Working in the backyard

I WAS going to say Rose of Sharon!! I am quite confused about plants, but I believe you are correct! It's hard to believe that my paternal grandfather and mother had green thumbs, yet I struggle to name even a few plants in my garden. 

But I was attempting to use my pale green thumbs as I puttered in the garden in the morning. More in a second. 

It was another fun day at the Virtual Retreat. Our new hours are 3 PM to approximately 9 PM EST, in case you'd like to join us in the future. They used to be longer, but I want to play host and be on the call, and this time works for me. Remember - it's all about reclaiming some time to complete more of my projects. I was actually quite accomplished yesterday, or at least more so than I've been in the past. 

The next one is scheduled for August 30 and 31. I learn so much from everyone else that it blows my mind! Just when you think there is nothing new to learn, BAM -- your head is spinning with new knowledge and new ideas! 

After walking the girls, I was hot and sweaty, and I decided it was a good time to finally get the mulch I had purchased months ago into the garden. I know --- I'm good at procrastinating. 

I had only purchased 10 bags, and if I really wanted to cover the entire backyard, I would need about 200 bags. At which point, I should just buy the large bag, but then it's a hassle to get it from the front to the back. My intention was to buy 10 bags for each of several weeks, but that didn't happen. Oh well. It's not the end of the world. 

Newly laid mulch

More mulch

It's incredible how quickly the weeds grow back, especially between those rocks. I'll get in one more session of weeding before the trip, and then it'll have to wait until the end of August, which isn't a big deal. It's pretty clean right now, so a few weeks won't kill anything. And if I can find more mulch when I get back, I might get a few more bags. 

Poor Murphy was so hot when she got back from the walk, and when I showed her the small swimming pool, she just flopped right down. But she didn't stay long, nor did she return to it - even when I encouraged her. Maybe she didn't like the fact that she couldn't lie flat out! 

MOM - I'm boiling! 

Let's see -- Oh yes -- I mixed up the concentrate of the pesticide for my boxwoods and they got a good spray. I'll spray again this coming weekend, and hopefully they will be saved. They are out front. 

And no wonder that dog is hot -- she thinks sunbathing is a good thing. Then she comes in the house and is HOT. Well, she knows what to do to stay cool. She loves to sleep in the basement where it's cool. 

MOM - the sun is good for you!

Miss Lexi, who is afraid of stairs, prefers to have a fan! But it's incredible how one fan (well, we now have two) can keep the temperature and the humidity down in the house. Five minutes after I turn the fan off? Hot and sticky!

MOM - I LOVE the fan!

I know - we could turn the AC on, but I love hearing the birds chirping, I love getting that breeze through the windows, and I love that the girls can come and go as they want. It makes the house feel alive! Having the AC off also makes a huge difference in our ability to cope with the heat. Since our bodies are accustomed to the heat, we don't feel it as much outside. DH still plays golf in this weather, and I walk every day. 

I don't have an issue with getting to sleep or staying asleep due to the heat. 

I stared at this picture for a few minutes before I remembered why I had taken it. A house near me decided to install artificial turf. OK -- I get that, but perhaps I'm missing something. There are huge seams in this section. Wouldn't you want that to be one piece? Do they think it'll grow and the seams will disappear? Just seems odd. They are NOT connected - just shoved one beside the other. 

A patchy artificial turf job

I did manage to finish the appliqué on my quilt top. I realized after I got started and looked at the appliqué that these ones were added on after the top was stitched together. You'll understand more when you see the top. It's now loaded on the long arm, but I didn't get a chance to quilt it. See how the appliqué sappliquéer the edge of the block? That's why it never got done. It was a hassle to deal with the entire quilt top while I twisted and turned, but it was fine, and it's done! 

Appliqué oAppliquéngle quilt

Can you tell that two different people and two different machines, 25 years apart, did the stitching on that block? I didn't think so! There are a few other blocks, where you can see that two different people did the work, but it's a quilt -- do I care if it's not perfect? Not in the least. It's a group quilt, so that means it will never be perfect! 

