Back to work - for real!

I'm back!!! I finally had a proper sleep within the right time frame, meaning I got to sew this morning. Does it feel strange? It's totally weird! Let's hope that things are back on track because I have lots that I want to do. 

I hope not to offend anyone with this next sentence, so forgive me if I do. WAIT -- before I say that, let's say this has happened to all of us! Most of us anyway! But hopefully, after the first time, it will never happen again. 

That is the text message (or e-mail or whatever) from a "friend," and that could be old or new, or it's from an unknown number. "Hello! How are you?" And you respond!!! OK -- I confess that I did it ONCE, and I believe it was through Messenger when I accepted a friend request from someone. It was actually a hijacked account. 

It didn't take long before I realized this was NOT the person I knew, so I deleted the conversation and blocked the account. 

The same goes for the phone. We have this crazy belief: when the phone rings, we NEED to answer it. Why? If you have an answering machine -- then rely on that. Or use call display. I probably answer my phone about 1% of the time, and ONLY if I know the name of the person/organization that pops up on my screen. For the rest of the time, I let it go to voice mail; if they want me bad enough, there are other ways to reach me. 

We finally weaned my mother off that habit. She had to answer EVERY call that came in. Now, they will only pick up the phone if they recognize the name on the call display, which was a challenge when selling the farm. But it all worked out. The next thing we had to wean them off was wanting to know who had called them. They would use reverse look-up to find the caller. They don't do that anymore, but they still have to look when that phone rings! 

I still don't trust my phone to not drop a call, although I had a long conversation with someone the other day, and everything was OK. While I use my phone a lot, I rarely use it for phone calls. I mostly use my home phone for that. I know—I'm one of the "old" ones with a landline. Actually, having a phone conversation with anyone is very rare! 

The bottom line here is that just because your phone pings, rings, beeps, buzzes, or vibrates, you do NOT have to immediately pick it up! It's incredible how many people in a Zoom session get a phone call and they take the call!!!! Let the call go to voice mail! I answer my phone when I want to answer it -- the caller can wait. Sometimes I need to take a call, but if it's someone just calling? They can wait -- the people I'm with are MORE important than those intruding on my time! 

I sent out some emails in the morning, but I have more to send today, so if you're expecting an email from me --- you're still on my list. 

I'm happy to report that I've made fantastic progress on the borders of the Heartfelt Sampler. Yep, the top border is pieced together. Although it looks like there may be some sort of pattern happening with value, that is NOT the case. It's totally random. 

The top border for the Heartfelt Sampler

I can't wait to see how the others dealt with their borders. Some people just sewed strips of fabric, and some people may not have used borders. I wanted to keep with the scrappy feel of the quilt. I'm very patient and love slow, methodical sewing. I don't care how long it takes—it's the process of sewing that gets me excited, NOT the completion. It's never about completing something for me! Which isn't necessarily a good thing. 

Then I forged ahead to sew the bottom border, and it's also together. 

The bottom border for the Heartfelt Sampler

But not before I came across this little mishap. 

Oops - an extra square

Yep—I sewed two pieces of fabric together as one. I had not pressed the seams, as I needed to know which direction to press them, so it was only when I was getting ready to sew this strip to the next that I realized what had happened. But it's all fixed, and this border is waiting to be sewn on the quilt. 

The strips for border number 3 are together and need to be pressed before joining them, and border number four requires more work. 

Border Number 4

But if all goes well, I should be able to finish it by Saturday morning. And here's the good news! It's raining today. That means there will be ZERO temptation to be outside! I was outside a bit yesterday but returned to the house and worked on this. 

The Momento

I played around with the various mats, blades, and materials to see how each reacted to the settings. Working the machine isn't hard—it's just understanding which combination of tools to use with which materials. So I had fun playing with that. I've still got lots to learn, but it's all good. 

I see spring has officially arrived. Look what I spotted on my walk. 

