Save that box!!!!

What a fabulous day we had at The Hobby Horse!!! Angie and I had never tag-teamed doing a lecture, but we worked amazingly well together! The students who came went home with their heads spinning on how to get better organized, find more time to sew, cut fabric, and much more!!! 

It always amazes me how many people feel that they have this stuff down pat. Heck, I teach it, and I'm still learning! It was a great session. We're continuing with another session and new topics in October, so check that out. 

The afternoon was devoted to free-motion quilting. Again, these ladies went home with their heads spinning. I tried to expand their knowledge about how to pick designs and free-motion quilting techniques, which is pretty simple but can be very scary! My goal is to take the scary out of the equation! They went home with visions of free-motion dancing in their heads! 

I came home with some patterns. I know—I should not have—but one of them will make an excellent class for the new year, and well—you never know!!!!

I also found this book in the bargain books section. Oh my—it was a great deal, and I already know two people who covet it! 

A new book for my collection

When I got home, I had to take a nap! There was so much swirling in my head—I needed a wee break! But then I was on top of things for the Virtual Retreat. I'll post the link for today at the end of the blog post. 

It took several hours this morning to put together the presentation for the UFO groups. WAIT—when my alarm went off this morning, guess what happened? The FIRST thing that popped into my head was to take that pill!!! Perhaps I'm on target now? Let's hope. 

I believe there are 36 people in the two UFO groups. I was chuckling as I saved and put the appropriate pictures in the presentations. I can see why some people have UFOs. There are some in the group who are very neat and meticulous. I get a clear picture of what they want to accomplish (a picture of the pattern or block), and then I get a clear picture of the completed work. 

And then there are others—it's a scattered mess. Are they trying to trick me into not charging for not completing the work? Perhaps a few guidelines would be in order! We might need some organization tips! Perhaps next year, I won't leave them to their own devices for such a long time. Some of them went astray! 

As for me? You'll have to wait until tomorrow to see what happened or didn't happen. 

When I got home, I had to unload everything I had packed for the class. I would say that a good half of it got put away. The other half? It joined the mess on the floor. I now have to jump over that line of stuff on the floor. I will attempt to work on it today, as it's a tripping hazard. 

Stuff that needs to be put away

What are your thoughts about saving boxes? I used to be a box saver - way back. Then I got rid of some boxes. But when we moved to this house, I started to save boxes again. I used to open the garage door and wing them into the garage. There was quite a nice pile of boxes in there. But that pile has been gone for quite a while. 

I save all the boxes for my sewing machines and embroidery stuff because they may need to be shipped. They do not belong to me, so the box is essential. All those boxes fill the cold space under my front step. Thankfully, I have a spot for them because some of those boxes are HUGE!!!

I have a stash of boxes in the office, which I'm keeping because when I empty a box or receive a shipment, the boxes come in handy for decluttering. So, right now, the pile of boxes in the office is a bit out of control. Well, it's not bad, but it adds to the visual clutter here. But for the moment, the boxes stay! 

A while back, I heard a clip on the radio about saving a REALLY GOOD box. I found this clip on YouTube, and it's hilarious!!! Check it out—it's about one minute long. I've watched some of his other videos, and they are very entertaining!!!  The guy is very talented!

I have a box purgatory in the office, but those boxes get used. I am continually starting a new giveaway box as I fill one and drop it off at the thrift store, so no yelling at me—the boxes are being used. When I no longer need boxes, I shall stop stockpiling them. 

But the other day, I was at our meeting, and I spotted this box near the garbage, meaning it was on its way out! 

A really good box!

The box originally contained a cutting mat and some quilting supplies—rulers, cutters, etc. They no longer wanted the box, and it was garbage. However, the box has a magnetic lid and is very sturdy—just the thing I could use. So, I brought it home rather than see it go in the garbage. 

And look - I used it yesterday for my lecture. I could put my 12½" ruler in there, as well as my cutter and the blocks I was going to demo trimming, and there was no danger of my large square ruler getting broken. 

The perfect project box

I can see this box becoming a retreat staple. You know what they say—one man's trash is another's treasure! It's a great box! I will use this one for classes or retreats. It stays! I just need to find a home for it  —someplace where I won't forget that I have it!!!

We had a great time at the Virtual Retreat last night. I'm back working on samples because they need to be in my suitcase by Monday night. I'm learning something new, and it's been so good so far. It's amazing how easy things can be when you know how to use your sewing machine. I had a lady in my free-motion class who struggled to use it in free-motion. Thankfully, it was a brand that I was familiar with, so I got her going. But she didn't know how to use it! Why don't people take the time to read their manual and figure this stuff out? 