I also completed some more machine embroidery, and this morning, I did some more tidying up. I have some paperwork and administrative tasks to attend to, and I might use my mornings at the upcoming retreat to get that done. Yes -- I'm off to another quilt retreat this morning. 

I did a bit of panic packing this morning, but only because I have a project that needs to be done and I have one week. No extensions, so if I can get a bit more done in the next four days, it'll be less pressure when I'm back. I'd almost be happy not to sew anything but the urgent things and get caught up on work! I'll see how it goes. 

And can you tell me about my headphones? What's with them? I was having a lot of difficulty with them, and I suspect there's a short in the wires due to the way the ear part rotates to turn them on and off. However, they have been behaving themselves quite nicely lately, and I'm a happy person!

However, I noticed that I've now torn the "leather" on the headband. Why? 

The leather is torn! 

Because of the way I was putting my hair up in this hot weather. I was using a squeezy clip, and I think the top of it damaged this material. I found some flat clips the other day, and they work so much better. I'll explain that situation a bit more tomorrow. 

DH took care of the ETAs yesterday, and thank goodness he did. It sounded like an awful process with a few frustrations. I'm sure that as this becomes a more common requirement for travel, the process will get refined. Now we wait for approval. Due to the shifts in where people are traveling, I wonder if some countries will start refusing entry to their borders because of the numbers. 

My task for today is to finalize the insurance details and contact the doctor regarding the vaccines. 

Many people have asked if I will be blogging while away. You bet!!! I have my office at home, where I mostly blog, and it consists of a desktop computer. I have a portable office, which I pack in my backpack and which consists of a laptop. When I travel on vacation, I have a ULTRA mini portable office, which I pack in a ziplock bag. I'll share the photo tomorrow since some of you may not be familiar with it. As long as I have Wi-Fi, I'll continue to post. The pictures are very challenging to post on the blog when I'm on vacation, but I'll consider options and — oh — I just thought of a way I might be able to make that happen. And it'll only add a few ounces to my Ziploc! Stay tuned! 

On that happy note, I'm out of here! I have a few things to attend to before I leave. 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

A GOOD NEWS day!

Oh my goodness — everyone was in such a chatty mood last night, it was hard to get a word in edgewise! But that is great! We had some fantastic discussions, and I always learn a great deal from them. Remember, the Virtual Retreat starts today at 3 PM. Pushing back that start time is another way for me to recover some time for myself! I can always open the call earlier if people want, but I won't be there until three. 

I'm getting back into the swing of things, only to have my schedule turned upside down again in the coming days. But that's OK - the important thing is to work when I'm motivated and relax guilt-free when I'm not! 

I laughed when I wrote today's blog title. I mean MY good news. Is there ever any good news in the real news of the world these days? I'm not sure. 

But let's have a look at my good news. OK - my socks look very geeky at that height, but you can see my new hiking shoes. I LOVE them. They were a bit roomy when I first put them on, which is good because I'll be wearing thicker socks and possibly double socks in them on the hike. But as my feet warmed up, they were just fine! 

Hoka hiking shoes

It just goes to show that your feet expand, and I'll never wear shoes that are too tight again! A big lesson was learned on the Camino. I should have known better, but I digress. 

The other thing I LOVE about those shoes is the Quick-Toggle lacing system. At first, the shoes felt very loose, but then I tightened them up using the elastic laces, and oh my goodness, this is amazing. Everything that I was skeptical about proved me wrong. 

Would it be easy to get my foot in the shoe? YES -- just slide the slider down, the shoe opens up as if it had laces, and my foot went in like Cinderella's glass slipper. Then pull up the laces and slide up the slider; voilà — nice and tight. I LOVE the system and will definitely incorporate that into all my shoes going forward! I will see if I can find the lacing system online and buy a couple to put in my other shoes. 

And they said "old" dogs can't learn new tricks!!!!

Speaking of old dogs, I don't consider my dogs old, but they are certainly older. And it's hot, but not unbearable in the house, although the humidity level is high due to the rain yesterday. Murphy is good to sleep downstairs, where the dehumidifier is working effectively. But poor Lexi, with her big fur coat that I am constantly brushing off her, has some issues. 

