Progress

 A week is a long time to be at a retreat, but it is heaven. I'm not thinking about the girls. They are in good hands. I miss them, but sometimes, it's great to get a break from their antics -- just like your kids! We go home tomorrow, and I'm sure I'll get the cold shoulder from the Princess and five minutes of love from Murphy, and then she'll be off to get into trouble! Dogs don't appreciate the passage of time; all is forgiven as soon as you are back! 

We have been housebound here, not because of circumstances but by choice. We have all that we need, we went on one shopping trip, and there's just no need to leave when you have good company, lots of projects, and an excellent setup to make our lives easy. And only ONE coffee run has been made! 

After much discussion last night, we agreed (or I proclaimed) that this is the best retreat house. Retreat at the Farm. Why? Some of you say there's a much larger house available, but sometimes large isn't always better. This one is cozy, and six fit comfortably. We get to visit with everyone who is here. The stairs are better here, there are no small steps to the sewing room, the kitchen is more than adequate with new appliances, and well --- it's just a nice setup! 

We're so thankful to the owners of these retreat houses for making it possible to get away and sew with minimal effort on our part! However, there is a lot of wind at the moment, and this side of the house is very exposed. It's not cold, which is surprising, but you can hear the wind howling and the house bits creaking. It's not bad -- just a windy day. 

And this retreat is booked up solid for this year (except the summer), so it's also good that it's not just me who agrees that it's a nice house. 

I made excellent progress yesterday and finished up all the blocks from the scraps of Farmer's Wife. 

Scrappy blocks from Farmer's Wife scraps

I put them on the wall, but I'm sharing that photo with the scrap class this morning (yes --- I even have Zoom while on retreat), and then I'll share it with you. I'm quite surprised at how large this project will be when done. And it all came from stuff that most people would throw away. So yes -- -there are loads of things for me to work on when I downsize that only require a small amount of storage space. It took me 2 1/2 solid days of sewing to get those blocks; under normal circumstances, that could take several weeks. 

Then I finished trimming those half-square triangles. 

Half-square triangles 

And found a few flying geese in the bag as well. These are leftover bits from a quilt I designed years ago, one of the few magazine cover quilts I made. The picture should be at the top of my blog on the right-hand side. 

Some flying geese units

There are still three projects in the bag that I have NOT touched, and I may or may not touch one tomorrow. I'll see how today goes because today is a BIG day. 

But first, here's one more project that I worked on yesterday. I started these tumbling blocks 25 years ago to make a queen-sized quilt for M. What was I thinking? I had no idea. 

Over the years, I've pulled them out and worked on them, but not seriously. For some reason, I cut MANY of the dark diamonds,s and rather than throw them out, I'll make them into blocks. I'm sorry -- my head doesn't like to throw out just because. I love working with the small pieces, and the sense of accomplishment will be a thrill at the end, so I plod along and am pretty happy. 

The tumbling blocks project

I've cut up all the white and medium fabric I had, and I think I will need a bit more to accommodate the number of dark blue diamonds. 

I thought I would at least get all the white and medium sewn together that I could. Except it was after lunch, and I was getting tired, so when I got back from the walk, I realized that HALF of what I had sewn needed to be corrected! ACK!!!! 

Sewing the white to the medium

The white has to go on a particular side of the medium to get the values in the right place, and I found two backward blocks. 

Tumbling blocks 

Let's just say that all the blocks are now correct, as I fixed everything that was sewn incorrectly, and all the white that I had is sewn to all the mediums I had. The next step will be to add the dark blue, see how much white and medium are missing, and add it to that bag. But I am done with that project for this retreat. But progress is being made, and this time, significant progress, so I was happy about that. 

We all have ONE project that repeatedly returns to the retreat!

Then I got to move on to another HUGE project. Over the years, there have been some big projects that have gone around. Do you remember the Town and Country quilt from The Gourmet Quilter? Dear Jane? The 365-day quilt project? We now have a club to deal with those, and about 25 of us are in that group. 

