How to care for your iron!

Dilemma!!! I struggle with the microphone on my laptop. The microphone could be better because you must be directly in front of the laptop before it picks up my voice. Yet I see people on Zoom calls, and they are at the other end of their room, and we can still hear them. Not so with me, except if I happen to be on the phone at the other end of the room, and then it picks up my voice clear as a bell!

I've been using Jabra earbuds, and the first pair (hand-me-downs from DH) worked very well until the battery life just died. I bought a new pair, and they worked well, but now the microphone seems to be spotty, and all of a sudden, I'm gone, yet I can hear everyone. YES—I need to contact the company. 

I've been thinking about replacing my laptop (another hand-me-down from DH), and I've had it for 7 or 8 years. I looked online this morning to see if I could find a suitable replacement. 

Gosh, what is the difference between a $400 laptop and a $1,400 laptop? Probably storage (although storage is CHEAP these days). Or is it the amount of RAM? I think I'll visit BestBuy to see what I can see. 

However, you know where I'm going with this. Getting a new laptop means migrating to Windows 11. Do I want to do that? It has a new interface and some other benefits, but do I really need it? And will it be a pain having Windows 10 on my desktop computer? I may pop into the store tomorrow. We have a Virtual Retreat today; otherwise, I'd go this afternoon. 

Does anyone out there have Windows 11? Are there any issues you hate? I think I'm just going to face reality, get the upgrade, and deal with it. This is a good time since I have no in-person events planned, and the coming weekend is quiet with ZERO events. 

It would be a good idea to clean up the few things I've saved on the hard disk to get it ready to replace. I'll have to come up with a plan to clear up the rest of my digital stuff. That's scary!!!

And I must contact Jabra about those earbuds. I really like them, but this issue is annoying. I can only speak if I'm married to the laptop, which makes it hard to work. Last night, I barely did anything so I could chat. And that's not a productive use of my time. It's FRUSTRATING!!!!

All the Zooms went over very well yesterday. I had some great feedback, and the groups got their homework and were off getting fabrics ready to sew! I have a couple of follow-ups to send out this morning and a few extra things I promised to work on this week. Then, I must start working on the next round to avoid ending up in a time crunch like this month! 

One of the classes was on binding! I laughed as I looked at the corner of the first quilt I made when I started quilting. Oh my! That corner has a few issues! I have learned a lot over the years! 

Hmm --- 1 out of 10 on technique!!!! 

Of course, they learned how to avoid these pitfalls in the class! The binding class is hosted by The Hobby Horse and will run again, likely starting in January. I'll keep you in the loop. 

Some people might sign up for one class with me and do not realize that I often teach several classes on the same day. During the presentation, I like to review the homework or color choices that students have made. This little scenario has happened on more than one occasion, EVEN with me telling them there is a cut-off (the day before) for sending me pictures.  

Them: Did you get my picture?

ME - When did you send it? 

Them: This morning. 

Oh, the class started at 9:30 AM, and the photo arrived in my intray at 9:45. Unfortunately, pictures do not automatically download and load into the presentation. WAIT—would AI do this for me? Maybe I could program Windows 11 and AI to download pictures while teaching. Now that would be cool and very scary!!!!

I get it that people don't know, but like everyone, I have a life, have morning errands to run, and am NOT waiting by the computer for pictures to arrive. 

The other thing, and this happens more than I would like. I'm on the Zoom. I'm teaching. And I get texts, emails, or phone calls from people saying they DO NOT have the link. I open my calls 30 - minutes in advance to allow people to connect, find the Zoom link, etc. Sigh......   At least I can say that the percentage of that happening is LOW. But people- I'm paying attention to Zoom, NOT checking my email or phone. 

After finishing Zoom at 3:30, I went for a walk to get the stiffness out of my legs and to clear my head! Look at the leaves in the forest. They're so beautiful, and you just want to shuffle your feet along and hear the rustling of the leaves. 

Doesn't this make you want to shuffle through the leaves? 

Here's something of great importance to us, especially if you are in the market for a new iron. Yesterday, we had the question: Should I go expensive or buy the cheap one? 

I'm not sure there is a significant difference between the expensive and the cheap (GASP!), but here's the thing. We NEED to take care of our irons and USE THEM PROPERLY if we want them to last. 

So, what are the tips to prolong the life of an iron? Did you know there is a manual for your iron? Have you ever read it? Most of us just plug them in and turn them on, but that is WRONG!!!! 

1. NEVER fill your iron with water (if you use water) with the STEAM function in the ON position. You don't have to unplug the iron, but the steam should be OFF. 

