Farm Fabric!

I have to laugh at the comments about the higher toilets. I asked DH about it, and I got a typical male response: nothing. How can they go through life with such a lack of enthusiasm??? Oh well -- each to their own. I have enough enthusiasm for two people!

I have good news! All the class emails went out yesterday. And YES, there were a couple of glitches because I used the same information email for all four classes, but changed the dates and links, etc. And of course, I forgot to remove ONE sentence from the last group I sent. Thankfully, someone caught it, and I was able to send a note telling them to ignore that sentence.  

I swear, it doesn't matter how many times I proofread those emails; there always seems to be something I miss! I was worried about the dates and times because they're important, and they're tricky. My schedule doesn't always feel like my own. It would be so easy to say a particular class is always on the third Saturday, but that just isn't going to happen, and I really try to accommodate holidays and other special days. But sometimes? There just aren't enough weekends in a month! 

Thankfully, there weren't more classes. NOTE to self: next year, the maximum I will do is THREE, not four classes. All is good - it just makes it a challenge to schedule these all on the weekend along with everything else that all seems to happen on the weekends.  

WAIT -- there is good news. We have agreed on a SECOND scrap session. The information will be out in the Thimbles and Things newsletter, which comes out TODAY. YES -- it's in the newsletter - I just confirmed it. Be sure to pop over to their website to get signed up. A reminder, the class fee is $50 for the 10-part series. 

It is going to be super exciting and I can't wait to see and hear all the stories about scraps and scrap quilts! I know we are going to have some glorious show and tell. Oh my—I see some people have already enrolled! 

I was flipping through my blog the other day and spotted this picture. This is from 2023, and yes, I was organizing the office.  

An office sort session from 2023

It looks much better now than it did then, and this was an improvement from 2017. So progress is being made. The one thing we must remember about this space is that if there is something that I don't know what to do with, it gets dumped here. And because I haven't given a home to everything that is supposed to be here, it looks junky. BUT leaps and bounds of progress have been made. I'm getting there! 

I went to the gym and spent an hour with Brooke. I'm not sure what we did differently, but my arms are tired today! As a matter of fact, I was tired yesterday, so I needed a nap. And I'm OK with that. I went back to the gym in the afternoon to get my hair cut. They have a salon there (well, an entire spa). I tried to get my hair cut at the local salon, but they were booked up. So I got in the car and went to the gym. 

I had an intersting chat with the stylist. As an employee, she gets access to the gym and she is taking full advantage of it. She just learned to swim, works out with the equipment, and is planning to try pilates and yoga. We had a grand chat about towels and the lack of respect that people have for towels at a gym. They would NOT be bringing five towels to the gym if there wasn't a service. But they are quite happy to use many towels for one visit. It's sad. 

It was a fun haircut, albeit more expensive than the local salon. But I needed it cut! She knows Brooke, of course, so we got to compare notes on her training style and her adventures in these fitness competitions. Suzie was very funny and so enthusiastic!! 

DH was away in the day, but that didn't deter Lexi from protecting his space! This is her favorite spot in the day and lies right outside his office door. Since she is starting to be a little hard of hearing, I think you could carefully walk over her, and she wouldn't notice! But we won't let her know that. She is a good guard dog! 

DAD - I'm protecting your space when you are away!

I sort of got caught up in that audiobook, and I had to finish it. I really liked it. It's called "This Story Might Save Your Life" by Tiffany Crum. If you want to read this, I highly suggest you listen to the book, since it's about two podcasters and it's just better to listen than read. The narrators were excellent. 

In the past, I've read a lot of detective/mystery books, and typically this genre has a serious aspect to it. Lately, I've noticed that a lot of detective/mystery books have added a comedic atmosphere. Of course, that is not new, as we have Carl Hiaasen and Janet Evanovich, who have mysteries but could also be classified as comedy. Now with Richard Osman, Benjamin Stevenson, and others, this is becoming the new norm. I don't mind—they are fun to read. 

And now I'm onto the next audiobook. This one is quite different - "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. I'm not sure how this got on my recommendation list, but I think it's going to be an eye-opener. We MUST NOT take our lives in our country for granted. The main character has just been asked by her new husband to wear a burka when out in public. Sigh.....   Can you imagine? 

This was the girls when I was trying to finish the audiobook. Yes—I am horizontal on the loveseat. It just seemed to be one of those days!!! They had to be close to me - the silly girls. 

