Jen Kingwell quilt update!

OH, NO --- should I buy Murphy a special bed to keep her out of the flowers! I see them at PetSmart, and well, I don't know about her and an outdoor dog bed! It might be something, but I bet she'll be back in the leaves before I know it! I'll ask her what she thinks!

OMG --- I just checked, and you can buy FOLDING dog beds for outdoors. I better keep her away from the computer, or who knows what she will want. Maybe she wants one with a canopy? 

Meanwhile, on hot days, there is Lexi stretched out in the sun on the deck. And I thought she was a princess? Nope -- she's a sun dog! 

Both of them love the new comb I purchased. I think I've combed TWO dogs out of Lexi, and there's still loads of hair. Her hair is so thick I can put my fingers into her fur and see the finger holes. 

My finger holes in Lexi's fur coat

While she loves the comb (and the rake), her skin is sensitive, or I have a heavy hand, and we can only do it for a limited time. Then she kicks up a fuss and moves on. But with the comb, she'd take a break and then return for more! Silly girl!

Personally, I think Murphy just likes to lie in the mud! Fully stretched out, with the body of her bear behind her and the head in front. And there's quite a bit of stuffing in between the two bits. 

MOM -- I'm happy in the mud!

She is right by the filter and trying desperately NOT to put the ball in the filter. 

MOM -- I did NOT drop that ball there

MOM -- just hanging out

But she has developed a nasty habit of barking - just for fun, which Mom doesn't find funny. And more ball playing was done. She LOVES searching for it and has quite a set of paths under those bushes. 

Murphy searching for the ball

Exciting news - the cinema near my house is opening on May 17. I walked past the other day and didn't see a sign, but someone sent this to me! Yeah!!! I want to see The Book Club but can't book tickets yet. There is a massive arcade in there, and since it's close to TWO high schools, you can imagine it'll be jammed. I saw them interviewing candidates when I walked past. 

Opening soon!

So I've been struggling with one of the sergers. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get the tension right. I've been working on the other serger and had the SAME issue come up. OK -- so this cannot be the serger, and I was right. A little more investigation revealed it was OPERATOR ERROR. The worst part is that it's something I tell people to check IMMEDIATELY if they run into difficulty, and I didn't do that. 

Lesson learned! Pay attention to what you say because it's pretty valuable information. Needless to say, I am now back in business with the serger and got stuff accomplished yesterday. Not nearly as much as I would like, but I'm making progress. It's all about learning, and it really doesn't take long -- make a few samples, understand the tools, and you are good to go! 

I managed to get the binding on my Long Time Gone quilt. So of the four Jen Kingwell quilts I taught, two are completely done, one needs to be quilted, and I fell behind on the fourth one, so I still have to make some blocks and the applique border. I have until the end of this year to complete them, and so far so good. 

My Long Time Gone - DONE! 

Some people are going gangbusters and making significant progress, others not so much, even on the THIRD time round. Perhaps they need to shelf the project permanently. If they haven't touched it now with all the motivation of the classes, they will never finish it on their own. Just saying...............

The binding on Long Time Gone

Here are some pictures of tree blooms I snapped on my walk to and from the grocery store. So pretty!

Tree blossoms

More blossoms

Well, one presentation was done last night, and there are three today. Two of the three are ready to go, and the pictures for the third one are ready to put in the presentation. That shouldn't take too long, and I have some time between presentations to make that happen. I HATE being this rushed, but I've no one to blame but myself. 

Remember, if you are in the Kingston or Regina area, check out these events. You WILL learn my mistake with the serger and many other tips. 

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I'll be at Stitch by Stitch in Kingston on May 18 and 19. 