Here is a dog who is very skittish about anything, and look at her. I think we need to turn on the AC to remove the humidity for her. Last night, when DH went to bed, he turned her small black fan off! Why??? I turned it on, and that's where I found her this morning. I'm not even going there! 

MOM - that black fan is mine - right? 

Even though it's hot outside, they are never lacking in enthusiasm when it's time for a walk. They both want to go at the same time, and that isn't happening at our house! 

MOM - I'm first, right? 

And can you tell me why Miss Lexi loves bushes? It's not enough to sniff them from afar, but she has to get right into the bush to get a good sniff. I suspect she likes the feeling of the leaves on her coat and might love a rubbing post! 

MOM - I love walking in the bushes! 

And when DH leaves, they flock to the window to see the action! Silly girls. 

MOM - where's Dad going? 

Yesterday was a day of finding things. First, here is the thing I saw at the hardware store that I didn't know I needed. A pantry moth trap! Yes -- we have an infestation of the pests, and I've cleaned and washed the pantry and kitchen shelves and drawers; thankfully, the infestation has lessened considerably. But we still get them occasionally, and it drives me mad. I just checked and there isn't a single moth in either trap, but I haven't seen one flying around or stuck on the wall either. 

Pantry moth traps

Then I needed to find my new fitness tracker. I knew I bought one and I put it in a safe place, but where was that? Then at last, I spotted it under the small shelf right beside the computer, so I must get that organized. Now, why couldn't I see that small box on the bottom right when I was looking for it before? I think I was looking for a larger box. But no worries - I have it, and all I need to do now is pair my current FitBit to the new phone, grab the data, and then switch over. 

The missing fitness tracker

However, something unusual happened with the Fitbit. Although it hasn't synced with the phone for the fitness numbers, I'm still receiving notifications from my phone on it. Could you please explain why that is happening? It just started sending me notifications while I was away last week. Speaking of notifications, I've turned almost all of them off on my phone. Good grief - I don't need to hear that constant pinging! People are too addicted to that ping, and it drives me mad! 

The other thing I found yesterday was the cell phone holder for the tripod. I had taken it off for some reason, but do you think I could find it? Nope -- gone. I searched where it should have been, and it wasn't there. And not on any of the three tripods. That sucks, and I was going to buy a new one. Then, as I sat at my computer last night during the Virtual Retreat, I glanced to the left and there it was. Black, like the stand my laptop sits on, and I couldn't see it! Yeah!!!!! It's now on the tripod! 

Cell phone holder for the tripod!

I still haven't found the plastic templates I'm looking for, and I really thought I should give it a try last night, but I didn't. Perhaps, today, I'll look in the two other spots where I think it might be. 

Speaking of being efficient with errands, I had a list of things I needed from the drugstore and some questions for the pharmacist. I got my questions answered. While they can supply and administer the two remaining shots I want, I have to get a prescription for both. Crap -- maybe if I can call the doctor on Monday, it can be done on Friday. I hate that we have to VISIT the doctor for something like that, and hopefully I can persuade her to do it even if I don't come in. 

I got the other items on my list and came home, only to realize that I missed buying one thing! Crap! I should have made a list, but I didn't think I needed a list. Obviously, I did. But then I already had five things on the list, and DH added one more, and that bumped one thing from my head. FARCE!!!!!

I spotted this detergent while waiting to pay! Everything is an inspiration for a quilt. Actually, this reminded me of the Postcards from Sweden quilt. 

Laundry detergent inspiration

We have lucked out with our backyard. There seems to be something blooming constantly. Here are the two flowering shrubs that are currently in bloom. 

Pink morning glory

White morning glory

I'm not sure if there is anything else to bloom. I think this is it. Our lilies in the pond didn't seem to last too long this year, or maybe I missed it all. Next year, I want to stay home and enjoy the backyard more! 