Dandelions

This little guy is sneaky. Sometimes, as he is so little, you don't know where he is, but you turn around, and there he is—watching you! He's so darn cute. 

Grandma -- I'm watching you!

But boy—he is high maintenance. Yesterday, I had to give his face a good wash and managed to get one side nice and clean. He has chronic secretion in his eyes, so they get goopy, and it's a pain to keep him clean. He wasn't happy, but he did settle down when he realized that I was not about to drown him. 

Then we snuggled in the chair so he could dry off. 

Grandma tried to drown me in the sink!

Yes -- he desperately needs a bath and a haircut, and I'll have to schedule that for next week. 

This postcard must have been on the slow boat! When M was in India, she sent me this postcard that I received yesterday. I think it was sent in early February. 

Postcard from India

So yes -- even though I had an appointment in the morning, I was able to get back to work in the afternoon. I have another appointment this morning and MUST return to work in the afternoon. It can be done! I think it works best when you have a plan, a focus, and a goal. When I have random sewing in my head, Studio B is in such disarray that nothing is exciting. But with that goal in mind, I knew what to do when I got downstairs. I must tidy up more, and maybe I'll do that today.

On that note, I'm out of here!

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!!!!

In the neighborhood!

 It's amazing how energized you are in the morning when you have a good night's sleep. If only we could bottle that. The previous night, I had a terrible time getting to sleep - last night, no issue. Now, why is that? 

Well, it doesn't matter - you take the good with the bad and move on! 

I like where we live. I like our neighborhood and our house, and even though the weather can be wild, I don't have to go to sleep with these thoughts on my mind. 

BC fires at night

This is a photo my cousin took off her balcony two nights ago. She lives in Vernon, and while the fire is across the lake, that means nothing. They were NOT on evacuation notice, but many others were, and apparently, RVs are parked everywhere as displaced people flee their homes. While forest fires are part of life, they have increased in severity, and lack of rain isn't helping. So for those that say global warming isn't real? Tell that to everyone who has lost their home. But I won't go there. Let's pray for rain for Western Canada. 

My brother lives in Penticton on the hills surrounding the city. They had to evacuate some years ago as the fires were literally on top of them. It was surreal, as when we drove up the roads after, houses were burned to the ground, and others were not. 

I believe I mentioned that a friend moved to remote Northern Ontario. Well, it's not the most northern that you can go, but it's NORTH for me. I sent her a postcard -- do you remember what it looked like? Here's a picture to refresh your memory. Little did I know......................

Postcard for Heather

Here's a picture that was taken in their driveway the other day. 

The welcoming committee

Hmmm -- I don't think I could have created a better postcard for them!! I laughed when I saw the picture. I'm not so sure that I'd like to live there. While I'm pretty adventurous, and I like to walk and, for the most part, don't think too much about wildlife, if I knew the bears were that prevalent, I might think twice. And can you imagine walking dogs, especially Murphy, in that area? Not happening in my lifetime!!!

Speaking of our mild neighborhood, this was the most exciting thing I saw on the walk yesterday. The previous day, I had noticed a Dad trying to bounce an empty stroller through one of the secondary paths in the forest, which are filled with roots. Did I mention that he was on his cell phone as he attempted to maneuver the stroller with one hand? Why? Why don't people use headphones at least? The kid was wandering off into the forest by himself. The dad was saying, "come back, you're too far away." Well, I won't go there. 

A lost shoe

I bet the kid finally got back into the stroller, and eagle-eye Dad didn't notice when the shoe came off because he was on his phone. Sigh..............................

And I see that they have tried to fix the path once again. Well, the next time it rains (and we have had some pretty hard rains here), all that loose sand is just going back down the hill. They need to pack it or put larger stones on top or pave it or something, but it's just going to do the same thing again. And this is only recently that this has started to happen. In the past 18 years, they've never had to do this. More people walking? More erosion because of more foot traffic? The paths, especially the secondary ones right through the trees, are getting quite worn compared to when we first moved here. 