May 18 (10 - 1) is Embroidery - Where to Begin (Husqvarna Viking)

May 18 (6 - 9) is Accessories, Attachments, and More (Husqvarna Viking)

May 19 (9 - 12) Garment Sewing Techniques (PFAFF)

May 19  (2 - 5) Accessories, Attachment, and More (PFAFF)

The accessories and attachments are geared to specific brands of machines. The other two will focus on the particular brand of machines, but there will be loads of tips and tricks for EVERYONE, regardless of your machine brand. You do NOT need top-of-the-line machines for any of them. They are all lectures/demos, so come, sit back and relax and learn! 

This is the place to ask questions, so get signed up! 

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Then I'm in Regina, Saskatchewan. 

I'll be at Peachtree Quilt Shop (Northgate Sewing Center) on May 23 and 24

May 23 (9 - 12) Quilting

May 23 (1 -4) Quilting

May 24 (9 - 12) Serging

May 24 (1 - 4) Serging

Again, these are lectures/demos, so all you need to do is come and listen. I have loads of samples to inspire and loads of tips to share, and we're going to have a super time! Even if you've been quilting for a long time, there's sure to be something new to inspire, and as for the serger class? Well, I know some of you are terrified of your serger, and trust me -- you won't be when we're done! Loads of tips and tricks to make you WANT to get that serger out! 

Check your calendars and get signed up!! You'll be sorry if you miss these events. 

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FYI -- the Virtual Retreat is on May 27 and 28 this month. 

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I still have almost six hours of the Louise Penny book (How the Light Gets In), and it better end how I think it should, or I'll be mad! The big, dark issue underlying the last several books is coming to an end. I hope it gets resolved, and we can go on and have "happy" murder investigations in the future! 

On that note, I'm out of here!

Have a super day!!

Ciao!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I didn't buy!

As much as it was nice to be away, it's always nice to come home. And last night, I unpacked the car. Well, I had no choice, at least the back of the car.  Miss Lexi NEEDED to go to the dog park and there was no room for her. I decided while I was on a roll to unpack the entire car. It's now sitting in my hallway and every time I go downstairs, I take another bag of stuff.

Unloaded from the car and in the hallway

I had to laugh because the number of days on the retreat had to be cut short and I knew that about 2 days before I left. No actually ONE day before I left. The reaction of the other ladies?  They took out a bag or two of stuff. Me?  Nope - didn't change a thing. In fact, I may have winged one or two more projects in the bag!  But I did catch myself and I had a couple more projects in my hands and I decided to leave those at home!

You all know I have this thing with tractor fabric. I'm not even sure how it all happened, but it did.  If you don't know the story, check out this link to see some more tractor foolishness. Actually, if you scroll down the right side of my blog, you'll see some tags for John Deere (11) and tractors (15).  I know - I have a problem.

I was at a quilt show in August. The International Plowing Match. The preview of the quilts for the big event in September and there were vendors.  How could I walk away from an event like that without buying something with tractors on it?

Tractors!!!!

The retreat house we stayed at was on a farm. We also visited two quilt shops, one of which was on a farm. Needless to say, we were smack in the middle of farm country. And look what I saw in the shops.

John Deere fabric

This shop had a TRACTOR section

I've never seen these fabrics!

And more John Deere from the other shop

There was John Deere, New Holland, CASE and International Harvester.  Ask me how much I bought?  NONE!!!!  Nope - I came with ZERO tractor fabric.

I noticed that my roomie had a John Deere pink fleece blankie that she brought with her!  Hey - why don't I have one???  She had it because they have a John Deere riding mower at home (and we had to bring our own bedding). Her husband has John Deere stuff, so she decided to get something for herself as well.  Shoot - I never got a picture of it!!!!


Then when I got home, I had this waiting for me.  A TELEPHONE BOOK.  I know, it's hard to get excited about a telephone book, except if you're into string piecing. Then telephone books are good.

Telephone book for string piecing

 I was down to my last book a couple of months ago and put out a call and well - I think I'm good for a while.

A stack of phone books ready for string piecing!

 Time to get back into the routine. I have loads of work to get done this weekend on stuff that is not mine. I thought I would play hooky this morning and do some prep work for myself before the "work" day began.

