Bidding wars at the Trend-tex challenge

And that's a wrap for Quilt Canada 2026. It's amazing how surreal the show always seems. One minute everything is fine, and all the quilts are hung, and the booths are busy, and then the show ends, and it's a crazy place as people start packing! As usual, I didn't get much time to walk the show or look at the vendors, but I did get some pictures to share with my Monday Sewing group and checked out a few vendors. The big issue now will be fitting everything into my suitcases to get home. 

Unusual for me, but I brought way too many clothes, and I typically use that suitcase for extra room! I'm sure I will manage, as I can take my backpack on the plane and a tote bag to carry a few things. The three suitcases can be checked. I'm not worried - I will get everything home. 

The day wasn't going to start well as I walked to Tim's by the convention center, only to find it wasn't open. It may have opened later in the day, but I had to get to the classroom when the class started, and I had no time to walk to the next Tim's. Two ladies from the Madeira thread booth, whom I had met the previous day while buying thread, arrived at the same time and were also dismayed to find the location closed. 

They had time to leisurely stroll to the next location and offered to get me a tea. Bless their hearts, and they brought the tea to me in the classroom. Thank you so much, Madeira thread ladies!!! I had bought a lot of thread from them, and we had a grand time choosing it. So it pays to make friends at the show. And now I need to pay that favor forward. Who will be the recipient?

My tea was personally delivered to me. 

Quiltsource was at the show, introducing a new batting called Mathilda's Own. Some very interesting new batting choices, and I can't wait to try them. These battings will be available in stores in mid-July. 

They had a super cute quilt to display the various battings. 

A super way to display different types of batting

Isn't that adorable? At first, I didn't get it, but each sheep is made from a different batting, and because the edge is free, you get to touch and feel the batting. A very clever concept for sure. Each sheep wore a differently colored ribbon. The legend of the colored ribbons was available on a separate card and identified the batting types.  

The  sheep 

One more batting type

And this was the sign near the sheep. YES, a quilt that you could actually touch!

A quilt you can touch!

Well, I am super excited because I'm going to get the battings and make up some new samples to see how this batting reacts to prewashing (or not), test stitch density, and then wash the pieces after the quilting is done. I can see this as a class! STOP IT RIGHT THERE. Do not think I am unnecessarily adding a class to my workload; this kind of class is extremely beneficial to YOU!!! And also to me! Imagine having gone through this exercise and now having a very good idea of what type of batting you want for any particular project. 

What does wool batting feel like? How does it react differently from a 100% cotton batting? This is the kind of stuff that makes me giddy, and I may just make it a lecture/demo series, an online Zoom class, or an in-person class. I think there is a lot of potential in this. Years ago, I did something similar with 10 different types of batting, each with 5 samples. I still have those samples, and it was a very interesting exercise. 

So if you think I just know this stuff, I don't. I love to experiment and test, and that's how I gain my knowledge. 

Now I have to sit down and figure out how I will use the batting in my sample making and make it a teachable class at the same time. I can't wait!!!

I have two classes this coming weekend, and I have been working on one of the presentations. I have also been collecting data for the classes in the fall, and I hope to get a lot more work done today since I have a free day. I have two places I would like to get to, and I have a friend and a nephew who live here. So it's going to be a busy day! 

And I wasn't able to rent a car today. I had thought about it all week but just never got around to it, so there are no cars, at least at the airport. I can rent from another location, but I checked Uber's price, and it's actually the same as renting a car to get where I need to go, so I'm not going to bother renting. It all works out. 

So yes—here is me ironing my shirt yesterday—just in case you think I don't ever do that! 

Ironing my shirt

I am staying at this same hotel for the duration of my stay, which includes those lectures/demos at Carellen, so I don't have to move hotels. The rest of my group is leaving today at various times. While I would be excited to go home today, I am happy to stay and visit, and it's always exciting to demo my samples and talk about techniques. 

I am a pretty neat traveler, and I am notorious for having everything tidied away whenever I leave the room. I am not sure what happened this trip, but it's like my suitcases exploded and I never got anything put away. My sample suitcases aren't even open right now, which means it's going to get worse!!!! And I do NOT require the staff to come in and tidy my room. That's just weird. 

An explosion in my room

Later today, I will have to start sorting the samples into what I need tomorrow for the Singer Momento sessions. That's the 24" digital cutter, and then what I will end on Tuesday, which is the quilting with your embroidery machine. 

Wait --- those batting samples? They will be very useful for quilting with your embroidery machine. I don't have any of the batting with me, as it's being delivered later this month or early next month, but I'm super excited to use it when quilting with the embroidery machine! 