OH --- here's a story about Dear Jane. I'm writing each night in my Happiness Journal, and in 2012, we were working on Dear Jane at The Hobby Horse. I got a chuckle because I was EXCITED to start and made SIX blocks of 169. Sigh...................

While I have a "few" of those many block projects, focusing is critical, and I've picked ONE -- the 365-day project from Kathryn Kerr. 

I was sure I had completed the blocks up to February 19, so I committed to getting all the blocks finished for our next session. Well, I started the process yesterday, and the first thing I did was to see what was done. AHA --- all of January was done, but there was a BONUS block for January 1 for those that felt the first block was too easy. Well, one has to do the bonus block -- no???

Bonus block for January

So all of January is complete, including the bonus block for 32 blocks that measure 3 1/2" UNFINISHED. Yes --- that's insane, but I love this quilt and want to say I've made it. 

Then onto February to take inventory of what is done. 

Hmm --- not a good start as I look at the first block to see that I did NOT do it the way the pattern is. The corners are slightly different, and why the heck would I have done that? So the dilemma is --- should I remake the block?? I know you are yelling at me to NOT remake the block, but it's set aside for me to contemplate. Removing and fixing the two corners would be easier than remaking the block. I'll see how it goes. 

February 1 block is not according to the pattern

However, the inventory came up short. I had abandoned the project on February 8, NOT the 19th, as I thought. My commitment is to finish all the blocks for February. I could whine and change that, but I'm going to take on the challenge and see what I can do. Especially since I'm at a retreat, which is the ONLY project on the agenda for today. I've looked at the blocks, and some are nasty, but for the most part, they are variations of a four-patch. That should be doable. 

So, in addition to the bonus block for January 1, I made the block for February 9. Only 19 more blocks to make, and then there is the large center block which I may make if I get time. That large one was NOT on my commitment list. 

February 9 block

Yes --- I realize this is a HUGE commitment to take on with all the other projects, but if I don't focus on it a bit more, it'll never get done, which would be sad. I do NOT plan to complete the quilt this year, but I'd be thrilled if I can complete half of it. 

Remember to check out the last day of QUILTsocial. After a wee bit of practice, invisible zippers are a snap to insert. I love them! 

Well, that's it for today. I've got Zoom all morning, so that'll cut into my sewing time, and we may have to cut our walk a bit short to get back in time. No worries -- it'll all work out. 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!!

Improv piecing with scraps

You guessed it -- EVERYTHING takes longer than you think it will. Did I finish those improv blocks with the leftovers from Farmer's Wife? Nope --- and I went to bed with the problem of figuring out how many blocks I would need, how many I have, and whether I have enough fabric to complete the blocks? 

Thanks to a discussion with Katheleen, I will keep these blocks myself. I have a plan and hope I have enough craps to finish it. 

Here are the finished blocks. They look fantastic, and I'm very excited about them. 

My improv blocks

I've been up for hours after having a fantastic sleep. This is all that remains of the scraps and the partially completed blocks. 

Almost done!

It's so exciting!! So when I say I'll be happy to work on those scrap boxes when I downsize to an apartment and don't have much room, I'm not kidding! 

Working on these improv projects will be my new retreat goto project. I love doing them as you rarely have to rip anything out because there is no right or wrong. I have another large bag of scraps with me that I think I'll wait to start. I may do one block to say I worked on it, but it's going back into the retreat bag for the next retreat. 

And I have a large basket of flannel, so that will come with me at some point. Could I be working on "real" projects? I could, but this is like a vacation, and those important ones can wait until I get home! 

I should finish well before lunch today! 

Like many areas around here, we had a lot of snow on Wednesday. I shoveled the front step so I could walk to the driveway to see how much snow there was. And, well -- I need to prepare better for footwear. Don't yell at me! I didn't bring winter boots, but I HATE winter boots. However, I brought my rain boots, but they are short, so they are less useful than one would like in deep snow. 

The laneway looked like this, and it wasn't bad. There was no wind, and the temperature was beautiful. So we headed off for a walk. I already had a few steps because of the shoveling. 