2. Check the suggestions for water. Some irons have filters in them, but most do not. Do you need distilled water? Or will tap water work. What is the condition of the water in your area? Some people have well water, which has loads of minerals in it. So be sure to use water that won't crap out your iron. 

3. We are ALL guilty of this one. WAIT for the iron to heat up before you use it. If you don't, guess what happens? The cold water leaks out and craps up your ironing board. And that makes ugly stains on the ironing board. BE PATIENT!!!! ALWAYS WAIT!

Water leaking from a cold iron

4. Manufacturers recommend emptying the water from the iron when finished. Yikes—I'm guilty of not doing that one as well. But leaving water in it can lead to mold. Yikes—I never thought of that. I thought it was to reduce the pressure on the water reservoir. 

OK—I need to do some more research in this department. Does anyone have other tips for using and preserving iron? 

On that note, I better get myself moving! I have two presentations today, but they are done and easy to assemble. These two sessions are about sharing ideas with the groups, and that's easy. 

We have a Virtual Retreat today - which starts at NOON. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82983517671?pwd=ODdsa1FJenQwdFNaQWFTNGd4bEhPZz09

Meeting ID: 829 8351 7671
Passcode: 117636

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

Embrace your mistakes!

I'll get to the comments tomorrow. I had company all day and will have this morning, so I'm tight on time!

Here's an update on the class situation. If you are signed up for my Saturday Sampler or the Dear Jen classes at Thimbles and Things, you should have received an email from me about the upcoming classes this weekend. 

There's still time to sign up, but do it now!!!! 

Here's the link for the classes if you're interested. Dear Jen will be an especially interesting class as we take 72 "interesting" blocks created for hand piecing and convert them into something easy as pie on a sewing machine! Oh yes, we're going to have loads of fun and LOADS of learning. But it won't be hard. I've got easy, medium, and hard solutions for all the blocks! 

The Saturday Sampler has some interesting topics—the first being needles and thread. Do you have trouble with your thread shredding and don't know why? Sign up for the class to find out!

There's also Legit Kits, a paper piecing class in a new style. Exploring this pattern is going to be fun. 

Just scroll up and down that link for the three classes. 

As for The Crossing the Finish Line at The Hobby Horse (FULL) and Spice Market (still room if you want), I'm working on the distribution lists; those should go out by tomorrow at the latest. Time just slipped away from me! Most people from Spice Market got a notification. It's just those who signed up since that note went out. 

Bear with me -- it'll all get done later today! 

I'm excited. I'll spend the remainder of the week preparing for this weekend, as there are SIX classes and a Virtual Retreat! Yikes! It's going to be busy! But much of the prep work is done—I'm now just putting it into a PowerPoint presentation so the students can appreciate it!! 

Claire and I had a great day! While I have fun sewing and embroidering by myself, having a buddy is always fun! We did some embroidery, and then she continued in sewing mode while I started my prep work for the weekend! 

I checked with Project Linus, and I believe that both of these are acceptable, so guess what I'll be working on this weekend at the Virtual Retreat. I wanted to have 20 quilts for them, and they mostly need to be quilted, but these two need to be pieced. Well, they are partially pieced. How long can they take? 

Project for Project Linus

Another project for Project Linus

Those are famous last words, but both are started, so I don't think it'll take long to complete both. They are small and won't take much time to quilt. I'll be heads-down at that long arm starting on Monday! 

I also found this pattern in the tubs. Oh my gosh, I think I bought that pattern to embroider, not that I'm a huge fan of hand embroidery. 

Hand embroidery pattern

Well, look -- ALL The blocks are embroidered and trimmed!!!

All the blocks are done! 

Even the fabric is there. So I'll complete this one as well and then see what I do with it. It's pretty, but not sure it's my style. 

The fabrics for the hand embroidery

In the tubs, I also found some pre-cut beige squares, so they went into that basket of neutrals, which will come in very handy when I get back to piecing mode. Some other fabrics went into the community project's stash room. I'd like to get rid of some quilt tops and finish the four half-completed projects. Then, I can move on to something new or try to get some of my stuff done! 

Pre-cut squares

As I was moving stuff around and looking for the little baskets to hold those threads, I moved all my excess tools (thread snips, stilettos, and seam rippers) to this container. Now, all the like things are together, along with my sewing machine and cleaning tools. 

Small miscellaneous tools

I should clean the machine later today, as we did some felting on the embroidery machine yesterday, and I bet it's full of lint now! There are SO MANY amazing techniques and patterns or components that allow you to make designs that are endless! There are just too many to keep track of. Then, the new version of the mySewnet software came out yesterday with a new tool, so we had to play with that! More on that another day!