The repaired path

One more thing about the neighborhood. Should I or shouldn't I???  Do they even know these tomatoes are edible??? 

Tomatoes ripe for the picking

The plants are loaded with tomatoes, and they don't seem to be picking them. The birds don't seem to be touching them. It would be a shame to let them go to waste. These plants are along their driveway in the front of their house. This is the same house where their beautiful flower gardens (and many of them) are totally overgrown with weeds. It's quite messy and a shame because the previous owners really took pride in that house. 

It's time for me to get back to work on my presentations for the fall. I have wanted to revamp some of the content in them for a while - take new photos, make new samples, rearrange the order of the slides, etc. So I started to do that yesterday. I also need to have some of them translated to French. Yep -- I'm going for it - let's do these presentations in French. Don't worry -- I'm practicing, and there's quite a bit that I need to brush upon. But I'll be ready. 

I like to include screenshots of the sewing machine in my presentations since it's a challenge to do some of the stuff live. And you know what they say - a picture says a thousand words. Now, if you've ever taken pictures of the screen of a sewing machine, which I'm sure you never have, it can be a challenge. The PFAFF creative icon is particularly troublesome because of the black screen and its angle. 

Have a look. This is what the photo looks like if you just take a picture. Tons of reflection and not very professional. 

Loads of reflection

What to do??? Well, I now tuck something black on the bed of the sewing machine to cut the glare. I could also turn down the lights, but just covering it is fast. Then I put something black on the table right in front of the screen. But that's still not enough. I finally had to wrap my phone in black fabric to prevent the phone's reflection onto the images. And lastly, I use a giant black reflector to cut the glare from the overhead lights. Thank goodness, I can use voice commands for my phone to take pictures. Oh -- the phone is on a tripod. It's quite complicated but well worth it. 

Taking screenshots of the PFAFF creative icon

Here's the raw shot - no glare. 

No glare!

And then I crop out the excess to get a nice shot. I know it looks a wee bit crooked in the photo, but that's an illusion. I think the angle of my camera is just slightly off from the angle of the screen. 

The cropped photo

Wait --- these are for a presentation in French, so I have to switch the language in the sewing machine and then retake the photos. I have to do that for ALL the photos in the future. Twice the work! But hey --- it's worth it. Learning lots every day. 

Same photo - en Francais

My other big learning curve yesterday was this. I bought a new speaker. I really just wanted something like Susan and Katheleen had with Bluetooth. But DH said NO - I need Bluetooth AND Wi-Fi. OK -- so he's right - better to get both connections. 

I thought it would be simple to set up. But NO -- I have a separate account from him, and well, that wasn't happening. I get so frustrated when technology doesn't work. 

New Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speaker

So he called their support, and they ended up connecting to my phone to see the log-in process, and we had the support person on speaker on DH's phone. All while we were sitting on the deck outside. And it took several tries and about a half-hour, but by golly -- she made it happen!!!!  I still have to make the Bluetooth connection, but I'm sure that'll be easy. 

What did I learn?? If there's a screen on your phone that you do NOT want, including during the log-in process, you can swipe DOWN to get rid of it. That may not work for everything, but it's what I needed to do to connect to my account. Who knew??? 

Well, I've run out of time. The next quilt is loaded on the long arm. I have more pictures to take today, embroidery samples to make, presentations to whip into shape, and I have to finish cleaning up Studio B. It's rather messy at the moment. 

Have a super day!!!!!

Ciao!!!

Retirement!

 

Nope - I'm not retiring. Besides, what would I do when I retire - sew more? I'd probably sew less! Nope - I'm not quite ready, but the day will come, but not yet. 

Katheleen retired this week. There's been a countdown for the last couple of months, and now she can do whatever she wants every day!!! A couple of us went and had a mini celebration. It was great to visit in person. 