I was cutting blocks for the Gravity quilt and getting that organized. I was also cutting scraps for another project which I'll share at some point with you.

Cutting scraps

Actually this pile of "scraps" above was culled from the bags of scraps that people had given me for the pet mats.  Some good stuff in there and it will all get a good home.

On that note, I'd better get to work.  Much to be done and the day is going to fly past.  Now to find the project that needs to be done today in that mess of bags.  And I'd really like to find the bottle of anti-inflammatories for my knee.  I did some walking at the retreat and my knee is not happy!  It might be faster to hit the drug store!

Have an awesome day!!!

Ciao!!!!

Oh yes, don't forget the last two posts for QUILTsocial. I think I forgot to include the link for them.

QUILTsocial - Day Four


QUILTsocial - Day Five


PS - it was wonderful to write the blog with NO distractions this morning!!!   Oh, one more thing.  I mentioned it before, that Louise Penny (a Canadian author) - her husband passed away in the middle of September.  Read this beautiful tribute to him.  I don't know if I could have done what Louise did, but there was much love between her and Micheal and it's a beautiful tribute.

My cup runneth over!

Let's get the bad news out of the way.  That darn soup cup that I bought the other day for my oatmeal?  Well, it isn't deep enough!  I thought I could trick the system.  I set the microwave for one minute.  Checked - yep, everything is OK.  Set the microwave for another minute.  Checked - everything is still OK.  Set the microwave for the last 30 seconds and about 15 seconds in, the oatmeal rose to the top and seeped over the edge of the cup making a huge mess!!!!   Grrrr - now where is that 4 cup Pyrex measuring cup that Cathie uses?  Really?  How big do I have to go to avoid the oatmeal from spilling over?    I did like the handle and there is a lid - should I attempt to put the lid on for the last 30 seconds?  It does have a vent in the top.  Can you imagine a soup cup of oatmeal exploding in the microwave?  I cringe at the mess!  But I might give it a try because I really really like my soup cup!

We talked about using your eyes to see. Of course, we all know how to do that.  But do we really see things?   I don't think so.  I decided to get out that book I mentioned and I knew exactly where the book was located!  It's called "How to use your eyes"  by James Elkins.  

How to use your eyes by James Elkins

BUT - there was a surprise for me when I opened the book.  It was signed by the author and not just a random signature - nope - my NAME was in the book.

My copy is signed by the author!!!

Now, who knew that was in there????    Did you notice the date?  01/01.  My guess is that this person came to Sheridan College when I was a student there and I probably purchased the book at that time.  I must say that I have no recollection of that.  But we got to meet so many cool people when I was a student there that I don't remember them all!

However, I've decided to read the book (I know - if only we would read what we buy) - imagine how knowledgeable we would all be!!!

I'll keep you in the loop as I read through the articles.

There is something that I notice every single day and I would LOVE to take a picture of it every day because every day it is different. However I'm in the car on the highway and well - it wouldn't be safe to take a picture.  I wonder can a dash cam take a still photo???   The thing I see is the skyline of Mississauga.  It changes with the time of day, the weather, the construction and I think it would be cool to document that.  Hmmmmm - now to shop for a dash cam, but only if they take stills.

Speaking of authors, there is an author whom I love and I have been reading her books for a while, although I'm not up to date with her books.  I like knowing that I still have books to read and not waiting with bated breath for the next one to come out.  It's Louise Penny.  She writes a beautiful monthly newsletter and you can access them on her website.

Louise's husband, Micheal was diagnosed with dementia some time back and the way she wrote about their life (and their love) as he declined - well it's an amazing story.  Micheal passed away earlier this week. To watch a loved one die a slow death from dementia (or a similar debilitating disease) has to be one of the hardest tests that we humans would face.  Louise and Micheal did it with so much grace.   You can read the details here.