Oh, here's the basket of neutrals that I found in those tubs. That's a lot of neutrals, so I won't have to buy any for a long time. But once you start using them, they go quickly!

The new basket of neutrals

When I cleaned out the box for my next UFO project, this is what I found. 

I had a whole pile of felt that I was going to use to make gift tags. Well, the felt went back into the felt container, and the fabric went into the Christmas tub. 

Excess in a project box

This was the pattern in the box. 

The pattern for paper pieced ornaments

Of the eight ornaments on the cover, I had started FIVE different ones and up to 13 of the same style. Seriously? What was I thinking? They are now sorted, bagged, and tagged!

The ornaments are now sorted

I had my box of paper piecing supplies out for a demo last weekend, and I remembered seeing some papers in there. Sure enough, there were more copies of this pattern ready to paper piece! I put them in the project box, and I'll see how many I need to complete the projects. 

Patterns for the paper-pieced mittens

It just amazes me how or why we think that making so many is a good thing, and the next thing you know, the project is abandoned for YEARS!!! How is that possible? 

There was also a pile of embellishments in the box, which I left. 

Embellishments

So once I'm past this weekend, I'll take a closer look and see exactly what I will do with the partially completed ones. 

This is an excellent example of why we must take RESPONSIBILITY for our projects NOW. We can't leave this to someone else. Even a quilter would be discouraged, and many of these supplies and half-completed projects would end up in the dumpster! So BE the RESPONSIBLE person you are, and do NOT leave this shi*t, as Messie Condo would say, to someone else. It's YOUR RESPONSIBILITY, and I'm working on it! 

Maybe you don't have to sew everything up, but sort through the project and organize it. Wait—first, you want to decide whether it's worth doing (you or someone else). If not, then toss it. But if you or someone else might finish it, then organize the box. Bag the pieces and label them. Then donate or sell it. If you start NOW and do one a week, most people will get through their stash in a reasonable time. 

When I enjoyed my cup of Yogi tea the other morning, this was the saying, and OH YES --- I cannot stress this enough! 

Fabulous quote

Here's the interesting thing about this - the unknown to each of us is entirely different! Maybe for you, it's putting your binding on by machine for the first time. It's learning to build a house or decorate a cake for someone else! Our skill levels, experience, and so much more are unique to us; therefore, our mistakes and learning paths are different! Be gentle to yourself and laugh the mistakes off - it's not like you killed someone during heart surgery! That's not good! But screwing up a seam - that's OK. 

Oh my gosh --- I've signed up for four art classes next year. I don't think I shared them with you yet, but I will, as anyone can sign up. Although the Zoom lessons are in French, the written material is in both languages. One of the instructors was giving some general information about her project, which is a building. 

One of the participants wanted the name of each fabric so she could replicate the building exactly. She didn't want to make a mistake with the coloring. I think she is in the wrong class! 

Clair mentioned that someone in one of her classes said she didn't want to make the almost perfect quilt. She was tired of learning and wanted to know it all so everything would be perfect. Hmm—I think she needs to find a new hobby! 

Seriously? These people do not get the concept of creativity! They do not understand the ability to experiment and do whatever they want. Change the building to blue, green, purple, or whatever color you want. It blows my mind that people are so focused on the project rather than the journey! They are missing the point!

Here's a little homework assignment for you: Dig out one UFO and organize it! You don't have to do it, but make sure the pattern is there. Label the parts, make a list if something needs to be purchased, perhaps identify an issue if you were stumped, and then label the box and put it back on the shelf. These things must be organized if you want someone to care for your stuff when you're gone. They will NOT do that for you! 

Well, I'm off because it will be a busy day. I need to get the rest of those emails out, and I have four big presentations to complete. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Clean up in Studio B!

I went to bed at my usual time, and I did not take any cold meds. Guess what? I got up at my usual time, so that's all sorted out, and I feel fine. I'm probably a bit tired and dehydrated, but I'm trying to fix both. Travel is a big culprit in messing with your health! At least for me. And I mean travel for work, not for vacation. 

But the dreams I had? Oh boy!!! You would think the world is coming to an end, with alien ships traversing the sky and spying on people and, well, all kinds of nasty things. Now, where did that come from? 

It must have been the remnants of a book I finished the other day called Argylle, which is a spy novel. It was a random e-book that I got through Libby. Here's the weird bit about this book - it was released in early 2024, and then there was a movie released in 2024, but it wasn't really about the book. It was about the author writing the book (or a series of books). It's a very convoluted story; you can get all the details at this link. If you read the comments on Goodreads, I don't think anyone liked the book; many believe it was a prop for the movie. 