A winter wonderland

Of course, my car with the least clearance has a big snow bank in front of it! And that snow was compacted and was NOT light and fluffy. 

 

Snowbanks in the yard

Helen Anne and I made it to the end of the laneway to discover the road was not plowed; however, cars had passed, and we could walk in the tracks. There's not much traffic on this road. 

As we reached the intersection, we turned to find the plow behind us. 

The plow 

That made it easier to walk back, but only half of the road got plowed, and as we reached the other intersection, again, we turned to find the plow barreling down on us. So that main road wasn't an issue. 

Some of our tracks were blown in when we got back to the laneway. And this time, I followed Helen Anne to the house. I only had to dig the snow out of my boots once, and my feet were pretty dry. 

Then the tractor came to clear the laneway and the yard. We had to move the cars, and I got soaked. It was a challenge to move that snow off those BIG vehicles. OK -- so there's a plus for a small car -- much easier to get that snow off. But all the vehicles got moved, and we now have a clear path to park and get out. 

We sat around and chatted a wee bit before bed last night. But I faded, and I have no idea when the rest went to bed. I didn't care -- I march to my time! 

I even listened to my audiobook this morning as it will soon need to be returned, and you can't hold onto those. When the due date comes, those books are gone! I'm reading The Hobbit, and it's fun as you follow Bilbo's adventures. 

Well, I'm off. I need to get those last blocks together, and will I have enough fabric to finish them? We'll have to wait and see. 

There's another post on QUILTsocial today. Check out what you can do with decorative stitches!!!! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

Snowed in!

I have yet to go outside, but could we be snowed in? We had a lot of snow yesterday, but the retreat house is also on a hill, and the snow was blowing, so hopefully, it blew away from the yard and not into it! 

We'll be out for our walk once it gets light, and then we'll see. This region is on the ball for road maintenance, so that won't be a problem, but we have to get from the house to the road. And if we don't get out for our walk until later, I'm OK with that. The road past the house is a gravel road, so it's not on the priority list, and I have yet to see the plow pass today. 

But we were out yesterday and got our KM in. The temperature was nice, and it was only on the afternoon walk when it started to snow and the wind picked up that it wasn't the most pleasant to be out. Again -- there is no bad weather, just bad clothing! 

What did I work on yesterday? OK -- so most of you will think I've gone crazy, but I worked on that pile of scraps that were in the decorative tin. That's my plan for when I downsize. I will work on scraps, but I may not have any if I keep working on them now. As if that would happen! 

My scrap pile

So that was the pile that I started with. I'm not going to explain what I did -- not yet, since I'm going to use this for my scrap class on Saturday. But this is what I had by the end of the day. 

Blocks (32) made from the scraps

And yes -- I know - there are some small pieces there, but I'm OK with that. I love working with small pieces, and I LOVE the process of making something from nothing. I also like working from yardage, but I fell in love with scraps early on and to me, working with scraps is the most exciting part of quilting. So that's why Diane is getting most of my stash to play with! 

Here's one sneak peek at what they'll see on the weekend. How small is too small? And this was a weird shape, so I did toss a few pieces, but they don't even fill my little thread catcher!

Odd shaped scraps

I'm onto day two of working with this scrap bundle, and I hope to finish today. I'm not sure how long it'll take me, but I want to be done - today!

I checked my retreat bag, and there are only four other projects, which is good planning. There is NO danger of running out of things to sew as one of them could keep me busy for months. But slow and steady is my motto, and I want to work on all four of them before leaving. I might be able to finish one more and then do a bit on each. I'll see how it goes. We leave on Sunday, so we still have loads of time to work! 

Yes -- we spoiled ourselves, and our retreats are now ONE week long. How decadent! But it gives you a nice break, and if you don't want to sew, you can bring something else or go shopping. Or you can walk a couple of hours daily, which Helen Anne and I do. We have some amazing conversations, and I learn a lot. Yep --- lots of fun at the retreat. 