I finally got this quilt quilted. It's been in the "to be quilted" pile for probably 20 years or more! I know. It's not dated at all, and I have kept pulling this quilt out to use for trunk shows. I won't have to do that any longer. I've crossed it off my master list of "to be quilted" quilts, and it needs to be trimmed and have the binding put on. This is NOT the panel. I cut and pieced that thing! Which got me started on a long and costly journey of collecting novelty prints. 

My I Spy quilt - quilted! 

I have another UFO that I'm working on. These are not official UFOs for the UFO club, but I might substitute these ones for what I put on the list. Anyway, there's a long story behind this quilt. It was a group quilt, and I had shuffled it around for eons. I had the top done, but I wanted to do more with the top, but it never happened. It's going to be at the Buckhorn show in September, so I figured I had better get to work on it. Some of the quilts at the show will be new, and some will not. But you need to come and see WHY I chose those quilts for the show. There is a theme!!

Thankfully, after meeting my friend last week, who participated in this group project, I remembered that I had made a book for the quilt, and I remembered during our discussion where the book was. It was right where it was supposed to be, but I had forgotten about the book. But I laughed when I saw the cover. There are TWO notes on saying, "the finished quilt pix goes here!"

I suppose a picture of the finished quilt would be appropriate here. 

I took a look at the book to determine the date we worked on this. OMG!!!!!

OHHHHHHH

TWENTY-FIVE years ago!!! That's bad!!! The quilt is still current (no dated fabrics), and I'm anxious to complete it. I even found a label in the book with the signature of each participant. WOW!!!!! 

I was about to press the quilt top when I remembered the temporary hangers on the quilt. For anyone who remembers this far back, I really wanted this quilt to hang in the Mississauga Quilters' Guild quilt show many years ago. I would say that was 2004 or 2005 when I was the show convener. The quilt never got quilted, but I hung the quilt top. I'm sure many guild members were mortified! I didn't care. 

Temporary quilt hangers for a quilt top!

So I made the backing yesterday and loaded it on the long arm. When I went to press the quilt top, I discovered that several appliqués were fused on, but not stitched. Hmmm - can I live with those appliqués not stitched in place? I could have, but I didn't want to, so last night during the virtual retreat, I appliquéed two shapes. I found another smaller one, so I did that as well. 

Stitching the appliqué in place

As I scoured the quilt top, I discovered FIVE more appliqués with no stitching. DRAT!!!!! So last night, I grabbed the five thread colors I would need and left them out. I've already stitched two of the shapes this morning, while the other machine did embroidery, and all is good. I'll easily complete the remaining three this morning, and I might even get it quilted today. I'll share the top with you, but you'll hear a lot more about this quilt later on. 

Thread colors for appliqué

Between the embroidery and the appliqué, I have many boxes of thread piled on the table. I LOVE these storage boxes for thread. When I want a color, I grab a box. I can't imagine having my thread in a drawer or cabinet where it couldn't be removed. That's not efficient in my books. But we each work to our own agenda. 

Some of my thread boxes

The big topic of discussion last night was the towel on the ironing surface! When I first spotted that at a quilt retreat on their ironing surfaces, I thought the owner was trying to protect her ironing covers. But NO --- this is the best discovery in the pressing world! 

A beach towel on an ironing surface

You want a beach towel with no ribbing or fancy stuff on it! I would love to find a plainer one because I often take pictures on the ironing board, but no worries! Bright it is! And it looks way more cheerful than the stained one that was there. However, I think I'll try to wash that stained one today. Just to see what happens. It is just a canvas cover that is NOT attached to the pad. 

At some point, I'd like to add elastic to the corners of the towel to prevent it from curling up when ironing large items, such as my quilt backing or a quilt top. But otherwise? I wouldn't press anything without it! Try it and see!!!!

Additionally, I completed one writing assignment and began the second. Yep -- I'm on a roll and this one should be much faster. 

On that happy note, I'm fired up and have already had two machines up and working this morning. I have laundry to do and a lot of work to complete before the Virtual Retreat starts at 3 PM. See you then!!!! There were many interesting discussions and a lot of fun!

Sunday, July 27 - Starts at 3 PM

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

Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

I will not be defeated!

