Quaint Ontario towns

I'm so glad I'm not alone in using edge-to-edge designs on a pieced quilt. I'm prepared to put edge-to-edge designs on any quilt unless it is something super special. 

The more I thought about custom quilting on Color My World, the more I realized that you won't see the quilting. While the quilting style isn't really important, it's the texture it creates that matters to me. And it's also the density. If you look at some of the photos of quilting for Color My World, the windows might be heavily stitched or with an X, while the building itself has no quilting on it - just stitched in the ditch. 

I don't like that! And there are many quilts that YES, the quilting is exquisite, but I don't care if that is on my quilt or not. Thankfully, there are designs and styles for all of us! But it brings to mind a story from many years ago. I was a member of a quilters' guild, and we had a lady who did custom quilting for people. She used a computer and would often create special designs that looked great when appropriate. Her work was excellent. 

However, a lady brought in a quilt that had been custom quilted by this person. She was so proud of that fact. I don't even remember the quilt top, but the fabrics and pattern were super busy. During her show-and-tell, she said, "It was custom quilted, but you can't see any of the quilting from the front." She told us you could see the custom quilting on the back. However, the back was pieced with very busy fabrics except for one section, about the size of a fat quarter. She proudly showed off the custom quilting on that fat-quarter-sized piece. 

That was a total waste of money for the owner, and a total waste of time for the long armer, who should have encouraged that lady to save her money and do an edge-to-edge. 

When I first started quilting years ago, I thought everything needed custom quilting. Nope -- it does not. Edge-to-edge works really well. The quilt gets finished; the cost is reasonable for the maker; the long armer can get it done in a day; or, if you have an embroidery machine, you can do it on your embroidery machine; and you can even free-motion edge-to-edge on your domestic machine. There are so many options - the key here is to get that UFO done!!!

I'll be doing a session on edge-to-edge quilting with your embroidery machine today at Stitcharie in Petrolia, Ontario, so if you are around and interested, be sure to pop by. I'll also be reviewing how you can incorporate machine embroidery into your quilts. It's so much fun and makes buying an embroidery machine a no-brainer - at least for me. 

Tomorrow is all about machine embroidery software. It's amazing, and there are so many cool things you can do! 

I bought my first embroidery machine in 1998 when I had no idea what machine embroidery was; the machines were so small, and I had never done it. I was a quilter. But I never regret that purchase and will never be without an embroidery machine. Embroidery machines were NEW at that time. 

I am always leery about travel days - will I be in good shape to drive? Sometimes I get sleepy during the drive that I need to pull over for a nap, but I had zero issues, which was great. I arrived early and walked around this quaint little town. Holy --- if anyone is looking for a place to retire to - this might be the place. I have no idea about doctors and such—who needs a doctor? (Kidding, of course!). 

But seriously—Petrolia, Ontario, is a quaint town with a pretty vibrant downtown, and guess what? There is a quilt store here, and they are a Husqvarna Viking dealer. It doesn't get any better than that. Now if I could persuade DH to move. The cost of houses is pretty decent as well. I know -- I already checked that out. 

There are lots of murals around town. This is one that was near the train station. 

Mural near the train station

The old train station was turned into a library! How cool is that? 

The library

And this is the war memorial. They have a large walkway leading to it from the street. This is the end of it. 

The end of the walkway to the war memorial

And this is the main path. 

The path from the war memorial to the street

I didn't get a picture of the storefront - I will today, but it's right in the downtown area, and it's so quaint!! The store used to be in the little strip mall at the outer edge of town, but now they get a lot of walk-in traffic. 

Petrolia used to be Canada's Victorian Oil Town and has quite the history. What I love are the beautiful old houses along the main street. They are absolutely gorgeous. And then there is this mansion. It's called the Fairbanks Mansion or the Sunnyside Mansion. The house is huge, and I would love to see what it looks like inside. 

I know this is totally silly, but wouldn't that be a fun house to buy and fix up? It would cost millions of dollars and is something to contemplate should I ever win the lottery, which is unlikely since I never seem to buy tickets. 