MOM - do you need some entertainment? 

I don't know what was with Murphy in the morning, but we have taken the same route (more or less) for years. And yet yesterday, when we got to a split in the path, she NEEDED to go the other way. That threw the entire neighborhood off, since everyone has their routes, and we met so many dogs doing their loop!! 

After dinner, when I realized I needed bananas for breakfast and their walks had been cut short in the morning, I decided to take them both with me to the grocery store. I know -- what was I thinking? 

But they sat quietly outside the store, and then I walked them home. I didn't have a lot to buy, so it all worked out just fine. Despite Murphy slowing down, she just has to be in front when I walk them together. By the time we were on our way home, she had settled down. What a silly girl. 

MOM - hurry up!!! We need to get moving!

Alright—let's get to the sewing part of the day. I managed to get the outer border on Down on the Farm. The top is done!!!

Down on the Farm - quilt top - DONE!!!

I added a 2" inner border of chocolate brown and a 6-inch border (cut 6½") for the outer border. That darn quilt is big!!! It's something like 66" by 77", more or less. Yikes!!!!! 

This is all that remains from that directional farm print. There is one seam in each border, which I would have had to do anyway. It worked out perfectly!!! These scraps went back into the box with the rest of the farm fabric. 

The leftovers from making the border

Oh - I see so many opportunities to chat about scraps in our upcoming class!!! I must send them a note asking for some photos and questions, and I must get that done today. 

Then it was on to making the backing. In that same pile of farm fabric, I had three yardage pieces for backing. I did NOT have enough of any for the backing, so I picked two, and I'm in the process of making that. I hope to get that finished today, along with the binding. 

Backing fabrics for the farm quilt

So that is good, and then I MUST get some work done on that long arm leader! Even if it's only marking the seam lines for the magnets. That has to be done! I need the long arm back in working order. And I need to get to work on my UFO for this month. The entire summer has passed, and I've not done a single thing on it! Now the class is less than two weeks away! It's not that I haven't been working, but the intent of the UFO class is to get us to work on the OLD stuff, not just the new!

Thank goodness for Dillon, who is a movie buff. He alerted me yesterday that a new block of movie tickets for Odyssey in 70 mm IMAX has been released, and I got tickets for Sept 28. The end of September and October are going to be tricky for scheduling, but all is good. Once I told DH I bought those tickets, he said, "What about Spider-Man?" Good grief—I don't have time for all these movies!!! 

And oh my --- a cute little 3-D machine embroidery haunted house just happened to slide into my online shopping cart yesterday. My friend bought two, and I got one, so we are good for a while to keep us entertained. 

Do NOT forget to sign up for the scrap session (the SECOND one) if you missed out the first time. Once people wake up this morning and see that, the class will fill very quickly. There will NOT be a third session. 

So yes, there will be more computer work this morning, but I need to get downstairs and get some work done! I have a few classes to prep for next week! 

And don't forget - it's going to be a good day. And if not, change something to make it a good day!!!

Ciao!!!

The "fun" side of paper-piecing!

OH MY!!!! It's not that I don't want to take those meds -- that particular one is just not working in my schedule! BUT -- I did accommodate it yesterday by eating later, so I think that is the best temporary solution. And when I book the physical, I'll mention it to the doctor so she can prescribe the non-restrictive medication next time. I think she wanted to do another bone density so we can see what's happening as well. 

I got some emails yesterday about missing confirmation emails for upcoming classes, and will deal with that today. And YES—there will be a confirmation email for the scrap class as well. 

Our girls are pretty silly. This is Lexi in the morning, and that pilot light is still on in the fireplace, so it gives off some heat. It's not cold in the house - cool but not cold. Doesn't she have a fur coat? What will she do in the winter? 

MOM - My butt is cold!

This is the situation I had to deal with yesterday. Both of those tables are being replaced, and that is a lot of heavy stuff to move - well, find a temporary home for, then pack up the tables and put the new ones in. Thankfully, there is very little crap on the tables, so it was all machine stuff. 

All this has to go!

Pretty soon, the two work tables were gone. Of course, Miss Murphy was there to guide me and did not move until the one table was in place. Seriously - I had to step over her, but I wasn't going to move her. Then I got the Swiffer, and then the vacuum, and I cleaned the floor. I also did some spot washing, so it's all clean. 