Did I enjoy the book? Well, it was a bit far-fetched, which is probably where my dreams came from. Yes, it had excitement and intrigue (The Amber Room), but it just seemed a bit over the top. 

Here's the trailer if you want to check out the film. I think the movie might be better than the book. It's long gone from theaters, so I must wait for it to come to Air Canada and watch it on the plane!

There were some rumors that TS (you know who she is!) wrote the novel because of the cat in the movie. But all was revealed in that first link I gave you!

I have another book to tell you about, but not today. I must get on with the rest of the story. 

Yes, I have started to tidy up Studio B, not that I did any of the tidying up yesterday. I had to take MIL to her appointment (2 hours), the dentist for me (1 hour), and walk for groceries, and I managed to get my 12 km in, so that was good. I sat outside on the front patio because it was such a glorious day, and I wasn't wasting any of it. 

It's front patio time!

Yes, I LOVE our front patio. At this time of year, the backyard is in the shade in the afternoon, which is cool, but the sun is the right temperature. Murphy sat with me for a bit, and I read and enjoyed my afternoon tea since I didn't get a chance for tea in the morning. 

Oh boy -- it sucks to get old, and the only thing you can focus on is your health. I'm sure that's the case with my MIL, and she seems to get her fair share of appointments and follow-ups. Yesterday was a follow-up, and everything is OK. But the amount of scent she had was enough to give me a headache in the car. I think that is part of her problem -- too much scent is NOT good for your respiratory system, but she didn't seem to think so. 

We had to go to the One Heart Care Clinic, which is a big place devoted to heart health care. I suspect I might be seeing more of that building in the near future, and it is NOT for me. 

I spotted this car in the parking lot. How many quilters bought it? Do you have the reference? 

KONA car

When I was at the grocery store, I noticed the giant pumpkin on display. Well, I suppose you could buy it if you wanted. I put my shopping bag on top so you could reference the size. I will NOT be bringing that pumpkin home—at least not on my walk! That watermelon the other time was much smaller and almost killed me! 

Big pumpkin! 

While listening to an audiobook this morning, I got the "to be quilted" area back in shape. There are some piles of batting waiting to be assembled for upcoming community project quilts, but otherwise, everything looks perfect! It's nice and neat, and I have a few customer quilts to get started on next week. Also, I'm "behind" on my goal of twenty community project quilts by the end of the year, so I hope to get one loaded later today. 

The "to be quilted" pile is back in order

Then, I cleaned up the two work tables for my sewing machines. It felt very good to get that done. I hope to finish one machine embroidery project today, as I need it for our machine embroidery class on Sunday. Well, I would like to have it done by Sunday. 

The sewing machine tables are in order

My computer desk is also clear, so that's another bonus. 

The computer desk is clear!

The ironing board is a mess with some small projects that I want to tidy up, and the cutting table is a total disaster. I hope to peck away at them this weekend as I plan on attending a fiber art show this afternoon. It closes in a week, so if I don't go now, I'll never get there. The show is in Oakville and called Hanging by a Thread, in case you want to go. It closes on October 18. 

I haven't touched my "pending" folder in months, and a lot of paperwork requires follow-up, so I pulled all that this morning. Yeah!!! It's something that has to be done, or I get way behind, but hopefully, it won't take too long to make that all happen. A lot of it is just looking up an email, marking it complete, and then filing it. Well, I'm adding it to the pile that needs to be filed! 

So, I think I'm back on track, which is great! I have lots of sewing to do and a few samples to tidy up, which I'm going to start later today. I've got three short audiobooks that need to be listened to in the next week, so it's all good!

I can't believe how dark it's getting outside these days. It's 7 AM, and it's DARK! Even the girls are not anxious to go outside. 

OH—before I go, here's an article about Thimbles and Things' 25th anniversary. It's rare that a quilt store lasts that long, and this one, which changed ownership, is still going strong. 

Speaking of which -- for anyone in Spice Market, Dear Jen, and the Saturday Sampler (the later two at Thimbles and Things), I hope to get all confirmations out this weekend. So sorry for the delay. There is NOTHING that anyone needs for the first class except the pattern. 

On that note, I'm out of here! Got to get the girls walked and then downstairs to get some work done. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

Classes for the fall

YES -- it's about time I got myself together to announce the classes for the fall. 

The big news is that I'll teach Spice Market, a pattern by Wendy Williams. I LOVE the quilt, and I might be influenced by the colorway. But I'm going to change up that colorway just a bit!  

Spice Market quilt pattern

This quilt offers many great techniques to learn or perfect, including triangle shapes, circles, log cabins, pineapples, and much more! The pattern includes colored photos with quilting inspiration and close-ups of the blocks. 

Size:84" by 85". 

