It's all fun and games with technology

Can you explain this to me? 

I spotted this when I was on my way home from one of the morning walks. 

A friendly dog walk? I think NOT!

Nothing appears out of the ordinary in the photo. The person in the front was jogging (although she stopped to walk a fair bit), and she had her dog on a leash. OK -- so nothing wrong about that. Someone was following her on the bike - husband? Son? Nothing wrong with that, either. 

But she was talking on her cell phone! She didn't have earbuds in, so she held the phone flat in front of her while attempting to jog and walk the dog. Now - did she accomplish any of those things well? That poor dog probably felt terribly neglected. 

It's like kids in the car. If you give them a device to play with, you've just lost interactive time with them. M and I used to have some of our best conversations in the car. We played games and we communicated. While I do a lot of thinking when I'm walking the girls, I also spend a lot of time chatting with them. They love it and I can see their ears prick up or back, depending on the dog! 

Oh well—each of us has our lives to live, and how we do so is our choice. Just the thought of doing what she was doing is stressful!

While I do not usually eat bread, someone gave me some jam a while back, and I thought I'd better use it, so I bought bagels the other day. Hmmm --- doesn't it look like the bagels are thinner, and that hole is bigger? At least there are fewer calories in each bagel, but I'm hungry an hour after eating one!

Are the bagels smaller? 

In an attempt to clean up some of this data clutter, I emptied my Dropbox account last night. I canceled my subscription, and although I won't get any money back, I won't get charged next year. I'll have access to the free amount of space, which is 2 GB. That should be plenty to share the few files that I need to—should I need to. Before, I was using it a lot to share files, and I no longer use that method. 

Copying, then deleting files! Lots of them!

I downloaded the files to my other cloud storage (which I will ALWAYS keep), my other external hard disk, and my new external hard disk. Before I do anything else, I need to sort out what's on the new external hard disk. I hope the word of the day will be DELETE, but I don't have time for that at the moment. I'm taking it with me so I have something fun to do in the evenings!

Then, like I've done in Studio B, it's to continue to sort the same topics into specific directories (I have an impressive file system), but with a bit more duplication than I would like! 

I registered my broken hard disk with a data recovery company, and I think I need to drop the disk off today. Working that out was a challenge, but I think I'm good.

The bottom line? There is a ton of work to do, but I'm taking steps. Getting rid of that Dropbox storage was one step closer, even if all I did was move the stuff. I'm understanding the storage between all these places a bit more, and well, I'm now dangerous!

What still needs to be done? 

1. Find all those USBs - they are in a safe place in the office, but which safe place?
2. Sort the data on those USBs -- probably a LOT more duplication. 
3. Sort through all the files on the external hard disk
4. Figure out the next steps, including a way to back everything up! 

Since I have multiple devices, I like the idea of Cloud storage because I can share my data between computers, and I have easy access to my files if I'm on the road. What I would like to do is perhaps become less reliant on Cloud storage except for certain things and use several external hard drives that I can carry on the road and switch between computers. But the most important thing is I need to find a way to back everything up! I'm not worried about that now, but I need to figure it out before I go further so I don't end up in a mess again. And there is one thing to say about Cloud storage -- they do not let their equipment lapse and provide backup! 

Now, I could do that cleanup in the gazebo!

Speaking of the great outdoors, it's summer! The girls have their freedom back, as I leave the back door open, and they come and go as they please. They are VERY happy. And Lexi slept outside the entire night and is still not in the house. 

Open door season at our house

There's the proud Murphy who is happy to be outside but still needs to be close to Mom! 

Majestic Murphy!

I had seven things on my list to do yesterday, and I managed to get five of them done. One requires some research this morning, and I'll work on the other two today, but I already have a list of what needs to be prepped today. The bottom line is that I am making samples to show on my Facebook Live (May 16), and one can never have too many samples. Let's say when you make samples, you are never done!

I'm working on the Singer SE9180 sewing and embroidery machine. This is a small machine, but mighty! While it's missing some of the bells and whistles from the top-of-the-line embroidery machines, and the largest hoop is 170 by 100, it packs a LOT of punch in a small space. Can you believe that it's Wi-Fi enabled? 

The Singer SE9180

Yep—I was able to search the mySewnet Library for a design and download it right to the embroidery machine!