The two work tables are gone.

Next I moved the new table into position. Yes—I'm not a fan of that extension cord on the floor, and when I get one more electrical item (it's taking a long time to order, which I plan on finalizing today), I'm getting the electrician to come back and at that time, there are a few other things that will get done, including the installation of a plug in the ceiling so the cord can drop down and not be unsightly on the floor. Don't worry about a cord hanging from the ceiling because I have a decorative table rod that can disguise the cord. It will look just fine. 

The new table in place

While the angle of the table in the photo above and the angle of this one aren't the same, you can see the table at its lowest (above) and highest (below). Good grief -- a very tall person could work at that table. I wouldn't be able to work on it at that height. But it is sturdy as a rock! Even at the highest height. 

The highest height

And thankfully, I went with the table width I did, as the embroidery machine fits like a glove. That was the big issue in finding a new sturdy table - I needed a width of 30" (the width of the old tables), and everything was 24", which is too narrow for those big embroidery machines. It seems to be a wee bit shorter (it's not) than the previous table, but once I get to do some embroidery, I'll get everything settled in place. The second table I'm replacing is 12 inches longer than the new table, so I'm going to miss that space, but I have a plan to accommodate it. 

The embroidery machine on the new table! 

I carried all the components for the next set of legs downstairs and got DH to help me bring the tabletop down. That helps clear some of the crap in the garage, but it's now filled with packaging. I need to get cracking and break down some of the boxes, so I have room to walk. And continue sorting the stuff and get a load to the recycling depot. But all is good! 

The second table top is ready for assembly.

I did not get any work done on assembling the second table, and I hope to get that done later this afternoon, although I also have to return that light. 

Speaking of garbage and recycling, I don't understand how the city lets this happen. It looks like a bedroom and a dining room were just dumped on the edge of the street. Surely the city charges for this to be picked up. 

Why bother calling a junk service - just dump it!

I know when I take garbage to the Community Recycling Center (it takes garbage and recycling) that I get charged by weight. No charge for recycled items. So hopefully the city adds this to their taxes, or do they just get away with it? I could not do that. 

I had a walking errand in the afternoon, and that's when I spotted all that furniture. I stopped to browse in a store along the way that has a lot of artwork, and I spotted these two items. Speaking of donuts!!! This is 3-D wall art depicting donuts!!! I guess if you like donuts, this is a cool piece of art. It's very modern/contemporary and is actually quite nice. As long as it doesn't encourage you to eat donuts. I have a love/hate relationship with the definition of modern and contemporary, especially when it comes to quilts! 

Donut art!

This is the second piece that caught my eye. What does it remind you of? Yep—the printer trays that are probably becoming harder to come by. I have one for my thimbles above my desk. The art in this one is behind glass, so you leave it as is - or you could take it apart and personalize some parts of it. 

New printer tray art

We had a Virtual Retreat yesterday afternoon/evening, and I am so thankful for all the ladies who popped in to chat. I set up a spare table so I had a surface to work on as I removed the paper from my Tequila Lime quilt. That is a long, boring job, and I thought I would never see the end of it. Thankfully, others were doing boring jobs (and some fun jobs) while we all chatted. 

Removing the paper from Tequila Lime

Periodically I took the quilt top outside and gave it a good shake to remove the loose bits of paper. I was down to two and a half star points, and I was about done for the day. But we still had an hour and a half to go, so I persevered and VOILA!!!! All the paper is gone!!!! I finished shortly before we closed down for the night. 

All the paper is removed!

After ripping out the majority of the paper in an area, I took my tweezers and a pair of hemostats and removed what I could from the tight corners and seams. It would take years to actually remove all the tiny bits, so I'm calling this DONE!

Now I can add a final border to the outside, find some backing, and make binding. Then it gets moved to the "to be quilted" pile. This one is on my Visual To Do list, and I'm not sure I can get it quilted this year. I was hoping to try one of the custom-made designs for it. Here's an example; it's a digitized program you plug into the long arm computer. 

I need to get my butt in gear and get back to the long arm. Tabletop today and long arm tomorrow. Both need to be done by the end of this week! 

And this was the mess on the floor when I was done. The garbage was overflowing, and I just let the paper fall where it did. I'll clean that up this morning. 