I know why I was playing that stupid game on my tablet.  I didn't have a book to read!  Normally I have one or two going or at least something in hard copy, something on the iPod and perhaps on the tablet. But I had NOTHING.  Most of the books on my shelf are part of a series and it takes time to research the next book and find it on the shelf or download it or order it from the library - I REFUSE to buy novels.  So many authors, so many series, so many characters to keep track of!  I think I'm set - I know what to download to the iPod (need that for an upcoming adventure), got a book on hold for the tablet and I have a physical book in my hands (oh crud - I started a new series!) and one physical book on hold which the library can't find!

And you need to check out this link to my artist friend, Cynthia Frenette.   I mean seriously - do you know how much there is to do????   I mean - seriously?

On that note, there is a ton of things waiting for me and I'd better get started.

Have a super awesome day!

Ciao!

Twenty years ago.....

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the BIG event that happened twenty years ago today.

Yep - M was born. And yes - she was almost a leap day baby.   I had gone to the hospital the day before - well Feb 29 for a checkup.  I needed an ultrasound because I was getting conflicting stories from the doctors about her size. I told them that I was NOT leaving the hospital without a baby - at this point, she was 8 days overdue.

M's first picture!

I got to experience being induced - oh yeah!  Then at some point, it's time to push - I don't remember the details. I was totally zoned out. The nurse tells me "this is going to be easy" and well - a couple of hours later, that child was finally born.  The pushing was the worst -one of her hands was in the wrong position so that made it difficult. On a wet wintery day, I still feel the pains of those stretched ligaments in my pelvis!

So she did miss out being a leap day baby by a couple of hours, but it was all her fault!

And now my baby is all growed up!   Yes - she turns 20 today!   Hard to believe.

Not only does she turn 20, but she lives on the other side of the country having moved to Vancouver in November. She has her own apartment and a job to pay for the apartment.   I feel like I've won the lottery!

Do I miss her? Ah - that is the toughest question you can ask a parent. Yes I miss her, but I don't really miss her.  Let's just say that it was time for her to find her own way and while she is far away and we can't visit often, I seriously think that is a good thing.  It's what I did when I moved away from home and this is how she is going to grow up.  

Here's a link to a video about her new apartment.



Even though I don't agree with everything she does or everything she has done - I'm awfully proud of her.  She has taken control of her life, taking on responsibilities and there is no better way to learn.


Happy Birthday M!!!!!!

Your card is in the mail and your present is in the bank!


For something totally unrelated, check out Louise Penny's newsletter.  Her husband, Micheal, has dementia and his health is deteriorating. But the way that Louise writes about him in her monthly newsletter - well it is just beautiful.    Which reminds me - I need to read another one of her books.  They are AMAZING.


Have a great day!!!!!


Ciao!

What have I done??????

Yesterday wasn't the most productive day in my life, but I did manage to get some quilting done! Well - I mean sewing. I am not ready to show you what I am working on, but soon as I hope to finish it this morning.

HOWEVER while working on this other project, guess what?????   Yep - I managed to get all of Clue FIVE done on Easy Street.

Clue FIVE of Easy Street DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

And now I have a nice box full of components for Easy Street

Going to try and get Clue SIX done today. Yes - Clue Six is JUST CUTTING. Supposed to be some sewing but I made my background all the same colour so no sewing - just cutting. YIPPEEEEEE   and then just Clue 7 and Clue 8 which is piecing the blocks. And from what I saw with Linda - it is going to be tricky!!!!

One of my favourite Canadian authors is Louise Penny. She lives outside Montreal and writes mystery books. I do not even remember how I happened upon her books, but I love them. Probably a review in the Globe and Mail that DH passes onto me when he finds something he thinks I will like (as if I need help!!!! - but I appreciate that).    She has written nine books - the 9th will be released on my birthday this year!!!!    I started out with book six, then realized it was a series and went back to the beginning. I am on number four now.

Just a note - if you go to the web site above, you will note that some of the books have TWO titles. The books are published in a number of different countries and it appears that some countries did NOT like the title so it was changed. Very confusing!!!!!