Searching the mySewnet Library

The price is also right and would be perfect for someone just starting out in embroidery or who wants an embroidery machine for small things but without the cost of the bigger machines. I love the darn thing!  

As I was sewing something on it the other day (it also sews very nicely), I was using enders and leaders from the Barn Star quilt. And I trimmed them yesterday on my squeaky clean cutting mat. 

Trimming half-square triangles

Remember that little block I found on the floor? 

A lost foam block

I opened the sewing machine I had just boxed, and sure enough, that little foam block went inside the hardcover to prevent it from moving around. So it's back in the box. I tell you, it's all these little things that are time-consuming and create clutter if we don't keep on top of them. 

The next customer quilt is loaded. I received a few in the last month, and I had better get to work on them. I'll quilt it today. 

Customer quilt loaded

Take a look at this goof. I was listening to a hilarious video about surgery on a dog toy, and when the guy inserted the "heart" (a squeaker), Murphy became instantly alert! She heard a squeak and wanted to know where it was coming from! Like many other dogs, she is very reactive to sound! She comes running when certain commercials come on the TV, and it's the music that attracts her. She can associate the music with some animal on the screen! 

MOM -- I heard squeaking! 

I had a software class last night, and things went well. OK -- THREE things didn't go well and I need to follow up with them today. The first thing was my mistake -- when I saved the file (it was an alphabet), I saved the A as the A file. That's good. But then I saved another A in the B file, so when I went to load them, it looked like a mistake. Sigh..... I'm my own worst enemy sometimes. I had two other things I wanted to share, which didn't work quite like I wanted, so I have some digging to see. 

I did some of it last night, and that's when I discovered I had incorrectly saved the B file. Guess what? I'm just like the students in the class—I learn by doing, and I dig deeper when it doesn't work out. I need to dig deep today. 

While I want to work on the samples, I have other things to do, and well, I'll get done what I can—I can't do more. But that Singer SE9180 is so small, I could tuck it in my suitcase!

On that note, it's looking like another great day, but I'm stuck in the house. Well, that's not entirely true since I'm out walking for at least 2 1/2 hours each day, so I don't feel like I don't have any ME time each day! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

EXCITEMENT abounds!!!

Tammy hit the jackpot!!! She got both quilts right!!! 

Here are the two quilts that I'm contemplating teaching in the fall. Now, I'll only teach one or the other, but not both - at least not simultaneously. I'm crazy, but not that crazy. 

I have a few votes for one and some for the other - if you have comments, you can email me or comment on the blog. elainetheriault@gmail.com

Look who I spotted on the morning walk. Yep, after all that rain the night before, there were worms and a snail on the sidewalk! It seems a bit too early for them to be out. 

A snail on the morning walk

Yesterday was the first time that we both needed the car at the same time. That's pretty good in 3 1/2 months. I won the draw since I was going the furthest and had to carry the most. Thank goodness for quilting supplies! But DH took Uber and got a ride home - no big deal! 

When I got home, my new toy had arrived, and it is heavy! It weighs 18 kg in the box. I slid it gently down the stairs and then laughed as I saw someone had used the box as a step. Or did they just put their foot on the box? 

This is not a step!

It's an automatic heat press with a temperature control. Singer's brand-new product has been released with the Momento (the 24" digital cutter), which will be here soon. 

Singer Heat Press beside my Brother Scan and Cut!

I have to say that I really like the new websites for PFAFF, Husqvarna Viking, and especially Singer. All the prices are listed, it's easy to maneuver around, and I'm happy to have all that information at my fingertips. There is still some tweaking to do, but I like them! 

I haven't had a chance to play with the heat press yet. I may have some heat transfer vinyl in the house, but now that I have a project in mind, I might just take an exploratory trip to find specific colors. 

So, Studio B's seams are nearing bursting, and it's time to start thinking about how to rearrange stuff. I have a plan, but I must find a home for all this stuff. There are two tables there—how hard could it be to find a spot for all that? 

This stuff needs a home! 

I have some ideas, though, and it would be nice to get rid of the eyesore! I see a little bit of organizing coming up! 

And here's what I mean about those tubs of stabilizers. This is the one for the water-soluble—OK—so I have a bit of stabilizer. It's time to get that even more organized so I know what I have without opening the tub. Labels are in order, and I've got a plan for that as well. 