The mess from removing the paper

OK—I'm feeling energized again to get back to work. I have Down on the Farm to assemble, and I haven't touched my UFO at all this summer, so I have no time to be slacking off. I also realized that if I want to use the design boards for the backdrop for my Facebook Live next week, all those T-shirts are on them. Yikes—I need to deal with that too. But I have a Plan B for that area, so I may not have to move them. Still, I need to get working on that quilt. It's also on the Visual To Do List. 

I can tell that unless a miracle happens, not everything on the Visual To Do List will get done. But you know what? I'm OK with that. So far this year, I've made excellent progress, and I'll keep working on those items. It gives me focus, and I've also made a lot of new things for work or whatever. I'm doing just fine! 

It's Monday morning, and I need to get my butt to the gym. I need to incorporate some fat-burning cardio back into my schedule. I miss the spin classes for that, and well, it doesn't take much for fat to appear if you are doing nothing to combat it! As you all know, it's a constant struggle. 

And on that happy note -- it's going to be a GREAT day today. 

Ciao!!!!

Anouncements and progress reports!

I know -- I know --- but that little plastic sunflower bag is so cute! It will not take long to finish it! And YES—I could make my own double-fold binding. I know! I'll check out the colors of the purchased first, and if I don't find anything, I'll make it! Sometimes my brain works in mysterious ways! 

I have a bunch of errands to do today, and one of them takes me right past the fabric store. I already checked my stash and couldn't find anything appropriate. 

I seem to have a thing for bags. While I could easily make a new bag from scratch, I seem to get attached to my tote bags—my bag from Stonehenge (oh my god—I had a dream about Stonehenge last night) and my bag from Longo's. I use the bag so long that it wears out, and I need to just say "thank you" and let it go. I can't seem to do that! 

OK—we may need a bag intervention here! 

Here is that silly girl as I was finishing up the blog yesterday morning. I think she is trying to tell me something! 

MOM - you're late - let's go!!!!

And I got a chuckle when we were out for our walk. Typically you see trucks that are commissioned by the city, but that's a scooter! And he's marking lines for something. The paint gun was attached to the front of the scooter! 

New economical way to travel for the city

OK - I decided it was time to get my act together and clean up some of that basement. It was starting to look like a warehouse. And the floor was in desperate need of being swept. 

A bit of a mess to say the least

The boxes for the PFAFF creative icon 3 went into the cold storage area under our front steps. I don't know if there is room for any more boxes!!! I need to keep the boxes for when the machine is shipped somewhere, so throwing them out is not an option. Thankfully, I have this storage area because if I didn't? Well, those boxes take up a lot of room. 

My sewing machine box storage area

And now when I go downstairs, it's a lot more inviting. YES—there are still a lot of things, but they are in their permanent home. YES - I need to get that new leader on the long arm. That is a goal I'll start today. Or tomorrow, depending on what happens today. 

This looks much better.

The other big job I tackled yesterday was my new table. I sort of dreaded working on it because it's heavy. Step one was to lay the tabletop on the floor so I could work on it. Thankfully, it was packaged so the underside faced up, and I could easily work on it, using the packaging cardboard to protect the table's surface. 

The exposed underside of the table

Before I could set out all the components, I put the jigsaw puzzle away, and I spotted one piece with discoloration on the back. Hmmm --- what happened to that piece? Well, no worries - it's now in a plastic bag, in the box, and ready to be traded or donated. 

One discolored piece

Now the puzzle table is clear. OH—do you see my Longo's bag in the background? It's there because I want to rescue the handles - I like those handles, and I was thinking of swapping them onto the bag I'm currently using. So help me god—I need to throw bags away! They owe me nothing, as I have used them many times before I wore them out! 

The table is empty and ready for the table leg assembly.

And now here are all the components of the table. Yikes --- that is a lot of stuff. But this table is heavy-duty and can support up to 450 pounds, so of course it needs a lot of support on the bottom. Plus the top is thick! 

Components in place and ready to work

I had to take a few pictures of the paper instructions and enlarge them to see exactly what was what. I think the instructions could be rewritten - some of the language - well, it didn't make sense. Also, in Step 8 you were instructed to insert screws into the tabletop and add more in Step 9, and then in Step 10 it instructs you to center the leg structure. Well, that's a bit late if you already inserted screws in Step 8. Sigh..................