In keeping with the scrap theme, Maryke brought a project she is working on, and I wanted to try it with some different products. My product isn't going to work for the way she does the project, but it will work for me! I "stole" scraps from her and made these two pieces. 

Scrappy postcards

I won't be able to finish them today as I need some more products from home, but I should be able to get the "tops" done today. They are teeny, not really a top, but they are the top of a postcard. 

And I'm making progress on trimming those half-square triangles. I will finish before we leave. Will I finish today? 

Progress on trimming half-square triangles

We are eating like queens and having a blast so if ever you get a chance to go to retreat -- GO!! I see a couple of people e-mailed me about a retreat, and I'll get in touch with you when I'm home and see what we can arrange. That retreat would be for anyone who has never attended an in-person retreat. I checked the calendar last night for this house, and we had to book immediately for next year as the dates are filling up. But some spots are open to book a weekend, so we'll see how that goes. If you've never been to a retreat and would like to try it, send me an e-mail. My e-mail, if you need it, is elainetheriault@gmail.com. And the retreat would be in either Shelburne or near New Hamburg. 

I won't steer you wrong, as I've been organizing these retreats for YEARS. And I have no idea how many retreats I've been to -- I'd say it's now close to 100. GASP. I know - you're going to say -- that's not true, but we went to Quilter's MisBeehaven in Bracebridge 23 times before it closed. Since then, we've been to Seams Appropriate in Huntsville, Fireside in Orillia (now closed), Springhouse retreat in New Hamburg, and Retreat at the Farm in Shelburne. And I've been to several guild retreats at hotels. We started off with two a year, and now, well, I went to 6 retreats last year and booked for 5 this year already. 

Actually, it might be closer to 75 -- 100 is definitely not right.  

This is what it looked like out the window yesterday. This picture was taken in the afternoon, and we were toasty warm in the house. The light in this room is the BEST of all the sewing rooms I've sewn in. I'm jealous of not having this much natural light at home. 

The view from the window

And last night, the snow was clinging to the window and looked like flocked wallpaper. And thanks to Cathy and her crew, who showed us that six people fit beautifully into this room, and we each have our own table, with lots of room to move around! 

Flocked wallpaper on the windows

Well, it's time to hit the scrap pile. 

Oh -- here's the link to Day Three of QUILTsocial. I had so much fun making those projects - check them out. 

Have a great day, and STAY safe. If you don't need to go out until the roads are plowed, then don't! 

Ciao!!!!

From the heart!

 Here we are on Day Three of the retreat. How fun to run away from home for a week and get to sew with friends all day. And if you don't want to sew -- that's OK. I only brought a few projects, but I brought some doozies! Lots of improv stuff, which is fun to do, and I don't really stick with them at home. 

We took a wee break in the afternoon and went to Creekbank Sewing. While they sell a competitor's sewing machines, I really like the store. It's currently situated on a Mennonite farm, but it will be relocated sometime later this year. We saw the new spot, and while it's going to be close to the original, it will now be off the main road, not on the farm.  

Anyway -- the staff is very knowledgeable and EXTREMELY helpful. I went with the intent of purchasing something that I thought was $99, only to discover it was $73. OK -- that was a bonus, and I decided to splurge on something else. The large purchase was the Bernina Big Books. Shhh --- do not tell anyone I have those books, but they are excellent reference books and can be translated into any machine brand. I have a few already and was glad to find the other one I wanted at a reasonable price. 

We didn't stop at the Misty Marketplace on the corner in Conn. Another time -- that trip already took two hours. Considering that we were five, which makes it challenging to check out, these guys are on the ball. And the store is 30 minutes away, so we did very well on time. That's it -- that's the only place that I wanted to shop, so I'm done. I'm going to hunker down and sew on my itty bitty projects for the rest of the week. 

Plus, we're supposed to have snow today, so best to stay home and sew. 

So let's see what I'm working on. My current project was the Boho Heart. While the top was done, I decided I didn't like that the heart touched three sides of the quilt. I extended the top by adding 6 inches, and I'll add three inches to each side. 