A while back, Katheleen had mentioned that I still owed her a postcard from an exchange that took place YEARS ago. Yikes - that item has been on my list of things to do for a LONG TIME. Not on The Task Master, but just a regular to-do list. 

I'm happy to report that I finished the postcard yesterday and it's now in her hands. I gleefully put a checkmark beside that item. 

The postcard is finished!

The darn thing was ALMOST completed and had sat for years - many years. It took all of 15 minutes to finish it. Can you tell me why? It doesn't matter - it's now done!

After several conversations before the retirement, it was concluded that Katheleen would spend countless hours lounging by the pool drinking margaritas!!! So I made her this small wall hanging to commemorate that event!

Margaritas by the pool

We did have margaritas on the deck, and I was supposed to get a picture of it, but my brain was not functioning properly. I was positively giddy visiting in person. 

I was so excited to get them done that I completely forgot to take pictures and had to ask Katheleen to send these to me! 

Part of that was because of the label. I wanted to put a label on the quilt, and I got everything ready to print. I use muslin taped to a piece of paper so I can run it through the printer. I knew that the initial piece wasn't taped as flat as possible, but I thought it would be OK. 

Well, the printer had different thoughts about that. It jammed, and despite trying several times, I could not get this label to be printed. 

Jammed label

Then the printer had to be restarted, and I couldn't find the on/off switch (which was right on the FRONT of the printer). I was reminded by the printer that I shouldn't unplug the printer to turn it off. Seriously??? These devices are very clever! I had to reboot my computer TWICE to clear the jammed message from the printer application. 

And at last, minutes before I was to leave, I was able to print the label. I pinned it to the back of the piece. I had no patience for hand stitching at that time. 

And this is all I had left of the binding strip when I was done! That was a good calculation. 

The remainder of the binding

I think Katheleen is not going to have any trouble filling her days with stuff to do. She's got a fabulous set-up for sewing/quilting and journaling. And she's darn good at all of them!!! Enjoy your retirement!

I'm very out of practice for leaving the house. I stalled the car at the first stop sign and then realized that I had my slippers on, so I had to come back and get some proper shoes! 

It was very late in the afternoon when I finally arrived home. I made it home on fumes in the gas tank, but that's OK. It was a good test of the fuel pump that was recently installed. No issues, although I did have issues with the GSP. It worked just fine for one part of the trip, and on another part - it refused to recognize the phone. Sigh...............

Lots of people in my neighborhood had Canada flags out yesterday, which was wonderful to see. I did have a flag and my maple leaf on the gate. That's my neighbor's flag. Mine is to the left of that one. It's a bit faded - I should get a new one for next year!

Canada Day decorations

But the fireworks??? Seriously?? The city needs to put some by-laws in place for fireworks. It started at 8:30 or thereabouts, and it didn't stop until 11:30. Really people? 11:30 at night? I was annoyed as I'm sure many other people were - some people are trying to sleep here. 

At least, both the girls seem to be handling thunder and fireworks like grownups. They are a bit apprehensive, but not the drooling messes they used to be, so that's good. 

Here are a couple of shots from my walk with Lexi. She did NOT want to walk in the forest, but rather on the sidewalk, so we did our winter tour when the forest path is too slippery with ice. 

These flowers remind me of my mom, who loves all flowers but in particular the tiger lilies. 

Tiger lilies

And look at this cheeky little guy. It looks like he posed for me! 

Cheeky chipmunk

I didn't get the quilt loaded yesterday, but the backing is made and now loaded on the machine. I also have to put the binding on for this customer, and the binding is made. I'll be working on that later today. 

Binding for a customer quilt

OK -- I MUST stop looking at the news. There are so many crazy things going on, and I seem to have this morbid fascination with disasters. I'm spending way too much time, and it's time to STOP. 

We started our cross Canada walk yesterday, and three of us logged close to 30 KM. Yeah!!! We'll be eating up those miles and be across the country before we know it!!! Go, team, GO!!!!