The leg assembly

I got to this point, and I need to get an extension for my drill bit. I swear I had one and I searched, but couldn't find it. So I'm off to the hardware store today to get one. And when I was searching, I had to clear up the puzzle mess that sat on top of the toolbox. Now the puzzles are neatly stacked BEHIND the toolbox, and I have room for about 5 more puzzles, and then I've maxed out my space. So I must stop buying, or puzzle faster! 

Since I couldn't go further on the table until I got that part, I decided it was time to remake the turtle block for Down on the Farm. I tried many greens and ended up going with the lighter one I had pulled after I realized the original green didn't have enough contrast. 

BUT look what I noticed when I was cutting the black for the rocks. These are the same print, and yet the base color is extremely different. You are looking at the wrong side of each. One is very blue-based, and one is very orange-based. Yet, they are both black! Imagine bleaching them both! 

Different dye lots of the same fabric

And there is my turtle block recut and ready to sew. 

The turtle block is ready to sew!

I had some time this morning, so I got this much sewn. The new green is a wee bit off, but I'm OK with that because we can at least see the turtle now. 

Progress on the turtle block

I should be able to finish that off today, and I hope to work on assembling the blocks and the borders during the virtual retreat tonight and tomorrow. 

OH GOSH -- I didn't forget to send out the confirmations for the classes; I got tied up making the big email for the groups and forgot I just needed to send a confirmation. So those will go out this morning. My apologies for that. 

And do you want to know about my Stonehenge dream? OK - if you've been to Stonehenge or even if you've seen pictures of it - it's out in the middle of a field. There is nothing around it. I guess I've watched a few too many videos about the recent flash flood in Nepal, because in my dream, there was a massive building around Stonehenge and there was no damage. All was good. 

Inside? We were working on some kind of fiber art project! Where did that come from? It always amazes me how our brains work. 

Murphy had a wee slip on the stairs yesterday - someone came to the door, and she was downstairs, and I didn't have my barricade up. I heard her attempt to come up, but she couldn't make it, so I helped her up after I answered the door. Yikes -- I have to watch her like a hawk. She doesn't want to wait. OK—so she is like all of us—we think we are still in our 20s!!! 

But she seems to be fine, and she and Lexi were having a wrestling match last night. It's not the same (not as boisterous), but they still have fun playing together. 

MOM -- help me!!!!

I haven't seen any words of wisdom for the last couple of days, but spotted this yesterday from Thought.minds. 

Yep—we need to do this because no one else really appreciates what we are going through. Some days it might be nothing, and the next day we are devastated by something. And for some, just getting out of bed is an accomplishment. Take EVERY win as significant. I don't know why we think that feeling proud of our minor accomplishments is a bad thing. And why do we need validation from someone else? We can validate ourselves! Just tell yourself that the next time you do something small. "I did this!" "I'm super proud of myself," or whatever else is going on. You don't need someone else to blow your horn -- do it yourself and be proud! 

I need to think about that for my bag situation! 

I see this sign on the entrance to the forest. Oh boy --- they really need to find a permanent solution to that trail in the forest. They can regrade it all they want, but unless they dig the path up, repack it well, and add channels for the torrential downpours, they'll keep having to regrade it. 

And now for some announcements. I discovered on the Teach the World to Sew Day website that the participating Michaels stores are listed there as well. At the top of the list are all the Michaels in the US and Canada that are participating. There is one store in Calgary, Toronto, and Saskatoon. 

Then you find the US Dealers and then the Canadian Dealers. That date is September 19. 

As mentioned, if you know someone who would like to learn to sew, this is a perfect event for them to make something for FREE and show their friends that they have learned to sew. 

Here is the link to the Facebook page about the Facebook Live that I will do on the PFAFF creative icon 3 on September 9 at 3 PM EDT. I see a lot of people have responded! Yikes—I've got to get my tables together and get Studio B and my samples in order. The time will pass by quickly. And even if you are NOT in the market for a new sewing machine or a new embroidery machine, pop out to that event. Let's aim to blow the number of attendees out of the water! 

I am compressing three hours (my in-person event) into one hour (Facebook Live), so if you get a chance to come and check out my presentations in person, be sure to do so, as you'll see more samples and get more information. There will be live events on the PFAFF creative icon 3 at Sew Productive (Acton, Ontario) on September 26 and at Cindy Bee's Quilt Shoppe (Espanola, Ontario) on October 25 or 26 - I'm not sure which day it will be. 