Here's a shot of it in progress. I'm working with my scrap box (from this quilt) and discovered that I was missing some strips that were long enough. You can see that I'm halfway through the extension. And instead of just sewing six inches to the top, I opened up the seams and added the six inches by staggering where the seam would be. 

Progress on BOHO Heart

Then I started removing the entire strips and adding a completely new one. I found that much easier as it was less handling of the quilt and just seemed easier and faster. 

So this is what it looked like at the end of the day. I made it all the way across the quilt. And we all agreed that it looks better. 

BOHO heart with the extension added 

However, the right side of the project was more challenging than the left side. I needed three fabrics, so many strips are hanging off the quilt. But that's OK. The worst is over, and it shouldn't take long to finish that off. I can't add the side strips, so I will do that when I get home. I needed two extra black-on-white fabrics, which I picked up at Creekbank. 

This corner is missing a few strips

But the day wasn't without mishaps. I was chatting away and obviously not paying attention, and this happened. 

Ooops -- those strips are going sideways!

I added the piece, and it was going sideways, not vertically. Sigh.................... 

Having sewn all I could, I put it away and pulled the next project out. I love being here because I stick with a project rather than putting it away. As I finish up with something, I load them in the car. Then when it's time to leave, there's not much left to put in the car. Yep -- I've learned, and it's such a pain to make many trips to the car when it could be done a little bit at a time. 

Oh -- I designed a quilt in EQ8 for those 83 little blocks from the day before. I'll need some background fabric which I have at home. And this will get bundled up and off to Diane, and we'll have a child's quilt from it. 

This was my next project. I had this block from Green Tea that needed to be sewn together. It's not my best sewing -- I did improv on the green part, and while it doesn't look like the pattern, the block is together. And it's going to stay that way. 

A block from Green Tea

It looks fine when I see it in the picture. Who would know that the tips of the leaves are supposed to be a point? No one! Get over it!!!!

Every time I pass the cutting table, I trim a few more half-square triangles, making progress without boring myself to death. 

The diminishing pile of half-square triangles

And one must be careful with what one says. Maryke walked past my table and commented on the cute little tin that housed my next project. I said she could have it. I said that everything was up for grabs, and of course, everyone wanted my sewing machines. OH -- well, that wasn't quite what I meant. Anyway, the tin is gone. 

A cute tin went to a new home

It was filled with all the leftovers from my Farmer's Wife quilt. The goal is to make improv blocks and then use them for a quilt. These were too pretty and have a very different feel from most of my other scraps, so that's my project for today and possibly tomorrow. 

Scraps from Farmer's Wife quilt

And another reason we need to be careful is I was commenting on how happy I was with my treat toolbox. It's got EVERYTHING I bragged, and I immediately broke my pencil lead (to mark the Y seams on that Green Tea block). I discovered that I did not have a pencil sharpener in my box. Sigh.......

My retreat toolbox

At one point, my bobbin ran out, and I decided it was an excellent time to clean the sewing machine. Can you believe how much lint I pulled from the bobbin case? 

That's a lot of lint

It may have been overdue for a cleaning and a new needle and needs to be serviced. 

Last year, we made a mat for the house, and it's held up very well. We peeked at the guest book, and the place has been booked with back-to-back dates for quite a while. That's great because it means the house will stay in business. Thanks to everyone who has helped that happen. December always seems to be wide open! 

The mat we made for the retreat house

The mat has a lot of wear right where the floor is cracked, but the paint has held up very well. I LOVE it. 

This is the road we walk on. It's not a very busy road, and it's clear, so it's an excellent place to walk. There were a few slippery patches, but we could still make good time. We went for a long walk in the morning and a short one in the afternoon. 

The walking scene

I love this sign. Let's just consolidate all those highways into one. It cuts down on land use and signage!!!

Highway sign

Been sleeping like a log, and it's great! 

ACK!! I just remembered that I should include the QUILTsocial posts this week. So here they are so far.