Besides quilting, I have a couple of phone calls to make, some writing, and maybe get some sewing done. We'll see how the day goes, and I have an errand at the other end of the city. I HATE errands like that as they consume a ton of time!

That's it for today. Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

Postcard frenzy

It was another silly day. However, I'm happy to report that the computer work got done and the quilt is now on its way to Colorado. I had to make the binding and sew it on back and front. One hour! I'm getting good at binding by machine.

I've got a few more things that need to be tidied up today and I do want to do some prepping for the next community projects day. And I've been neglecting e-mail. So if I owe you an e-mail, it's not because I didn't get it - I'm just good at ignoring them which I know I shouldn't do. That will part of the job for this morning.

I've started listening to an audiobook while on the treadmill at the gym. Way better use of my time than watching some couple dismantle a house. The book I'm reading now is called Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner. Don't remember who recommended this book but it's about two sisters who grew up in Detroit in the '50s and carries on through the rest of their life. It's pretty interesting and gives you a good idea of how important it was to fit in and not be different. Just finished Part One - I had to linger at the gym to finish that part. That's pathetic!!

I'm brushing up on how to use a serger. I know the basics of using a serger, but I want to become truly proficient with the darn thing. I have three of them in Studio B at the moment so I better get some use of them. I've always thought of a serger as being used to sew clothes together to get those nice finished seams. WHOA!! Sergers can do a whole lot more than that.

This is a book that I borrowed from the library and I need to get it back as someone else wants it. It's a GREAT book that explains in great detail what a serger does and how to use it. The best part - it was published in 2008 but all the information is very current.

Book on serging

Here's the interesting thing about sergers. Sergers have been around for a long time, yet what they do has pretty much remained the same. The type of stitches they do and how they do them - it's the same regardless of when you got your serger. Oh yes - sergers have improved over the years - air threading, auto tension, built-in two thread converter. But seriously???  Not much else has changed. Most sergers come with one main presser foot and then you can buy accessory feet that allow you to add beads, cording, make ruffles and gathers and a whole lot more.

I know that I'm pretty good with the basics of a serger, but I want to go beyond. So I foresee a few projects in my future that utilize the serger. I might even try to put together a class for my freelance job. Wouldn't that be a shocker!! I'm game for that.

Did you dig out some supplies to make your postcard for Quilt Canada that was mentioned in yesterday's post? Did you watch any of those videos? At the end of the videos (I watched two of four), there was a photo of the postcard display from a previous Quilt Canada. Oh my - they received tons and they all looked so beautiful.

Well, as promised, I dug out my box of postcard making supplies. At least, I'm super organized. Everything you ever wanted to make fabric postcards is in this basket. OK -- so the Timtex is in the drawer with the rest of the stabilizers.

Basket of supplies to make postcards

I found these garlands of very tiny fall colored leaves years ago. My intention was to make some fall-themed postcards. Well, I might just get my act together and make that happen.

Fall colored garlands of tiny leaves

I also found this container filled with buttons, miniature ornaments and other small things suited to embellish a postcard.

A container of miniature embellishments

There's even a stamp for creating the back of the postcard. Use a fabric ink pad and you are set!!!

A stamp for the backing of the postcard

Gosh - there's even muslin already cut to a size that can be used for the back of the postcards. Obviously, something happened along the way because I haven't touched this box in eons.

Pieces of muslin pre-cut into backings for postcards

I also found some pre-made postcard backs that I had purchased from somewhere, more ink and a couple of other small stamps if you didn't want that big one I showed you earlier.

Pre-made backings for the fabric postcards

And if that isn't enough, I opened up this tin that was inside the basket to discover several half-made postcards. I know that I was in an exchange in 2013 and I'm thinking that I didn't finish my commitment to some of the group members????  I was probably in several exchanges and one I think was a monthly one. So we did snowmen for January, hearts for February, etc. Now I have to go through the rest of my postcard collection to see what's going on.