My job at this show ended up being to look after the classrooms, and it worked for me. I packed up a lot of sewing machines yesterday, and I got really fast at it, but there were so many details to think about. Factory reset, bobbins, accessories, power cords, etc. It all takes time. I was wearing a scarf and my name badge, and I soon took both of those off to make it cooler and easier to work. 

When I finally left the room, I put them back on and went to help my colleagues pack up the booth. 

There was stuff everywhere, and my samples were in a neat pile, and eventually, I got them into my suitcase. It was only when we were close to the hotel that I realized my scarf was missing, as was my name badge, which held my room key. CRAP!!!!! Where the heck did I put it? I was certain I had shoved them in one of my bags, but I checked, and there was no scarf and no room key. I LOVE that hand-dyed green scarf. I couldn't have cared less about the key - that was easy to replace. 

I went back to the convention center to see if I could find it, but I did not, so I left a note with the security desk. 

WAIT -- let's go back to the show. Remebmer I mentioned the Trendtex Challenge? Well, I was bidding on two pieces. The online auction is great, although I still like the action of an in-person auction where you can see your opponent! There were 53 pieces up for auction, and some of them got only one or two bids, with no bidding war. But I got a notification that one of the pieces I wanted was also desired by someone else. 

Hmmm --- who was going to bail on the price first? I was determined to get it. So I outbid the other person. The bidding ended at 2:00 PM, and I was helping a customer at our booth. Just before 2 PM, I felt my phone go off, and I thought the other person had outbid me. But I could NOT check what had happened, and I thought, well, she waited until the last possible moment and then outbid me. However, when the customer left the booth, and I checked, I won that piece as well as one more. I did not take pictures, but I will take them today and share them with you. 

Someone bad home also won two pieces and asked me to pick them up for her. Yes, I could, but she needed to pay for them. That seemed to be taking forever, and I left the convention center without her pieces. It was only when I had to go back to look for my scarf that I was able to finally pick up her pieces. 

So then we sat at dinner, and while we were chatting, my brain was working and BAM -- I knew exactly where my scarf was. I had shoved in a bag, but then I tucked those bags (of thread from Wonderfil - I couldn't help myself) into my suitcase. 

And sure enough, when I was finally ready to go to my room, I opened the suitcase in the lobby where I had left it with the front desk. 

Checking the contents of my bag in the hotel lobby

And voilà—there was my scarf and my name tag with the room key in it!!! 

There's the missing key.

See how our brains kick in when we need them to? As mentioned, the room key was replaceable, the scarf was not. 

And I don't know why I keep forgetting to bring any business cards when I travel. I'm a dolt - I have a ton of them at home, and I just never bring them. I must put that on a list somewhere. Or perhaps I just keep a small supply in my office backpack - that would be the best place. Then I always have them, and they are not that heavy to carry around. 

When I got back to my room, I unpacked my pants pockets of things I had accumulated during the day. Spools of thread, scissors, and business cards from others. 

My finds of the day

I set a goal for myself this summer to learn how to use a specific feature on my computerized long arm. A dealer was at the show, and I wandered over yesterday and asked a few questions. Well, Jenny was a wealth of information. I can't wait to get home and get those new leaders on my machine - she showed me the simplest, ingenious way to make that happen and to get to work on some quilts that require this new feature I want to use. I am so excited. And then I have preparations for the new classes, and so much more. WAIT --- including trying out my new thread purchases. I can hardly wait!!!!

BUT -- I am only home for a couple of days when I am back on the road again! But it's only by car and only for three days, so that's good. Then I think I am home for a couple of weeks before I take off again. Yes -- it's a crazy world. 

Both places I want to visit today are well within walking distance, so I think I'll head out if I don't hear from my friend. I also have some work to do, so it'll be a full day. 

On that note, I'm super excited about my day off and to explore the city or visit or - well, you never know what will happen!!

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

Quilt Canada - Day One

What just happened? The doors burst open at 9:30, and people poured in. We saw them racing down the aisles in the quest for something! Let's say it was a madhouse all day, and I was in LOVE with the entire chaos! I thrive on that chaos, and my enthusiasm goes through the roof. Maryke had to calm me down in the car on the way home! Oops! Perhaps I overdid it a bit!

I want to thank everyone who stopped by to say hello! What an incredible day! Seeing so many people have a body below their Zoom head was so good! Thanks for all the little goodies dropped off—everyone was so thoughtful. I LOVE YOU ALL!!! I appreciate those little gestures, as sharing my passion makes me happy, and if you are happy, I'm thrilled! I can't even begin to name names, as I would surely forget someone!

What was even funnier is that many of the people on my Zoom calls (even Monday sewing) had never met each other in person! It was such a fun day! 