QUILTsocial Day One 

QUILTsocial Day Two

I'm doing some fantastic projects this week, just in time for Valentine's Day!!!

OK -- Now I'm off to sew. 

Have a super day11!

Ciao!!!!

Some REassembly required

I'm so glad to see people ARE using those special dishes! And eating in the dining room! That won't happen at our house, but that brings back memories. Remember those houses that had the "front room," and the furniture was wrapped in plastic. Oh my --- someone was afraid of a little stain or two. Thankfully, our mindsets have changed, and crack out that good china!!!!! 

So we're happily ensconced at Retreat at the Farm in Shelburne. What a nice, cozy house. I can hear the wind whipping outside this morning, and I'm toasty warm in the sewing room. 

One of the reasons I love this place is that it's ONE hour from door to door. Far enough to be "away" from home but close enough that should one forget something (god forbid), one could go back and get it. 

So imagine my excitement when that very thing happened, but I was prepared. I had packed the car the night before and did NOT check the sewing machine - did it have a needle, a foot, etc. I had thrown in the power cord and a presser foot - that I know I checked. When I was walking the dogs, I thought, does that machine have a presser foot? There was no way to check, so I grabbed my bag with the extra feet and bobbins. Sure enough, when I took the cover off -- NO presser foot. But I was ready! 

I guess I could have "stolen" the foot off the machine going to a new home, but I didn't want to do that. And this machine has the presser foot incorporated into it for storage, so I had an extra one! 

I sewed on this machine a long time ago. But this is now going to be my retreat machine. But my oh my -- while this used to be the top-of-the-line embroidery machine in its day, it's so small! The screen is small, the machine is small, and it doesn't have that ballast thing in to prevent it from bouncing! 

My faithful Husqvarna Viking Designer 1

However, it has all the same functionality as my DESIGNER EPIC 2, and I'm sewing for a week at a retreat with friends. Am I complaining? Nope! But I'll remember to leave it with a presser foot for next time. I also love that there's a wee extension thing to the left of the needle that gives you enough room to piece nicely without bringing an extension table. Yep --- this one is my new retreat machine!!!

One of the big questions upon arriving at the retreat and FINALLY getting all your crap in the house is what to sew? I did bring a few extra things, but when it's in the room, it's not much, but when bringing it in - it seemed like a lot. Of course, I had stuff for other people, so I won't be packing that back in the car. 

What to sew? What to sew? I didn't bring lots, but some of the projects are large. I started with a bag of scraps from one of the quilts that Diane sewed. I'll make improve blocks and see where I end up. I love doing that kind of thing -- it's totally mindless, and I love seeing how you can create something from nothing. 

I ended up with 83 blocks that are 3" unfinished. 

83 - 3" unfinished blocks

This is the scrap that got put in the scrap bag. 

The scraps from making the blocks

And there was one square of fabric left from which I can cut a 1 1/2" square. 

One small piece of fabric left over

Now what to do with them. There isn't enough for a small quilt, so we thought of the Mondo bag, but it requires many more squares, although these ones are larger. I could make a tote bag, but I'll have seven squares left. Maryke suggested a small modern quilt with the squares forming a zigzag pattern. Yep -- I like that idea, and all can be used. I've EQ8 with me, and I'll see what I can come up with. Then I'll grab some beige, and it can return to Diane!

I had also put a bag of half-square triangles that needed to be trimmed. 

Half square triangles to be trimmed

That would be boring to stand and trim for a couple of hours. So they are sitting on the cutting table, and every time I pass by or I'm cutting/trimming another project, I trim a few. I will get them done!

Trimming half-square triangles

Oh gosh -- I remembered that I threw in one of those Creative Grid rulers, which I hate. OK - hate is a strong word -- it's not my favorite, but it's all I have, so I may become used to it by the time I'm done here. 

Trimming the half-square triangles

Those blocks got set aside, and I needed a new project. I brought the bell and got to ring it once those blocks were complete! 