More supplies to make fabric postcards

Yep - I found more fabric in that tin as well. Oh boy! Well, if I buckled down, it shouldn't take long to finish up some of those. Should I do that first? I guess I need to reach deep into the tin and see all that is there. I just quickly glanced through it this morning.

It shouldn't take long to make a postcard and then I could mail it off to Quilt Canada and it would be done. But we all know that everything takes longer than we think it will. I'll see how I get along today. Perhaps if I can at least come up with the concept, then I'll be good or perhaps I'll find a half-finished one in the tin that I can use.

I forgot to mention my blog post on QUILTsocial yesterday. I went back to my blog and added the link, but if you read my blog early, then you missed the link for the Wednesday post. Here it is. And you MUST, MUST, MUST check out the post this morning. OH MY GOSH - I'm so excited about what I was able to create with the new PREMIER+ ECQ software. It's unbelievable and best of all? It's pretty darn easy to use. And reasonably priced.

There's just so much to learn and so much to do - where does one start? All this new technology is super exciting and I'm so glad to be a part of it.

Before I go today, I want to share something else with you. Quilt show season will soon be upon us.  I know there are more than the two that I'm going to post this morning and as the dates get closer, I'll be posting the details of those I know about.

So why should you go to a quilt show?

• It supports the local quilt guilds. You may not be a member of a guild, but the guilds serve a purpose in the community. And they are exactly that; a community in a world when many people no longer have a community. 
• You get to see some amazing quilts. All levels of quilters put their quilts into these local shows. Some quilts will blow your socks off and others will not. It's a good place to go and see how far you've come and where you want to go. 
• Inspiration - you might see a new pattern you like or see a quilt made up from a pattern that you already own. You might find a colorway that you absolutely want to use for your next quilt or see a new line of fabric that inspires you. 
• A day out with like-minded people - you get to spend the day with your friends, meet up with friends you haven't seen in a while. Sit down - have a cup of tea and a sandwich and have a good chat. Don't be in a rush. 

With that in mind - here's the information about the upcoming quilt show for Etobicoke Quilter's Guild. 

 The second show is in July, but you NEED to mark it on your calendar. It's the new show at Black Creek Pioneer Village. The dates are July 25 and 26. It's called Quilts in the Village. And they are going to need several things from you. The show is being run by the staff at Black Creek Pioneer Village, but they are looking for volunteers to help out with the events of that weekend. They are also looking for a committee member or two so if you have a wee bit of spare time - let me know. And the most important thing is the quilts! If you want to put a quilt into the show, I'll be providing more information soon with the site to register your quilt (s). There is no fee to put your quilt in the show and it's amazing to see your quilt flapping in the breeze amongst this beautiful setting.

It's going to be a great season of quilt shows. Let's get those dates on the calendars and support our local quilting community. And even if you're not a quilter, it's great to get out and see new things.

On that note, I'm off to walk the girls.

Have a great day!!!

Ciao!!!!

This is how I roll..................

It was a totally crazy day. Not chaotic crazy, just lots to do in a very controlled way. The girls are LOVING the virtual challenge. They get to walk for miles every day. It doesn't mean they are better at walking on the leash (OK - maybe just a wee bit better), but they love being outside. So do I. Fresh air - every day for a couple of hours. No wonder I'm sleeping like a log. Just wait until summer - you'll never get me to stay inside.

We were off to the library and the grocery store which are NOT in the same direction. No worries - we got in lots of steps and it's kind of fun to do all those errands on foot. I LOVE my Longo's backpack. I'm sure, people give me crazy looks and DH even questions my sanity on that one, but seriously - why not? I'm at that age that I don't care!

However, I must have had bicycles on the brain yesterday as well. I did get my quilt quilted and this was the pattern.

