- plenty of fabric in the leftovers for the backing, and I still have about 1 yard of fabric leftover! That's OBSCENE!!!

The binding strips were cut, so I sewed them together and pressed them. It's ready to go in the "to be quilted" pile when I get home! That is always very exciting!!!

Ready to be quilted

Here's a picture of the sewing room. There is plenty of room for six people to sew. It's all very modern, lovely tables and chairs, ironing stations, and cutting tables. This is looking towards the kitchen. 

The sewing room 

And this is looking into the room. There is plenty of natural light, but also pot lights overhead that provide good light even at night. Although we sat around the kitchen table last night and talked. I did NOT sew after dinner, which is very unusual for me. 

Lots of natural light

The retreat house is called The Fabric Loft Retreat House. 

After lunch, one of the ladies came and got me as we were going to a quilt store that was 4 KM away. WOW!!! But when we arrived, it was closed as they were preparing for a GARAGE SALE today! Oh boy --- it's only 4 KM away. I suppose we'll go and take a look this morning. It's called Bobbins and Bolts. They also raise Clydesdale horses on their farm!! 

Bolts and Bobbins

Karen (the retreat owner) also has fabric in the loft over her garage, so we went over before dinner and had a look. OK - I bought a pattern and some fabric which I didn't need, but it was pretty! 

I'm now working on the last project in my bag, but it's a doozy!! It's a bag of Oh Canada fabric - some yardage and lots of scraps. I'll bet there's enough fabric in the bag for four lap quilts and possibly five! 

I worked out the measurements in the afternoon, and I've been spending my time cutting, which I never do at retreat, but it's working. 

My cut pieces for the Oh Canada quilt

I started sewing this morning, and I'll continue to work until we leave shortly after lunch. Checkout time isn't until 4 PM, but I think I only stayed right up until the checkout time once. That was a 3 PM checkout time. I have a two-hour drive home, and while I could take the toll highway, I wasn't planning to, although I might consider it. It isn't cheap, but it saves a lot of time. I think most of the others are planning to leave around noon. I'll see how it goes. 

I got a chuckle this morning as this is the condition of the room! The tables are covered with fabric and stuff. My table is not too bad, but compared to some of the other retreats, it's a bit messy. But that's OK - we're allowed! 

The sewing room is a tad messy!

It's been great fun, and I'm looking forward to the next retreat. Oh, you don't want to know about that one. All is good, but let's just say that July is a busy month! Not with deadlines - OK, there are a couple of deadlines, but with travel, retreats, and those couple of deadlines, it's going to be jam-packed. And people are eager to finalize plans for September! A couple of phone calls and a few hours should have everything organized! 

And you won't believe this. I was on a call yesterday, and guess what happened? They couldn't hear me a couple of times. And I thought it was only my cell tower back home. Sgh....  I must try to get that fixed as it's annoying as everything! 

On that happy note, I'm off to continue sewing on my quilt top, which will be donated to Quilts of Valour. Y p - I spend my retreats sewing on everything but my projects. O  - the occasional oe gets thrown in. But it all has to be done, so let's just pick one and move on! 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!