So I dug out my Boho Heart quilt. WAIT -- I thought that quilt top was done! Well, it was, and it wasn't. One of the students (darn you, Gillian) decided to add to the top of the quilt. Three sides of the heart ended at the edge of the quilt top; well, I wasn't sure I liked it that way. However, during the construction, I did NOTHING to change it. The thought never occurred to me, and I guess it didn't bother me that much. 

But when I saw what Gillian did, I wanted to follow suit, as did several others. That quilt has been sitting there waiting. Since my homework for the Jen Kingwell remedial class is to add to those three sides, I have no choice but to get busy. 

I made good progress last night and early this morning.

Progress on modifying Boho Heart

I brought the box with the leftover strips. So far, there's only one where the scrap strip wasn't long enough. I'll dig that fabric out and cut the appropriate strip when I get home. I hope I can complete the missing part. We'll just have to see. It's going faster than I thought, and while it's a total pain, it's worth it, as I like how it looks. 

And when that's done, well, there's more projects where that came from. But not much, but lots of small fiddly stuff! 

And this is what Katheleen is working on. She brought a whole pile of journal-making stuff and is happy as a clam in her corner with her glue, paper, and scissors!!! 

Katheleen's paper making

Helen, Maryke, and I went for a walk in the afternoon. One must KEEP up with their step commitment, and I got my 12 KM in. so I was happy. We walked along the road to the next concession (road). I was going to turn back, but Maryke said, " you have to walk to the middle of the intersection to make it count." I laughed because that's what I do, but I chose not to drag them into the middle. Actually, I walk right to the other side of the intersection. So we did. However, when we walked in the opposite direction to Highway 89, we decided it was NOT a good idea to do that! It's a very busy highway, and it would not be good just to get to the other side! 

There's nothing like a good sewing retreat; I wish everyone could experience it. I almost want to book a house and invite people that have never been! If that's you, get in touch with me, and we'll find somewhere with some room. They fill up so quickly! 

Well, it's time for me to get busy and return to Boho Heart. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

A special day

 OK --- so how many of you are saving the "good" stuff for a special day? Don't use the good china - that's for a special day? Or the linens, the new shirt, or whatever item you save for a special day?

I hear so many stories of people going into their parent's home to clean it out and finding so many items that are brand new and were being saved for a special day. A friend gave some nice embroidered kitchen towels to some friends, and they all said they were too nice to be used daily. So she made some with applique so they would use those. GRRRR!!!

We will have to start giving gifts that look used -- maybe we spread a bit of kitchen grit on the kitchen towels before we gift them. We may need to throw the quilt on the floor as we give it to them and stomp on it! 

Well, guess what? TODAY is that special day! Dig through your house,; some of you may not have to dig too far and get out an item you've been saving for a special day. USE IT NOW! 

I used to have that philosophy. That fabric is too pretty to cut up, that shirt is for a special occasion, and that mug is too pretty to use. Now -- -I don't care! If that mug gets broken, I'll buy another, or that fabric will soon be replaced by something equally as nice. 

I do not have china, crystal, or silver. Thank goodness for that. Our kitchen dishes are OK, but not a set by a long shot, and there's such a mix of stuff that, well if something breaks, it's super easy to find a replacement. 

And those precious mugs for tea? I paid a lot of money for each of these bone china mugs a few years back, and during one of my cupboard raids, I spotted them still in the box. Seriously??? I barely remembered that I had them, so I made the "tough" decision to start using them. I checked if they could be put in the dishwasher (GASP!), and there was no issue, so in they go. 

My china tea mugs

Yep -- the paint has faded a wee bit, but do I care? Not one bit. I alternate those mugs for tea every day, and they get washed in the dishwasher and, the odd time, in the microwave. If one of them breaks or the paint completely fades -- I will have enjoyed them for years. I'm sure I'll easily find something to replace them when the time comes. They are tea mugs, for heaven's sake! They are worth NOTHING to anyone but me, so if I'm not enjoying them now, I'm only "hurting" myself. 

