Lazy Lexi

Good progress was made yesterday with the presentations and the sewing! Yeah! It will be a busy day again today, but I think I might just make it! It was an interesting day as I snapped pictures and put them in the presentation. Then, I received pictures from people that needed to be added to the presentations. I hope I got them all in the correct place! If not - well, we can laugh about it. 

OK—you have to check out this video! When I was at Golden Peak Media Studios to film a couple of Fons and Porter's Love of Quitting episodes, I was chatting with one of the editors. I mentioned how much I LOVED (and that was true) the latest issue of the magazine. She said, "Can you say that on film in under one minute?" And here's the result! 

I love going there and had another super time! I can't wait to go back. Hopefully, they want me back! Since this was my second time -- there might be another time! 

And I swear we need to get excited about life! Everything in life is exciting! If it's not, then we better find a new life. 

As I was busy sewing, Studio B got crazy with scrap boxes everywhere. I'll put this all away later today, but look at how nicely those scrap boxes fit on the top shelf of my computer desk. It was perfect!!

An excellent place for my scrap boxes!

But I got a chuckle when I pulled out the various colors I needed and found this. Who is that imposter in the middle with MANY colors in it? 

Which of these doesn't belong?

Good grief—it's even labeled blue. Whenever I was sorting, I took whatever color I spotted through the front and threw it in. I need to tidy up that box. 

What? Labeled blue but filled with orange?

I have made some of the scrap boxes neat and tidy, but these ones are a mess. It's not on my agenda at this moment; I'm still trying to get through the brown scrap boxes. But the day will come! 

Then, I got the sewing machine set up to sew and attempted to thread the needle. 

OH - where's the needle?

It actually helps IF you have a needle in the machine! Oh, silly me!!!!

That's better!

I walked to the mall to mail a couple of packages, and two more are waiting to go. It's so nice to get things out of the house! While at the mall, I passed these outfits in a window. This is a trend that I can't figure out. 

On the left is a knit sweater that is long at the waist but paired with knit shorts. On the right, we have a cropped knit sweater with long pants, which are also knit. Personally, if I were going to wear this, which I would not, I'd have the long sweater with the long pants and the cropped sweater with the shorts. But then, I'm NOT a fashionista, so what do I know?!

Does this appeal to you?

Oh my—look at Lexi. Give that dog an inch (one-third of the couch), and she assumes the entire thing is hers. 

MOM -- I'm trying to sleep!

I made her scoot over, and you would think I asked her to run a marathon. She reluctantly moved and was not happy! Poor thing! 

MOM -- why do I have to move? This is MY couch! 

So here's my latest learning tool. Everyone is talking about ProCreate (a graphic program for the iPad). I purchased it a while ago and only briefly tinkered with it. But I took this flower and traced it. Now, there is no manual that I can find. OK—I did not look very hard—I'm sure there's a manual online. But I was able to figure it out. A graphic program is a graphic program! 

A picture of a daisy on my iPad

Here is the flower I very quickly drew. This is just the tip of the iceberg as I learn the tools, fix lines, etc. We all have to start somewhere. I start small!

My daisy

Not only am I learning that, but I'm also learning more features of the mySewnet embroidery software. I'm becoming EXTREMELY familiar with the HUNDREDS of pages in the various User's Guides for mySewnet. There's SO MUCH!!! You can do so much, but there's not enough time in a day to do it all!! There's room for improvement in setting priorities in my world. 

As I was sewing (which was awesome), I worked on the black-and-white quilt as an ender and leader project. These are the precut bits. 

Shapes cut for the black and white quilt

Which I'm currently sewing into pairs. 

Sewing into pairs

Those pairs will eventually go on these centers, which are now complete but still need to be trimmed. This will be a great job to do at the Virtual Retreat this weekend. 

The centers of the blocks

And we are back at the EXIT Games!! Although we got off to a bit of a rocky start, we have now solved two clues in this puzzle. Before we know it, it'll be December 1, and we get to crack open the Advent Calendar! I can hardly wait!

The EXIT Game

I see the dots on the table, so I'd better get myself in gear and update the travel map. It's been years, and I know a few places did NOT get tagged for all of us!!! And where will my travels take me (or us) in 2025? Discussions are already happening—too many places, not enough time or money!

The dots to update the travel map

Speaking of travel, I dreamed of making 35K status with Air Canada last night. I'm short by 76 points. YES --- that is NOT a typo. All I need to do is take Uber to the airport and back, and I'll make it. But I hope to take one more flight this year. Yes - there is the possibility of three more trips this year; one just got canceled, which I'm OK with. But of the three potential, TWO should happen for sure. I just need to get past this weekend when I'll have more time to plan. 