I hope that everyone had a chance to check out my concurrent show—it's all the way at the back. Be sure to look at the posters outside the first booth! That's a real trip down memory lane! I must remember to get that video and pictures this morning to assemble a presentation to share with you. 

One of the things we try to do at any show is keep the embroidery machines working slowly to showcase their capabilities. That was very hard to do with so many interruptions, and we demoed many sewing and embroidery features! 

I almost hate to say this, but lunch was—well, it was nonexistent. Why can I survive on nothing to eat all day and yet be starving by 9 a.m. when I'm home? Life works in mysterious ways!!

If you can't attend Quilt Canada, check out the Trendtex Challenges online. This year, the bidding has moved to an online silent auction. I'm not sure I like that method, as I love the thrill of the in-person experience of scouring the sheets to see if anyone has outbid me or just to check out who is bidding on what. 

Yep - I can do that online, but the experience isn't the same. I did not have time to check the quilts out except in mad dashes the previous day when walking past them on the way to my show. I hope to have a bit more time today to look. I hope it will be quieter today. WAIT - a minute -- I don't wish for that. I hope it's crazy busy again, but it's quieter in the latter half of the day, so I might get to zip out and check some stuff out. 

If you check out the online auction, check out this one, which is mine. I see it has a few bids, so thanks to whoever has bid on it! Do you see all those little flowers? Each petal was stitched by hand! I used one of the Clover flower makers to do that while on numerous Monday Sewing Zoom and Virtual Retreats. I'll take some close-ups of it to better explain what I did. I rarely think an entire project out beforehand, and this was no exception. I made it up as I went. 

I see a couple I'd like to own, so I'll look at the bidding process later today. 

Oh my—the Pony Express is alive and well even when I'm not home! Or should I say, a pop-up location for the Pony Express happened at the volunteer table at my show. I saw people dropping things off and picking things up. It was hilarious, and some things got dropped directly to me at the SVP booth. 

Thanks, Mary, for the last delivery of my thrift store book finds! 

A Pony Express delivery

I also got this old-fashioned hanger, which I will use for a project. It will reside on the table of the current projects. 

An "old-fashioned" hanger

I am in my glory for the next two days, even though we must tear it down at the end. Tear down is a fast thing, and then it will be over! But we still have two days to enjoy. So if you've got nothing to do, be sure to pop by and check out everything. 

One of the big things this summer seems to be wool! I see wool fabric and patterns for wool, and OH MY—punch needle is back! I don't know how often I taught punch needle at the Creative Festival, but it was my go-to class for many years. 

Maryke and I met with another friend (Carol) last night and headed out to dinner. It was great to catch up! Then home, and we were in bed somewhat early. 

But not before we had some entertainment from the girls. I don't know what happened to Murphy's ear, but seriously? How cute is that? 

MOM! Maryke! LOOK AT ME! I'm cute! 

That dog knows she's adorable and isn't afraid to show it! 

I'm so cute and I'm not afraid to show it! 

Well, I must get myself ready. There is nothing to prepare this morning—yeah! We just need to get up and go! I'm excited! Today, I'll be in the Singer booth between the PFAFF and Husqvarna Viking booths, so if you want to learn all about digital cutters, I'll be there! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Backyard updates

 And the merry-go-round continues! But there is good news! My entry for the Trendtex Challenge is complete, it's in the mail, and is scheduled to arrive before the judging cutoff date. Not that I expect to win any awards for this quilt, but I'm just happy to get it in on time. 

I had planned to finish it before noon, but that didn't happen because I had a couple of other things on my plate, and I had to deal with phone calls and some emails first. And then I was madly sewing the final part of the embellishment on, and that took a bit longer than planned. As always!!

And there's the proof of the last embellishment! 

The holders for the last embellishments

No glue required. Putting the bits on together would have been a challenge, but putting them on separately, it all made sense. Thank goodness for walks with Murphy!

A sleeve was made and hand-stitched in place. The label got made, but not before I had computer issues. I create my labels on the computer and print them on my ink-jet printer. When I went to TOUCH Send, the printer was offline. Which was bizarre as I had just used the scanning features for something else earlier in the day, and no one was home but me. 

I turned the printer off and back on, but that didn't help. And at that moment, my guard dog did NOT alert me to men in the backyard. I was working in the kitchen and saw the landscapers were here to open the pond. So I chatted with them as I have known them for years. Then I turned the water on for them, only to find that the pipe had burst under the deck AGAIN!! 

That's it - we're moving that pipe - I don't care how much it costs. It doesn't matter how carefully the pipe gets drained in the fall; this is the fourth (?) year in a row that the pipe has burst. Not a big deal, you say? It's a big deal because part of the deck has to be torn up. It's a silly, idiotic design. But that's where the outlet was when the house was built. We NEVER had issues in the beginning. 