The tub of water-soluble stabilizer

While I'm doing this, I'm also researching. How are different brands different? What does their product do that the ones I have do not? It's easy to go down a rabbit hole when you get in research mode, but I'm learning tons!

Speaking of cleaning up, this is what faced me when I went downstairs this morning. You probably see a box and a table with stuff on it. 

GASP -- something did not get put away!!

I see the pair of scissors that did NOT get put back in their proper place!!! So the scissors are gone, and I'll try to clean up some of that stuff later today. 

I have two Zooms this morning, and I was so excited that I prepared them last night and sent out the Zoom links. But in the middle of the night (and yes, I know the time changed last night, but I IGNORE that whole business - it doesn't affect me), I woke up and was so excited and wanted to add a bit more stuff to the presentation that I got up and did that!! 

And the time change was NOT in my favor to wake up early! But I can have a nap if I need to. 

Since I was up so early, I assembled all the information I needed and pulled information from manuals to answer questions, and I'm so organized that I am amazed! 

I also had some time to sew. I got the second last block set for the Heartfelt Sampler done!!! 

The second last block set -  done!

The final set of blocks has eight blocks. I had to cut some missing fabric squares—that's now done, and four of the eight are together. I ran out of time this morning, but I will focus on that this afternoon. I should be prepping for the week but can do that tomorrow. 

And look at this quote in my Happiness Journal!!!!

LOVE this comment

I'm not so sure about washing dishes. We don't have much to wash, but going for a walk? It's my mental health saver!! I walk to stay active and keep my brain from exploding! And the other day, on my way to the mall, I ran into a friend!!! She reads the blog daily, so HELLO!!! I also met a neighbor from the next street while I was entering the mall. I rarely run into anyone I know!! 

My friend lives in the neighborhood and walks to most places! See—it's not just me!!! But what are the benefits of walking? We don't realize how much it can mellow us out, calm us down, and allow our brains to wander without stimulation. No earpods, no phone—just walk with your brain as entertainment. You would be surprised what it will tell you if you listen!!!

I wish I could bottle my energy and enthusiasm and share it with everyone. I'm not sure where it comes from (good genetics?), but there is so much to learn and do, and I am not going to have time in my lifetime to learn it all and keep up with it, but I'm going to try darn hard to make it happen! I'm pretty easygoing, I don't stress about much, for the most part, I'm unflappable, and I am proud of what I do. I also don't second guess myself (much), and that's enough self-praise!! 

But think about how you present yourself to the world. Is your glass half-full or half-empty? If you're not sure, have a conversation and record it. Then listen back. Yikes—was that good or bad? 

I have a few emails that should be sent today, a couple of maintenance errands that need to be booked for the house, and a bit more follow-up to prep. I should get that out of the way today so it's not hanging over my head. 

And on that note, I'm out of here! The girls and the boy will be a bit confused this morning, but I'm sure they'll have the time change figured out in a day or two!!

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

The Pony Express runs 24/7

One Zoom down as well as Monday sewing. That leaves TEN more Zooms, one meeting, one in-person session on quilting, and FIVE writing assignments. That's on top of the paperwork that still needs to be done. But there's ZERO need to stress about any of this. What gets done gtes done, the rest will have to wait. However, with careful planning, I expect it will get done - just not completely!

I talked about the Pony Express yesterday, and it runs 24/7!!! I took stock of what had been piling up at my front door. 

These were some customer quilts that were ready for pick-up. One customer picked up her quilt and a bag of quilts that she will Pony Express to another customer. She also picked up a bag of material that will get Pony Expressed to another person, and within that bag is another small bag of material that will get Pony Expressed to yet another person! 

The first pick-up on the Pony Express

I also had this group of pet mats that were destined for delivery. They got picked up in the middle of the night! Bless your heart for working the midnight shift -- You know who you are!

Pet mats on their way to a new home

That bundle will make two stops before its final destination! 

And look what I got in return from the Midnight Pony Express. An order of thread and stabilizer. Thanks so much for the drop-off! I very much appreciate it!!! And NO, there wasn't a peep from the girls or the boy. 