I'm sure many of you can relate to this! Oh my gosh -- the HOURS I would spend in the library, searching the card catalogs and then going to retrieve the material. I LOVED it. I wasn't even introduced to an actual library until I was an adult. 

Who remembers?

I lived in the country, and the teacher was responsible for bringing books to the one-room country school once a month. I would easily breeze through whatever she brought. I don't think it was until I was in university that I got a whiff of what a card catalog was all about. But I used it extensively!!!

I wonder how many of those cabinets are still around? I have a small one in Studio B filled with craft supplies. 

Well, it's time to get the day started! There is so much to do and so little time. Actually, that's a lie. While there is lots to do, I don't feel pressure. Everything is ready enough that I could run the classes as the presentations are, but I like to freshen them up, add new things, and make a new sample or two, so that's what I'm doing today. The tough parts of the presentations are mostly done! 

Now, back to those UFOs or the drawers. Are you making progress on them? You should—it should become a way of life! Just like flossing your teeth. OK—for me, flossing is not a way of life, but I'm trying hard to make it so. Since my last dentist appointment, I've been flossing once daily and brushing my gumline, not my teeth. I'm throwing in the towel if they don't say there's an improvement next time! 

It's all about setting priorities and then following through. We can't do everything, so pick your battles.

This weekend is Quilt Market, and then Quilt Festival follows. I went to both for several years, and when I stopped working at the fabric company, I felt a HUGE void in my life. I NEEDED to be there. Now? I have ZERO desire to set up a booth, walk the floor, or see the quilts. OK -- maybe I want to see the quilts. But the rest? Not in my lifetime would I go back!!! It's exhausting, especially if you are working. I'll take a smaller show any day! 

Here are the links for the Virtual Retreat. 

Saturday, October 26 - Starts at 6 PM EST

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89816483795?pwd=Mjc3M3pvVmZPdjdsQzlHS3Zhck52dz09

Meeting ID: 898 1648 3795
Passcode: 248667

Sunday, October 27 - Starts at NOON EST or shortly after

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

Meeting ID: 829 8351 7671
Passcode: 117636

Have a super day!!!!

Quilt History books

I'm home! It was hilarious because I hadn't even boarded the flight to come home when I was checked in for the flight tomorrow morning. Yes, it's a bit of a crazy scheduling situation at the moment, and while (fingers crossed) it looks good to get away tomorrow, there's no guarantee that I'll get home on Sunday! But I'm a gambler! Plan B or Plan C will be implemented if need be. And what are they? I've no idea yet, but I'll think of something if I need to. 

The flight home was pretty uneventful, except if you think the Toronto airport is huge, Denver is HUGE. There is the West Terminal and the East Terminal, and within each of those, there are multiple buildings that you get to by train. It's a crazy place, but I managed to get to the proper gate! and well within the time frame. I had no problems getting the luggage checked. 

So, are those sunflowers? Or Black-eyed Susans? I should have the proper response tomorrow, but I'm leaning towards sunflowers. Think BUSH Sunflowers. Remember - I was in Colorado, not Canada. 

As we arrived in Toronto, there was that giant Airbus 380. I'm not sure what plane it's beside, but the 380 is massive. When you see it from the back, the way the wings are attached makes it look like a waddling duck. 

The Airbus 380

I think I arrived home around 2 PM. I love flying west—you gain time, but you lose it all on the return. The first thing was cuddles with the girls. You would think by now that they get it that when we go away, we come back. But Murphy? Nope—she's just a silly girl. 

I immediately unpacked my suitcase. I don't need this one for a few weeks, but I didn't want to leave my samples squished. So they are laid out on one of the project tables in Studio B, and I hope to get that all cleaned up in October.

The suitcase is empty

I saw this license plate at the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum and I probably have it already, but I bought it - just in case! I now need to do something with all those license plates. I'll come up with a plan!! 

A "new" license plate

Even adding the seven (shhhhhh!!!!) books I purchased at the museum, I wasn't even close to the weight limit on my suitcase. I didn't see the weight, but it wasn't an issue. 

I love these state quilt history books and added a few more to my collection. 

Quilt history books

Another quilt history book

Two more states

Washington state

Those are the books that I'll keep when I need to downsize! It's so much fun to read the histories of the quiltmakers. 

Oh -- I should mention that those books are used, so the most I paid was $10. Most of them were $5. A very good deal. Last year when I went to Golden, I only had carry-on so I was very restricted in what I could bring home. This year - big suitcase (well, medium) and I was good! 

Then I had to finish the book I was reading while I relaxed and had a cup of tea. Then, it was time to get to work and get the binding on that quilt. I decided to trim the quilt BEFORE I cut the binding. Usually, I make the binding when I make the top, but that did not happen with this quilt. The back of the quilt was plush, so there was a HUGE mess to clean up before I could cut the binding. 