It's just sad to see some of this old historical architecture fall into disrepair. I shall try to get a real picture of it myself. It's a very imposing building, and I noticed it as I drove into the downtown. It was used as a movie set - obviously for a scary movie several years ago! 

I am staying in Sarnia, which is about 30 minutes away, and I spotted this in the restaurant. 

A sign in a restaurant

Seriously? They shouldn't have to post a sign like that. However, the other night when we were out to dinner at Boston Pizza, they could have used this sign. There were two women, and between them they had five kids, ages 3 to 8? They were done eating, and the two women were deep in conversation over a couple of beers - not sure who was driving. The kids were bored by this time, and they were wild. We were on the outdoor patio, and the one young boy was using the umbrellas as a fire pole, walking on all the furniture and tipping over chairs. They were extremely unruly. 

The kids had thrown stuff on the floor, were using the water hose, and through it all, the moms NEVER said one word to the kids. NOTHING. I was shocked. We eventually said something when they started walking onto the table where the fire pit is. Apparently, other people (from the same nationality) have been banned from the restaurant. I hope these ones are banned as well. We have never seen such rude behavior before. 

I mention nationality, but I won't post what nationality. I've heard a lot of people say, "What does it matter?" And it doesn't, because rude behavior crosses many borders. But apparently there is a group of people from this country in our area, and they are quite rude. That was according to the server. You know they are not from here by their heavy accent. 

The kids were obviously bored, and you can't blame them. The Moms gave them no attention - not a single word. Then they ordered a second beer and moved to the couches. Seriously? So now you think the entire outdoor patio is yours? We know the owner very well, and he didn't say anything, but he should have. We shall chat with him this coming week. Apparently, others of this same nationality were banned for similar behavior. I think it's time these two families were banned as well. 

After eating, it was beautiful out, so I took a walk along the waterfront and spotted this sign. Actually, I spotted the sign from the restaurant on the other side of the bay, so I walked over. There's a sign in every city, it seems! 

Hello Sarnia!!!

And there was this weird structure along the waterfront, and as I got closer, I realized it was a fountain. 

It's a water fountain!

This is the view from the end of it. 

The side view

And as you see in many places, there were beautiful benches along the waterfront with memorial plaques on them. That would be a nice place to have a plaque if you won't be interred in a cemetery or a niche. I still have NO clue where I want my ashes to reside. Probably scattered in the wind since that seems to be my life! A whirlwind of activity. Perhaps outside a quilt store? Or on a bicycle path? 

Memorial plaque on a bench

But this granite bench was a sobering one. It was dedicated by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) in dedication to all those who were killed by drunk drivers. I just don't get it --- why do people have to drink and drive? I just don't get it—you can get a taxi, an Uber, sleep it off, or whatever, but who the heck do you think you are to get in a car? 

A memorial to those killed by drunk drivers

As I walked through the park to get back to the hotel, I spotted two of these very gnarly trees. I'm not sure what type they are, but it looked like the trunks had a rough start in life and then grew a bunch of branches! 

Knarly trees

And that path is part of the waterfront trail that goes along parts of the Great Lakes. It's time to get the bike out and see where those paths lead!

The Waterfront Trail

I realize we are heading into a heat wave this coming week, but it's cool here at the moment. But I can't stand air conditioning. It is so artificial and so COLD!!!! The first thing I do in any hotel room is turn it off. It's unbearable. I think the heat even came on last night and there I am with my big heavy quilt on the bed. It's great to travel with quilts - you are never cold!!!

A quilt on my bed

Well, on that note, I'd better get myself organized for the day. It's fun to be in the same time zone. I have two days of events, then I'm home for TWO entire weeks before the next trip. I'm so excited, but I have so much work!! The first line of business will be the spa day for the long arm. I was hoping to get the old leaders off before I left, but that didn't happen. Oh well. 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!