Of course, that happened just when the printer was acting up. I rebooted the computer and the printer, and the printer finally came online. Thank goodness. And here's the label. 

The label for my challenge

Here's the back of the quilt, so you can get an idea of what it looks like. OK -- I'm kidding about that!

The back of my quilt

I could show you the front, but it's a challenge, and although you don't get to vote on it, I'd prefer to keep it under wraps for now. It could be a surprise for those going to Quilt Canada. I realized after I mailed it that I had forgotten to color one small part with my fabric markers, but who's going to know? 

Thank goodness that's done, as look at my finger! It's a little rough from all the hand stitching. 

A hole in my finger!

Yes - I know there are thimbles for that, but I was too lazy to get it out, so I guess I can't complain. 

And I managed to get some other sewing done, but it wasn't until I started sewing that I realized part of the cutting I did earlier that week was incorrect! I'm making do with what I have, and I can recover from it! All is good. 

I'm back to wearing the bright-colored HOKA running shoes. I love this color, and they are cheery to say the least. Do you think the girls got in the picture because they want new shoes? 

New shoes!

After I returned from the post office to mail that package, the owner of the landscape company had arrived, as we had other things to discuss in the backyard besides the silly burst pipe. As we were talking, guess who was outside? She can bark her head off at other beings, but the two-legged kind? "Oh, MOM - these are my friends. I don't bark when friends come." Murphy is an attention seeker - there's no question!

I should mention that I love the flat-rate shipping by Canada Post. A tracking number, an easy-to-use box in four sizes. I'm a convert, and the $20, including tax (for an extra-small), no longer bothers me. They are so easy to use! I LOVE them. 

But as Steve and I started chatting about what needed to be done, Murphy grabbed her toy and wouldn't keep quiet. It was very annoying, and of course, she doesn't listen. 

I don't know how many times that outdoor toy went into the pond, which they were cleaning, so all the dirt was riled up. 

MOM - I love talking to everyone!

Let's just say that the toy is now 100% relegated to the outdoors as it's soaking wet and filthy. But look how happy Murphy looks!!!

I had a phone call earlier in the day, so I took it outside to prevent my voice from dropping. Stupid cell service! Murphy wouldn't stop barking then either. Why is that? This dog gets attention, but I think she's trying to tell the people I chat with something. I can just hear her, "Rescue me - I'm not getting enough attention!"

Mom - I'm a good dog - I just like to talk!

The fish were all agitated yesterday, as loads of leaves and other debris were removed from the pond. They can't fill the pond and get the pump going because we don't have water! Some of the leaves have already reached the surface! 

A somewhat debris-free pond

A plan has been put in place to fix the water, and we're going to relocate the tap so it comes directly from the utility room downstairs, which is located on the side of the house. Murphy will be far removed from the tap, as the position of the existing tap is such that Murphy can accidentally turn it on or off, even with a turning one. That dog is powerful, and as she runs past it to get to a rabbit or whatever, her body hits the tap and moves it. I'll take a picture so you can see exactly what I mean. 

It's very annoying, to put it mildly. The new location will fix that problem and the freezing issue, so that's good. There are also a few shrubs that, after 25+ years in the backyard, are just tired and need to be replaced. Not many, but a few. I'll take some before pictures so you can see what I mean. But it's all in my gazebo corner, so I'm excited about that. 

Well, you can kind of see it to the right of the gazebo. There are some cedars and boxwood, and they need to be removed. Plus, we have a little wooden bridge that has seen better days (over 25 years), and it's starting to rot badly, so it needs to be replaced with something. We have a plan, and now I wait for them to come and fix it all. 

Murphy and her toy

Yes - we could do it ourselves, but seriously? That is NOT going to happen. We focus our expertise on areas where we are experts, and gardening is not one of them. Besides, it keeps the landscaper in business! 

As for those four urgent emails, two of them are done. One of them, of course, required a lot of follow-up, and I need to complete the last of it this morning. And then I can sew and make samples all day, which is good. I have three days to prepare two articles, or at least one of them, and prepare for five sessions this weekend. 

And then there's the matter of the Cherrywood Challenge, which is due in a month - OK, less than a month. I need to get to work or I won't finish mine on time. I hope what happened with the Trendtex Challenge isn't an indication of what will happen with Cherrywood. After this weekend, I will be able to devote two whole weeks, more or less, to completing it. 

We have a Virtual Retreat this weekend! I plan to attend, but I'd better have my head down to the sewing machine! Or hopefully, I can finish the Cherrywood top and work on the hand embellishments! That would be perfect!!