What a mess to clean up!

The good news? The binding is on the quilt, and it's packed in my carry-on. Now I must also find some clothes to throw in there, but the important thing is in the suitcase! 

The binding is on

Look at this silly girl. This is how she washes her face; she looks like such a goof when she does that! Then, when she realizes you are watching her, she gets shy and stops!!!! Oh, Lexi -- I love you to bits!

MOM - stop looking at me!!!!

I am NOT saying this because I was just at their offices, but this is the most recent issue of Love of Quilting (Fons and Porter), and OH MY -- it is a good issue. There are two quilts I'd love to make and some great ads for stuff I'd love to have, but my long arm is too old - perhaps a new one is in order? Anyway, check it out. I thought it was great, and I got to meet the editor while I was at Golden. 

The most recent issue of Love of Quilting

You may see me on a video somewhere mentioning how much I liked this issue! 

Well, that's it for today! 

I'm off to pack some clothes!!!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Preparation is the key to success!

Someone mentioned that my "mini sunflowers" might not be sunflowers. I did take other pictures, which I haven't transferred to my laptop, so I can't post them. Anything is possible, as my thumbs are not green by any means. There isn't even a shade of green in them. 

I'll see if I can find out what the flowers are. I mostly took pictures of the blooms, but I have a couple of buds that sure look like sunflowers. However, I most definitely could be wrong. The other flower's name was black-eyed Susan, and I don't think it's that because these were growing on a spindly stock (like a sunflower, but not a straight stock). Shoot -- I won't have time to take a picture of the stock before I leave. I'll try to find it on the internet. 

The day started bright and early—I was picked up at the hotel at 7:15. I love when people are punctual, and I was waiting with my suitcase full of stitchouts. 

It sure makes a difference, having been to the studio once before. I knew what to do and how to get set up; it took no time. Don't forget there is hair and make-up to be taken care of as well. 

Then, it was time to get wired for sound. This microphone was very tiny, and others are even tinier than that. I love it! Of course, I spotted some other equipment on the desk and had to ask questions. 

So everyone knows what's happening, I have to walk through everything I brought. They were duly impressed and mentioned several times how well-prepared I was. I didn't take a picture, but it was beyond OCD. Even I was pretty impressed. Let's just say that I'm going home with a mess. I literally threw everything into the suitcase, and I'll deal with it when I get home. 

As usual, I brought too much stuff that could be covered or even highlighted, but it's better to have more than not enough. 

Oh, did I mention what I was doing? I was thrilled beyond doubt when I was asked to tape two more episodes of Love of Quilting, the TV show. The answer was a resounding YES—as if I would say no. I would miss a family event for that—well, maybe not M's wedding or even her engagement party, but most other things I'd miss. It's so much fun! 

And the more you do, the fewer "mistakes" you make and the less you have to stop, and well - I'm a talker! Once I get wound up - it's hard to get me to stop! But all in all, it was a super fun day. 

I had my own "dressing room," and no, I didn't get candies delivered, but snacks were available throughout the day. 

The sign on the door of "my" room

Once my two episodes were taped, I watched Sarah and Angela tape one of their shows. What you can learn by observing and asking questions can blow your mind!!!!

After everything was done, I got a picture of the three of us. Note that I've blurred out what was on the cutting table and the quilt on the wall. I don't want to spoil their show. 

Angela, myself, and Sarah 

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the set. This is where I sat to watch the final episode being taped. There is so much to see! 

The set

It was a super day but exhausting - even for me! But we had loads of laughs, and it was relaxed and not stressful in the least. I know!!! But I just got in my teacher/chatty mode and forgot the cameras were there. That also got mentioned!!! 

I got a ride back to my hotel and vegged out for a while but then decided to take the long way to the restaurant. 

This was the sky -- how beautiful is that? 

The Colorado sky

This area where the hotel is located is very bizarre. There is a school here, some businesses, and even a Kohl's, plus two hotels. It's a good use of space between several major highways!!! 

I spotted this sign and thought they were being "funny," but then I realized they probably meant the BOOT that gets put on cars. 

They mean business

I stopped at Kohl's just to have a look around—I'm not sure I've ever been. I remembered I needed a pair of black pants, so I picked a nice pair for a reasonable price. I got them even cheaper by signing up for a loyalty card! 

While shopping, I spotted this. I had seen them before, but I was a bit in disbelief that this trend had made a comeback. But yes, bell bottoms are back in style. 

Bell bottoms

I mostly stay at the Holiday Inn. I might as well stay at the same hotel chain and try to get loyalty points. And the breakfast offerings are the same wherever you go. They all offer oatmeal, but the consistency is NEVER the same. It is very rare that the consistency is right—it's either runny as water or, as in today's case, pretty thick and almost didn't look cooked. But it was!!!! 