Fabric Requirements: Requirements are given by block, making it a great quilt to use scraps. You'll need 2¼ yards of the main color for the filler areas and the border. Pick a colorway and curate your scraps! Use solids, prints, or both! 

 Cost: $30 for NINE one-hour Zoom lectures (payable to myself via e-transfer). There's no need to send money now—it's a bit early. 

Pattern: The best place for Canadian shopping is hyggeligt.ca. And look at the pretty packaging the pattern comes in. $48 (includes free shipping)

Dates:  

October 26, 2024

November 23, 2024

December 14, 2024

January 25, 2025

February 22, 2025

March 22, 2025

April 26, 2025

May 24, 2025

June 14, 2025

Time: 9:30 AM EST 

Each class will include show-and-tell, which is the best part. We get to see how others change up their blocks to accommodate their skill and follow along with their colorways and adventures in creating their version of the quilt. 

The Zoom sessions will be recorded, and you'll have up to 30 days to watch. 

If you can't wait until the next session, there will be a Facebook group where you can share your photos and ask questions. 

A copy of the slides will also be made available. 

These online Zoom sessions are an incredible learning experience, and I've received fantastic feedback from previous classes. 

How to sign up: Email me (elainetheriault@gmail.com) and include Spice Market in the subject. Once you send me an email, you'll receive further instructions. Please note that you MUST have a copy of the pattern to participate in the class. 

If you have any questions about the class, send an email, including Spice Market in the subject. I will be able to answer specific questions until early September. Review the information above - I've tried to be very thorough. 

I look forward to a fabulous year working with YOU to make this fantastic quilt. 

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Continuing clubs:

The following clubs will continue until the end of the year. In November, I'll announce what's happening in 2025 for the clubs. 

• Embroidery 
• Digital Cutters 
• UFO x 2 
• Many Blocks 
• Out of the Box

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Offerings at other stores - if you are interested in what I'm teaching at the following shops, please get on their mailing list so you don't miss the information. All my classes will start in October, with the exception of The Hobby Horse, where the classes start in September. 

The Hobby Horse Quilt Shoppe (Georgetown, Ontario) (in-person and on Zoom)

Thimbles and Things (Orillia, Ontario)  (on Zoom only) 

Stitch by Stitch (Kingston, Ontario) (on Zoom only) - mySewnet Embroidery Software

Needleworks Studio (Cochrane, Ontario) (on Zoom only) - mySewnet Embroidery Software

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I want to thank everyone who took a class or attended one of my lecture/demos. I appreciate all the wonderful feedback and all your support. It's people like you, who make me want to continue to teach. You make my job loads of fun and "coming to work" each day is blessed by your presence! 

Thanks again! 

Have a super day!

Ciao!!!!

A LIGHTBULB moment

I was in a bit of a huff yesterday, not because anything significant happened. OK -- DH did NOT solve the EXIT Game puzzle before he went to bed. So we attempted it again in the morning, and we were stumped. I had to check the first clue, and OMG. You have to be kidding me. We missed something so blatantly apparent that it put me in a funk for part of the day! 

So last night, when we opened the next room, it was with great trepidation. And we fiddled, and we fiddled, and we chatted about it. And we were going down the road of overthinking again. I'll blame DH for that - he is a bit more black and white than I am and is trying to relate the puzzle to the "real life" of the story. That's not important. 

He walked away, and I was left to puzzle alone. I mulled over it, and then I literally had a lightbulb moment. Literally --- the idea just popped into my head! And the worst part is that DH asked the question that provided the answer, except that we didn't think it was important at the time. DUH!!!!! 

Of course, just like Murphy, I SHOUT - "I think I have the answer!"

So, without looking at the clues, we solved the puzzle. And we live for another day! I must admit, I'm hooked on the darn thing, and I look forward to dinner to solve the puzzle. Yep -- I'm getting way more enjoyment from this one than I would from one where you open a gift!

The jigsaw one? Oh dear - it's sort of got abandoned a bit. Who would have thought? But I'll get to it, as it's an excellent way to take a mini-break in the day. I now have six of them complete.

One more jigsaw puzzle done!

They all have these pieces in the bottom corner. 

Unique pieces to the bottom right corner

I'm not looking at any picture while doing them, so a few are "challenging/"

A bit more challenging with all those colors

And here's the last one that I have completed. 

One more puzzle - DONE

I promised a list of classes for 2024, and well -- it won't be formal. Good grief! But then, it doesn't need to be. Some details need to be written up, so I can only provide you with some information now. But you're going to get a basic idea of what's coming. 