Remember, the Virtual Retreat is open to anyone. It's just a super way to stay connected. 

Here are the links: 

Saturday, April 26 - starts at 6 PM

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

Meeting ID: 826 9370 2241
Passcode: 795071

Sunday, April 27 - starts at NOON

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

Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838


Putting those links on my blog will put Zoom into a tizzy because I'm posting the links publicly in an insecure way, and I get emails every time I post the links. That is new! It drives me crazy. It's my link, my meeting - I can post it wherever I want! 

And on that note, I'm off to spin class. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Trendtex Challenge

Stand up - sit down! Do that ten times an hour, and WOW!!! That makes a difference. It gets easier! If you can't do ten times - try ONCE an hour! Your quads will thank you! I won't say that my leg feels better because of this, but with all the extra stretching, it's so much better than it was. I have my moments, and they are really dependent on how I sit. So, I'm learning to live with it until I get some answers. 

Now, I need to catch up on other things that have happened over the last few days. Yesterday, I did not declutter, as it was a Virtual Retreat in the afternoon and writing in the morning. 

Here's a thought on the writing. We had a big discussion about AI and Chat-GPT yesterday. While they are NOT mutually exclusive, I think they are two different things, or one is a subset of the other. If you look at using computers to do research, that is NOT new. If you call that AI, so be it. I call that the power of a processor to grind through data. 

If you feed the computer enough data, it can predict things. To me, that is data crunching, not AI. AI is when the computer generates ideas, pictures, etc., although the computer can only generate from what it has in its databases. It does not (not yet, anyway) have the power to write independently. 

And that's where I have an issue with Chat-GPT. I think it's wrong to tell the computer the outline of your paragraph, essay, or book and let the computer generate the text. And if you decide to do that because writing isn't your thing, then be prepared to EDIT the darn result! 

Using an existing document as a basis for a new one is much harder than writing from scratch. Yesterday, I faced that challenge. I revamped a document I had written several years ago, which took much more time than if I had started from scratch. 

As I've mentioned, I use Grammarly to edit my blog posts, and it's becoming increasingly involved in the process. Some words and phrases suggested are NOT my style at all. Sometimes, I let the suggestion go; sometimes, I don't. It takes as long, if not longer, to edit these posts than to write them! The worst offender that Grammarly does is to change the meaning of the sentence. It likes to do that a lot, and that's NOT what I'm trying to say. I've put examples up for you in the past. 

OH -- As I was researching some information on the internet yesterday, I came across a passage that was generated by AI. That was mentioned at the beginning and end of the four paragraphs. Hmmm -- decent enough information, except that what it said in paragraph two was contradicted in paragraph three!! All it did was search for this topic online and create a decent enough article, but it wasn't correct! Does anyone check the facts? I don't think so!

I accomplished something major yesterday, but I can't share it with you. 

I ordered the Trendtex challenge from the Canadian Qulter's Association in October. This is their annual challenge - it's been going on for many years. Trendtex is their sponsor and provides five somewhat coordinated fabrics in the challenge kit. I purchased one kit, and these are the five fabrics. 

Trendtex Challenge 2025

The theme is Blooming. So, what does one do with that? I got an idea pretty much as soon as I looked at the fabric, and I used EQ8 to help with the design. I had taken it to the in-person retreat but didn't have time to work on it, which was probably good. The other day, I cut the fabric and started to sew it. It was a great project to sew during the virtual retreat. 

I will be able to finish piecing the top today. However, as I worked, I had some concerns that I wouldn't have enough black fabric, so I had to do some creative piecing to get enough to complete the design. This piece is 1" by 4" with a seam down the center! Phew—I just made it!

My final piece

This is all that is left of that fat quarter of black. This piece is about 8 inches long. 

All that remains of the black

Thankfully, I did NOT even bother to measure before I started the piece, or I would have been discouraged. I just winged it, and it worked! 

When the piece is complete, I won't have much of the five fat quarters left! Sheesh -- it took a lot of fabric to make a small piece. 

Anyway, it's not done - it needs some quilting, embellishments, labels, hanging sleeve, etc., but at least I've started and must keep going. I'm good at buying the challenges and never doing anything with them. This year will be different!

We had turkey for Christmas. We don't buy turkeys because—well, we just don't. So we bought a thigh and a breast. I cleaned off the carcass and saved the bones to make turkey stock. I know—me? That's what I said, but it seemed a shame to throw the bones out without using them to their fullest. 

That's why I went to the grocery store on Boxing Day but had to wait until the next day to get some carrots, celery, and an onion. 