Or you can check it out in person at Salon Quebec on October 1- 4 in Ste. Hyacinthe, Quebec. Yes—it's going to be a busy two months! 

I also remembered on my walk that I needed to buy a new power cord for my camera switch box. I couldn't find it the last time I did a Facebook Live, but I was fortunate enough to discover the Cricut power cord worked. But I no longer own the Cricut, so I bought a new power cord yesterday. And I bought it from a local shop, NOT my "favorite" online store. I refuse to buy from them on principle. If I can't find the item anywhere else, then I have no choice, but if I have a choice? I will. I don't care if it costs more money. We need to speak out with our voice (in this case, our dollar)!

There is a Virtual Retreat tonight. Here are the links: 

Saturday, August 29 - from 6 PM - 9 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89610782501?pwd=7dCrhiL5t8Xa4TVwZPvhL6cOymbcjK.1

Meeting ID: 896 1078 2501
Passcode: 148311

And Sunday, August 30 - from 3 PM - 9 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89869001291?pwd=h57kT9axwTnd2xtJvuO0z2UOmUo45w.1

Meeting ID: 898 6900 1291
Passcode: 136711

I think that is it for announcements. 

Have a super day! It's going to be a super day - I can just feel it, and I look forward to chatting with you all tonight!!! I'm super excited - I've missed everyone over the summer! 

Ciao!!!

Murphy is on the mend!

Yes --- so true about the words of wisdom. There are times when we feel compelled to criticize a loved one - usually our significant other. But was that absolutely necessary? NO -- so the next time you want to be the backseat driver, or mention that the dishwasher shouldn't be loaded that way, just be quiet. They are loading the dishwasher - be grateful! 

Not saying things that you know will cause issues can improve a situation by 1000%. Don't be the one who invokes the negativity! As they say in Frozen - "let it go!"

OK -- I confess - I was a slug for most of the day. I did get some work done, but I'm in slow motion mode, and I'm OK with that. The rest of the week, I can kick it up into high gear, although I have things to do that aren't work-related.

I had a few "spare" moments, so I ended up in the garage. This is the workbench, but as you can see, there really isn't much space to work, and it's just cluttered. I took this picture this morning, AFTER I tackled part of the shelves. Everything is coated with years of dirt and grime. But I made a start. I would love to get through the entire shelf before the end of September, and that is doable. 

The garage workbench

Even if the stuff only gets separated by category, put in boxes, and the junk thrown away. I'll see how I make out with that. 

BUT - look what I found. A good pair of scissors and WHAT???? It's that gardening tool that I have coveted for a while, but this one has a handle on it. Are you kidding me? I already had one of those tools? I bought the second one for the same purpose, but since it was buried under loads of debris, I didn't even remember buying it. Sigh...................

Finds in the garage debris

We have a wooden deck and lots of debris gets trapped between the boards. There is a gap to allow for expansion. The debris mostly collects on the joists below, and if it isn't cleaned out, it will cause rot faster. The wood on the deck is not treated. 

At last - Mom is cleaning the debris from the deck.

It would also help to get rid of the weeds growing between the flagstones. 

The weeds are back

I'm not surprised to find that tool, but I'm stunned that it's been so long that I don't even remember buying it. 

While I was in the garage, I had my helper with me. She was snuffling around, and next thing I knew, she was digging through the open top of a garbage bag. What the heck is she after? Oh my goodness - she found an old bone of hers that I tossed. When we went back inside, she immediately took it to the backyard. 

MOM - you threw out my bone!!!!! 

I'm not sure what was so important about that bone. I threw the old one away because she got a new one last week. Now I have to find a way to get the old one back into the garbage bag! I've heard some people mention their significant others have done similar things from time to time! 

My name is Murphy, and I'm a bone hoarder.

She is definitely feeling much better, which is a relief. That whole episode was a good wake-up call, though. I caught her flipping her NEW outside toy around. She managed to escape the house with this one, and well, I'm not bringing it back in. 

MOM - this bear needs a good shake! 

To top it off, when I was sitting outside in the gazebo, I saw her hanging out by the fence and wondered what the heck she was doing. 

MOM - I need a new stick

Oh great -- pulling a stick into the yard through the fence. That girl!!! As if she doesn't have enough to play with! What a goofball. 