Oh well. I know it's a lot when you are used to sewing on a mechanical machine and move to an electronic machine—I get that! 

Here's the link for the Virtual Retreat. Hopefully, we'll see some of you!!! OH -- and I met two people in the classes yesterday who follow my blog. Good morning to you both!!! It was a pleasure meeting you! But one of the funny things is that they know a lot about me, and I don't know much about them. Well, if you leave comments, then I get to know you a bit better. A couple of people comment frequently or send me e-mails, and that's how we get to know each other!!! 

And now for that link! We start at NOON EST. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82983517671?pwd=ODdsa1FJenQwdFNaQWFTNGd4bEhPZz09

Meeting ID: 829 8351 7671
Passcode: 117636

Have a super day if we don't see you on the call. 

Ciao!!!!

Lost and found!

And now I'm off to something else today! I've got some classes at the Hobby Horse, and I'm packed!!

Poor Murphy—she hasn't been happy with all the toing and froing these last weeks. But I bet she's confused because there is no big black suitcase at the door—just a bunch of tote bags! But she's not budging from the front door because they did not get a walk yesterday, and I think she's mad!

MOM - you can't leave without me! 

We finished the training early yesterday, so I was home at about 2 p.m. However, I was exhausted from not getting much sleep the night before, so I had a good nap. I slept well last night, so all is good today.

To let people in BC know about next week, I'm in Penticton at Black Rabbit Fabrics on Wednesday to offer two lecture/demos, so be sure to check out the store class list to get in the class. I'm chatting about "Getting the most out of your sewing machine" and then machine embroidery, but I'm 100% focused on machine embroidery in the QUILT world. There is so much to say for both!!! 

Then, I'll be at Tom's Sewing Center in Chilliwack and the Surrey location on Friday and Saturday. So be sure to check those stores for details. That one link will give you information on both. One of the sessions covers accessories and the other talks about sewing machines. It's going to be super fun and I've been madly working on new samples! 

The following week, I'll be in Montreal at Salon Quebec, so if you're coming to that, be sure to stop by and say hello! And then that's it for a couple of weeks! I still have some travel for this year, but nothing is solidified yet. 

Once I was up from my nap, I had work to do, so my steps yesterday were pretty dismal. However, I am still ahead on all my walking challenges, so that is good, and I should be able to get back to walking today! I miss the "down" time that helps me work through things, not that I have anything pressing on my mind these days. 

I'm chuckling as I write this next bit because later this morning, I'm going to tell people how they can keep their spaces organized, and my sewing room looks like a tornado hit it! When there is no room on the tables, just spread the stuff on the floor. But see—it's in a nice, neat row, and I have a walkway along the cutting table. Now, in my defense, most of that stuff that came home from the meeting with me is new, and it doesn't have a designated spot yet. 

The spill over

I had some time this morning, so I put some stuff away. It just feels good to do that, and because everything has a home, it doesn't take very long at all. 

I'm also teaching machine quilting today, so I whipped through my samples to find what I needed. That didn't take very long. And it won't take long to put it all away, either! That's the beauty of organizing! 

When I was looking for that quilt top already in the "to be quilted" pile, I was rifling through everything and found these lists I had wanted to find. 

The missing half of my list

It was a list of all the $10 quilt/monthly quilt/sew-along projects that I've done over the years. I believe the first one was in 2001! It's actually a chart so I can track my progress. Not many are finished - at least, not the earlier ones. The list is two pages, and I have the other page in the office. I don't know where at this moment, but this is the second page. I think the list ends in 2015, so there is a LOT to catch up on, but I think I already updated the other half. It'll be fun to note how many of those quilts I've done over the years. There are MANY. I'm going to hazard a guess and say close to 100 by now! Yikes!!!!! Well, maybe 75 -- but I know it's over 50! 

I really think I need to have a Lost and Found list. This would be a list of everything I can't find but know I would like to find. Then it can be a eureka moment to cross it off and also to know how much stuff I can't locate!! OK—I'm a Virgo—I'm allowed to have all the lists I want!

Speaking of which, I need to get my butt in gear and acknowledge everyone signed up for my classes at Thimbles and Things and Spice Market. Yes, there is still room for all of them, so be sure to get signed up. Those classes all start in October, but guess what? It's almost October! 

Bear with me for a couple of days, and I'll get an answer to you! I have not forgotten - just a bit of a lack of time. 

While I was digging some batting out of the batting closet for one of those "to be quilted" projects, I spotted this on the wall. I see it every time I go into that room, but I thought I'd share it with you. It's a collage wall hanging I made many years ago. M and I took a class, and what fun we had that day. 