Anyway - there is no gore and no shoot em up scenes in these books. They are about emotions, thinking, digging inside the murders brain. Very entertaining and I LOVE LOVE LOVE them. The characters are so wonderful.

So last night, I got an opportunity to hear Louise speak. The Oakville Public library hosted her and there was well over TWO HUNDRED people in the audience!!!!!!    The only thing I did not like is that she was "interviewed" and so her and the interviewer SAT DOWN. We couldn't see them. You missed a lot by just listening!!!!!    She was a radio host for CBC for almost 20 years, supported by a wonderful husband and left her job to write.


I contemplated purchasing a book, but then I don't buy novels ever so I decided to NOT break that precedent. I know - that is bad, but I would rather spend my money on something else. I support the libraries.

Louise - signing books

Louise signing books

She is so giving, so grateful and a very nice person. The kind of person you would want for a friend. She is my Facebook friend - does that count???????




The BIG thing of the day - I went to the library again. I know - I could live at the library. Well - after watching that movie (Hungry for Change), I decided that it is TIME to do something. Something very bizarre is happening - while I used to go to the gym and wish that I was the "jock" type, the one with the better (not perfect) but better body. Well, when I tell people that I want to lose 10 pounds - they are kind of shocked. You look great now!!   Well - maybe, but I do really need to lose 10 pounds. Just like they tell you - carry a 10 pound bag of flour around for a day and you will see what it feels like when you put that bag down. Well - I want to do more cycling and I am tired of being the one carrying my 10 pound bag of flour with me on the bike. Most, not all, of the people on the cycle trips are in much better shape than me.

I have decided that the exercise keeps my weight in check, but is NOT helping me to lose weight. I have to change my diet for that.

At the library I found this book..................

Let's face it - I am ADDICTED to sugar. And when it gets to the point that you want to be ill after having a hot chocolate - then you know there is a problem. 

At the gym this morning, I started chatting with this new girl (well she isn't completely new as she was in the group before) and well next thing you know - the entire group knew about my sugar thing. I told them I am going to detox and then do 30 days WITHOUT sugar (or greatly reducing it). I know - HOW DID THAT HAPPEN??????   My mouth opened and those words spewed forth!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I am not sure how many are going to follow me, but if I can get a couple more - there are more people to call for support.

Are any of you interested??????   We are going to start AFTER Valentine's Day so people can enjoy their chocolates!!!!


And I need some time to rethink my diet. Because look at what is on the labels of stuff I eat every day..............

So sugar is second here, BUT there is still a LOT of sugar in here

First ingredient on Tim's Hot Chocolate - SUGAR

Honestly I am excited about this. After reading some of the sugar addiction book - sugar affects EVERYTHING. Fatigue, diabetes, fibromyalgia, sleep, arthritis, - well you name it - sugar has an adverse affect on our bodies. I am just tired of carrying this extra weight and I want it GONE!!!!!

Now that I have a good support system in place (and I think I can talk M into this as well) - we can make it happen. Did I mention that I LOVE LOVE LOVE this new gym. And someone who reads my blog decided to take a peek at the gym and joined!!!!!!   It is a lot of money, but when it becomes your life style and a "go to" place - then it really isn't that much money. And I save on HOT WATER at home!!!!

Oh yes - the other thing that is going to change in my life. So NO SUGAR means no processed foods - and that means - I have to cook. Better dig out that magic apron - it is going to get a lot of use!!!!!


ACK ACK ACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    There is never a dull day at our house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


PS - don't forget to SERIOUSLY think about joining me on my NO SUGAR journey. If people are interested, I will post tips, recipes and support strategies so we can all do this together. And it doesn't mean that you can never eat sugar - it just means that our goal is to eat it in moderation!!!!!!!!!!   And NO CRAVINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


PS - By the way - I got a large steeped tea with ONE sugar this morning. Might as well start slow now. I have to lose the sugar in the tea so it will be off to David's Tea to find one that I can drink without sugar.