Stolen Quilts.

 Our Heidi went to the vet for her latest check up on Friday and she is doing really well.  It is great when  you feel that your Animal Hospital really cares about your pets.

I have been sewing a lot of half square triangles for my customer's quilt and, as you know, they have to be accurate or getting your seams right just doesn't work.  I have always used a 1/4 inch foot for quilting but I realized it wasn't always precise so I have gone to the machine setting.  That is working much better and I don't have to fudge the seams to get them lined up.  I am aiming to have this quilt done by the end of the month-or at least the top.  Then I have another one to finish.  That top is almost done so it shouldn't take too long.  In the meantime, I have started a simple one which will be put in a sale in June.  I also think I will make a couple of tea cozies as my last one was stolen.  I figure if they are theft worthy then they should be saleable.

Speaking of theft.  Doesn't it break your heart to hear that someone's beautiful quilt has been stolen.  They are always amazing works of art and represent many, many hours of labour.

I think it would be devastating.

This wall-hanging is one I made for a customer and it was stolen from her when she was moving.

We are getting snow again but not cold.  I am looking forward to doing some gardening so hope spring settles in soon.

I had a hyacinth plant given to my for my birthday.  Does anyone know it it can be replanted in the garden?

Happy sewing,

blessings,

The Art of Relaxation

 Well, it has been quite a week.  We had a wonderful time with family celebrating Easter.  Monday would normally have been quilting but some of the ladies were away so it was cancelled.  Hubby was getting ready for a medical procedure the next day and had to fast so I was doing what I could to help him. Tuesday, after dropping our dog off at the neighbours we drove an hour and a half to the hospital.  Everything went well and the preliminary results were good.  After lunch and a stop at a fabric store, we drove home.  I did all the driving because of the sedatives hubby received and the fact that he had been awake most of the night.  A wind storm had been predicted and I fought that all the way home.  Picked up the dog and then collapse on the couch. 

The wind continued through the night and I was awakened once with the sound of a loud bang.  the hydro flickered on and off a few times but didn't stay off.  The next morning up, have a shower and breakfast and the lights went out.  They stayed off until 7 p.m.  We spent the time reading and heating premade stew on the wood stove.  Next day and today, all is well.  We had a couple of trees come down, once just missing the driveway, but no real damage.  Now I am trying to get caught up

I have just loaded a new quilt onto the long arm and am going to try out a new pantograph.  I gave the machine and frame a good cleaning and check over and discovered the base of the frame was half an inch lower on one end than the other.  Getting that fixed should make for easier stitching.

Today's photo is of our kitty,  Ally Cat.  She looked so relaxed that I had to take a picture.  Wouldn't it be nice if we were all able to free our mind of all that really doesn't matter?

Blessings,

Sticker Shock

 While grocery shopping today and looking for a decent crossword book, I saw a quilt magazine that looked interesting.  I haven't bought one in ages and, in fact, got rid of all the ones I had except the ones I write/wrote for.  Sometimes, though, it is nice to be able to browse through someone else's ideas but, when I saw the price, I changed my mind.  When did they get so expensive?  I used to be able to buy a hard covered book for that price.  I like to be able to support all publications but I also like to be able to eat, buy fabric and feed our pets.

Speaking of pets, our Heidi is getting better all the time.  She rarely limps at all now although I still have to watch when I take her for a walk in case she get tired.

We are going to be spending Easter Sunday with hubbies family.  It will be nice to see how the little ones are growing and catch up on all the news.  We are taking our little orphan chick with us (as well as the dog) as one of the nephews is interested in raising it.  He is wonderful with animals and even had a goose that walked on a leash.  Peep will have a great life.

If you are travelling this weekend, please stay safe.

Blessings,

Half a Bird Brain.

 Thank you for your kind comments about Heidi dog.  She is getting better.  I take her for a short walk each day on easy terrain.  The hardest part is trying to keep her from moving to fast.  She doesn't know she is old so I don't think I should tell her.  However, I don't want her to strain that leg either.