I'll share the story of the long lost connection in a minute, first I have to explain what new path I've gone down. As you know, I have a love/hate relationship with technology. I have no issues with technology working or not working at the moment (knock on wood). My problem is understanding various file formats and how they work and do different things in various graphic programs. 

In one instance, a vector file is required, while a raster file is needed somewhere else. Do you understand those terms and what they are all about? And what is a vector file? What is an .svg, a pdf, a jpg, a png, etc. It's all very confusing, and I missed a critical paragraph in the Reference Guide. I skimmed over that "boring" part, but when push came to shove, I had to go back and read it much more carefully!

All of this is because I'm trying to understand the BEST way to deal with some graphic files. It's all about machine embroidery applique. Thanks to a patient software guru, I am slowly learning the concept. I had some time this morning to experiment, but I'm not quite there. However, I think I understand now. Or perhaps I know just enough to be dangerous. Which is dangerous! 

I have some free time this morning, so I will continue my education. But I love puzzles, and this one is big! But I will save so much time when I get it figured out! And it's all about marrying one technology to another, which was on my radar. 

Phew! I might need a nap after all that strenuous thinking. 

Now, let's hear the story! When I started quilting MANY years ago, there were no Facebook groups, but somehow, I connected with an online group called Canadian QuiltSwappers. It was an email-only group, and I remember very "fondly" the sound of the modem connecting to the internet so I could check for any updates in the group. 

Our fearless leader, Judith, from Winnipeg, was instrumental in running a successful group exchange. I think she has since passed. Anyway, she started a group quilt project involving ten ladies across Canada, and I signed up! I was terrified that my work wouldn't be good enough! Looking back on it now, I think I outdid myself with my blocks. 

We all started with a 12" block, and the other ladies were to each add a round. The final two people were to add top and bottom rows only so it would not become a giant square. The rounds were 4" finished. 

Oh my -- I even made a book about it! It contains details of all the blocks and all the quilts. I think I might add some more pictures of this tomorrow. 

My hostage quilt book

I'll have to take a picture of the entire quilt, as I didn't have a chance yesterday. But you can see the quilt on this page above. Wait -- if you want to see the quilt on my wall and read more about it, here's a link to a story on my blog from 2012!!!

Anyway -- when I was doing a presentation the other day, I noticed the names on the Zoom call. Oh my --- I recognize that name, and when I asked, it was, in fact, one of the ladies in the group! Jean was the first person I sent my quilt to. We had a nice little reunion. And she's still quilting after all these years! As am I. 

Here are some of the pictures I snapped from my book. Here I am with my block circa 1999. God- I look like a child in that photo. What's with the haircut? 

Me and my first block

Here is Jean working on the first round of my quilt. 

The first round being added to my quilt

This is Jean's quilt and the row I added for her - the ribbon at the bottom of the photo. Since I was the last person to work on her quilt, I only had to add a border to the top and bottom. No need to work on corners! 

Jean's quilt

Gosh -- I even went so far as to make EXTRA blocks for my book to show what I made for each person! What a crazy nut I was. I also think I had much more time on my hands, even though M was about 3 then. 

The row I made for Jean's quilt

What wonderful memories that brought back. I'll post more about this project in another post. But it is fondly called the Hostage Quilt, and you have to go back and read that other blog post to find out why. It almost never came home! 

I saw that my Yogi tea was on sale at a shop near the pet food store, so I stopped in and bought some. I spotted some new flavors. I love the promise on this one. 

New (to me) flavor of Yogi tea

It helps to TEMPORARILY support mental sharpness. What does that mean? Is it laden with caffeine? I didn't read the ingredients. 

And the wise words of wisdom? I love this one. 

That is so true. I think that is why so many people struggle. If you learn to live and enjoy what you have, there's no need to want anything else! This morning, the radio hosts talked about a sports figure who could have but did not, negotiate a much higher salary. Why do they need so much money? They don't need it. Is it status? Or is it ego? "I got more money than you!" Is it validation? If people push for more money, they will get it. Why? All it does is cause ticket prices to increase - someone has to pay for those high salaries. 