THREE software classes will be hosted by THREE different Husqvarna Viking/PFAFF dealers. The software we are working with is mySewnet embroidery software, and I'm happy to talk about anything related to mySewnet, including the NEW VAULT, which I LOVE. This software can be used by ANY brand of embroidery machine. The topic for the first class in all three will be the same, but they will be different after that. They will run once a month for ONE hour on Zoom. I'll provide the days of the week and times once that is all firmed up. 

I'll be continuing my two Zoom classes at Thimbles and Things. There is Everything you wanted to know about Applique and Tequila Lime. I will also do a two-part APPLIQUE SPECIFIC PROJECT to help those (or anyone else) who "refuse" to make samples. It's a cute wall hanging and will be loads of fun and a way to try some of the applique techniques we've been working on. 

At the Hobby Horse, I'm going BACK IN PERSON! Yep, returning to the classroom will be good, but only ONCE a month. We'll host some machine quilting classes and demos on good sewing habits, so watch for more details. 

As for what I'm teaching privately, I'll continue with Heartfelt until it's done in April. 

And then for what else is happening. I will NOT teach any new large projects in the year's first six months. But I think my arm can be twisted to teach more Jen Kingwell. So watch for that, but it won't be until October. 

As far as clubs -- here's what's happening. These are all ONE HOUR per month on Zoom. The point of these clubs is to do something (each month) that you can share with the group. That's what a club is all about. I fully appreciate that we cannot do something every month - life gets in the way. But the idea is to participate in the group and show your work so we can all learn from what you are doing. 

UFO Club

There are TWO sessions of UFO Club, and one or two spots might open. I have to check the numbers. 

Machine Embroidery Club

IT IS A GREAT way to learn what's happening in the world of machine embroidery, and we have some beginners and some pushing the envelope. Some have small machines, and others have top-of-the-line. It's OK -- we are there because we love machine embroidery. 

If you don't have an embroidery machine, did you know there's a new machine in town -- the Singer SE9180. It's a small machine that connects to the mySewnet ecosystem and is currently on sale for about $1,300 CDN. Yep --- it's pretty exciting. Check a Husqvarna Viking or PFAFF dealer if you want to dabble in machine embroidery, but the cost was a deterrent. 

Applique with the Digital Cutter

This is the one that I'm so excited about. My goal is to marry all the technology in my house so I can create appliques from anything and have them cut by the digital cutter. The ultimate step will be to make the machine embroidery files and let the machine do all the work! If you don't have an embroidery machine, that's OK. You can still learn to transfer your paper designs to SVG files and have your digital cutter do that. Then, you can stitch them on a swing machine. I had "loads of fun" with this yesterday!

Many Blocks

This is for those of us with one of those crazy projects with MANY blocks - such as Dear Jane, Town and Country Quilt, 365-day challenge quilt, and so on. It would be preferable if you have already started the quilt. The idea is NOT to give you another project to start but to help you finish one you are currently working on. 

Out of the Box

This has been a fun class that we've done for several years. Each month, you get a prompt (word); from that, you must create something. You can use any medium (paper, wood, vinyl, fabric, etc.); you don't have to finish it (make a sample - experiment), and some people will keep on a specific technique topic for several months as they explore. It's open ended and LOADS of fun and the levels of creativity I'v seen will blow you away. 

Have I cut back? You bet -- I used to host ELEVEN monthly events that I ran privately on top of the two software clubs and four one-hour Zooms with two stores. Those eleven private events are SIX, so that's almost half. And did you notice that ALL of them are about specific learning, creativity building, or FINISHING stuff? No BIG sewing projects! The in-person are easy to prepare for, even though they take time to get there, but that's OK. I really hope that 2024 is going to be more about learning, exploring, and getting creative!!! And so far - it's looking like that's going to happen. 

And the calendar is LOCKED in -- no more additions are allowed - at least until October 2024! 

To keep you entertained, here are a few pictures. 

I spotted this on the internet the other day, and it's hilarious! Yep -- that's me. 

Love it

In between everything else, the cleaning, sorting, and decluttering continues. 

Even though I haven't been wearing them for the last couple of weeks, my Camino shoes still sat in the hallway. I said goodbye to them the other day. 

Camino shoes are now gone

Their quality was excellent (Thank you, HOKA), and my toes did NOT come through the front even with about 1,000 KM on them. That's impressive. The soles are history, and not only that, but the support within the shoe breaks down, and they just aren't suitable to wear. Not as we get older and have knee and other joint issues. So they are gone. 

The soles are toast

Then I looked at my shoe pile (I don't have many shoes), but they are mostly all in one spot. I spotted these mismatched ones on the bottom. Something happened to the other of each pair, and I wore them like this. However, I can't longer wear those non-supporting shoes, and they are probably too small, so I put these in the giveaway box. 