My collage wall-hanging

Here's a close-up of it. I would love to make more things like this, and it's on my radar. I have the materials, but just not at this moment in time. 

Detail of the collage

I removed two projects from the "to be quilted" tubs and with the other one that I found - already quilted, that's three that have been removed. I MUST remember to update the list, which is easy - I just cross it off, and when I decide there are enough changes, I will print another list. I started quilting one of the projects last night. It's a new learning curve for me, and you'll see what I'm doing in a few weeks. And I'm going to plunge right in and do the other one. As my Dad says -- there should never be a day when you're not learning. Well, that's not what he says -- he doesn't tell us - he shows by example, so technically, he says - I learn something new everyday. 

The last day of the technical training was all about sergers, so I asked lots of questions, took loads of pictures, and made lots of notes. Now I must write that out for my Dad, hoping it'll help him solve his serger problem. Maybe I should take up sewing machine repair as a job! No -- I just like to know how things work, but I'm not sure I want to get that down and dirty with my sewing machine every day

Remember, there is a Virtual Retreat tonight and tomorrow. We also have UFO tomorrow, and I've been getting emails with the homework! I won't elaborate on my project, but I will say it's not done! 

Here are the links. You are welcome to pop in whenever you wish. You can just come along to say hi and then drop off, or you can stay until we close. It's your choice. You can sew, or you can just come to chat! 

Saturday, September 21  --- we start at 6 PM EST. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89816483795?pwd=Mjc3M3pvVmZPdjdsQzlHS3Zhck52dz09

Meeting ID: 898 1648 3795
Passcode: 248667

 

Sunday, September 22 - we start at NOON EST. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82983517671?pwd=ODdsa1FJenQwdFNaQWFTNGd4bEhPZz09

Meeting ID: 829 8351 7671
Passcode: 117636




And that wraps it up for today. The girls are waiting!

Have a super day!

Ciao!!!!

The "to be quilted" list!

The last day of this section of the marathon! Then, after two days of mini madness, I'll be back on the road! If you live in Penticton, BC, or the area around, come out, as I have a great event planned. Then I'll be in Chilliwack and Surrey for more great events. If you live in those areas, check out the shops. Tom's Sewing Center is in Chilliwack and Surrey, and Black Rabbit is in Penticton! I'm going to make it!!

Here's a couple of observations before I share my photos with you. Is your mouth as sensitive as mine? Why can we eat almost anything, but when something long and skinny is in our mouth, we can feel it, and it's yucky? I'm not talking about hair, but that would be the same. It was a skinny string from a banana, and I couldn't swallow it. It's crazy! 

The second is the continuation of the Tim's story. Some Tim's are notorious for slow and sloppy service. Then, there is one specific Tim's in my neighborhood. This is not the closest one to me, but they are notorious for their speedy service. I don't think I've ever waited much in line—maybe two minutes? It's a crazy place. 

There is a gentleman—I do not know if he is the owner, manager, or employee—who keeps the drive-thru line moving. So the other day, when I tried to pay with the app, and it didn't work, he said I had to turn on the scan and pay feature, which was easy to see when I wasn't in the line. But he is the most efficient person I've ever seen, even when he passed that information to me. 

I am NOT a regular customer, and the app incident occurred two days ago. Yesterday, when I sped through the line, I used the app, got points, and paid with one scan. Can you believe what the guy said to me? "Yes -- it worked today!" Managing his busy line and only seeing people through the drive-thru window, he remembered. I call that exceptional skills. I will stop in one day when it's not busy and tell him that I think he's the best employee/person to ever work at Tim's. He is that good!

And he's been like that for years. When the service was terrible at the one closest to me, I'd drive an extra few km and go there because I knew the service was always the best. I'm sure he knows, but he needs to have it said in person! I was so shocked when he said that, that I didn't have time to react before I needed to get my butt out of the line! 

AHA—I had some extra time yesterday morning, so the girls and I walked through the forest. Look what I spotted!! Yep—they planted grass on the dirt beside the path, and it's starting to grow. That's good because the roots will help to keep that dirt in place. I should have realized there was a plan! 

Grass growing in the dirt by the path

Oh gosh -- this girl needs grooming so desperately!!! Maybe tonight. 

A fuzzy butt

I spent the day cutting kits and helping people with their projects when needed. It was a great day, and the dealers are just that much smarter with their machines!

Cutting kits

When I got home, I felt great, which was a positive thing. So great, in fact, that it was a challenge to get to sleep. I finally got a chance to hang up that piece of artwork for which I had found the sawtooth hangers. It has been sitting around, waiting to be hung for years—so long that I don't even remember where I acquired the piece. That's very bad. 