She has no issues coming in the house at night now, but she needs to be upstairs with us, and she is currently still upstairs. I'm OK with that. I was getting a little freaked out by her need to be outside. I'm not sure what that was all about, but we seem to be moving forward positively. 

And what about Lexi? She is just chilling all the time. She loves sleeping under this table in the hallway, and it's OK to stick your head between the legs. What a silly girl. She's a little turned around because her buddy is not with her at night, even though they never slept together. But she looked a bit lost this morning, wondering why Murphy wasn't bothering her! 

MOM - I'm low maintenance

I finally got my new addition for the backyard. I was tempted to buy a new chair, as this zero-gravity chair has been around for a very long time and the seat canvas was getting a bit scratchy. I realized that I could buy a cushion for that chair and OH MY -- I may never leave the gazebo. It's super comfy. 

A new cushion for my zero-gravity chair

It was supposed to be delivered before I left last week, but only arrived when I got home. It had been compressed into a very small package that neither of us could figure out what it was. Then DH let the air in the bag and the thing just grew. It's a great way to resuscitate my chair. 

And then it was time to move downstairs. This is what I have to deal with. While the cutting table is NOT clear, I made good progress on clearing part of it. I don't want to put some of that stuff away because I'll need it for my Facebook Live, but I need to clear the space so I can work. It's all easy to access and pull out when I need it in two weeks. 

Trying to clear the cutting table

I also left some of my samples out because some of them need to be finished. And even if I get one a day or week done, that is better than not getting them finished. Some of them only need the edges serged to look a bit more presentable. 

While I was at Heather Bell's Sewing Studio, I stocked up on green thread. This is a color I seem to gravitate to, and I was very low, so now I have five shades of the same color, and I'm happy. 

My new green thread colors

Before adding those colors to the box of green embroidery thread, I did NOT have this color. 

My box of green embroidery thread

Over the years, I have used and taught MANY of the Marti Michelle template sets. I spotted this one on the shelf at Heather's that I didn't have. So I bought it. It looks pretty funky! 

A "new to me" template set

And now it's added to my shelf of the other Marti Michelle template sets. 

The rest of my template sets

When I dug my bike out the other week, I found this little tote bag in the basket. Once I park the bike, I need a small bag to carry things. The handles were eaten off? I have no idea what happened to the handles, so I'm going to seam-rip them off and resew them on. They will be slightly shorter, but that's OK. 

Handles to fix on my small tote bag

OK—so I need some discipline to deal with the latest puzzle. Instead of working, I was tackling this. 

Progress on the latest jigsaw puzzle

Yes - that is a quilt on the puzzle. This one is dated 2008, and the artist is Diane Phalen. Remember how her artwork was on everything!! Boxes, bags, puzzles, tins, cards, etc. I was trying to work on the flowers, and finally gave up and pulled the pieces for that quilt. Then I went back to the flowers. I got a few more pieces in and gave up, and now I'm working on the other two quilts in the picture. 

I MUST put the design boards ON TOP of the puzzle, so I won't get distracted! I need to get to work today. 

I managed to get a couple of the distribution lists together and am starting to review the patterns we will need for the classes. I need to go through all the emails before I send out the lists, as some people signed up for more than one class in one email and it's a tad challenging to sort that. But no worries—I'm catching them all, or so I hope. By the end of the week, you should all have your confirmations. If you're missing a confirmation, just send me another email, BUT don't send me something if you have already signed up. Only if you haven't!

Here is the list of classes again—and if you know someone who might be interested, forward this along. 

There is a Virtual Retreat this weekend - Saturday from 6 PM - 9 PM and then from Sunday 3 PM - 9 PM. I'll post the links later, but this is just a reminder. 

And I'm sure by now that you've heard about Dolly Parton. She was such a classy lady, and her nephew (part of her security team) posted the official video about her death. The video was amazingly well done. We were fortunate enough to meet Dolly's design team (a team of 3) who designed her clothing and helped with her onscreen image. 

Steve had been with Dolly for over 30 years as her stylist! You get to know someone very well after 30 years. All three of them couldn't say enough about how amazing Dolly was and that they were family. It was kind of an emotional moment to hear them speak about her. They will be devastated, as will many other people. I feel very fortunate that we were able to hear them speak. 

And on that note, I'm out of here! There's a lot to be done, and I feel a bit more motivated! 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!