When your PEEPS are missing

 We have a situation in our house. It's not serious if you are human, but it's pretty bad if you have four legs. In the past, our girls were used to being on their own. If one or both of us were gone, they handled it gracefully. Now that we both work from home, we are here for the girls 100% of the time. 

So when DH went away earlier this week, the girls, and Lexi in particular, were NOT happy. 

After the walk, I was taking off my shoes and saw this: Lexi was sitting in front of the office, pondering why HER Dad wasn't there! Last night, she would NOT leave her kennel to go out for her business. Nope, she wasn't budging. Poor girl. DH comes home this afternoon. She will be ecstatic!

MOM -- where's my DAD? I can't live without him!

Murphy was also in the hallway but not looking as distressed. Of course not, I'm her favorite peep, so she was good! 

MOM - I miss Dad, but only a little! I'm good! 

Well, it was a busy day! In case you are wondering, I managed to start sewing at 4 p.m., but by 7:30 p.m., this was the situation. 

The design wall is clear

I had been looking at various options for the backing but didn't find one that made me happy. It's a scrap quilt, so I was good with a scrappy backing. I found THREE pieces in my backing stash that, together, were the PERFECT size. I didn't have to cut any of them, just sewed them together. It was made to happen. The best part? It took no time to find the pieces, as they were all labeled. And I managed to squeeze three backings without a home onto the shelf. 

The backing for the scrap quilt

I went to bed with the quilt ready to quilt. And now, ¼ of it is quilted. I was tired by that point, but of course, I couldn't sleep. I should have just stayed up and quilted the darn thing. 

The quilt is ready for quilting

Speaking of the girls, I had to zip down to the pet store to get some dog food, and I bought them each a treat. Lexi does NOT like hard, chewy stuff, so she got a soft, chewy thing. She loves to lie on this rough floor mat to chew. 

Mom - I feel better  - thanks for the treat!

Murphy got a big bone (they were on sale) and was beside herself. She could NOT start chewing right away. NO - she had to go outside to find a place to bury the bone. Oh my gosh -- it was funny to watch her. Could I bury it under these bushes? NO!

Mom - Can I hide the bone here?

Could I bury it behind the bushes? WAIT! The bone is too wide to fit in there. 

Mom - how about here? Oh - I can't fit!

Could I hide it in the pond? WAIT! Mom intervened at this point - DO NOT walk on the pond. It's not safe! 

MOM - I could hide it in the pond

She must have found a spot because she eventually came into the house. Wherever it is, it took a bit of work. 

MOM - I got an owie on my nose! 

Oh, Murphy!!!! Lexi is usually the one who wants to savor her bones and food. 

Since I've been alone, the dishwasher hasn't been used as much. So, I had to use my special cup for my hot chocolate. It changes color when you put hot liquid in it and must be hand-washed so it doesn't get used often! 

The mug changes color with hot liquid

The polar bear is revealed! 

It's very cool, and I got it when I was up in Cochrane - the home of the polar bears! 

Speaking of polar bears, it was like spring outside yesterday. Even in the morning on the walk - I was overdressed! And in the afternoon, it was positively balmy! You must remember that the weather is all relative, and MOST of what you feel is in your head! And that's based on what they say on the radio. As I was sewing in the afternoon, I listened to the ditsy radio announcer who was going on and on about how cold it was when it was -4. Seriously????? 

I took a trip to Sheridan College to drop off that large container of paper. Those rolls of paper have been sitting around my house for over TWENTY years. And now they are gone. I almost miss them! They sat in the stash room for a long time, then at the bottom of the stairs, and finally in my office. But no longer! 

The Arts and Crafts studios of Sheridan College

The program assistant gave me a little tour. Oh boy -- things have changed. No eating in the main room, and that's where I got addicted to Tim Hortons' hot chocolate. Everyone would break for coffee, and I don't drink coffee, so I got hot chocolate. But that is the past. 

All the large light tables are gone, and tables loaded with sewing machines sit in their place. Yep, they offer sewing classes in all four Arts and Crafts disciplines (textiles, glass blowing, woodworking, and ceramics). While I was there yesterday, the room was hopping. They must have had twenty machines (older Berninas, in case you are wondering). But that doesn't matter—the matter is that young people are learning to sew!!!! 