My new artwork is hung

And now it hangs on the wall with another piece of thread artwork. I have another piece sitting here that needs a sawtooth hanger, and then I have to find a home for it. That's a job for October when I have time to return to the office to continue the tidy-up. 

Thread artwork

We were playing fetch, and Murphy was getting lazy. She sat all pretty by the pond and attempted to ask me to get her ball. I mean, really! I can see the pink ball sitting on the rocks; she has no problem climbing over them to get it! Silly girl!!!!

MOM -- help me!!!!!

This got dropped on my doorstep - a belt bag that was part of some promotion. I was asked if I wanted it before it came my way. You could see me for miles wearing this one! It's a bit larger than my other ones, so this will be perfect when I need to carry a few more things. I do NOT like wearing those belt bags as cross-body bags, even though I do. It looks so darn awkward to have that bag right at your breast. And the straps are not at an angle, so the bag doesn't look nice at all!! So the "fanny" pack is out, and the belt bag is in!!!  Thanks for the bag! You know who you are!

A new belt bag

I needed a minor adjustment on my sewing machine yesterday, and that got done so I could bring everything from the meeting home. It came into the house and even got brought downstairs. Then, I had something to sew. However, it certainly helps to plug in the foot pedal when you attempt that!! 

It won't sew without the foot pedal attached

Then I got in my head that I needed a certain book. Oh, what a nightmare that is. I'm pretty sure I know what the book looks like, but could I find it? I searched the entire bookcase but did not find the darn thing. I can find the information online, but having the book would certainly help. 

Searching for a book

As I went through the books, I found so many projects or techniques that I want to spend more time on, but there's not enough time!!! It's really sad, to say the least! The books need to be in better order and cataloged, so I have a complete list of them. While the list won't tell me where they are, it should help. 

So yes, ALL the books need to be removed from the shelf, sorted by technique, style, or topic and then put back on the shelf. What a fun job that will be!

A couple of rolling carts sit in front of the bookcase in one spot. I spotted this on the floor when I pulled the cart away from the bookcase. What the heck is it? 

A mystery part

It looks like the base of something. It's black and shiny, and I'm sure it's metallic or at least substantial plastic. And it's broken off a corner. Now, what the heck could that be from? I have no idea!

On my way home, I noticed the gas prices were relatively low—just under $1.40 a liter. I would need gas in the car to get to and from the technical course today, so I made a mental note to return last night. It was even lower when I remembered and I actually got to the gas station. This morning, I bet the price will be about 5 - 10 cents higher, so it's always worth it to get your butt out of the house after dinner and fill up the car. This was the price at almost 9 PM. 

Gas price is LOW

Here's another moment of not trusting my organizing system.  Some people would say this is why they do not organize. I decided that I have two small quilts that MUST be in my suitcase next week. One I stumbled upon as I was searching the tubs in the "to be quilted" area to find a couple of quilt tops to take next week. This should be a sign to me -- if I remove a quilt from a "to be quilted" tub, it should go in the queue for quilting. I might just do that because this one top has been pulled multiple times. 

That triggered my memory of another quilt that I wanted to pack. I knew that it had been residing on the old messy table of half-finished projects. So, I searched for that quilt top but couldn't find it. I saw many other things that were in the same box as that quilt top, but not that quilt top. 

I had glanced at the list of "to be quilted" projects, but I was in a rush the other day and didn't take the time to scan it properly. I went back late last night and spent a bit more time perusing the list and there it was. It was in a "to be quilted" tub, but it wasn't in the tub with the most recently added items. I had found some holes in some of the other tubs, so it got shoved into an older one.

I must learn to trust my system and then take the time to read the darn list. If I had done that, I would have found the quilt in a minute, several days ago. Once I know which tub it's in, it's a breeze to locate the quilt. Hence, the list. So, now that I'm organized, why am I not trusting myself? Or am I just in too much of a hurry? 

Well, I'm off for the day. Wait- there's a virtual retreat this weekend. Here are the links. 

Saturday, September 21 - starts at 6 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89816483795?pwd=Mjc3M3pvVmZPdjdsQzlHS3Zhck52dz09

Meeting ID: 898 1648 3795
Passcode: 248667

Sunday, September 22 - Starts at Noon

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82983517671?pwd=ODdsa1FJenQwdFNaQWFTNGd4bEhPZz09

Meeting ID: 829 8351 7671
Passcode: 117636

If you want to take an in-person machine quilting class or attend a lecture on improving your sewing habits, be sure to sign up for those classes, which take place tomorrow at The Hobby Horse. 