Making turkey stock

When I went into my nicely organized spice drawer, it was still neat and tidy, but there was a huge mess in the back where the bags of excess spice are stored. So, while the stock boiled, I had to clean that up. DH does not see the messes he makes in the kitchen. Spills on the floor? Nope—he doesn't see those either. But he cooks, and I can follow behind and clean up the spills. 

The spice drawer

After the stock had boiled and cooled, I cleaned everything off the bones, removed the ugly bits of turkey, added more turkey, cut up more veggies, and made the soup, which I had for lunch yesterday. It was pretty tasty and a nice break from my usual soup, which comes in a can. 

I really should start making my soups as they are easy and mostly require some veggie chopping, which isn't hard. 

Oh, here's my UFO, which I'm working on. All the pieces are prepped and ready for the final sewing stage, which is a huge accomplishment! 

The state of my current UFO

Here are three interesting items I found in the storage/organization magazines that I think are ridiculous! 

See how they added this slim cabinet in the corner? Yes - it looks like such a great idea; however, what about the big white vase filled with flowers. Doesn't it seem like it's in the way? OK - that can be moved. What about the light fixture above? Did they just cram this thing in the corner for the photo? This reminds me of an AI-generated picture. It doesn't make sense. Does no one edit this stuff?

Cabinet squeezed into the corner

With all the AI-generated photos, we must teach people how to tell reality from fake. I won't say more about that today, but I have much to say! And what about pictures on IG that are so staged that they're ridiculous? 

OK - here's another example of storage in the bathroom. It looks pretty, and it looks neat. But seriously? Who wants to bend down and pick up those three baskets every time you clean the floor? That would NOT happen in my house! It might have happened before, but it's not happening now! 

Would you pick up those baskets to clean?

And here's one more. The labels on these drawers are done with chalk. How long will that stay that way in a child's room? One press against the drawer with the body or hands to close it, and POOF - the chalk label is gone! It's pretty and cute but not practical. 

Chalk labels in a kid's room?

If nothing else, the storage/organization magazines are great entertainment on what NOT to do in the storage world! 

We had a white Christmas, but except for a tiny pile of snow beside the driveway, which is fast disappearing in the above zero (Celsius temperatures) and the wind and the rain, the ground is bare! 

Don't forget throughout the day - do your stand-up/sit-down routine. Although I haven't been doing it that long, my legs already feel a difference. Do yourself a favor and PROTECT your mobility!! And protect your balance! Both are equally important to remaining independent as we age. Don't screw it up! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

King of the Waves

 Well, there isn't much to show for what got done yesterday, but I accomplished MUCH!

The first thing on the agenda was the two UFO Zoom classes. The UFO Club will undoubtedly continue in 2024, which is partially why some of the other stuff must go. I'm continually struggling to get anything done, and it's not that I don't want to contribute to the donation fund; it's that I want to get working on these UFOs. So there will be less NEW and more focus on completing the UFOs!

I'm thrilled about that! 

Once that was over, I spent the ENTIRE (or a good part) of the day working on paperwork. Yes -- can you believe that? I'm happy to report that the pile sitting on the desk and needing URGENT attention is now almost depleted. Much more needs to be addressed, but I made a visible dent, which makes me very happy. 

I will probably take a wee bit of it with me this week, or more likely, I will focus on planning things for the fall, so I'm thrilled with the effort. 

After lunch, I had a wee nap in the gazebo and attempted to call my Dad, but he was "working." I swear he spends every waking moment he can at the Museum. Then I had to be entertained by Murphy. 

Well, Lexi has been feeling a bit left out, so here she is. Now, can you tell me why she sleeps this way? It's like she wants to lay in the sun and warm her tummy, although she's a Husky, so why? But her head is spun backward - perhaps to avoid staring into the sun? She often lies like that, so it must be comfortable for her. Silly girl. 

MOM -- catching a few rays

And then there's Murphy. When I was in the gazebo in the afternoon, attempting to talk to my Mom, Murphy immediately grabbed her ball and dumped it in the pond. Then she proceeded to bark her head off because someone needed to rescue her, even though she's become adept at pulling it out herself. She reminded me of a needy kid. 

Then immediately after dinner, she wanted to play ball, so I threw it for her. At one point, the ball was so hidden that it took her almost five minutes to recover it. She needed a mental break after that! But then she was back at it, and at one point, it plopped into the pond, so she plopped herself down on the rock to wait for me to get it for her! DH and I both looked at each other and burst out laughing! She is such a character. 

MOM - DAD -- look at me - I'm the good dog!!

In the afternoon, I decided to go for a walk as I had to stop at the grocery store and get a geocache. I decided to find one in a pine tree that was close to the grocery store. I had attempted to find it before but had no luck. OH MY GOODNESS -- while there is a path into this little grove of trees, there is loads of vegetation, which I had to tramp down to get to the tree, and I hoped it was the tree in question. I think I startled a couple of smaller kids who ventured into the grove and were probably stunned to find an adult poking around. They soon left!