Thick oatmeal

Well, I'm a gambler and headed back home early in the morning. I really want to get home as I have some work to do before leaving the following day. What the heck -- you only live once, and if something happens? Then we go to Plan B. I'm not worried in the least. As Doris Day would say (or sing), "Que sera sera!!!"

I'm off. I hope you are all working on the decluttering situation. The one thing I realized that I should have done was to keep some of the pictures handy over the years. I now need some of the "before" and "after." I'm sure I'm going to find them—it might just take a while. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

Take One!

I'm excited that I'm on my way home today, and my event for tomorrow got moved, so I, in fact, have an entire day off on Friday! However, I have to prep for three classes on the weekend, including one on Saturday, which I had forgotten to put in my calendar. But the critical thing here is that I won't have the same amount of pressure I've had for the last couple of weeks. I can actually take a few minutes off and relax - hopefully in the gazebo!

However, the pressure of prepping for this event was well worth all the hassle, as I was told I was extremely well prepared! And that makes me a very happy camper!

So what was the big event of the day? 

I was picked up at 7:15 and off to a place where I've sent many quilts. 

Golden Peak Media

This is the home of Golden Peak Media -- the people that publish Quiltmaker, McCalls Quilting, Fons and Porter - Love of Quilting, Quilting Arts, Fons, and Porter Quick & Easy Quilts. They also publish Creative Machine Embroidery and Sew News. They have others, but these are the ones that I'm most familiar with. 

I haven't submitted anything recently because of my schedule, and I promised to get back to it! I have a few ideas in my head and need to sit down and do some research. So -- if there is any topic or quilt style that you'd love to see in a magazine, let me know. I got the contacts and the talent, so who knows where we can take it!

So did this have something to do with a magazine? Not exactly, as they are also the creator of the Fon's and Porter Love of Quilting TV series, which appears on PBS. I had the opportunity to be a guest on the show, and how could I turn that down? The timing could not have been worse, but I couldn't let the opportunity slip away. 

The day started with make-up and checking the wardrobe. I know -- me with make-up. 

Make-up

Thanks to my recent haircut, they didn't need to do much. It's a pretty basic cut; not much can be done, but it still looks great. I remember the days when I hated my hair, but no longer. I LOVE it, and the lady who cut my hair called it SILVER. It's not quite silver, but it's getting there! 

The day was a whirlwind -- how to take the elements I had prepared and put them into a sequence that made sense. I learned many things, and it was loads of fun, even if it was a lot of work. The prep almost killed me! Since I'm always into learning new things, this was right up my alley. Could I dare ask them to invite me back? (I did - I couldn't help myself!) I know so much now - the next time would be much easier! And the entire crew was so sweet and patient! 

Here's a shot of me behind the scenes, and that's all I'm sharing with you. You'll have to wait until the show airs to see more. Sara was the host and is good at keeping her guests on track! I LOVE the overhead camera!

Behind the scenes

What I had NOT planned on was leaving some stuff behind. DRAT --- that means I have ROOM in my suitcase, I could have bought more books, and there was no time to return to the Museum. OK -- they have to invite me back! 

When I returned to the hotel, I was wiped, so I did something I hadn't done in a long time. I just lay down, didn't nap, read, or just relaxed. Wow! That's what it feels like, and I could get used to that! 

I finally decided to stop being a couch potato and went and got something to eat. I did NOT go for a walk. I was too tired, and I find the air very cool here, even though the temperature is not cold. Why is that? It must be the mountain air - the same as I saw in Calgary. People are walking around in shorts and short sleeves, and I have my jacket on, and I'm cold. OH -- I know why -- I need a scarf! When my neck is cold - I'm cold!

But here's a better picture of the mountains. The Rockies are around here but not visible from here! Colorado makes me think of John Denver, who I had a crush on when I was younger, and I loved his music - still do. So tragic when he died. Gosh -- he died in 1997! 

The Colorado Rockies

Here's my walking status -- I'm a little behind, but I still have 19 days, so I should be able to make up the distance and finish on time. 

My Virtual Challenge

My calendar is quite open for the next three weeks, so I'll have loads of time with only two car trips (one day each) and four or five Zoom calls on the weekends. And hopefully, the weather is going to be much warmer as well. 

I do NOT have a geocaching badge from Colorado, so I need to get my butt out and get one. There are two very close to the hotel, and no excuses -- I must find them before I catch my ride to the airport. 

Travel days are always long, and with the time change NOT in my favor, it'll be late afternoon when I get home. I'm Ok with that. I'll just chill! You have to love all the apps for travel. I've checked in and did my border stuff while lounging in bed this morning! I'm good to go!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!