Have a super day!  I hope you are all remembering your commitment (OK, so I committed you) to cleaning up/tidying up your spaces! All it takes to get started is a drawer! That's easy, and it shouldn't take a lot of time. So hop to it!!!

Ciao!!!!

A lucky day!

I didn't win the huge lotto jackpot (which is huge for Canada), but I had a very lucky day! 

As I mentioned yesterday, my printer started working from my desktop computer. Why? I have no idea. Was it a one-time thing? I have no idea. 

Then, I got myself organized and ready to leave. I stopped at Tim's to get tea, which is a treat for me when I'm on the road. Yes, I could make tea and put it in a travel mug, but I chose to buy tea. It's unusual that I do that for five days in a row! I've also decided to set up my app (which collects points) so that I can pay and collect points with one swipe. 

I had tried the day before, and while I had it set up, I didn't realize I could turn the payment feature on or off. It was off. So there I was yesterday, with my app armed and ready to scan for points and PAY. When I arrived at the window, I was told the person in front had paid for my order! 

I was happy but had to wait until today to see if I had set the app up correctly!

That hasn't happened in a long time, but I remember some days when that chain of paying for the person behind went on for many cars! Someone mentioned that on Smile Cookie Day, they would buy six cookies that were handed out to the six cars behind. 

I arrived at the meeting, which went very well. There are LOTS of changes (updates, changes, and more new) coming down the pipeline, including a new top-of-the-line sewing machine called the Husqvarna Viking Epic Quilt 97. It's pretty much like the Designer Epic 3, but only for sewing. 

There are more things coming, but I'm not at liberty to say at the moment. So that was an exciting day. 

There are many decorative stitches on the Husqvarna Viking sewing machines, and sometimes, people struggle with what to do with them. So we went down that road a bit yesterday, and it's incredible what can happen when you think outside the box. I'm not at liberty to share that with you, but I had a WOW moment. 

I know—it's very unfair of me to say that and then not be able to share, but that's just the way it is.

I spent the afternoon, helping the dealers work through their projects and cutting fabric for the kits they were using. I'm back to the dealer meeting today. 

It's tough to be "trapped" for an entire day in a meeting or a training session. How did I survive for years when I had a full-time office day job? I'm exhausted, and I haven't been doing anything!

Well, I had a perfect trifecta day on the lucky side. In the afternoon, I checked my messages and got a notification that I was upgraded to Business Class on my flight to Vancouver next week. Yeah! It's a lie-flat bed, so that will be good as I have a bit of a drive once I land. 

So yes -- it was a great day, even though I didn't win the lotto!

And here's the other thing about being tied up in a meeting all day—there's not a whole lot to talk about! That's a first for me! My walking is suffering—I'm still cranking out about 6 to 7 km a day, but nowhere near what I usually do. And I see a pile of little bits of paper that need attention lined up at the bottom of my computer screen. 

This full day of work in an office is for the birds!! No wonder people don't want to return to the office full-time. 

The commute isn't too long (40 minutes one way), but it's costing me as I'm taking the toll highway back and forth. If I didn't, that commute would be double. If I look at it this morning, it's an extra ten minutes, but that is at 6 AM, with NO traffic. So, the distance is the same, but the traffic will get worse, and the time will double. I'll pay the toll and save the time. 

Here's a picture of the two crazies! Lexi likes to jump up on the sofa—make that HER sofa—it's such a disaster at this moment. Murphy can jump up but doesn't like to. It's hilarious to watch them!!! Their noses are out of joint as well because they are NOT getting their usual walk, yet Mom's home. What's the deal there? 

MOM -- can you see us?

On that note, I'd better get moving. I have stuff to accomplish before I leave, and I'm so tired when I get home! So, not much is getting done these days. I haven't turned on the sewing machine in days. My Epic isn't even home as it went to the meeting with me, but I hope to bring it home tonight. 

Have a super day, and let's hope my luck continues!

Ciao!!!

A MIRACLE

In this wonderful world of technology, miracles can happen. 

No --- I don't think my phone is fixed, and if someone should call me and I happen to pick up, I'm on pins and needles for the conversation, expecting my voice to drop. I hate being on the cell phone and almost never accept calls unless they're from my boss! Texting is the way to get in touch with me. 

No -- the miracle happened with my printer. 

But wait—I slept great last night, and my sleep schedule is back on track. Yeah, and then in a couple of days, I get back on a plane, and it gets messed up again!!

Of course, I'm up working this morning. I wanted to prep a few things on the computer before I'm off again today. Today is a meeting, and I needed to pack some samples.