I got a chuckle yesterday while I was doing my presentation. I glanced up to spot Miss Murphy sleeping on my samples! There is a perfect mat just two feet away from her, but NO, my samples were more enticing! 

MOM - these samples are much more comfy than the mat

My Dad sent a note last night telling me that my first boyfriend has passed! I thought he was the love of my life, and as much as I liked him and his family, I'm glad it didn't work out. Not because he has passed, but it wouldn't have allowed me much room to explore. I was perfectly happy to stay close to where I grew up, but when I was close to finishing high school, I suddenly needed to get away from home and start exploring. Why? I'm blaming our then Prime Minister (Pierre Elliott Trudeau). I'll call him my savior! And that's a story for another time. 

On that note, I'm out of here. Another busy day with presentations and trying to figure out those darn file extensions. All I need is a clue, and then I'm off. I've got the clue; now I need to get the knowledge to make it work. And I will! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

UFO Show and Tell

UFOs are NOT unidentified flying objects. At least, not in the world of quilting! Nope - that means UNFINISHED OBJECT. And there are a ton of other acronyms that have so cleverly been put together over the years. OH MY -- I just found a site with a LOT of acronyms. Check them out! Some pretty funny ones. 

Before I get to the show and tell, I need to clarify one small detail about my wee rant yesterday. Some people sign up for classes with excellent intentions. Then life deals them a blow, and they are not able to continue or even to start. I know of several people in my classes this happened to. I know these people are not the ones to sit on the fence, so that comment was NOT directed to them. Nope - it's the ones that have NO intention of ever doing anything in the class; they are there just to watch. 

I have to say, it's a bit unnerving sometimes. Are they spies for another teacher? What do they do with my notes? Do they share them with someone else? Do they turn around and teach the class? I had that happen - someone attended my classes (and did the project). Then I discover thery used my ideas and tips and taught the same class at a different shop! That has happened more than once. What can you do?? 

I don't know that they handed out my notes, but they definitely used my schedule and ideas. But you know that flattery is the best form of a compliment. I don't mind people using my notes for their own personal use, but to take my ideas and then teach a class? Sigh.............

There is no shortage of enthusiasm in this house, and certainly, the sky is the limit as to find new things to learn. The list keeps getting longer and longer, and I discovered something in the last week, and well - I can't go there today, but perhaps later this week. I'm so excited, and let's just say that a HUGE BLACK hole just opened. I thank my family genes EVERY DAY for being blessed with a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity. I don't need anything else in life - I'll be entertained until my last breath!!

But I digress -- it's time for some Show and Tell. It was a busy weekend, with loads of show and tell. Today, I'm tackling the UFO homework. I'm happy to report that NO MONEY went into the kitty this month. This group is COMMITTED, and I love it. We motivate each other, and that's all that counts. The number of UFOs is slowly being diminished, and well, I couldn't ask for more. 

And on that note, let's get started. 

These are NOT in the order that they got presented to the group. They are the order that they appear in my folder. 

I'm first! OK -- so I was so happy, I got the photos from everyone on time, and the presentation was done. Then I get to my page and a total blank! While I finished my project, I had totally forgotten to take a picture and put it in the presentation. Thankfully, I turned my computer and the group could see it on the wall behind me!!

Here is the FIRST of two quilts from that mystery quilt project. All those blocks were supposed to be used as the border of the giant original quilt. I added a solid sashing between the rows and added an inner border around the entire thing. Then I used up most of those strips of the busy print and then one more skinny red border. It's the perfect size for Quilts of Valour. I need to make the binding and the backing and move onto the second quilt. Am I happy? You bet!!!!

My completed quilt top

Colleen got her scrappy butterfly quilt together. That is a LOT of sewing. And it's funny how you peg people. She is the last person I would say would be into scrappy, but she loves it, and she's good at it!!! Way to go, Colleen. 

Colleen's Tulip Time, minus borders

She also finished up the quilt top for one of the July Shop Hops. I believe this one was 2016. Some piecing, some applique, and a huge learning curve as she just bought a new sewing machine. 