So think long and hard about anything you have set aside for that special day. If you do not find EACH DAY OF YOUR LIFE special, you should have a long meditative thought about your life. Each day is precious to me and whether I'm learning, sewing, visiting with friends, or simply sitting in a chair doing nothing -- that time is precious, and I need to use it wisely and to use the things I bought that will give me pleasure. Otherwise -- don't buy anything for a special day. 

And if you receive a gift -- USE it. Who cares if it gets dirty? It can be washed. And if it gets tattered and worn, it means that you appreciate the gift someone made for you to enjoy. If you put it in a closet for that special day --- what was the purpose of someone giving it to you? RUN and get it out NOW! Yep -- we use those "nice" kitchen towels that I bought and thought were too special too use. We have no sets of brand-new sheets in the closet. 

Yesterday was a bit of a marathon. Two clubs in the morning and so much creativity. I'll tell you about them another day. Then we had Virtual Retreat all afternoon, and I closed it down at 8 PM. I still had things to do before I leave this morning. The pictures got taken, the file got edited, and it's sent. Phew! Slide presentations got edited, and homework assignments got sent. I realize there were two more e-mails I wanted to send, but they may have to wait until I get back. 

The car is packed. And it was sitting in the garage, so while there was a bit of snow outside, it was easy to pack the car in the garage. 

Packing the car

I needed the serger for something, so I serged up two more pet mats while that was on. 

Two more pet mats

I'm a wee bit behind, but only by a little! Lots of commitments ahead, but slow and steady is the game. It'll get done! Panicking is counterproductive. OH and for that are interested in the Barn Star Sampler, we will be having a class --- I'll get that fixed up next week. 

Do you remember the game we played as children called telephone wire or something like that? One person would whisper something to the person beside them, and that whispered message would pass down the line, and at the end, it was always a hoot to see how the message had been changed. Well, what do you think these birds were saying to each other? 

Birds on a wire

Yep --- those solid dark lines are birds! Why do they flock to the wires like that? A few swooped down into the trees (probably to chirp) and then back up to the wires. When I went for my walk in the afternoon, it was a glorious day. No hat, a wee bit of snow was coming down, and I removed my mitts at one point. 

We have some snow, but nothing like this time last year. The day before we were to leave on retreat (same week as last year), we had a massive snowstorm and had to delay departure by an entire day. Even though my driveway was clear, there was at least 8 inches in the street, and even though the plow had passed, there was no way I could make it from my driveway across the big patch of unplowed snow. I live on a curve, and the plow doesn't do the curve. We have to wait for some other equipment to clear that. And I have practically no clearance on my car, so we didn't go far that day!

It was Lunar New Year yesterday, and one of my neighbors had their decorations out. They always have something out, which is nice to see on my walks. 

Chinese New Year!

And this is the scene at my house when DH is in the kitchen, and the girls think he's making food for them. That's probably why Murphy needs to lose weight, and he has formed nasty habits with them and can't see it. 

DAD -- -is that for us?

And this is our Murphy. She is panting like mad after a walk. Yes - a WALK. We did not run, and we did not even walk fast, but she gets into such a state by needing to see everything that she is panting heavily by the time we get home. And while it wasn't cold, it was hovering around zero. I think this dog needs to go north -- way north. Sigh.....................

MOM -- -that was fun!

I wanted to say HI to all the new faces (and the familiar ones) who came to the virtual retreat. It is so much fun, and I love chatting to everyone about -- well, we talked about a lot of stuff, and it's a great way to touch base, learn what's new, how people are using certain tools or techniques, or just to pass the time. How did I ever get by without the Virtual Retreats? OH -- we had them in person, but Zoom is way more fun. 

Why? We get to meet people all over, and OH MY -- we get to peek into their sewing rooms. That reminds me of a picture I want to post. If someone only wants to stop in and say hi -- it's not a problem, and if the roads are bad? Who cares? Yep  --- I get my money out of my Zoom account. 

Well, I must get myself organized. There are a few last-minute things to pack and get the girls out for a walk,, and then I'm off! 

Have a super day! 

Ciao!!!!