Sample suitcase

The suitcase is packed! The labels for the various projects were typed up, and now it was time to print them. 

If you remember, it has been years since I could print directly from my desktop computer!! I'm still trying to figure out why. Yes, I have checked all the settings. I've uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers numerous times. I haven't tried that step in years because I'm so fed up with the situation. 

My settings have been set to PDF (yes, I know the difference) for a long time because I sometimes use the PDF in another application. Usually, I save the document, send it to myself, and then open it and print it from my phone. 

Phew—all that to tell you, I felt lucky this morning (hmm—do I dare check my lotto ticket?). Well, I switched the settings from PDF to Printer. Oh, I should say that in the past, every time I checked, my printer said READY, but it wouldn't print. 

Anyway, I hit PRINT, and WAIT? What's that? I can hear the printer starting up in DH's office. NO!!!!! Yep—it printed this morning. I changed nothing (except switched it from PDF to print—and don't tell me that's why—because I know how that works), and it worked! It's a miracle!!!!

Printed directly from my desktop!!!!

The day was again very interesting and exciting. I mean, who gets to see one of these sewing and embroidery machines completely ripped apart?! I asked loads of questions about maintaining the machines, keeping them clean, getting them to run, and what exactly we sewists should expect to see when we get our machines back from servicing. It's been extremely enlightening, and I hope to share that information with everyone as I see fit. Oh boy—the information I gleaned was invaluable!! 

It was a long day, and we were all getting a bit punchy as the day wore on! But it was fun. Today, I'm in a meeting room beside the tech people, so I'll wander back and forth as I can. 

OH --- my missing sample? Well, I'm organized, but I forgot one tiny little step. That sample I was looking for? Guess what? It's completely FINISHED, and I forgot to cross it off the "to be quilted" list. That was NOT a good thing. I haven't done that yet, but I will when things calm down, which won't be until a couple of weeks from now. Well, when I did find it - it was exactly where it was supposed to be - with the other finished larger wall hangings. 

How did I find the sample? I went to my blog and found a post about the piece. I see that it pays to put pictures of everything on the blog. Oh yes, I finished that sample for Quilt Canada back in June. However, I didn't remember that. That is NOT a good sign, but then there's been so much crazy stuff happening this summer that it doesn't surprise me. 

That triggered where I should look for it, and there it was. With all the quilt shuffling in the last couple of weeks, that was the ONLY pile I had not touched, and it's smaller than I remembered, so it was technically in the wrong place and tucked under another piece. I usually remember what the backing looks like, and I often search for that, but this was done so quickly that I didn't have time to register that information.  

All is good - the sample is packed and has a label!!! 

The girls got their walk later last night, and oh my -- it was pretty dark when Miss Lexi and I finally made it outside. Our attempt at a moon picture was not successful. 

Lexi and the moon

I haven't been able to groom her in a bit, and she's looking a mess. Oh boy—it's like I'm starting from scratch again! She's one big ball of loose fur!!!

Don't forget there are classes at The Hobby Horse this weekend—a fun lecture in the morning to discuss ways to get organized, find more time, and learn some basic cutting and sewing. Many people think they are OK, but it's amazing how many people don't know some basic tricks!!! If you are new to quilting, you'll find this very valuable!! And then there is machine quilting in the afternoon, and there might be room for one more person. 

And don't forget there is a Virtual Retreat this weekend. I will be around on Saturday night for the entire time, but I might have to run around a bit on Sunday (only in Studio B) as I prep for the upcoming week. But I should be good, and I have sewing to do. 

I'll post the links in a second. We also have UFO Club on Sunday morning, and the big question is, did I complete my applique? Hmmm ----

Virtual Retreat Links -- Saturday - starts at 6 PM.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89816483795?pwd=Mjc3M3pvVmZPdjdsQzlHS3Zhck52dz09

Meeting ID: 898 1648 3795
Passcode: 248667

Virtual Retreat - Sunday - starts at NOON

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82983517671?pwd=ODdsa1FJenQwdFNaQWFTNGd4bEhPZz09

Meeting ID: 829 8351 7671
Passcode: 117636

So loads of exciting things happening. 

Have a super day!!!!!

Ciao!!!!!

Three-dog night

My sleep schedule is totally out of whack! I was tired when I got home from my adventure, but I went to bed at the usual time, and then after several hours, I was wide awake! I hate it when that happens. But I'll be OK. I guess I'll chalk that up to a full moon (or almost)!!! And no, it wasn't technically a three-dog night (needing three dogs to keep warm), but this post has THREE dogs. But the days are hot, but the nights are getting cool and I LOVE IT!!!