It seems that there is always something happening.  Yesterday, I was doing something in the kitchen when I heard a loud bang.  The large living room window had popped out and was leaning against the couch.  Went over to see what had caused that and saw a large bird laying on the deck.  Hubby said it was a partridge.  Apparently, it didn't see the glass.  It took a bit to get the back in place and secure and then I swept all the dirt that was behind and under the couch before getting everything back in place.

We have a feeder on the window but it is far too small for a bird the size of a partridge but, apparently, it didn't notice that.  I always say that if you had a dozen partridge in a group they would equal half a bird brain.  Speaking of birds our little chicken has doubled in size and doing very well.

It is nice and sunny today although cool.  I have a lady in doing some housework for me today as I can't keep up with that and get my writing and quilting done.  Even having someone once a month is a big help.  If I quit spending money on doodads, I can afford it.

I have one block of my customer quilt done as well as the fabric cut so am making headway.  Lots of half square triangles so I have to be extra careful that all the points  and seams line up.

Enjoy your day,

blessings,

A Rocky Week

 We have had a rocky week.  Our little dog started going lame in her hind legs on Sunday and is still having problems.  Sometimes she is able to walk fine and the next, she is hopping on three legs.  I have a vet appointment for her and am hoping it is arthritis and can be treated.

As she will be 16 this August, we are prepared for deteriorating health but, as long as she isn't in pain, we will continue to do what we can for her.  We have also taken on the raising of a baby chick that was abandoned by her (I hope) mother.  She is in a cat carrier with food and water and a nest made of quilt batting.  She seems to be doing well.

I finally finished the quilt that was on the long arm frame.  My ability to follow a pantograph pattern improved enough as I neared the end that I am sure I will be able to do this again.  However, this quilt will be cut up into table runners and placemats.

I want to take the Q'nique and table apart and clean and rebalance everything.  Because the base is wood, it gets off kilter sometimes.

The weather here is warm and sunny.  We sat outside on the deck for a bit yesterday and I was able to walk through the bush.  I miss being able to take Heidi and hope she will be mobile enough to go again soon.

Blessings,

Creativity-The Key to Healthy Living

 My family is very creative.  Both my sister's and I are sewers-plus other crafts, one brother does pottery and cement sculptures and while the other leans a bit more to physical activities.

I am not sure where all this talent came from as our mother didn't do anything like that for fun (although she had little free time to do anything with 5 children in 8 years).  Dad was able to do most things such as fix cars, etc.  

I was thinking about all this when the older of my two sisters sent a photo of a doll she made.  I am so impressed.  The youngest sister is working on a antique quilt all hand done.

Being creative, I believe, keeps your brain young.  It also provides beauty for your environment, gifts for others and a sense of accomplishment that keeps our mental state balanced.

I love the way the doll's little ears poke through her hair as that is a family trait.  If you are interested in the pattern, it is available at: www:alicesbearshopuk.com

Keep creating.

In Praise of the Internet.

It has been an interesting day.  It was raining this morning which changed to freezing rain and now it is snowing.  I imagine the driving conditions are really bad.  Hubby and I don't need to go out except to feed the chickens so we are warm and snug with the wood stove giving off a nice glow and warmth.  

I am making more progress in learning how to use a pantograph for quilting.  I am getting more control in following the line although there is still some shakiness.  My biggest problem has always been getting the next row lined up properly.  I figured out the principal but was still having a problem.  I got my husband to come and show me (no, he doesn't quilt).  I think I may understand it now.  I seem to have a spatial problem which prevents me from figuring out whether I start at the top or bottom of the pattern.  

One of the things I like about quilting is that there is always something to know and plenty of people  to help.  My younger sister has recently taken up sewing again and needed my help on a stitch she wanted to do.  Fortunately we both have the same machine make so it was an easy solution.  Sometimes, you know what to do but need a little of feedback to make sure you were on the right track.  I was so pleased to be able to assure her she was doing the right thing and, once again so thankful for the internet.

I am 'meeting' my latest customer on line later to talk over fabric placement.  Again, thank you, internet.  I know there are people using this medium for dreadful reasons and not enough is being done to protect the vulnerable but I find it is one of the more valuable tools I have.

Do you have a favourite quilting site?  Mine is run by Connie Kreskin.  She has a ton of free patterns as well as those you can buy.

Blessings,