I searched around the tree several times and had no luck, but I was determined to get this thing. So, at last, I took the plunge and went under the branches in one area and was about to stand up to look around me, and BAM -- there it was in front of my face. I got a chuckle from that and signed the log, and then I was good for the day. That's 12 days in a row! 

The troublesome geocache

That little tube is about the size of my baby finger, and finding it in a pine tree? Almost as bad as finding a needle in a haystack! 

We should pay more attention to our surroundings! I was at the grocery store the other day, and since they installed self-checkouts, I use those. But we always get a long printed receipt, which neither myself nor other customers were happy about. So when I got a short little receipt the other day, I mentioned to the person in that area that perhaps the paper was out. 

The same thing happened yesterday, and when I mentioned it again, I was told that there is no longer a long receipt but just this short piece of paper stating that my receipt was e-mailed. AHA --- someone listened, and a lot of paper will be saved by this. Now this is a civilized way to get a receipt. 

My abbreviated receipt

And as part of my paperwork effort, there was my old health card. It is now chopped up into little pieces and disposed of. I think I've been using this card since I moved to Ontario back in 1990. 

Out with the old

Every year, Trendtex sponsors a quilt challenge as part of Quilt Canada. It is a fundraiser, and people buy kits and make them into quilts, which are then sold at a silent auction. I have been purchasing the challenge quilts for a number of years and have a nice collection, which I've been meaning to share with you for a while. 

After browsing the pieces, I settled on a couple, but then over the course of the event, I decided that I wanted the one made by Sue Sherman. Sue is an award-winning quilt artist who won Best of Show this year. So I started a bid on this one. I had a price in mind, and I see that several others wanted it. But I wanted it MORE! So I was pleased when I got a call that the piece was mine. 

King of the Waves

It's a very unusual shape, but so well done. It's all raw edge applique, and the quilting is exquisite!

Detail of King of the Waves

Here's the label on the back -- yep -- so it's a signed Sue Sherman, and let me say that I got it for a fraction of the price that some of her artwork goes for. That's why I was determined to get this one. 

The label for King of the Waves

And this is the artist's statement. Thanks to Heather and Cheryl for babysitting for me when I couldn't be there at the end. 

The artist's statement

No unpacking or sorting got done, so that's high on the agenda for this morning. I also have some other paperwork that I'd like to get done, so I may miss Monday's sewing. Well, I can pack and sort while that is happening, and I also need to do some sewing before I go. About one hour's worth. - wait, we all know that will more likely be TWO hours. But there is time as my flight isn't until dinner time. 

I'm happy to report that my knee is feeling much better. I have a feeling that all the activity of Quilt Canada aggravated it, and it was so swollen that it's taken over a week to "heal." While I still suspect the meniscus is torn (like I said -- it's better, but not fixed), at least I can function more like normal than I could before. So I'm still in a holding pattern for the trip. 

On that note, I'm off to spin class and then another busy day of getting stuff done. When I'm home later this week, I might even be able to grab more paper off the table and start working on a new pile!! I WILL get that table clear!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

You've got mail!!

 I love Liz's comment from yesterday's post about changing up the route you walk! I have to confess that I mostly keep Murphy to the same walk. And that is done intentionally. If we change up the course, she gets even more excited than she already is, and well - I suspect that some of my knee and low back issues are a result of walking that very excitable dog! I have to keep TWO hands on the leash - not always, but at times, especially when passing a squirrel convention, which happens daily!

Lexi, on the other hand, gets to choose which walk she wants that day. Do we go left or right from the driveway? And then sometimes, we change up the direction that we walk in the forest - she can easily handle change. Murphy? Not so much!

To practice what I preach, I took a slightly different route for my afternoon walk. Still walked the same distance, just on other streets. 

I hope everyone had a chance to try a different route in the car or on their walk or just do something different! The same old - gets boring pretty quickly. 

Well, that's not true - we all have our days when we struggle to keep up! Yesterday was a tough day. By the afternoon, with one more to go, I needed a nap! I had two presentations in French and one (a new series) on sergers. So I had to "work" for all three in preparing mentally and physically.  

There are Youtube videos and websites, but I also love to have a physical book in my hand, and one day, I'm going to be so bright that my brain won't handle all the information! Let's just say that I've learned tons and still learning! My extensive library is definitely helping out with all the research that I need to do.

Here's the new serger that just came out - it's the Husqvarna Viking Amber Air S600. A five-thread machine that is a dream to work with. 