Shoes are now in the donation box

I thought you'd have a laugh at the table in my office. This was clear at one point, with only my class information sitting there. And that information is still there, but a few boxes are now on top. The boxes are waiting to be filled with junk or donations. I could put them in the garage, but I'm good with it for now. 

There is a table beneath all that stuff

Here is the area around the other desk. Things look pretty good in that area, although the desktop still needs some TLC. But a few items a day for a month could make a HUGE difference, and that's what I'm going for. There is ZERO rush to get this stuff cleared out, but I am NOT waiting until we have to downsize. That would be a terrible job to do all at once, and dealing with Studio B will be a challenge. Even DH is in the swing of things. 

The mess from the day before is gone

I need to come up with a solution to the computer area. I'd like more room to work - not a lot more, but I'd love space on the right-hand side. I'm not ready to make a decision yet, and a LOT of decluttering needs to happen here. Slow and steady is my motto. It WILL get done. 

The desk area is a bit untidy

I guess I'm doing an excellent job because Miss Lexi is coming further into the room and has tucked herself behind the table. This would never have happened before. She's so skittish and afraid of being closed in somewhere. What a big, brave girl you are, Lexi!!!! 

Lexi - my big brave girl

Well, that's enough for today! If you are interested in any of the SIX PRIVATE classes (machine embroidery, Applique with a digital cutter, UFO (times two), Many Blocks, or Out of the Box, send me an e-mail, and I can add you to the list. elainetheriault@gmail.com. There is NOT a lot of room in any of them - it depends on how many of the group members continue on, and I still need to get that sorted out. 

As I walked yesterday, I thought how nice it would be to give out some of my enthusiasm (yes - I'm just like Murphy - except I don't bark!) to everyone. I can only hope that by sharing my stories on the blog, you can catch some of that excitement for what each new day brings. There is never a dull moment, yet I don't live a very exciting life. It's how you choose to look at that glass -- is it half full or half empty? 

Have a super day!!!! 

Ciao!!!

Lost and found

Have you ever lost things in your house? Of course -- we have all lost something because we put them in a safe place, and where that safe place is remains a mystery! I keep saying that I'm starting a list of all the lost things because when I find them, I get the satisfaction of crossing them off a list! Because I can't remember what is lost and then found or is still lost. And do I have anything else lost in my house? That's why a list would be great!

While I was at the retreat, someone asked if I still had an external CD drive. Yes -- of course I do, since I have many embroidery patterns that are still on CD and not transferred to the computer. HEY -- I still have a 3 ½" floppy disk drive for the same reason. We won't go there. 

So, I was asked if I could transfer some patterns for this person. I said yes, but in the back of my mind, I was certain I had the same pattern at home. Yesterday, I took a minute to dig out a box of machine embroidery patterns, and while searching through the box for the one she wanted, I found this!

AHA -- a lost book

I had been looking for this book for a while, but no go! I had since got another copy from someone who no longer needed it. That means I can pass along a copy to my new colleague who won't have one, but it's a useful book for learning various serger techniques! It's called Serger 101 by Katrina Walker, who is an SVP freelance educator in the US. She focuses much on clothing. 

And one more thing is off the imaginary list of lost things. 

It was a great mail day yesterday. OK -- so it was a holiday for the mail delivery, but no one had picked up our mail last week. I wonder why we need daily mail delivery. In the country where my parents lived, they got mail delivery twice a week. It wasn't a big deal. And now, with most of our mail coming via e-mail, there really isn't a need to have mail delivered daily. We usually pick it up once or twice a week. 

You've got mail!

I forgot to take a picture of what was in the box, but I'll try to remember to share it tomorrow. But I got TWO magazines. One was from the Canadian Quilter's Association, and the other was the most recent issue of A Needle Pulling Thread. I have TWO articles in this issue. I think it's two. 

A Needle Pulling Thread issue 64 - Textures

YES --- I'm in there twice - once for an article on creating texture with quilting, and the second one is about a joint project between Carla (the editor), Paul Leger (everyone knows Paul), and myself. That was a fun project, and we each tell the story of our contribution! 

I've been in the magazine twice!

This is the joint project quilt. 

The Selvage Quilt

Before you go on, you should check out that web page. WOW --- I haven't been in a while, but they have broken down the articles by category --- machine embroidery, quilting, knitting, etc. and if you're looking for some specific projects, it's easy to find. Then you can pay for the project only. Be sure to check it out. Here's the link one more time. WOW -- go to the list of designers in the quilting section on the left-hand side. I'm in there a LOT! Who knew all that was there? And so nicely organized! 