I stopped in at the gallery to see some of the work. They are doing a lot of weaving, and I got to see some of the other projects. It was a great trip down memory lane. 

Then, on my way home, I ran a few more errands and picked up lunch since it was almost lunchtime. I also picked up my pattern for a paper-pieced project that I took a class on this past weekend. I will prep the fabric and bring it to the quilt retreat. While it looks daunting in that big roll, it's not bad. 

My paper-pieced pattern

If you ever have anything oversized to print, choose engineering prints ($9) instead of regular prints ($40). The price difference is considerable. I ordered it online and picked it up. 

While I was picking up my pattern, I saw LEGO. It's everywhere, and some of those kits are crazy! These were smaller kits, and I did NOT buy any. I do NOT need something else in my house - at least not now. 

LEGO!!!!!

Jeanette and I also did the great puzzle swap. She lives near me, and I swapped her three puzzles and came home with five in return. Hmmm --- why did that happen? Once I'm done with these, they go to the thrift store, and she will do the same with those I gave her. It all works out! Well, for the record, I'm returning one to her! 

Results of the Great Puzzle Swap

I won't have time to work on the puzzles for a bit, but I MUST try to eke out a few minutes here and there. I will admit that constantly giving up my time to prep for a Zoom class is tiresome. But not enough to give it up completely! At least I've cut back quite a bit, so that helps. But I need to manage my time better, and everything will be good. 

WAIT -- there's good news - I found the missing book. I'm almost ashamed to say this, but it was EXACTLY where it's always been. Except it used to be in a zippered pouch, and it was not. It was under another pouch in that same spot. It doesn't matter --- I found it, and now I can send that email!

So, I was looking at more organizing magazines. It's my lunchtime entertainment, and it makes me happy to browse them, so don't judge me. Once I'm done, they get tossed, and I'll work through that pile. I said I needed to be done by the end of this year. I need to be done way sooner than that! 

But here's something to contemplate. I always wanted a mud room like this. Everyone gets a cubby and a basket, and it looks so cool. 

What I thought I would like as a mudroom

But here's the reality. One coat in each cubby so they can see the clipboard? NO --- I am relatively minimalist on this, but I have MANY coats, and I wear them all depending on the temperature. So, while this is a great idea, I'm not so sure. I'd love it if that was deep enough for a closet to use hangers, with a basket below for odds and ends. But the clipboard thing? That wouldn't work! 

This concept is NOT working for me

I quickly stopped at Indigo to see if there was anything new and exciting. While waiting at the cash register, I spotted this: OK, so I bought a magazine. More magazines are going out than coming in, and that's a good thing!

Oh, Murphy -- you are much cuter! Shaggy like a lion, but with different ears and definitely much friendlier looking. 

MOM - I'm a happy dog!!!!

I don't know how closely you follow QUILTsocial, but I published a series of blog posts this week. I waited until today to post all the links. They are about FUSIBLE WEB and how it differs from stabilizers, batting, and interfacings. You must read this!!!!! 

QUILTsocial - Monday - The difference between fusible web, stabilizers, batting, and interfacings

QUILTsocial - Tuesday - The different types of fusible web and tips on using them

QUILTsocial - Wednesday - Fusible Web for stretchy fabrics

QUILTsocial - Thursday - Fusible Web for woven fabrics

QUILTsocial - Friday - The test results

That was a fascinating yet unscientific exercise, but I learned much from it. Hopefully, it will help clarify some common misunderstandings. The bottom line is to know the product and what you want it to do, and you should be good! 

And now for those Virtual Retreat links: 

January 25 - Starts at 6 p.m. EST

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82693702241?pwd=QpQkm8Ppppy1XwCPOqva1bcgJCWKdP.1

Meeting ID: 826 9370 2241
Passcode: 795071

January 26 - Starts at NOON EST

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

Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838

And on that note, I'm out of here. The list of things to do is still very long, and there are now only three days to accomplish them. But I'm getting there!