July Shop Hop quilt 2016

Slow and steady is Dede's motto. Here are four more blocks from the Dear Jane quilt. She's working on the blocks that can be paper pieced. This was a class that I taught a number of years ago, and we greatly changed up the methods of putting this one together. Way to go, Dede!!!!

Four more Dear Jane blocks

Diane is working on her LAST (absolute) last Celtic quilt. This was from the Northcott Stonehenge fabric collection several years ago. Shops created a block using the collection, and consumers purchased kits or patterns. This is Diane's fourth (and LAST) quilt using her purchases. 

Progress on Diane's Celtic Stonehenge quilt

Elaine got her Loon Quilt quilted and trimmed. This one has been around for a LONG time, but it's done, and that's all that counts!! Way to go!!!

The Loon wall hanging is now quilted!

Jane is working on a T-shirt quilt. I love when people give themselves a commitment and then go further. She was only going to get five T-shirts stabilized and cut. Nope - she got almost all of them done. Awesome job, Jane!!!!

T-shirt blocks 

More T-shirt blocks

And instead of making ONE block for her bargello table runner, she completed the entire thing!!!!  Yep - once you get going, the job isn't nearly as bad as you thought it would be. 

Jane's bargello table runner

Katheleen is a great example of practice making perfect. Years ago, she took the leap into the free motion world, and her quilting is AMAZING. So her goal was to quilt one more of the blocks in this quilt. These blocks are huge, and that was a pretty intense couple of hours to complete this. Awesome job!!!!

Gorgeous free motion quilting

And she got her cow quilt assembled. This was the result of a group exchange we did a number of years ago. It's so darn cute!!! The backing and the binding are also done, and it's ready to be quilted!! Yahoo!!!!

Katheleen's cow quilt

Linda W. was busy as a beaver this month. She got the binding put on this giant quilt. 

Linda's quilt with the binding

Then she quilted and bound this house quilt. 

Linda's Covid house quilt project

And I love what she did with the backing. 

And this is the backing

In addition, she's working on her Aunt Millie's Garden. This is stunning. The colors against the black background are to die for!!!! So the main part of the top is together, all the applique on the top is now done, and she's working on the borders. 

Linda's Aunt Millie's quilt

There's nothing like a bit of cash and some peer pressure to get things done. Actually, it's not that at all. It's the focus!!!!

OK -- I have time for one more project. The rest will have to wait until tomorrow. This is Linda G's quilt top from over 20 years ago!!!  The final border is now on the quilt, and it looks awesome. There's just a wee problem  - those bow tie blocks are dimensional, and she has a long arm. So that means those 3-D bits will have to be tacked down in order to stitch a design, or it needs to be done custom. 

Linda G's quilt top

And I noticed on the screen behind Linda that she has partially assembled another top that was on her UFO list last month. She didn't have any homework assigned to that project, but she's working on it.

Don't get me wrong - I love the 3-D effect, but when it comes to quilting? I could kill the person who thought dimensional blocks are so cute. I mean - flying geese in 3-D - gorgeous, but a pain to quilt. 

OK -- so I thought I'd get ahead of the game and sign up for the sessions at Quilt Canada. Only to discover that I have time conflicts with BOTH of them. What are the chances of that? One of them is NOT being recorded. Sigh............  So I'll sign up for one lecture and one of the tours. I must try and get that done today. 

I did not get to the long arm, nor did I get to spend much time outside, other than my walking time. But that's OK - I was in the house on one or two computers doing some cool stuff and teaching classes, so I was OK. You can't do everything every day!!!

But as usual, it's another busy day! I've got a ton of samples to make, and I spent some time this morning assembling supplies. Except I cannot find the giant ball of pink chenille yarn. How can you lose something like that? Thankfully, I have other colors, but I really wanted the pink one!!

Oh well - it's time to get the day rolling!!  Today, it's all about mending!! Do you have something around the house that you have intended to mend, and you still haven't go there? Well, today is the day!! Get that item out, get the supplies to fix it, and get 'er done!!!!

Have a super day and get out and enjoy this weather if you can. 

Ciao!!!!