Look at the lid for my teacup! Its job is to prevent the liquid from cooling too quickly. I must remember to use a mug rug under the cup as there is a LOT of condensation! 

Teacup cover

Can you believe this dog? Nope -- she's no longer a dog but a princess. At first, she was so timid, and she kept to her blanket on one side of the couch. Now - she thinks the entire couch is for her! I hear her and DH discussing how much space each takes and which part is theirs! 

DAD -- This is MY couch! 

Meanwhile, Murphy is quite happy to lay on the floor. She's not big on sleeping on the couch. WAIT -- her favorite place to sleep is where she doesn't have permission! If we leave the cushions off the furniture in the front, she thinks we did it for her. 

Mom -- I'm a good dog, not a princess!

But yesterday, when I needed a nap, they both were there to keep me company! How sweet! 

MOM -- we're here for you!

On my walk, I spotted the work they'd been doing at the grocery store. Yep -- you can see that big box they have made instead of the peaked roof. I have no idea what's going in there yet. They are also working on the inside, so I imagine we'll see some signage soon. 

The new roof line on part of the grocery store

Then, I walked to the thrift store and checked out the books. Boy -- some of those books seem to turn over very quickly. And others not so much, But that is a good thing because if they turn over, there is always something new to look at. 

Based on that article about quilting with sheets, I decided to look and spotted these. 

I was tempted by this one, but the print is fairly large but very pretty. 

"Vintage" sheet

But there was a striped sheet that would have gone nicely with it. 

A striped sheet

A cutesy small floral print. 

And then a larger floral print. 

I did NOT buy any -- if I want something, I'll go on discount day, which I believe is today. WAIT A MINUTE  --- Did you know that many hotels, restaurants, etc., will give you SENIOR discounts??? I want my money back!!!! I have some things I could get a discount on. I'm not sure if I need the CARP membership as mentioned in this article, but if so -- the $20 membership would save a lot of money. 

And yes -- my thrift store has a senior discount day on Tuesday. I spied a piece of fabric I would like, so it'll be cheaper today!

What are you doing Thursday evening (Thursday, November 16)? Nothing? Then, you should sign up for this FREE Zoom session on World War II quilts made by Canadians. I can't wait!!! Many years ago, I spoke to the presenter as part of a project I wanted to do. She has written a book on Alberta Quilts -- which I now need to get! 

Oh -- there are so many projects that my mind can't grasp even a tiny portion of what I want to accomplish! I look at the long list of UFOs and the stuff sitting around Studio B, and well, I won't get overwhelmed. I will look at it as one of the methods I use to keep myself busy. If I wasn't busy, what the heck would life be like? I cannot imagine. And right now, as I finish up the year with a bit more travel than I would like, I know next year should be quieter. 

You can stop laughing right now! First -- the work travel will lessen as we have a full-time person to take over some of what I was doing. Then, if I look at the list of monthly clubs/classes I run (17 currently), four for sure are being dropped for various reasons (all good ones), and two are being joined into one, so that means there will be 12 next year, not 17. That is almost a 30% reduction in the number of classes, and that is HUGE because for each hour on Zoom, I may spend up to four or five hours prepping/sewing for that class. Several project classes will be finished -- Barn Star and Jen Kingwell Remedial will end in December, Heartfelt finishes in April (so four months in 2024), and EQ8 will be dropped (they don't do enough homework for me!). Digital cutters and embroidery software are combined into one class to focus on FABRIC applique. 

Of the twelve, six of them are run from several shops - The Hobby Horse (two classes), Thimbles and Things (two classes), Brampton Sew and Serge (one club), and Stitch by Stitch (one club). As long as the stores are good to continue, then so am I. The remaining six are ones I run personally - Out of the Box, Many Blocks, two sessions of UFO, Machine Embroidery Club, and the new one focused on fabric applique. 

The trick is NOT to fill that space with something new, and I'm not going to! I have ZERO plans to add anything except what is mentioned above. I'm going to enjoy the extra time on the weekends without a Zoom call, and I'm going to enjoy the extra prep time, or lack thereof, to work on the other things. So, all is good, and there are positive vibes for next year! 

Oh - someone asked how I liked my new car. New car? Oh yes -- I bought a new car. I haven't even given it a thought since the salesperson told me over a week ago. A couple of people expressed interest in my current car, but the timing wasn't right for them. Heck -- the timing of this car is NOT right for me. So, I hope to pick it up late next week or perhaps the week after. Seriously -- I can't even get excited about it.

On that note, I'm out of here!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

PS -- If something seems wonky, the grammar checker was NOT helpful this morning and caused more issues than it fixed!