Husqvarna Viking Amber Air S600

Let's just say that you start to look at all your clothing in a whole new way. What kind of seam did they use to sew that garment together? Yep -- it's crazy. 

And here's my little waste box. I've been playing with the tension, and it's so easy! GASP!! Easy tension on a serger? Yep -- there are a few little tricks that I've been telling people in those serger series. It's like anything; once you learn and understand, nothing is complicated!! So even if you're not in the market for a new serger, you will probably learn something in this serger series, and you might even get inspired to be serging! 

The waste bin for the serger

There is a new series on the sergers, which starts November 10 - if you're interested, let me know, and I'll let you know which store is hosting it. It's all on Zoom. 

I know you are probably tired of hearing about my package, but I'm so excited that the issue got resolved quickly compared to last time. I noticed this morning that the expected delivery is now Monday!!  Yeah!!!! I know it will get there, but I'm still leery.

And it's always crazy to actually track all the places that a package goes through on its journey. Here's where my box has been once it entered the US. 

Michigan, Ontario, Michigan???

I love getting mail, which is why I'm going to do a Christmas card blitz again this year! If you're on my list, you'll get a card. If you're not and would like a card, e-mail me to provide your mailing address. 

Well, things are coming and going around here. Even though I have one presentation today - in English and all about quilting -- easy, I have a couple of fun things on the agenda, and you'll have to wait to see what those are! I'm super excited! One of the things is to pick up an order that I recently placed for batting, and there might be some surprises with the batting -- like the patterns for classes next year!!! The other is an outdoor activity, and I haven't even checked the weather. Rain or shine -- I'm going ahead!  Just checked -- sunny and cool! Perfect!

Sometime this weekend, I have another package to pick up, but I need to make arrangements for that to happen first. Then there's a package coming today with long arm upgrades. Yeah!!! Another box is being shipped next week with more fabric for the next project. That one is super exciting - there will be loads of stuff to learn for that project, but HIGH visibility, and that's all I'm going to say!!! December is set aside to work on that! 

I received my Trendtex challenge fabric kit yesterday!!! Oh my -- I love the colors!!!  The theme is REFRESH, so I need to get my brain working on that. 

Trendtex challenge fabrics

Speaking of challenges, I know that some people struggle to get inspiration. Where do I get my inspiration? It can happen in the weirdest of spots. I was huffing and puffing in spin class the other day. Joseph usually plays videos for us to watch - extreme sports or bloopers or Olympic moments - stuff like that. Anyway, sometimes, I can focus on the screen to pass the time; in other moments, I'm focusing on my breathing to stay alive on the bike! Just kidding - it's never quite that bad. 

Anyway -- all that to say, as I was on the bike, I had a brilliant thought about the Cherrywood challenge. And see - just like that, I've got an idea. Where did the inspiration come from? My brain, the visual stimulation in the room, and a bit of sweat! I need to start mulling that over, but I think it'll work for the challenge. 

The same thing will happen with Refresh. Now that I have that theme and the fabrics in hand, my subconscious will kick in. Sometimes, it's good to start with a Google search, learn the actual definition of the theme, and then think of ways to interpret that theme. 

One more piece of mail -- we got our medal for The Big Canada Run. Although our group is at 46% -- GO TEAM GO!!!, they send out all the medals and other stuff. We also got a buff. These will be awesome at this time of the year. You want a little something at your neck, but it's not cold enough for a scarf!!! 

The Big Canada Run

I have to say that I'm pretty proud of our little group of four on The Big Canada Run. We are now at 46% and will hit the Alberta/Saskatchewan border in the next day or so. I had planned on completing 10% (1,000 KM) per month to finish at the end of April. At our rate, we are going to finish sooner. Not sure how much sooner, but it doesn't matter. We will have walked the entire 10,0000 K by the end of April at the latest. Go, TEAM GO!!!  We are 82 out of 239, so that's not bad for four experienced ladies, none of which is a runner!

I did get an e-mail out this morning and some other writing. But I still owe a couple of e-mails to people, so you are not forgotten -- I'm just running a bit behind to get things done! I have the entire weekend "free," but there are quilts to quilt, e-mails to write, homework to prep, as well as presentations to get up to snuff, so it will be busy, but no set times! I like that!

Hopefully, you did something a different way yesterday. If not, then you better do that today! I'll think about taking Murphy on a slightly different route, although she gets a variety of paths - on the streets and in the forest, so each day - it's the same but varied. For her - meeting someone new is enough to throw her in a frenzied state! And she knows where the best squirrel conventions are held as she goes on HIGH alert when we enter those areas! 

Well, on that note, I'd better get myself organized as there are things to get done! 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!