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

Makers are going make

WOW -- I can't say enough for the inspiration I receive through the Virtual Retreats. Not only that, but I've made new friends, been able to stay connected to other friends, and keep in touch with friends that no longer live close by. While it would be great to see everyone in person, getting that group together would be impossible! I love Virtual Retreats.

I'm going to whisper this next sentence. I ALMOST like the virtual retreats to our in-person sewing days. Why? We get to visit with each other, but we don't have any of the "heavy-lifting" - you NEVER forget to bring anything, no tables to set up, no sewing machine or project to pack. I think we're getting spoiled!!

It's going to be a while before we can get back to our in-person Monday sewing. I think the church might be getting ready to receive us, but many members of the group aren't prepared to gather in person yet. Perhaps I might think about having a small sewing group at my house. Four people! I'll think about that.

The conversations we had over the last two days were extremely entertaining and informative. We got to see loads of show and tell, and I learned so much, it was insane. I kept sending myself e-mails so I could remember to do some more research on certain things.

I learned about gardening, knitting (are you a flicker or a wrapper??), dog grooming, harvesting honey from a beehive, Instapots, and well - a ton more. It was loads of fun!

But best of all, it was just fun to sew with like-minded people and have loads of fun. Yesterday we entertained ourselves, all the way from Germany to Saskatchewan, from North Bay to London! It was super fun, and you should seriously think about stopping by for the next one. It's scheduled for September 19 (starting at noon) and September 20. That's a Saturday and a Sunday.

Part of my problem is that I'm so darned inspired that I could literally sew all day and night or so it seems. Over 20 years ago, I took a year's leave of absence from my good paying day job so I could get sewing and quilting out of my system. Well, that hasn't happened yet, and I'd almost say that's it worse now than it was before.

I also got some inspiration. I dug out these cross stitch pieces that I made for M when she was a baby. I never did anything with them, and they've been tossed from bag to bag. Well, it's time to do something with them. They are now in the current projects bag. I'm going to sew some Winnie the Pooh fabric to them and make a wall hanging. Hey - I got loads of Winnie the Pooh fabric. It's a no brainer and would take a couple of hours.

Winnie the Pooh cross stitch

I mean - it's time to do something with these. The cross stitch pieces are adorable and would make an excellent wallhanging for someone.

I'm also inspired to make some candy pouches with zippers. Thanks, Susan! I've even got the fusible vinyl. I just need to find the candy bags!

Fusible vinyl

Now I have to make a trip to the grocery store to find interesting food bags. I don't care what's in them - I want the bag! I've got a couple of people who are going to save a few bags for me! This is totally crazy, but they are so cute! Don't know what they look like? Check out this link. There's a tutorial as well at that link.

Despite all the chatting, I got a lot accomplished yesterday. I sewed up two more rows on the disappearing nine-patch. I'm making good progress. I'm not sure that I'll get it finished for next Sunday. Once the rows are together, it should go much quicker, but I have to press those seams on the back, and that takes a LONG time, especially if I have to flip them and resew. And guess what? HALF of them have to be done that way. I know - it's crazy, but the end result will be so much better.

Disappearing nine-patch

I'm over halfway through the rows, and I even fixed that row that had the two fabrics side by side. I had to do that on another row as well.

We had a discussion on how dense you should quilt your projects—the denser the quilting, the denser, and stiffer the finished item. I'd be cautious about quilting a bed quilt too densely, but a wallhanging? I'd go crazy with the quilting. The thing to remember is that you should try to keep the density the same throughout the project.

Years ago, I made a series of samples of different kinds of batting. Some were prewashed, and some were not. All were washed after they were finished. I made a LOT of examples - fifty to be exact.

My batting samples

I pulled out one of the worst ones to show what happens if the density is not consistent. It's a bit hard to see in this photo, but that center of that feathered wreath is very puffy. Too puffy to look nice.