What am I up to this week? Well, this! 

A naked sewing machine

That is a top-of-the-line sewing machine stripped down! I am fortunate enough this week to sit in on a technical session on some sewing machines. I am only observing, zero hands-on. I would NEVER consider taking the cover off, but that curiosity of mine has wanted to see this for a long time, and this week, that opportunity came up!

Of course, I'm asking a "few" questions. I think it's easier to understand how to use a tool if you understand how it works. I am trying to get a few tips on maintaining and operating our sewing machines that I can pass along to you! 

I cannot imagine deciding to become a sewing machine technician out of the blue. While I understand the mechanics of many things, I would NOT want to be on the receiving end of one of these machines and have someone tell me there is an issue and then let me attempt to fix it! The background of the people in the room ranges from a master mechanic with 24 years of working on heavy equipment to someone who has never seen the mechanics of anything in their life, and then there are people at various stages in between. 

Even though a combine and a sewing machine are totally different beasts in size, there are so many similarities, and the parts that drive the machines are so similar. So the master mechanic? He's having zero issues. It's a whole new learning curve for the others! 

There are so many parts and connections and whatnot that you can see that it takes a great deal of time and care to service one of these machines and get it working again! But they'll get the hang of general servicing, which is what most machines need. If it's taken care of, it shouldn't need a whole lot of other care. 

I'm back again today when they attempt to reassemble those machines! Good luck! I feel lucky to not be in the hot seat. 

Murphy's nose was pretty out of joint yesterday as I put a few things in the car to leave. She was determined to come with me, and it was equally hard since she had not had a walk. 

When I got home, I needed groceries, so I grabbed her leash, and off we went. She was happy when I tied her to a tree outside the grocery store. I don't usually do this, as I'm afraid someone will walk off with her, but I had no choice yesterday. She would definitely NOT be allowed in the grocery store. And apparently, this is a big no-no in Montreal. You can get fined for leaving your dog tied up outside a store. 

Mom -- I'm a good girl!!!!

And she was super quiet. In the past, when I would leave her, she would bark the entire time I was out of sight. Good dog, Murphy!

Well, they are NOT getting a walk again this morning. I was going to give them a short walk, but I slept in because of my sleepless night!

And for those who missed Little Bear (we didn't even get to see him on the weekend as there was too much happening), here is a picture of him!! In all his cuteness and fluffiness!!! But I'll see him in a couple of weeks, so I wasn't too upset to not see him this time. 

HELLO, everyone --- I miss being the center of attention in your world!

Murphy got her walk before dinner, and Lexi was not happy. So, after dinner, when it was getting late, she and I went for our shortened walk. 

"howling" at the moon! 

The full moon is tonight around 10:35, but it was huge last night. Lexi and I had some fun in the park trying to get a photo. She hates sitting—at least when I ask her to. She hates posing and would rather turn her head this way and that, but I managed to get this—it will have to do!!!!

And then here's a photo of the two of them as I was prepping something in the kitchen in the morning. They are the same size, but they do NOT weigh the same! One is skinny, and one is - well, bigger. One is like a truck that would run you over, and the other is more delicate. I don't think I need to tell you which is which!

MOM --- what about us?

Remember, how I said I wouldn't need that sample suitcase for a couple of weeks. I lied. I was digging out samples last night as I need them for tomorrow. And I could not find one of my samples. I wasn't sure if it had gone into the "to be quilted" pile, but when I checked the list, it was on the list but NOT in the appropriate tub. So I've removed it for a reason, but where is it???? GRRRRRRR!!!! I need that sample. Hopefully, my subconscious will focus on that today. 

On that note, I'd better get myself ready. I was late yesterday because I thought the class started at 9 a.m., but it's 8:30, so I lost another 30 minutes in the morning!!!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

I'm NOT hungry!

It's so good to be home and know I can sleep in my bed for a week. Although the days will be long as I attend some work-related classes/meetings, I'm just an attendee, so nothing has to be prepared! 

I was up early yesterday—I didn't sleep well, and I was in a different time zone. I hadn't eaten well the day before, or should I say at the party. There was tons of nibble food, and it was good, but I just wasn't super hungry. I had eaten a large breakfast that morning, and it took forever to digest it. 

So, I was hungry when I got up, and I had another big breakfast, but it didn't sit well with me again. It was an omelet and home fries. That's it! But maybe it was the hot chocolate that I treated myself with. Anyway, it wasn't a good combination, but that's OK. I wasn't sick; I just wasn't hungry. 