You can't see the quilt - not yet. But then I had a dream about cycling down some crazy hill (most likely the Coquihalla Highway) in the pouring rain. Where did that thought come from???

When I wasn't walking, I was messing with the embroidery machine and the computer. I was proofreading some pattern instructions. As a result, I now have several journal covers. They aren't quite finished, but the instructions are proofed. I love proofing patterns - it's one of the ways that I learn so much. It can be a tough job as not everyone writes the same way so how much do you change in the pattern? Change the grammar? Change the style? Change just what doesn't make sense?

There are loads of people who are afraid to make comments or suggestions when they are asked to proofread instructions. Not me. I go through it with a fine-toothed comb. If it doesn't make sense to me, it won't make sense to someone else. I'm ruthless. I leave it up to the writer to make whatever changes they want, but I don't shy away from making suggestions.

Where or where do I get these ideas? Quilt Canada 2020 is coming up later this year. Actually, that would be June 17 - 20 in Edmonton. I'll be going and I'm trying to think of awesome new samples for the booth that uses the technology that we have available to us. So now I have a couple of new things to do! Oh boy!!!  Actually, I got some input from a colleague and now I'm going to sit down and think about what exactly I'd like to contribute and then get it on the list.

Speaking of Quilt Canada, the class registration is now open (for members) so if you're planning on going, it might be best to get yourself registered. If you're not a member and would like to take classes, registration starts February 3. Unfortunately, we won't be able to take classes as we're working the booth all day, every day. But that's OK. If you're coming to Quilt Canada, you must stop by the Husqvarna Viking and/or PFAFF booth to say hello.

Here's something that you can add to your list of things to do. Quilt Canada is having a postcard challenge. There are other challenges, but let's just focus on the postcard challenge for today.
This is the link to the instructions for the challenge. All the information you need is on that link. But here's the thing. Postcards are small. It's a great place to try out a new technique. It's a great place to get creative - they are only 4" by 6" so it won't take long to finish them either. There is a theme - Inspired by Nature, but that can mean ANYTHING!!!!

Here are a couple of postcards that I either made or received in various swaps over the years.

Postcard made by Mary VD

Hey Mary - do you remember making me that postcard???

Postcard made using a playing card

This is one that I made. I used a stamp, a metal charm, fabric and thread to make the card.

A postcard that I made

Here's a book that I keep some of my postcards in. It's exploding as some of those postcards are thick.

My postcard album

The postcards need to be received by May 1 so you need to get your act together. The postcards become the property of the Canadian Quilter's Association and will be auctioned off as a fundraiser for the Glenrose Paediatric Brain Injury Unit in Edmonton. So if you really, really like your postcard, make TWO. One to donate and one to keep.

What to do for the postcard? Think anything!  Try a mini collage. Try using up some of those scraps of fabric that you were saving for a crazy patch quilt. Make a tribute to someone by starting with an old photograph and adding bits of lace or buttons. Make it modern, try big stitching or Sashiko stitching. Or random embroidery seed stitch over a background of patches. Remember - the size - it's small - 4" by 6" or 6" by 4". I know that you can do that.

If you go to the bottom of the link above for the postcard information, there are some videos to perhaps tweak your inspiration.

It's open to anyone to donate a postcard. If you make one, send me a picture and I'd be happy to post it. I've got to put my thinking cap on and see what I can come up with. It's not for lack of supplies. Oh - I'm going to get out my supplies later today and we can chat a wee bit more about making the postcards.

I can't wait, but not until I get two quilts bound today and a bit more proofing, finishing off some projects. It was going to be a community project workday (just for me), but I have to postpone that until next week. I don't like doing that, but I don't have a choice. I seem to be moving in slow motion these days.

And I HAVE to get my seam finish samples done for tonight and let's not forget those darts! That shouldn't take too long, but well, we all know that everything takes longer than you plan.

Don't forget to check out QUILTsocial today!!!

On that note, Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!