Inconsistent density for quilting

Here's a different view of the piece. That outer edge is UGLY and look at the center - PUFFY. Be consistent with the density, especially if the piece is going to be washed.

Sample of density for quilting

This particular sample was made with wool batting. I would strongly suggest that you make this kind of sample for the batting that you usually use. Test it, so you know how it will react. That's mostly how I learned everything I know. I could have Googled it and I still Google stuff today, but I spent hours, days, and weeks, experimenting. Besides, Google wasn't around when I was learning.

The information was written on the sample

This morning, because I was SO EXCITED to get back to sewing, I was up very early. I decided to take a peek in one of the bags of stuff to see what I could deal with. I found a PANEL! This is similar to the dream big panel and would be great as a background for some applique. It's now with the other panels.

A panel

 I found more batting samples. I'll remove the labels and the pins, and then they'll either go in the pet mat bag or the bag with the other batting pieces that I give away. I haven't used these samples in years, so it's time to let this go.

Batting samples

I found this stack of patterns. These patterns were damaged when we had the water issue. At that time, I dried them out and salvaged what I could. It's now time to deal with them. 

A stack of patterns

Oh boy - I found a brand new pattern for a Paris quilt. It's machine-embroidered. It's now in a pile with the other machine embroidery designs.

Machine embroidery pattern

I found the pattern for this cute little box that you could use for jewelry or notions or whatever.

The pattern for a small box

You cover these pieces of cut cardstock with fabric. The entire kit is up for grabs. It's doubtful that I'll ever get around to it. So if anyone wants it - it's yours for free.

The card stock pieces for the fabric box

I also found this pattern for the incredible sewing desk. I bought it years ago because I wanted someone to make it and that never happened. It's not likely to happen now. But if anyone has someone handy who could make the desk for them, the pattern is yours.

A quilting table pattern

I think I know what's going to happen as I continue to go through my stuff. There is going to be stuff that I coveted (like both of those items above), and now the realization has come that it's not going to be made or I don't have time or don't have the interest, and so that stuff is going to be up for grabs. And it's only going to speed up as time goes on.

Anyway, I'm trying to deal with my stuff while I still have my wits about me. It's a shame that I'm doing this or having to do this, but it's reality. It's like going to the buffet and filling your plate beyond what you know you can eat. But we do it anyway! The trick is to STOP now and eat only what we really, really want.

Later this week, I'll be posting the list of classes that I'll be teaching this fall. The classes will all be online via Zoom. There'll be classes for a tote bag and all the different kinds of interfacings, etc., that go into making a successful bag. There'll be a zippered pouch because there are so many ways of putting the zipper in, and we'll have one session just on different zipper treatments. There'll be several classes on EQ8 - one will focus only on panels - how do you get your panel into EQ8, and then what do you do with it. There'll be a beginner EQ8 class and maybe a more involved one as well. I know some people have asked for a double wedding ring, and I may throw that in. The problem with that is there are so many different ways of sewing that quilt. I may just say we'll take ANY double wedding ring pattern if you already have a set of templates or paper piecing.  I might find something else to throw in there, and that will likely fill the schedule for the fall. OH -- I'll throw in my free motion quilting class as well. Now that I have my cameras, I can actually demo the free motion stuff and talk about what needs to be done.

So watch for that this week.

OH - I can't share what else I worked on at the Virtual Retreat. I was prepping homework for my upcoming classes this weekend, and it's all a secret until we have the class. Let's just say that I'm ahead of the game for this weekend, and I'm very excited about that. I still have pictures to load and presentations to prep, so I'm not out of the woods yet!

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

Timing is everything!

What an awesome day! 

It didn't exactly start out the way I would have liked. I'm merrily quilting away, and then I got a phone call. A phone call that I wasn't expecting to get. Remember all that physio and massage I had last year as a result of my car accident? I do have to say that it all worked as my neck is totally back to normal with a full range, so that part was excellent. However, the office that I was dealing with wasn't the swiftest with the paperwork.