I went for a walk and picked up another geocache. I almost felt like I was back in Spain - there are many hills in this part of Vancouver! 

Yes -- that road goes UP

The geocache I spotted was interesting because it was stuck in the bottom of a stake beside a lamp pole. Yep, you have to look everywhere for some of these things. 

Interesting geocache placement

I was going to get one more, and to do that, I had to cross several big highways. But no worries—there are bike paths everywhere, so that was easy. 

Bike path under the highway

When I arrived, I found where the geocache was hidden. However, the grass was long and wet, and there were brambles around. I wasn't going to get soaked for that, so I left that one and returned to the hotel. 

I was near a large grocery store and spotted this. The date is September 16, and the pumpkins have arrived but are not quite ready for sale. The year is zipping by way too fast, and before we know it, it's going to be 2025!!!!

The pumpkins have arrived!

Back at the hotel, I had a wee snooze to try and make up for some of the lost sleep, and then we were off to brunch. We hosted a brunch in the morning for all the family members who could attend. We picked a restaurant in the casino, which is close to the airport. I was very excited when I walked in and spotted yellow arrows on the floor! WAIT—I'm not walking the Camino! 

Yellow arrows!!!!

We were not allowed to walk through the casino and had to walk outside, which was fine. 

It's become a big joke about airport escalators not working! I'm OK with that, but some of my colleagues live in areas where the escalators are also broken. So when I spotted this curved escalator inside the casino, I had to take a picture and post it for Karen! How the heck can they make this happen? Anyway, I'm sure DH and our friends just shook their heads at what I take pictures of and what I get excited about! 

A curved escalator

Their lives are so "boring" compared to mine! I'm sure (and know) that they all have their own quirks. Mine just seem to be more public! I'm OK with that. 

I went to brunch and got to spend more time visiting with my aunt and cousin, as well as the others who attended. I think we were 18? I'm not sure—I didn't count. But there I am at a buffet, and I have nothing to eat or drink. I have ZERO interest in putting anything in my stomach, which is unheard of for me! 

I was flying home a bit earlier than DH and had to leave while the others were enjoying their dessert. Getting to the airport was easy, as the casino was beside a Sky Train station. So I hopped on that, and I was off. 

Going to the airport via Sky Train is the most civilized thing in the world. It's quiet, and there are usually never any lineups! I highly recommend the Sky Train to get to the Vancouver Airport. 

I did purchase a few things to eat, hoping to get hungry on the plane. And then WAIT --- who's this? 

Hey - it's Paul!!!!

Yes, there's Paul. I know—I didn't even get pictures of anyone at the buffet lunch, but I got a picture of Paul. Actually, he took the picture! I knew that he was on this flight home from his back-to-back Alaskan quilting cruises. I also bumped into Patti, who was coming off the same cruise. 

We chatted for about 5 minutes, and then it was time to get on the plane. This is the view from my window as we took off. I love that you must fly out over the ocean or whatever this body of water is called at this point and then back over land. Well, I suppose it depends on which runway you use and the direction of the wind. Oh great -- it's called the Strait of Georgia. The ocean! There's Vancouver Island to contend with before you get to the ocean!

The view from my seat

I slept a bit on the plane, and I finally ate my yogurt. Not because I was super hungry, but because I thought I should eat something and didn't want to carry the darn thing all the way home. Was I feeling better? Wait—it's not like I was feeling sick. I just wasn't hungry, which NEVER happens to me. 

I was literally at the back of the plane. I was in row 57, and a few more rows were behind me. 

We finally arrived in Toronto at 9:30 PM. That's when the plane arrived at the gate, and we arrived at the far end of the terminal, which is usual. 

So, it took me 10 minutes to get off the plane, and then I powerwalked (I do NOT use people movers) to the door. I ordered an Uber, and I was home by 10:14 PM. Yep, it took just less than 45 minutes from the moment the seatbelt sign went off to walking in the front door. I love where we live. 

Yes, the girls were ecstatic to see me. At that point, I ate my muffin, but I was still not craving food. I quickly unpacked my meager possessions from my suitcase and was in bed—fast asleep. 

I slept in this morning because I'm tired, and now I have to get ready to leave for today's adventure! The girls aren't getting a walk, which they don't know yet. 

I'm gone all day for five days, but I'm home in the evening, where I'll try to catch up on some sewing, quilting, and writing!!! It's going to be a long but exciting week. Then, I believe there is an in-person event at the Hobby Horse on Saturday. So be sure to sign up for that—there is lots of cool stuff to learn, and in-person events are always exciting. 

And there's a Virtual Retreat this coming weekend. Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, so be sure to put that on your calendar.

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!