The Pony Express drop-off

What's left at the front door for the Pony Express? Two things - one is waiting for the customer to pick it up, and the small bag is something I'll advance on the Pony Express in a month. 

Two items waiting at the Pony Express depot

I also have two boxes to drop off at the donation center, a tripod that needs to be returned to the store for a refund, a book to return to the library, and a letter to mail. 

Stuff to drop off

I LOVE getting rid of stuff from my house! OH -- I did receive a couple of small items as part of the Pony Express drop-off a couple of days ago. Those still need to find a home. Let's say things won't find homes in Studio B until at least April. 

Chatting with people during classes, here's one question I get repeatedly. - "My machine comes unthreaded when I start to sew, or I get a bird's nest of thread under the start of the sewing line." 

This is the easiest thing to fix, and I don't care if you have the cheapest or the most expensive sewing machine in the world; this will happen. Why? The sewing machine's process of taking a stitch is to pull that loose bobbin thread tail to the underside because that's how the stitch is formed. Unless you use your scissors and cut the thread really short (I rarely use my scissors), you'll get a thread nest, or the needle will come unthreaded.  

How to fix this? 

• Chain piecing
• Using your scissors will reduce the size of the mess
• Hold BOTH threads as you take the first two stitches, then let go. 

Problem solved!!!

And you have to LOVE the projection system I'm using here to make half-square triangles. NO MARKING - I gave up marking flying geese, stitch and flip corners, and half-square triangles a long time ago!!!!

Hold those threads!

I managed to get one more block set done for the Heartfelt Sampler. This group had ten blocks, and I see I messed up the half-square triangles on the last two blocks. While the backgrounds look similar, they are NOT, so the darks are the same. I may or may not fix that. I'm down to THREE block sets remaining for a total of 23 blocks! I might just get this done by the weekend. It's all about focusing!!!

One more block set is done!

So, the girls and the boy are a source of daily entertainment. I went to the front door to get something and spotted Bear sleeping on my gym bag! Surely there are more comfortable spots than that to sleep? 

GRANDMA -- this spot is very cozy!

After my walk, I popped into the backyard for some relaxation. The girls and the boy are always by my side or on my lap to ensure I'm OK. We need some new chairs for the back and the front. I spotted some at Rona, so I'll stop by when I'm out and about doing errands with the car. I need to do that soon, otherwise all the chairs will be gone. They are light, so I could carry them home, but that would be silly! I'll get four in one shot with the car!

Relaxing in the backyard

At lunchtime, I looked out the window and spotted a cardinal having a bath! He was sitting in the water and thoroughly enjoying himself. 

Bath time

We were remarking the other day about how the trees are in bud - I think I posted a picture of the pussy willow in bud and robins have been around for a while. Since we're not getting snow, let's pray for rain, as the farmers need it. Otherwise, the cost of your food will only go up AGAIN! 

If you are a Husqvarna Viking, PFAFF, Singer, or mySewnet customer, BIG changes are coming. Those brands' websites have been revamped and went live yesterday. I'm not sure if everything is complete, but what a change. If you try to get to the main page of Husqvarna Viking, PFAFF, or Singer, it'll default to the Singer page. You can switch between brands at the top left. If you type in mySewnet, it goes directly to that page. I'm sure there will be some tweaking to do. 

You can now buy directly from any four of those websites. You could do this on the PFAFF page for a few years, but the other sites have also moved that way. This is NOT new in the industry -- you can buy directly from Brother, HP, and many other companies, so this is NOT anything to get upset about. 

Something else NEW and EXCITING is happening today, and that is the release of the Singer Momento -- a crafting machine (AKA digital cutter - that is 24"!!!) You'll find that information on the Singer page and all the backend stuff -- (software, projects, inspiration, etc) on the mySewnet page. 

If you are looking at pages and want to see pricing, ensure you are on the correct page - Canada or US as the pricing is different. You'll find a little flag in the top right-hand corner that you can change. If you are in Canada, it should default to Canada. 

Exciting times, to be sure!!!! I have big plans with this new cutter - since the mat is so large and I found the mat to be reasonably priced, I can cut QUILTS with the cutter! OK -- so I have to try that. WAIT -- I still need to get one. 

On that note, there is much prepping to do today as there are two Zooms and one meeting. And I must try to squeeze in some writing. 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!