There were two insurance companies involved and the physiotherapy office. They just couldn't seem to connect. Many times, I was asked for information which I supplied, then it wasn't right or whatever. I won't go into the boring details, but finally, in March or April (YES - this year), we seemed to get everything tidied away.

I received one last statement from one insurance company, and I dutifully scanned it and sent it to the physiotherapy office. I gave them my credit card to pay for the last of the services, and I thought that was it! However, I got a call yesterday asking what was going on as they hadn't heard from me. Good grief - so I had to stop and go back and figure out what had happened. Yep - in fact, I had the e-mail that I had sent, and I reforwarded it to them. It was sent almost one month ago.

I would say the office administrator has an issue with paperwork (just like me!) because I sent it to her. I even forwarded that e-mail just to prove that I had sent the paperwork as requested. It doesn't matter - everything is fine now. But good grief - they should have been following up way more than they did.  I'm just glad it was their issue, not mine.

I was planning to go to Costco with a friend later this week, so I could check it out and see if it was really worth becoming a member. I've resisted for a long time because I know how much I spend when I go there (I used to be a member) and all the extra stuff I used to buy. However, I decided it was time to check it out.

Then I received this flyer in the mail yesterday.

Costco flyer

They have a deal on memberships, so I decided to go myself TODAY and sign up. I'm going to buy a couple of things, and that's IT!  I'm going to be very diligent when I go as I don't want to end up storing a whole pile of HUGE things. And there are some deals in that flyer that I would like to get. The sale doesn't start until June 29, and I can wait. Anything to save some money!

And then I got a couple of good news about some quilting deadlines. The first one is the Cherrywood Challenge. The due date is July 1, and I had just started. I know!!!!  I got an e-mail yesterday saying that the deadline has been extended to December 31!!!!!  Seriously??? That is huge - that information is NOT on their website, but I received it because I'm on their mailing list with the Bob Ross Challenge. Well, that gives me a wee bit of breathing room. I'm going to keep working on the quilt, but it might just get pushed to the back burner for this month.

The weird thing about the Cherrywood challenge is that they extended the deadline TWO weeks before the current deadline. Some people had already submitted their challenges. Holy!!!  That would never happen at my house!

One more bit of good news - the last bits of fabric that is HOT off the press for a magazine quilt that's due on July 7 arrived at the warehouse in the US and is now winging its way to me. I might even get it today. That's going to become a major focus, so I can get it done next week.

So it was another good news day! But it was also a very productive day! I finished quilting the mini-quilt for my swap partner for the Quilt Canada mini-swap. The binding is on as well as the little hanger at the top. It's slightly longer than it's supposed to be, but I don't think anyone is going to freak out over that. The only thing left to do is the label, which is on the agenda for today.

The mini-swap quilt is DONE

My swap partner and I were very well matched because she was also late. I sent her a note yesterday that I was done. I haven't heard from her. I have no intention of putting this in the mail until I hear from her that mine is done. So technically, I'm ahead of schedule!!!

Then it was time to work on something else. I dug out this small Christmas wall hanging. Well - it was already out. It was in the quilting pile for this month. I'm trying to get a few of my quilt projects quilted between the customer and community project quilts.

The first thing to do is make a sample of the quilting stitch. I'm quilting this on the PFAFF creative icon and using a regular foot with a guide. Remember, the PFAFF has a built-in walking foot - the Integrated Dual Feed Technology. IDT!

Testing the decorative stitch

I like to experiment with the quilting just because I get bored doing the same old thing, and I get new samples from experimenting. On top of all that, I'm learning what I like and don't like, as well as what works and what doesn't.

I decided to quilt "straight" lines all over this small applique. I drew one chalk line on a 60-degree angle. Then I just literally stitched the lines across the surface of the quilt.

Using a regular presser foot with a guide

I actually like the effect. I used a bobbin weight blue thread. You can't see the stitches in the blue background, but they have an excellent effect on the green tree. This is what it looks like with the lines in one direction. Nice, but not enough quilting for me.

The lines of quilting in one direction

So I made another chalk line in the opposite direction (also on a 60-degree angle) and stitched another set of lines. While the piece is NOT big, it literally took about a half-hour to quilt this.

The quilting lines in two directions

Using that serpentine stitch is one of my favorite stitches for quilting. I think a lot of people use this stitch, but I don't think they do enough lines of quilting! That's my personal thing - I LOVE dense quilting - even on a lap or bed quilt. The drape is there and gets better with more washing!

Here are the two chalk lines. The rest of the lines were "marked" with the guide. That little guide is a priceless and time-saving tool. You should give it a try!!!!

Two chalk lines used to quilt the wall hanging

Here's what the back looks like. I could have used a slightly lighter color thread, but this is fine. I LOVE that look. The backing fabric was hideous and has an almost rubbery feel because of the thick layer of glitter or whatever. I thought it might cause some problems during the quilting process, like sticking to the base of the sewing machine. I had ZERO issues with it.

The backing

I didn't' stop there. The piece is trimmed and the binding is sewn onto the back, as well as the two corner hanger triangles are in place.

The binding and hangers are in place

Those straight lines are super easy to do for anyone! Try a funky stitch on the machine and do your own quilting!!! I'm working on my designs with the walking foot!


Then I started to trim some scrappy half-square triangles, and then I ran out of time!

Trimming half-square triangles

I still had time to enjoy the backyard. There are currently SIX lily blooms in the pond. It's so gorgeous. And the fish - well, they love the lily pads as well. Lots of places to hide from the sun, yet the moment I walk out there with fish food? They are like little pigs!!!

Blooms in the pond

I also have a rose bush that is sporting some lovely blooms at the moment.

The rose bush

And another shot of the peonies. Gorgeous, but they don't seem to be lasting very long this year. Not sure why. My Mom had loads of them in the garden and would cut the blooms and bring them in the house.

The peony

In addition to all that, I managed to walk over 10 miles. I had to walk to the grocery store to get some supplies, or I wouldn't have had oatmeal for breakfast. I went to a different store, and I can't believe that there are NO steel cut oats in the round containers. At least, they do have the packages even though they have flavor in them. It's better than the instant oatmeal, which is totally gross. Sorry if anyone eats that. If you do - you should give the steel cut oats a try—the ones for the microwave that's ready in three minutes. With a bit of cinnamon, a banana, and some hemp hearts and a few other things, it's the BEST.

I have a couple of interesting notes about our Virtual Challenge, so I'm adding them today.

In the cross Canada trek, I'm arriving in Davidson, Saskatchewan. That's one of the Cargill elevators on the right of the road in case you're wondering. So this is a picture of the main highway between Saskatoon and Regina. That green sign says, "Welcome to Davidson. Next THREE exits"  Exits? Where are the exits? Oh yes, this is Saskatchewan. You turn off on the right to go right, and there's an exit on the left if you need to go left. None of this expensive overpass business that we have in the city. Can you imagine the 401 without an overpass at the exits? Total chaos. WAIT - it's already total chaos!!!

Highway 11 in Saskatchewan

 On the Route 66 walk, I'm just about to cross over into New Mexico. Yep - I walked clear across Texas. OK - so I walked across the top part, which is pretty narrow. Look at the terrain. Pretty flat, but nothing but scrub brush - almost desert-like.

Just about the Texas/New Mexico border

 Here's the map so you can see how close I am to that state border.

The map at the Texas/New Mexico border

I'm not competitive. Oh no! So why did I walk so much yesterday? There were several reasons. It was a glorious evening, so how could you not go for a walk. Then I was watching those walking around me and well if they were going that way, so could I. And then my walking partners on the Virtual Challenge - well, they've been cranking it up this week. And I was in the THIRD spot on the leaderboard. Now I'm in first again! But I'm not competitive. Oh no - not me!!!!

I've got a lot of fiddly little things on the agenda for today. I want to finish up those small things that are hanging around, and I've got a couple of quilts to cut out. But there's going to be time to relax in the gazebo!

On that note, have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!